Solutions With David Ansara: Recent Episodes
David Ansara
The 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.
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:
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Why he chose the legal profession
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The effectiveness of public interest litigation
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Legal challenges against the Lockdown
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The role of NGOs and civil society in holding government to account
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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:
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How SA's electoral system lends itself to coalitions
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A brief history of coalitions in SA
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The current political landscape in SA
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Can coalitions work with so many small parties?
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International experience with coalitions
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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:
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How Theo got involved in farming and organised agriculture
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Saai and its objectives
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The current state of South Africa's agricultural sector
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The risk of Expropriation Without Compensation
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Alternative approaches to land reform
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Saai's participation in the Western Cape Devolution Working Group
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Farm attacks
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The drivers of food inflation in South Africa
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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:
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Athol's background and how he got involved in politics
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Athol's assessment of the state of SA politics in the run-up to the 2024 elections
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Making coalitions work: Athol's experience as Mayor of Nelson Mandela Bay
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The potential for a broad opposition front to defeat the ANC/EFF
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The role of business in fixing South Africa
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Non-racialism
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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
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John Endres, CEO, Institute of Race Relations
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Anthea Jeffery, Head of Policy Research, Institute of Race Relations
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Paul Pereira, Communications Consultant
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Martin van Staden, Legal Fellow, Sakeliga
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Temba Nolutshungu, Director, Free Market Foundation
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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:
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[Section 1] Rethinking South Africa's political institutions and system of governance
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[Section 2] Community-led approaches to safety and security in South Africa
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[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/
How do we build a sustainable social order in South Africa? In this episode of the Solutions With David Ansara podcast, I speak with Russell Lamberti, Chief Economist at Sakeliga, about cultural communities in South Africa.
Russell and I analyse the causes and consequences of state failure in South Africa. How do we preserve liberty, safety and prosperity for South Africans when the state is failing to maintain its basic duties and obligations towards us as citizens?
Russell advocates for high degrees of decentralisation, and a federal model of governance. The current unitary system is too centralized, and ineffective at managing the various conflicting needs of a heterogenous society, he says.
We also unpack the idea of cultural communities in South Africa. How compatible are these concepts of group identity with an individual rights framework, I ask?
TIMESTAMPS
(00:00) Introduction
(00:28) Russell Lamberti on the breakdown of social order in South Africa
(08:15) Russell Lamberti on the the benefits of decentralised political systems
(19:15) Russell Lamberti on mitigating the risk of inter-ethnic conflict
(30:58) Russell Lamberti on cultural communities and individual rights
(47:18) Russell Lamberti on the decline of ANC hegemony
(57:09) Conclusion
In this episode of the Solutions With David Ansara podcast, I speak with John Endres and Frans Cronje – the incoming and outgoing CEOs of the Institute of Race Relations – about the "next transition" in South African politics, and what this means for the future of the country.
We discuss the ongoing decline of the ANC, first predicted by the IRR in 2012, and how this will define SA politics in the run-up to the national and provincial elections in 2024.
Will the various opposition parties be able to put aside their differences and work together to form a broad front against the ANC and the EFF, I ask? How will this affect service delivery across the country and how should individuals and communities respond to this interregnum?
We also explore the IRR's mission of advancing classical liberalism in South Africa, and its role in fighting the "battle of ideas".
TIMESTAMPS
(00:00) Intro
(00:19) Frans Cronje on the decline of ANC dominance
(02:32) John Endres on the political realignment
(07:37) Frans Cronje on Herman Mashaba and ActionSA
(14:54) John Endres on the future of the ANC
(20:18) Frans Cronje on the coalition dynamics in SA
(25:24) John Endres on how hung councils will affect service delivery
(29:56) Frans Cronje on developing a 'Plan B'
(32:49) John Endres on what the EFF will do
(35:29) Frans Cronje on the IRR and the battle of ideas
(40:36) Frans Cronje on Critical Race Theory vs. non-racialism
(44:05) John Endres on the future of the IRR
(48:35) John Endres on the principles of the IRR
(49:42) Conclusion
WATCH this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/nouCtKsiebc
This week, South Africa concluded one of the most consequential elections of the democratic era.
In this episode of Solutions With David Ansara, I unpack the election results – and their impact on the future of South African politics – with Gabriel Crouse of the Institute of Race Relations.
TIMESTAMPS
(00:00) Intro
(00:28) Gabriel Crouse on understanding the election results
(02:16) Gabriel Crouse on the record-low voter turnout
(07:01) Gabriel Crouse on the decline of ANC dominance
(12:20) Gabriel Crouse on ActionSA
(18:18) Gabriel Crouse on the DA
(25:52) Gabriel Crouse on the EFF
(30:18) Gabriel Crouse on political realignment in SA
(37:15) Gabriel Crouse on the attempt to delay the elections
(40:23) Gabriel Crouse on ending the State of Disaster
(43:12) Conclusion
South Africa's Constitution is widely lauded, but how strong is constitutional democracy and the rule of law in SA?
In this episode of Solutions With David Ansara, I speak with Advocate Mark Oppenheimer of the Johannesburg Bar about defending South Africa's Constitution.
We discuss Mark's new podcast, Constitutional Landmarks, which explores the most significant judgements handed down by the ConCourt since its inception, including the Nkandla judgement against former president Jacob Zuma, the abolition of the death penalty, the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC), gay marriage, and access to HIV/AIDS treatment.
Mark and I discuss the origins of the Constitution, which is the product of a negotiated political settlement between the outgoing Apartheid regime and the incoming ANC government. As a result, the final document became something of a patchwork of compromises and political agreements.
Mark points out that one of the founding values of the Constitution is non-racialism: "The original meaning of the term is that you don't allocate burdens and benefits on the basis of race, he says. "People ought to be judged on the content of their character and not the colour of their skin."
However, Mark notes that the principle of non-racialism is often contradicted by government policy and social behaviour. He highlights the recent elections for the Legal Practitioners' Council, the body that runs his profession, where certain seats were allocated on the grounds of race. This has resulted in black female candidates being removed from their seats for being 'overly-represented'. "The Constitution promises certain things, but as a society we still need to work quite hard to ensure that those are provided," Mark says.
We also discuss the notion of redress for past wrongs, and the folly of the proposed amendments to section 25 of the Constitution (the Property Rights Clause), as well as whether the Truth and Reconciliation Commission achieved a just outcome for victims of gross human rights violations.
How do we as ordinary citizens ensure that we uphold the values of the Constitution, I ask?
Protecting and upholding constitutional principles requires active citizens bringing cases before the Constitutional Court, Mark says. NGOs and other interested parties can do this, but litigation is expensive. Crowdfunding initiatives such as those run by organisations like the Institute of Race Relations and Afriforum can do a lot to shape our constitutional framework, he says.
Mark notes that a Constitution is not simply a piece of paper. "It's not only about rights, it's a culture," he says. This requires us to hold government to account and ensure that our rights are protected. "The price of freedom is constant vigilance," he says. "If you do nothing, then tyranny will prevail."
TIMESTAMPS
(00:00) Intro
(00:41) Mark Oppenheimer on his new podcast, 'Constitutional Landmarks'
(03:11) Mark Oppenheimer on the history of the South African Constitution
(09:08) Mark Oppenheimer on equality
(11:50) Mark Oppenheimer on the supremacy of the Constitution
(15:20) Mark Oppenheimer on strengthening the rule of law
(18:09) Mark Oppenheimer on Expropriation Without Compensation
(22:05) Mark Oppenheimer on the Truth and Reconciliation Commission
(32:25) Mark Oppenheimer on 'Transformania'
(36:07) Mark Oppenheimer on the Judicial Services Commission
(38:28) Mark Oppenheimer on defending the constitution
(40:19) Mark Oppenheimer on his appearances before the Constitutional Court
(43:29) Conclusion
RESOURCES
SUBSCRIBE to 'Constitutional Landmarks' on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/ConstitutionalLandmarks
LISTEN on your preferred podcast app: https://anchor.fm/constitutional-landmarks
How do we solve South Africa's violent crime problem in the absence of a capable police service? In this episode of 'Solutions With David Ansara' I speak with Ian Cameron, a community safety specialist with Action Society, a civil society organisation dedicated to improving safety and security in South Africa. We start the conversation with a frank assessment of the South African Police Service, an institution in rapid decline.
Starved of resources and subjected to political interference, the police are unable to contain the growing epidemic of violence in our society. Although many good cops remain in the service, they are overwhelmed, under-resourced and poorly led.
This lack of capacity is evidenced by the almost complete breakdown in the SAPS’ DNA registry, which currently has a backlog of over 300,000 cases. As a consequence, many cases of sexual violence and murder have not been prosecuted.
The breakdown in law and order reached its zenith in July 2021, when riots swept through KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng. Ian notes that well-armed community safety groups were critical in preventing even more damage and chaos, and offers some practical advice for coordinating voluntary safety structures at the community level.
How do we avoid a descent into vigilantism, I ask? Ian says that legislation is in place which governs the conduct of community groups and that these act as a necessary check on excessive actions, but more needs to be done extend and strengthen this governance framework.
Ian’s solution to our law and order problem is to decentralise policing to the provincial and local level. The Western Cape could serve as a model case of devolved policing, he says, given the rampant violence in areas such as Grassy Park in Cape Town, which has the highest citizen-to-police ratio than in the country.
Law and order is the bedrock of a free and prosperous society. We cannot wait for politicians to change course. We must adopt an ethos of personal responsibility and take the safety of our families and communities into our own hands.
TIMESTAMPS
(00:00) Intro
(00:38) Ian Cameron's community safety work
(02:26) Ian Cameron on violent crime in South Africa
(04:18) Ian Cameron on why the SAPS is failing
(06:20) Ian Cameron on the SAPS DNA backlog
(08:41) Ian Cameron on the July riots
(10:47) Ian Cameron on empowering communities to fight crime
(15:18) Ian Cameron on responsible firearm ownership
(17:25) Ian Cameron on the Firearms Control Amendment Bill
(19:07) Ian Cameron on devolution of policing in the Western Cape
(25:18) Ian Cameron on what he would do as head of police in the Western Cape
(27:59) Ian Cameron on the Scorpions
(29:55) Ian Cameron on preventing vigilantism
(32:28) Ian Cameron on rural safety and farm murders
(34:52) Ian Cameron's work with AfriForum
(36:58) Ian Cameron's work with Action Society
(38:30) Ian Cameron on Western Cape Independence
(41:51) Conclusion
RESOURCES
Action Society: https://actionsociety.co.za/
Firearms.co.za: https://firearms.co.za/
SafeCitizen campaign: https://www.safecitizen.co.za/
In this episode of Solutions With David Ansara podcast, I speak with Geordin Hill-Lewis, the Democratic Alliance mayoral candidate for the City of Cape Town, about his plans for fulfilling Cape Town's significant potential. Geordin became a Member of Parliament in 2011 and has served in various portfolio committees, including Trade and Industry, and Finance. He is "singularly obsessed with economic growth", and unlocking economic opportunities for all Capetonians is a key part of his campaign. As Geordin explains, runaway government spending at the national level is having a damaging impact on local service delivery. As the fiscal deficit widens and debt soars, budgets for housing, policing and transport have all been slashed. The question Geordin poses is this: "How do you insulate well-run parts of the country from this slow-bleed devastation?" One area where the City can distinguish itself is energy security, especially given the perennial problem of loadshedding, which we yet again experienced throughout the country this week. Should the DA win the election on 1 November, Geordin is aiming to assert the interests of the City by crowding-in independent power producers (IPPs) and not waiting for "clarity or permission" from the National Department of Mineral Resources and Energy. A small gap has been created by the lifting of the cap on private energy generation to 100MW, and Geordin wants to "kick the door open". We also discuss how Capetonians can work together to improve safety and security in their neighbourhoods, especially given the rapidly declining capacity of the SA Police Service (SAPS) in the Western Cape to maintain law and order. We reflect on what the July riots reveal about the state of policing in South Africa, and Geordin's plans to devolve policing down to the provincial and local level. I also ask him about the controversial posters that were recently erected by his party colleagues in KwaZulu-Natal. I also ask Geordin about his views on the Cape Independence movement. Geordin is sympathetic with the "emotional impetus" for why people support secession, which he says is a "massive compliment" of the DA's model of government in the Western Cape. However, he doesn't support the call for independence, preferring a federal system based on devolution to the local level, a model which he believes would benefit the whole of South Africa. TIMESTAMPS (00:00) Intro (00:22) Geordin Hill-Lewis on accelerating Cape Town's economic growth (02:38) Geordin Hill-Lewis on South Africa's current economic problems (06:00) Geordin Hill-Lewis on how to end loadshedding in Cape Town (08:28) Geordin Hill-Lewis on crowding-in independent power producers (10:11) Geordin Hill-Lewis on how to push back against harmful national policies (14:01) Geordin Hill-Lewis on conflicting powers between different spheres of government (16:45) Geordin Hill-Lewis on safety and security in Cape Town (23:30) Geordin Hill-Lewis on protecting Cape Town's infrastructure (23:39) Geordin Hill-Lewis on community safety initiatives (28:28) Geordin Hill-Lewis on the DA's poster campaign in KwaZulu-Natal (30:05) Geordin Hill-Lewis on solving Cape Town's housing back-log (36:40) Geordin Hill-Lewis on easing the tax burden on ratepayers (40:02) Geordin Hill-Lewis on making Cape Town an attractive destination for business (44:52) Geordin Hill-Lewis on Cape Independence (50:16) Geordin Hill-Lewis on why he got involved in politics (53:48) Geordin Hill-Lewis on liberal democracy in South Africa (56:13) Geordin Hill-Lewis on coalition politics (57:38) Conclusion
WATCH this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/Z0Qvc_-FQeM
Is the world undergoing a fundamental political realignment? In this episode of the 'Solutions With David Ansara' podcast, I speak with economic historian, Stephen Davies, of the Institute of Economic Affairs (IEA) in the United Kingdom. We discuss the new political alignment and what this means for societies around the world. Davies argues that political competition tends to revolve around a single binary, with political actors coalescing into broad coalitions on either side of a dominant aligning issue. The 'old' political alignment of the 1960s to the 2010s was characterised primarily by a debate over the role of the state in the economy (along with a secondary aligning issue of whether the government should regulate people's personal lives, or adopt a more socially liberal approach). However, over the past five years, a new binary has emerged, with questions of identity now the defining issue of modern politics. The new division is between those who favour cosmopolitan globalism, and those who are hostile to globalisation and who want to reassert "the local, the particular and, above all, the national," Davies says. This latter kind of politics is sometimes described as 'populist', but Davies prefers the term 'national collectivist'. This combines a strongly dirigiste economic policy with an antipathy towards economic globalisation, including strict controls on immigration, trade protectionism, and an emphasis on the economic role of the state. We also discuss how the Global Financial Crisis caused a loss of confidence in political elites; the problem with adopting a technocratic approach to politics; why Brexit happened (and how it changed British politics); the importance of bottom-up solutions to contemporary social problems; the benefits of open borders; and how to win the intellectual argument for liberalism. TIMESTAMPS (00:00) Introduction (00:34) Stephen Davies on the old political alignment (05:55) Stephen Davies on the global financial crisis (12:22) Stephen Davies on the new political alignment (20:57) Stephen Davies on Brexit (25:57) Stephen Davies on managing the fallout of creative destruction (32:27) Stephen Davies on bottom-up approaches to politics (37:47) Stephen Davies on open borders (46:27) Stephen Davies on pandemics (51:18) Stephen Davies on making politics more local (54:08) Stephen Davies on winning the battle of ideas (57:18) Conclusion
RESOURCES 'The Economics and Politics of Brexit: The Realignment of British Public Life' by Stephen Davies 'Immigration and Freedom' by Chandran Kukathas
VIDEO WATCH this episode on YouTube
In this episode of the Solutions With David Ansara podcast, I speak to John Kane-Berman about the legacy of the South African Institute of Race Relations (IRR). John led the Institute from 1983 until 2014, and this conversation shines a light on the history of South Africa's oldest liberal organisation, and details John's role in its activities and ideas. We start the discussion with a review of John's early career as a labour journalist, where he chronicled the mass entry of black workers into South Africa's labour market in defiance of the Colour Bar and the job reservation policies of apartheid (which John detailed in his first book, 'The Silent Revolution'). John and I also go back further in time to discuss the genesis and history of the Institute. Founded in 1929, the IRR was established to work for "peace, goodwill and practical cooperation" between the races. The annual Survey, published since the 1940s, meticulously documented the draconian segregationist policies of the time, and their devastating impact on black South Africans. As the National Party tightened its grip on South Africa, the IRR took on a more activist and overtly political role, advocating for democratic representation for all South Africans, the rule of law, non-violence, non-racialism, and a market economy. This put the Institute firmly at odds with the political establishment of the time. In the 1980s, when the apartheid system began to break down under the pressure of its own internal contradictions, the ANC's 'People's War' intensified as it prepared to take power. Tens of thousands of innocent people lost their lives at the hands of the ANC (mostly black supporters of the IFP and Black Consciousness organisations such as AZAPO). Simultaneously, the Institute was beset by internal divisions as pressure was brought to bear on liberal organisations to join the ANC-aligned United Democratic Front. John knew and understood the violent and socialist character of the ANC. He refused to submit to this pressure, against the opposition of many colleagues who subsequently left the organisation and who remain vocal critics of the IRR today. The IRR stood firmly by its liberal principles and remained critical of the ANC into the democratic era, challenging the 'National Democratic Revolution' ideology of the party as it first assumed and then consolidated its power over the ensuing decades. Under the new government, the IRR again took flak for standing up to race-based 'empowerment' laws, as well as for opposing Expropriation Without Compensation (EWC). As the ANC's failings become manifest and the capacity of the state breaks down, the Institute continues to grow and evolve in response to these challenges. But it will always remain steadfast in its commitment to the liberal ideal and consistent with its historical mission to defend the freedom and prosperity of all South Africans.
TIMESTAMPS (00:00:00) Intro (00:00:57) John Kane-Berman on his early career as a journalist (00:08:39) John Kane-Berman's leadership of the Institute of Race Relations (00:13:04) John Kane-Berman on the history of the Institute of Race Relations (00:18:47) John Kane-Berman on the liberal tradition in South Africa (00:22:21) John Kane-Berman on the ANC's People's War (00:27:22) John Kane-Berman on the liberal slideaway (00:33:00) John Kane-Berman on the socialist ideology of the ANC (00:42:55) John Kane-Berman on the ANC in power (00:49:42) John Kane-Berman on the IRR's opposition to racial laws (00:52:46) John Kane-Berman on the IRR's defense of property rights (00:56:38) John Kane-Berman on the Bill of Rights (00:58:45) John Kane-Berman on joining the battle of ideas (01:02:44) Conclusion
RES
South Africa's economy is flatlining. How do we kick-start economic activity to ensure higher levels of investment and growth?
In this episode of the Solutions With David Ansara podcast, I speak to Dawie Roodt, Chief Economist and Director of the Efficient Group, about how to fix South Africa's ailing economy.
Dawie and I analyse the causes of South Africa's recent decline, which has more to do with political factors than economic ones: the outsized influence of the Tripartite Alliance on labour policy; the damaging effects of the Expropriation Without Compensation (EWC) debate on investor sentiment; the risk of National Health Insurance (NHI), which would crowd out private medical savings; and many other harmful policies.
Dawie is critical of the much-vaunted idea of the 'developmental state', which is premised on an efficient and effective civil service that South Africa simply does not have. The growth in the size and scope of the state has merely facilitated patronage distribution and corruption, Dawie argues.
Government has also attempted to widen South Africa's social security net, particularly during the pandemic, which has resulted in severe problems for the country's fiscal accounts, with government expenditure far exceeding revenue collection. Consequently, public debt is projected to balloon to 80% of GDP.
There are a few ways that South Africa can get out of its current debt spiral: we can cut our way out (austerity); we can increase taxes; we can grow our way out; or we can inflate our debt away by eroding the value of the currency (watch out for growing political pressure on the Reserve Bank to loosen monetary policy). High inflation will be devastating to savers and the poor in South Africa, he argues.
What would Dawie do if he were in charge of economic policy, I ask? Simple. He would liberalise the labour market, remove minimum wages, guarantee property rights, abolish BEE and sell off state-owned enterprises.
Dawie also offers some advice for South Africans looking to protect their income and their assets from state failure, including (legally) minimising your tax exposure, and providing services that the state is no longer able to provide, such as education and infrastructure.
There are many areas of the global economy that offer significant upside, he says. These include emerging opportunities in the technology sector, offshore investments, and cryptocurrencies.
TIMESTAMPS
(00:00) Introduction
(00:30) Dawie Roodt on why the South African economy isn't growing
(01:53) Dawie Roodt on why economic policy is hostile to business
(04:26) Dawie Roodt on the growing dependency on the state
(06:10) Dawie Roodt on the role of the Tripartite Alliance
(09:17) Dawie Roodt on South Africa's new finance minister
(13:51) Dawie Roodt on South Africa's fiscal problems
(17:58) Dawie Roodt on what he would do if he were finance minister
(22:32) Dawie Roodt on what ordinary South Africans can do to protect their wealth
(30:32) Dawie Roodt on South Africa's shrinking tax base
(35:00) Dawie Roodt on offshore risks and opportunities
(39:10) Dawie Roodt on cryptocurrencies
(41:44) Dawie Roodt on how to navigate uncertainty
(42:49) Conclusion
Watch this on YouTube
Is the world confronting an illiberal moment?
Many democratic societies are facing challenges from both the left and right against the very idea of liberal democracy itself.
At the same time, governments around the world have adopted extraordinary powers in response to the Covid-19 pandemic.
Can liberalism survive these threats? In this week’s episode of the Solutions With David Ansara podcast I speak to legal researcher and commentator, Martin van Staden of Sakeliga, about the state of liberalism today.
Liberals believe in the timeless principles put forward by John Locke, John Stuart Mill and other thinkers several hundred years ago: freedom of the individual, a market economy, the rule of law, free expression and limited government.
The world may have changed in many respects, but these principles offer a timeless set of tools with which to organise our political arrangements. Fundamentally, liberalism deals with the issue of coercion and the appropriate role of the state. It is not a doctrine or a dogma: it is an approach that prioritises freedom.
Martin and I discuss why governments should not mandate their citizens to get the Covid-19 vaccine. We both agree that getting the jab is a good idea, we just don’t think that anybody should be forced by the state or a third party to be vaccinated against their will. This opposition is grounded on the respect for bodily integrity. We also discuss the importance of the rule of law, why it is different to “the rule of man”, and also reflect on the relationship between individuals and groups.
We conclude the discussion with an examination of liberalism here in South Africa. Liberalism is one of the oldest political traditions in South Africa, but it has always been caught between the “two fires” of competing nationalisms.
Although there have been many reversals, Martin is relatively optimistic about the prospects for liberalism in SA and the world. The desire to be free is innate within us, and part of the human condition. "Freedom, once given, cannot be taken away,” he says.
Caught between a resurgent left and a reactionary right, liberals have it hardest, but as the world becomes increasingly polarized between these two extremes, this is also a great opportunity for liberals to persuade and to educate. "Liberals believe in the persuasion society, not the permission society,” he notes.
TIMESTAMPS
(00:00) Intro
(00:38) The current state of liberalism
(06:58) Government responses to the pandemic
(12:39) Why vaccine mandates are illiberal
(18:29) Managing risk in a free society
(20:41) The vaccine and personal choice
(24:28) The importance of the rule of law
(31:32) The relationship between individuals and groups
(39:09) The strengths and weaknesses of democracy
(44:08) The future of liberalism in South Africa
(49:48) Conclusion
RESOURCES
'The Liberal case against (vaccine) passports' by Martin van Staden (The Daily Friend, 11 Sept 2021): https://dailyfriend.co.za/2021/09/11/the-liberal-case-against-vaccine-passports-2/
'Failed Democracy: Can Conservatives Tell Liberals “We Told You So”?' by Martin van Staden (Rational Standard, 14 September 2021): https://rationalstandard.com/failed-democracy-can-conservatives-tell-liberals-we-told-you-so/
VIDEO
WATCH this episode on YouTube.
What are the benefits of immigration from an economic and social perspective? How do we distinguish between various types of immigrants, and how should societies balance the benefits of immigration with other considerations, such as security and cultural integration?
In this episode of the Solutions With David Ansara podcast, I speak with Alex Nowrasteh, a policy scholar and director of immigration studies at the Cato Institute in Washington DC, about the arguments for open borders.
Alex believes that countries which are more open to foreigners enjoy an economic dividend due to increases in skills and productivity. A liberalised immigration policy produces positive-sum gains for immigrants, as well as their host countries, he argues.
I raise the most common objection to open borders: the problem of security and terrorism. Only those who pose a risk to "life, liberty and property" should be prevented from entering, Alex says. He notes that terrorism, while a significant problem, is not at the scale large enough to justify denying entry to those who do not pose such a risk.
I also bring up the topic of cultural integration. Alex believes that smaller, more homogenous societies may be more justified in their concerns over the erosion of their language and culture, but the United States, with its long tradition of multiculturalism, does not experience this problem to the same extent. Culture is also fluid and ever-changing, he says.
We also reflect on the presidency of Donald Trump and explore why his anti-immigration message resonated so strongly with the American electorate, and why Joe Biden has been reluctant to re-open America's borders.
TIMESTAMPS
(00:00) Intro
(00:23) Alex Nowrasteh on the economic benefits of immigration
(02:33) Alex Nowrasteh on political opposition to immigration
(04:23) Alex Nowrasteh on the different categories of immigrants
(08:48) Alex Nowrasteh on cultural integration
(15:16) Alex Nowrasteh on the problems with government immigration policy
(22:57) Alex Nowrasteh on the cultural effects of globalisation
(25:57) Alex Nowrasteh on security risks arising from immigration
(32:25) Alex Nowrasteh on Donald Trump's immigration policy
(35:36) Alex Nowrasteh on Joe Biden's immigration policy
(38:02) Alex Nowrasteh on safely liberalising immigration policy
(45:00) Alex Nowrasteh on whether poor countries should open their borders
(49:59) Alex Nowrasteh on how policymakers should approach immigration
VIDEO
WATCH this episode on YouTube
RESOURCES
Alex Nowrasteh bio
In this episode of the 'Solutions With David Ansara' podcast, I speak with former world champion boxer turned lawyer, Lovemore Ndou, about his new memoir, Tough Love.
We discuss Lovemore's rough childhood in 1980s Messina (now known as Musina), his escape to Australia, and his long journey to the top of the boxing world. We also reflect on the transformational power of education, and his "second career" as an attorney in Sydney.
Lovemore and I dissect the current state of South Africa, and try to understand where the country has gone wrong since he left in the mid-1990s. Lovemore pulls no punches in his assessment of the ruling party's performance: BEE, corruption and a culture of impunity are just a few of the problems the ANC has inflicted on South Africa, he says.
Lovemore has his own ideas for how to fix the country of his birth. He details his plans to return to South Africa, as well as his long-term political ambitions in this wide-ranging conversation.
TIMESTAMPS
(0:00) Intro
(1:00) Lovemore Ndou on growing up in poverty
(3:10) Lovemore Ndou on witnessing political violence in Zimbabwe as a child
(7:28) Lovemore Ndou on overcoming adversity
(10:25) Lovemore Ndou reflects on his boxing career
(15:08) Lovemore Ndou on why he emigrated to Australia
(20:55) Lovemore Ndou on why Black Economic Empowerment failed
(28:26) Lovemore Ndou on his political ambitions
(31:34) Lovemore Ndou on the transformative power of education
(35:34) Lovemore Ndou on how to create equality of opportunity
(41:12) Lovemore Ndou on how to fix government
(44:55) Lovemore Ndou on non-racialism in South Africa
(49:04) Lovemore Ndou on the Economic Freedom Fighters
(50:16) Lovemore Ndou on why South Africa needs a new political party
(52:07) Conclusion
RESOURCES
READ 'Tough Love: How A Limpopo Homeboy Became A World Champ Turned Lawyer' by Lovemore Ndou (Jonathan Ball, 2021):
VIDEO
WATCH this episode on YouTube
What are the drivers of human progress? Why are some countries prosperous, while others remain mired in poverty?
In this episode of the Solutions With David Ansara podcast, I speak with former UK Conservative Party MP, Douglas Carswell, about the origins of human progress.
Douglas and I discuss his book, 'Progress vs Parasites' (2019), which chronicles the history of human development as an ongoing struggle between the productive and the parasitic.
Douglas notes that the division of labour, specialisation and exchange are key determinants of economic development. He argues that progress is emergent and spontaneous, but not inevitable. If left unchecked, powerful vested interests can easily frustrate progress as they seek to extract advantages from the system under their control.
We also look back on Douglas' role in the campaign for Britain to leave the European Union (EU).
Douglas explains why he believed Britain was better off outside the EU, and how he persuaded Britons to vote 'Leave' in the 2016 referendum.
Douglas argues that the 'European project' was fundamentally flawed, as it sought to concentrate political power in the hands of unaccountable bureaucrats in Brussels, and undermined the sovereignty of the United Kingdom.
We conclude the conversation by discussing the importance of political decentralisation and the devolution of power for democratic accountability.
TIMESTAMPS
(0:00) Intro
(0:20) How Douglas Carswell became politically active
(1:53) The origins of human progress
(7:25) The causes of poverty and prosperity
(12:34) The relationship between political and economic freedom in China
(17:38) The role of political institutions for human development
(21:55) Why Douglas Carswell supported Brexit
(28:54) The failure of the European Union
(31:34) How Brexit was won
(36:17) How Douglas Carswell persuaded voters to support Leave
(39:54) The benefits of free trade
(45:49) The importance of the decentralisation of political power
(50:52) Conclusion
RESOURCES
READ: Progress Vs Parasites: A Brief History of the Conflict that's Shaped our World by Douglas Carswell (2019)
Mississippi Center for Public Policy
VIDEO
WATCH this episode on YouTube
As South Africa becomes more politically unstable, the idea of Cape Independence is growing in popularity. But what would an independent Cape look like and what would Cape secession mean for the future of the country as a whole? In this episode of the 'Solutions With David Ansara' podcast I speak to Phil Craig of the Cape Independence Advocacy Group (CIAG) about why he believes complete independence is the only way to save the Cape.
We discuss recent polling conducted by the CIAG which reveals growing enthusiasm for the idea of Cape secession. Phil believes that the Western Cape's consistent rejection of African Nationalism puts the province at odds with the politics of the rest of the country, and that it would be better off governing its own affairs and not being held hostage to hostile policies emanating out of Pretoria.
I put it to Phil that secession may risk destabilising South Africa and could lead to a disorderly breakup of the country along racial or ethnic grounds. I state my preference for greater levels of federalism and decentralisation rather than full-blown independence. Phil notes that he is not ideologically opposed to federalism, but is opposed to it on pragmatic grounds.
We also spend some time towards the end of the conversation reflecting on the lessons from independence movements in other parts of the world, such as Scotland and Catalonia.
TIMESTAMPS
(0:00) Intro
(0:28) What is the Cape Independence Advocacy Group?
(2:39) Why Cape Independence is necessary
(4:57) What citizens of the Cape think of Independence
(7:06) Polling methodology
(10:04) How political parties are responding to Cape Independence
(14:42) Responds to concerns about the break-up of South Africa
(18:40) Non-racialism and the Cape Liberal Tradition
(22:08) The policies of an Independent Cape
(24:58) The proposed border between the Cape and South Africa
(26:26) What happens if Pretoria refuses to acknowledge Cape Independence
(30:24) International examples of independence movements
(34:33) Lessons from the European Union
(36:54) Next steps for the Cape Independence Advocacy Group
(39:40) The difference between federalism and Cape Independence
(44:48) Conclusion
RESOURCES
Cape Independence Advocacy Group website
Cape Independence Polling Results (August 2021)
RELATED EPISODES
Helen Zille on surviving wokeness
Richard Wilkinson on federalism in South Africa
VIDEO
Watch this episode on YouTube
How serious is the problem of fake news? How do we, as media consumers find credible and reliable sources of news in an information-abundant age?
In this episode of the Solutions With David Ansara podcast, I speak to Nicholas Lorimer of the South African Institute of Race Relations – and host of the Daily Friend Show – about a recent paper he co-authored with Terence Corrigan on how to combat fake news.
Although fake news may seem like a contemporary problem, Nicholas points out that misinformation is as old as the written word itself. "A lie can travel half-way around the world before the truth can put on its shoes," as Mark Twain (allegedly) said. This aphorism has never been more accurate than it is today, where modern digital technology acts as an accelerant for the dissemination of information, both real and fake.
Nicholas and I discuss:
- How Big Tech companies have struggled to moderate the content on their platforms
- How online censorship does more harm than good
- The declining credibility of traditional media houses
- The rise of the self-appointed 'fact-checkers'
- How we can become more discerning consumers of information.
TIMESTAMPS
(0:00) Intro
(0:29) The problem of fake news
(5:23) The role of social media in spreading misinformation
(10:17) Fake news in South Africa
(14:27) Big tech censorship
(20:24) The credibility of 'fact-checkers'
(22:17) The role of traditional media organisations
(25:42) Improving the quality of news and information
(29:24) Being a responsible media consumer
(32:52) Conclusion
RESOURCES
READ 'Fake News: A new challenge to human rights?' by Nicholas Lorimer and Terence Corrigan: https://irr.org.za/reports/occasional-reports/files/01-2014-page-1-32-2014-fake-news-report-21-04-2021.pdf
VIDEO
WATCH this episode on YouTube
SUBSCRIBE to the show on YouTube
South Africa has endured a "lost decade" of stagnant economic growth, resulting in poor returns on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange. In this environment, how can South Africans protect their wealth and secure the financial wellbeing of their families?
In this episode of Solutions With David Ansara, I speak to Magnus Heystek, Director of Brenthurst Wealth Management, about why you should diversify your investments and move your money offshore.
Magnus and I discuss:
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Why the JSE has underperformed relative to other markets.
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The trillion rand collapse in South Africa's property market.
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The risk of concentrating your assets in South Africa.
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The importance of diversifying your investments across jurisdictions.
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How to get your timing right when investing outside of South Africa.
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Why retirement annuities should not be part of your retirement planning.
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How Regulation 28 limits your investment options.
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The latent threat of prescribed assets.
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Whether the South African Reserve Bank (SARB) can retain its independence.
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Why Magnus is skeptical of cryptocurrencies.
DISCLAIMER
I do not offer financial advice on this podcast. Please speak to your financial advisor before making investment decisions.
TIMESTAMPS
(0:00) Intro
(0:20) Magnus Heystek on the benefits of offshore investing
(3:28) Magnus Heystek on the trillion rand property market collapse
(06:34) Magnus Heystek on why you should diversify your investments across jurisdictions
(10:10) Magnus Heystek on the true value of the Rand
(13:28) Magnus Heystek on how to get your timing right when investing outside of South Africa
(15:38) Magnus Heystek on retirement annuities and other pension funds
(19:47) Magnus Heystek on prescribed assets
(21:38) Magnus Heystek on the performance of the JSE
(26:27) Magnus Heystek on securing your financial future in South Africa
(32:03) Magnus Heystek on the independence of the South African Reserve Bank
(34:46) Magnus Heystek on the risks of cryptocurrency
(36:42) Magnus Heystek on protecting your wealth in South Africa
(38:08) Conclusion
RESOURCES
'The trillion rand property collapse' by Magnus Heystek (BizNews, 28 June 2021): https://www.biznews.com/news/2021/06/28/magnus-property
Brenthurst Wealth Management: https://www.bwm.co.za/
VIDEO
WATCH this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/lPBA1vZyyxI
SUBSCRIBE to the channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC4s3EpzO3IXwHLh-nzGCcyw
South Africa is in the midst of a profound crisis. How will the country fare over the next decade? What should individuals, families and communities do to prepare themselves for an increasingly uncertain future?
In this episode of 'Solutions With David Ansara', I speak to my colleague at the Centre For Risk Analysis, Dr Frans Cronje, about the future trajectory of South Africa, and how to develop a strategy to mitigate the downside risks of living in SA.
Frans and I discuss:
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What last month's riots reveal about the current state of the country.
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Why there is no "reform agenda" and why mainstream analysts are so often wrong about SA.
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The need for developing a 'Plan B' mindset.
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The importance of diversifying your income and assets.
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How to secure your children's' future.
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Alternatives to emigration.
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Whether SA is sustainable as a unitary state and the potential emergence of an "enclave society"
TIMESTAMPS
(00:00) Intro
(00:53) The current state of SA
(02:28) What caused the recent riots?
(04:33) SA over the next decade
(11:53) Election scenarios
(21:31) Why you need a “Plan B”
(31:25) Alternatives to emigration
(40:19) The danger of racial and ethnic nationalism
(47:08) How to prepare for an uncertain future
(53:09) Conclusion
WATCH this episode on YouTube
A good education can provide a pathway out of poverty, but how do we improve the quality of schooling in poor countries? One solution is to enable low-fee private schools to flourish.
In this episode of the 'Solutions With David Ansara' podcast, I speak with Prof. James Tooley, Vice Chancellor at the University of Buckingham in the United Kingdom, and author of several books on education in the developing world.
Prof. Tooley and I discuss:
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Why parents in poor countries tend to prefer low-cost private schools to free public schools.
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Why international aid agencies are reluctant to acknowledge the role of private schooling in development.
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How teacher's unions undermine accountability and quality in public schools. - Whether low-fee private schools provide a sufficiently high standard of education.
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The effectiveness of voucher-based systems.
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How private schools help young girls to be better educated.
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The potential for disruption in higher education.
TIMESTAMPS:
(0:00) Intro
(0:29) The importance of low-fee private schools in the developing world
(3:00) Private vs. public schools in poor countries
(4:56) Do low-fee private schools have lower standards?
(6:58) The state-centric bias in international development
(12:36) The politics of education
(18:08) The business of education
(21:48) Is standardised testing desirable?
(25:55) Voucher systems
(35:15) Civic education
(38:25) The benefits for young girls
(42:11) Alternative models of higher education
(47:05) Conclusion
RESOURCES
'Really Good Schools' by James Tooley (2021)
'A Beautiful Tree' by James Tooley (2013)
VIDEO
WATCH this episode on Youtube: https://youtu.be/c9mU1vOU4RM
The mass public violence that swept through KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng last week has resulted in widespread damage to property and the destruction of livelihoods. In light of these events, how do we as ordinary citizens take the necessary steps to protect ourselves, our families and our communities?
In this episode of the 'Solutions With David Ansara' podcast, I speak to safety and security expert, Gideon Joubert about the importance of locally-organised community safety initiatives in the absence of a capable state.
Gideon and I also discuss the origins and causes of last week's riots, the inability of the state to maintain basic law and order, and the necessity for responsible private citizens to own a firearm.
Apologies for the poor sound quality from 29:45 – 30:48.
TIMESTAMPS:
(0:00) Intro
(0:33) Last week’s violence and looting in SA
(4:16) The failure of the state
(10:00) Why get involved in community safety
(14:32) Building sustainable institutional structures
(20:20) The importance of responsible gun ownership
(24:59) The ideological assault on private gun owners
(28:19) The threat to property rights in SA
(31:14) Overcoming divisions between communities
(34:07) Protecting your business
(37:11) How to get involved
(40:05) Conclusion
RESOURCES:
Web: http://www.paratus.info/
Follow Gideon on Twitter: https://twitter.com/Paratus2014
Email Gideon: gideon@chsguns.co.za
VIDEO:
Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/j_ESQXv4sGk
What is the relationship between Islam and liberal democracy? How can Muslim countries achieve greater degrees of political competition, adherence to the rule of law and a separation of power between religion and state?
In this episode of the 'Solutions With David Ansara' podcast, I speak to Professor Hussein Solomon, Head of the Department of Political Science at the University of the Free State, about the problem of radical Islam today and the countervailing forces of moderation and secularisation in the Muslim world.
Prof. Solomon and I also discuss whether democracy is an exclusively Western idea, the role of political institutions and economic growth in creating fertile conditions for democracy to flourish, and the security threat posed by extremist Islamic insurgencies in Sub-Saharan Africa.
TIMESTAMPS
(0:00) Intro
(0:19) The problem of radical Islam today
(3:22) Islamist movements vs. moderate Islam
(7:03) Reconciling Islam with liberal democracy
(12:16) The role of political institutions
(14:21) Does economic prosperity lead to democracy?
(15:62) The counterexample of China
(19:29) The politics of North Africa post-Arab Spring
(25:27) How to foster a culture of democracy
(30:47) What role should Western countries play in promoting democracy in the Muslim world?
(34:10) Radical Islam in Sub-Saharan Africa
(39:30) How South Africa should respond to terrorism
(43:20) Sectarian divisions in the Muslim world
(47:16) Conclusion
WATCH this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/yb9id72Ivy8
The South African business environment is becoming increasingly hostile and uncertain. What can ordinary South Africans do to 'state-proof' their businesses?
In this episode of the 'Solutions With David Ansara' podcast, I speak to Piet le Roux, CEO of business group Sakeliga, about the steps that South African businesspeople can take to protect their organisations from damaging policies.
Piet and I discuss the importance of diversifying your jurisdictional exposure and income streams, as well as why you shouldn't do business with the government. We also speak about how to build alternative institutions in the absence of a capable state.
TIMESTAMPS
(0:00) Intro
(0:23) South Africa's hostile business environment
(2:24) Why state-proof your business?
(4:36) Types of state-proofing strategies
(6:26) Jurisdictional diversification
(9:45) Income diversification
(11:21) Doing business with the state
(15:17) Avoiding conflict with the state
(21:36) The need for alternative institutions
(29:06) Sakeliga's legal actions against the state
(34:51) The role of the judicial system
(38:47) About Sakeliga
(40:23) Conclusion
RESOURCES:
Sakeliga website: https://sakeliga.co.za/
VIDEO
Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/-pP9ktNwJ5o
Why is free speech an important value in a democratic society and what are the threats facing freedom of expression in South Africa? How do we balance free speech against other constitutional values, such as dignity and equality?
In this episode of 'Solutions With David Ansara', David speaks to Advocate Mark Oppenheimer about proposed amendments to South Africa's Promotion of Equality and the Prevention of Unfair Discrimination Act (PEPUDA).
Mark and David highlight various problems with the Amendment Bill, including its proposed redefinition of the terms 'equality' and 'discrimination', as well as its overly-broad conception of liability. They also discuss the importance of tolerance for the free exchange of ideas in society.
TIMESTAMPS
(0:00) Intro
(0:46) What is PEPUDA?
(1:45) Redefining 'equality' + 'discrimination'
(4:20) Equality of outcomes vs. equality of opportunity
(7:04) Liability for unintentional acts
(10:17) The tension between dignity + free speech
(10:41) Vicarious liability
(13:55) The risk to NGOs + civil society
(16:43) The Equality Court
(19:34) Litigation costs
(22:23) Implementation problems
(24:41) Examples of perceived 'discrimination'
(28:37) The importance of tolerance
(32:31) Public participation processes
(35:30) Conclusion
RESOURCES
- Promotion of Equality and the Prevention of Unfair Discrimination Act Amendment Bill (2021)
- Promotion of Equality and the Prevention of Unfair Discrimination Act (2000)
- Have your say on the PEPUDA Amendment Bill (DearSA)
South Africa's three-tiered system of government makes provision for nine provinces, each with its own legislature and executive. But are the provinces sufficiently empowered and how is the current constitutional structure enabling or constraining provincial administrations? Do they represent the interests of citizens?
In this episode of the 'Solutions With David Ansara' podcast, David is joined by Richard Wilkinson, an attorney with a special interest in provincial powers in South Africa.
David and Richard explore the benefits of a federalism, and why devolution of power is more effective than centralisation. They also discuss the significance of a legislative amendment proposed by the Democratic Alliance which would enable Premiers to call a provincial referendum.
TIMESTAMPS
(0:00) Intro
(0:36) The structure of government in South Africa
(4:06) Financing provincial government
(6:35) The Western Cape
(10:18) Exclusive vs Shared Competencies
(11:55) Conflicts between W. Cape and national govt
(14:38) Provincial referendums
(19:16) Policing in the Western Cape
(23:00) The Cape Independence question
(27:47) The DA's attempt to amend the Referendums Act
(30:27) Why decentralisation of power matters
(32:57) The role of communities and the private sector
(35:51) International examples of federalism
(38:42) About Richard Wilkinson
(41:14) Conclusion
Watch on YouTube.
How can African countries boost economic growth and reduce extreme poverty? One approach is through the expansion of free trade on the continent.
In this episode of the 'Solutions With David Ansara' podcast, David is joined by Alexander C.R. Hammond, Director of the Initiative for African Trade and Prosperity (IATP), a joint project of the Institute of Economic Affairs (IEA) and the University of Buckingham in the United Kingdom.
David and Alex discuss the link between free trade and prosperity, the barriers to trade that exist on the continent, and the potential of the newly-created African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) to transform the economies of Africa.
TIMESTAMPS
(0:00) Intro
(0:30) The benefits of free trade
(7:42) How free is trade in Africa?
(11:13) The AfCFTA: goals & progress
(14:25) Pan-African Socialism
(16:57) The role of Nigeria
(18:41) Non-tariff barriers
(24:22) The challenge of nationalism
(28:05) Regional Economic Communities
(29:18) Dispute resolution mechanisms
(30:27) Parallels with the EU
(36:34) Property rights and free trade
(39:04) About the IATP
(41:57) Conclusion
RESOURCES
IATP: https://theiatp.org/about-us/
IEA: https://iea.org.uk/
Private property rights are an essential component of democracy and economic development. South Africa has an unfortunate history of violating property rights, with many people still lacking access to land in the post-Apartheid era.
The ANC government's proposed solution is a radical policy of Expropriation Without Compensation (EWC), in the form of an amendment to the property rights clause of the Constitution, as well as the proposed Expropriation Bill. If passed, these constitutional and legislative changes would severely undermine the existing protections for private property rights.
In this episode of the 'Solutions With David Ansara' podcast, David speaks with Terence Corrigan, project manager at the Institute of Race Relations, about the origins of the EWC debate and the risk that EWC poses to South Africa's economy. Terence and David explore alternative solutions to the land problem and the power of freehold title as an instrument for improving access to land for the poor.
TIMESTAMPS
(0:00) Intro
(0:44) Historical context of land dispossession in SA
(6:22) The failure of land reform post-1994
(12:13) Origins of the EWC debate
(18:35) Proposed Constitutional amendment & EWC Bill
(26:15) The risks of EWC
(31:23) Other classes of property
(33:34) Alternative solutions to the land problem
(41:46) The importance of freehold title
(44:11) Contradictions in government policy
(46:26) Conclusion
Nearly three decades after the end of apartheid, South Africa continues to struggle from high levels of poverty and unemployment. Ostensibly to rectify this, the ruling African National Congress (ANC) has advanced a policy framework of "Black Economic Empowerment" (BEE), which identifies disadvantage on the basis of race and allocates benefits accordingly.
David Ansara speaks with Dr Anthea Jeffery, Head of Policy Research at the Institute of Race Relations, about the ideological underpinnings of BEE, and why it has led to vast capital accumulation for a small, politically-connected elite.
Dr Jeffery proposes an alternative solution: "Economic Empowerment for the Disadvantaged" (EED). Under the EED policy, empowerment interventions would be made on the basis of socio-economic status, rather than on racial grounds, with the private sector being incentivised to play a more active role in the distribution of welfare.
TIMESTAMPS
(0:00) Intro
(0:50) Understanding BEE and its origins
(7:25) How BEE enriches the elite and hurts the poor
(10:07) An alternative model of empowerment
(20:34) The role of the state
(23:11) Existing forms of welfare distribution
(25:45) The role of business
(30:32) Low-fee private education
(32:38) Overcoming political obstacles to EED
(37:19) How decentralisation improves choices
(39:26) Why BEE can't be fixed
(44:54) Conclusion
The global monetary system is undergoing a period of unprecedented uncertainty and instability. At the same time, there has been a surge of innovation in the form of digital currencies.
David Ansara speaks with Los Angeles-based macro strategist and economist, Rob Price, about how digital currencies such as Bitcoin could provide a solution to the problem of 'unsound money'.
TIMESTAMPS:
(0:00) Intro
(1:03) What is money?
(5:53) 'Sound' versus 'unsound' money
(9:04) The risk of 'unsound' money
(11:33) The role of central banks
(15:25) Stimulus and low interest rates
(20:27) Cryptocurrencies and 'digital scarcity'
(26:11) High transaction costs
(32:12) Price volatility
(39:42) The role of government and regulatory authorities
(46:49) The future of cryptocurrencies
(52:18) Conclusion
RESOURCES:
READ Rob Price's website: https://soundmoneymacro.com/
FOLLOW Rob Price on Twitter: https://twitter.com/Sound___Money
South Africa's economy is stuck in a low-growth trap. Investment has dried up, and unemployment is soaring. Many of these problems are caused by bad governance and policies that constrain economic freedom.
In this episode of the Solutions Podcast, David Ansara speaks with John Endres of the South African Institute of Race Relations about how market-friendly reforms could reignite the SA economy and lift millions of people out of poverty.
READ ‘Growth and Recovery: A Strategy to #GetSouthAfricaWorking’ by John Endres: https://irr.org.za/reports/occasional-reports/files/irr_report_14_0_2020_national_growth_strategy.pdf
On 24 April 2021, US President Joe Biden officially recognised the Armenian Genocide of 1915-1916 in what was then the Ottoman Empire (today's Turkey). What are the implications of this for the geopolitics of the Caucuses region, and particularly for the US relationship with Turkey?
David Ansara speaks with Armen K. Hovannisian of the Armenian Bar Association in Los Angeles about the historical events that led to the death of over a million Armenians and the significance of President Biden's recent announcement.
(0:00) Intro
(0:49) Historical context of the Armenian genocide
(11:08) The geopolitics of the Caucuses region and the US
(23:09) Armenia's relationship with Russia and Azerbaijan
(33:45) How to overcome the legacy of genocide
(38:48) The role of the Armenian diaspora
(44:20) Conclusion
David Ansara speaks with Marian Tupy, editor of www.HumanProgress.org, about how the world is better off than we think it is and why we shouldn't take this progress for granted.
(0:56) How absolute poverty is declining around the world
(5:38) Income inequality and economic progress
(10:20) Population growth and natural resources
(16:18) Is global warming a genuine threat?
(21:45) COVID-19 and government responses to the pandemic
(25:08) Democracy and economic development
(29:40) The threats to progress in South Africa
(33:04) Political polarization in the United States
(38:07) Property rights and the rule of law
(42:26) How individuals can preserve progress.
READ 'Ten Global Trends Every Smart Person Should Know: And Many Others You Will Find Interesting' by Marian Tupy and Ronald Bailey: https://www.amazon.com/Global-Trends-Every-Smart-Person/dp/1948647737
'Woke' ideology is spreading through the Western world, widening racial divisions and polluting public discourse.
In this inaugural episode of the 'Solutions With David Ansara' podcast, David speaks with Helen Zille, a South African politician and author of a new book on 'wokeness', to discuss ways in which commonsense people can start to reclaim the rational liberal centre.
Subscribe to 'Solutions With David Ansara' on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC4s3EpzO3IXwHLh-nzGCcyw/