Democracy Unplugged

Following our previous education discussion, a clearer picture begins to emerge: one defined not just by underperformance, but by mounting…

South Africa is a young democracy, yet its voters are ageing while optimism continues to fade. Every election cycle raises…

What has 30 years of education reform in South Africa actually produced? For more than three decades, James Urdang has…

Who is responsible when service delivery stops working, and how do we fix it? Phumi Mashigo moderates this timely conversation…

Why are so many South Africans feeling politically disconnected right now? Lorato Tshenkeng joins Phumi Mashigo to explore the growing…

Nearly 30 years into democracy, why are housing rights still being fought for in court? Housing is a constitutional right…

South Africa’s proposed Tobacco Bill is meant to protect public health — but critics argue it could do the exact…

What do young South Africans really want from politics today? Recorded live at University of Johannesburg, Phumi Mashigo places students…

What really drives South Africa’s illegal mining crisis, and how does this impact you? Phumi Mashigo investigates the complex world…

Is South Africa’s economy on the brink of renewal, or just surviving? Directly after Minister Enoch Godongwana delivered his 2026…

Higher education in South Africa – are we future-proofing the country, or stuck in an old system? Just after the…

This edition of Democracy Unplugged is a forward-looking conversation on where South Africa, and the world, is headed politically. Phumi…

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 hold.