The first progress report on the 100 Days Priorities of this administration outlines significant milestones achieved by all directorates, alongside the challenges they face. The report reflects on our administration’s collective progress and shares developments that will shape the foundation of this administration’s vision: to deepen the culture of a responsive, courteous government that prioritizes sustainable service delivery.
Our priorities have already begun to bear fruit, not only through the work of our Directorates but also through Special Projects that have delivered vital support and services to vulnerable communities. These successes would not have been possible without our partnerships, particularly with public and private stakeholders.
In line with our commitment to building a safer city, the Municipality has awarded a contract for the deployment of digital speed cameras across the Metro. Operations commenced on December 4, 2024, marking a significant step toward enhancing road safety and ensuring compliance with traffic regulations. This three-year contract, valued at R50 million, reflects our dedication to protecting all road users and residents.
MMC for Electricity & Energy, Cllr Mnqokoyi, brought early Christmas joy to thousands of Motherwell residents with the electrification of 120 homes at the Emithini Informal Settlement. Officially connected to the electricity grid on November 26, 2024, these residents now benefit from legal and reliable access to electricity, enhancing their quality of life.
The partnership with the National Arts Festival (NAF) marked a significant milestone with the launch of the Mandela Bay Arts Festival on February 27, 2024. This flagship initiative aims to uplift the creative sector by providing a premier platform for artists and patrons alike. The festival, scheduled for February 22 to March 2, 2025, promises to enrich our city’s cultural fabric and showcase local talent on a broader stage.
Led by Deputy Executive Mayor Gary van Niekerk, the demolition of a hijacked building and crime hotspot at 35 Clyde Street, Central, was hailed as a significant move in tackling problem buildings. This action represents a firm commitment to enhancing safety and restoring order in our communities.
Four clinics recently inaugurated in Kariega were made possible through our partnership with Cell C and Gift of the Givers, providing essential healthcare services to the community.
MMC for Public Health, Cllr Thsonono Buyeye, officially handing over four newly upgraded parks, including Stoffile Park, Duna Park, Spreeu Park, and Lanner Park. These upgrades ensure that residents have access to safe, accessible, and revitalized recreational spaces.
Under the leadership of MMC Human Settlement, MMC Human Settlements, on 28 November 2024, the Gqeberha High Court delivered a landmark judgment in favor of the municipality, authorizing the eviction of illegal occupiers from municipal properties in Walmer Airport Valley and Temporary Residential Units (TRUs) in Walmer 1948. This ruling reinforces our unwavering commitment to the lawful, fair, and transparent allocation of municipal resources. It also underscores the urgency of reclaiming municipal land to benefit its rightful beneficiaries and advance sustainable human settlements.
This ruling is a pivotal step in ensuring fairness and restoring order. It underscores our commitment to upholding the law while protecting the rightful beneficiaries of our housing projects. I urge the MMC for Safety and Security – Cllr Lawu to expedite the execution of Section 5 of the Prevention of Illegal Eviction from and Unlawful Occupation of Land Act.
The partnership between Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality (NMBM) and the South African National Roads Agency (SANRAL) resulted in the successful commencement of road repair works at the intersection of Mati and R75.
An upcoming energy project involving our Electricity and Energy Directorate, the Strait Group-SA Fish water Flats, DBSA, and other private companies is set to provide baseload energy for 5,000 homes, create jobs, enhance organic waste disposal, and significantly reduce carbon emissions.
As part of the national 16 Days of Activism campaign, we launched our municipality’s iteration on 25 November. Our campaign focuses on public education, victim support, and engaging men and boys as allies against gender-based violence (GBV).
The closing event on 10 December will provide a platform for staff to debrief and heal as we prepare for the festive season. Yet, our advocacy for women and children will remain unwavering, as this issue transcends any calendar campaign.
Yesterday, 3 December, we celebrated International Disability Day with a successful event led by Cllr Pali-Jongilanga. Her words resonated deeply: “We must create a society where everyone can thrive.” We must continue to prioritize inclusivity, ensuring that people with disabilities are empowered to overcome barriers in their daily lives. As I emphasized in my first Council address, we cannot delay or replace the care and support needed by our most vulnerable citizens.
As a municipality committed to advancing inclusive and impactful special projects, we must address the pressing needs of vulnerable groups through initiatives centred on Gender, Equity, Youth, Disability, Integration (GEYODI), Mainstreaming Vulnerable Groups (MVO), and the fight against HIV/AIDS. To ensure the effectiveness of these efforts, proper coordination and strategic alignment with national policies are essential, coupled with meaningful community engagement and efficient resource management.
Recognising this, my Office will take the lead in facilitating the development of a comprehensive GEYODI-MVO Framework. This Framework, accompanied by a detailed Action Plan, will serve as a cornerstone for the successful implementation of these initiatives in the new financial year, including the coordination of the Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) to create sustainable and impactful outcomes for our communities.
One of our key focus areas is enhancing the Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) to create job opportunities, reduce poverty, improve infrastructure and ultimately boost service delivery.
In this regard, there is a deliberate intention to strengthen the coordination structures for EPWP, which will be harmonized to ensure accountability and effective implementation. I have thus directed my office to develop a policy framework to guide the sustainable implementation of EPWP, effective from the new financial year. This framework will aim to ensure that the Programme is both impactful and aligned with the municipality’s strategic objectives.
This weekend, our city proudly hosts two prestigious international sporting events that promise to showcase excellence and draw global attention.
Let us gear up to welcome:
- 5–9 December – The Test Match: South Africa vs. Sri Lanka.
- 6 December – The Champions Cup clash: Somerset vs. Toulon.
I’m deeply by lack of cooperation and synergy among various Directorate, which highlights the urgent need for improved coordination and collaboration to ensure the effective management and maintenance of our beaches, which are vital public spaces.
Considering the heavy rains experienced on October 21, 2024, which caused widespread localized flooding, it is crucial to provide an update on the recovery interventions implemented to address the impact on our communities as soon as possible.
Additionally, the underperformance in spending the Capital Budget, particularly on Infrastructure Grants, is deeply concerning. This shortfall places the Municipality at risk of losing critical funding, negatively affecting service delivery. It is imperative to implement appropriate consequence management measures to address this non-compliance and ensure accountability moving forward.
I wish to reiterate my appreciation to all Members of the Mayoral Committee and staff for thier tireless dedication. Under our theme “All Hands-on Deck,” your efforts are pivotal to achieving our vision of an inclusive, thriving municipality. Let us maintain this momentum as we continue to serve the residents of Nelson Mandela Bay with pride and diligence.
Issued On Behalf The Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality Executive Mayor, Cllr Babalwa Lobishe.
NMB Communications
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