On The Beaten Track

On The Beaten Path Pod
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Join us on "On The Beaten Track Pod," where we delve into the rich tapestry of stories from South Africa and beyond. Born out of a passion for storytelling during the COVID era, this podcast explores the narratives of family, community, and history that have shaped us. Each episode, released every Thursday, offers a deep dive into personal and shared stories, aiming to preserve and celebrate the voices that might otherwise be lost to time. Let's share our stories together and keep the tradition of storytelling alive.

  1. 4d ago

    Mabandla - Lindelwa and Brigitte

    Two hidden architects of South Africa’s liberation story finally get the attention they deserve. Lindelwa Mututuzeli Mabandla and Brigitte Sylvia Mabandla fought in the Black Consciousness movement, survived detention, banishment, and exile, and helped shape the democratic country that followed. Lindelwa’s story is especially striking because the public record barely mentions him, even though he served as SASO vice president when that role could make a young Black South African a marked person. Brigitte’s path is better documented, but no less extraordinary: arrested and tortured, separated from her five-month-old baby, banished to Tsolo, and forced into exile, she built a consequential legal and political career. Discover how their lives intertwined through SASO, the Black People’s Convention, and a marriage forged within the movement. The episode explores Brigitte’s work shaping children’s rights in South Africa’s Constitution, her role in the ANC’s constitutional negotiations, and her appointment as the country’s first woman Minister of Justice. It also traces Lindelwa’s quieter but significant contribution to the publishing industry, where he helped advance transformation in a sector shaping what South African children read and whose voices were heard. This is a story of apartheid-era repression—and of two people who kept building, returning, and working for a more just South Africa, even when their contributions were not always recognized.#SouthAfricanHistory #BlackConsciousness #LiberationHistory #WomensHistory #HumanRights #ConstitutionalRights #UntoldStories #OnTheBeatenPathPod KEY TOPICS The role of SASO and the Black Consciousness Movement in South Africa's liberation The personal and political journeys of Lindelwa and Brigitte Mabandla The impact of exile and banishment on political activism Legal and constitutional contributions of Brigitte Mabandla The transformation of the South African publishing industry and economic empowerment The significance of intergenerational activism and resilience  TAKEAWAYS Lindelwa Mabandla's leadership in SASO and his exile highlight the risks faced by activists. Brigitte Mabandla's legal work was crucial in shaping post-apartheid constitutional protections. The personal sacrifices of these leaders exemplify the intertwined nature of personal and political struggles. The transformation of South Africa's publishing industry reflects broader economic empowerment efforts. Both individuals exemplify resilience and commitment across decades of political change.  CHAPTERS 00:00 Introduction to Lindelwa and Brigitte Mabandla 01:54 Lindelwa Mabandla's role in SASO and exile 04:02 Brigitte Mabandla's activism and detention 06:57 Marriage and shared political journey 10:57 Banishment to Tsolo and exile 14:05 Brigitte Mabandla's legal education in exile 16:50 Return to South Africa and legal career 19:58 Political and economic contributions in post-apartheid South Africa 23:55 Diplomatic service and recent events 26:00 Legacy and enduring commitment

    Mabandla - Lindelwa and Brigitte

  2. Oct 22

    Faith Meets Activism: The Story of Frank Chikane

    Frank Chikane built his life around a conviction that threatened both church and state: you cannot worship God on Sunday and ignore oppression on Monday. This episode traces how that belief took him from Soweto pews to Turfloop activism, into detention cells, through an assassination attempt, and all the way to the heart of South Africa’s democratic transition. Rehana Levesque tells the extraordinary story of a preacher's son who became a Black Consciousness activist, a theologian of resistance, and one of apartheid's most closely watched opponents. Along the way, Chikane is suspended by his own denomination, helps shape the Institute for Contextual Theology and the Kairos tradition, and turns the South African Council of Churches into a channel for exposing state violence to the world. Discover how Chikane held faith and politics together when others wanted him to choose, why the apartheid security apparatus decided he needed to die, and how a split-second delay may have saved his life after a nerve-agent poisoning designed to look like a natural death. The story follows him into the post-apartheid state, where he became Director General in the presidency under Thabo Mbeki, and into the ongoing struggle for truth about the men who tried to kill him. This episode explores forgiveness without surrendering accountability, reconciliation without pretending justice is finished, and the courage to speak publicly when the truth is politically inconvenient. Rehana also connects Chikane’s books, including No Life of My Own, Eight Days in September, and The Things That Could Not Be Said, to larger questions about power, memory, and the cost of bearing witness. Essential listening for anyone interested in South African history, liberation theology, anti-apartheid resistance, and people who refused to separate conviction from action. Frank Chikane’s life is a story of staying faithful when faith itself is under pressure. #FrankChikane #SouthAfricanHistory #Apartheid #AntiApartheid #BlackConsciousness #LiberationTheology #SouthAfrica #HistoryPodcast #OnTheBeatenTrack   KEYWORDS Frank Chikane, South Africa, apartheid, faith, resistance, truth, reconciliation, theology, activism KEY TOPICS Chikane's early life and education in Soweto The contradiction between faith and oppression in apartheid South Africa His involvement with SASO and the Black Consciousness Movement His theological stance against systemic injustice Detentions and threats faced during apartheid The role of the South African Council of Churches in resistance The assassination attempt and survival of nerve agent poisoning His transition into government and role in post-apartheid South Africa The foot-washing gesture with Adriaan Vlok as a symbol of reconciliation Chikane's ongoing testimony and commitment to truth CHAPTERS 00:00 Introduction to Frank Chikane's Life and Impact 01:58 Chikane's Early Life and Education in Soweto 04:02 Faith and Activism in the 1970s 06:02 Detentions and Political Challenges 08:00 Theological Foundations of Resistance 10:01 International Advocacy and State Repression 12:07 The Assassination Attempt and Survival 14:06 Transition to Government and Reconciliation 16:06 Legacy, Testimony, and Continuing Faith

    Faith Meets Activism: The Story of Frank Chikane

  3. Oct 15

    Navanethem Pillay - Nobel Peace Prize

    Navi Pillay, International Justice, and the Question of Who Is Held Accountable What does it take for international law to hold the powerful to account? In this episode, Rehana explores the life and work of South African jurist Navi Pillay, whose career has taken her from apartheid-era Durban to leading roles in international justice and human rights. We look at Pillay’s work defending political prisoners in South Africa, her role in the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda and the landmark Akayesu case, and her leadership as UN High Commissioner for Human Rights. Rehana also explains the different roles of the International Criminal Court and the International Court of Justice and considers the controversies surrounding international investigations and accountability. The episode places Pillay’s story within South Africa’s wider Nobel legacy—from Albert Luthuli, Desmond Tutu, Nelson Mandela and F.W. de Klerk to laureates recognized for contributions to literature and science. At its heart is a challenging question: can international law operate when powerful states and leaders are the ones being challenged? #NaviPillay #HumanRights #InternationalLaw #SouthAfrica #NobelPeacePrize #Justice #InternationalCriminalCourt #OnTheBeatenPathPod KEY TOPICS Navi Pillay's early life and education in Durban Her legal work defending political prisoners during apartheid Her role in the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda Her work at the International Criminal Court Her tenure as UN High Commissioner for Human Rights The significance of her Nobel Peace Prize in 2026 The legal and political challenges faced by international justice The impact of her work on global human rights and accountability The controversy surrounding investigations in Gaza and Israel The importance of holding powerful states accountable  CHAPTERS 00:00 Introduction to Navi Pillay's Impact on International Justice 02:07 Pillay's Recognition and the Context of Global Politics 03:12 From Durban to the World: Pillay's Early Life and Education 05:10 Challenging Apartheid: Pillay's Legal Career in South Africa 07:20 South Africa's Nobel Laureates and Their Significance 09:14 The Role of Nonviolent Resistance in South Africa 10:45 Transition from Resistance to Legal and International Work 17:31 Pillay's Work at the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda 20:41 The International Criminal Court and Pillay's Role 22:48 UN Human Rights Work and Challenges in International Justice 24:24 Legal Investigations in Gaza and the Controversies 27:26 The Legal Threshold of Genocide and Pillay's Findings 29:50 International Court Tensions and Political Challenges 31:11 The Significance of the 2026 Nobel Peace Prize 32:18 Israel's Response and the Politics of International Law 34:10 The Principles of International Law and Accountability 35:13 South Africa's Legacy and Global Justice 36:56 The Broader Impact of Pillay's Work on Peace and Justice 37:39 The Ongoing Fight for Justice and Accountability

    Navanethem Pillay - Nobel Peace Prize

  4. Oct 8

    The Life and Legacy of Steve Tshwete

    South Africa’s sporting unity did not happen by accident—it was built by a man who learned how to bridge seemingly impossible divides long before he held office. This episode explores how Steve Tshwete went from Robben Island prisoner and MK saboteur to a driving force behind non-racial sport and the reunification of South African sport. Rehana Levesque traces Tshwete’s journey from his childhood in Springs and early ANC organizing to 14 years on Robben Island. There, he helped build rugby leagues and bring Black Consciousness activists into conversation with the ANC through relationships, not force. Along the way, discover how sport became a political strategy, trust was built across ideological lines, and Tshwete earned the nickname “Mr Fix-It.” In this episode, you’ll hear: How Tshwete used rugby and athletics as tools of liberation—even inside Robben IslandWhy the Robben Island Rugby Board became an unexpected bridge between the ANC and the white sporting establishmentHow he helped open doors in cricket, rugby, and international sport during South Africa’s transitionWhat made his leadership effective in moments of deep conflictHow his work helped set the stage for Mandela’s iconic 1995 Springbok jersey momentThis is a story about the work behind political transformation: years of patient negotiation, emotional intelligence, and the courage to make people across divides feel heard. Tshwete’s role reminds us that some of the most important victories aren’t won on the field, but through the difficult work of bringing people together.For anyone interested in South African history, the politics of sport, or the people behind national change, this is a powerful story of leadership, reconciliation, and the role sport can play in building a more united country. KEYWORDS South Africa, Steve Tshwete, sports diplomacy, liberation movement, apartheid, reconciliation, rugby, politics, history, leadership KEY TOPICS Steve Tshwete's role in South Africa's liberation The intersection of sport and politics during apartheid Building relationships across ideological divides The transformation of South African sports post-apartheid Tshwete's leadership in unifying racial sports organizations The significance of the 1995 Rugby World Cup Diplomacy through sport in international relations The role of personal warmth and emotional intelligence in leadership TAKEAWAYS Steve Tshwete's ability to build relationships was key to unifying South African sports. Sport was used as a diplomatic tool to foster national unity. Tshwete's leadership helped South Africa return to international sports after apartheid. Personal warmth and emotional intelligence are crucial in political leadership. The merger of different liberation movements was achieved through relationship building. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Steve Tshwete's Impact 02:00 Tshwete's Early Life and Political Roots 03:58 Imprisonment and Building on Robben Island 06:52 Sport as a Tool for Resistance and Unity 12:05 Reintegration into South Africa and Political Leadership 16:05 Transforming South African Sports Post-Apartheid 20:07 The 1995 Rugby World Cup and Symbolic Reconciliation 22:05 Tshwete's Later Years and Legacy 23:01 Conclusion: The Man Who Made a Difference

    The Life and Legacy of Steve Tshwete

  5. Oct 3

    New Names, Same Crimes

    If you or someone you know in South Africa needs free, confidential support, help is available 24/7: Voice Calls: Call the National GBV Command Centre on 0800 428 428.No Airtime: Dial *120*7867# from any mobile phone to request a call back.Disabled and Hearing-Impaired Communities: SMS the word 'HELP' to 31531.Immediate Danger: Contact the police at 10111.The government finally put deadlines on South Africa’s GBV crisis, but is this real accountability or just another round of promises women have heard before? Rehana Levesque breaks down Cyril Ramaphosa’s national address on the Ekurhuleni killings, where 11 to 13 women have been linked to a horrifying wave of violence across Kempton Park, Tembisa, Clayville, KwaThema, the R21 corridor, and beyond. She unpacks what’s actually known, what the police have arrested, why the serial-killer question remains unresolved, and why the gaps between official statements are just as alarming as the crimes themselves. You’ll discover: The latest facts on the Ekurhuleni investigation and the victims publicly identified so farWhy the president’s speech matters, and where it repeats old GBV promisesThe four new measures announced, including case audits, forensic backlog fixes, municipal safety audits, and alcohol regulationHow Bheki Cele’s earlier policing record overlaps with, and exposes the limits of, the current planWhy timelines, deliverables, and public reporting may be the first genuinely useful part of this responseRehana also tests the speech against past commitments, from cold case task teams and DNA backlog pledges to GBV desks, victim-friendly rooms, and specialized FCS units. The result is a sharp, unsparing look at what has been announced before, what has actually worked, and what still leaves women exposed. If you want more than outrage, this episode gives you the context behind the headlines and the checklist for whether government action is real this time. Essential listening if you care about GBV, policing, public accountability, or what happens when a country keeps asking women to wait. #GenderBasedViolence #GBV #SouthAfrica #Ekurhuleni #PublicAccountability #WomenSafety #Policing CHAPTERS 00:00 Introduction and episode overview 02:03 President's address on recent GBV victims 04:06 Identified victims and police investigations 07:20 Police efforts and challenges in solving GBV cases 11:05 Immediate measures announced by the president 13:07 Legislative measures on alcohol and enforcement 15:26 Men challenging toxic masculinity and cultural issues 16:23 Global perspectives on sexual violence and cultural responses 17:51 Action plan timelines and progress expectations 18:20 Historical context of GBV initiatives in South Africa 20:09 Municipal safety audits and infrastructure improvements 21:04 Funding, resources, and transparency concerns 22:37 Public and expert reactions to the address 24:02 Lessons from past promises and implementation challenges 25:22 Critical analysis of the recent address and missed opportunities 27:20 Police units, investigations, and capacity issues 30:07 Police stations, victim support, and operational gaps 31:40 DNA backlog, arrests, and case recovery efforts 33:29 Policing strategies and effectiveness 36:20 Call for societal accountability and future steps

    New Names, Same Crimes

  6. Sep 24

    Not One More - GBV Part 2

    Ten months after South Africa declared gender-based violence and femicide a national disaster, the numbers still do not match the promise. Rehana Levesque breaks down what has changed, what has stalled, and why the most urgent official message to women is still, somehow, “don’t walk alone.” This episode traces the gap between emergency language and emergency action: the Women for Change shutdown that helped force the declaration, the government’s five-part program of action, and the legal powers that have still not been fully used. Rehana unpacks the funding problem, the reporting gap, and why shelters, prosecutions, and public accountability remain the real test of whether the declaration means anything. You’ll hear how the Kempton Park killings became the latest flashpoint, with nine women found dead since July in and around the area, plus roughly 10 additional reported cases involving women allegedly lured through dating platforms. Rehana also examines the public backlash to police safety warnings, the institutional victim-blaming women are pushing back against, and the exhausting pattern of outrage, statement, repeat. Rehana also grounds the episode in hard statistics: 50,511 GBV and femicide cases were reported in the 2025–2026 financial year, with only about 61% leading to arrest or referral for prosecution. She connects those figures to the larger reality campaigners have been warning about for years: strong laws mean little when enforcement is uneven and survivors are still carrying the burden of prevention. Essential listening if you want the full picture behind the headlines, the legal framework behind the headlines, and the uncomfortable truth behind the phrase “national disaster.” If this episode affects you or someone you know, South Africa’s Gender-Based Violence Command Centre is available 24/7 on 0800 428 428. #GBV #GenderBasedViolence #Femicide #SouthAfrica #KemptonPark #JusticeForWomen #EndGBV #WomensSafety #Accountability #OnTheBeatenPathPod  KEY TOPICS South Africa's declaration of gender-based violence as a national disaster Government initiatives and priorities post-declaration Legal and law enforcement responses and gaps Funding shortfalls and resource allocation The Kempton Park serial murders and investigation updates Public and political reactions to GBV crisis Legal standards for bail in GBV cases and recent amendments The gap between policy and practice in GBV response Impact of societal attitudes and victim-blaming Role of activism and public outrage in driving change  CHAPTER 00:00 Introduction to South Africa's GBV crisis and episode overview 02:10 Government response: progress and ongoing challenges 05:18 Legal analysis: benchmarks not triggered, unspent powers 07:03 Public and political reactions to the disaster declaration 10:10 Current state of shelters and funding gaps 11:20 Kempton Park murders: latest developments and concerns 14:34 Patterns, online lures, and societal responses 17:54 The debate: could the perpetrator be a woman? 18:40 Government advice and victim-blaming criticism 22:07 Reporting and prosecution: the grim statistics 26:50 Bail laws and recent amendments in GBV cases 30:46 The gap between legislation and enforcement 32:39 Overall crime trends versus GBV-specific murders 33:00 The ongoing struggle and societal resilience

    Not One More - GBV Part 2

  7. Sep 19

    Not One More - Gender Based Violence in South Africa

    South Africa’s gender-based violence crisis is no longer abstract—it has names, faces, timelines, and a body count that should terrify every listener. Rehana Levesque turns an emergency recording into a hard-hitting, deeply personal account of the Kempton Park killings and the wider pattern of femicide that keeps repeating across the country. What begins as a response to the latest wave of outrage becomes something much bigger: a reckoning with how quickly public panic, police warnings, and victim-blaming can replace real protection. Rehana breaks down the timeline behind the Kempton Park case, explains why the official response enraged so many people, and shows how easy it is for institutions to shift the burden of safety onto women instead of stopping perpetrators. You’ll hear: The sequence of events that turned the Kempton Park case into a national flashpointWhy the SAPS warning to women and girls sparked fury instead of reassuranceThe scale of gender-based violence in South Africa, from murder and rape statistics to reporting gaps and contradictory police numbersThe real-world barriers survivors face when trying to report abuseWhy so many women never get justice, even when their cases make headlinesRehana also walks through a painful line of South African cases that have become symbols of the crisis, including Alison Botha, Lee Matthews, Frances Rasuge, Anene Booysen, Uyinene Mrwetyana, Tshegofatso Pule, Nosicelo Mtebeni, Karabo Mokoena, and others whose stories still shape public grief and outrage. These are not just tragedies from the past—they are evidence of a system that keeps failing the women it is meant to protect. This episode is for anyone who wants to understand why South Africans are exhausted, angry, and demanding action instead of platitudes. It is a necessary listen if you care about justice, public safety, and what happens when a country keeps saying “be vigilant” while women keep dying.  KEYWORDS South Africa, gender-based violence, femicide, systemic issues, activism, police failure, public safety, social justice KEY TOPICS Systemic gender-based violence in South Africa Recent femicide cases and their societal impact Police and government response failures Barriers to reporting and justice for survivors The role of activism and community efforts Data and statistics on violence against women Personal stories highlighting systemic issues The need for sustained action and accountability   CHAPTERS 00:00 Introduction: Addressing the Gender Violence Crisis in South Africa 02:03 The Kempston Park Killings: A Growing Tragedy 04:01 Public Panic and Police Response Failures 06:58 The Systemic Nature of Gender-Based Violence 10:01 Data and Statistics: The Scale of the Crisis 13:03 Barriers to Reporting and Justice 16:03 Personal Stories of Victims and Survivors 19:54 Names and Faces: Remembering the Victims 24:58 The Role of Community and Activism 30:06 Calls for Action and Accountability 34:54 The Future: What Needs to Change?

    Not One More - Gender Based Violence in South Africa

  8. Sep 10

    Thamsanqa Robert Zani: The Unsung Organiser

    This episode explores the life and legacy of Thamsanqa Robert Zani, a pivotal yet underrecognized figure in the Black Consciousness Movement and South African liberation history. We delve into his role during critical moments of resistance, his operational leadership, and the gaps in historical records about his life and death. KEYWORDS South African history, Black Consciousness Movement, Thamsanqa Zani, SASO, BPC, apartheid resistance, liberation movements, political activism, archival gaps KEY TOPICS Thamsanqa Zani's role in SASO and BPC during apartheid The strategic vision for unifying South African liberation movements Operational leadership under repression and bans The gaps in historical records about Zani's life and death The importance of operational figures in liberation movements CHAPTERS 00:00 Introduction to Thamsanqa Zani and his significance 00:05 Zani's leadership during the banning of BCM leaders in 1973 00:13 The resilience of SASO and BPC under pressure 00:33 Zani's role in maintaining organizational continuity 00:43 The strategic vision for unifying liberation movements 01:05 The secrecy and trust within the inner circle 01:26 The impact of Black Wednesday and Zani's detention 01:43 The gaps in historical records about Zani's death 01:46 The importance of operational figures in history 02:01 Call for information and closing remarks

    Thamsanqa Robert Zani: The Unsung Organiser
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Join us on "On The Beaten Track Pod," where we delve into the rich tapestry of stories from South Africa and beyond. Born out of a passion for storytelling during the COVID era, this podcast explores the narratives of family, community, and history that have shaped us. Each episode, released every Thursday, offers a deep dive into personal and shared stories, aiming to preserve and celebrate the voices that might otherwise be lost to time. Let's share our stories together and keep the tradition of storytelling alive.

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  • Creator
    On The Beaten Path Pod
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    61
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 On The Beaten Path Pod
  • Show Website
    On The Beaten Track