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Have you ever thought how the gogo on the side of the road selling her vegetables or the flower trader at the station is affected by the decisions made in the legislature regarding trade and industry? Or even if their voices are ever considered in those ever talked about consultative processes? Rosheda Muller is the National President of the National Informal Traders Alliance of South Africa (NITASA) and she joins Phumi Mashigo to talk about her work, the organisation's members and the voices of the trader outside your car window at the traffic light. The Burning Platform
Is political interference endemic in South Africa's governance failures? Dr Simo Lushaba from the Institute of Directors SA and Wayne Duvenage from OUTA joins Phumi Mashigo to unpack the tensions between boards and ministers in state-owned entities. With SA Tourism once again in the spotlight after Minister Patricia de Lille dissolved its board, we explore where the line should be drawn between legitimate shareholder oversight and ministerial overreach. The Burning Platform
What is the price of speaking out? Four years after the brutal murder of whistleblower Babita Deokaran the conversation about protection and support for whistleblowers. Phumi Mashigo is joined by social justice activist Tebogo Khaas and whistleblower Martha Ngoye to talk about changing the negative term “impimpi” to a valued guard of our social fabric. The Burning Platform
Has South Africa collapsed? Embattled PRASA CEO and now Member of parliament for the MK, Lucky Montana seems to think so. He joins Phumi Mashigo for a wide-ranging conversation about changing his allegiance from ANC to MK and what he believes a collapsed nation can gain from his new party and its ideology. The Burning Platform
Is it fair to judge the National Dialogue before it's even finished? Phumi Mashigo digs deeper into South Africa's much-debated, two-day gathering of politicians, activists, academics, and community voices. While critics were quick to call it a failure, this episode asks: what did the headlines miss? Political analyst Matlala Setlhalogile; Project Leader of Indlulamithi SA Scenarios, Xolelwa Kashe-Katiya; and urban sociologist and author, Leslie Dikeni join the discussion. The Burning Platform
What does it mean to be a woman in today's world, and how do we create a future where women are truly valued? Phumi Mashigo along with Ayanda Allie and Mandisa Mashego have an unfiltered conversation about womanhood, feminism, and the complex realities women face in South Africa today. In honour of Women's Month, this discussion dives deep and makes for an honest, and necessary dialogue. The Burning Platform
Is transparency possible in South Africa's government? Phumi Mashigo dives deep into political accountability, corruption, and the role of citizens in demanding better governance for our country. Together with writer Siya Khumalo and OUTA's Wayne Duvenage, they explore whether new political approaches could be the way forward, how money is extracted from the political system, the complexities of political funding, and whether South Africa's strong anti-corruption laws are enough to make a difference. This is an in-depth look into an urgent political issue. The Burning Platform
What's really going on with crime in South Africa? How did we get to this point? Phumi Mashigo gets investigative journalist and AmaBhungane's Sam Sole to unpack the alarming state of crime and policing in South Africa today. Following the theatrics of Police Commissioner Mkhwanazi and more recently, the implications of President Ramaphosa's fifth judicial commission, together they look at what this could all mean for the country's future. The Burning Platform
A heated police expose, a judge in the midst of a sexual harassment saga and more have gripped the nation - where does South Africa go from here? Phumi Mashigo speaks to political commentator Xavier Bapoo about that. The Burning Platform
Are we misunderstanding the roots of the Middle East conflict? Phumi Mashigo sits down with Brooke Goldstein, human rights attorney, filmmaker, and advocate, to unpack the complex realities of the Middle East conflict. Together, they explore the meaning of freedom, the role of force, and what's truly at stake for the region's future. This conversation goes beyond headlines to examine how justice, identity, and international law shape one of the world's most polarising debates. The Burning Platform
Where is the GNU headed? Strategist, columnist, lecturer, and Action SA member Solly Moeng joins Phumi Mashigo on #LevelUp to take stock of South Africa's political happenings as they review the Government of National Unity (GNU) so far. The Burning Platform
Is this the countdown to chaos? Phumi Mashigo asks this of activist Elaaheh Jamali as they unpack the rising tensions between Iran, Israel, and the United States. What's really driving the conflict? Is the region on the brink of a broader war - or is there still room for diplomacy? Elaaheh offers sharp insights into the historical context, current pressure points, and what the world should be watching next. The Burning Platform
Who really shapes South Africa's policy? A growing influence of foreign-funded NGOs in shaping South Africa's legislation leads Level Up with Phumi Mashigo to interrogate this question. She is joined by Nhlanhla Ndlovu, CEO of NEDLAC Community Trust, a Community Constituency Structure, to explore whether international policy templates are drowning out South African realities, and what it will take to ensure local NGOs have a meaningful voice in the process. The Burning Platform
What is AfriForum's vision for South Africa? Following their Democracy Unplugged panel discussion, Phumi Mashigo sits down with the organisation's Ernst van Zyl for a candid conversation on its roots, its role in defending minority rights, and its views on South Africa's current challenges and its controversial engagement with U.S. officials. As South Africa navigates complex political terrain, AfriForum shares its vision, and what its future hopes to look like. The Burning Platform
What happens when trust in money breaks down? In these economic times, Phumi Mashigo explores money, economies and more with author of "Money: A Story of Humanity" and economist David McWilliams. This conversation shows how money isn't just a financial tool - it's a shared belief, a social contract and one of the most powerful forces shaping our world. The Burning Platform
Is South Africa serious about fighting organised crime, or just blowing smoke? Phumi Mashigo takes a dive into the dark underbelly of our tobacco market with industry expert Johnny Moloto. As the Area Head of Corporate & Regulatory Affairs at British American Tobacco (BAT) Sub-Saharan Africa, Johnny unpacks the deep economic and public health impact of the trade - and why he believes foreign influence and weak enforcement are sabotaging efforts to fix it. He critiques the Tobacco Control Bill, questions government accountability, and calls for bold leadership, better regulation, and stronger action from SARS. The Burning Platform
What are the real-time funding crises in South Africa, and how are they affecting vital health and social services, especially in underserved communities? In this powerful episode of Level Up, Phumi Mashigo is joined by thought-leader and social justice veteran Lebogang Ramafoko for a fearless deep dive into the state of South Africa's NGO sector. From the fallout of USAID's shutdown to the political ripple effects of foreign funding, Lebogang unpacks the growing tension between international donor agendas and local grassroots priorities. With nearly three decades of experience in health, media, and activism, she offers sharp insights on policy manipulation, government overreach, and the fragile social safety net NGOs are expected to uphold - often without the power or protection they need. The Burning Platform
With the court now pausing the VAT hike in South Africa, where will the money come from to plug the budget deficit? What happens to the two key bills the minister tabled alongside the framework? And what does this mean for you and your pocket? Phumi Mashigo breaks this down with Tara Roos, a sharp, young policy mind in Parliament as a researcher for various portfolio committees, founder of the Participation Project and So We Vote on IG, former UNESCO Youth Ambassador, and someone who's had a seat at the table on global youth and climate policy. Together they unpack the fiscal framework: what it really is, what Parliament actually voted on, and how it links to the controversial VAT proposal. They also examine the impact on social spending — including a potentially vulnerable SASSA grant. Is this a win for the public, or just a reshuffling of the same pressures under a different name? Join the conversation as they cut through the spin and follow the money! The Burning Platform
Where is South Africa headed - and what should you be keeping your eye on? Journalist and political commentator Justice Malala reunites with Phumi Mashigo on Level Up to dissect some of the local and international political happenings. Fom Julius Malema looking “lonely and sad”, why Justice missed Mbeki and what a G20 Summit looks like with or without President Donald Trump… it's time to level up. The Burning Platform
What are the blockages holding SA back? TikTok sensation Darren Campher shares some of his thoughts, as someone who has kept a keen eye on South Africa's political happenings, making a new generation interested too. More than an interest in politics, he now plays an active role in it: After toying with the idea of joining the EFF, he's now firmly in the Jacob Zuma-led uMkhontho weSizwe (MK) political party as head of research. In this one-on-one with Phumi Mashigo, he chats about his background, view of the world, and issues plus solutions that within our nation. The Burning Platform
With South Africa in dire need of faster economic growth - what role does the National Economic Development and Labour Council (NEDLAC) play in shaping South Africa's future? In this episode of Level Up with Phumi Mashigo, Thulani Tshefuta from NEDLAC dives into their work to give some insight. They explore its successes, challenges, and opportunities for improvement in addressing South Africa's economic issues. The Burning Platform
What is really happening at the Stilfontein mines, weeks after the entire nation's attention was first pulled to the unfolding tragedy as the police, the community and miners were in a standoff? This edition of Level Up interrogates this with Mametlwe Sebei, attorney with the NGO “Lawyers for Human Rights”, to get a deeper understanding of this layered story. In this conversation with Phumi Mashigo, find out the complex circumstances that have led to hundreds of dead bodies being extracted from the mine, hundreds more facing uncertain legal futures and why Sebei implores South Africa to relook at its treatment of miners. The Burning Platform
Is Donald Trump bullying South Africa with his executive orders? Or does he just know how to use the soft power of aid money? Phumi Mashigo chats to renowned academic, analyst and commentator Kofi Kouakou — explaining this and more. Listen to this discussion around aid, soft power, how it works and what it means for you. The Burning Platform
After a decade run as South Africa's first and longest-running online current affairs show, The Burning Platform is levelling up – Level Up with Phumi Mashigo - under Podcast Party's Democracy Unplugged umbrella.…as well as live events where you can be part of the audience. Email podcastparty.co.za to reserve your place and add your voice. In the premiere episode of Level Up, this powerhouse panel unpacks the trends, shifts, and surprises 2025 has in store. Phumi is joined by trends guru Dion Chang, brain and brand expert Timothy Maurice, and political observer Xavier Bapoo to explore how politics, business, and human behavior will shape the year ahead. From global disruptions to South Africa's evolving political landscape, this episode is your guide to the future. The Burning Platform
After a decade run as South Africa's first and longest-running online current affairs show, The Burning Platform is levelling up – Level Up with Phumi Mashigo - under Podcast Party's Democracy Unplugged umbrella.…as well as live events where you can be part of the audience. Email podcastparty.co.za to reserve your place and add your voice. In the premiere episode of Level Up, this powerhouse panel unpacks the trends, shifts, and surprises 2025 has in store. Phumi is joined by trends guru Dion Chang, brain and brand expert Timothy Maurice, and political observer Xavier Bapoo to explore how politics, business, and human behavior will shape the year ahead. From global disruptions to South Africa's evolving political landscape, this episode is your guide to the future. The Burning Platform
Where has the political world made the most progress in 2024? Gareth Cliff and Phumi Mashigo are joined by Burning Platform regular commentators, Jonathan Witt and Kanthan Pillay, for a roundtable discussion on the most uplifting and transformative political stories of 2024, taking a closer look at the key victories that have shaped the year on this final, special edition of the show for the year. The Burning Platform
Join Gareth Cliff and Phumi Mashigo a day after the elections for a 2- special edition of the Burning Platform. First - Phumi reports back on her fact-finding trip to Israel last week and chats to David Benjamin - consultant on international law, the law of armed conflict and counter-terrorism. Then as the results election results start trickling in, Kanthan Pillay joined the conversation #VotingDay with comments from Jack Motlanthe and Bafana Modise who were on the ground in their respective areas. The Burning Platform
“The Burning Platform” has been the long-time flagship current affairs feature on “The Gareth Cliff Show,” hosted by Gareth Cliff and Phumi Mashigo, and we're proud to announce that it has now graduated to be a stand-alone podcast. As we reset with the new series exclusive to Podcast Party, regular contributor Kanthan Pillay joins Gareth and Phumi to reflect on the journey thus far and assess where we're at as a country as we head towards the election later this month. The Burning Platform will continue to tackle the big news stories of the week and dissect current and global trends. The Burning Platform
“The Burning Platform” has been the long-time flagship current affairs feature on “The Gareth Cliff Show,” hosted by Gareth Cliff and Phumi Mashigo, and we’re proud to announce that it has now graduated to be a stand-alone podcast. As we reset with the new series exclusive to Podcast Party, regular contributor Kanthan Pillay joins Gareth and Phumi to reflect on the journey thus far and assess where we’re at as a country as we head towards the election later this month. The Burning Platform will continue to tackle the big news stories of the week and dissect current and global trends. The Burning Platform The Burning Platform
Executive President of SARA, Colleen Makhubele sits down with Gareth Cliff and Phumi Mashigo ahead of the 2024 National Elections. Colleen addresses her COPE termination, outlines her impact as the Speaker of Johannesburg, and lays down her vision for a better South Africa in SARA's eyes. The Burning Platform
Executive President of SARA, Colleen Makhubele sits down with Gareth Cliff and Phumi Mashigo ahead of the 2024 National Elections. Colleen addresses her COPE termination, outlines her impact as the Speaker of Johannesburg, and lays down her vision for a better South Africa in SARA’s eyes. The Burning Platform The Burning Platform
Executive President of SARA, Colleen Makhubele sits down with Gareth Cliff and Phumi Mashigo ahead of the 2024 National Elections. Colleen addresses her COPE termination, outlines her impact as the Speaker of Johannesburg, and lays down her vision for a better South Africa in SARA's eyes. The Burning Platform
Roger Jardine joins Gareth Cliff, Phumi Mashigo, and Kanthan Pillay this week. Together they touch on the controversial NHI bill, why the Tintswalos of South Africa should vote, and the importance of youth in elections and politics. Roger lays down some of his manifesto for his party, Change Starts Now. The Burning Platform The Burning Platform
Roger Jardine joins Gareth Cliff, Phumi Mashigo, and Kanthan Pillay this week. Together they touch on the controversial NHI bill, why the Tintswalos of South Africa should vote, and the importance of youth in elections and politics. Roger lays down some of his manifesto for his party, Change Starts Now. The Burning Platform
Roger Jardine joins Gareth Cliff, Phumi Mashigo, and Kanthan Pillay this week. Together they touch on the controversial NHI bill, why the Tintswalos of South Africa should vote, and the importance of youth in elections and politics. Roger lays down some of his manifesto for his party, Change Starts Now. The Burning Platform
Kanthan Pillay joins Gareth Cliff and Phumi Mashigo this week. Gareth kicks off with a conspiracy theory sent in a from a listener regarding the MK Party and the ANC... but is Phumi buying into it? They dive into American and African politics - specifically, which African Leader was the best in office over the years, as well as touching on SA's upcoming national election, and which party has grabbed the attention of the public. The Burning Platform
Kanthan Pillay joins Gareth Cliff and Phumi Mashigo this week. Gareth kicks off with a conspiracy theory sent in a from a listener regarding the MK Party and the ANC... but is Phumi buying into it? They dive into American and African politics - specifically, which African Leader was the best in office over the years, as well as touching on SA's upcoming national election, and which party has grabbed the attention of the public. The Burning Platform The Burning Platform
Kanthan Pillay joins Gareth Cliff and Phumi Mashigo this week. Gareth kicks off with a conspiracy theory sent in a from a listener regarding the MK Party and the ANC... but is Phumi buying into it? They dive into American and African politics - specifically, which African Leader was the best in office over the years, as well as touching on SA's upcoming national election, and which party has grabbed the attention of the public. The Burning Platform The Burning Platform The Burning Platform
Kanthan Pillay and Koketso Resane join Gareth Cliff and Phumi Mashigo for a lengthy discussion about some recent events in SA politics. The lengthy ballot paper holding a record amount of parties in South African history, the ANC’s statement regarding the Western Cape, and former Israeli ambassador to South Africa, Arthur Lenk joins in live from Israel to give us a status update on the ground, and answer some questions from the team. The Burning Platform The Burning Platform
Kanthan Pillay and Koketso Resane join Gareth Cliff and Phumi Mashigo for a lengthy discussion about some recent events in SA politics. The lengthy ballot paper holding a record amount of parties in South African history, the ANC’s statement regarding the Western Cape, and former Israeli ambassador to South Africa, Arthur Lenk joins in live from Israel to give us a status update on the ground, and answer some questions from the team. The Burning Platform The Burning Platform The Burning Platform
Kanthan Pillay and Koketso Resane join Gareth Cliff and Phumi Mashigo for a lengthy discussion about some recent events in SA politics. The lengthy ballot paper holding a record amount of parties in South African history, the ANC's statement regarding the Western Cape, and former Israeli ambassador to South Africa, Arthur Lenk joins in live from Israel to give us a status update on the ground, and answer some questions from the team. The Burning Platform
Kanthan Pillay launches his new book, 'How to Fix South Africa: An Owner's Manual' with a live audience at a special CliffCentral event. Along with Gareth Cliff and Phumi Mashigo, he touches on social grants, taxation, the NHI and more. The Burning Platform The Burning Platform
Kanthan Pillay launches his new book, 'How to Fix South Africa: An Owner's Manual' with a live audience at a special CliffCentral event. Along with Gareth Cliff and Phumi Mashigo, he touches on social grants, taxation, the NHI and more. The Burning Platform The Burning Platform The Burning Platform
Kanthan Pillay launches his new book, 'How to Fix South Africa: An Owner's Manual' with a live audience at a special CliffCentral event. Along with Gareth Cliff and Phumi Mashigo, he touches on social grants, taxation, the NHI and more. The Burning Platform
Gareth Cliff, Phumi Mashigo, and Kanthan Pillay are delighted to host the FF+ for the first time on The Burning Platform. Chief Whip, Dr Corne Mulder, sets the record straight on the FF+'s vision - as both an independent party and coalition partner. We also hear the latest coming out of the ‘Multi-Party Charter for South Africa'. The Burning Platform
Gareth Cliff, Phumi Mashigo, and Kanthan Pillay are delighted to host the FF+ for the first time on The Burning Platform. Chief Whip, Dr Corne Mulder, sets the record straight on the FF+’s vision - as both an independent party and coalition partner. We also hear the latest coming out of the ‘Multi-Party Charter for South Africa’. The Burning Platform The Burning Platform
Gareth Cliff, Phumi Mashigo, and Kanthan Pillay are delighted to host the FF+ for the first time on The Burning Platform. Chief Whip, Dr Corne Mulder, sets the record straight on the FF+’s vision - as both an independent party and coalition partner. We also hear the latest coming out of the ‘Multi-Party Charter for South Africa’. The Burning Platform The Burning Platform The Burning Platform
Dumo Denga is today’s featured guest, alongside Gareth Cliff and Phumi Mashigo. Together the team do a deep dive into some current affairs, that include race-based water licensing, a haunting NHI update from Dumo’s perspective, and Gareth’s take on the Deputy President, Paul Mashatile, after receiving an email from someone wanting to defend him. The Burning Platform
22.06.23 Pt 2 - The Burning Platform is hosted by Phumi Mashigo this week, with Rams Mabote and features bestselling author, Paul Holden. His new book, ‘Zondo at your Fingertips' is a summary of the Zondo Commission and its many years of hearings, summonses, transcripts, and evidence - but still no convictions. The team look back at some of the revelations and discuss what the NPA could do to give South Africans closure.
18.05.23 Pt 2 - Gareth Cliff, Phumi Mashigo, and Kanthan Pillay are joined on the Burning Platform by Phumlani Majozi this morning as the list of topics to cover is long. The team gets into the South African power crisis, the latest BEE Scandal that has made headlines around the country, South Africa's involvement in the Russian Arms deal, and more.