Gayton McKenzie has been making headlines in recent weeks, after taking some border issues and foreign policy into his own hands. He joins Gareth and Phumi to discuss the future of South Africa. They touch on Gayton’s ideologies of what South Africa could be if managed correctly by the right people, the PA’s new manifesto, as well as his stance on the Israel-Palestine conflict, the land issue, and equal race treatment. 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 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

Advocate Mark Oppenheimer joins Gareth Cliff to discuss South Africa’s genocide case against Israel at the International Court of Justice. WARNING: Disturbing content. The Burning Platform

Gareth and Phumi are joined by Roman Cabanac of Morning Shot for the first Burning Platform of 2024. Roman has a very strong set of opinions about South Africa’s leadership, and why it is still the best country to live in. Together the team break down the unprotected borders issue, Jacob Zuma and the MK Party, Cape independence, and South Africa’s case at the ICJ later today. The Burning Platform

Gareth and Phumi are joined by Adil Nchabeleng, an energy expert and former corporate finance buff, to discuss South Africa’s grid woes - as well as the current state of government. Is South Africa a ticking time bomb of an Arab Spring… or will 2024 bring enough change to create stability in our country? The Burning Platform

Phumlani Majozi joins the show to discuss some of the ideas from his new book. He emphasizes the need to eject the ANC from power in order to restore South Africa, acknowledging the previous leaders of the past. Phumlani also gets into the idea of a multi-party solution, and the plan moving forward. 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

Where do SA political parties get their funding, and how is South Africa’s judicial system suffering with backdated dockets that aren’t being solved? Marecia Damons and Daniel Steyn, both award-winning journalists at GroundUp, have put out a new book breaking down the Thabo Bester story, as they were the first to break the story of him faking his death. The Burning Platform

Chris Pappas is the Premier candidate on the DA’s list for KZN next year. Doing an already excellent job in the uMngeni local municipality, could premiership soon be a reality for Mr Pappas? Gareth and Phumi do a deep dive with Chris on the current state of government, his vision for KZN, and how people can change their futures by voting. The Burning Platform

Solly Moeng is frustrated with the state of South African politics and is calling on all citizens to take control. Phumi notices a lack of will to win in the elections, and Gareth fires back with some ideas for corrupt politicians. The Burning Platform

Eliav Belotsercovsky - the Israeli Ambassador of South Africa - joins the team to discuss the current situation in Israel, the ignorance of South African media, as well as the dispute of the international communications with South Africa in future. The Burning Platform

Jasmine Opperman is qualified as a risk analyst and has major experience in South African and international intelligence. She discusses the larger picture of possible threats in Southern Africa, before getting into the Israel-Hamas conflict. The Burning Platform

Ivor Chipkin is the Co-Founder and Director of the New South Institute. He joins Gareth and Phumi this week to discuss the Public Service Amendment Bill, government reform, questioning politicians and more. The Burning Platform

Leeto Nthoba breaks down mining unions and the current ‘hostage situation’ at the GoldOne mine. Bakh’abantu plays devil’s advocate about business and the economy, while Phumi asks what political parties have to do to the bring the youth to the ballot boxes. The Burning Platform

Bafana Modise and Kanthan Pillay join the panel and conversation gets heated after Kanthan has some strong opinions on the conflict from both sides. Bafana emphasises the argument government makes about supporting an anti-apartheid state, and Phumi believes the ANC is using this conflict as a distraction. The Burning Platform

In the beginning of South Africa’s democracy era, a world of vigilantism and dark organised crime was a real problem in the Western Cape. Mark Shaw - Director of the Global Initiative Against Transnational Organized Crime - tells his story about being part of this team in the early 2000s, as well as the state of policing in South Africa... particularly in the Western Cape. Ian Cameron, Director of Community Safety at Action Society, stops by to report back on his apology from Bheki Cele, as well as sharing his experience working with organised crime units and police in the Western Cape. The Burning Platform

Leon Louw - a policy expert, author and speaker - joins the panel to discuss land and property ownership, and the unlawful woes that have carried over the last few generations. Phumi implodes after hearing about the Woolworths CEO’s profit margin, and Kanthan struggles to see the DA’s vision, launching Chris Pappas as the premier candidate for KZN. Gareth gets into some international news. The Burning Platform

In a crucial time when water (a basic amenity) is not being provided properly, we have to question why and what are the potential outcomes. Prominent hydrologist and environmental scientist, Prof. Anthony Turton, has some words about our current water and filtration system - and the lack of maintenance by the government. Gareth, Phumi, and Kanthan also get into some local and global headlines, including the name change of the most hated road in Johannesburg. The Burning Platform

Dear South Africa founder, Rob Hutchinson joins the team to discuss the latest coming out of the Road Accident Fund, Pravin Gordhan’s new state-owned company, and the saga of the fake Dear SA scammer call centre. The Burning Platform

Uncover the complexities of Tshwane's municipal workers’ strike, corruption issues, coalition dynamics, and the city's future with Mayor Cilliers Brink, as he joins Gareth and Phumi this week. The Burning Platform

The South African delegation recently visited Zim President, Emmerson Mnangagwa, after his re-election. A concerned Pan-Africanist, professional speaker, leadership expert, author and entrepreneur, Godfrey Madanhire, jumps on to give his perspective on Zimbabwe’s recent election, their BRICS request, and lots more on African and global politics. The Burning Platform

Prof. JJ Tabane is in the house… ranting about how nothing is being done to hold politicians accountable. The Burning Platform heats up with talks of the moonshot pact, the electoral act, and the impact of BRICS on our national interest. The Burning Platform

Col. Chris Wyatt is in town for the BRICS Summit and is reflecting on the partnership from a US standpoint. Kanthan Pillay shares thoughts on South Africa's impact on the BRICS building blocks, while Gareth and Phumi chime in on the US debate. 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

Anthea Jeffery has been looking into unemployment, infrastructure, EWC and the mining sector in her latest book, Countdown to Socialism. And Cape Town mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis updates us on the latest coming out of the taxi strikes. The Burning Platform

Cape Town mayor, Geordin Hill-Lewis gives Gareth Cliff an update on the latest happenings with SANTACO. The Burning Platform

Bakh’abantu has some bullets in his chamber, having been fired up after the EFF’s 10-year celebration. Ebrahim Harvey - former Cosatu trade unionist, and current political writer, analyst, and commentator - warns us not to rule Malema out just yet, after an impressive decade-long run in the South African political arena. The Burning Platform

The state of mining in South Africa has become questionable after recent discoveries of illegal mining throughout the country. Should this be legalised and taxed, or should SA continue to ban it? Bakh’abantu joins the panel to tackle the SABC, Malema’s EFF’s 10-year anniversary speech, and the ANC. The Burning Platform

Mighti Jamie and the EFF’s Ntokozo Hlonyana join this week’s show to discuss the EFF’s 10-year anniversary. What are the party’s plans for the country, should they be successful in the next election? Plus their stance on EWC, nationalization, and more. NB: Unfortunately the internet went down for a few minutes during the show, and some of the discussion was not recorded - apologies for the frustration! The Burning Platform

The team delves into the state of literacy in the country, government plots and how to deal with blue light brigades. Phumi and Kanthan get into a heated debate about mining and the economy. The Burning Platform

The Burning Platform kicks off with Phumzile Mgcina, the newly elected Deputy President of the ANC Youth League, telling us about their new leadership and plans for the future. Gareth, Phumi and Kanthan get into the riots in France, as well as education equality.

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.

Paul Holden - an author with over 15 years experience in exposing corruption, with five bestselling books on South African and global politics - joins Phumi and Rams Mabote to talk about his new book, ‘Zondo at your Fingertips’. The team do a deep dive into the current state of the Zondo Commission, possible outcomes and speed bumps in the way at present. Phumi picks Rams’ brain for his perspective.

Dr Jonathan Witt joins Gareth Cliff and Kanthan Pillay to discuss the latest bill passed by the ANC government, regarding National Health Insurance (NHI) in South Africa, putting private health and medical aids at risk of collapsing to State level. Councillor Belinda Kayser-Echeozonjoku from the DA then joins to discuss the R81b budget for the City of Joburg.

Leeto Nthoba updates the team on Witbank's water struggle, triggering a debate on water rights in South Africa, and the need for new voices in the political space. Plus, as we ponder the future of universities, Leeto shares some powerful words: "We are the surgical knives that cut out the cancer." The Burning Platform

Justice Malala, founding co-host of The Burning Platform, is visiting South Africa with his new book titled, ‘The Plot to Save South Africa’. Gareth Cliff sits down with him to discuss some history about the Chris Hani era, both before and after his assassination - as well as some of South Africa’s current issues and possible solutions to get the country back to where it needs to be.

South African writer and scholar Jonny Steinberg joins the show to talk about his new book on the relationship between Nelson and Winnie Mandela. Gareth, Phumi, and Kanthan comment on Jonny’s findings… and also bring up the latest scandals of the week, including Fikile Mbalula, Julius Malema, and Herman Mashaba.

Phumlani Majozi steps up onto the Burning Platform alongside Gareth Cliff, Phumi Mashigo, and Kanthan Pillay to tackle a number of topics impacting South Africa today. BEE is on the chopping block, along with South Africa's power crisis and the recent Russian arms deal the country has been embroiled in, among other issues.

The Burning Platform is joined by another representative of the ruling party. Nontembeko Boyce, Speaker of the KZN Legislature, gets into a conversation with Gareth, Phumi, and Kanthan about the vision that the ANC represents for KZN in the coming years, and why the ANC should still be the party to vote for. Do Kanthan and Phumi buy into this vision? Find out as things get heated!

Controversial YouTuber, author, and podcaster - Penuel, The Black Pen stops by with a full agenda to discuss South African election reform, the broken judicial system, and meritocracy. Phumi is revved up with opinions… while Kanthan and Gareth debate the pros and cons of bribery and corruption within business ownership.

Adv. Glynnis Breytenbach joins Gareth, Phumi and Kanthan for The Burning Platform, after being flavour of the week last week, unleashing her scathing attack on the Minister of Police, Bheki Cele and the board of G4S. The team discuss the future of justice in South Africa and pick Adv. Breytenbach’s brain on her view of prison breaks and the corruption surrounding them.

Kanthan proposes a new ‘conspiracy theory’ surrounding state capture, but do you buy into it? Raf Gangat joins from Jerusalem to discuss international politics - he believes that Israel is an Apartheid state, based on some recent experiences - but does the team agree?

Mmusi Maimane steps onto The Burning Platform to discuss some of his latest antics in the political space. Gareth is curious how BOSA functions in society, while Phumi asks Mmusi if he is not just the ‘stale bread’ politician building another party to try lead South Africa. Kanthan Pillay asks the ‘burning’ question… what is Mmusi’s stance on BEE in South Africa, and how does he define race?

It's a historic moment in American politics, as no former president has ever been indicted. Joel Pollak, Senior Editor-at-Large for Breitbart News, joins The Gareth Cliff Show live to discuss the breaking news and provide insights into how the charges could impact Trump's political future, including his potential 2024 campaign.

Writer and analyst at the Institute of Race Relations, Gabriel Crouse joins The Burning Platform this week to discuss Herman Mashaba's recent dig at the IRR, the Digital Misinformation Conference, as well as the ideal coalition that South Africa should be focusing on.

The Burning Platform is joined by Helen Zille this week. She undergoes some grilling by Kanthan Pillay about the DA’s primary focus on South Africa’s political stage. Helen talks about her upcoming vote for Federal Council Chair, and the party’s vision going forward.

Herman Mashaba joins the Burning Platform to discuss his points of view on the upcoming EFF ‘National Shutdown’ on Monday, and to respond to Julius Malema’s comments after being slammed at the EFF press conference yesterday. Ian Cameron shares his opinions on several topics, including how South Africa is becoming a mafia state, and how the SAPS have been captured in the process.

Kanthan Pillay is itching to talk about the cabinet reshuffle. Ivo Vegter joins to throw in his 2 cents on the matter - slamming Cyril Ramaphosa as ‘Our feckless president and his bloated, self-serving cabinet’ in his latest article. Phumi talks about the business of politicking in South Africa, and how coalitions won’t work because of their lack of skill in this area.

The acting Tax Ombudsman, Prof Thabo Legwaila, takes us through his duties and answers some burning questions on behalf of taxpayers, including rights and obligations, as well as what to expect during tax season. Mighti Jamie then joins the conversation to talk about the cabinet reshuffle.

Is ESG an ideological scam? Jonathan Witt and Kanthan Pillay discuss the pros and cons of energy development in South Africa. Kanthan wants to dissect the budget speech, which revealed how much money South Africa loses each day due to interest on debt. Phumi is curious about what the team thinks of Putin’s speech, after seeing Biden join Zelensky in the Ukraine. The Burning Platform

Dr Greg Mills, who heads the Johannesburg-based Brenthurst Foundation, joins the show this week. Gareth and Phumi open up the conversation about coalitions in South Africa, Greg’s latest book - ‘Better Choices: Ensuring South Africa’s Future’, as well as touching on the Russia / Ukraine / South Africa debacle. The Burning Platform

Kanthan Pillay and Joel Pollak join Gareth and Phumi to tackle the many subjects regarding the US SONA, as well as the upcoming South Africa SONA with Cyril Ramaphosa tonight. Did Joe Biden’s speech have any merit this time, and what is the DA doing wrong for the upcoming elections in 2024? Joel Pollak is also promoting his new book, which he’s launching tonight with Gareth Cliff at Exclusive Books in Rosebank. If you’re not staying home to watch the SONA, join them! The Burning Platform

Solly Moeng joins the show to discuss some of the major roadblocks in South Africa right now… the new mayor of Joburg representing Palestine in a viral press interview, the EFF endorsing land grabbing in SA with no real judicial system in place, and how the DA has proven itself with two major municipalities - but is still consistently under fire from the ANC. The Burning Platform

Gareth and Phumi are joined by Phumlani Majozi as this week’s guest to talk about the recent political happenings in South Africa, including the march to Luthuli House with the DA, as well as Cyril catching a visit from US Treasury Secretary, Janet Yellen. Has he taken it too far this time? We have a new Deputy President… can you guess who it is? The Burning Platform

Eskom’s energy crisis is something we cannot escape as South Africans. Vally Padayachee, ex Eskom and City Power Executive Management, joins to answer some burning questions. Is privatising Eskom the solution? Is wind and solar power the way forward for South Africa, and where has the money disappeared to? The Burning Platform

A request was made for Kanthan Pillay to comment on the latest coming out of the US regarding Kevin McCarthy. Leeto Nthoba discusses the downfall of the ANC, and sparks a debate about whether South Africa was better under the Zuma or Ramaphosa. And JJ Cornish shares some good news coming out of Zimbabwe and Somalia. The Burning Platform

What do the youth of South Africa really care about in terms of politics? Phumi and Mash discuss what the outcomes from the ANC National Conference really mean. Plus, a look back at some of the best moments from The Burning Platform 2022. The Burning Platform

Eskom CEO Andre de Ruyter’s resignation is the big topic of the day, along with the ANC’s downfall in numbers, and the diamond in the rough of 2022. Serbia has made headlines for not sanctioning Russia, which opens up a conversation about leadership of all the Arabic states. The Burning Platform

According to Phumi, it’s going to get worse before it gets better! Magda Wierzycka is a Polish-South African businesswoman, and she joins the show to discuss the general state of South Africa, Eskom and possible electricity alternatives, water shortages, and what happens when the ANC is out? The Burning Platform

Veteran journalist, filmmaker, and author Jacques Pauw joins Gareth, Phumi and Kanthan Pillay to unpack his latest book - Our Poisoned Land. They have a candid conversation about the deceit, corruption and incompetence that we have witnessed over the years from our government. The Burning Platform

Head of Policy and Research at the Rivonia Circle, Lukhona Mnguni joins the show to talk about the work he is currently up to, and to shed light on some of the pressing issues that various communities face, comments on the ANC ‘ecosystem’, and thoughts on President Cyril Ramaphosa’s UK visit. The Burning Platform

The team discuss Trump’s announcement of running for office again in 2024. The debate then heats up as Ashley Sauls I - the Patriotic Alliance’s Premier Candidate for Gauteng and Former MMC for Health, Social Development, and Transport - joins to talk about coalition party antics, the work done so far, and much more! The Burning Platform

Researcher, analyst and commentator Mighti Jamie joins the show this week to unpack coalition governments, COP27, and South Africa being used as a pilot for green energy transition. The team also speaks to Brooks Spector - a former US diplomat - about the US midterm election results. The Burning Platform

Mayor Mpho Phalatse and Kanthan Pillay join Gareth and Phumi live in the studio to discuss the recent events surrounding the vote of no confidence. Mpho also answers question about coalitions, voter apathy, future plans for the city, and the role of a mayor. The Burning Platform

This week the team is joined by SA journalist, author and news editor Ferial Haffajee, to unpack her new book - Days of Zondo. They look at the moments that took everyone by surprise, and more. Dr Alan Mendoza joins to talk about what is currently happening in UK politics, and gives his prediction about England in the World Cup. The Burning Platform

Kanthan Pillay joins the team to discuss both local and international political issues including the consequences of breaking a coalition, defining a good system of governance, and the downstream effects of current US politics. The Republican divide is brought to the forefront of the conversation, before diving deeper into the Ukraine/Russia saga. The Burning Platform

Moeletsi Mbeki joins Phumi Mashigo to unpack a number of topics that include South Africa having a massive stunting growth problem, our leaders lack of care, whether or not the DA is a white party, and what ordinary South Africans can do to make a change. The Burning Platform

Wayne Sussman is an independent election analyst, known as 'the Elections Geek' and he joins the team to unpack Joburg’s coalition government debacle, Mpho Phalatse’s Twitter thread, elections in South Africa, and voter apathy. The Burning Platform

Senior fellow at African Liberty, Phumlani Majozi joins Gareth and Phumi to unpack the latest political news. Is the DA positioning itself as a leading party, or will it always just be seen as the opposition? Was the economy in better shape during the Zuma era? Plus a discussion on the young, skilled South Africans leaving the country for greener pastures. The Burning Platform

After going viral the first time with a video about loving his country, Rob Hersov has done it again - this time telling the ANC to "voetsek"! He joins the team to about his recent rant, his thoughts and opinions on bringing change in South Africa, and Cyril being a disgrace. The Burning Platform

How do migrants contribute to SA’s economy? What is most often misunderstood about Operation Dudula? Dan Radebe (Deputy Chairperson of Operation Dudula) and Patrick Sewera (co-founder of The Black Africa Fund) join the show to unpack some of these questions and issues. The Burning Platform

Is chasing rabbits in an economy like South Africa’s detrimental to society? Should Ernst Roets appeal the current verdict of the hate speech case involving a notorious struggle song? And are coalitions a positive for the country going forward? The Burning Platform

Political analyst and columnist, Mpumelelo Mkhabela, talks about his new book ‘The Enemy Within’, which covers the corruption within the ANC, leadership struggles, political insurance, and much more! Dada Morero from the ANC is in the hot seat… and Kanthan Pillay gets in on the action, alongside Gareth and Phumi. The Burning Platform

Is there any incentive to become a whistleblower? Lukhanyo Calata, Solly Moeng, and Athol Williams unpack the reality of being a whistleblower in South Africa. They share their personal experiences of the consequences of doing the ‘right thing’. The Burning Platform

Dr Gerard Labuschagne and Gideon Joubert join the show to discuss crime and violence in South Africa. They look at the tavern shootings, kidnappings, personal security, and the state of policing in general. Plus, some tips on how to improve your personal safety. The Burning Platform

Nicole Fritz is the executive director of The Helen Suzman Foundation and she joins the team to unpack some of the latest political news that includes the basic income grant, public protector impeachment process, the Zimbabwe exemption permit termination, and our legal challenges. The Burning Platform

Libertarian and founder of the ManPatria Podcast, Dumo Denga joins the show to have a candid discussion about the latest political news. The team delves into an ANC conspiracy theory, wealth tax, and Europe experiencing massive power issues. The Burning Platform

Business news anchor at the SABC, Nastassia Arendse, and analyst, Mighti Jamie, join the show to discuss why governments keep increasing interest rates, the impact of inflation on the average Joe, and innovative policies that need to be considered in order to stimulate economic growth. The Burning Platform

This week the team is joined by the Deputy CEO of AfriForum, Ernst Roets, to unpack what Afriforum does and stands for. They also discuss the decline of America, the alarmingly high unemployment rate in South Africa, and the outrageous violence that South Africans are experiencing. The Burning Platform

Ian Cameron wasn’t told to “shut up” or “get out”! He and Kanthan Pillay join the team to talk about the work that Action Society does, the ground level realities of violent crime in South Africa, and more. The Burning Platform

Leeto Nthoba joins the team to unpack the latest political issues, including governance in South Africa, politicians having a saviour complex, the Enyobeni saga and more. The Burning Platform

Barry Bateman is a journalist who really needs no introduction, having worked at EWN and eNCA - he is now Afriforum’s Private Prosecution Unit communications manager. He joins the show to talk about the WaterKloof Air Force Base landing story (which he broke), the state of Eskom, Afriforum’s border watch and more. The Burning Platform

Award-winning journalist Karyn Maughan joins the show to talk about her new book ‘Nuclear - Inside South Africa's Secret Deal’, the state capture report and judge President John Hlophe’s pending impeachment. The Burning Platform

Lethiwe Sinodumo Nkosi from Youth Capital, and digital marketing entrepreneur, Zimasa Vabaza, engage in a discussion about the matters that plague the youth of South Africa - from unemployment and work ethics, to making job-seeking affordable, the township economy, and more. The Burning Platform

South Africa has 60,000 new millionaires! President Ramaphosa hires a well-known PR guy as his new spokesperson… is he getting ready for a charm offensive? Solly Moeng joins the team to discuss all this and more. The Burning Platform

Joining the team this week is Mighti Jamie, who is a multi-award-winning international Debating and Public Speaking champion. They have a candid conversation about Africa Day, using it as a time to reflect and plan the next 90 years. They then delve into the mass shootings in America, and how gun control could relate to South Africa. The Burning Platform

Reyno De Beer, President of the Liberty Fighters Network, joins the team to engage on some of the issues that currently plague South Africans - from the state of disaster to the new health regulations and the R22m flag that is to be built. The Burning Platform

Alex Weiss (content coordinator at the Freedom Advocacy Network) and Phumlani Majozi (Senior fellow at African Liberty) join the team to discuss the latest politics and news - including the increase in the cost of living, and South Africa's skills mismatch. The Burning Platform

Kanthan Pillay joins the team to discuss Mandisa Maya possibly becoming the next Deputy Chief Justice. He also weighs in on Ukraine and the impact of the Russian invasion. Could Roe v Wade be a pivotal issue the Democrats can run on in the next elections? The Burning Platform

Dumo Denga shares some of his thoughts on the recent purchase of Twitter by Elon Musk, the SCOPA fallout, and the ANC NEC suspending the Women's League. Justin Plaatjes is a 31-year-old qualified CA (SA) who works in investment banking, and he joins the team to talk about his contribution to a book called ‘This Generation Leads: The Latest Leadership Ideas from South Africa’. The Burning Platform

Ian Scher is the CEO of Rescue South Africa, and he joins the team to talk about the KZN floods and what has made this current flooding so much worse than previous years. Wayne Duvenage later joins to talk about the work OUTA has done over the past few years, and the potential for looting of the KZN relief funds… how can the government ‘prove’ they are trustworthy with their shocking track record? The Burning Platform

Ivo Vegter joins the team this week as they have a candid conversation about Zuma, and the figureheads of fractionalisation within the ANC. Can coalitions topple the party? They also delve into the Digital Vibes scandal regarding Zweli Mkhize’s absolution by the ethics committee, and how it just doesn't make sense. And who is behind the Amazon HQ development in Cape Town? The Burning Platform

Gabriel Crouse and Leeto Nthoba make a return to The Burning Platform. The team looks at the end of the state of disaster and the effectiveness of lockdown, regulations put in place by Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma, and how politicians are treated differently when they commit crimes. Gabriel also shares his thoughts and a first-hand account of his experience in Rwanda. The Burning Platform

In this edition of The Burning Platform, Muzi Kuzwayo joins us to talk about the true meaning of sacrifice, why South Africans don’t go out and vote, and why it’s important to not fall victim to the “me me me” mentality, but to rather give back and help others. The Burning Platform

Phumi and Leeto are joined by Khaya Sithole. They have an in-depth conversation about the emigration problem (and not just in a South African context), the Russia - Ukraine crisis, the education system, and how Khaya has helped shape the lives of many. The Burning Platform

Phumi gets a live report directly from Peter Strydom, who is currently in Tokyo, Japan. They have a discussion about living abroad, what sets Japan apart from South Africa, Japan's stand on the Russia and Ukraine war... and if you think our corruption is bad - wait until you hear about the kind of government corruption over there! The Burning Platform

Solly Moeng joins Gareth and Phumi to discuss the role the government played in failing to regulate the illegal immigration problem that is facing South Africa. They also look at the ANC’s structure, whether it is a dying organisation, or simply a corpse... and Gareth wants to know when we should start building bomb shelters. The Burning Platform

It’s been a while, but our returning champ Mighti Jamie is back! Phil Craig, an advocate for Cape Independence, also joins the team to give us an update on the movement, and he answers some of Phumi's tough questions around the numbers. They also weigh in on the invasion of Ukraine, the UN, and South Africa's stance on the whole saga. The Burning Platform

Our favourite 'go to' person for all things financial - Anthea Gardner joins The Burning Platform to help us dissect the budget speech, and Leeto Nthoba brings up the issue of the commodification of white fear and black historic pain. The Burning Platform

Phumlani Majozi and Giulietta Talevi join the team to have a discussion about the bankruptcy of ideas in government, how taxing the population and social grants are not sustainable, and how government spending on salaries is out of control. The Burning Platform

Chris Yelland is an energy analyst and Koketso Resane is a conservative social commentator, and co-host on the libertarian ManPatria Podcast. They have a candid conversation about load shedding coming back, expectations for SONA 2022, and whether or not Joe Rogan did the right thing by apologising. The Burning Platform

Gareth and Phumi are joined by Assistant Editor for Breaking News at News24, Sheldon Morais, and the new CEO of the Institute of Race Relations (IRR), John Endres. They have a heated discussion about the State Capture report, the global inflation and interest rate environment, and Cyril Ramphosa being a mediocre president. The Burning Platform

Do you know what the average take-home pay is? JJ Cornish, our expert on all things African, joins the team to have a candid conversation about the South African economy, increase of taxes, the Mozambique situation and more. The Burning Platform

Gabriel Crouse - writer and analyst at the Institute of Race Relations, as well as a regular co-host on The Daily Friend podcast - joins the team to unpack the latest political news, including the State Capture report, the disintegration of coalitions, and how Julius Malema conducts himself as a domestic terrorist. The Burning Platform

Two returning champs launch The Burning Platform for 2022! Dumo Denga - a Libertarian and host of the ManPatria podcast, and Dr Jonathan Witt - a doctor with strong opinions. They discuss Zandile Mafe being a possible scapegoat, Lindiwe Sisulu, the State Capture report, and whether the end of the pandemic is in sight. The Burning Platform

Kanthan Pillay and Solly Moeng both join the final episode of The Burning Platform. They recap of some of the biggest stories of 2021, including local government election results, lockdown, Shell’s planned seismic survey, and more. The Burning Platform

What is the cost of telling the truth in the face of overwhelming pressure? Poet, philosopher and author of 'Deep Collusion: Bain and the Capture of South Africa', Athol Williams is the State Capture whistleblower who testified about massive corruption allegations and had to flee the country in fear of his life. Gareth Cliff speaks to him about his fascinating story. The Burning Platform

Newly appointed Mayor of Joburg, Dr Mpho Phalatse from the DA, joins the team to have an open discussion about her being the first female mayor of the city, coalitions, what will be prioritised, crime, and what the future of Joburg looks like. The Burning Platform

The team gets an update from JJ Cornish about what’s currently happening around Africa. Kaveel Singh and Jeff Wicks - co-authors of Eight Days in July: Inside the Zuma unrest that set South Africa alight - unpack the looting and violence that took place earlier this year. The Burning Platform

The team is joined by Prof Bonang Mohale and friend to the show Phumlani Majozi, as they talk about the recent political news which includes coalitions of parties, the anticipated Covid-19 fourth wave, the decline of the ANC and what it means for South Africa. The Burning Platform

Rorisang Tshabalala and Sara Gon join the team to speak about loadshedding, local government coalitions, the reaction to FW de Klerk’s death, the Miss SA Israel debacle and more. The Burning Platform

Leeto Nthoba - who is no stranger to the show - shares some horrific stories from Welkom that leave Phumi and Gareth wondering what the way forward could be. They then get into electricity and the loadshedding mess we are facing. The Burning Platform

Siv Ngesi and Dumo Denga join the team to have a candid conversation about the recent local elections that took place. They look at why people didn’t vote, future coalitions that will have to take place, and how the IEC can do better to educate people on how to vote. The Burning Platform

We kickstart the show with Kanthan Pillay and Phumi Mashigo sharing their thoughts and opinions on what took place on The Burning Platform last week. The team then has a candid conversation about the upcoming local elections, their predictions, and voicing the importance of getting out and voting! The Burning Platform

One South Africa’s national spokeswoman, Mudzuli Rakhivhane, and Federal Leader of the Democratic Alliance, John Steenhuisen, join Gareth to share their thoughts on coalitions, how we should vote in the upcoming local elections, and their stance on racial issues in the country. Nando's · The Burning Platform

Dr Makhosi Khosa (ActionSA’s eThekwini mayoral candidate), alongside Colleen Makhubele (COPE’s Johannesburg mayoral candidate), join the team to elaborate on why we should vote for them, if coalitions are an option for them, and the current state of South Africa. Nando's · The Burning Platform

Leeto Nthoba shares some wild Welkom election campaigning stories, and Sihle 'Big Daddy Liberty' Ngobese also joins the team to discuss why he believes politicians are trash, election campaigning, Chief Justice nomination and much more! Nando's · The Burning Platform

Kanthan Pillay and Rob Hersov - a South African entrepreneur and private investor, whose recent video titled 'If Madiba were alive today, he would vote DA' has been getting a lot of attention - join the team to discuss the upcoming election, possible party coalitions and China's mounting debt crisis. Nando's · The Burning Platform

Ray Hartley joins the team to talk about the upcoming election... what will voters say about the divided ANC? Why are so many young people disinterested in voting? Plus, Zuma and the Constitutional Court, Joe Biden and lots more. Nando's · The Burning Platform

Dumo Denga - a Libertarian, former member of the Capitalist Party, and host of the ManPatria podcast - joins the team to talk the vaccine passport, local elections and more. They also chat to Paul Jacobson, who is standing as a nominee for Ward 54 Councillor for Sea Point, Camps Bay and Mouille Point in Cape Town. Nando's · The Burning Platform

Brett Herron and Neil de Beer are both Cape Town mayoral candidates. They join the team to talk about why you should vote for them, their thoughts on Covid vaccinations, and how they are different from their previous parties - the ANC and DA. Nando's · The Burning Platform

The team - alongside Kanthan Pillay and Lord Peter Hain - talk about Peter’s latest memoir titled A Pretoria Boy: The Story of South Africa’s ‘Public Enemy Number One’, whether Cyril Ramphosa really is better than Jacob Zuma was, Afghanistan and much more! Nando's · The Burning Platform

What are the City of Joburg’s biggest issues that need fixing, and what are the solutions? Former Mayor of Johannesburg, Herman Mashaba, and the DA’s new mayoral candidate, Dr Mpho Phalatse, join the team to share what they have cooking, and why you should vote for them on this very fiery episode! Nando's · The Burning Platform

Ivo Vegter and Brooks Spector join the team to voice their opinions about the Taliban takeover, President Joe Biden’s decision to withdraw from Afghanistan, the basic income grant in SA and more. Nando's · The Burning Platform

Phumlani Majozi - Senior Fellow at African Liberty - joins Gareth to have a candid conversation about the cabinet reshuffle (especially the new Finance Minister), Cyril Ramaphosa at the State Capture commission, proposals for people to withdraw their retirement, the DA's fight against the postponement of local elections and more. Nando's · The Burning Platform

Is President Cyril Ramaphosa just the least dirty shirt in the laundry pile that is the ANC? Can the families of corrupt politicians stop flaunting their gains on social media? Solly Moeng joins the panel this week to dissect the dog show that is South African politics. Nando's · The Burning Platform

Kanthan Pillay returns to The Burning Platform this week to answer all your questions. Dr Anthony Turton also joins the team to have a candid conversation about the water crisis in South Africa and a lot more. Nando's · The Burning Platform

Most small businesses have not received any support or relief funding during the extended lockdown, and the recent looting activities haven’t helped. Economist Mike Schussler and Township Entrepreneur Developer Bulelani Balabala join the team to talk about the state of SA’s economy, and how to potentially save it. Nando's · The Burning Platform

Dr Jonathan Witt and Leeto Nthoba join the team to analyse the difference between pro Zuma actions and the actions of looters. Plus a look at President Cyril Ramaphosa’s timid response, and why his leadership style makes the situation worse. Nando's · The Burning Platform

Jacob Zuma turning himself in is the hot topic of the day. What are the implications of this, and can we trust the ANC again? These are just some of the things that the team - alongside Sipho Shezi (published author on politics and international relations) and Mighti Jamie (multi award-winning international debating and public speaking champion and coach) unpack this week. Nando's · The Burning Platform

With everything that has transpired in the news, the team wonders if Jacob Zuma will really go to jail. They have a candid conversation with Chris Fisher, legal researcher at The Helen Suzman Foundation, about Zuma’s sentencing and what to expect. Gabriel Crouse from the Institute of Race Relations then sheds some light on racism, and how it might not be the problem it’s perceived to be. Nando's · The Burning Platform

Is there ever a quiet week in politics? Never, right? So if you’ve missed out on some of the buzz, The Burning Platform is here to catch you up on things, with analysis from one of the country’s sharpest minds. Gareth Van Onselen - who is a liberal, a humanist and a published author... but most of all, a political animal with a deep love for ideas, statistics and argument - joins the team this week. Nando's · The Burning Platform

There’s arguably never been a more important time to look at energy in Africa. In this edition of The Burning Platform, the team speaks to an expert on this matter. NJ Ayuk has spent two decades negotiating African oil and gas deals, and now has a grasp of the continent's energy landscape that few can match. He shares why Africa's fledgling natural gas industry can become an international powerhouse, how the continent can improve its notoriously unreliable, economy-sapping power industry, why American energy companies should stop curtailing their investments in Africa, and why the continent's energy industry needs more women. Nando's · The Burning Platform

Between abrupt power cuts, press releases that leave us confused and schedules that change by the day... what is Eskom doing and where is it headed? What do you need to know about it? To get to the bottom of this, the team speaks to energy expert and mining consultant Ted Blom, someone who always speaks his mind on this topic. Nando's · The Burning Platform

According to Phumi, education is a long-term solution, but we need short-term fixes to get the South African economy back on track. Martin van Staden - jurist and author - joins the teams to unpack his approach to public policy from a libertarian perspective. Which are the best performing economies, and what should our government be doing to improve the lives of the unemployed? Nando's · The Burning Platform

Another week in South African politics that has been anything but quiet. This week, key politicians came under the spotlight with new allegations of corruption. One of those politicians is Health Minister Dr Zweli Mkhize, who has spoken out at a briefing against the controversial multi-million rand communications tender awarded by his department to a company called Digital Vibes. Wayne Duvenage, CEO of the Organisation Undoing Tax Abuse, chats to Gareth about all this and more. Nando's · The Burning Platform

According to the Institute of Race Relations, Critical Race Theory and race-based policy are at odds with what most South Africans want. The report further provides a robust argument for why, even with the best intentions, BEE as a practical implementation of Critical Race Theory can never work as intended. Where does that put the country today? Writer and analyst Gabriel Crouse joins the team to discuss further. Nando's · The Burning Platform

The team is joined by Ebrahim Harvey - former Cosatu trade unionist and a political writer, analyst and commentator for over two decades. Ebrahim has written an analysis on the ruling party called The Great Pretenders: Race and Class under ANC Rule. It’s a heated and passionate discussion about the current state of the ANC, trade unions being corrupt, the impact of the 4th industrial revolution and a whole lot more. Nando's · The Burning Platform

This week the team dives into whether or not we will see a split in the ANC, SARS holding a gun to taxpayers’ heads, the vaccine passport, Donald Trump, and much more. They're joined by Rob Hutchinson, MD of “Dear South Africa”, a civil organisation which facilitates public participation in government policy formation. Nando's · The Burning Platform

There’s hardly an uneventful day in the South African political landscape with President Ramaphosa appearing at the State Capture inquiry, the ANC and corruption, Ace Magashule’s suspension, and lots more. The team, along with Leeto Nthoba - lecturer at Central University of Technology, debater and socio-political analyst - unpack these and share their views and opinions. Nando's · The Burning Platform

It’s been a long time coming… Kanthan Pillay returns to The Burning Platform! Together with Gareth and Phumi, he dissects the Zondo commission, likening it to being a reality show. There’s a chat about creative ways of creating jobs, and why Derek Chauvin being found guilty of murdering George Floyd shouldn’t be a big deal. Nando's · The Burning Platform

The team is joined by libertarian, former member of the Capitalist Party, and host of the ManPatria podcast, Dumo Denga. They take a scorching hot look at what’s happening in the world of politics and discuss land invasion, whether a new leftist party is a possible solution, cabinet reshuffles, cancel culture and more. Nando's · The Burning Platform

Does politics get in the way of global business opportunities for South Africa? There's a lot that could make you not see the light at the end of the tunnel when it comes to how SA works, but maybe Yaw Peprah - a qualified chartered accountant - will change your view. He chats to Gareth about a number of topics including Mozambique, Mmusi Maimane, the DA and the state of America. Nando's · The Burning Platform

Commentator on politics, economics and global affairs Phumlani Majozi - Senior fellow at African Liberty joins Gareth and Phumi to have a candid conversation about the current political status of South Africa, if socialism is the answer, government increasing taxes and the high unemployment. Nando's · The Burning Platform

This week’s guest commentator is Dr Nthabiseng Moleko, a senior lecturer in managerial economics at the University of Stellenbosch Business School. She believes the country needs a lot more decisive and immediate actions to propel inclusive and labour-intensive growth. The team tackles the latest political stories and all of this, as always, is brought to you by Nando’s. Nando's · The Burning Platform

With a week that was far from quiet, we had to bring in the big guns to unpack some of the hottest political stories in another edition of The Burning Platform. Joining Gareth is lecturer at Central University of Technology, debater and socio-political analyst, Leeto Nthoba... plus, analyst, CEO of the IRR, and director of the Centre for Risk Analysis, Frans Cronje. They tackle student protests, police brutality, Bheki Cele, the trial of George Floyd, unemployment in South Africa, the abuse that taxpayers experience and a whole lot more. Nando's · The Burning Platform

Head of Strategic Engagement at the IRR, Sara Gon joins the team to share her opposing views with Phumi and Gareth regarding the DA. They define what they consider as mainstream media, have a candid conversation about the shrinkage of the economy, and Eskom implementing stage 2 load-shedding. Nando's · The Burning Platform

The team - alongside Daniel Silke, who is a political economy analyst, keynote speaker, author and futurist - discuss the recent Budget Speech and have a straightforward conversation about where South Africa stands economically. Nando's · The Burning Platform

With the recent 2021 fiscal spending plans of the National Budget being unveiled by Finance Minister Tito Mboweni... Gareth, Phumi, and Jamie (lawyer, award-winning debater and political analyst) have a candid conversation about the tax increases, debt to GDP, and our government’s simple-minded approach to solving our current financial issues. Nando's · The Burning Platform

Racial politics are a hot topic this week as Phumi states that there are too many white men in one particular party. Playing the blame game seems to be second nature when it comes to our politicians. Do we have a toxic relationship when it comes to corporate and government? Herman Pretorius - head of Strategic Initiatives at the IRR - shares his thoughts on the current state of the nation. Nando's · The Burning Platform

Has Cyril Ramaphosa been a weak leader for the ANC and South Africa at large? What is the big difference between Cyril and Jacob Zuma when it comes to leadership? What is the role of the Zondo Commission within the South African legal landscape? Do South Africans need to worry about the 2021 elections being cancelled? Nando's · The Burning Platform

Are we taking too long to roll out the COVID-19 vaccine? With a declining economy, how much worse must it get before it gets better? Maybe it’s time to admit that many South Africans might be addicted to the ANC. Leading the conversation this week is Lecturer at the Central University of Technology, debater and socio-political analyst, Leeto "Briggar" Nthoba, and Gabriel Crouse - writer and analyst at the Institute of Race Relations (IRR). Nando's · The Burning Platform

Biden’s inaugural address was a soulful plea to come together. After being in office for a week he has already overturned Donald Trump’s ban on transgender people serving in the US military, and rejoined the Paris climate agreement... is President Joe Biden better than Trump, or will the honeymoon phase come to an end sooner than expected? The Guardian's Washington DC bureau chief David Smith joins the team to discuss what’s happening in the USA. Nando's · The Burning Platform

If a mere seven more MPs had voted with Prime Minister JBM Hertzog in favour of neutrality, South Africa's history would have been quite different. Will we see more war under the administration of US President Joe Biden? Nando's · The Burning Platform

Grave concern in Mozambique, where the impotence of the African Union is compounded by crushing poverty and the actions of Muslim fundamentalists, who are converting vulnerable civilians at the end of a barrel. The team discusses the potential for corruption around the Covid vaccine process in South Africa, and how citizens might end up overpaying, while many may not even get vaccinated. And finally, what will the Biden regime mean for Africa? Nando's · The Burning Platform

Nick Hudson, co-founder of Pandemics Data and Analytics (PANDA) joins the Burning Platform to discuss what the data suggests about the effectiveness of lockdowns on a cost-to-benefit ratio. There’s a discussion around the media’s role in stoking pandemic panic, before moving on to the subject of a vaccine - its viability given a rapid public uptake after an equally rapid turnaround, and Big Pharma’s push to get a solution to market without it first being peer reviewed. Nando's · The Burning Platform

As South Africa prepares for the Covid 'second wave', the ruling party has elected to limit access to beaches, potentially crippling the tourism industry. How long will the Garden Route take to recover economically from the current lockdown, and were there any options that would have limited the spread of Covid-19 without shutting down the economy? The team gives us their reasons to be optimistic for 2021. Nando's · The Burning Platform

As the South African government clamps down on high school students and their celebrations after finishing school, how should we view the admonishment of these gatherings and them being labelled Covid-19 'superspreader' events? The National Pharmaceutical Agency is being floated again - red flag or good news? Nando's · The Burning Platform

If you are building an organisation which is in public service, should you have to reveal all your funding sources? We have seen the erosion of State institutions over the past 20 years - can the poor survive without functional state apparatus? Is the relationship between unions and the ANC surreptitious? Do South Africans have a viable alternative political party to vote for? Nando's · The Burning Platform

Is the notion of 16 Days of Activism purely performative, or are South African authorities actually serious about quashing this social ill? How important is it for people to know who pays for a newspaper organisation to be in business? Is Cyril Ramaphosa losing the trust of South Africans across the board? Julius Malema has been exposed for lying about vile abuse - what is the apt punishment for this? Corruption must be high level and sophisticated, or you shouldn't do it... the ANC is being exposed for having no price point for their deals with the devil. Nando's · The Burning Platform

Is there collusion between the ANC and the corporate world, and should this concern South Africans moving forward? The IRR and SA citizens have been misled by South African banks, which is being revealed as conversations between government and the big banks spill into the public domain. Our government is out of money... what is left for them to extract from the public coffers? Is the Zondo Commission just a perception management exercise? Are there correlations between South Africa's and Venezuela's economic declines - and should we be observing them closely to avoid the same dreadful fate? Nando's · The Burning Platform

Helen Zille joins the Burning Platform this week to discuss Cyril Ramaphosa's address to South Africa coming out of the global pandemic. The by-election results for the DA were mixed... what was the reason for the strategy adopted for this election period? Is the presence of a multitude of small parties good for democratic stability? Is South Africa being racially divided by political parties for their own ends? Could the Cape secede from South Africa without civil war? Are identity politics the move of the moment, and is this political environment sustainable for South Africa to flourish? Nando's · The Burning Platform

How is it that in 2020 the US Election can still be shrouded in this much controversy when it comes to vote counting? Is the Democrat voter base reactionary and lazy? Is the USA falling apart, as they seem to be divided right down the middle as a country? Is the media to blame for so-called bad polling? Have the ANC stolen all the money, or are they coming for your retirement fund as well? The Zondo Commission has become a circus and we now need answers... is this just another time waster or is progress being made? Is South Africa finally falling over the fiscal cliff as a country? Nando's · The Burning Platform

Why did Tito go off script during his Medium Term Budget Speech? Were his comments about Tygerberg Hospital unethical, and how much power does he have in reality? Is SAA a distraction, or simply a failing SOE? It's important to keep an eye on the Zondo Commission so you are better informed for elections. How do we deal with debt and taxes? And the team takes bets on who will win the US election. Nando's · The Burning Platform

For the umpteenth time, South Africans are having to hear the term "economic restructuring" as part of the recovery plan for the country's economy from the ANC-led government. Are we to trust Cyril Ramaphosa to lead us to the promised land, or should we be sceptical as citizens? Hunter Biden has possibly derailed his father's Presidential campaign... how will this go with only two weeks remaining until the US election? Nando's · The Burning Platform

As South Africans grapple with the economic carnage of the Covid-19 lockdown, is the ANC going to actually address the Covid-19 relief corruption scandal, or are they just going to be performative political actors? What is Julius Malema's endgame? The EFF and the ANC seem to be in cahoots, should this worry SA citizens? The Pollsters tell us Biden is winning by 10 points currently, should we take this seriously? How warped is the media messaging around the US election? Nando's · The Burning Platform

The Senekal protests have brought to light the issue of farmers and farmworkers being murdered. Is the matter a racial issue, or a political tool to sow division within the South African populus? Is legal land restitution possible if administered correctly by the South African government? Is violence necessary for economic emancipation? Could the VBS case be unravelling, and will this lead to major arrests and corruption being curbed in South Africa? Nando's · The Burning Platform

How does one collate data when the governments of the world are hellbent on lockdowns as the only solution to solving a global pandemic? Has the gathering of data been transparent globally? Is the function of WHO to scare people so that they change their behaviour? How will Sweden be judged by history for not locking down? Social media can help or hinder progress... how should we navigate those waters? Nando's · The Burning Platform

South Africa is now joining the global north in terms of unlocking its economy and society entirely, citizens are concerned about the tracking and that isn't going away. What is the biggest obstacle in unlocking efficient government in South Africa? Does Cyril Ramaphosa have the gumption to make the painfully hard decision to make South Africa a functional state? Nando's · The Burning Platform

How is it that after all these years, the Eastern Bloc is still such a mess? Is the mainstream media in South Africa caught in a struggle envy trap? Are the ideological struggles of 2020 less meaningful than the war-ridden struggles of the 20th century? Has South Africa wasted 30 years? How and why in 2020 does Port Elizabeth have no clean drinking water? With George Bizos' passing, perhaps this is a moment to consider how far we've come since The Rivonia Trials as a nation. Have we done justice to those who died and served time for the civil liberty of a nation? The Burning Platform

Are South Africans vindicated in continuing to vote for the ANC? Should there be amnesty for those who confess to corrupt dealings in the past? Can the ANC save South Africa? Could Indian and Chinese border conflicts ignite WW3? Does Biden have any traits which make him a better candidate than Trump? Does America need a partisan, parochial figure like Trump to keep China in check for the sake of the global power balance? Nando's · The Burning Platform

Roman Cabanac joins the panel this week. When news has paywalls, what's the logical conclusion? Does the ANC have an exit strategy for lockdown? BEE laws are changing again, is this for better or worse? The Film & Publications Act needs scrutiny, what is its real purpose? Is violence necessary for societal progress? Nando's · The Burning Platform

How long should we give De Ruyter to turn Eskom around? The economic ramifications of South Africa's lockdown are yet to be unveiled - just how bad could things get? How are marketing spend and economic prosperity linked? Retirement funds are on the table now for the ANC government, how real should our fears be? Biden or Trump... it's come to this has it? Nando's · The Burning Platform

Is the Western Cape's independence a realistic goal? Is the will of the majority important in democracy? Should South Africans be worried about South Africa's march towards policies resembling other countries who believe in centralisation? Will skittish foreign investment return after lockdown-induced investment moratoriums? The economic pain of lockdown is still coming, but just how bad will it be for ordinary citizens? Joe Biden has his accuser on his running ticket now... what say the voters? Nando's · The Burning Platform

The heat is now being turned up on society because they can't feed their children, how long can this go on before a violent outburst occurs? Is the banking sector in South Africa 'captured', and can this situation be salvaged? When a judge needs a lawyer to fight their legal position, something is wrong isn't it? It's Women's Month, but is the proliferation of gender politics helping or hurting the prosperity of society across the board? #VoetsekANC has been trending... what's that all about? Nando's · The Burning Platform

With large government gatherings being so predominant, how will society social distance if leaders don't? Is extremism sustainable, because as we all know, "the tiger will always eat the trainer." Should we gun train all citizens? Is the ANC turning into a mob-like organisation, using violence to oppress even the most vulnerable? Greg Arde, the author of 'War Party: How the ANC's political killings are breaking South Africa', joins us to speak about the bloodbath in KwaZulu-Natal, and the factors that have led us here. Nando's · The Burning Platform

Employment: we delve into the stats on South Africans’ opinions on racially-based employment; we also ask whether it’s possible to make cadre employment work. Politics: the strife of the Cape Flats is well-documented, and it raises the question: why does it seem that solving societal problems is not a priority for career politicians? Economics: is big business in South Africa still big? And finally, South Africa's lockdown hasn’t just been the last five months, it's been the last decade. Nando's · The Burning Platform

"The emperor has no clothes... but I'm not saying it,'' has been the great failure of South Africa's citizenry lately. Can South Africans ever view contentious issues through a lens that's not tainted by race and power agendas? What is the role of dissenting voices like Helen Zille for the sanctity of democracy in SA? What are the visceral, quantifiable concerns of South Africa's voting public? Is Cyril Ramaphosa showing tendencies of tyrannical lust with his wildly oscillating Covid-19 laws and messaging? And is Trump's approach to WHO leading us to Cold War 2? Nando's · The Burning Platform

Should we be testing everyone for Covid-19? Is there going to be a second wave in Johannesburg and if yes, is this a bad thing? What are the overall effects of the health sector's response to Covid-19 globally? Could South Africa reopen the economy through track and trace monitoring of citizenry? Has the hubris of liberalism condemned Hong Kong to tyranny from China, and thus made a war between China and America inevitable? Nando's · The Burning Platform

From Bridgette Motsepe-Radebe‘s alleged scandalous links to Botswana, to the impact of the elections in Somalia... Gareth, Kanthan and guest Jean-Jacques Cornish tackle the week's biggest political stories. And while we're all still grappling with the ramifications of the Covid-19 pandemic, the team debates how unlocking countries should work. Nando's · The Burning Platform

Why can't anyone just print money? What's the difference between consumer and asset inflation? Are public sector employees useful to an economy? And just who is Finance Minister Tito Mboweni referring to when he says: "The hippopotamus must shut its mouth"? The battle to be King of Ideology continues to rage between religion and secularism, and Bheki Cele may be the only man capable of keeping South Africa's taxi industry on a leash. Nando's · The Burning Platform

Are Economic Keystrokes good, or are they a landmine for the tax paying citizenry? Can business function without a competent state intervening heavily to create conditions for economic prosperity? What is the role of tax in the economy? Is gender based violence linked to economic activity? We all hate Keynesian theory until crisis strikes... why is that? Nando's · The Burning Platform

Phumlani Majozi joins us to discuss the notion of good ideas and organising a country properly. Can government, business and labour ever march to a single beat? Hong Kong took decisive action after they were liberated, is that a replicable model for other nations who achieve liberation? Is the idea of race-based politics hindering poverty alleviation? Is BEE fundamentally flawed? Nando's · The Burning Platform

Did the townships of South Africa get the lockdown right vs the suburban approach? Will South Africa's private healthcare system be crippled because of lockdown? How the country reopens will come at a political cost and the vultures are circling already it seems. The tensions between systemic power and racial subjugation are at an all time high in America after George Floyd's murder - where to now for the home of the brave? Nando's · The Burning Platform

Is it a good idea to have private security firms to carry out state justice? What is distributive justice and how does it shape ideology? Does the private sector serve society at large better than a capable state? If a government doesn't trust its citizens, what is the logical conclusion? Armed forces are trained to kill, so what happens when their barrels are aimed at their own citizens? Nando's · The Burning Platform

How does the formative ANC structure differ from the one we see today ideologically? Does Covid-19 render the political landscape fertile for totalitarianism in South Africa? Is the economic and philosophical illiteracy of news reporters dangerous for society at large? If we lose a generation of black graduates in the formal economy because of lockdown regulation, what does that mean for the future of South Africa's social landscape? WHO should pay the biggest price globally for this pandemic? Nando's · The Burning Platform

Frans Cronje joins us this week and his suggestions about policy vs on the ground policing of Covid-19 will not be served well by the annals of history. Is the dissonance between the ANC and the Western Cape government political, or is it led by fact? How should we read the data around the case fatality rate? Death vs Economy... is it just about "market before life"? Frans Cronje's book "The Rise or Fall of South Africa" is available now on Kindle. Nando's · The Burning Platform

The team is joined by Unathi Kwaza this week. Is the very notion of a lockdown classist, or is it broadly applicable and helpful to all South African citizens? Can the formal sector learn anything from the informal sector about navigating a pandemic-ravaged economic climate? Should all laws be equal in the eyes of the citizenry, and what happens if laws aren't applicable across the board? Are the ANC the main reason for the crushing poverty many South Africans still endure 26 years after democratic liberation? Nando's · The Burning Platform

What is the purpose of a lockdown during Covid-19? Is acting reasonably something which can be encouraged, and if so, which countries have done this? Are South African politicians capable of governing the laws they make? Will the death count be the correct metric to gauge the success of measures taken during the pandemic... we just don't know! Nando's · The Burning Platform

Special guest Russell Lamberti joins us this week and asks whether the lockdown in South Africa failed from day one? Is it immoral to prevent people from working? Can we trust the ANC to administer the R500 billion relief fund without being corrupt? The economy of South Africa is now on its last legs, can it survive the impact of state-imposed stunted economic activity? Is Cyril Ramaphosa being exposed as not fit for office? Nando's · The Burning Platform

The notion that big business is the backbone of an economy might need some re-examining. Surely some sectors of the economy could be opened up? How and why does short-sighted decision making at Eskom cripple small business? Consistency in the messages being communicated by the government is vital for national confidence, how does Cyril's government score on this metric? As we attempt to deal with the economic reverberations of global economic shutdowns, which country is poised to become the new global supply chain and production hub? Is imagination important when you govern, or is it just a policy pen pushers game? Our special guest this week is Khaya Sithole. Nando's · The Burning Platform

The lockdown can sometimes feel like a daunting period, especially if you don't understand why it has to happen... yes to save lives, but are there any other tangible reasons for it? From the revelation of oligarchs who may have South Africa's economy at their beck and call, to ensuring that South Africa's social security is kept in order - our returning champions deliver on some of the hottest speaking points as the coronavirus lockdown continues in South Africa. Nando's · The Burning Platform