Pretoria: The Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA), Velenkosini Hlabisa, has held a high-level strategic meeting with civil society and key stakeholders in the Nelson Mandela Bay Metro in the Eastern Cape. The gathering that took place over the weekend was in response to the department's appointment of a 10-member team, in accordance with Section 154(1) of the Constitution, to assist the city council in improving governance and facilitating service delivery.
According to South African Government News Agency, the engagement brought together representatives from the National CoGTA, the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality, Eastern Cape CoGTA, the Nelson Mandela Bay Business Chamber, civil society groups, and other important stakeholders. The civil society coalition emphasized its non-partisan stance, representing the interests of the community. Participants highlighted several critical issues, including ongoing instability in municipal leadership, persistent shortcomings in service delivery, and the deterioration of essential infrastructure.
Concerns were raised about the neglect of young people's voices in important development decisions, rising crime rates, unsafe road conditions, and challenges related to water supply and sanitation systems. Electricity supply and associated issues were also discussed. The coalition, along with the Business Chamber, stressed the importance of transparent governance, operational efficiency, and strengthened partnerships to restore investor confidence, protect manufacturing industries, and drive economic growth.
According to the department, faith-based representatives highlighted the link between economic challenges, poverty, and inequality, calling for greater collaboration, partnerships, and community-focused solutions. Transparency, inclusivity in oversight, and stakeholder engagement were prioritized during discussions.
Hlabisa underscored the importance of merit-based appointments, stating that government positions must be filled by individuals with the right qualifications and competencies. He advocated for the end of cadre deployment to ensure effective service delivery and good governance.
Mayor Babalwa Lobishe highlighted initiatives already underway to strengthen the municipality, such as filling key vacant positions and improving systems and structures to enhance service delivery. She also announced the facilitation of a Youth Consultative Forum to engage young people in the development agenda, committing to ongoing engagement with all stakeholders and emphasizing consequence management for officials implicated in wrongdoing.
The department stated that the Section 154 support, which involves the deployment of 10 experts, aims to diagnose challenges, identify gaps, and enhance municipal capacity. Hlabisa explained the difference between Section 139 and Section 154 interventions, noting the importance of timely support to ensure the municipality meets its objectives.
Hlabisa also highlighted urgent social issues facing the metro, including crime, gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF), and the pervasive effects of alcohol, drugs, and substance abuse. He emphasized the necessity for government, civil society, religious institutions, and communities to work together to protect people, especially women and children, and to build safer, healthier communities.
The Mayor is expected to meet with all stakeholders in early 2026 to discuss a plan of action aimed at revitalizing the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality and promoting sustainable development for the community.