Can Business Save South Africa?

Home » News » Can Business Save South Africa?

South Africa is running out of time. Power outages, unemployment, corruption, crumbling infrastructure - the challenges keep stacking up.

The big question is: can business step in where government is failing and help put the country back on solid footing?

That urgent question is at the heart of this episode of Democracy Unplugged, our flagship live event and podcast series.

Moderator:

Justice Malala – journalist, political commentator and best-selling author.

Panel:

Moeletsi Mbeki — political economist and author, known for his sharp analysis of South Africa’s economic challenges and global competitiveness.
Bonang Mohale — corporate leader and outspoken advocate for ethical leadership, transformation, and inclusive growth.
Herman Mashaba — entrepreneur, former Mayor of Johannesburg, and founder of ActionSA, passionate about business-led solutions and economic freedom.
Piet le Roux — CEO of Sakeliga, a vocal proponent of a resilient, business-led approach to protect markets and strengthen civil society.

This episode looks at the real power business holds to help fix what’s broken, from creating jobs and supporting entrepreneurship to rebuilding trust in institutions and investing where government has failed. Has corporate South Africa done enough? For those who care about South Africa’s future – and the role business must play in it – this is an essential conversation.

About Podcast Party

Since its inception ahead of the 2024 general elections, Podcast Party has evolved into an independent content platform, producing live events and current affairs podcasts that challenge, inform, and inspire. With rotating guest hosts and expert panelists, Democracy Unplugged unpacks the pressing political, economic, and cultural issues shaping South Africa right now. Having a live audience who are invited to contribute to the conversation creates the healthiest debates and sets the stage for a richer podcast conversation.

As we look ahead, Podcast Party is committed to elevating more conversations that matter, and growing the impact of these shows as essential fixtures in South Africa’s media landscape.

📍 Watch on YouTube

Subscribe to @PodcastPartySA

Latest news

April 20, 2026

Where it all falls apart – Inside South Africa’s service delivery breakdown

South Africans do not experience service delivery failure as a policy debate. They experience it when taps run dry. They…

April 7, 2026

New poll shows people don’t trust parties, but still believe in voting

A new study from Ipsos reveals something both worrying and hopeful about South Africa’s democracy ahead of the 2026/27 local…

March 30, 2026

Institutional Memory: What Gets Lost in Transition (By Rina Broomberg)

Who gets remembered? Who gets forgotten?…

March 19, 2026

The military on our streets – A necessary fix or dangerous shortcut?

When President Cyril Ramaphosa announced the deployment of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) to tackle crime, it signalled…

Millions Flowing In – Inside SA’s Latest Party Donations

How much money do South Africa’s political parties really receive when there isn’t even a national election underway?…

War rooms vs Water realities

At last year’s State of the Nation Address, water infrastructure was framed as a national priority – upgrades, expanded supply,…

Active citizens needed for a healthy democracy

Earlier this month, we kicked off the year with an important conversation about how laws in South Africa are made….

Podcast Party – 2025 in Review

2025 has been a year of growth for Podcast Party with more fascinating discussions and a growing community….

The Hidden Cost of Brilliance

What 45 years in media and creative leadership taught me about working with exceptional people – Rina Broomberg…

Shows

Democracy Unplugged

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.

Level Up with Phumi Mashigo

Join Phumi and guests as they tackle the big stories of the week, dissect the current trends in politics and point you to what the future holds for South Africa and the continent.

This is Politics

Hosted by Justice Malala and veteran political commentator Mondli Makhanya, the show cuts through the noise with insight, honesty, and the kind of chemistry you only get when hosts actually love the conversation.

Holding the Frame: Lessons from the Edge of Brilliance

What does it truly mean to “hold the frame” for brilliance? How we do we navigate the fine line between celebrating brilliance and not allowing it to become self-destructive? Drawing over four decades of experience in media, leadership and talent development, Rina Broomberg shares her reflections on talent, power, freedom, culture and balance. This is not about any one individual or industry, but rather about patterns she’s seen repeated across decades working with exceptionally talented people. And it’s written for those who work close to brilliance – whether they lead it, support it, or live inside its orbit.

Force For Good

Empowering South Africans to be a force for good in society and their personal lives.

Brain and Brand Show

Timothy Maurice Webster explores brain insights and behavioral science to enhance personal and professional growth.

Talking Psychiatry

“Talking Psychiatry” is hosted by Christopher Paul Szabo. He is a psychiatrist and an emeritus professor in the Department of Psychiatry at the University of the Witwatersrand as well as the editor-in-chief of South African Psychiatry. He was the host of the “Beyond Madness” podcast which can be found on Spotify as well as Google and Apple podcasts.

Candid Conversations

Diverse hosts and guests delve into open, honest conversations on a range of topics to inform, inspire, and connect people globally.

VVIP: Voter Voices in Politics

The SA National Election is over, the GNU has been formed, so what now? Bafana Modise is back in studio to talk to the youth leaders of political parties.

Stress Less, Live More – Powered by Zembrin®

Life moves fast. Stress is everywhere. But what if there was a way to pause, reset, and approach life with more clarity and calm? “Stress Less, Live More – Powered by Zembrin®” is your go-to guide to answer that, and navigate modern life with more ease, focus, and mental wellness. Join Siya Sangweni and HG&H Pharmaceuticals’ Dr Ralph Tettey-Amlalo to unpack lifestyle changes that can help mitigate stress and anxiety, and how Zembrin® can support that.