13 MAR 2021 · I have the great pleasure today of talking to Tian Alberts. While still pursuing his master's in law through the University of Stellenbosch, Tian is also the Chairperson of Nova Mentis. He joins me to unpack questions surrounding the necessity of a "youth platform". Why do we need a youth platform? What does a youth platform even mean? Tian believes that younger generations need to be having very specific conversations about plans for the future that are not less relevant to older generations but that require implementation by younger generations. We touch on the decline of the nation state, the revolt against legalised plunder (taxation), a loss of trust in centralised institutions, as well as an affinity to cryptocurrencies. In observing what he sees as an inevitable capitulation of the state, Tian argues that we need to hedge our losses by preparing for a "state-proof existence", which involves financial emigration and protection of assets. Further, he challenges the concept of there being a monopolistic entity that can hold people accountable, i.e. a government, and thus proposes a push back on this. Tian argues that we should start entertaining the idea of communities forming their own set of rules and self-governing. Finally, a conversation about values is certainly very important. What are the values that we choose for our organisations, schools, and universities? Do we think about them, or do we swallow and incorporate the "boiler plate" value system that the media and academics have created for us? Values like "diversity" and "inclusivity", Tian argues, are by-and-large not good values. He briefly explains why he thinks that, as well as why he thinks creativity and mutual respect are better values for societies to adopt.

24 FEB 2021 · Many Constitutions around the world protect the right of its citizens to speak freely. Although the debate pertaining to the extent to which this freedom ought to be extended is still ongoing, there seems to be general consensus about the importance of free speech in democratic countries. But what exactly is freedom of speech and does it extend to one's right to offend other people and/or their beliefs? If so, where is it to be curtailed, by whom, on what grounds and with which ramifications? Joining me to attempt to answer these questions is Yanga Keva, who in addition to being a postgraduate LLB student and secretary of the Prim committee at the University of Stellenbosch, is a good friend of mine. We begin by recounting a poster campaign that sparked controversy at Stellenbosch University and then segue into a more extensive discussion about where we are as a country in this ongoing debate. From the Qwelane vs. South African Human Rights Commission court case, to the banning of the gratuitous display of the Apartheid flag, the First Ammendment, the murder of Samuel Paty, the Ayatollah Khomeini's fatwa against Salman Rushdie, Donald Trump, the disinvitation of speakers from university campuses, self-sensorship, as well as how religion fits (or doesn't fit) into the ongoing discussion, Yanga and I get through a lot in a short space of time.

24 FEB 2021 · What are we to make of the lack of racial diversity in the corporate world? Is it to be interpreted as a failure of our post-apartheid government to empower previously marginalised groups, a deliberate attempt by heterosexual white males to hold onto power at the expense of everybody else, or a combination of both? Or should we look closer at what “racial diversity” even means? Organic growth through grassroots education and inorganic growth through industry quotas have been presented as substitute/complimentary solutions. Nevertheless, helping people build wealth remains a central conversation within the ranks of various Asset Management firms in South Africa. The development of financial products and accompanying pricing strategies catered to the African populace has been identified as one way of achieving the desired changes. Joining me to unpack this is a Business Development Manager from one of South Africa’s most established Asset Managers. Luthando Mzilikazi’s experience in the financial services industry has helped her shape her own opinions on the matter. She identifies what she perceives to be the problems and accordingly proposes solutions.