NMBM MOVES URGENTLY TO STABILISE LEADERSHIP, STRENGTHEN GOVERNANCE AND ACCELERATE SERVICE DELIVERY
Published: April 16, 2026<< BACK TO NEWS
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The Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality is implementing an accelerated and legally compliant recruitment process, with immediate effect, to stabilise its administration and strengthen governance by prioritising the appointment of senior managers in critical service delivery portfolios to improve accountability, operational efficiency, and financial performance.
This intervention forms part of a broader institutional reset aimed at restoring stability in leadership, improving service delivery outcomes, and strengthening financial management across the Metro.
As part of this process, the Municipality has prioritised the recruitment and appointment of senior leadership in terms of Sections 56 and 57 of the Local Government: Municipal Systems Act. Key positions currently advertised include Executive Directors for Infrastructure and Engineering, and Electricity and Energy, both of which are central to service delivery and economic growth.
Following the conclusion of the five-year contract of the former Executive Director for Infrastructure and Engineering, and the resignation of the Executive Director for Electricity and Energy, both directorates have been operating under acting leadership. While these interim arrangements ensured continuity, the Municipality acknowledges that prolonged acting appointments have affected performance, particularly in relation to infrastructure delivery, service reliability, and the effective utilisation of grant funding.
The Municipality is therefore moving with urgency to appoint permanent, suitably qualified, and competent leaders who will provide stability, strategic direction, and accountability in these critical functions.
Recruitment processes are also underway to fill other vacant senior positions, including Corporate Services, Economic Development, Tourism and Agriculture, Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture, Public Health, Safety and Security, as well as Labour Relations. Interviews for Executive Director Corporate Services, Executive Director Planning and Development were conducted on 2 April 2026, while interviews for the Director for Labour Relations were held on 16 March 2026.
In strengthening governance and internal controls, the Municipality has also advertised the position of Deputy Director of Risk and Asset Management. This role will enhance risk assessment capability, improve oversight, and ensure that municipal assets are properly recorded, safeguarded, and optimally managed.
Executive Mayor, Babalwa Lobishe, emphasised the urgency of stabilising leadership in key portfolios:
"Infrastructure and Engineering, Electricity and Energy, and Planning and Development are critical to unlocking economic growth and improving the lives of our residents. We are aligning our leadership capacity with our development agenda to ensure that we deliver consistent and quality services.”
The Executive Mayor has directed the Acting City Manager to prioritise and expedite all recruitment processes, while ensuring strict adherence to competency, merit, and integrity.
"We are implementing a drought turnaround plan that requires focused and accountable leadership. Securing water resilience, ensuring reliable electricity supply, and introducing innovative solutions to stabilise our systems require capable and forward-thinking senior managers. We are committed to appointing leaders who will drive these priorities with urgency,” added Executive Mayor Lobishe.
Council is also concerned with the matter relating to the disciplinary process involving City Manager, Dr Noxolo Nqwazi. This matter is being handled in accordance with applicable legislative and governance frameworks, with Council expected to take a decision in due course. The Municipality reaffirms its commitment to due process, fairness, and transparency.
All recruitment and governance processes are being conducted in full compliance with applicable legislation, including the Local Government: Municipal Systems Act, the Municipal Finance Management Act, and the 2014 Regulations on Appointment and Conditions of Employment of Senior Managers. These frameworks ensure transparent, fair, and merit-based appointments, while reinforcing accountability and sound financial governance.
The Municipality acknowledges public concern regarding leadership stability and service delivery performance, and is taking decisive, measurable steps to restore institutional credibility, strengthen governance, and improve service delivery to all residents.
Further updates will be provided as these processes progress.
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