168 An evening of lively discourse at

Daily Maverick live events returned to Gauteng with the launch of the Daily Maverick Debates series. By Saskia Falken, Alet Law and

The event was hosted by The Forum at The Campus in Bryanston on 9 May, and 350 attendees were warmly welcomed by senior political journalist Queenin Masuabi, after which political economist Moeletsi Mbeki gave the keynote address. He reflected on the past 30 years of South Africa’s democracy and its fall from being the number one economy on the continent in 1994 to number three and still falling.

The Us-styled debate then ensued, moderated by senior political journalist Stephen Grootes. The Premier Debate 1 Gauteng Edition brought together Gauteng’s premier candidates Vuyiswa Ramokgopa (Rise Mzansi), Solly Msimanga (DA), Nobunto Hlazo-webster (Build One South Africa), and Funzi Ngobeni (Actionsa) for an immersive and engaging event.

Attendees experienced an evening filled with lively discourse, thought-provoking questions and insightful discussions on the critical issues facing Gauteng ahead of South Africa’s general elections to be held on 29 May.

The event was made possible with financial support from the Friedrich Naumann Foundation, highlighting its commitment to fostering debate and civic engagement.

In the virtual event, 720 attendees participated in a discussion in the virtual chatroom. They debated the statements politicians made on stage, participated in polls and supported their favourite candidates.

Polled at the end of the event about whether the debate had made them change their minds about who to vote for, 35% of the participants said yes.

“Very impressed with all candidates, quite honestly,” said Ulrico in the chat, adding “how fortunate that we have this kind of talent pool waiting in the wings of our politics. Potentially the best political landscape we’ve had since 1994.” Ketlane Mathebula commented: “Thanks for the opportunity to be able to air our views and pose questions to the aspirant politicians.”

Stay tuned for more exciting events from Daily Maverick as we continue to foster meaningful conversations and drive positive change in our community.

The event was very eye-opening on the state of politics in Gauteng. The youth involvement was very

effective in challenging the premiers’ policies. Simphiwe Masilo, co-host of the

Photos: Isfaan Haffajee Moeletsi Mbeki, deputy chairperson of the South African Institute of International Affairs, gave the keynote address at Daily Maverick’s Gauteng Premier Debate. He gave an overview of SA’S political climate and economic history, among other things.

Simphiwe Masilo, co-host of Activating Youth Activism Podcast, poses a question to the political candidates on stage regarding what their parties are doing to increase youth involvement in the political landscape.

Political party members, including members of the DA, were present at the debate to show support for their parties.

Polled at the end of the virtual event about whether the debate made them change their minds about who to vote for, 35% of participants said Yes.

Rise Mzansi’s Vuyiswa Ramokgopa shares a joke with the audience.

A young learner poses questions to the Gauteng political party leaders.

An audience of Johannesburg citizens gathered as they listened to Vuyiswa Ramokgopa, Gauteng premier candidate of Rise Mzansi; Solly Msimanga, Gauteng premier candidate of the DA; Nobuntu Hlazo-webster, Gauteng premier candidate of Bosa; and Reuben Masango, member of Actionsa’s Gauteng provincial ethics and disciplinary committee.

Audience attendees at the Premier Debate Gauteng Edition listened to a lively Us-style debate moderated by senior political journalist Stephen Grootes.

Nobuntu Hlazo-webster, the cofounder and deputy leader of Build One South Africa, has led numerous development and advocacy organisations.

Pre- and post-event networking with canapés and premium wine supplied by Radford Dale.

Cope members of the audience at the Premier Debate Gauteng Edition.