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

    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

  2. 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

  3. 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

  4. 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

  5. Sep 3

    Rick Turner: The Eye of the Needle

    The apartheid state called Rick Turner the most dangerous man in South Africa - because he argued that real freedom means power, dignity, and participation, not just a change of government. This episode traces how a white philosophy lecturer from a fruit farm in Stellenbosch became one of the sharpest threats to apartheid, and why his ideas still feel unsettlingly relevant today. Rehana Levesque follows Turner's journey from Cape Town and the University of Cape Town to the Sorbonne in Paris, where French existentialism, Marxism, and the New Left reshaped his politics. She unpacks how Turner returned to South Africa with a radical framework for justice, then found himself in Durban at the canter of Black Consciousness, labour organizing, and some of the most important political upheaval of the era. You'll discover why The Eye of the Needle terrified the government, how Turner redefined participatory democracy, and why he insisted that removing apartheid was only the beginning. The episode breaks down his most confronting ideas about inequality, economic redistribution, and the danger of confusing what is “realistic” with what is merely familiar. Rehana also explores Turner’s close relationship with Steve Biko, his role as a bridge between students and the emerging labour movement, the banning order that tried to erase him, and the assassination that left his case unsolved for decades. Along the way, she connects Turner's arguments to South Africa today, asking what freedom really means when power stays concentrated and inequality survives the political transition. This is essential listening if you care about South African history, Black Consciousness, anti-apartheid resistance, political philosophy, or the unfinished work of democracy. Rick Turner’s life is a reminder that ideas can outlive repression - and that the hardest questions are usually the ones history keeps forcing us to ask. Summary This episode explores the life and ideas of Rick Turner, a South African philosopher whose work challenged apartheid and envisioned a participatory democracy. We discuss his influence, the circumstances of his death, and the relevance of his ideas today. Keywords Rick Turner, South Africa, apartheid, philosophy, participatory democracy, black consciousness, labour movement, political philosophy, social justice, history key topics Rick Turner's early life and education His involvement with the anti-apartheid movement The influence of French existentialism and Marxism His relationship with Steve Biko and black consciousness The publication and impact of The Eye of the Needle His activism during banning years and assassination The relevance of his ideas in contemporary society Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Rick Turner's Life and Impact 02:22 Turner's Early Life and Education in South Africa 04:12 Turner's Political Awakening and Move to France 07:56 Return to South Africa and Engagement with Biko 12:00 The Publication of The Eye of the Needle 19:30 Turner's Utopian Thinking and Political Philosophy 28:36 The Circumstances of Turner's Death 30:26 Legacy and Relevance of Turner's Ideas Today

    Rick Turner: The Eye of the Needle

  6. Aug 27

    SASO 9: Part 2

    SUMMARY This episode explores the lives and legacies of key figures in the South African anti-apartheid movement, focusing on their contributions, struggles, and ongoing impact. It highlights the importance of community, resilience, and the enduring spirit of activism. KEYWORDS South Africa, anti-apartheid, SASO, Robben Island, activism, black consciousness, political prisoners, community development, history, leadership KEY TOPICS The life and activism of Nefolovhodwe and the SASO 9 The role of Black Consciousness Movement in anti-apartheid struggle The significance of Robben Island in shaping political leaders Post-release careers of South African activists in politics, trade unions, and community development The importance of community rebuilding and ongoing activism in post-apartheid South Africa

    SASO 9: Part 2

  7. Aug 20

    SASO 9 – Turning Repression into A Platform

    Nine names. One trial. And a story the apartheid state hoped would disappear. Rehana Levesque turns the spotlight on the lesser-told members of the SASO Nine, tracing how six Black Consciousness activists were swept into the longest political trial in South African history, sent to Robben Island, and then carried their fight back into communities, unions, parliament, advertising, and global scouting. You’ll discover how the Viva FRELIMO rallies became a turning point, why Steve Biko’s testimony in Pretoria mattered so much, and what happened to men like Aubrey Mokoape, Muntu Myeza, Pandelani Nefolovhodwe, Nkwenkwe Nkomo, Gilbert Kaborone Sedibe, and Zithulele Cindi after prison. Some became doctors, organizers, lawmakers, and public leaders. One life ended in circumstances that still raise questions. One remains frustratingly hard to trace, which tells its own story about how history gets remembered. Rehana breaks down the political stakes behind the trial, the role of black consciousness in shaping resistance, and the stubborn conviction that liberation had to mean more than winning power. It had to mean rebuilding dignity, service, and community from the ground up. If you care about South African history, Black Consciousness, or the people whose names shaped the struggle but never got the full spotlight, this episode is essential listening. KEYWORDS South Africa, apartheid, black consciousness, SASO, Steve Biko, Muntu Myeza, activism, history, resistance, democracy KEY TOPICS South African anti-apartheid movement Key figures: Steve Biko, Aubrey Mokoape, Muntu Myeza The SASO trial and political imprisonment Legacy of resistance and activism Historical context of apartheid and democracy Chapters 00:00 Introduction and personal reflections on the journey 03:19 Overview of season two and historical themes 05:30 The struggle leading to the first democratic elections 07:02 The SASO Nine and their stories 09:36 Aubrey Mokoape's life and legacy 12:16 Muntu Myeza's contributions and mysterious death 17:14 Commemoration and ongoing legacy 18:22 Conclusion and next steps for the series

    SASO 9 – Turning Repression into A Platform

  8. Jul 23

    Terror Lekota - The Builder

    The conversation delves into the life and political journey of Mosewa Gerard Patrick Lekota, highlighting his defiance against racial oppression, early activism, transition to the ANC, and the formation of COPE. It explores his legacy and impact on South African politics, emphasizing his unwavering commitment to building a better country for future generations. Takeaways Defiance against racial oppressionPolitical journey and activismLegacy and impact Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Patrick Lekota's Life and Impact 01:07 Lekota's Early Life and Education in South Africa 08:22 Joining SASO and the Black Consciousness Movement 09:40 Expulsion from University and Rise in Activism 10:40 Arrest and Trial in the SASO BPC Trial 14:39 Robben Island and Mandela's Connection 16:53 Ideological Journey: BCM to Non-Racialism 21:34 Release and Role in the UDF 29:23 Post-Apartheid Leadership and Reforms 33:29 Departure from ANC and Formation of COPE 38:19 Later Life, Legacy, and Death

    Terror Lekota - The Builder
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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
    57
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 On The Beaten Path Pod
  • Show Website
    On The Beaten Track