Daily Maverick has announced the speaker lineup for “The Gathering 2026,” a one-day conference examining the challenges facing South African metropolitan areas. The event, scheduled for September 11th at the CTICC, will focus on whether these metros are salvageable. Key speakers include the Auditor-General, providing oversight perspective, and candidates vying to become mayors. Also presenting will be the head of the Special Investigating Unit, addressing corruption concerns, and ordinary citizens actively involved in local improvements. The conference is strategically timed just weeks before the crucial local government elections. “The Gathering 2026” aims to foster critical discussion and potential solutions for urban governance in South Africa.