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PODCAST

Mooshtaffa Platforms

I am Zimasa Vabaza, more commonly known as @mooshtaffa on social media. I created this platform because of the love I have for simplifying socio-economic knowledge around South Africa, SADC, Africa, & the globe. Here we cover small & big stories that matter—stories that you should know but from a different, less explored perspective. We also host podcast-style conversations with interesting people. We hope you will watch, engage, and enjoy.

news news commentary

All Episodes

00:09:48

#SHSI Episode 43 - Loftus Park: The R2 Billion...

Mooshtaffa Platforms ·

2025/08/21

Ever wondered how a single development can completely transform an entire area? Welcome to the incredible story of Loftus Park - a R2 billion mixed-use precinct that turned empty parking lots around the legendary Loftus Versfeld Stadium into one of Pretoria's most vibrant destinations.In this deep dive, we explore the numbers behind one of South Africa's most ambitious urban developments. From its humble beginnings in 2015 to the grand opening in 2018, Loftus Park has created over 14,000

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00:18:20

#SHSI Episode 42 - An Entire Generation Of Young...

Mooshtaffa Platforms ·

2025/08/20

The dream of homeownership is slipping away for young South Africans. At 36, the average first-time homebuyer is now three years older than a decade ago, and the numbers reveal a generation being systematically priced out of the property market.The Reality Check:Average house price: R1.6 millionMinimum monthly salary needed: R35,120+Only 15.8% of single earners can afford the average homeYouth unemployment exceeds 60%Home purchases by 26-35-year-olds dropped 25% since 2018What You'll

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00:12:01

#SHSI Episode 41 - How South Africa's 30-Year-Old...

Mooshtaffa Platforms ·

2025/08/20

Right now, as you're watching this video on your phone, you're looking at a device that the South African government officially considers a luxury item. Not just high-end flagship phones—we're talking about basic smartphones that cost as little as R1,000. The same classification applies to your gaming console, your headphones, your digital camera, and even your air conditioner. All of these everyday electronics are subject to a 9% luxury tax that was designed three decades ago.But it

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00:14:03

#SHSI Episode 40 - New Crisis: Payment Culture In...

Mooshtaffa Platforms ·

2025/08/11

South Africa is facing an unprecedented payment crisis where 85% of people refuse to pay TV licenses, municipalities are owed R416 billion, and universities can't collect R14 billion in student fees. But this isn't just about people being difficult—it's about a society split between those who genuinely can't afford to pay and those who've lost all faith in broken institutions. This deep dive into the data reveals how quickly a country's payment system can completely

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00:18:19

#SHSI Episode 39 - FACT: THE BUY NOW PAY LATER...

Mooshtaffa Platforms ·

2025/07/23

What is seductive simplicity? Well, picture this: You're scrolling through your favorite online store, eyeing that perfect pair of sneakers or even that latest tech gadget that you know you don’t need. You check your bank account, and there is dololo in there—nothing, nada, zero. But wait, there’s a little button at checkout that whispers, "Yes" you can afford it—just pay in 3 interest-free installments. No credit checks, no paperwork; you can be approved in seconds. Well, my dear

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00:17:15

#SHSI Episode 38 - SOUTH AFRICANS CAN'T AFFORD THE...

Mooshtaffa Platforms ·

2025/07/22

You walk into a car dealership in South Africa, fall in love with that shiny new Toyota Corolla Cross, and the salesperson tells you it's only R9,000 per month. Already that Sounds unaffordable, right?. Coz as a south African who understands the value of your rand, you know amount is before insurance and fuel and maintenance. So by the end of this video, you'll understand why 90% of South Africans can't actually afford the cars they're driving – and how the automotive industry has

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00:14:02

#SHSI Episode 37 - THE DURBAN NORTH COAST IS BOOMING...

Mooshtaffa Platforms ·

2025/07/16

Have you seen the image of what Durban North looked like 24 years ago…Tens of billions of rands have been pumped into development, just in this area… In fact, it's one of the fastest-growing population nodes in South Africa… The Durban North region of KwaZulu-Natal has experienced a remarkable surge in property development and economic growth over the last 25 years; a lot of this was largely catalyzed by the establishment and expansion of this place, the Gateway Theatre of Shopping. Although not

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00:11:48

#SHSI Episode 36 - SOUTH AFRICANS CAN'T AFFORD...

Mooshtaffa Platforms ·

2025/07/11

Here's a reality check that might make your wallet weep: South Africa spends more on voluntary private health insurance (42%) as a share of total health expenditure than any other country in the world. Yes, you read that right—we're world champions in expensive medical aid, and it's not a trophy anyone wants.Only 16% of South Africans can actually afford private healthcare at all. To put this in perspective, that means roughly 8 out of 10 people in the country simply cannot access

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00:19:23

#SHSI Episode 35 - THE SOUTH AFRICAN HEALTH SYSTEM...

Mooshtaffa Platforms ·

2025/07/08

The South African National Health Department's total budget will increase from R277 billion in the 2024/25 financial year to R296 billion in 2025/26. That's a massive jump, in fact, for context.When you take into consideration how our public health facilities look, you would think that this would be higher.Now these numbers are very important for us to understand. Because when you isolate national health funding in South Africa as a singular focus and as a department. It is the 4th most

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00:15:48

#SHSI Episode 34 - BANTER: THE COST OF DATING IN...

Mooshtaffa Platforms ·

2025/07/03

Yes, I know that Gauteng isn’t for love and it’s more for business, but let’s start off by looking at what it takes to find love in Johannesburg, Durban, and Cape Town alike. We’re going to use subjective data at times (don’t spoil the comments; this isn’t from a research paper, it’s just banter). This piece isn’t for married people. You guys and girls can hang around for the rest of the video, though; don’t click away, but also don’t judge those who are trying to get where you are or even though

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00:20:52

#SHSI Episode 33 - SHOULD THE IEC & SOUTH AFRICA SAY...

Mooshtaffa Platforms ·

2025/06/27

South Africa stands at a pivotal juncture in its democratic evolution. The custodian of the nation's electoral integrity, the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC), has embarked on a significant six-month national consultation process that is set to conclude in September 2025. But wait, why is this even a thing…Behind the very spectacle of voting, the truth here in South Africa and in other places is that democracy flatlined... people seem to be checking out.Take this into account: only 16.3

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00:10:50

#SHSI Episode 32 - The Cost Of Winning: Why Springbok...

Mooshtaffa Platforms ·

2025/06/26

Starting around 2023-2024, things started to get out of hand for some—insane. The Boks' popularity hit fever pitch. All six home tests in 2024 were sold out completely. Why? It was the first chance for many to see the team since they lifted the 2023 Rugby World Cup. Rassie’s champions were home! The blockbuster series against Ireland and the All Blacks, especially that emphatic win in Mbombela, cemented their status as global powerhouses. Those were instant classics.Basic economics: when

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00:12:54

#SHSI Episode 31 - SOUTH AFRICA'S 1% INCOME...

Mooshtaffa Platforms ·

2025/06/25

Over 500K South Africans earn over R1 million every year. In fact, this figure represents 6.7% of the country’s 7.4 million registered taxpayers. South Africa is without a doubt an economic powerhouse. Yes, it doesn’t feel like that on the ground right now, but we remain a key hub for wealth in Africa and a money generator, despite us facing all the known economic challenges. Then over the past decade, SA has seen a noticeable decline in its ultra-wealthy residents—to be factual, we’ve lost over

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00:16:25

#SHSI Episode 30 - DEEP DIVE: SOUTH AFRICA'S R7.18...

Mooshtaffa Platforms ·

2025/06/24

Beyond the stunning landscapes and vibrant culture, there's a powerful force quietly shaping South Africa's economy, one that shapes our narratives and is starting to tell our stories to the world. The South African film and television industry contributes significantly to the country's economy, more than some might be aware of. In fact, I tend to not see the industry in isolation but as a part of film, with the most recent survey by the National Film and Video Foundation estimating a

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00:21:32

#SHSI Episode 29 - AFRICA NEEDS A GOLDEN BUSINESS...

Mooshtaffa Platforms ·

2025/06/24

Africa stands at a pivotal moment; we all know that it's got loads of potential, it's brimming with entrepreneurial spirit and untapped economic potential. From Cape to Cairo. Kinshasa to Abuja. Combined, the nominal GDP of Africa’s 1.4bn+ population stands at $2.82 trillion. This was in 2025. A significant portion of this GDP is contributed by the "Big Five" African economies: South Africa, Egypt, Algeria, Nigeria, and Ethiopia, with Morocco getting a special mention there as the

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00:18:12

#SHSI Episode 28 - NEW CRISIS: SOUTH AFRICA IS NOT...

Mooshtaffa Platforms ·

2025/06/24

South Africa stands at a critical juncture in its development. With the government committing to spend R940 billion for infrastructure over the next three years, all of that new building and maintenance work will need not just tender-preneurs but actual professionals, engineers, to bring it to life.While we boast the most industrialized economy in Sub-Saharan Africa, we as #SouthAfrica are a nation facing significant challenges in areas like infrastructure development, service delivery,

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00:24:51

#SHSI Episode 27 - OPINION: WHY THE TOWN OF MAKHANDA...

Mooshtaffa Platforms ·

2025/06/23

This is Makhanda, the Eastern Cape town formerly known as Grahamstown, which stands as a stark testament to the devastating consequences of municipal neglect and alleged maladministration. Once envisioned as a vibrant hub, home to prestigious educational institutions and the renowned National Arts Festival, this town is now grappling with a systemic collapse of basic services, a crumbling infrastructure, and a palpable sense of despair among its residents.The story of Makhanda is not just a local

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00:15:41

#SHSI Episode 26 - SHELL IS LEAVING SOUTH AFRICA ......

Mooshtaffa Platforms ·

2025/06/23

Shell petrol stations are set to disappear in SA—well, not the actual stations, but the branding at least. Because Shell is leaving SA, and we need to have a talk about the why and the lies going around.Lately, there's been a lot of buzz around Shell's announcement that they're pulling out of their downstream operations here in South Africa. Depending on who you listen to, it's either a disaster or… well, that's what we're here to unpack today.Headlines have been screaming

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00:19:42

#SHSI Episode 25 - The Cost To Run The GNU Parliament...

Mooshtaffa Platforms ·

2025/06/23

The 5 Billion Rand Question: Can South Africa Afford its Government? In light of the VAT discussions in South Africa and the need for us to find savings across everything that government spends on, I thought it would be interesting to look at the cost associated with our cabinet, parliament, and the perks that befall you when you become an upper-echelon public servant.See, the thing is that South Africa's Government of National Unity (GNU) promised a new era of collaboration, but for all its

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00:12:52

#SHSI Episode 24 - THE R700BN ECONOMIC COST OF CRIME...

Mooshtaffa Platforms ·

2025/06/21

The cost of the crime problem to the South African economy is estimated by the World Bank to be R700 billion in 2023. That’s a really big number; in fact, it’s about 9.6% of our nominal GDP. You’re likely wondering how they got to this number. Well, it combines transfer & other costs associated with stolen property, security & protection costs, and also, most crucially, the lost opportunity cost. The things we rarely speak about post a crime being committed.The truth is that a high crime

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