Democracy Unplugged

Who is responsible when service delivery stops working, and how do we

fix it? Phumi Mashigo moderates this timely conversation with a panel of

politicians on the state of infrastructure in South Africa’s urban

centres, the barriers to delivery, and the solutions needed to rebuild

confidence in our cities. Featuring Freedom Front Plus’ Jaco Mulder,

political commentator and Youtuber June Hlongwane and DA's Kingsol

Chabalala. The Burning Platform

Nearly 30 years into democracy, why are housing rights still being

fought for in court? Housing is a constitutional right in South Africa,

yet for millions of people it remains out of reach. In this episode,

Phumi Mashigo sits down with Nomzamo Zondo, Executive Director:

Socio-Economic Rights Institute (SERI) to unpack the reality behind

evictions, informal settlements, and the widening gap between what the

Constitution promises and what people actually experience. From court

battles that prevent families from losing their homes to the slow pace

of government delivery, the conversation explores why housing rights are

still being fought for in court, the tension between law, policy and

real-life implementation, and how informal settlements continue to shape

the country’s cities. At its core, it asks a critical question: if the

Constitution is clear, why are so many South Africans still without

secure housing? The Burning Platform

In this episode, Phumi sits down with a parliamentarian to unpack the real impact of the bill, from controversial definitions of “smoking” to the unintended consequences for informal traders and the economy.

They discuss:

Why smokers could technically be arrested in their own cars or homes

The explosive growth of the illicit cigarette market

How stricter regulations could hurt township economies

Whether the government even has the capacity to enforce the law

Is this smart public health policy or a law that misses the mark entirely? The Burning Platform

What do young South Africans really want from politics today? Recorded live at University of Johannesburg, Phumi Mashigo places students at the centre of the national conversation. Lehumo Dibakoane (UJ SRC President), Donald Mkhwanazi (Student leader), and Angelic Mafadza (Student leader) participate in this candid discussion about youth priorities, political participation, and the realities young South Africans are navigating today. The Burning Platform

A loaf of bread can feed a family for a day - but can it fix a broken political system? A video showing people wearing African National Congress (ANC) regalia distributing loaves of bread to residents with the phrase ‘one loaf, one family - there is life with the ANC’ has sparked a strong public reaction. Phumi Mashigo interviews Tsepo Mhlongo about this video, and to hear his argument that South Africa’s political leadership must move beyond symbolic campaign gestures and start delivering real solutions. They discuss the country’s unemployment crisis, the role of political accountability, and what leadership should look like if South Africa truly wants to build a better future. The Burning Platform