nothing works but the people
Claim This Podcastby Pheladi Sethusa
Podcast Overview
<p>A narrative podcast about work and workers in South Africa. The precarity, minutiae and beauty of spending a shift in the shoes of some of the people foundational to this country's functioning. By peeking into the window that is their daily routines, we glean the extent to which the country's past, present and future plays an active role in their reality. A show made in collaboration with the people and hosted by Pheladi Sethusa. </p>
Language
🇺🇲
Publishing Since
3/12/2026
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Recent Episodes
June 10, 2026
people power
After two years of unmet promises of renewal and sweeping change by the elected Government of National Unity (GNU) in South Africa, some citizens are ready to take matters into their own hands to ensure accountable governance. A landmark citizens perceptions and expectations survey conducted in 2025, revealed that not only do people know what things are keeping them from accessing their basic needs, but also how they can better wield their individual and collective power to ensure them. This episode unpacks the town hall meeting in which the survey findings were discussed and meaningfully built upon to empower participants across the country, ahead of a pivotal local government election in a few months. This episode was created in collaboration with PlanAct, Act Ubumbano and the SIVIO Institute. It is another showing shortly production. Show Notes: Host, producer and editor: Pheladi Sethusa Junior producers: Siyanda Mthethwa and Salim Nkosi Guests: Ambani Sandani, Albert Mkhabela, Mondli Mabuza and Eddah Jowah Sponsors: PlanAct, Act Ubumbano and the SIVIO Institute Music: The Fight is Over by Kirk Osamayo, Free Music Archive, CC BY; Step by Cyrus, Free Music Archive, CC BY Resources: Citizens Perceptions and Expectation Survey 2025 (South Africa) The SIVIO Institute Planact Act Ubumbano
May 1, 2026
the team unpacks on workers day
As the world observes and celebrates Internaltional Workers Day on May 1, 2026 – we take the opportunity to take stock of the season that was in a bonus episode. Co-producer, Kabir Jugram and host, Pheladi Sethusa speak about the work they do, the origins of ‘nothing works but the people’, reflect on the modern world of work and producing the first season together. Show Notes: Host: Pheladi Sethusa Producer: Kabir Jugram Editing, writing and sound design: Pheladi Sethusa Graphic design: Mutsa Katsidzira Theme music: Trench Work by Ketsa, Free Music Archive, CC BY Additional music: Hanami Matsuri (花見祭り) by Fabian Measures, Free Music Archive, CC BY Additional sound: Crying by freesound-community on Pixabay This series is a Showing Shortly production. Sources cited in the episode and additional reading: 12 Last Songs Notes on Surviving Trump by Sisonke Msimang International Workers Day The history of MayDay in South Africa The Pod Place Radio Workshop
April 22, 2026
the thin advice between life and death
We’ve talked a lot about money this season, everything from how much people make to how they go about making more. In this sixth and final episode for this season, we speak to the people who help you manage the money you do have, safeguard it and grow it – financial advisors. They fall under the financial services sector and their work goes way beyond the sales component most of us are familiar with. Show Notes: Host: Pheladi Sethusa Producer: Kabir Jugram Editing, writing and sound design: Pheladi Sethusa Graphic design: Mutsa Katsidzira Theme music: Trench Work by Ketsa, Free Music Archive, CC BY Additional music: Work by Steve Combs, Free Music Archive, CC BY This series is a Showing Shortly production and made possible thanks to grant funding from Africa No Filter and forms part of the Work Reimagined Storylab. Another big thanks to our publishing partners, the Currency News. Sources cited in the episode: Statistics South Africa Quarterly Labour Force Survey The value of financial planning – Financial Planning Institute of Southern Africa How unequal is South Africa – Stats SA The risks of being underinsured - PSG Sheila-Ann Robey
9 total episodes available
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Frequently asked questions
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- What is nothing works but the people?
<p>A narrative podcast about work and workers in South Africa. The precarity, minutiae and beauty of spending a shift in the shoes of some of the people foundational to this country's functioning. By peeking into the window that is their daily routines, we glean the extent to which the country's past, present and future plays an active role in their reality. A show made in collaboration with the people and hosted by Pheladi Sethusa. </p> - How often does this podcast release new episodes?
This podcast updates daily.
- Where can I listen to this podcast?
This podcast is available on 4 platforms including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and more. You can also use the RSS feed directly.
- Does this podcast accept guests?
Yes, this podcast regularly features guests.
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