Colour-Full

In this episode, Stacy and Sena chat about the complexities of language, identity, and privilege in South Africa. They’re joined by Tsepang Khoboko and Qhawe Bula, two of the co-founders of TAQA app, a digital library with the mission of promoting, preserving and celebrating African cultures and languages through digital media. The App has a library of illustrated children’s audiobooks in all 11 official South African spoken languages.

Together they discuss personal experiences with language, the impact of colonialism and apartheid on African languages, and the importance of preserving these languages through initiatives like TAQA. The discussion highlights the systemic barriers faced by non-English speakers in education, and how learning in one's home language enhances understanding.

The episode concludes with practical advice for English-speaking individuals to support and engage with African languages respectfully.

Chapters

04:10 - Introduction to the guests

06:46 - The marginalisation of African languages and impact of language assimilation

08:56 - TAQA, how it came about and its mission

13:41 - The risk of African languages disappearing

17:57 - The role of colonial and apartheid policies

23:28 - Valuing and celebrating African languages

26:52 - Navigating and overcoming challenges as the TAQA team

29:53 - Engaging with African languages respectfully

34:56 - Where to learn more about TAQA 

*This episode was produced by Laura Rapson

Learn more about TAQA:

Website - www.taqa.africa

Instagram - @taqaafrica

LinkedIn - TAQA

TikTok - taqa.africa

In celebration of Heritage Day in South Africa, Stacy and Sena sit down with Thando Hopa, a formidable advocate of diversity, international model, contributor to the United Nations policy on Albinism and one of the BBC's Top 100 Inspirational and Influential Women.

Together, they explore the importance of National Heritage Day, and why the significance of this day should not be forgotten or diluted. They unpack the complexities of cultural appropriation versus appreciation, the economic benefits of heritage, and the importance of storytelling in preserving cultural identity. Thando shares her personal experiences and emphasizes the need for intentional cultural literacy, archiving culture for future generations and creating ecosystems for cultural exchange. 

Chapters

03:40 - Personal Stories and Cultural Identity

06:43 - Navigating Global Spaces and Cultural Duality

09:05 - Heritage Day is not braai day

15:44 - Cultural Appropriation vs. Appreciation

26:35 - The Role of Pop Culture and storytelling in Heritage

32:00 - Building Cultural Ecosystems

37:17 - Individual Responsibility in Cultural Preservation

A huge shout out to Kantar and their Culture, Race, and Ethnicity in the Workplace (CREW) group for collaborating with us on this episode!

* This episode was produced by Laura Rapson

Today, Stacy and Sena are chatting about white privilege with Graham Codrington, renowned futurist, leadership expert and ally. Graeme explains that white privilege is the absence of obstacles and barriers that white people don't have to overcome, allowing them to navigate the world more easily.

They explore examples of white privilege, such as assumptions of competence and trustworthiness, and how white people are able to choose when to engage with racism or not. They unpack this further by discussing the defensive and apathetic responses that white people often have when confronted with the topic. Graeme goes on to explain how he engages in conversations about race, asking clarifying questions and creating teachable moments, rather than starting with accusations or confrontation. They also discuss the need for leaders to understand and address white privilege by removing obstacles and barriers, promoting psychological safety, and valuing diversity and intersectionality.

You can find out more about Graeme and the work he does here:

This podcast is produced by Laura Rapson

We’re thrilled to welcome the legendary Jason Goliath to this episode of Colour-Full! Stacy and Sena sit down with the renowned comedian and entertainer to delve into the intersection of comedy, culture, and the complexities of race and privilege in South Africa. 

Jason introduces us to the concept of the "Happiness Economy," where he uses the power of comedy to drive meaningful messaging and ignite conversations around happiness and critical societal topics. The discussion touches on the role of understanding and respecting different cultures in building a more inclusive South Africa. Jason emphasises that comedians have a responsibility to use humour thoughtfully, especially when addressing sensitive topics like race and stereotypes.

He also encourages listeners to start making a difference in their immediate circles and communities, rather than attempting to change the entire world at once.

We explore the importance of having uncomfortable conversations and recognising the historical context of privilege. Jason’s insights serve as a reminder that true change begins with open dialogue, education, and a willingness to learn. And that we can also share some laughs in the midst of it all.

In this episode, we're getting back to basics by defining what racism is. Based on the feedback we've received from listeners we realised there was a need to unpack the definition in more detail, especially in light of the myth of reverse racism.

Stacy and Sena are joined by Bwanika Lwanga, a pan-Africanist activist and leader. Together they discuss the definition of racism and the structural, systemic, and power dynamics that facilitate racism. They explore the concept of reverse racism and why it does not exist. They also discuss the psychological impact of racism and the role of white people in dismantling systemic racism.

Bwanika emphasizes the importance of white people engaging in the conversation, forming networks of solidarity, and challenging racism within their own circles.

In this episode, Stacy and Sena sit down with Oarabile Mashigo, better known as mashnotpotatoes, a comedian, satirical journalist, and popular TikTok content creator. They talk about his personal journey - from his days as a student, his beginnings in comedy, and his recent milestone as the first correspondent on the Dan Corder Show on eNCA. They discuss how comedy, humour, and social media serve as powerful tools for challenging systemic racism in South Africa.

Mashnotpotatoes talks about how he uses his platform to engage in meaningful dialogue, debunking the misconception that young South Africans are apolitical. He talks about the distrust and disengagement with the system due to past failures and highlights the backlash he has faced when speaking out against racism, including the recent Renaldo Gouws controversy.

He also shares his views on the importance of comedians in driving social change and holding leaders accountable. And finally, he offers advice on how individuals, even without a large platform, can effectively call out racism.

Join us for an insightful discussion that intersects humour with serious social commentary – showcasing the importance of satire in activism and societal change.

Follow mashnotpotatoes on TikTok, Instagram, X and YouTube all under the handle @mashnotpotatoes.

*This episode is produced by Laura Rapson

Following their episode four discussion on workplace assimilation with the Buhle Dlamini, Sena and Stacy delve deeper into this important topic with Dharshni Padayachee - a giant within the DEI space in South Africa.

The conversation explores DEI efforts within local organisations, and the challenges faced by marginalised groups. Dharshni provides insights and practical advice for creating inclusive workplaces. 

In this episode we discuss:

How workplace assimilation leads to challenges in bringing a person’s authentic self to work.

How DEI efforts go beyond demographic representation and require a focus on creating an inclusive culture that allows everyone to thrive and contribute.

How colourblindness, while well-intentioned, can overlook the experiences and challenges faced by individuals based on their race.

Measuring the success of DEI initiatives by looking at both quantitative and qualitative factors, including employee experience, decision-making forums, and psychological safety within the organisation.

Connect with Dharshni on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dharshni-padayachee-ca-sa-mphil-65912234/

*This podcast is produced by Laura Rapson

Sena and Stacy sit down with Refiloe Moahloli, the best-selling author of the critically acclaimed children's books, How Many Ways Can You Say Hello?and We Are One.With her diverse - and more importantly inclusive - books as proof points, they discuss the importance of having representation in books, movies and toys. 

Refiloe talks about what inspired her to write her first book, How Many Ways Can You Say Hello?,her own experiences growing up in a predominantly white school and how that impacted her identity, the progress in representation she’s seen since starting her writing journey and how we still need to improve, and the importance of understanding everyone’s origin story to achieve true representation.

Learn more about Refiloe:

refiloemoahloli.com

www.facebook.com/refiloemoahloli 

www.instagram.com/refiloemoahloli/ 

*This podcast was produced by Laura Rapson

In this episode Sena and Stacy challenge and consider forward thinking solutions to assimilation into white workplaces. They're joined by Buhle Dlamini, an award winning entrepreneur, author of 6 books, and international speaker who has consulted with businesses on the benefits of diversity with cultural intelligence for over 18 years.

They discuss how workplace culture has eurocentrism at its foundation and how black people have to embody and embrace “white culture” within the workplace not only as a means of self-preservation but also for career advancement.

Buhle describes a racist attack on his family, explains why the honeymoon period post George Floyd is over, discusses what organisations should do to truly embrace inclusion and much more.

Learn more about Buhle here:

https://www.buhledlamini.com/

https://tomorrowtodayglobal.com/

This episode was produced by Laura Rapson

In this episode, Stacy and Sena are in conversation with Gcotyelwa Jimlongo about the significance of names. From personal anecdotes of mispronunciation to unpacking the influence of colonial history behind this common issue, they talk about the subtle yet insidious racial undertones embedded in misnaming and mispronunciation.

They explore the harmful effects of the erasure of identity linked to this normalised practice and shed light on the importance of acknowledging and honouring cultural heritage. Together, they discuss strategies for moving forward in a manner that respects and celebrates the significance of African ethnic names and their meanings.

This episode was inspired by Stacy’s daughter, Faith’s critique of her natural hair. Join Mmakgabo Dlomo, CEO of Intombi Hair Care, and Sena Zungu, a young woman with a passion for identity discourse, as they peel back the layers of black women's relationships with their hair.

Mmakgabo shares her journey to embracing her natural hair, highlighting the prevalent feelings of shame in black women's hair stories. Sena reflects on her upbringing with 4c hair, delving into societal pressures and imposed Eurocentric beauty ideals that led to insecurities about her hair. Together, they celebrate the beauty of black hair while acknowledging the underlying microaggressions and prejudices around afro-textured hair; setting the stage for a raw discussion around identity and self-love.

You can learn more about Intombi here:

www.intombihaircare.co.za 

Facebook: www.facebook.com/intombisa 

Instagram: www.instagram.com/intombi_sa

TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@intombi_sa?lang=en 

This episode was produced by Laura Rapson

In this episode we investigate a curious behaviour of white women when they walk past a black person they don’t know. We’ve named it the “umlungu snake smile”. You know what we’re talking  about  right?… that kind of straight-lined lip, half smile thing.

What is this thing that white women do and why do they do it? How does it make black people feel? And what would be a better way to handle this moment in future? After getting some initial feedback from black and white people, Stacy sat down with her friend Kuhle Belu to unpack this behaviour in detail, and why Kuhle believes conversations like this are important. Join us on our first episode as we start moving from complacency to connection.

This episode was produced by Laura Rapson

In this first episode, Stacy sits down with her colleague and friend, Sena Zungu, to discuss what motivated her to start this podcast. Sena doesn't hold back - asking Stacy pointed questions about her journey toward racial awareness as a white woman living in South Africa. Together, they explore Stacy's observations of race relations, her hopes and fears in starting these conversations, and the pivotal moments that led her to this point. Join us as we engage with uncomfortable truths and seek to understand the complexities of race, privilege, and perspective.