Democracy Unplugged

Can a nation built on freedom still be grappling with who

truly belongs? As the United States marks 250 years of independence,

Phumi Mashigo unpacks the promises and contradictions that have shaped

the American story. She is joined by Charles Belk, founder of "Fitting

The Description", a nonprofit focused on addressing wrongful arrests and

mistaken identity cases. Charles gained international attention in 2014

after being wrongfully arrested for armed bank robbery because he "fit

the description" of a suspect. Together, they discuss the lessons of

history, the realities of the present, and what the next chapter of the

American experiment could look like. The Burning Platform

What sparked the illegal immigration protests? Recent

protests across the country have exposed growing frustrations around

illegal immigration, service delivery, unemployment, crime, and the

perceived failure of the state to respond effectively. Yet beneath the

headlines lies a far more complex conversation about policy,

accountability, human rights, and national identity. Phumi Mashigo

speaks with political commentator and author Rebone Tau about what is

fuelling public anger, whether the concerns being raised are justified,

and how South Africa can navigate one of the most difficult policy

challenges facing the country today. The Burning Platform

What lessons can be drawn from decades spent in activism, labour movements, government, and politics? Patrick Motubase joins Phumi Mashigo for a wide-ranging discussion about his path through South Africa's democratic journey, the work of the MK Party, and the opportunities and obstacles that lie ahead for the country's next generation. The Burning Platform

As South Africa reflects on five decades since the Soweto Uprising, a

critical question remains: have young people inherited freedom, or

unfinished business? Host Siya Sangweni brings together youth leaders to

discuss opportunity, inequality, leadership, and the future of democracy

in South Africa. Featuring ANC’s Onwabile Lubhelwana, uMkhonto weSizwe’s

Sthembile Nkosi, Defend Our Democracy’s Wade Manning, RISE Mzansi’s

Lawrence Manaka, Patriotic Alliance’s Kotlwano Seloane and Action SA’s

Advice Chuma. The Burning Platform

What happens when a student activist enters the political

establishment? Naledi Chirwa-Mpungose joins Phumi Mashigo for a

wide-ranging discussion on power, protest, Parliament and the issues

that matter most to young South Africans. From jobs and education to the

GNU, youth participation and protecting women and children, this episode

examines whether South Africa is creating opportunities for its youth,

or failing them. The Burning Platform