01-05-2025
Born Free: Why is South Africa involved in the DRC?
This week on
Born Free
, Khumo Kumalo and Otsile Nkadimeng are joined by African Union expert and International Crisis Group Senior Advisor, Liesl Louw-Vaudran, to unravel South Africa's military and diplomatic role in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
After the devastating loss of 14 SANDF soldiers, we ask the hard questions:
Why is South Africa involved in this conflict?
What are the stakes for regional peace and stability?
And what role should the African Union
actually
be playing?
We unpack the power plays between Ramaphosa, Kagame, and the continent's institutions—peeling back the layers on one of Africa's most pressing and least understood conflicts.
This is more than foreign policy—it's about the cost of peace, the burden on our soldiers, and South Africa's place in Africa's future. Don't miss this urgent, eye-opening conversation.
Khumo Kumalo
is the visionary behind
Misunderstood
and the dynamic co-host of
Born Free
. Named one of the
Mail & Guardian's Top 200 Young South Africans of 2024
, he is a bold voice in the country's evolving political discourse.
As the author of
Newsletter
94
(formerly Misunderstood), Kumalo delves into South Africa's complex history and shifting political landscape, reflecting on the dreams and realities of a post-apartheid nation. His passion for debate and current affairs was ignited at
St John's College
, later taking him to
Morehouse College in Atlanta, Georgia
, where he continued to sharpen his perspective on leadership and social change.
Kumalo isn't just asking questions—he's challenging narratives, sparking conversations, and pushing South Africa's youth to rethink what it truly means to be
Born Free
.
Otsile Nkadimeng
is a
published author, policy writer, and changemaker
, balancing his role as a
second-year university student
with a deep commitment to youth empowerment. Recognized by
News24
for his impact and awarded the
Young Nelson Mandela Award in 2023
, he is shaping conversations on democracy, governance, and sustainability.
As the
Executive Director of SoWeVote
, a platform he co-founded, Nkadimeng is making it easier for young South Africans to access critical information about politics and democracy. His advocacy extends beyond borders—he serves as a
Youth Advisor to the Embassy of Sweden in Pretoria
and is a
fellow at the International Youth Think Tank
, where he contributes to global youth policy discussions.
Passionate about sustainability, he has co-founded and led multiple initiatives aimed at environmental and social progress across South Africa. Whether in civic engagement, international diplomacy, or grassroots activism, Nkadimeng is at the forefront of youth-led change, proving that young voices aren't just part of the conversation—they're leading it.
Disclaimer:
'Born Free'
is an opinion-based podcast and does not represent the views of M&G Media (PTY) LTD, its owners, affiliates, employees, or partners. The opinions expressed by the hosts and guests are their own and do not reflect the editorial stance of the Mail & Guardian.
