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. 

<p>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.&nbsp; Mbuyiseni Ndlozi is in conversation with COGTA Minister, Velenkosini Hlabisa.&nbsp;</p>

POWER Talk is a mid-morning talk show programme, hosted by Dr Mbuyiseni Ndlozi. The show delves deeper into the news of the day along with larger societal themes, inviting listeners to help unpack issues on the day’s current affairs agenda and topics close to their hearts. Ndlozi also interviews the biggest newsmakers and experts in South Africa, helping listeners make sense of their world.

<p>POWER Talk is a mid-morning talk show programme, hosted by Dr Mbuyiseni Ndlozi. The show delves deeper into the news of the day along with larger societal themes, inviting listeners to help unpack issues on the day&rsquo;s current affairs agenda and topics close to their hearts. Ndlozi also interviews the biggest newsmakers and experts in South Africa, helping listeners make sense of their world.</p>