In this in-depth conversation, Premier Oscar Mabuyane responds to questions about whether historic Eastern Cape leaders would be satisfied with the province’s current state. He argues they would recognise the difficult starting point created by colonialism and decades of underdevelopment, and he insists that the current administration has made measurable progress. He points to social transformation efforts, economic improvements and the delivery commitments outlined in his recent State of the Province Address.

When pressed on conditions in rural communities linked to iconic figures such as former presidents Mandela and Mbeki, Mabuyane acknowledges slow progress but attributes this to systemic challenges. He notes that the province was formed from previously separate administrations, creating complexity and continuity issues. Political instability and leadership turnover, he says, also contributed to delays. He maintains that the strategy is now more stable, producing visible improvements in areas such as education.

The discussion shifts to controversial infrastructure failures, including a R15-million stadium that appeared grossly overpriced, unsafe river crossings and shocking images of residents transported in drums to cross flooded areas. Mabuyane concedes the severity of these failures. He explains that some low-lying bridges were constructed with municipal MIG funds, which offer limited budgets, but says the province is now rolling out roughly 35 new Welisizwe bridges. He also mentions alternative solutions such as ferries while larger bridges are planned.

Naledi Moleo opens with a clear, emotional reflection on the tragedy surrounding the death of 13-year-old Enock Mpianzi, a student who had only just begun his high school journey. She notes that his life was full of potential, yet ended before he could experience what lay ahead. Drawing from her own background as a Parktown Girls alumna, she contextualises the long-standing traditions at Parktown Boys and Parktown Girls, including initiation rituals and school camps that have been part of the institutions for decades.

Naledi refers to a 2018 report by attorney Peter Harris, commissioned after allegations of sexual abuse at Parktown Boys. The report stated that severe initiation practices, including physical assault, had taken place since 2009. She recalls other incidents tied to the school, including a water polo coach who groomed and sexually assaulted pupils. Naledi clarifies that she is not claiming initiation caused Enock’s death but argues that these historical issues point to a repeated pattern of negligence.

The timeline of events deeply concerns her. Enock went missing on a Wednesday during a school camp, yet a police case was only opened the following day. She questions why teachers and supervising adults delayed action and why no emergency response occurred on the night he disappeared. She emphasises the chilling reality: Enock was either dead for nearly two days before being found, or he spent those hours alone, frightened and dying.

Naledi Moleo opens the conversation by noting the anticipation surrounding the president’s upcoming State of the Nation Address and highlights John Steenhuisen’s earlier claim that Parliament has become a place of “fairy tales and spin.” Steenhuisen explains that his alternative SONA aims to offer an honest view of conditions in the country, arguing that South Africans are fatigued by repeated promises that have not materialised. He points to rising unemployment, stalled investment and unfulfilled job creation commitments as evidence that the president’s assurances no longer hold weight.

Naledi raises the public’s biggest concern: Eskom. Steenhuisen says he expects the president to delay real action once again, warning that Eskom remains a financial time bomb. He outlines the DA’s proposed plan, which includes breaking Eskom into components, selling coal-fired power stations to settle debt, opening electricity generation to more private producers and appointing competent engineers capable of restoring operational reliability. These steps, he argues, would quickly inject power into the grid and stabilise maintenance.

The discussion shifts to the DA’s nationwide tour, which Steenhuisen says was designed to hear directly from South Africans. He argues that the president appears disconnected from reality, often shocked by conditions that communities face daily. Steenhuisen describes widespread municipal failures: households without water, sanitation, electricity and job opportunities. For him, this reflects an “incapable state,” contradicting the president’s repeated claims about building a capable one.