Advertise on podcast: Democracy Unplugged

The votes have been cast, the results are coming in. But what do they actually mean for your everyday life? Beyond the political wins, losses and negotiations, the outcome of South Africa’s 2026 Local Government Elections could have implications for everything from the water that comes out of your tap, education and the future of your community. In this special episode, we gather experts from across different sectors to unpack what the election results could mean for the services we rely on, the opportunities available to us and the communities we live in. The Burning Platform

What really happens behind the scenes in South African politics? And how much of what we see is politics as usual, and how much is political performance? Phumi Mashigo sits down with TJ Masilela, host of Palatable Politics, to unpack the inner workings of political parties, democracy and the responsibility that comes with political membership. TJ also tackles a difficult question: if the ANC is far from ideal, why does he believe there is no other alternative? This is a conversation that invites you to look beyond the performance and think more deeply about the politics that shapes our lives. Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by hosts, guests and panellists do not necessarily reflect those of Podcast Party. Podcast Party encourages open dialogue and diverse perspectives and does not endorse any political party, candidate or viewpoint. The Burning Platform

As South Africa heads towards the 2026 local government elections, Siya Sangweni brings political parties in Cape Town together for one last, important conversation before voters head to the polls. What are they promising voters, and what will those promises mean for your everyday life? Featuring Afrika Mayibuye Movement’s Apostle Musa Joshua Mohlala, Build One South Africa’s Kerryn Rehse, the African National Congress’s Khalid Sayed, and GOOD Party’s Brett Herron. Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by hosts, guests and panellists do not necessarily reflect those of Podcast Party. Podcast Party encourages open dialogue and diverse perspectives and does not endorse any political party, candidate or viewpoint. The Burning Platform

What do the numbers tell us about Johannesburg’s local elections? Political and economic analyst Paul Berkowitz joins Phumi Mashigo to unpack the data behind the upcoming local elections. Together they explore what the numbers could mean for Johannesburg, and beyond, and whether they tell the full story of what voters can expect. With so many parties competing for power, what should voters be looking at beyond the party name on the ballot? Hear more about that in this conversation. Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by hosts, guests and panellists do not necessarily reflect those of Podcast Party. Podcast Party encourages open dialogue and diverse perspectives and does not endorse any political party, candidate or viewpoint. The Burning Platform

How do you decide who gets your vote? With South Africa’s political landscape offering more choices than ever, understanding what political parties actually believe has never been more important. In this episode, Phumi brings together highlights from conversations with politicians across the political spectrum, exploring what their parties stand for, the kind of South Africa they want to build, and the ideas they believe should shape the country’s future. **Disclaimer:** The views and opinions expressed in this episode are those of the guests and speakers and do not necessarily reflect the views or opinions of Podcast Party. Podcast Party does not endorse or take responsibility for the views expressed by individual guests. Podcast Party is an independent platform and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or aligned to any political party. The Burning Platform

Johannesburg needs a mayor. But what does each candidate believe is broken, what do they want the city to become, and who pays for their plans? In this episode, Phumi Mashigo puts different candidates’ answers side by side, exploring their visions for Johannesburg, the cost of fixing the city, the realities of coalition politics and who stands to benefit from the economic future they imagine. Because before you decide who gets your vote, you need to understand what they’re asking you to trust them with. The Burning Platform

As South Africa marks Heritage Day, Phumi Mashigo is joined by Zulu Royal Historian and author Shalo Mbatha to ask: what kind of South Africa are we building for the next 30 years? From King Shaka and the formation of the Zulu nation to apartheid, identity, inequality and belonging, they explore what our history can teach us about our future - and what it will take to build a stronger shared South African identity The Burning Platform

With local government elections less than 50 days away, the political temperature is rising. Phumi Mashigo sits down with Justice Malala and Mondli Makhanya to unpack the ANC’s candidate-list chaos, the DA’s missed opportunities, MK’s rise in KwaZulu-Natal and whether the EFF has lost its political edge. Plus: Ramaphosa’s leadership in Africa, Trump and the US midterms, Europe’s shift to the right — and what all of it tells us about the changing face of political leadership. The Burning Platform

With the local government elections less than 50 days away, South Africa's political landscape is heating up. This week Phumi Mashigo speaks to Justice Malala and Mondli Makhanya from the This Is Politics podcast about the ANC's candidate-list chaos, the DA's missed opportunities, MK's rise in KwaZulu-Natal and whether the EFF has lost its political edge. They also discuss Africa, SADC and Cyril Ramaphosa's leadership on the African continent and look at Donald Trump and the 2026 US midterms, the rise of the political right across Europe, and the changing nature of political leadership. The Burning Platform

Can South Africa get tobacco policy right? What do these decisions mean for you? Phumi Mashigo speaks to Prof Lekan Ayo-Yusuf, Professor of Public Health with more than 20 years of experience across higher education, hospital management, university leadership and executive management. With specialist expertise in epidemiology, health promotion, research and tobacco control regulatory science, Prof Ayo-Yusuf explains the future of the tobacco industry, the role of the World Health Organisation, and the importance of bringing science, advocacy and political leadership together. The conversation also takes a closer look at South Africa’s Tobacco Bill and the policies that could shape the country’s public health future. The Burning Platform

Ten years after #FeesMustFall, does protest still have the power to change South Africa? From the Wits campus to the streets, student activism has shaped some of the country’s most important political conversations. But has that activism translated into lasting change, and where does a new generation of young leaders take the fight from here? Siya Sangweni leads this conversation with Wits SRC member Sandile Sibanda, student leader Angelic Mafadza and South African Youth Council’s Jimmy Khosa. The Burning Platform

When basic services fail, corruption takes root and criminal networks become more powerful, what happens to the communities left behind? Phumi Mashigo speaks to Action SA’s Xolani Khumalo about his plans to bring a more aggressive approach to fixing local government as he runs for Ekurhuleni mayor; and whether South Africans should expect more from their leaders. The Burning Platform

Who do you trust to lead our cities? As we wrap Women’s Month, meet the women vying to shape futures as host Phumi Mashigo profiles female mayoral candidates on their leadership, vision, priorities and plans, and what they believe our cities need next. Featuring Build One South Africa’s Nobuntu Hlazo-Webster (Johannesburg), Action SA’s Gibsy Diale (Mogale City) and Land Party’s Ntsiki Mazwai (Johannesburg). The Burning Platform

Is Johannesburg ready for a new kind of political leadership? Lukhona Mnguni joins Phumi Mashigo to unpack his vision for the city, from cleaner and safer communities to greater transparency, accountable government and principled coalition politics. He also discusses his political career, learnings from his experience and his journey within RISE Mzansi. The Burning Platform

What has gone wrong in Durban, and what will it take to fix the city? Phumi Mashigo speaks to the Democratic Alliance’s Haniff Hoosen about the challenges facing eThekwini and why residents are increasingly demanding action. In this discussion, Hoosen shares his vision for an eThekwini where communities take action, leaders listen and residents have a stronger voice in shaping the city’s future. The Burning Platform