Daily Maverick's Call to Action at The Gathering 2026

In a powerful opening address at The Gathering 2026 on September 11, Daily Maverick’s Editor-in-Chief, Jillian Green, emphasized the urgent need for revitalization in South Africa's cities. This annual event, celebrating 18 years of the publication, serves as a platform for collective learning and tackling the pressing issues facing urban communities.

Reviving Our Cities

Green highlighted the critical role cities play in shaping society, stating that they are vital for trade, culture, and community support. However, many South African cities are currently suffering from neglect, corruption, and infrastructural decay. Millions of residents find themselves grappling with unreliable municipal services, including water, electricity, and sanitation, as no metro achieved a clean audit in the 2024/25 financial year.

A Collective Effort for Change

With the local government elections approaching on November 4, Green called on citizens to engage actively in their communities and ensure their votes count. She urged leaders from all sectors—government, business, and civil society—to act transparently and responsibly to foster accountability. Daily Maverick aims to empower the public with credible information that highlights both successes and failures within cities.

Honoring a Fallen Journalist

Green paid tribute to a beloved journalist from Daily Maverick, Estelle, who embodied the spirit of relentless pursuit for justice, likening her to a "Mosquito-Lion"—a fierce defender of the powerless and an unyielding challenger to the powerful. Her legacy, along with the dedication of the Daily Maverick team, serves as a reminder of the importance of journalism in advocating for the community’s needs.

Source: www.dailymaverick.co.za