Podcast Party: Empowering South Africans with Knowledge

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As South Africa stands at a crossroads after three decades of democracy, facing political divisions, corruption, unemployment, and crumbling infrastructure, Podcast Party was founded in November 2023 as a non-political platform leveraging the power of content to reach South Africans where they engage most – online. Our mission was to empower citizens with knowledge ahead of the pivotol 2024 election and think critically at the polls.

VVIP – Voter Voices in Politics and Manifesto Unpacked – Engaging the Youth

It all began with the youth and the launch of “VVIP – Voter Voices in Politics.” This initiative aimed to demonstrate to young people their crucial role in shaping the future. Research was conducted in studio with focus groups and during roadshows. Complementing this was the podcast series “Manifesto Unpacked” with Bafana Modise, where youth leaders and premier candidates explored party manifestos to help young voters make more informed decisions.

The Burning Platform and Democracy 101: Holding Leaders Accountable

Our flagship show, “The Burning Platform,” hosted by Gareth Cliff and Phumi Mashigo, put political leaders in the hot seat to detail their plans for South Africa. “Democracy 101,” with Gareth and Jack Motlanthe, served as a comprehensive guide to understanding the principles, challenges, and history of democracy. Additionally, “Africanalysis” with JJ Cornish provided insights into developments across the rest of Africa.

Democracy Unplugged: Elevating the Dialogue

“Democracy Unplugged” events took our mission to the next level. These dynamic panels, featuring diverse podcasters and commentators, included audience participation to dissect current challenges and envision the future. Visiting thought leaders Douglas Murray and Eric Weinstein elevated these discussions with international perspectives on the South African situation.

In-Studio Interviews and On-the-Ground Reporting

A variety of in-studio interviews were held with influencers, academics, and change-makers with Sinazo Nomarwayi and Jack Motlanthe, while Jane Malatji, our intrepid on-the-ground reporter, took to the streets of Sandton and Alex to survey public opinion in local languages, reaching a broader demographic.

Expanding Reach and Engagement

Podcast Party content is distributed across all social media channels and our website, with YouTube enjoying over a million views in just a few months. As the election season concludes and the focus shifts to building the future, Podcast Party remains committed to providing insightful content through engaging discussions, expert opinions, and on-the-ground activations. Our goal is to foster a media landscape where people engage more critically with the world around them.

Podcast Party – Where Great Minds Don’t All Think Alike!

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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.

South Africa's Promise

Welcome to Global Lessons in African Peacecraft Models, a unique series exploring how Africa has historically built, sustained, and brokered peace. In this first episode, host Muzi Kuzwayo, co-author of the book Peace is Like Sex, introduces the vision behind the series and sets the stage for a deep dive into African approaches to diplomacy, reconciliation, and community building.

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.