Democracy Unplugged

Podcast Party
  • 5.0 (8)
  • POLITICS
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Democracy Unplugged brings together thought leaders, activists and influencers to untangle the threads of democratic principles, dissect current challenges, and envision what our future could look like. Join the conversation as our panels delve into current affairs, political dynamics and social issues.

  1. 6 DAYS AGO

    If democracy is changing, are we changing with it?

    This edition of Democracy Unplugged is a forward-looking conversation on where South Africa, and the world, is headed politically. Phumi Mashigo picks the brains of Ismael Steenkamp, ward 29 councillor from the Patriotic Alliance; Solly Msimanga, leader of the opposition in the Gauteng Legislature from the Democratic Alliance; and Lerato Madisha, grassroots activist and community leader within the Gauteng government from Build One South Africa. This is an insightful look at the impact and the future of democracy. Want to be part of the live audience? Democracy Unplugged records once a month from our Sandton studios. Email contact@podcastparty.co.za to request free tickets. The Burning Platform

    1h 9m

  2. 22 JAN

    Is SA’s education system broken? With Hendrick Makaneta and Dr Linda Meyer

    Higher education in South Africa - are we future-proofing the country, or stuck in an old system? Just after the grade 12 results have been released, Phumi Mashigo hosts a conversation that cuts through the feel-good headlines and asks harder questions about the system. She’s joined by Hendrik Makaneta, education activist, former teacher and director of the Foundation for Education and Social Justice, as well as Dr Linda Meyer; the managing director of ADvTECH, Africa's leading private education provider. The Burning Platform

    31 min

  3. 15 JAN

    Who really writes our laws? With RISE Mzansi’s Makashule Gana and The New South Institute’s Ivor Chipkin

    How do South Africa’s laws and policies come to be, and what can you do to be part of the change? Phumi Mashigo dives into the stages and processes involved in making or changing a law, with RISE Mzansi’s Makashule Gana and The New South Institute’s Ivor Chipkin. This episode brings an understand of the nation’s policy making process, how the public can participate in the legislative process, and shedding light on some of the legal changes we can anticipate in 2026. The Burning Platform

    45 min

  4. 8 JAN

    Power, institutions, and incentives with Dr Levy Ndou

    What should citizens be watching — not emotionally, but analytically — as we head into 2026? Kicking off the new political year, Phumi Mashigo speaks to Dr Levy Ndou (political analyst and politics lecturer at the Tshwane University of Technology) for a catch-up on Jan 8, the 114th birthday of the ANC - a liberation movement that became a governing party, and now governs in coalition after losing its majority for the first time. Class is in session! The Burning Platform

    17 min

  5. 18/12/2025

    Mike Sham wraps up 2025 - where do we go from here?

    What can we learn from 2025 to anticipate where the world is going next year? In this year-end conversation, State of the Nation host Mike Sham joins Phumi Mashigo for an unfiltered assessment of our political reality. This conversation cuts through the spin to examine local and global happenings, asking what the year truly revealed about accountability and the political path going forward. The Burning Platform

    53 min

  6. 04/12/2025

    Municipal Meltdown: Part 2

    What will it take to turn South Africa’s municipal crisis around? Can local government still be rescued before the 2026 elections? In this follow-up episode of Democracy Unplugged, moderator Phumi Mashigo brings together panelists from multiple political parties to confront the question head-on. Featuring Afrika Mayibuye Movement’s Sydney Baloyi, PAC’s Jaki Seroke, GOOD’s Sarah Mabotsa and Action SA’s Kholofelo Morodi. The Burning Platform

    1h 10m
  7. The AI Reality Check - Are We Ready for 2026?

    27/11/2025

    The AI Reality Check - Are We Ready for 2026?

    Artificial Intelligence (AI) is re-writing the rules. Are we ready? In this episode of Democracy Unplugged Timothy Maurice Webster leads a dynamic conversation with AI experts George Nichas, Callan Abrahams and Mushambi Mutuma on how AI is reshaping work, creativity, governance, and daily life. The Burning Platform

    1h 15m

  8. 20/11/2025

    Conviction or convenience - what drives Floyd Shivambu?

    What does South Africa need now, according to Floyd Shivambu? And will he be the answer to our political problems? Phumi Mashigo unpacks the evolution behind the headlines with him - from the ANC Youth League to the EFF, a stint in MK, and now his role in shaping the Afrika Maibuye Movement. Is this reinvention or conviction in motion? Floyd speaks candidly about ideological consistency, political disillusionment, organisational decay, and why he believes South Africa still needs a true revolutionary movement. If you've ever wondered what motivates a strategist to abandon comfort for controversy, this conversation is essential listening. The Burning Platform

    1h 4m
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
8 Ratings

About

Democracy Unplugged brings together thought leaders, activists and influencers to untangle the threads of democratic principles, dissect current challenges, and envision what our future could look like. Join the conversation as our panels delve into current affairs, political dynamics and social issues.

Information

  • Creator
    Podcast Party
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    150
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Podcast Party
  • Show Website
    Democracy Unplugged

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