Jasmine Opperman is qualified as a risk analyst and has major experience in South African and international intelligence. She discusses the larger picture of possible threats in Southern Africa, before getting into the Israel-Hamas conflict.

Ivor Chipkin is the Co-Founder and Director of the New South Institute. He joins Gareth and Phumi this week to discuss the Public Service Amendment Bill, government reform, questioning politicians and more.

Leeto Nthoba breaks down mining unions and the current ‘hostage situation’ at the GoldOne mine. Bakh’abantu plays devil’s advocate about business and the economy, while Phumi asks what political parties have to do to the bring the youth to the ballot boxes.

Bafana Modise and Kanthan Pillay join the panel and conversation gets heated after Kanthan has some strong opinions on the conflict from both sides. Bafana emphasises the argument government makes about supporting an anti-apartheid state, and Phumi believes the ANC is using this conflict as a distraction.

In the beginning of South Africa’s democracy era, a world of vigilantism and dark organised crime was a real problem in the Western Cape. Mark Shaw - Director of the Global Initiative Against Transnational Organized Crime - tells his story about being part of this team in the early 2000s, as well as the state of policing in South Africa... particularly in the Western Cape. Ian Cameron, Director of Community Safety at Action Society, stops by to report back on his apology from Bheki Cele, as...

Leon Louw - a policy expert, author and speaker - joins the panel to discuss land and property ownership, and the unlawful woes that have carried over the last few generations. Phumi implodes after hearing about the Woolworths CEO’s profit margin, and Kanthan struggles to see the DA’s vision, launching Chris Pappas as the premier candidate for KZN. Gareth gets into some international news.

In a crucial time when water (a basic amenity) is not being provided properly, we have to question why and what are the potential outcomes. Prominent hydrologist and environmental scientist, Prof. Anthony Turton, has some words about our current water and filtration system - and the lack of maintenance by the government. Gareth, Phumi, and Kanthan also get into some local and global headlines, including the name change of the most hated road in Johannesburg.

Dear South Africa founder, Rob Hutchinson joins the team to discuss the latest coming out of the Road Accident Fund, Pravin Gordhan’s new state-owned company, and the saga of the fake Dear SA scammer call centre.

Uncover the complexities of Tshwane's municipal workers’ strike, corruption issues, coalition dynamics, and the city's future with Mayor Cilliers Brink, as he joins Gareth and Phumi this week.

The South African delegation recently visited Zim President, Emmerson Mnangagwa, after his re-election. A concerned Pan-Africanist, professional speaker, leadership expert, author and entrepreneur, Godfrey Madanhire, jumps on to give his perspective on Zimbabwe’s recent election, their BRICS request, and lots more on African and global politics.

Prof. JJ Tabane is in the house… ranting about how nothing is being done to hold politicians accountable. The Burning Platform heats up with talks of the moonshot pact, the electoral act, and the impact of BRICS on our national interest.

Col. Chris Wyatt is in town for the BRICS Summit and is reflecting on the partnership from a US standpoint. Kanthan Pillay shares thoughts on South Africa's impact on the BRICS building blocks, while Gareth and Phumi chime in on the US debate.

Gareth Cliff, Phumi Mashigo, and Kanthan Pillay are delighted to host the FF+ for the first time on The Burning Platform. Chief Whip, Dr Corne Mulder, sets the record straight on the FF+’s vision - as both an independent party and coalition partner. We also hear the latest coming out of the ‘Multi-Party Charter for South Africa’.

Anthea Jeffery has been looking into unemployment, infrastructure, EWC and the mining sector in her latest book, Countdown to Socialism. And Cape Town mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis updates us on the latest coming out of the taxi strikes.

Cape Town mayor, Geordin Hill-Lewis gives Gareth Cliff an update on the latest happenings with SANTACO.

Bakh’abantu has some bullets in his chamber, having been fired up after the EFF’s 10-year celebration. Ebrahim Harvey - former Cosatu trade unionist, and current political writer, analyst, and commentator - warns us not to rule Malema out just yet, after an impressive decade-long run in the South African political arena.

The state of mining in South Africa has become questionable after recent discoveries of illegal mining throughout the country. Should this be legalised and taxed, or should SA continue to ban it? Bakh’abantu joins the panel to tackle the SABC, Malema’s EFF’s 10-year anniversary speech, and the ANC.

Mighti Jamie and the EFF’s Ntokozo Hlonyana join this week’s show to discuss the EFF’s 10-year anniversary. What are the party’s plans for the country, should they be successful in the next election? Plus their stance on EWC, nationalization, and more. NB: Unfortunately the internet went down for a few minutes during the show, and some of the discussion was not recorded - apologies for the frustration!

The team delves into the state of literacy in the country, government plots and how to deal with blue light brigades. Phumi and Kanthan get into a heated debate about mining and the economy.

The Burning Platform kicks off with Phumzile Mgcina, the newly elected Deputy President of the ANC Youth League, telling us about their new leadership and plans for the future. Gareth, Phumi and Kanthan get into the riots in France, as well as education equality.

Dumo Denga is today’s featured guest, alongside Gareth Cliff and Phumi Mashigo. Together the team do a deep dive into some current affairs, that include race-based water licensing, a haunting NHI update from Dumo’s perspective, and Gareth’s take on the Deputy President, Paul Mashatile, after receiving an email from someone wanting to defend him.

Paul Holden - an author with over 15 years experience in exposing corruption, with five bestselling books on South African and global politics - joins Phumi and Rams Mabote to talk about his new book, ‘Zondo at your Fingertips’. The team do a deep dive into the current state of the Zondo Commission, possible outcomes and speed bumps in the way at present. Phumi picks Rams’ brain for his perspective.

Dr Jonathan Witt joins Gareth Cliff and Kanthan Pillay to discuss the latest bill passed by the ANC government, regarding National Health Insurance (NHI) in South Africa, putting private health and medical aids at risk of collapsing to State level. Councillor Belinda Kayser-Echeozonjoku from the DA then joins to discuss the R81b budget for the City of Joburg.

Leeto Nthoba updates the team on Witbank's water struggle, triggering a debate on water rights in South Africa, and the need for new voices in the political space. Plus, as we ponder the future of universities, Leeto shares some powerful words: "We are the surgical knives that cut out the cancer."

Justice Malala, founding co-host of The Burning Platform, is visiting South Africa with his new book titled, ‘The Plot to Save South Africa’. Gareth Cliff sits down with him to discuss some history about the Chris Hani era, both before and after his assassination - as well as some of South Africa’s current issues and possible solutions to get the country back to where it needs to be.