POWER CHAT | Geordin Hill-Lewis on leadership, global tensions & Cape Town’s future
In this episode of Power Chat, author and Daily Maverick Associate Editor Ferial Haffajee sits down with Cape Town Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis to unpack the city’s record-breaking tourism season, the impact of global politics—like Donald Trump’s statements—on local affairs, and the challenges of attracting international investment amid policy uncertainty. Hill-Lewis addresses issues of inequality and public infrastructure and shares insights on maintaining affordable living in rapidly developing urban spaces. A candid conversation about leadership, opportunity, and the future of one of Africa’s most dynamic cities.0:00 Introduction2:05 Expropriation Act and Investment4:45 Diplomacy and International Trade7:40 Africa Growth and Opportunities Act (AGOA)8:35 Cape Town Voted Number One City11:40 Inequality in South Africa and Cape Town15:00 Cape Town's Budgeting and Spending16:00 Spatial Inequality and Housing Plans19:40 Public Transport and Integration22:30 Affordability and Housing24:50 Airbnb Regulation26:00 Political Future27:50 Government of National Unity (GNU)30:00 Importance of Relationships in the GNU31:00 Favorite Moments as Mayor33:00 ConclusionProduced by: Bernard Kotze & Emilie GambadeSupport journalism that protects democracy. Become a Maverick Insider.https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/insider/
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INVESTIGATION | Is the ‘cryptoqueen’, Ruja Ignatova, hiding in South Africa?
Daily Maverick's Caryn Dolley previously uncovered possible links between fugitive ‘Cryptoqueen’ Ruja Ignatova and South Africa, particularly Cape Town. Now, new clues sparked speculation that Ignatova, wanted globally for her OneCoin cryptocurrency scam, may have been hiding in South Africa, challenging rumours of her murder at sea. Could the elusive mastermind behind one of the world’s biggest scams be closer than we think? Dolley explains.Written & Narrated by Caryn DolleyProduced by Bernard Kotze & Emilie GambadeEdited by Malibongwe TyiloOriginal Theme Music & Design by Bernard KotzeRead the full story on Daily Maverick:https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2024-11-17-wanted-global-cryptoqueen-ruja-ignatova-may-be-in-sa-german-cops/https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2023-06-11-cryptoqueens-link-to-murder-of-bulgarians-in-sa/Support journalism that protects democracy. Become a Maverick Insider. https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/insider/
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INVESTIGATION | The Luxury Life of Thembi Simelane
Polokwane's mayor, Justice Minister Thembi Simelane's lavish lifestyle raised serious questions. With designer shopping sprees and cash property purchases, her expenses far exceeded her official salary. Follow our three-part investigation as we trace every cent of Simelane's money trail from 2016 to 2020, revealing the gap between her income and her luxury spending.Written & Narrated by Pauli Van WykProduced by Emilie Gambade & Bernard KotzeEdited by Malibongwe TyiloOriginal Theme Music & Design by Bernard KotzeRead more on Daily Maverick: https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2024-12-03-thembi-simelanes-unexplained-cash-part-one-shopping-therapy-a-property-bought-cash-disney-world-trips/If you want to support journalism that is having a positive effect on South Africa, become a Maverick Insider: https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/insider. Your benefits? Up to 50% off tickets to all events; always-on 10% discount at the Daily Maverick Shop; sign up for R200 or more per month and get R200 back in Pick n’Pay vouchers. See T&Cs for more details; ad-free browsing; comment on articles and a ‘behind-the-scenes’ bi-weekly newsletter.
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INVESTIGATION | How 750m in Cape Town’s city centre points to South Africa’s expansive extortion problem
Extortion is a massive problem in South Africa. It affects many industries, areas and individuals – and crimes in this arena can prove fatal, people have before been murdered. Railway tracks and construction sites have been disrupted and extortionists even go after pensioners. Restaurants and entertainment venues are also targeted.Written & Narrated by Caryn DolleyProduced by Emilie Gambade & Bernard KotzeEdited by Rufaro Chiswo Theme Music & Design by Bernard KotzeÂ
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INVESTIGATION | South Africa's Expanding Role in the Global Drug Trade
A sensational R2-billion drug bust in Limpopo has resulted in five suspects, some of them Mexican citizens, being arrested. Three months ago, cocaine shipped from Colombia was intercepted in KwaZulu-Natal, and cases in Brazil and Australia have also highlighted drug-smuggling links to SA.Written & Narrated by Caryn DolleyProduced by Emilie Gambade & Bernard KotzeEdited by Malibongwe Tyilo Music & Design by Bernard Kotze Â