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.
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 Introduction
2:05 Expropriation Act and Investment
4:45 Diplomacy and International Trade
7:40 Africa Growth and Opportunities Act (AGOA)
8:35 Cape Town Voted Number One City
11:40 Inequality in South Africa and Cape Town
15:00 Cape Town's Budgeting and Spending
16:00 Spatial Inequality and Housing Plans
19:40 Public Transport and Integration
22:30 Affordability and Housing
24:50 Airbnb Regulation
26:00 Political Future
27:50 Government of National Unity (GNU)
30:00 Importance of Relationships in the GNU
31:00 Favorite Moments as Mayor
33:00 Conclusion
Produced by: Bernard Kotze & Emilie Gambade
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