Frankly Speaking looks at topical issues through the eyes of young people doing amazing things. Hosts Andrew Levy and Rorisang Tshabalala take on everything from politics to social issues to lifestyle. Join them for a often provocative, sometimes amusing look at the country and world we live in.
CliffCentral.com — Sanibonani Nonke! In the final #FranklySpeaking show, Andrew and Rori look back at the more than 150 shows that they’ve aired, along with the lessons learnt. In it they discover that in trying to change the world through this medium, it is them that experienced the most profound change. Thank you for all your love and loyalty on our journey - change the world everybody! Tjovitjo!
CliffCentral.com — Andrew and Rori look back at a dense year in South Africa and the moments that have stood out for them, joined by Chris Vick. It’s all in there - from the hope that civil society represents for our country, to Life Esidimeni and the needless loss of lives.
CliffCentral.com — On the day after the announcement of Robert Mugabe’s resignation following a two week military stand-off and coup that wasn’t a coup, Andrew and Rori speak to award-winning Zimbabwean journalist Hopewell Rugoho-Chin’ono to get an “all you need to know” perspective on what actually happened... and what the future looks like for Zimbabwe.
CliffCentral.com — As the 4th Industrial Revolution beckons, wealth and power are no longer defined by access to natural resources, but by access to data and the ability to analyse and use it. This has major implications for individuals, entire nations and the continents at large as companies like Facebook, Amazon, Netflix and Google increasingly become more dominant in the affairs of the world than some nations. Andrew and Rori are joined by Bosun Tijani, CEO of Co-Creation Hub and author, Uri Bram, to understand how the control of data will impact our lives and geo-politics in general around the world.
CliffCentral.com — It’s the age old story... African President falls sick, African President gets onto a plane to some country in the first world to get medical attention. If those tasked with stewardship of our public health systems are not confident enough in them to put their own lives in the hands of those systems, what about the rest of us? Rori speaks to Professor Yap Boum II, Africa head of Epicenter - the research wing of Doctors Without Borders - to discuss what is required to transform the African health system.
CliffCentral.com — In the week of the infamous Black Monday marches, Rori speaks to a white farmer and community leader, Johan Abrie, about the facts and the myths about farm murders - along with Black Monday and whether it was indeed a good idea or not.
CliffCentral.com — It appears that beyond capturing the state, the Guptas have successfully managed to capture the collective attention of the whole country. In a time when the Guptas seem to be all we ever talk about, Andrew and Rori speak to Luke Jordan (CEO, Grassroot) who believes that in obsessing about the Guptas as we do, we are removing our eyes off some other very important issues that also deserve as much, if not more attention than the Guptas.
CliffCentral.com — We talk to CEO of Letsema Holdings Derek Thomas. Letsema used to be McKinsey's BEE partner until the Gupta-backed Trillion took their place. Derek talks about the trials and tribulations of being an ethical company and ethical leader, as well as what it's like to be a black-owned professional body not doing work with the SOEs. It's a very frank discussion with a leader who walked away from corruption and chose the righteous path. The question is though, did he finish last?
CliffCentral.com — Is there a way to change SA's major economic challenges? In part 4 of this series the Frankly Speaking team find out how big business can change the game in SA? Andrew and Rory speak to Sub Saharan MD of Goldman Sachs Colin Coleman about what big business is doing, where they have failed and how we can do more. A fascinating conversation with one of our biggest captains of South Africans industry. For more on the series check out part 1, 2, and 3 where we look at education, unions and entrepreneurs and how these parts of society could change the game. Frankly Speaking Podcast Series
CliffCentral.com — How can entrepreneurs change the game in South Africa? We speak to two entrepreneurs, Ross Esson and Josh Cherry, about their model of entrepreneurship and how they treat the people that work with them as owners, rather than cogs in a chain. For more on the series check out part 1 and part 2 where we look at education and unions, and how these parts of society could change the game.
CliffCentral.com — How can unions and labour help? A conversation with SAFTU General Secretary Zwelinzima Vavi. Rori and Andrew explore openly the role of unions to help or hinder South Africa. What a union looks like when it is captured and how labour could change the game in terms of major economic challenges. For more on the series, check out part 1 where we look at education and how it could change the game. Is There a Way to Change SA’s Major Economic Challenges (Part 1)?
CliffCentral.com — In this episode we focus on reimagining education. How might we as a country reimagine education to get more high potential young people the education they need in order to succeed? We speak to MD of Umuzi, Gilbert Pooley, to find out more about how and why he is reimagining education in South Africa. Stay tuned for more as Frankly Speaking investigates what we could do to change the major economic challenges facing SA.
CliffCentral.com — Without skipping a beat, following the failure of the eighth vote of no confidence on President Jacob Zuma, the Democratic Alliance announced that it would be mounting yet another attempt to have the president removed by filing a motion for parliament to be dissolved and an early "emergency" election to be called within 3 months. The EFF has called this move disingenuous, and the ANC has suggested it is a subversion of democracy. In this show Rori speaks to Democratic Alliance Chief Whip, John Steenhuisen, to better understand what the DA's strategy and thinking is about this move.
CliffCentral.com — It's another crazy time in South African politics where the Zuma faction of the ANC seems to be scoring a lot of own-goals, to the extent that questions have been asked about how Zuma plans on all of this ending. With 783 corruption charges still hanging over his head and an ANC national elective congress coming up in December, does Zuma end up getting prosecuted and heading back to a life behind bars, does he flee to Dubai, does he remain as a dictator to protect himself, or does he actually get to peacefully retire to Nkandla and live happily ever after? Andrew and Rori are joined by political analyst Ralph Mathekga to explore these different scenarios and their plausibility.
CliffCentral.com — South African politics tends to be dynamic, fast-moving and downright confusing. Even if you try to avoid it and run away from it, it seems to follow you into the workplace, social events and the family dinner table. In the start of this series Andrew and Rori speak to Makashule Gana, founder and leader of the Democratic Alliance political school on understanding the basics of how politics works in South Africa. Now conversations on politics never have to be a taboo.
CliffCentral.com — In the wake of the racism scandal at prestigious Johannesburg school, St John's College, Andrew and Rori tackle the issue of how black learners are treated and the sense of belonging they have in elite private and former Model C schools that were reserved exclusively for white learners under apartheid. They spend some time discussing Headmaster Paul Edey's response to the crisis, and whether it serves as a reflection of his character and his ability to continue leading the school. They are joined in studio by St John's 2016 headboy Mpilo Mseleku, Irvine Lehloo (who wrote a much publicised letter in defense of Paul Edey) and Gcina Mdluli, a former pupil of Roedean School in Johannesburg.
CliffCentral.com — Andrew and Rori look at racial taboos that still affect our country and speak to people who have overcome them, specifically people who have gone beyond the psychological and social barriers that to this day keep the majority of white people outside of communities - and even professions that were traditionally set aside for black people. Andrew and Rori are joined by Gavin Hunt, coach of Wits University, and Pule Skotane. This show takes an interesting twist as Pule challenges the idea of spaces based on race. It's a very heated, thought-provoking discussion!
CliffCentral.com — Rori and Andrew sit down with Gavin Hunt, coach of Premier Soccer League champions Bidvest Wits, to discuss his leadership philosophy and principles... and to ask him what his secret is that allows him to turn average teams into winning teams.
CliffCentral.com — Following on from part 1, Andrew and Rori speak to ANC MP Dr Makhosi Khoza about her views on the ANC, assasination attempts, Winnie Madikizela-Mandela, and whether or not the ANC is dead. She holds nothing back in this deeply personal account of what it's like to be in the internal structures of a freedom movement that she believes has lost its way. If you missed part 1 check it out for her views on the ANC Women's League.
CliffCentral.com — In this in-depth interview, Andrew and Rori speak to ANC MP Dr Makhosi Khoza who, in recent times, has come out accusing ANC leaders of immorality. They touch on everything from her personal leadership philosophy, to what she thinks of the ANC Women's League and the ANC Youth League.
CliffCentral.com — Andrew and Rori explore the question of why teaching staff in former model C and private schools remain so overwhelmingly white while there is only a speck of white teachers in former black schools. They speak to teachers Abongile Ntshinga and Sven Glietenberg,Tim Gordon - National CEO of SA Governing Body Foundation, and President of NAPTOSA - Basil Manuel.
CliffCentral.com — A conversation about trying not to eat meat with yogi Tegan Burger, social media consultant Babalwa Nyembezi, and anti-meat activist Micheal Glover. If you have ever wondered what this whole meat-free thing is all about, then listen to this show to find out. Also check out the documentary 'Cowspiracy' for more information.
CliffCentral.com — Joined by international climate activist Catherine Constantinides, Director of the GBCSA Deon Robbertze, Co-ordinator of the Gender CC Dorah Marema, and environmental journalist Sipho Kings. The conversation explores the idea of why the average South African should care about climate change, what we can do about it and how climate is all political. Don't miss this incredible whirlwind of a conversation.
CliffCentral.com — According to the African Union's Agenda 2063 all Africans should, by 2018, be able to travel freely across the continent without the need for visas. With Andrew out of town, Rori calls in some reinforcement in the form of Mimi Kalinda, CEO of Africommunications Group who is leading communication on the AU Reform agenda to help tackle this weighty issue. They explore the philosophical, economic and political implications of an African passport. As usual strong views are shared and reprimands delivered. Mimi and Rori are joined by George Sibotshiwe, founder of the African Democratic Institute.
CliffCentral.com — With the release of the 'Betrayal of the Promise' report providing new and frightening detail on state capture in SA, the silent coup that has been effected by the Zuma-Gupta axis and how close SA is to being a mafia state, Andrew and Rori try find out what it would take to re-capture the country for the benefit of the people. They are joined by Mark Heywood of Section 27, Mark Swiling - one of the authors of the report - and General Bantu Holomisa, leader of the UDM.
CliffCentral.com — Following the backlash that the boys got last week on social media, accusing men of overtaking the conversation while also arguing that it's not women's jobs to educate men, men must talk to men - this week Andrew and Rori do a 'brothers in conversation' show about #menaretrash. They share thoughts and views as men about #menaretrash and how men can begin to move forward along the progressive path of gender equality. This is not as a lecture session but a heart to heart between gents, joined by Mbuyiselo Botha of Sonke Gender Justice, gender activist Khomotso Ntuli, and Katleho Mogase, who has been hosting dialogues on #menaretrash.
CliffCentral.com — In this episode Andrew and Rori knowingly enter dangerous terrain, raising questions about the manner in which the #menaretrash conversation is being had and how men might engage in it constructively - predictably they end up upsetting some people. Joining and confronting them are Simamkele Dlakavu, Azola Goqwana and Rhode Marshal.
CliffCentral.com — Dr Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma didn't complete her tenure as AU Commission Chair smelling like a bed of roses. She's accused of having been "a disappointing failure although she was praised for the managerial improvements she made". Now an influential faction of the ANC wants to position her to take over from Jacob Zuma as president of the party - and ultimately of the country should the ANC win the 2019 national election. Andrew and Rori speak to journalists Simon Allison, Africa Editor of Mail&Guardian; and Richard Poplak, senior contributor at Daily Maverick.
CliffCentral.com — Many voices are making many different noises about the single cause of removing President Zuma, without any clarity of direction and coordination. Andrew and Rori are joined by SAFTU's Zwelinzima Vavi and UDM President, Bantu Holomisa.
CliffCentral.com — How do we move forward on the land issue? Land is an emotive debate in the country, one which it appears we have arrived at gridlock on resolving. Andrew and Rori discuss what alternatives exist to moving the conversation forward. They speak to researcher and analyst Nomboniso Gasa, Deputy Chief Executive of Afriforum Ernst Roets, and Annelize Crosby, Head of Legal Policy of AgriSA.
CliffCentral.com — After a series of public failures of black leaders - including Minister Bathabile Dlamini and Brian Molefe - Andrew and Rori ask what the state of black excellence is in South Africa, and whether the current generation of black leaders are betraying it. They speak to Jabu Mahlangu, spokesperson of SANCO, and socio-political analyst Vinayak Bhardwaj.
CliffCentral.com — A conversation around a breakfast table reveals how a friend has been a silent victim of rape, the 1 out of 3 people that have been victims of sexual violence... and that raises the question: are women who have been raped an exception rather than the rule? And inversely, if so many women are being raped then is there a proportionately large number of men that are perpetrating rape? In this hard-hitting discussion Andrew and Rori speak to Huffington Post SA Engagement Director, Shandukani Mulaudzi, Mara Glennie of TEARS, and Dr Benita Moolman of HSRC.
CliffCentral.com — On the one hand, President Zuma and his government made up of Dlamini, Mahlobo, Zwane, etc. is a democratically elected government that represents the will of the people. On the other hand, these very politicians are leading from crisis to crisis with no sense of accountability. Even the so-called Chapter 9 institutions seem powerless. Andrew and Rori explore the sense of powerlessness they feel as citizens and ask Nomaceba Mbayo from Right2Know and Rafael Friedman from the Helen Suzman Foundation what citizens can do to claim their power back.
CliffCentral.com — There appears to be a growing sense in some sectors of the South African white population that they do not have a future in South Africa. In this show, Andrew and Rori speak to Economist Dawie Roodt to find out what the economic statistics show in terms of the socio-economic progress that the respective race groups are making. They then speak to Wouter Wessels, spokesperson of political party FF+ to explore the issue. The show reveals interesting insights on the past, present and future of South Africa - along with interesting views on "pomping".
CliffCentral.com — In this first of the series exploring capitalism, Andrew and Rori tackle the question of whether capitalism is a bad thing. They are joined by the Executive Director of the Free Market Foundation, Leon Louw and independent energy consultant and writer Andrew Kenny.
CliffCentral.com — There are over 200,000 NGOs in South Africa - all tackling the same set of issues. Yet it would appear that we aren’t really moving the needle on resolving those issues, while NGO execs continue to get paid large sums and build up their personal profiles through all sorts of fellowships, lists and international travel... living lives far removed from the lives they are supposedly trying to impact - yet using the experiences of those they are supposedly trying to impact to build up their own currency.
CliffCentral.com — Andrew Levy speaks to media personality Karabo Kgoleng about her bipolar disease. He also speaks to Dr Yusuf Musa about the societal issues South Africans face when it comes to mental illness. Check out Sadag.org for more information about mental illnesses and support.
CliffCentral.com — From speeches that start out the same, to similar pronouncements about foreigners, to policies that lean heavily on the role of big-business Herman Mashaba and Donald Trump seem to be turning out to be similar in many interesting ways. Rori and Andrew explore the question further - joined by Tony Taverna-Turisan, Director of Communications at the Office of the Executive Mayor of City of Johannesburg, and gold-star political analyst, Justice Malala.
CliffCentral.com — In this show Andrew and Rori look back at 2016 and all the WTF moments of the year. In studio they are joined by comedians Alfred Adriaan and John Vlismas.
CliffCentral.com — Numerous votes of no confidence against President Jacob Zuma have failed. After a vigorous three-week debate, the ANC NEC has pronounced that the case of Zuma's leadership is now closed as far as they are concerned. On this show Andrew and Rori speak to Lawson Naidoo of the Save SA campaign and political analyst Justice Malala to ask: What happens now that Zuma has managed to live another day?
CliffCentral.com — State Capture has dominated the South African socio-political landscape recently, culminating in an explosive report by the Public Protector outlining various cases of politicians being compromised by wealthy businesspeople. Others have argued that the focus on the Guptas and others is misplaced and should rather be directed at the looting of the state by a group of powerful businessmen referred to as the 'Stellenbosch Mafia' - people like Andile Mngxitama have insisted that individuals such as Johan Rupert need to be investigated. In this explosive show Andrew and Rori speak to Jan Bosman of the Afrikanerbond and political analyst Ralph Mathekga, to find out whether the Stellenbosch Mafia really exist and what their impact on the South African socio-political and economic landscape is.
CliffCentral.com — What would you give up for a better South Africa? Andrew Levy opens with an extract from a short story called The Ones Who Walk Away from Omelas. Andrew speaks to a number of guests including Vinayak Bhardwaj, Kevin Foster, Kayan Leung, Maloba Tshela, and Tizi Merafe to discuss this question.