Season 7
The Big Debate is South Africa's town hall debate show. The show was devised by Ben Cashdan in 2009 and is produced by Broad Daylight Films Foundation, a non-profit production company based in Johannesburg.
Now hosted by TV personality Masechaba Ndlovu, who replaced Siki Mgabadeli last season, the show travels across South Africa and beyond, holding our leaders to account and giving a voice to ordinary residents and communities. Nothing is off limits, from health to education, land reform to racism and more.
The show grapples with the most controversial issues and tries to find solutions. From movers and shakers to the masses, everyone is given a chance to air their views.
Over the years the show has featured decision makers and activists from across the world, including Archbishop Desmond Tutu, world music icon Angelique Kidjo, former World Bank president Robert Zoellick, former African Union Chairperson Bingu wa Mutharika, former Botswana President Festus Mogae, and former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair.
It has also included the voices of residents and community leaders from as far afield as Khayelitsha in Cape Town, New York and New Delhi as well as Bolivia and Colombia.
The first episode of Season 7 was a debate on the Constitution of South Africa, and if it is inherently racist. Other topics this season include "whiteness", food security, business ethics, rape culture and press freedom.