Whether it’s your daily commute, your regular walk-run, preparing supper, or even some work-related tasks (your secret is safe with us!) some activities are just better when you have a podcast to take your mind off them. Here, we’ve rounded up some popular South African podcasts to spice up your playlist.
South African Podcasts To Start Streaming Now
Before we dive into the list, a word of caution for those new to the podcast scene: Podcasts are not governed by the same laws that regulate radio and TV. So, you may hear some foul language or come across topics that are NSFW. Now, let’s get into the list….
1. Fiction
African Story Magic with Gcina Mhlophe
Average episode length: 10-12 minutes
Renowned author and storyteller Dr Gcina Mhlophe, who is also founding director of Gcinamasiko Arts & Heritage Trust, uses her storytelling skills to bring stories to life in English and isiZulu. Forget your troubles for a few minutes through folk tales like How Tortoise Won Respect and iNgwenya neNhliziyo yeNkawu. Earlier this year, this proudly South African podcast won Podcast of the Year in the 2023 DStv Content Creator Awards.
2. History
History of South Africa with Des Latham
Average episode length: 20-25 minutes
This is not history like you learnt it at school. In this local podcast, host Des Latham enthusiastically breathes new life into memorable moments in South Africa’s history in well-researched detail. You’ll learn about the history of the country’s various peoples and get an understanding of the events that shaped us into the country we are today.
3. Human Interest
Wide Awake Podcast with Joshua Rubin
Average episode length: Episodes vary from 15 minutes – 60 minutes+
In this fascinating South African podcast, host Joshua Rubin tackles some pretty heavy issues (gangsterism, politics, prisons and cults are not off the table!). But he takes a human approach, finding the stories behind the stories. The podcast earned him the Storyteller Award at this year’s DStv Content Creator Awards.
4. Technology
Average episode length: 25-30 minutes
This super-useful podcast is for everyone who’s tired of hearing “tech-people” explain tech and leaving the conversation more confused than when you started. It explains technology in simple terms that anyone can understand with a focus on how to use tech safely to make your life easier.
5. True Crime
True Crime South Africa
Average episode length: +/- 45 minutes, although episodes vary
True crime podcasts have become hugely popular around the world and the South African podcast scene is no different. In this series, host Nicole Engelbrecht combines in-depth research with creative writing to tell crime stories with a focus on the victim. She covers both solved cases and cold cases.
6. Entertainment
Average episode length: 60-90 minutes
In this quintessentially South African podcast, friends JP Jackson and Rizaan Rose explore the local stories and characters that make our country unique in a funny, light-hearted way.
7. Talk Show
Straight to the Point with the Drag Cartel
Average episode duration: +/- 30 minutes
Three of Cape Town’s top drag queens, Maxine Wild, Chenal Tater and Emogan Moore, chat relationships, scandals and the drag scene in this no-holds-barred South African podcast series.
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