Democracy Unplugged

Saving a Drowning Eskom

Kanthan Pillay and Dawie Scholtz join Gareth for some topical conversation. With the recent spate of resignations and reshuffling in the Democratic Alliance, the panel give their analysis on the matter. On the back of yesterday’s Budget speech, the two guests weigh in with their opinions, and, we get their…

31 Oct 2019 49 min

Who holds the future of the DA in their hands?

Right off the back of the major resignations from the Democratic Alliance (DA), Kanthan Pillay chimes in on these decisions with Gareth, a few hours after Mmusi Maimane and Athol Trollip have stepped down. Journalist Kgothatso Madisa calls in to express what he experienced at the DA press conference. Could…

24 Oct 2019 56 min

Where to from here Mmusi?

Barry Bateman uttered some comments not so long ago regarding EFF leader Julius Malema. The Burning Platform team weigh in on his apology, and the stance Primedia has taken on this matter. The team also discuss the state of the DA, and what the future looks like for their leader…

17 Oct 2019 52 min

Keeping Cool like Duduzane

Gareth and Kanthan are joined by eNCA journalist Michael Appel, who gives his take on the State Capture Inquiry this week, and shares insight on Duduzane Zuma’s well-curated responses. An amended Employment Equity bill is on the cards, and Gareth seems to have some intel. Finally, the team get into…

10 Oct 2019 57 min

Say Hello to the Taxman

Ivo Vegter joins the panel this week. Many people believe in religion, but today we take a closer look at why. Was Greta Thunberg used as a pawn in someone's agenda? There are mixed opinions in studio. Is the taxation regime in SA fair? Kanthan Pillay weighs in and breaks…

3 Oct 2019 1 hr 02 min

Where's the Silver Lining?

We have Khaya Sithole in studio and make good headway in attempting to get to the root cause of the xenophobic attacks our country has seen lately, and the consequences thereof. Is there any hope for the future of South Africa? We get the opinions of the Burning Platform team…

26 Sep 2019 58 min

White Monopoly Capital

The government has had the military stationed on the streets of Cape Town in an attempt to curb the violence, but not everyone agrees with this method. We unpack this polarising topic layer by layer. We're facing many issues as a country, but how can we fix the social fabric…

19 Sep 2019 58 min

Mugabe: A Fallen Hero?

Mungo Soggot, CEO of Scrolla, joins the team in studio. Formerly a news editor at the Mail & Guardian, he broke some of the country's biggest corruption stories, including 'Oilgate'. With the passing of former President Robert Mugabe, Gareth touches on the topic of the fallen statesman and Kanthan has…

12 Sep 2019 41 min

A failed state?

It’s been an eventful week in SA with xenophobia rearing its ugly head again. In response, Nigeria is pushing back and it’s not looking good. Critical thinker and Law graduate @MightiJamie joins the show and lays down some insightful views on the state of our nation, the potential ramifications, as…

5 Sep 2019 1 hr 03 min

Unintended Consequences

With China’s potential increasing at a rapid rate, are they on their way to becoming a serious threat to us all? Well, Kanthan Pillay is convinced that this is the case and has arguments to back it up. Then, the paper sent by Minister Tito Mboweni has reached the likes…

29 Aug 2019 53 min

We have a Right to Know

Kanthan Pillay chimes in with his opinion on the old South African flag debate. The team discuss the situation between Donald Trump and Denmark. The Hong Kong protests are still topical, and Kanthan seems to believe that they are being orchestrated by a third party. Thami Nkosi from the Right2Know…

22 Aug 2019 52 min

We have a Right to Know

Kanthan Pillay chimes in with his opinion on the old South African flag debate. The team discuss the situation between Donald Trump and Denmark. The Hong Kong protests are still topical, and Kanthan seems to believe that they are being orchestrated by a third party. Thami Nkosi from the Right2Know…

22 Aug 2019 52 min

You don’t have Nine Lives...

The heat is dialled up on The Burning Platform this week as Kanthan Pillay resuscitates the NHI conversation and unpacks an article he recently penned on the topic. There may be another side to the story between Eskom and the people of of Soweto… a resident chimes in and challenges…

15 Aug 2019 54 min

Helen Zille stirs the pot

Should there be any funding for SA’s political parties? Gareth educates the team on what a pirate victory is, and they get into a discussion on its potential effects in government. Transport Minister Fikile Mbalula went on vacation - paid for by government money. Afriforum has taken him to court…

8 Aug 2019 1 hr 14 min

Tell me Sweet Lies

Repeat offender Kgosi Chikane joins the conversation, along with Kanthan Pillay, as they discuss political issues and unpack the democratic presidential debate. As a country we’ve become known for violent protests, the team share their thoughts on this way of doing things and how we can do it better. Cyril…

1 Aug 2019 48 min

Trump's 'Squad'

Need to know what's happening in the world of politics the world over? Then this is the podcast for you. Gareth and the team examine stories like Boris Johnson's new position as Prime Minister and how President Trump is dealing with 'The Squad', before bringing it back to South Africa…

25 Jul 2019 57 min

Spies, Spies & More Lies

Former President Jacob Zuma's testimony at the State Capture Inquiry was slightly anticlimactic, given that he didn't admit much. City Press journalist Juniour Khumalo, who's been covering the Inquiry, has read between the lines nonetheless and gives his take on what our previous Number One citizen disclosed. Following the death…

18 Jul 2019 49 min

Dan's Deal

Journalist Thando Maeko has been reporting on the Public Investment Corporation inquiry; she chats to the team about her observations - most recently on former CEO Dan Matjila’s testimony. There are also the week's other big political stories, like Marianne Thamm's investigation on the EFF. Nando's · The Burning Platform

11 Jul 2019 51 min

Getting to Grips with the G20

Kanthan Pillay joins Phumi and Siya for "The Burning Platform". Together with Daily Maverick's Tabelo Timse, they unpack her story that reveals the Ekurhuleni municipality is spending R1.9 billion on chemical toilets. There’s also a discussion about the G20 summit, OUTA's plan to take legal action against the eThekwini Municipality…

4 Jul 2019 57 min

What To Look Forward to in Osaka...

With the State of the Nation Address reply behind us, what's the team's take on what transpired in parliament? Hear that here before Mabine Seabe, the DA's Acting Executive Director of Communications, shares his thoughts on #SONAReply too. Then, all the attention turns to the G20 Summit that will be…

27 Jun 2019 52 min