FreedomAfter

FreedomAfter

A podcast by the Nelson Mandela Foundation about Freedom. In 1994, South Africa became a democracy, an event that is often credited for ushering in freedom for South Africa. However, there are many significant residues of Apartheid that remain - in our globally unmatched levels of inequality, the persistence of racism and sexism, and many other areas. In the ’freedomafter’, what have we done to gain the freedom that we have, and what must we do to gain more freedom? In this series, we speak with poet and author, Maneo Mohale; artist, Siyabonga Mthembu; organiser and author, Kelly-Eve Koopman; sangoma, Vuyiswa Xekatwane; veteran activist, Mark Heywood; acclaimed actor, Mpume Mthombeni; teacher and author, Karen Hurt; as well as law professor, Tshepo Madlingozi about freedom. Produced by Showcast Media Cover artwork by Pola Maneli Original Score by Sibusile Xaba noThingo Hosted and directed by Kneo Mokgopa

Episodes

December 15, 2023 3 mins

In this interlude, Poet and writer, Maneo Mohale recites a poem written for their earlier interlude, "Beg (Sistena for a Dom)". 

 

Maneo Refiloe Mohale is a South African editor, feminist writer and poet. Their work has appeared in various local and international publications, including Jalada, Prufrock, The Beautiful Project, The Mail & Guardian, spectrum.za, and others. 

They were Bitch Media’s first Global Feminism Writing F...

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In this episode, artist and musician, Siyabonga Mthembu of The Brother Moves On explores social and political contradictions and seeming impossibilities of living a free life without being defined by the negotiations one has to make to be free.

Considering the legacies of Stephen Biko, Nelson Mandela, and Patrice Motsepe, Siyabonga concludes that there is no honest place for a Black man to stand without being considered a sellout o...

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October 28, 2023 22 mins

In this episode, Kelly-Eve explores the narrative and structural complexities of her personal history and how she navigates identity in South Africa and through the world.

Kelly-Eve Koopman is a South African activist, artist, director and actor. She is best known for her roles in the television serials "Hollywood in my Huis", "Kroto" and "Mayfair". She is one of three directors of FEMME projects. 

Kelly-Eve is the author of "Becau...

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October 16, 2023 31 mins

In this episode, we speak with Vuyiswa Xekatwane and explore Isintu, spiritual practice and contemporary ubungoma. In it, Vuyiswa reminds us of the longue durée of African people, the tools we have used to navigate life, and how those same tools are still very relevant in navigating modern society.

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July 10, 2023 33 mins

In this episode, feminist and author, Karen Hurt, explores growing up in Zambia and being let free from gendered stereotypes and how she grew to become a "socialist, feminist, badass". 

Karen is the a co-founder of SPEAK! Magazine and author of the children's book "The Daring Duo 1: 179 Jabulani Street".

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In this interlude, poet and author of "Everything is A Deathly Flower", Maneo Mohale recites the poem "Beg", exploring sexual freedom, kink and desire.

 

Maneo Refiloe Mohale is a South African editor, feminist writer and poet. Their work has appeared in various local and international publications, including Jalada, Prufrock, The Beautiful Project, The Mail & Guardian, spectrum.za, and others. They’ve served as a contribut...

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April 27, 2023 23 mins

In this interlude, Mpume Mthombeni performs an extract from the theatre production, Isidlamlilo.

In the relief of 1994, we did not have the opportunity to process the bloodshed in KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng’s East Rand during the "deadly decade" between 1984 and 1994. At that time, even the daily newspapers couldn’t keep up with the onslaught of violence. It is here that we meet Zenzile Maseko...

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April 27, 2023 43 mins

In this episode, veteran activist Mark Heywood discusses whiteness, Marxism and the necessity of joy in activism.

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April 25, 2023 2 mins

In this interlude, Julie Nxadi offers a prayer.

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April 24, 2023 26 mins

In this episode, Professor Tshepo Madlingozi explores his personal history with environmental racism, the ways in which Biko prefigured liberation and his relationship with swimming.

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In this episode, acclaimed actress Mpume Mthombeni, describes her relationship with institutionalised religion, with traditional culture and her history confronting patriarchy.

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