What happens when trust in money breaks down? In these economic times, Phumi Mashigo explores money, economies and more with author of "Money: A Story of Humanity" and economist David McWilliams. This conversation shows how money isn't just a financial tool - it's a shared belief, a social contract and one of the most powerful forces shaping our world.

Is South Africa serious about fighting organised crime, or just blowing smoke? Phumi Mashigo takes a dive into the dark underbelly of our tobacco market with industry expert Johnny Moloto. As the Area Head of Corporate & Regulatory Affairs at British American Tobacco (BAT) Sub-Saharan Africa, Johnny unpacks the deep economic and public health impact of the trade - and why he believes foreign influence and weak enforcement are sabotaging efforts to fix it. He critiques the Tobacco Control Bill, questions government accountability, and calls for bold leadership, better regulation, and stronger action from SARS.

What are the real-time funding crises in South Africa, and how are they affecting vital health and social services, especially in underserved communities? In this powerful episode of Level Up, Phumi Mashigo is joined by thought-leader and social justice veteran Lebogang Ramafoko for a fearless deep dive into the state of South Africa’s NGO sector. From the fallout of USAID’s shutdown to the political ripple effects of foreign funding, Lebogang unpacks the growing tension between international donor agendas and local grassroots priorities. With nearly three decades of experience in health, media, and activism, she offers sharp insights on policy manipulation, government overreach, and the fragile social safety net NGOs are expected to uphold - often without the power or protection they need.

With the court now pausing the VAT hike in South Africa, where will the money come from to plug the budget deficit? What happens to the two key bills the minister tabled alongside the framework? And what does this mean for you and your pocket? Phumi Mashigo breaks this down with Tara Roos, a sharp, young policy mind in Parliament as a researcher for various portfolio committees, founder of the Participation Project and So We Vote on IG, former UNESCO Youth Ambassador, and someone who’s had a seat at the table on global youth and climate policy. Together they unpack the fiscal framework: what it really is, what Parliament actually voted on, and how it links to the controversial VAT proposal. They also examine the impact on social spending — including a potentially vulnerable SASSA grant. Is this a win for the public, or just a reshuffling of the same pressures under a different name? Join the conversation as they cut through the spin and follow the money!

Where is South Africa headed - and what should you be keeping your eye on? Journalist and political commentator Justice Malala reunites with Phumi Mashigo on Level Up to dissect some of the local and international political happenings. Fom Julius Malema looking “lonely and sad”, why Justice missed Mbeki and what a G20 Summit looks like with or without President Donald Trump… it’s time to level up.

What went wrong with South Africa’s budget process and does the Democratic Alliance (DA) have a case in their court challenge of Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana’s decision to hike Value Added Tax (VAT)? There has since been varying responses and reactions around this so Phumi tackles this point in our country’s trajectory with Mark Oppenheimer, practicing advocate and member of the Johannesburg Bar, and Kristen Heim, an expert on institutional change in African Legislatures and has been engaged in parliamentary capacity development across the continent since 2008 | Level Up with Phumi Mashigo

What are the blockages holding SA back? TikTok sensation Darren Campher shares some of his thoughts, as someone who has kept a keen eye on South Africa’s political happenings, making a new generation interested too. More than an interest in politics, he now plays an active role in it: After toying with the idea of joining the EFF, he’s now firmly in the Jacob Zuma-led uMkhontho weSizwe (MK) political party as head of research. In this one-on-one with Phumi Mashigo, he chats about his background, view of the world, and issues plus solutions that within our nation.

With South Africa in dire need of faster economic growth - what role does the National Economic Development and Labour Council (NEDLAC) play in shaping South Africa’s future? In this episode of Level Up with Phumi Mashigo, Thulani Tshefuta from NEDLAC dives into their work to give some insight. They explore its successes, challenges, and opportunities for improvement in addressing South Africa’s economic issues.

What are the current priorities of South Africa’s health committee? From the NHI to tabled bills - there’s been a lot of talk, and a big spotlight, on the interaction of politics and health. Dr Kgosi Letlape joins Level Up this week to give his take, as a portfolio committee member for health in Parliament. In this wide-ranging discussion, he touches on funding, the solutions we need to implement… and even what he would change if he was Minister of Health. Let’s Level Up!

What is really happening at the Stilfontein mines, weeks after the entire nation’s attention was first pulled to the unfolding tragedy as the police, the community and miners were in a standoff? This edition of Level Up interrogates this with Mametlwe Sebei, attorney with the NGO “Lawyers for Human Rights”, to get a deeper understanding of this layered story. In this conversation with Phumi Mashigo, find out the complex circumstances that have led to hundreds of dead bodies being extracted from the mine, hundreds more facing uncertain legal futures and why Sebei implores South Africa to relook at its treatment of miners.

How do the markets, investors and markets respond to market uncertainty in light of the Budget Speech being postponed on Wed 19 Feb 2025? How did we get to this point? There’s lots to unpack in this episode of Level Up. Phumi is joined by David Ansara, CEO of the Free Market Foundation, and Kgathatso Tlhakuli, a former public servant with specific experience of state-owned companies oversight, to discuss and debate. How state funds are used, tax, government’s capabilities, race, and more gets discussed.

Is Donald Trump bullying South Africa with his executive orders? Or does he just know how to use the soft power of aid money? Phumi Mashigo chats to renowned academic, analyst and commentator Kofi Kouakou — explaining this and more. Listen to this discussion around aid, soft power, how it works and what it means for you.

State of the Nation Address with President Cyril Ramaphosa was delivered in just under 90 minutes, in 6773 words he set out his GNU’s blue print for the year ahead but did he inspire the nation or even just today’s guests. Khaya Sithole and Mark Oppenheimer are Leveling up with us On the highlights and lowlights.

After a decade run as South Africa’s first and longest-running online current affairs show, The Burning Platform is levelling up – Level Up with Phumi Mashigo - under Podcast Party’s Democracy Unplugged umbrella.…as well as live events where you can be part of the audience. Email podcastparty.co.za to reserve your place and add your voice. In the premiere episode of Level Up, this powerhouse panel unpacks the trends, shifts, and surprises 2025 has in store. Phumi is joined by trends guru Dion Chang, brain and brand expert Timothy Maurice, and political observer Xavier Bapoo to explore how politics, business, and human behavior will shape the year ahead. From global disruptions to South Africa’s evolving political landscape, this episode is your guide to the future.

Where has the political world made the most progress in 2024? Gareth Cliff and Phumi Mashigo are joined by Burning Platform regular commentators, Jonathan Witt and Kanthan Pillay, for a roundtable discussion on the most uplifting and transformative political stories of 2024, taking a closer look at the key victories that have shaped the year on this final, special edition of the show for the year.

Is there a woke agenda in schools? And if so, how is it undermining education in South Africa and why should you be worried? Attorney and essayist Richard Wilkinson is fighting hard against the anti-woke school capture he sees playing out in our local landscape. ”School Capture" refers to the woke takeover of South African schools and universities, specifically the growing and toxic influence of Critical Race Theory and Gender Ideology on all aspects of education. This edition of The Burning Platform delves into this topic and unpacks how all that glitters might not always be gold.

How much money is too much in foreign aid? First off catching up, Phumi and Gareth chat about some of the highlights that made news in recent times. Moving onto an interview with representative for Kentucky's 4th congressional district, Thomas Massie. He gives his insights on the American elections and what's to come.

Are the solutions to South Africa's problems political? The year is winding down and South Africa's problems only seem to be ramping up. From water shortages to illegal miners, it's understandable to not have handle on the latest news. Political commentator and junior lecturer at the Central University of Technology, Leeto Nthoba joins Phumi and Gareth to wade through South Africa's murky political waters.

How do the US election results affect SA? Back to regularly scheduled programming, Gareth and Phumi are in the studio and joined by regular contributor Kanthan Pillay. Up for discussion is the recent results of the American elections. Behavioural psychology author and thought leader Timothy Maurice steps in to help make sense of the nuances in current American politis.

Welcome to this special episode of Burning Platform - in the last two weeks we’ve held two events hosted by Justice Malala and Penuel the Black Pen, with leaders from political parties who accepted the invitation to come and talk about 100 Days of GNU - how are we doing South Africa? What are the burning issues? These are important conversations and we decided it was well-worth including as part of the Burning Platform series. Please join the conversation by leaving your thoughts in the comments section, and make sure you subscribe to Podcast Party Youtube channel - Podcast party SA - so you get notifications and you don’t miss a thing! And now….100 Days of GNU Part 2