Local government is meant to be the heartbeat of democracy. But as cities crumble, services collapse, and trust erodes, South Africans are asking: can our municipalities still be saved?
In this episode of Democracy Unplugged, host Phumi Mashigo leads an honest discussion with a panel of political leaders tackling the state of local governance ahead of the 2026 municipal elections.
Panelists:
Haniff Hoosen (Democratic Alliance) – DA eThekwini mayoral candidate for 2026.
Lubabalo Magwentshu (ATM) – Chairperson of the S-79 Committee on Governance in Johannesburg.
Tsepo Mhlongo (BOSA) – Gauteng Provincial Leader of Build One South Africa, former MP and councillor.
Cassiday Rangata-Jacob (Patriotic Alliance) – Advisor to the MMC of Health and Social Development at Randwest Municipality.
From collapsing infrastructure to coalition chaos as well as lessons from the GNU, this episode asks what real local leadership should look like in 2026 and beyond.
By Podcast Part SA
