GOOD press statement by Lawrence Troon, GOOD Councillor & MMC Safety & Security, Nelson Mandela Bay
08 June 2022
The GOOD party is disappointed in its ANC partners in the embattled Nelson Mandela Bay, where efforts to clean up the metro continues to be plagued by political divisions and leadership instability.
Due to recent developments around the appointment of a City Manager and ongoing legal action, the position remains in question and continues to plague service delivery.
Last week, the City Council finally removed Noxolo Nqwazi, after her unlawful appointment as the City Manager in March this year. A move that was initially supported by the ANC as part of the ruling coalition government.
The Council subsequently appointed Lonwabo Ngoqo, who was the second candidate presented by the panel, despite his own legal challenges in the past which has since come to light.
Now, Nqwazi has turned to the courts to stop this appointment and her urgent application was heard in the Gqeberha high court on Tuesday.
Despite commitment from the ANC that council would oppose the application, Mayor Eugene Johnson made an about turn to withdraw. This move clearly demonstrates support for maladministration in the city through collusion with Nqwazi.
The Nelson Mandela Metropolitan Municipality in the Eastern Cape has been without a permanent City Manager for about 4 years. The ongoing battles in the council have meant that crucial funding from National Treasury has been withheld, severely impacting service delivery and harming local communities.
The people of Nelson Mandela Bay deserve responsible leadership to clean up the city and restore quality service delivery. We believe it would be in the best interest of residents for the Acting City Manager, Anele Qaba to remain at the helm until the best permanent candidate can be appointed.
GOOD will not provide support to any coalition government that is not committed to good, clean governance and the party will continue to fight for this on behalf of residents.
Last but not least, the ongoing shenanigans in the municipality have led to heated interactions among coalition partners. GOOD does not condone intimidatory behaviour in any circumstances, and regrets the extent to which its own members responded emotionally.
Media Enquiries:
Lawrence Troon, GOOD:Councillor & MMC Safety & Security, Nelson Mandela Bay
Cell: 0818288518
Email: ltroon@mandelametro.gov.za
Janke Tolmay, GOOD: Media Manager
Cell: 0733671223
Email: janke@forgood.org.za