A new dialogue series, "Crossing the Line," founded by Ryland Fisher, has launched in Cape Town to discuss the city's functionality in the lead-up to local government elections. These elections are scheduled for November 4, 2026, and the series aims to foster conversations about urban issues. The podcast and dialogue initiative seeks to engage residents and stakeholders on matters critical to the city's governance and future.
Purpose and Panelists
The inaugural panel featured Henriette Abrahams, chairperson of the Bonteheuwel Development Forum; Buhle Booi, head of Political Organising and Campaigns at Ndifuna Ukwazi; Nomfundo Walaza, a clinical psychologist and human-rights activist; and Dr Alicia English, a journalist, publisher, and social entrepreneur. Dr English stated, "The answer to that question is really you, wherever you might find yourself," during the discussion. Booi characterized Cape Town as "a post-apartheid, apartheid city," asserting that "If you do not have money in this city, the city does not work for you." Walaza commented on societal tendencies, observing that people "escape into numbers when we can’t actually answer the things we see every day."
The City's Inequality
The inaugural "Crossing the Line" dialogue addressed the profound inequalities present within Cape Town, with participants noting the disparities experienced by residents. Buhle Booi, head of Political Organising and Campaigns at Ndifuna Ukwazi, asserted that the city's functionality is heavily dependent on economic status. Booi stated, "If you do not have money in this city, the city does not work for you." Dr Alicia English, a journalist, publisher, and social entrepreneur, conveyed that solutions lie with individuals, remarking, "The answer to that question is really you, wherever you might find yourself." Nomfundo Walaza, a clinical psychologist and human-rights activist, noted a societal tendency to avoid direct engagement with visible issues, observing that people "escape into numbers when we can’t actually answer the things we see every day." Henriette Abrahams, chairperson of the Bonteheuwel Development Forum, also contributed to the discussion. The dialogue took place on Wednesday, September 9, 2026.
Accountability and Elections
The latest dialogue in the "Crossing the Line" series was conducted ahead of upcoming local government elections. This initiative, founded by Ryland Fisher, aims to foster public discussion on urban functionality. Fisher, who spearheads the dialogue series, has a background in media, having previously hosted 25 podcasts. The series provides a platform for residents and stakeholders to engage on critical issues facing Cape Town, particularly in the context of accountability and civic participation before the electoral period.
Citizen Engagement Platform
The "Crossing the Line" dialogue series aims to function as a direct engagement platform for residents to discuss critical urban issues ahead of the November 4, 2026 local government elections. The initiative provides a forum for stakeholders and community members to voice concerns and contribute to conversations about the city's future. Its discussions are designed to encourage civic participation and accountability from elected officials. These dialogues are part of a broader effort to stimulate public discourse on Cape Town's operational challenges and successes. The series creator, Ryland Fisher, intends for the platform to bridge gaps between citizens and governance. The event was held at Bertha House in Mowbray, Cape Town.
