South Africa’s political moment is defined by fragility, contradiction and an unmistakable sense of transition.  President Cyril Ramaphosa remains at the centre of power, yet his authority is increasingly shaped as much by survival as by vision. Professor Mccebisi Ndletyana, professor of political studies at the University of Johannesburg shares his insights.

South Africa&rsquo;s political moment is defined by fragility, contradiction and an unmistakable sense of transition.&nbsp; President Cyril Ramaphosa remains at the centre of power, yet his authority is increasingly shaped as much by survival as by vision. Professor Mccebisi Ndletyana, professor of political studies at the University of Johannesburg shares his insights.

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.

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.

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The High cost of recovery - How market politics broke South Africa’s municipalities

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. 

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;

State of current SA Politics

Correctional Services Minister, Dr Pieter Groenewald, who tabled the department’s Budget Vote in Parliament on Wednesday says, the Department of Correctional Services will continue pursuing its self-sufficiency model in the face of R683.4 million budget reductions over the current Medium-Term Expenditure Framework.

Correctional Services Minister, Dr Pieter Groenewald, who tabled the department&rsquo;s Budget Vote in Parliament on Wednesday says, the Department of Correctional Services will continue pursuing its self-sufficiency model in the face of R683.4 million budget reductions over the current Medium-Term Expenditure Framework.

Correctional Services Budget Vote: The department will continue pursuing self-sufficiency despite R683.4 million in budget cuts over the current Medium-Term Expenditure Framework.  Mondli Makhanya is in conversation with Minister of Correctional services, Pieter Groenewald.

After 30 years with only Transnet Freight Rail running trains, SA now has 12 operators on the network.

That’s real competition in rail for the first time.

Mesela Nhlapo, CEO for Railroad Association and Andrew Thorburn, CEO of Galison, a freight Wagon Manufacturer and underground mining equipment manufacturer.

After 30 years with only Transnet Freight Rail running trains, SA now has 12 operators on the network.
That&rsquo;s real competition in rail for the first time.
Mesela Nhlapo, CEO for Railroad Association and Andrew Thorburn, CEO of Galison, a freight Wagon Manufacturer and underground mining equipment manufacturer.

The High cost of recovery - How market politics broke South Africa’s municipalities

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