Solutions With David Ansara

In this episode of the 'Solutions With David Ansara' podcast, I speak with John Endres, CEO of the Institute of Race Relations, about what awaits South Africa in 2023. 

Note: this will be the final episode of the podcast for 2022. I will be taking a break in December to figure out what I want to do with this platform, so it might be a little while until you see/hear me again. 

What is the 'Austrian School' of economics and how applicable is it to the South African context? In this episode of the 'Solutions With David Ansara' podcast, I speak with consultant and writer, Ian Macleod, about the benefits of free markets and limited government intervention.

READ: 'The Austrian antidote to South Africa’s decline into serfdom' by Ian Macleod (Daily Friend, 19 November 2022): https://dailyfriend.co.za/2022/11/19/the-austrian-antidote-to-south-africas-decline-into-serfdom/

In this episode of the 'Solutions With David Ansara' podcast, I speak with Mike Settas, head of the Health Policy Unit at the Free Market Foundation, about the risk of National Health Insurance, and how to stop it.

In this special retrospective episode of the 'Solutions With David Ansara' podcast, I share a selection of highlights from previous episodes where my guests and I discuss the role that business ought to be playing in South Africa during this period of economic turbulence and political realignment. 

TIMESTAMPS:

(00:00) Introduction

(01:14) Piet le Roux & Russell Lamberti on building an independent business community https://youtu.be/QBR-DC72y0Y 

(0:6:49) Songezo Zibi on his 'Manifesto' https://youtu.be/vnUPiefPinA 

(15:35) Hulme Scholes on saving the mining industry https://youtu.be/BO8lGinZdk0 

(20:14) Toby Chance on growing South Africa's economy https://youtu.be/sWsym3EDTm8 

(29:28) Jonathan Katzenellenbogen on SA's political realignment: https://youtu.be/cSP63oyp4LE 

(37:21) Leon Schreiber on ending cadre deployment https://youtu.be/8vUe80Pt88U 

(40:31) Athol Trollip on making coalitions work https://youtu.be/TWe6-kpgR00 

(43:26) Piet le Roux & Russell Lamberti on building an independent business community https://youtu.be/QBR-DC72y0Y 

(45:26) Conclusion

In this episode of the Solutions With David Ansara podcast, I speak with author and consultant, GG Alcock, about harnessing commercial opportunities in South Africa's township economies.   

GG's books: http://www.ggalcock.com/gg-books/

In this episode of the 'Solutions With David Ansara' podcast, I speak with Leader of the Democratic Alliance, John Steenhuisen, about South Africa's 'moonshot election' in 2024.

TIMESTAMPS:

(0:00:00) Introduction

(0:00:55) John Steenhuisen on SA's 'moonshot' election in 2024

(0:03:57) John Steenhuisen on the DA's core values

(0:06:23) John Steenhuisen on race-based policy 

(0:12:20) John Steenhuisen on liberalism

(0:17:00) John Steenhuisen on populism

(0:24:08) John Steenhuisen on stabilising coalitions

(0:28:04) John Steenhuisen on the DA's 'arrogance'

(0:30:58) John Steenhuisen on thresholds

(0:34:33) John Steenhuisen on a United Front

(0:36:51) John Steenhuisen on small parties

(0:42:05) John Steenhuisen on building a capable state

(0:45:56) John Steenhuisen on welfare spending

(0:48:48) John Steenhuisen on the EFF

(0:51:24) John Steenhuisen on working with the ANC

(0:56:09) John Steenhuisen on Western Cape devolution

(1:04:58) John Steenhuisen on active citizenship

(1:07:54) Conclusion

Does legal activism work? In this episode of the 'Solutions Wtih David Ansara' podcast, I speak with attorney, Daniël Eloff, about public interest litigation as an instrument for social change.

Daniël and I discuss:

- Why he chose the legal profession

- The effectiveness of public interest litigation 

- Legal challenges against the Lockdown

- The role of NGOs and civil society in holding government to account

- The need for a politically independent judiciary

In this episode of the Solutions With David Ansara podacast, I speak with Marius Roodt of the Institute of Race Relations about how to stabilise South Africa's volatile coalitions. 

Marius and I discuss:

- How SA's electoral system lends itself to coalitions

- A brief history of coalitions in SA 

- The current political landscape in SA 

- Can coalitions work with so many small parties? 

- International experience with coalitions

- Scenarios for 2024

What role does agriculture play in South Africa's economy and in society more broadly? In this episode of the Solutions With David Ansara podcast, I speak with Dr. Theo de Jager of the Southern African Agri Initiative (Saai) about farming in South Africa. 

We discuss:

- How Theo got involved in farming and organised agriculture 

- Saai and its objectives

- The current state of South Africa's agricultural sector 

- The risk of Expropriation Without Compensation 

- Alternative approaches to land reform

- Saai's participation in the Western Cape Devolution Working Group

- Farm attacks

- The drivers of food inflation in South Africa

- Global food security risks 

In this episode of the Solutions With David Ansara podcast, I speak with Athol Trollip of ActionSA about making coalitions work in South Africa.  

We discuss:

- Athol's background and how he got involved in politics

- Athol's assessment of the state of SA politics in the run-up to the 2024 elections

- Making coalitions work: Athol's experience as Mayor of Nelson Mandela Bay

- The potential for a broad opposition front to defeat the ANC/EFF

- The role of business in fixing South Africa

- Non-racialism

- The benefits of political devolution and decentralisation

Note: this episode was recorded on Tuesday 27 September 2022.

In this episode of the Solutions With David Ansara podcast, I speak with Michael Swain and Daniela Ellerbeck of Freedom of Religion South Africa (FOR SA), about the importance of religious freedom in South Africa.   

Visit the FOR SA website: https://forsa.org.za/

Support religious freedom in South Africa: https://forsa.org.za/donate/

South Africa is experiencing a fundamental political realignment. In this episode of the Solutions With David Ansara podcast, I speak with political scientist and author, RW Johnson, about how to save South Africa. 

TIMESTAMPS

(00:00) Intro

(00:39) RW Johnson on the ANC

(04:58) RW Johnson on tribalism 

(09:48) RW Johnson on Cyril Ramaphosa

(11:54) RW Johnson on the EFF

(19:47) RW Johnson on SA's fiscal problems

(25:13) RW Johnson on the need for a Popular Front

(38:42) RW Johnson on the capacity of the state

(41:52) RW Johnson on the future of SA as a unitary state

(47:41) RW Johnson on secessionist movements

(51:28) RW Johnson on self-sufficiency

(52:50) Conclusion

In this episode of the Solutions With David Ansara podcast, I speak with DA Member of Parliament, Dr. Leon Schreiber, about how the concept of cadre deployment has undermined good governance in South Africa, and his attempts to end the practice.

In this episode of the 'Solutions With David Ansara' podcast, I speak with independent consultant, John Bristow, about the future of the diamond industry.

Expropriation Without Compensation is back with a vengeance. In this episode of the 'Solutions With David Ansara' podcast, I speak with Gabriel Crouse of the Institute of Race Relations, about the risks of the Expropriation Bill. 

Sign the IRR petition to Stop the Expropriation Bill: https://irr.org.za/campaigns/stop-expropriation-without-compensation

In this episode of the 'Solutions With David Ansara' podcast, I speak with journalist, Jonathan Katzenellenbogen, about the prospects for political realignment in South Africa in the run-up to the general elections in 2024.

In this episode of the Solutions With David Ansara podcast, I speak to independent analyst, Michael Atkins, about the problems with the Electoral Amendment Bill and how to fix South Africa's electoral system.

In this special episode of the Solutions With David Ansara podcast, I pay tribute to the life and legacy of John Kane-Berman, the former long-time CEO of the South African Institute of Race Relations (IRR), who passed away on 27 July 2022, aged 76.

JKB was a formidable man who led the IRR for three turbulent decades. I speak to a range of people who worked with him and who were influenced by his ideas.

SPEAKERS

- John Endres, CEO, Institute of Race Relations

- Anthea Jeffery, Head of Policy Research, Institute of Race Relations

- Paul Pereira, Communications Consultant

- Martin van Staden, Legal Fellow, Sakeliga

- Temba Nolutshungu, Director, Free Market Foundation

- Piet le Roux, CEO, Sakeliga

LINKS

John Kane-Berman on the legacy of the Institute of Race Relations | Solutions Podcast #24 (3 October 2021): https://youtu.be/LOtU_fIDuR4

'In Memoriam: John Kane-Berman 1946-2022' (Daily Friend, 28 July 2022): https://dailyfriend.co.za/2022/07/28/in-memoriam-john-kane-berman-1946-2022/

'‘Daar gaan ‘n man verby’ – A reflection on John Kane-Berman' by Paul Pereira (Daily Friend, 4 August 2022): https://dailyfriend.co.za/2022/08/04/daar-gaan-n-man-verby-a-reflection-on-john-kane-berman/

TIMESTAMPS

(00:00) Intro

(00:56) John Endres on John Kane-Berman

(08:39) Anthea Jeffery on John Kane-Berman

(17:20) Paul Pereira on John Kane-Berman

(24:44) Martin van Staden on John Kane-Berman

(32:38) Temba Nolutshungu on John Kane-Berman

(43:34) Piet le Roux on John Kane-Berman

(47:41) John Kane-Berman on winning the battle of ideas

In this episode of the 'Solutions With David Ansara' podcast, I speak with Terence Corrigan of the IRR about what South Africa can learn from the economic development experiences of Vietnam and Indonesia.

LINKS

'Learning lessons: What can Asia teach South Africa?' by Terence Corrigan and Jivika Singh (Daily Friend, 3 June 2022): https://dailyfriend.co.za/2022/06/03/learning-lessons-what-can-asia-teach-south-africa/

'Learning lessons: What can Asia teach South Africa? – Part Two' by Terence Corrigan and Jivika Singh (Daily Friend, 10 June 2022): https://dailyfriend.co.za/2022/06/10/learning-lessons-what-can-asia-teach-south-africa-part-two/

In this episode of the 'Solutions With David Ansara' podcast, I speak with Jason Werbeloff and Mark Oppenheimer, co-hosts of the 'Brain in a Vat' podcast, about the power of philosophy. 

READ the 'Conversations About' books: https://smarturl.it/BrainShop

WATCH 'Brain in a Vat' on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/BraininaVat

LISTEN on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7oi3x8TckNF3NZ988z60Kv

In this episode of the Solutions With David Ansara podcast, I speak with policy consultant and businessman, Toby Chance, about how grow South Africa's economy.

Connect with Toby on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/toby-chance-b8218a6/?originalSubdomain=za

In this episode of the 'Solutions With David Ansara' podcast, I speak with mining lawyer, Hulme Scholes, about how to save South Africa's mining industry.

In this episode of the Solutions With David Ansara podcast I speak with public intellectual and author, Songezo Zibi, about his new book, 'Manifesto: a New Vision for South Africa'.

Songezo and I speak about why he chose to leave a successful career in corporate communications to co-found the Rivonia Circle, a new think-tank focused on civic education.

We speak about the crisis of leadership in South Africa, and the reasons why the African National Congress has failed to govern the country. 

Songezo and I debate the role of the state in economic development, and why civil society groups and organised business should be more active in shaping the political and policy agenda. 

Songezo has longer-term political ambitions, and we speak about why he is reluctant to join one of the more established opposition parties. 

We conclude by addressing one of South Africa's holy cows: race-based empowerment. 

LINKS

About the book: https://manifestobook.co.za/

Rivonia Circle: https://rivoniacircle.org/

TIMESTAMPS

(00:00) Introduction

(01:00) Songezo Zibi on his corporate career

(03:59) Songezo Zibi on the Rivonia Circle

(06:07) Songezo Zibi on why the ANC has failed

(10:50) Songezo Zibi on loadshedding

(14:22) Songezo Zibi on the role of the state

(16:40) Songezo Zibi on the role of civil society

(19:20) Songezo Zibi on the role of business

(26:15) Songezo Zibi on political correctness

(28:14) Songezo Zibi on his political ambitions

(30:32) Songezo Zibi on opposition parties

(34:57) Songezo Zibi on defeating the ANC

(37:50) Songezo Zibi on race-based policy

(46:11) Songezo Zibi on how to affect change in SA

How do we deal with the consequences of extreme weather events and natural disasters? 

In this episode of the Solutions With David Ansara podcast, I speak with two ordinary South Africans doing extraordinary things: Grant Tyson and Ivor Rimmer of Search and Rescue South Africa (SARZA).

SARZA is a group of volunteer 4x4 owners who provide search and rescue services to people stranded in remote locations. SARZA is typically called in when conventional emergency services cannot perform a rescue because of rough terrain. 

SARZA played a critical role providing relief to victims of the floods which devastated parts of KwaZulu-Natal in April 2022, where over 40,000 people were displaced, 4,000 homes were destroyed and more than 460 people lost their lives. 

During this time, SARZA volunteers served as a "force mulitplier" in support of the South African Police Service (SAPS) and the National Defense Force (SANDF). 

We speak about the incapacity of the state to deal with natural disasters of this magnitude. Ivor believes that many brave police officers and soldiers on the the ground were let down by poor management and budget cuts from "head office". 

We discuss the important role that community-led volunteer groups such as SARZA and Gift of the Givers play in filling the gaps left by the retreating state.

We also discuss the need for continuous training and readiness, the emotional toll of working in rescue and recovery operations, and the ongoing funding requirements of such a complex organisation.

We conclude the conversation by reflecting on the need for South Africans to get more involved in their communities through volunteer work.

TIMESTAMPS:

(00:00) Introduction

(01:01) Ivor Rimmer on the history of SARZA and its work

(03:21) Grant Tyson on the KZN floods

(08:29) Grant Tyson & Ivor Rimmer on the KZN rescue operation

(17:49) Ivor Rimmer & Grant Tyson on the capacity of the state

(23:37) Grant Tyson & Ivor Rimmer working with Gift of the Givers

(30:39) Ivor Rimmer & Grant Tyson on training & readiness

(33:38) Grant Tyson & Ivor Rimmer on the SAPS Canine Unit

(38:14) Ivor Rimmer on the emotional toll

(41:07) Ivor Rimmer on funding SARZA

(44:42) Grant Tyson & Ivor Rimmer on professionalizing SARZA

(47:18) Grant Tyson on volunteering with SARZA

(49:41) Ivor Rimmer on community-led initiatives

(51:29) Conclusion

LINKS

Donate to SARZA: https://www.backabuddy.co.za/sarza-fundraiser

SARZA website: https://www.sarza.co.za/

Get involved with SARZA: https://www.sarza.co.za/join-us/

What is the appropriate role for business to be playing in South Africa, and how can businesses flourish in an environment where the state is becoming increasingly hostile towards the private sector? 

In this special in-person edition of the Solutions With David Ansara podcast, I speak with Piet le Roux and Russell Lamberti of the business advocacy group, Sakeliga, about building an independent business community in South Africa.

We start the conversation by examining why traditional business advocacy has failed to achieve a more conducive policy environment for private enterprise in South Africa. 

I suggest that the consensus-seeking model that has characterised the past four years should give way to a more 'transactional' relationship between business and government.

"Asking government more nicely and more urgently to do things differently next time, or even right now, just doesn't work," says Piet. "It's not enough to simply present better policies for government to adopt. We need to come to a point where instead of lobbying for change,  we negotiate for change," he notes.

Piet warns that access to government creates the impression of influence, but it ultimately locks you into a subservient relationship with the government. Instead, Russell argues, the appropriate role of business in the context of a failing state is to balance power, and by doing so, help to achieve a more harmonious economy and society. 

We also discuss how the policy of Black Economic Empowerment (BEE) replaces the economic incentives of the market with the perverse incentives of politics. This amounts to a reverse form of 'state capture', i.e. capture by the state. "BEE is the capture of the commercial sphere by politicians," Piet notes.

Russell speaks about South Africa's deteriorating energy security, and the risk this poses to the economy. He highlights the importance of decentralised approaches to energy production as an alternative to the state's monopoly.

We conclude by discussing strategies for organisations to achieve true independence from a pernicious state. This requires businesses to be more firm in saying 'no' to harmful government interventions and working together to build alternative institutions to the state.

TIMESTAMPS:

(00:00) Introduction

(01:32) Piet le Roux on why traditional business advocacy has failed

(05:03) Russell Lamberti on the limits of consensus

(07:58) Piet le Roux on lessons learned from the Lockdown 

(12:58) Russell Lamberti on the sovereignty of business

(15:50) Piet le Roux & Russell Lamberti on access to government

(19:22) Piet le Roux & Russell Lamberti on the problems with BEE

(25:56) Piet le Roux on the limits of litigation

(28:51) Russell Lamberti & Piet le Roux on energy security

(38:39) Piet le Roux & Russell Lamberti on building an independent business community

(41:21) Piet le Roux on supporting the rule of law

(43:23) Russell Lamberti on decentralisation

(46:36) Piet le Roux on cooperating with others

(48:35) Conclusion

RESOURCES

Sakeliga website: https://sakeliga.co.za/en/

What role does civil society play in resisting a hostile and interfering government? In this episode of the Solutions With David Ansara podcast, I speak with Rob Hutchinson, the founder and Chairman of civil society organisation DearSA, about how to become an active citizen. 

Rob and I discuss his reasons for starting DearSA, and how its public participation process differs from traditional approaches, such as petitions. 

DearSA achieved prominence during the Covid-19 lockdowns, but its work is not over. Rob shines some light on the SA government's ongoing Covid regulations, and reveals DearSA's plans to challenge the validity of the National Health Amendment Bill in court. 

We also discuss how DearSA leverages technology to reach audiences online, as well as its funding model and future objectives. 

We close the conversation by reflecting on the state of democracy in South Africa, and why it is important for ordinary people to make their voices heard. 

TIMESTAMPS

(00:00) Introduction

(00:48) Rob Hutchinson on how DearSA works

(04:52) Rob Hutchinson on recent DearSA campaigns

(10:38) Rob Hutchinson on SA's ongoing Covid restrictions

(18:42) Rob Hutchinson on DearSA's upcoming court case

(20:44) Rob Hutchinson on how DearSA uses technology

(27:20) Rob Hutchinson on the state of democracy in SA

(34:50) Rob Hutchinson on fundraising

(37:28) Rob Hutchinson on public participation

(41:39) Conclusion

RESOURCES

DearSA website: https://dearsafrica.org/

South Africa's is suffering from persistent poverty, high unemployment and aenemic growth. In this episode of the Solutions With David Ansara podcast, I speak with economic analyst and social commentator, Phumlani Majozi, about how to liberate South Africa's economy.

South Africa is enduring a decades-long energy crisis. This has been caused by the ongoing problems at the country's energy utility, Eskom. Can Eskom be fixed?  

In this episode of the Solutions With David Ansara podcast, I speak with Eskom CEO, André de Ruyter, about how to get Eskom out of its current crisis.

André and I discuss why he took on the role of Eskom CEO and what he found when he started the job. 

We talk about Eskom's severe capacity constraints and financial problems; the potential for private electricity generation; renewable energy vs. coal; recent acts of sabotage; and the future of nuclear energy. 

TIMESTAMPS:

(00:00) Introduction

(00:54) André de Ruyter on why he took the job of Eskom CEO

(05:29) André de Ruyter on Eskom's capacity shortfall

(09:42) André de Ruyter on renewables vs. coal

(16:10) André de Ruyter on expansion of the grid

(17:52) André de Ruyter on private energy generation

(20:29) André de Ruyter on BEE procurement requirements

(24:58) André de Ruyter on procurement exemptions for Eskom

(27:40) André de Ruyter on sabotage at Eskom

(29:44) André de Ruyter on municipal arrears

(35:08) André de Ruyter on cities generating their own electricity

(36:47) André de Ruyter on nuclear energy

(39:58) Conclusion

Liberalism is one of the oldest and most important political traditions in South Africa. What role can liberalism play in today's politics, and what are its future prospects? 

In this episode of the Solutions With David Ansara podcast, I speak with former leader of the opposition and one-time leader of the Democratic Alliance, Tony Leon, about the state of liberalism in contemporary South African politics. 

Tony and I discuss the role of liberalism in resisting the 'two fires' of White and African nationalism,  and the influential role played by liberals in the transition to democracy. 

We also go beyond South Africa to discuss the state of liberalism in the world today in the context of rising populism on the left and the right.

We conclude the discussion by looking ahead to the 2024 elections and the various coalition scenarios that may emerge should the ANC lose its electoral majority.

Loadshedding has crippled South Africa's economy for over 14 years. In this episode of the Solutions With David Ansara podcast, I speak with energy analyst, Ted Blom, about how to end South Africa's ongoing energy crisis.

Ted and I speak about his time working at Eskom and the origins of the energy utility's financial, operational and governance problems. 

We discuss the prospects for private electricity generation in South Africa, the limitations of renewable energy, and the potential for nuclear power.

We conclude the discussion by exploring strategies that businesses and private individuals can take to ensure greater energy independence. 

TIMESTAMPS:

(00:00) Introduction

(00:49) Ted Blom on his career at Eskom

(02:19) Ted Blom on the origins of SA's energy crisis

(12:55) Ted Blom on Eskom's financial and operational problems

(16:10) Ted Blom on the Medupi and Kusile power stations

(18:11) Ted Blom on challenging Eskom's monopoly

(28:31) Ted Blom on renewable energy

(34:02) Ted Blom on energy policy reform

(37:15) Ted Blom on floating electricity prices

(42:59) Ted Blom on nuclear energy

(49:57) Ted Blom on achieving energy independence

(52:08) Conclusion

South Africa is blessed with a rich endowment of mineral resources. For over a century, mining has formed the foundation of South Africa's economic development. However, the industry is struggling to survive in a hostile regulatory environment.

In this episode of the Solutions With David Ansara podcast, I speak with mining finance professional, Paul Miller, about the problems affecting South African mining, and how to resuscitate this critical industry. 

How do we find solutions to the many problems confronting South Africa today? In this special edition 50th episode of the 'Solutions With David Ansara' podcast, I look back on the recurring themes on the show since it began in April 2021. 

This episode includes short extracts from nine longer conversations, grouped into three thematic sections:

- [Section 1] Rethinking South Africa's political institutions and system of governance

- [Section 2] Community-led approaches to safety and security in South Africa

- [Section 3] Political decentralisation (lessons from abroad)

TIMESTAMPS

(00:00) Introduction

(01:30) Politics and governance in South Africa

(01:54) Helen Zille on community-driven initiatives 

(03:43) Richard Wilkinson on why decentralisation of power matters 

(09:07) Piet le Roux on building alternative institution

(14:25) Safety and security

(14:44) Gideon Joubert on community safety after the July 2021 riots

(19:35) Ian Cameron on devolution of policing in the Western Cape

(25:45) Frans Cronje on what South Africans should do 

(30:40) International perspectives

(30:58) Douglas Carswell on the decentralisation of political power 

(35:39) Stephen Davies on bottom-up approaches to government 

(40:58) Johan Norberg on the link between individual freedom and prosperity 

(43:44) Conclusion

FULL EPISODES

[SWDA#1] Helen Zille on surviving wokeness: https://youtu.be/ZoCsWLv5LkU

[SWDA#9] Richard Wilkinson on federalism in South Africa: https://youtu.be/vFLg8pn8OqI

[SWDA#11] Piet le Roux on state-proofing your business: https://youtu.be/-pP9ktNwJ5o

[SWDA#13] Gideon Joubert on community safety in a time of crisis: https://youtu.be/j_ESQXv4sGk

[SWDA#27] Ian Cameron on winning the fight against crime: https://youtu.be/KRKi0zxURp0

[SWDA #15] Frans Cronje on the future of South Africa: https://youtu.be/Ona0WG7UDpU

[SWDA #19] Douglas Carswell on Progress vs. Parasites: https://youtu.be/Hp08dY6VPuA

[SWDA #25] Stephen Davies on the political realignment: https://youtu.be/MQ5HvatKSx4

[SWDA #41] Johan Norberg on open societies: https://youtu.be/daQm3S4umvw

Has international development aid done more harm than good in sub-Saharan Africa? 

In this episode of the Solutions With David Ansara podcast, I speak with Dr Greg Mills,  Director of the Brenthurst Foundation and the author of 'Expensive Poverty', about the failings of the development aid model.

How do we solve the problem of political polarisation? In this episode of Solutions With David Ansara, I speak with writer and communications consultant, Alistair Fairweather, about how we can improve public discourse by being less tribalistic in our political affiliations. 

LINKS

'Right vs Left? Newsflash - you're all assholes' by Allistair Fairweather (10 April 2022): https://alistairfairweather.com/2022-04-10-right-vs-left-newsflash-youre-all-assholes

Alistair's website: https://alistairfairweather.com/

The news media in South Africa is under considerable financial and operational pressure. This is mostly due to the wave of digital disruption, which has shaken the very foundations of the industry. 

How do we access credible and trustworthy sources of information in this environment? In this episode of the Solutions With David Ansara podcast, I speak with journalist and commentator, Kanthan Pillay, about the future of news media. 

TIMESTAMPS:

(00:00) Introduction

(00:51) Kanthan Pillay on his career in journalism

(06:17) Kanthan Pillay on the evolution of SA media 

(13:53) Kanthan Pillay on the brain drain in SA media

(24:56) Kanthan Pillay on SA's reading culture

(27:50) Kanthan Pillay on the Afrikaans media

(32:11) Kanthan Pillay on the credibility of traditional media

(41:05) Kanthan Pillay on improving your media consumption

(51:38) Kanthan Pillay on the future of the media

(57:44) Conclusion

LINKS:

Kanthan's website: https://kanthanpillay.com/

Is cancel culture undermining freedom of expression? In this episode of the Solutions With David Ansara podcast, I speak with comedian and YouTuber, Joe Emilio, about how to end cancel culture.

How do we solve the persistent problem of youth unemployment in South Africa? 

In this episode of the Solutions With David Ansara podcast, I speak with Shawn Hagedorn, an independent analyst and strategy consultant, about how to promote export-driven labour-intensive growth. 

Shawn and I discuss the origins of South Africa's low growth trap, and the tragically high  unemployment rate, which disproportionately affects the country's youth. 

Shawn believes that the current policy framework is too inwardly-focused, with its emphasis on localisation and beneficiaition. 

Instead, he argues, we need to embrace globalisation and grow the economy through exports, as many East Asian economies have successfully done. 

Shawn and I debate the role that ideology plays in informing economic policy, and explore how labour market regulation effectively excludes millions of people from the job market.

We also speculate on the political battles that will define the run-up to the 2024 elections. How will a potential coalition government respond to the growing economic crisis facing the country?

TIMESTAMPS:

(00:00) Introduction

(01:06) Shawn Hagedorn on the origins of South Africa's youth unemployment crisis

(02:55) Shawn Hagedorn on SA's low export volumes

(05:56) Shawn Hagedorn on localisation

(07:35) Shawn Hagedorn on integrating with global value chains

(10:31) Shawn Hagedorn on beneficiation

(14:05) Shawn Hagedorn on labour market regulation

(17:11) Shawn Hagedorn on skills development

(19:54) Shawn Hagedorn on export constraints

(22:55) Shawn Hagedorn on political realignment in 2024

(27:58) Shawn Hagedorn on policy trade-offs

(31:25) Shawn Hagedorn on ideology and policy

(34:13) Shawn Hagedorn on the advantages of large companies

(36:32) Shawn Hagedorn on globalisation

(38:47) Shawn Hagedorn on accessing global markets

(40:28) Conclusion

In this episode of the Solutions With David Ansara podcast, I speak with lawyer and entrepreneur, Sebastian Chatov, about Russian history and the future of Ukraine.

Sebastian grew up in Bulgaria and Soviet Russia, and has lived in Johannesburg since the mid-1990s.

We reflect on the fraught relationship between Ukraine and Russia since the end of the Cold War, and Russia's desire to restore its 'Great Power' status in the region.

We explore Vladimir Putin's rise to power and the development of his worldview (a mixture of KGB paranoia and Gopnik culture). Did Putin miscalculate by invading Ukraine, I ask?

I also question Sebastian about whether the Eastern expansion of NATO played a role in provoking Russian aggression. 

Sebastian notes that Russia has an obligation to respect the territorial integrity of its neighbours, and that countries within Russia's historic "sphere of influence" have a sovereign right to join NATO if they so wish. 

If anything, Putin's invasion of Ukraine proves that a defensive alliance is necessary as a bulwark against Russia, he argues.

We conclude the discussion by exploring whether a diplomatic solution to the conflict is possible.

TIMESTAMPS:

(00:00) Introduction

(00:47) Sebastian Chatov on growing up in the Soviet Union

(04:50) Sebastian Chatov on Ukraine and Russia since the end of the Soviet Union 

(13:46) Sebastian Chatov on Vladimir Putin

(20:03) Sebastian Chatov on the geopolitics of the war in Ukraine

(27:30) Sebastian Chatov on the clash of civilisations

(33:22) Sebastian Chatov on Russian propaganda

(39:14) Sebastian Chatov on Putin's miscalculations

(44:53) Sebastian Chatov on diplomatic solutions to the war

(58:27) Conclusion

In this episode of the Solutions With David Ansara podcast, I speak with independent crime researcher, David Bruce, about why South Africa should adopt a more decentralised model of policing. 

TIMESTAMPS

(00:00) Introduction

(01:01) David Bruce on South Africa's current policing system

(03:48) David Bruce on the problems with a centralized police system

(06:42) David Bruce on the constitution and policing

(11:50) David Bruce on devolved policing

(17:30) David Bruce on police reform

(22:24) David Bruce on improving police governance 

(25:15) David Bruce on community policing

(31:31) David Bruce on the politics of policing

(37:18) David Bruce on the benefits of decentralization

RESOURCES

'SA requires more focused, nuanced provincial and metro policing responses to combat violent crime' by David Bruce (Daily Maverick, 7 February 2022): https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2022-02-07-sa-requires-more-focused-nuanced-provincial-and-metro-policing-responses-to-combat-violent-crime/

Is South Africa's electoral system fit for purpose? In this episode of the Solutions With David Ansara podcast, I speak with Marius Roodt of the Institute of Race Relations (IRR) about how to make our democracy more representative.

Marius and I discuss the merits and demerits of South Africa's existing proportional representation system, as well as alternatives, such as the United Kingdom's 'first-past-the-post' system.

We also explore the consequences of the Constitutional Court judgement of 2020, which ruled that South Africa's electoral system should be amended to allow independent candidates to be represented in Parliament.

Marius argues that the Electoral Amendment Bill, currently before Parliament, is unnecessarily complex and could violate the constitutional principle of proportionality. Other systems, such as a mixed-member proportional representation system, would be better, he says. 

We also explore the benefits of federalism, and ways to enhance democratic participation at the local level. 

TIMESTAMPS:

(00:00) Intro

(00:39) Marius Roodt on SA's proportional representation system

(05:19) Marius Roodt on 'First-past-the-post' systems

(10:20) Marius Roodt on the Constitutional Court judgement

(13:12) Marius Roodt on the problems with the Electoral Amendment Bill

(22:59) Marius Roodt on the Van Zyl Slabbert Commission recommendations 

(26:13) Marius Roodt on alternative proposals

(29:52) Marius Roodt on federalism in SA

(35:42) Marius Roodt on strengthening democracy in SA

(39:19) Conclusion

RESOURCES

Institute of Race Relations Submission to the Portfolio Committee on Home Affairs regarding the Electoral Amendment Bill (B1-2022): https://irr.org.za/reports/submissions-on-proposed-legislation/submission-to-the-portfolio-committee-on-home-affairs-regarding-the-electoral-amendment-bill-b1-2022

Support the work of the IRR: https://irr.org.za/join

Why do some societies prosper, while others stagnate? In this episode of the Solutions With David Ansara podcast, I speak with economic historian, Johan Norberg, about the importance of openness for social and economic advancement. 

Johan and I discuss his book, 'Open: The Story of Human Progress', which draws extensively on historical examples to unpack the origins of economic development. 

Johan's thesis is that open societies are more permeable to new ideas, more competitive, and tend to be better at innovating their way out of problems. Closed societies are inward-looking and parochial, which actually makes them more fragile.

Openness is not exclusive to a particular culture. We discuss many examples of societies throughout the world that have experienced alternating periods of being open and closed. 

What we discover is that open societies tend to promote higher degrees of individual freedom. Freedom to trade, to move about, and to develop new ideas is what allows us as individuals to improve our lives – not the diktats of central planners or politicians. 

Openness is not limited to policies or institutional arrangements, it is a mindset that we can cultivate in ourselves. 

TIMESTAMPS

(00:00) Intro

(00:39) Johan Norberg on open vs. closed societies

(03:53) Johan Norberg on cultural differences

(07:52) Johan Norberg on free trade

(10:49) Johan Norberg on hostility to free trade

(13:24) Johan Norberg on localisation policies

(15:54) Johan Norberg on the short term effects of free trade

(20:28) Johan Norberg on Sweden's economy

(24:07) Johan Norberg on the European Union

(30:26) Johan Norberg on supply chain shortages

(32:29) Johan Norberg on lessons from the Pandemic

(38:40) Johan Norberg on open borders

(43:17) Johan Norberg on individual freedom

(46:02) Johan Norberg on China's growth model

(50:49) Johan Norberg on openness in your daily life

(54:27) Conclusion

RESOURCES

BOOK: 'Open: The Story of Human Progress' by Johan Norberg (2020): https://www.amazon.com/Open-Story-Progress-Johan-Norberg/dp/1786497182

Stephen Davies on the political realignment | Solutions With David Ansara #25: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MQ5HvatKSx4

In this episode of the Solutions With David Ansara podcast, I speak with former oil and gas executive, Niall Kramer, about energy security in South Africa.

This conversation was prompted by the recent closure of South Africa's largest fuel refinery, Sapref. While SA can still import fuel into the country, what will the decline of our local refining capability mean for the cost and quality of fuel at the pump?

Niall and I also explore the broader energy regulatory framework in SA, and whether it is fit for purpose.

Recent gas discoveries at Brulpadda and off the coast of the Transkei have the potential to radically transform our energy mix in South Africa, Niall says. However, activism from environmentalists is holding up this exploration activity, and our policy framework is also inhibiting our ability to harness these natural endowments. 

We also discuss whether SA ought to be moving towards renewable energy and what role natural gas could play in alleviating our chronic electricity shortages.

TIMESTAMPS

(00:00) Introduction

(00:44) Niall Kramer on the closure of the Sapref refinery

(04:26) Niall Kramer on the cost and quality of fuel in SA

(08:48) Niall Kramer on harnessing SA's local gas resources

(16:36) Niall Kramer on energy policy in SA

(20:53) Niall Kramer on global energy prices

(23:11) Niall Kramer on fixed vs. flexible fuel pricing

(24:51) Niall Kramer on PetroSA

(26:36) Niall Kramer on the future of energy in SA

(28:53) Niall Kramer on renewable energy

(34:10) Conclusion

In this episode of the Solutions With David Ansara podcast, I speak with broadcaster, journalist and researcher, Martin Plaut, about ending conflict in Sub-Saharan Africa.

Martin is a well-known commentator on African affairs, having served as an Africa correspondent for the BBC for many years. A large chunk of my adolescence and young adulthood was spent watching Martin's dispatches from the frontlines of wars or political upheavals in various far-flung parts of the continent, so I have long admired his journalism. 

Martin and I start the conversation by examining the recent spate of coups d'état (or attempted coups) in Africa, including Burkina Faso, Mali and Guinea-Bissau. Could citizens of these countries be losing faith in democracy or civilian government, I ask?

Martin also has a deep knowledge of the Horn of Africa, and we spend some time examining the unfolding civil war in Ethiopia. We also interrogate why the system of ethnic federalism that was in place since the 1990s failed to resolve the country's many ethnic tensions. 

Throughout the discussion, Martin and I speak about the impact of colonialism on Africa, but he also stresses that any understanding of Africa's contemporary problems also requires coming to terms with the continent's pre-colonial period. 

Martin says that he is never happier than when he has "the dust of Africa between his toes and in his hair." His passion for Africa is unmistakable, and our conversation is as rich and diverse as the continent itself.

TIMESTAMPS

(00:00) Introduction

(01:04) Martin Plaut on recent coups d'état in Africa

(06:20) Martin Plaut on instability in West Africa

(08:42) Martin Plaut on France as a regional power

(12:31) Martin Plaut on the civil war in Ethiopia

(17:23) Martin Plaut on ethnicity and kinship

(20:56) Martin Plaut on pre-colonial Africa

(27:22) Martin Plaut on the origins of conflict in Africa

(31:28) Martin Plaut on democracy in South Africa

(35:48) Martin Plaut on why he loves Africa

(38:37) Martin Plaut on the politics of Kenya

(41:37) Martin Plaut on overcoming Africa's problems

(47:39) Conclusion

RESOURCES

Visit Martin Plaut's website: https://martinplaut.com/

Follow Martin on Twitter: https://twitter.com/martinplaut

In this episode of the Solutions With David Ansara podcast, I speak with futurist, Bronwyn Williams of Flux Trends, about the relationship between technology and freedom. 

Bronwyn and I talk about the growing tendency of people to willingly reduce their individual freedom for the sake of technological convenience. Outsourcing your decision-making to automated algorithms will gradually erode your personal agency, she says. 

We also delve into behavioural economics and discuss the moral problems with 'nudging' people to make decisions they would not have made otherwise. So-called 'Libertarian Paternalism' is an oxymoron, Bronwyn says.

We also explore the potential unintended consequences of environmental engineering, as well as the dangers of Modern Monetary Theory. 

TIMESTAMPS

(00:00) Intro

(03:40) Bronwyn Williams on personal agency

(10:26) Bronwyn Williams on the risks of decentralisation

(14:45) Bronwyn Williams on the limits of technology

(25:12) Bronwyn Williams on nudging 

(35:30) Bronwyn Williams on climate change

(45:42) Bronwyn Williams on Modern Monetary Theory

(52:58) Bronwyn Williams on reclaiming your agency

(54:55) Conclusion

RESOURCES  

About Bronwyn Williams: https://www.fluxtrends.com/about-bronwyn-williams/

In this episode of the Solutions With David Ansara podcast, I speak with Alex Gladstein, Head of Strategy at the Human Rights Foundation, about the relationship between Bitcoin and human rights.

Alex and I discuss why currency stability and asset security have been so absent from international human rights discussions. Until now. 

Alex argues that the emergence of Bitcoin is enabling people in unstable economies to protect their savings from currency debasement and devaluation. In authoritarian regimes, human rights activists are now able to access foreign donor funding, and Bitcoin is also lowering the cost of remittances, he says.

We also talk about the global financial system and the 'special privilege' enjoyed by the United States Dollar as an international reserve currency. This has enabled the US Federal Reserve to vastly increase the money supply, which is now leading to growing inflation in the US and elsewhere. 

Alex and I explore whether Bitcoin could offer a viable long-term alternative to the current dollar-based system.

TIMESTAMPS

(00:00:00) Intro

(00:01:00) Alex Gladstein on the work of the Human Rights Foundation

(00:04:44) Alex Gladstein on Bitcoin and human rights

(00:17:20) Alex Gladstein on Bitcoin as digital property rights

(00:28:19) Alex Gladstein on BTC price volatility

(00:37:34) Alex Gladstein on asset price inflation

(00:39:51) Alex Gladstein on governments banning Bitcoin

(00:43:39) Alex Gladstein on inflation

(00:48:55) Alex Gladstein on shifts in global politics

(00:48:55) Alex Gladstein on how to get started with Bitcoin

(01:03:04) Conclusion

RESOURCES

About Alex Gladstein: https://hrf.org/team/alex-gladstein/

'The Village and the Strongman: The unlikely story of Bitcoin and El Salvador' by Alex Gladstein (Bitcoin Magazine, 16 September 2021):

https://bitcoinmagazine.com/culture/the-polarity-of-bitcoin-in-el-salvador

'Why you shouldn't be worried about a Bitcoin ban' by Rob Price (Bitcoin Magazine, 5 May 2021): https://bitcoinmagazine.com/culture/why-governments-cant-ban-bitcoin

'The Lords of Easy Money: How the Federal Reserve Broke the American Economy' by Christopher Leonard (2022): https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/The-Lords-of-Easy-Money/Christopher-Leonard/9781982166632

In this episode of the 'Solutions With David Ansara' podcast, I speak with Anthony Turton, Professor at the Centre for Environmental Management, University of Free State, about South Africa's water security.

TIMESTAMPS

(00:00) Intro

(00:45) Anthony Turton on the current state of water in SA

(01:47) Anthony Turton on risks to water security in SA

(05:15) Anthony Turton on recapitalising SA's water infrastructure

(14:45) Anthony Turton on the politics of water

(19:02) Anthony Turton on lessons from Australia's water system

(22:46) Anthony Turton on new policies for the water sector

(25:34) Anthony Turton on water regulation in SA

(30:30) Anthony Turton on community driven water initiatives

(34:54) Anthony Turton on Special Purpose Vehicles for water distribution

(37:53) Anthony Turton on desalination

(42:25) Anthony Turton on lessons from the Middle East

(43:33) Conclusion

In this episode of the Solutions With David Ansara podcast, I speak with Bheki Mahlobo, Senior Analyst at the Centre For Risk Analysis, about the economic trends that will shape South Africa in 2022. 

South Africa has a small, open economy, which makes it vulnerable to shocks in the international system, so we spend some time analysing the global risks which may impact SA in the coming year. 

Bheki is especially concerned with the high level of fiscal and monetary stimulus in the global financial system, which is artificially boosting asset prices and increasing the risk of inflation, he says. 

While there are many threats to the SA economy, there are also opportunities that may be hiding in plain sight.

We explore how entrepreneurs can gear themselves to take advantage of SA's volatile environment, and how cryptocurrencies could serve as an alternative store of value and a hedge against inflation.

Bheki has a strong interest in economics as way of understanding human behaviour. We discuss why he fell in love with the discipline, and what advice he would give to young people who may be interested in learning more about economics. 

TIMESTAMPS

(00:00) Intro

(01:15) Bheki Mahlobo on his interest in economics

(04:39) Bheki Mahlobo on the risks in the global economy

(08:22) Bheki Mahlobo on price controls 

(10:05) Bheki Mahlobo on the role of the state in a market economy

(13:44) Bheki Mahlobo on SA's economic problems

(16:56) Bheki Mahlobo on the Eastern Cape economy

(19:40) Bheki Mahlobo on the 2022 Budget Speech

(23:13) Bheki Mahlobo on SA's public finances

(28:57) Bheki Mahlobo on cryptocurrencies

(33:01) Bheki Mahlobo on the influence of ideology on policy

(35:24) Bheki Mahlobo on opportunities in SA

(40:16) Bheki Mahlobo on learning more about economics

(42:31) Conclusion

RESOURCES

Centre For Risk Analysis: https://cra-sa.com/

CRA 30-day free trial: https://cra-sa.com/free-trial

Mises Institute: https://mises.org/

In this episode of the Solutions With David Ansara podcast, I speak to Chris Hattingh, deputy director at the Free Market Foundation, about the economic and social benefits of free trade.  

TIMESTAMPS  

(00:00) Introduction
(00:44) Chris Hattingh on the economic benefits of free trade
(05:02) Chris Hattingh on comparative advantage
(09:21) Chris Hattingh on common criticisms of free trade
(14:57) Chris Hattingh on decentralisation of economic power   
(17:06) Chris Hattingh on the problems with protectionism
(23:02) Chris Hattingh on improving economic competitiveness  
(26:03) Chris Hattingh on global supply chains
(30:29) Chris Hattingh on the African Continental Free Trade Area
(37:59) Chris Hattingh on the social benefits of free trade
(41:29) Chris Hattingh on mitigating the downsides
(44:17) Conclusion

In this episode of the Solutions With David Ansara podcast, I speak to Professor David Benatar about his new book, 'The Fall of the University of Cape Town: Africa's leading university in decline'.

Prof. Benatar and I discuss the origins of the Rhodes Must Fall movement in 2015, and how it later metastasized into the Fees Must Fall movement, unleashing a wave of violence, arson and intimidation at UCT. These destructive acts were met with acquiescence by the university authorities, who refused to sanction the protestors despite the widespread havoc on campus.   

We also discuss the state of UCT today. Prof Benatar is deeply concerned by the climate of intellectual conformity that currently prevails. 

The costs of going against the grain of orthodox opinion are too great for most academics to resist, he says. Academic freedom is under severe strain.   

Stringent racial preferences in academic appointments and student admissions have also caused great damage to the quality of the university system, he says.    

We conclude the discussion by looking at the future of universities more broadly, and whether young people should study philosophy.

TIMESTAMPS  

(00:00) Introduction
(00:48) David Benatar on Rhodes Must Fall and Fees Must Fall
(02:28) David Benatar on the violence at UCT
(06:55) David Benatar on UCT's capitulation to lawlessness
(10:05) David Benatar on 'decolonisation'
(13:43) David Benatar on racial preferences at UCT
(20:38) David Benatar on academic appointments at UCT
(23:56) David Benatar on Bongani Mayosi
(27:26) David Benatar on academic freedom
(33:30) David Benatar on freedom of expression
(35:46) David Benatar on the state of the Humanities at UCT
(38:59) David Benatar on the future of universities
(42:55) David Benatar on whether to study philosophy
(45:24) David Benatar on resisting group-think
(46:55) Conclusion 

BOOK  

'The Fall of the University of Cape Town: Africa's leading university in decline' by David Benatar (PoliticsWeb Publishing): https://www.amazon.com/Fall-University-Cape-Town-university-ebook/dp/B09L96NJRK

In this episode of the Solutions With David Ansara podcast, I speak with British writer Helen Pluckrose about the pernicious influence of Critical Theory, and how to push back against these dangerous ideas.  

Helen and I discuss the postmodern origins of Critical Theory, and how it escaped the ivory tower of academia to become mainstream. This has dramatically altered the way we talk about race, gender and sexuality, she says. 

Helen argues that what passes for 'Social Justice' is in fact a fundamentally illiberal and intolerant ideology. Its adherents suppress free speech, foster a culture of victimhood, and essentialise people's experience based on their identity and 'positionality'.   

We explore alternative (liberal) approaches to social justice, and also discuss the practical steps that ordinary people can take to counteract 'wokeness' in the workplace or other institutions.

TIMESTAMPS  

(00:00) Intro
(00:30) Helen Pluckrose on postmodernism  
(04:08) Helen Pluckrose on the emergence of Critical Theory  
(07:26) Helen Pluckrose on liberal approaches to social justice
(11:17) Helen Pluckrose on the problems with 'wokeness'
(13:23) Helen Pluckrose on how Critical Theory went mainstream
(17:54) Helen Pluckrose on Critical Theory in universities
(21:10) Helen Pluckrose on the influence of Marxism on Critical Theory
(25:26) Helen Pluckrose on Critical Race Theory
(29:26) Helen Pluckrose on CRT in the workplace
(37:04) Helen Pluckrose on the culture of victimhood
(38:52) Helen Pluckrose on Western Civilisation and the Enlightenment
(43:57) Helen Pluckrose on the right-wing reaction to CRT
(46:37) Helen Pluckrose on counteracting CRT activism
(53:50) Conclusion  

RESOURCES  

BOOK: Helen Pluckrose & James Lindsay, 'Cynical Theories: How Activist Scholarship Made Everything about Race, Gender, and Identity—and Why This Harms Everybody' (2020): https://www.amazon.com/Cynical-Theories-Scholarship-Everything-Identity_and/dp/1634312023 

WEB: https://counterweightsupport.com/