Home to South Africa’s government and foreign diplomats, the city of Tshwane has been rocked by political turmoil for nearly a year. The squabbling between political parties has meant that the city council is “unable to conduct its business and cannot serve its residents”. We are in conversation with Professor of Public Affairs at Tshwane University of Technology, Mashupye Herbert Maserumule as we unpack the breakdown in governance that resulted in the collapse of the city.