Songz & Friends: #SundayConversations

Global Powers & SA's Political Economy with Prof Mzukisi Qobo

We live in a dynamic and complex world that has an array of institutions, rules and contradictions that can be very difficult to understand. It is a world in which old notions of ideology and rivalry are inadequate to explain what really goes on in the world and, therefore, how South Africa should interact with it.

 

Is the United States an enemy or friend of South Africa? The same question applies to China, Russia, the United Kingdom and so on. Is Russia still an ideological ally of South Africa such as it was an ally of the liberation movement in the 1980s? Why are the US and China so very important to one another? Do we need to choose between anyone of them?

Was the BRICS built (by Jacob Zuma) to be a force to counter the “West”? Well, what happens to it now?

Aug 29 SundayConversations Preview

This Sunday, 29 August 2021 we have an open conversation where we will reflect on the previous conversations and the way forward as I see it. In this episode I set the scene for that conversation by providing some background on the origins and purpose of the #SundayConversations, what they are supposed to be and what they are not. We will have lots of opportunity for participants to make inputs on the way forward.

SA Reserve Bank Governor Explains Monetary Policy

I spoke to the governor of the South African Reserve Bank, Lesetja Kganyago about the mandate of the South African Reserve Bank and various aspects of monetary policy. In recent years the bank has been the subject of public debate, much of it ill-informed as South Africa continues to grapple with socioeconomic hardship and various actors in society look for solutions that will make life better.

 

I began by mapping out the history of the SARB, and then asked the governor to provide his own historical perspective. Please take a listen.

The Role and Workings of South Africa's Treasury

In this episode I speak to Lungisa Fuzile, the former Director-General of the National Treasury. For what may be obvious reasons, the Treasury is probably the most contested government department in the country.

 

The social and other needs are vast, while the resources are usually insufficient. In the contestation for these resources and over its oversight role, there is often a lot of misinformation. I invited Lungisa over to Twitter Spaces to teach us the basics and answer some of our questions.

 

I began by asking him about the origins and purpose of the treasury in terms of the 1996 Constitution.

A Time to Be Bold

We can no longer analyse South Africas' problems without doing anything about them. It is unconscionable. We must be bold and pursue fundamental change in all spheres of South African life. I spoke to Zama Ndlovu and Lukhona Mnguni about being crazy and bold.

Unemployment & Economy in South Africa

At almost 60%, South Africa has one of the highest youth unemployment rates in the emerging markets. Most of these unemployed youths either just have a high school certificate or no post-high school qualification. The fortunes of those with a post-high school qualification change dramatically, for their unemployment rate is less than 10%. Still high, but you get the point. I spoke to economists Mamokete Lijane and Isaah Mhlanga on Twitter Spaces.