The time for instability and corruption is over in Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality. – NMBM

That was a statement made by the newly elected Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality Executive Mayor, ANC Councillor, Eugene Johnson. 

The Executive Mayor made her acceptance speech at the 2021-2026 Inaugural Council Meeting which was attended by the Eastern Cape MEC for Cooperative Governance, Xolile Nqatha and a number of members of the Eastern Cape Legislature.

The Executive Mayor was elected by 60 councillors against her competitor, Councillor Nqaba Bhanga who got 59 votes.

Executive Mayor, Cllr Eugene Johnson said the leadership she will lead will be characterised by one that serves the interest of the people. 

She said one of the main focus areas was creation of an environment that is conducive to economic development, support to SMMEs and creation of jobs.

“The main catalyst to Economic Development is to make sure that the lights are on, there is running water, and the City is clean and safe. If we master this, we would have done a bigger part of our work. Critical to economic development is rooting out corruption and all its manifestations. The biggest challenge we are facing is unemployment, we need to deal with it,” said Mayor Johnson. 

On the employment of youth, the Executive Mayor said the 4th industrial revolution presents new opportunities to create jobs and entrepreneurs. 

“Through our Economic Development Directorate, we will create an environment conducive for youth, women and special sectors, to prosper in this area,” said Mayor Johnson.

Mayor Johnson also flagged the water crisis as an emergency facing the City and the potential it has to grow economically. 

“At the current water levels, we need to drastically decrease water consumption. On our side as the City, we must move fast to fix water leaks and save every drop. We need to keep water coming from our taps and support our industry,” said Executive Mayor Johnson.

She also expressed her concern at the levels of crime within Nelson Mandela Bay. 

“We need to work with the law enforcement agencies and the people of this metro to create a safe City for our children and the already stressed economy. We must do it for the future of this City,” she added.

The Executive Mayor also announced her Mayoral Committee as follows:

Infrastructure and Engineering:

Cllr Stag Mitchel 

Budget and Treasury: 

Cllr Thukela Zumana 

Safety and Security: 

Cllr Lawrence Troon 

Roads and Transport: 

Cllr Bongani Mani 

Corporate Services: 

Cllr Makhi Feni

Human Settlements: 

Cllr Itumelang Ranyele 

Economic Development, Tourism and Agriculture: 

Cllr Mkhuseli Jack 

Electricity and Energy: 

Cllr Luxolo Namette

Public Health: 

Cllr Thsonono Buyeye 

Sport and Recreation: 

Cllr Basi Tamana

“As this collective of capable persons we need to hit the ground running. There is no time to rest, our people expect an uninterrupted service delivery,” she said.