Contrary to popular belief, municipalities are not underfunded. In 2010, collective municipal revenue was about R154-billion. By 2024 this figure had ballooned to R517-billion, representing an average annual increase of 9%.As of May 2026, South Africa's municipal landscape is in a state of deep crisis, with 63% of municipalities deemed to be in financial distress, largely driven by a systemic reliance on "cost-recovery" models that clash with high local unemployment rates Siyabulela Mama, member of Zabalaza for Socialism and a member of the Amandla! magazine’s editorial collective shares his views with Power Talk’s Mondi Makhanya. 

<p>Contrary to popular belief, municipalities are not underfunded. In 2010, collective municipal revenue was about R154-billion.&nbsp;By 2024 this figure had ballooned to R517-billion, representing an average annual increase of 9%.As of May 2026, South Africa's municipal landscape is in a state of deep crisis, with 63% of municipalities deemed to be in financial distress, largely driven by a systemic reliance on "cost-recovery" models that clash with high local unemployment rates Siyabulela Mama, member of Zabalaza for Socialism and a member of the Amandla! magazine&rsquo;s editorial collective shares his views with Power Talk&rsquo;s Mondi Makhanya.&nbsp;</p>

POWER Talk is a mid-morning talk show that 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. The host 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 that 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. The host also interviews the biggest newsmakers and experts in South Africa, helping listeners make sense of their world.</p>