Solutions With David Ansara
85 episodes - English - Latest episode: over 1 year ago - ★★★★★ - 1 ratingThe world faces unique problems. Let’s solve them together.
Political analyst, David Ansara, interviews thinkers from a range of disciplines to find solutions to the world’s most intractable problems.
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Episodes
John Endres on South Africa in 2023
December 04, 2022 05:00 - 40 minutes - 92.3 MBIn 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.
Ian Macleod on Austrian Economics
November 27, 2022 05:00 - 41 minutes - 96.1 MBWhat 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/
Mike Settas on stopping National Health Insurance
November 20, 2022 05:00 - 50 minutes - 115 MBIn 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.
The role of business in South Africa
November 13, 2022 05:00 - 46 minutes - 107 MBIn 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' ht...
GG Alcock on the township economy
November 06, 2022 05:00 - 1 hour - 140 MBIn 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/
John Steenhuisen on SA’s moonshot election
October 30, 2022 05:00 - 1 hour - 157 MBIn 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 st...
Daniël Eloff on legal activism
October 23, 2022 05:00 - 49 minutes - 114 MBDoes 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
Marius Roodt on unstable coalitions
October 16, 2022 05:00 - 47 minutes - 109 MBIn 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
Theo de Jager on farming in South Africa #73
October 09, 2022 05:00 - 53 minutes - 123 MBWhat 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...
Theo de Jager on farming in South Africa
October 09, 2022 05:00 - 53 minutes - 123 MBWhat 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...
Athol Trollip on making coalitions work
October 02, 2022 05:00 - 59 minutes - 136 MBIn 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 ...
Michael Swain & Daniela Ellerbeck on freedom of religion
September 25, 2022 05:00 - 50 minutes - 47.1 MBIn 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/
RW Johnson on saving South Africa
September 18, 2022 05:00 - 53 minutes - 122 MBSouth 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...
Leon Schreiber on ending cadre deployment
September 11, 2022 05:00 - 54 minutes - 126 MBIn 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.
John Bristow on the future of the diamond industry
September 04, 2022 05:00 - 1 hour - 151 MBIn this episode of the 'Solutions With David Ansara' podcast, I speak with independent consultant, John Bristow, about the future of the diamond industry.
Gabriel Crouse on the Expropriation Bill
August 28, 2022 05:00 - 1 hour - 140 MBExpropriation 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
Jonathan Katzenellenbogen on SA's political realignment
August 21, 2022 05:00 - 38 minutes - 87.4 MBIn 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.
Michael Atkins on South Africa's electoral system
August 14, 2022 05:00 - 48 minutes - 111 MBIn 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.
The legacy of John Kane-Berman
August 07, 2022 05:00 - 52 minutes - 120 MBIn 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 Pol...
Terence Corrigan on lessons from Asia
July 31, 2022 05:00 - 44 minutes - 101 MBIn 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 Terenc...
Jason Werbeloff & Mark Oppenheimer on the power of philosophy
July 24, 2022 05:00 - 56 minutes - 130 MBIn 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
Toby Chance on growing South Africa's economy
July 17, 2022 05:00 - 37 minutes - 85.6 MBIn 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
Hulme Scholes on saving the mining industry
July 10, 2022 05:00 - 43 minutes - 101 MBIn 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.
Hulme Scholes on saving the mining industry | Solutions With David Ansara Podcast #60
July 10, 2022 05:00 - 43 minutes - 101 MBIn 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.
Songezo Zibi on his 'Manifesto'
July 03, 2022 05:00 - 50 minutes - 115 MBIn 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...
Grant Tyson & Ivor Rimmer on Search and Rescue ZA
June 26, 2022 05:00 - 52 minutes - 119 MBHow 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 resc...
Piet le Roux & Russell Lamberti on building an independent business community
June 19, 2022 05:00 - 49 minutes - 113 MBWhat 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 busin...
Rob Hutchinson on active citizenship
June 12, 2022 05:00 - 43 minutes - 99.1 MBWhat 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 wo...
Phumlani Majozi on liberating South Africa's economy
June 05, 2022 05:00 - 48 minutes - 110 MBSouth 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.
André de Ruyter on fixing Eskom
May 29, 2022 05:00 - 42 minutes - 96.9 MBSouth 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 p...
Tony Leon on liberalism in South Africa
May 22, 2022 07:38 - 49 minutes - 113 MBLiberalism 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...
Ted Blom on ending SA’s energy crisis | Solutions With David Ansara Podcast #52
May 15, 2022 05:00 - 52 minutes - 121 MBLoadshedding 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...
Ted Blom on ending SA’s energy crisis
May 15, 2022 05:00 - 52 minutes - 121 MBLoadshedding 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...
Paul Miller on South Africa's ailing mining industry
May 08, 2022 05:00 - 45 minutes - 105 MBSouth 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.
David Ansara on SOLUTIONS for South Africa (50th episode special edition)
May 01, 2022 05:00 - 44 minutes - 102 MBHow 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 secur...
Greg Mills on expensive poverty
April 24, 2022 05:00 - 53 minutes - 123 MBHas 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.
Alistair Fairweather on political polarisation
April 17, 2022 05:00 - 54 minutes - 126 MBHow 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://alista...
Kanthan Pillay on the future of news media
April 10, 2022 05:00 - 59 minutes - 135 MBThe 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 o...
Joe Emilio on cancel culture
April 03, 2022 05:00 - 55 minutes - 127 MBIs 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.
Shawn Hagedorn on youth unemployment
March 27, 2022 05:00 - 41 minutes - 94.1 MBHow 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 i...
Sebastian Chatov on Russia's invasion of Ukraine
March 20, 2022 05:13 - 59 minutes - 136 MBIn 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 developmen...
David Bruce on decentralized policing
March 13, 2022 05:00 - 39 minutes - 90.9 MBIn 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 (...
Marius Roodt on electoral reform in South Africa
March 06, 2022 05:00 - 40 minutes - 92.1 MBIs 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...
Johan Norberg on open societies
February 27, 2022 05:00 - 55 minutes - 127 MBWhy 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 t...
Niall Kramer on energy security in South Africa
February 20, 2022 05:00 - 35 minutes - 81.1 MBIn 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 wheth...
Martin Plaut on ending conflict in Africa
February 13, 2022 05:00 - 48 minutes - 111 MBIn 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 lo...
Bronwyn Williams on technology and freedom
February 06, 2022 05:00 - 55 minutes - 128 MBIn 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 prob...
Alex Gladstein on Bitcoin and human rights
January 30, 2022 05:00 - 1 hour - 119 MBIn 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 authorit...
Alex Gladstein on Bitcoin and human rights | Solutions With David Ansara Podcast #37
January 30, 2022 05:00 - 1 hour - 119 MBIn 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. 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 o...
Anthony Turton on water security in South Africa
January 23, 2022 04:42 - 44 minutes - 83 MBIn 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 ...