Local government remains the most visible and immediate face of the state, yet it is also the weakest sphere in terms of institutional capacity, governance stability and public confidence. At the start of 2026, a significant proportion of municipalities continue to operate under conditions of financial distress, governance failure or administrative paralysis. Despite a robust legislative framework that includes the Municipal Systems Act, the MFMA, and Section 139 intervention mechanisms, structural weaknesses persist.  Mbuyiseni Ndlozi is in conversation with COGTA Minister, Velenkosini Hlabisa.