In this episode of the ‘Solutions With David Ansara’ podcast David speaks with public intellectual and author, Songezo Zibi, about his latest book, ‘Manifesto: a New Vision for South Africa’. Songezo and David 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. They also speak about the crisis of leadership in South Africa, and the reasons why the African National Congress has failed to govern the country properly. Songezo and David 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 theyspeak about why he is reluctant to join one of the more established opposition parties. They conclude by addressing one of South Africa’s holy cows: race-based empowerment.

contributor

David Ansara is the Chief Executive of the Free Market Foundation (FMF), a classical liberal think tank headquartered in Johannesburg, South Africa. David has 15 years’ experience working for think tanks, consultancies and trade associations. He is a strong advocate for individual liberty and market-based approaches to public policy. David holds a Master’s degree in Political Science from the University of Cape Town.