NELSON MANDELA BAY MUNICIPALITY - Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality

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MBM MOVES SWIFTLY TO CONTAIN DESTRUCTIVE SHOT HOLE BORER THREAT

Published: April 15, 2026

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Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality has been made aware, through reports from members of the public, of suspected sightings of the Polyphagous Shot Hole Borer in some parts of the municipal area.

The Municipality would like to affirm that all reported incidents have been received and are being treated with the seriousness they deserve. Through the Municipality’s Public Health Environmental Management Sub-directorate, a response plan has been established and is already under implementation. The Sub-directorate is working closely with an expert who has studied the beetle for approximately seven years to assist officials with accurate identification and appropriate response measures.

Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality Executive Mayor, Councillor Babalwa Lobishe has called for the public not to panic and cooperate with the relevant municipal officials whenever they experience or suspect the threat of the Polyphagous Shot Hole Borer in their properties or periphery, "We have activated the Municipality’s Public Health Environmental Management Sub-directorate to give a special attention to this as we understand the impact it will have on the environmental sustainability of the City,” said Executive Mayor Lobishe.

While the Municipality is finalising Standard Operating Procedures to comprehensively address the challenge, environmental management officials are already responding to reported incidents.

The Polyphagous Shot Hole Borer is an invasive beetle that attacks a wide range of tree species by boring into trunks and introducing a fungus that blocks the tree’s ability to transport water and nutrients, often leading to tree death. It spreads easily through the movement of infected wood, making early detection and containment critical.

Temporary measures currently in place include:

Cutting down infected trees and chipping the material on-site to prevent reinfestation.
Transporting infected material to designated municipal sites for controlled burning or solarisation.
The Municipality is also providing guidance to residents on how to manage affected trees on private property.

In addition, training programmes are being rolled out for Councillors and relevant municipal officials to capacitate them in identifying and managing the beetle. Plans are also underway to train woodcutters and tree-felling operators to ensure proper handling of infected material. Residents who suspect infestation in their yards or surrounding areas are urged to contact the Environmental Management Sub-directorate. NMBM Public Health, in collaboration with Communications, is also developing awareness material to educate the public.

To mitigate the spread and impact of the Polyphagous Shot Hole Borer, residents are requested to observe the following measures:

Report any suspected sightings to the Municipality.
Avoid moving firewood, as this contributes to the spread.
Sanitize tools after use to prevent cross-contamination.
Do not dispose of infected wood in garden waste.
Chip infected wood where possible, as this is a safer disposal method.
The Municipality remains committed to safeguarding the urban environment and urges all residents to work together in containing this threat.

Members of the public can call the Parks and Cemetery Sub-directorate at (041)5062770 or email lnopulula@mandelametro.gov.za Environmental Management at 0415065464 or email phowes@mandelametro.gov.za

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MBM MOVES SWIFTLY TO CONTAIN DESTRUCTIVE SHOT HOLE BORER THREAT

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