Episode 128 - TEN YEARS IN INNER-CITY JOHANNESBURG: EXPLORING "HIJACKED" BUILDINGS

I interviewed Matthew Wilhelm-Solomon about his stunning book, The Blinded City- Ten Years In Inner-City Johannesburg, which tells countless and complex sets of stories about people who occupy buildings in inner-city Johannesburg.Some call these bulldings "hijacked buildings" but Matthew explains why this term is problematic. He has spent over ten years getting to know the people living in these buildings, recording their stories, following lawfare between these communities, property developers and the City of Johannesburg.What emerges is an incredible book that isn't just about an ongoing housing crisis, but a struggle for the right of people who live precariously to be treated with dignity, an inviolable right that they are inherently entitled to but all too often denied.No one with a serious interest in making sense of the urban landscape, and our myriad political  fissures, can skip this conversation. Listen to it, and buy Matthew's book.This is a story about Johannesburg, in the first instance, but one with global echoes and therefore of international interest also.Enjoy

Om Podcasten

On In The Ring With Eusebius McKaiser I tackle all the uncomfortable topics that dominate public debate. With my reputation for fearless debate as a former World Masters Debate Champ, and a background in law and philosophy, you can expect debates on everything from whether or not it is racist for a non-black person to quote the N-word, to questions of how to tackle inequality, whether people are responsible for unconscious biases, the ethics of refusing to be vaccinated, the status of animals, debating books, and much more! The crucial differentiator of this podcast series compared to others is that it is fearless in its debate orientation, and no topic is off bounds! However, my motto is: "You are entitled to be treated with dignity .... but NOT to have your worldview affirmed!" So come with well-considered reasons for your viewpoints when you get YOUR chance to come on the platform to In The Ring With Eusebius McKaiser