GOOD press statement by Lawrence Troon, GOOD Councillor & MMC Safety & Security, Nelson Mandela Bay
03 June 2022
The GOOD party welcomes the ruling coalition government’s commitment to clean up the embattled Nelson Mandela Bay Metro, where political divisions and corruption have plagued service delivery.
Last night, the City Council finally removed the City Manager, Noxolo Nqwazi, after her unlawful appointment in March this year.
Despite the fact that Nqwazi was implicated in a Special Investigation Unit report on tender corruption, the ANC had insisted on her permanent appointment as City Manager.
The appointment went ahead after many councillors left the meeting on 16 March 2022 following constant disruptions.
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 metro is now faced with a severe water crisis, while the 2022/2023 budget is yet to be tabled.
The Democratic Alliance nonetheless opted to vote against the coalition government’s motion to remove Nqwazi, a move which clearly demonstrated support for maladministration in the city.
The people of Nelson Mandela Bay deserve responsible leadership to clean up the city and restore quality service delivery. GOOD will not provide support to any coalition government that is not committed to good, clean governance.
There must be consequences for the costs incurred due to the illegal appointment of a City Manager.
Media Enquiries:
Janke Tolmay, GOOD: Media Manager
Cell: 0733671223
Email: janke@forgood.org.za