SuperLead Presents: Before The Ballot

Dr Maanda Tshifularo sits down with Lerato Ngobeni for a candid conversation about the power of the vote, political accountability and the future of Johannesburg.

Lerato reflects on her journey from growing up in Soweto and becoming politically aware at a young age to finding her place in activism and politics. She shares insights into ActionSA’s growth and unpacks some of the key challenges facing Johannesburg, including service delivery, infrastructure, law enforcement, corruption, migration, coalition politics and rebuilding public trust.

At the heart of the conversation is a powerful question: Are South Africans using their votes to hold political leaders accountable?

A timely conversation about leadership, active citizenship and the responsibility we all carry in shaping the future of our cities and our country.

In this episode of Before The Ballot with Dr Maanda Tshifularo, Dr Maanda sits down with Nobantu Hlazo-Webster, BOSA mayoral candidate for Johannesburg, for a wide-ranging conversation about leadership, economic development, citizen participation, and the future of South Africa’s largest city ahead of the local government elections.

Nobantu reflects on her upbringing in KwaZulu-Natal, the values instilled by her parents, and how her experiences navigating inequality shaped her political consciousness. She shares her journey from the corporate world and economic development sector into politics, explaining why she believes citizens can no longer wait for a savior and must become active participants in building the society they want to see.

The conversation explores her vision for Johannesburg, including skills-led governance, tackling corruption, strengthening consequence management, improving transparency, and driving economic growth through institutional reform and investment. Nobantu also discusses coalition politics, lessons from international governance models, financial challenges facing the city, and the role of public accountability in restoring trust between residents and government.

This episode is a compelling discussion on leadership, civic responsibility, and what it will take to unlock Johannesburg’s full potential.

🎧 Listen now and join the conversation on the future of Johannesburg and the power of active citizenship.

#BeforeTheBallot #Johannesburg #LocalGovernmentElections

What does it really take to rebuild Johannesburg and restore faith in leadership?

In this episode of Before the Ballot, Dr Maanda Tshifularo sits down with Lukhona Mnguni of RISE Mzansi for a candid conversation about the future of South Africa’s largest city. From his upbringing in the Eastern Cape and journey through academia, broadcasting, and political activism, to his vision for a safer, cleaner, and more prosperous Johannesburg, Lukhona unpacks the ideas shaping his approach to leadership.

They tackle the issues that matter most to residents: the rising cost of living, public safety, service delivery failures, municipal finances, procurement transparency, infrastructure investment, immigration, and job creation. Most importantly, they explore the question every voter should be asking: Who can we trust to deliver real change?

This is more than a political discussion. It's a conversation about accountability, opportunity, and what Johannesburg could become by 2031.

🎙️ Topics include:

✅ Safety and law enforcement reform
✅ Fixing service delivery and governance failures
✅ Infrastructure-led economic growth
✅ Budgeting, revenue collection, and accountability
✅ Immigration, social cohesion, and community safety
✅ Building a cleaner, more livable Johannesburg

Listen now and join the conversation on the future of our cities.

#BeforeTheBallot #DrMaandaTshifularo #LukhonaMnguni #RiseMzansi #Johannesburg2031 #Leadership #LocalGovernment #ServiceDelivery #PublicPolicy #SouthAfrica #Podcast #Politics #CityBuilding #FutureOfJoburg #CivicLeadership

In this episode of Before The Ballot, Dr Maanda Tshifularo sits down with Franco de Lange, Member of the Mayoral Committee (MMC) for Finance in the City of Johannesburg and a leader within the VF Plus, to unpack some of the most pressing challenges facing Johannesburg ahead of the local government elections.

The conversation explores the city's financial crisis, mounting municipal debt, infrastructure backlogs, service delivery failures, coalition politics, public safety, immigration, procurement practices, and accountability in government. Franco shares the VF Plus vision for restoring financial stability, strengthening oversight, improving infrastructure maintenance, combating corruption, and building safer communities.

From potholes and power failures to coalition governance and responsible leadership, this candid discussion offers voters an opportunity to understand the policy positions, priorities, and practical solutions being proposed for Johannesburg's future.

Key topics include: • Johannesburg's financial and infrastructure challenges
• Coalition politics and stable governance
• Service delivery and municipal accountability
• Policing, public safety, and technology-driven solutions
• Immigration and border management
• Procurement reform and contractor accountability
• Transparency, leadership, and ethical governance

Tune in for a robust conversation on what it will take to get Johannesburg working again and what voters should consider before heading to the polls.

#BeforeTheBallot #VFPlus #Johannesburg #LocalGovernment #Politics #Leadership #ServiceDelivery #Governance #Election2026 #SouthAfricaPolitics

On this episode of Before The Ballot, Dr Maanda Tshifularo sits down with Bongani Baloyi of uMkhonto Wesizwe (MK) to discuss his vision for Johannesburg and South Africa.

Bongani reflects on his political journey, the role of Ubuntu in leadership, and the urgent need for effective governance, accountability, and transformation. He shares practical ideas for improving service delivery, tackling urban decay, strengthening public safety, addressing financial challenges, and restoring Johannesburg as a thriving economic powerhouse.

This conversation offers valuable insights into politics, leadership, city governance, and the choices that could shape Johannesburg's future.

Tune in for an engaging discussion on leadership, transformation, and what it will take to build a city that delivers for its people.

Before The Ballot is a SuperLead political interview series that explores the ideas, policies, and leadership philosophies shaping South Africa's future.

In this episode of Before The Ballot, Dr Maanda Tshifularo sits down with Ashley Jama to explore the vision, values, and policy priorities of the Al Jama-ah Political Party.

Founded in 2007 by Ganief Hendricks, Al Jama-ah was established with the belief that South African Muslims can play a meaningful role in shaping the country's democratic future while contributing positively to a diverse and multicultural society. The party advocates for political plurality, ethical leadership, social justice, nation-building, and community-driven solutions to South Africa's challenges.

Ashley Jama unpacks the party's manifesto, its approach to governance, the role of faith-based values in public life, and how Al Jama-ah seeks to contribute to a more inclusive and balanced South Africa.

Before The Ballot is a SuperLead original series that gives citizens the opportunity to hear directly from political leaders and spokespersons, helping voters make informed decisions through open and constructive dialogue.

🎧 Listen now and join the conversation on the future of South Africa.