It is clear from the latest findings of the Eastern Cape MEC for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA), Zolile Williams, and the national Deputy Minister, Dr Dickson Masemola, that the administration and financial management of Nelson Mandela Bay Metro (NMBM) are in free fall.
In just two years, irregular expenditure shot up from approximately R21 billion to R31 billion. This increase is a serious indictment of the Metro’s leadership and financial controls.
More than 100 priority actions identified by the Section 154 intervention team are still not being implemented due to internal resistance in the various departments.
The prolonged suspension of the City Manager, Dr Noxolo Nqwazi, has already cost taxpayers more than R6,7 million and contributes to further administrative instability.
This pattern of poor governance, lack of accountability and political interference means that residents pay higher tariffs every year while service delivery and infrastructure continue to deteriorate.
The NMBM urgently needs decisive and stable leadership as well as a permanent, competent Chief Financial Officer. It is vital to fully implement the Section 154 recommendations along with stringent consequence management, where officials responsible for irregular expenditure and maladministration are held personally accountable.
Without these fundamental steps, the Municipality’s administration and service delivery will show no marked improvement.
NMBM residents should no longer pay the price for an administration that has betrayed their trust.
The main choice to make on 4 November is choosing to continue down a path of chaos or taking the path to accountability, stability and recovery.
Every vote for the Freedom Front Plus (VF Plus) is a vote against squandering and mismanagement – it is a vote for a fully functioning metro serving its people.
Freedom Front Plus International Relations: The FF Plus has expressed solidarity with other minority groups globally.
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