Across South Africa, local municipalities are being challenged to do more with less especially when it comes to fighting food insecurity, youth unemployment, and the collapse of small enterprises in rural areas. In light of these efforts, we are in conversation with Executive Mayor of Thembisile Hani Local Municipality, Mr. Lesetja Jacob Dikgale, to unpack how local government serves as a springboard for economic inclusion, food sustainability, and youth participation, especially in regions where formal employment and commercial agriculture remain inaccessible to many.