Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality (NMBM) Executive Mayor, Councillor Babalwa Lobishe, has committed to leading an inclusive, accessible, and responsive Municipality, prioritizing the needs of vulnerable communities and driving sustainable service delivery.
Presenting her 100-Day Programme at the Council meeting on 14 November 2024, the Executive Mayor emphasized her administration’s theme: “All Hands on Deck: Deepening the Foundations for Responsive, Courteous, and Sustainable Service Delivery.” This ambitious plan focuses on strengthening governance, accelerating service delivery, and creating an environment conducive to economic growth.
Governance and Accountability
Executive Mayor Lobishe outlined her administration’s commitment to accountable governance through enhanced project management, rigorous monitoring of strategic plans, and fostering a culture of accountability. Anchored in the Integrated Development Plan (IDP) and implemented through the District Development Model (DDM), the plan maximizes available resources across all government levels to ensure efficiency and responsiveness.
Strengthening Internal Capacity and Financial Management
To achieve the targets within her 100-day programme, the Executive Mayor highlighted the importance of improved revenue collection, capital spending, and robust supply chain systems. Additionally, fast-tracking the approval of the Organizational Functional Structure in line with the Municipal Staff Regulations is crucial, as is filling key senior management positions, including the seven Executive Director roles in Infrastructure and Engineering; Electricity and Energy; Roads and Transport; Sport, Arts and Culture; Safety and Security; Economic Development, Tourism and Agriculture; and Budget and Treasury.
Economic Development and Youth Empowerment
In support of local economic development and to attract direct foreign investment, the Executive Mayor underscored the importance of skills development for the youth of Nelson Mandela Bay. Working in collaboration with the Ministries of Employment and Labour, Small Business Development, Economic Development, and Correctional Services, her administration aims to expand access to programs that equip young people with essential skills and experience for long-term career growth. Partnerships will also be sought with local academic and training institutions.
As part of this strategy, the Mayor’s Office will re-establish the Mayor’s Investment Advisory Council and facilitate the approval of an updated incentive policy to attract high-impact investments. Within her 100-day agenda, the Executive Mayor will launch the Njoli “Pop-Up” Initiative, a Township Development Node aimed at revitalizing the economic landscape of Kwazakhele and the Njoli precinct.
Catalyzing Private Sector Investment
The next 100 days will see the launch of several significant private sector investments, including:
- Hive Hydrogen – Phase 1 valued at R105 billion
- Shoprite Group – R1.5 billion investment
- Parsons Power Park – R2.7 billion, with Phase 1 at R430 million
- African Pioneer Group – R250 million
- Orion and Commercial Cold Holdings – Investment value pending confirmation
- Service Delivery Priority Projects
At the core of the 100-Day Programme, the Executive Mayor emphasized accelerated, efficient service delivery to address critical infrastructure needs.
Key priority projects include:
- Ensuring reliable water and electricity supply through high-impact projects
- Construction and rehabilitation of essential infrastructure, including Niven Bridge, Gibon/Jones Street, and De Mist Canal
- Addressing sanitation blockages and rehabilitating the Fish Water Flats Wastewater Plant
- Reducing water losses by 20% and addressing non-revenue water issues
- Enhancing fleet management for efficient service delivery
- Approving an Anti-Vandalism Strategy to safeguard essential infrastructure
- Expediting pothole repairs, traffic light replacements, and water leak repairs
- Completing asbestos household assessments, issuing of title deeds and approval of church site applications.
- Identifying safe land for flood victims
- Transparency and Community Engagement
The Executive Mayor reiterated her commitment to maintaining a transparent and accessible administration, pledging to keep communities and stakeholders informed about key developments and progress on service delivery.
This comprehensive 100-day Plan represents a bold step towards building a resilient and inclusive Nelson Mandela Bay, focused on responsive governance, sustainable infrastructure, and economic opportunity for all.
NMB Communications
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