No Street Light Tender in Kariega
Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality officials commit to new tender at community meeting
Kariega
Nelson Mandela Bay unveils backyard dwellers programme
Nelson Mandela Bay unveils backyard dwellers programme
Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality Mayor, Babalwa Lobishe, has officially unveiled the much-awaited programme to register backyard dwellers for RDP houses.
Launched in KwaLanga, Kariega, on Wednesday, the Backyard Dweller Registration Programme is an effort by the municipality to give special focus to the plight of backyard dwellers, who have been raising what they called a ‘neglect and prioritisation of illegal land occupiers’.
Lobishe explained that the programme will be rolled out by the offices of ward councillors, where backyard dwellers will be registered on a list that will be audited to check whether requirements are met.
“The qualifying residents will then be included in the housing waiting list. Those who have met the requirements and qualified will be informed,” Lobishe said.
Lobishe said the registration programme responded to the plight of backyard dwellers.
Reflecting on the government’s decision to build RDP houses, the Mayor emphasised the aim to restore dignity to previously disadvantaged individuals.
To ensure accurate data collection, she said 200 field workers have been appointed across the city, with four assigned per ward.
Lobishe also commended backyard dwellers for their patience and discipline in refraining from land invasions, saying “this is the time to reward you”.
“The fact that you have stayed in your backyard rooms or houses for all these years, while some have decided to invade land, is not taken for granted. From now we will be moving with speed to complete the registration process in three months’ time.
“We are also engaging the other spheres of government to consider us in their budgeting so that our housing delivery can include backyard dwellers. We accept that we should have done more for you, and appeal that you work with us, as we start this journey,” Lobishe said.
Mayoral Committee Member for Human Settlements, Thembinkosi Mafana, said the commencement of the programme is part of the key deliverables for the directorate.
"We have set ourselves key priorities, taking care of the vulnerable, elderly, women, and child- headed families, and addressing the imbalances of the past like backyard dwelling, asbestos-roofed homes and informal settlements,” Mafana said.
One of the prospective backyard dweller beneficiaries, Nosipho Jicelo, said they are happy that the time has come for backyard dwellers to be taken care of.
"Some of us have been living as backyard dwellers for more than 20 years, patiently waiting for us to be considered. We hope that this programme will yield positive results this time around,” Jicelo said.
The registration process will start on 6 March 2025 until the end of June 2025, with a stringent verification process in place. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Fri, 03/07/2025 - 11:53
129 views
Protest Erupts After Neighbourhood Without Power for Weeks
KwaNobuhle councillor urges residents to attend ward meetings
Communities urged to help keep public assets safe
Communities urged to help keep public assets safe
Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality is on a drive to curb the ongoing vandalism crisis that is crippling the metro's electricity infrastructure, which has cost millions of rands in repairs.
The municipality has now launched an education and awareness campaign aimed at addressing vandalism. The metro’s Electricity and Energy Portfolio Head, Ziyanda Mnqokoyi, said after three major incidents of vandalism in January alone, it is evident that the vandalism of the metro’s electricity infrastructure has reached crisis levels, leaving communities severely impacted by the criminal activities.
Mnqokoyi said the most recent incident took place last Tuesday at the Mabandla substation in KwaNobuhle, Kariega, leading to major power outages in the area.
"Such incidents not only disrupt essential services but also pose significant safety hazards for the perpetrators, community members and response teams. The seriousness of these attacks on our infrastructure cannot be ignored, and we cannot fight the scourge alone. We need the residents to work with us.
“Through the enhanced educational programme, we will highlight the dangers of unsafe electricity use and educate our people about the impact of electricity theft. We cannot continue as if it is business as usual.”
Mnqokoyi urged communities to work with law enforcement agencies and municipal authorities to prevent further vandalism.
She said the investigation and assessment at Mabandla showed that the 66 kilovolts (kV) power cables supplying the substation were damaged due to vandalism, and cutting tools were found at the site. Cables were found burnt and severely damaged, leaving KwaNobuhle without power.
"It was also reported by the community that suspects were seen walking away from the site. Cables were burnt and left on site, which badly damaged two of these 66kV power cables without any possible way of supplying electricity to the residents of KwaNobuhle.
Mnqokoyi said excavation work to expose the damaged cables is underway and material orders have been placed.
Appointment of CFO
Meanwhile, the municipality has appointed Jackson Ngcelwane as the permanent Chief Financial Officer (CFO).
The appointment is aimed at improving the financial administration, revenue collection and the audit outcomes of Nelson Mandela Bay.
Ngcelwane has served the municipality for 35 years, with nine of these years as a Senior Director for Budget and Financial Accounting.
Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality Executive Mayor, Babalwa Lobishe, has expressed optimism that the appointment will help to address the challenges in administration and finance management, a situation that is "reflected by the latest Auditor-General’s report".
"The immediate assignments are to improve compliance to the MFMA [Municipal Finance Management Act], MSCOA [Municipal Standard Chart of Accounts], our audit outcomes, supply chain management and put systems in place for better financial planning, management and accountability, while improving the revenue of the municipality.
“I am pleased that council has approved the appointment of the disciplinary board that will take those who are found guilty of financial misconduct through a consequence management process. This will also assist the city manager and the new CFO’s office, as they execute their duties of steering the metro’s finances towards the right direction,” Lobishe said. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Mon, 02/03/2025 - 09:58
31 views
Nelson Mandela Bay kicks off service delivery campaign
Nelson Mandela Bay kicks off service delivery campaign
Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality Mayor, Babalwa Lobishe, has kicked off a service delivery resuscitation campaign, which aims to ensure all metro communities receive the services they need.
Aligned with the municipality’s 100-day priorities, the campaign named “Siyasebenza Campaign: A Metro at Work”, focuses on accelerating service delivery and enhancing the quality of life for residents.
Through the Siyasebenza Campaign, Lobishe is calling on local communities, businesses, and non-governmental organisations to collaborate with the municipality to improve service delivery across the metro.
The inclusive campaign, which was rolled out in Kariega this week, will address immediate concerns, including illegal dumping, street cleaning, grass cutting, pothole repairs, fixing streetlights, and upgrading public spaces.
The campaign aims to deliver visible results, while also committing to long-term interventions to ensure sustainable service delivery improvements.
During the launch of the campaign, teams including Members of the Mayoral Committee (MMCs), and senior officials, were deployed in various groups to cover areas across Kariega and Dispatch.
The teams attended to different service delivery challenges, including blocked sanitation infrastructure, water leaks, flooding, electricity cable theft, and general vandalism.
Speaking to residents in the affected areas that were identified by ward councillors, Lobishe said the municipality was closely monitoring the service delivery challenges faced by the communities and was working to address them.
For longer-term challenges, she said the municipality was developing sustainable solutions.
The Mayor said they were targeting wards in Kariega that were predominantly affected by the floods last year.
“We must, however, express our extreme concern and disappointment at the high levels of vandalism, currently being experienced in Kariega. We call on our people, and law enforcement to work together with us in apprehending these destructive culprits.
“Vandalism of infrastructure slows down service delivery as money meant for other community needs may be redirected to fix infrastructure that has been intentionally damaged by criminals. This does not only negatively affect our financially constrained municipality but prevents the community from enjoying services they so desperately need,” Lobishe said.
Infrastructure and Engineering Acting Executive Director, Joseph Tsatsire, affirmed the municipality’s commitment to accelerating service delivery.
"We shall be mobilising resources to accelerate the pace of service delivery, more especially in the areas identified under this campaign. Our teams are already at work, dealing with issues ranging from sanitation, water leaks and replacing vandalised infrastructure,” Tsatsire said. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Thu, 01/30/2025 - 13:44
160 views
SA film earns Oscar nomination
SA film earns Oscar nomination
Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture Gayton McKenzie says he has received “with great pride and a sense of expectation” news of the Academy Award nomination for the South African film The Last Ranger.
Directed by Cindy Lee, the film has been nominated in the category of Best Live Action Short Film at the 97th Academy Awards, to be held in March 2025.
According to the department, this remarkable isiXhosa film, inspired by true events in South Africa’s Eastern Cape, tells the compelling story of Thandi, a rhino that miraculously survived a poaching attack at the Kariega Game Reserve, and the courageous woman who fought to protect these iconic animals against all odds.
“The Last Ranger is a powerful tribute to the resilience of our wildlife and the unwavering dedication of conservationists who work tirelessly to safeguard our natural heritage. Featuring stellar performances by Avumile Qongqo, Liyabona Mroqoza and Makhaola Ndebele, and written by David Lee, Darwin Shaw and Will Hawks, this production stands as a testament to South Africa’s rich storytelling and cinematic excellence,” said the department.
The film’s ongoing success, having already won Best Short Narrative at the 2024 Pan African Film Festival (PAFF), is a clear indication of its impact and brilliance.
The Minister said he was confident that it would continue to make an impact on the global stage, "and we eagerly await the Oscar ceremony on 2 March 2025, hopeful for yet another triumph".
“I extend my heartfelt congratulations to the entire cast and crew of The Last Ranger. Your hard work and dedication have helped to elevate South African cinema to new heights and kept our country in the eye of the world.
“Let us all rally behind this incredible production and showcase our support for local brilliance,” he said. – SAnews.gov.za
Janine
Fri, 01/24/2025 - 12:18
84 views
Nelson Mandela Bay residents urged to stop vandalism of infrastructure
Nelson Mandela Bay residents urged to stop vandalism of infrastructure
The Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality has called on community members to report and stop the vandalism of electricity infrastructure.
The call follows the collapse of a substation in Khayelitsha, Kariega, due to vandalism.
The City’s Member of the Mayoral Committee (MMC) for Electricity and Energy, Ziyanda Mnqokoyi, said the incident, which took place last week Monday, has resulted in the loss of power supply to many households.
Mnqokoyi said the substation is currently undergoing rehabilitation, and it will take approximately two weeks to fix the damage.
“We have been conducting oversight visits throughout last week in the affected substation building, which has unfortunately collapsed due to vandalism, resulting in a loss of power supply, and we can report that work has started.
“However, to restore power, a comprehensive scope of work is required, including the building of the distribution substation, procurement and installation of switchgear, and testing and commissioning,” Mnqokoyi said.
She said the team has made it clear that given the complexity of the work, ordinarily a completion timeframe for this type of work would take at least six months.
“However, they are working diligently to expedite the process, aiming to complete the project by 31 January 2025,” Mnqokoyi said.
Mnqokoyi has condemned the "blatant criminality", and appealed to residents to stop vandalising infrastructure, as this affects service delivery.
The MMC also called on any resident with information regarding the incident to report it to the municipality’s law enforcement agencies, or the South African Police Service, in order to bring the perpetrators to book. - SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Wed, 01/22/2025 - 10:32
8 views
Tears of joy as flood-damaged Kariega bridge reopened
Tears of joy as flood-damaged Kariega bridge reopened
Kariega residents could not hold back tears of joy when Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality Mayor, Babalwa Lobishe, unveiled the newly refurbished Cuyler Bridge, which was damaged during the October floods that hit the Eastern Cape Province.
Unveiled this week, the R3.8 million refurbished bridge promises to bring relief to Kariega residents as an early Christmas gift, revitalising local economic activity, enhancing transportation, and reconnecting the communities which have been isolated by the disaster.
Speaking at the unveiling of the newly refurbished bridge, Lobishe said the successful reconstruction of Cuyler Bridge marks the triumphant completion of Phase 1 of the project.
Lobishe said the project has transitioned to Phase 2, focusing on enhancing the surrounding water management system, including clearing of the riverbank to restore natural flow, and cleaning the canal and drainage system to mitigate flood risks.
"We are thrilled to announce the successful completion of the first project, as the closure of the bridge was negatively affecting the economic zone of the area. We wouldn’t want businesses to be affected any further. As part of my 100 Days [in office] priorities, we are driving impactful, agile and quality infrastructural development to boost Kariega’s growth,” Lobishe said.
Lobishe announced that several key projects are underway, including the rebuilding of the Jubilee Canal and Gibbon Bridge in Kariega, all valued at approximately R6.2 million.
Lobishe said efforts to rebuild Kariega are accelerating rapidly. She highlighted the municipality’s commitment to revitalising infrastructure in Kariega.
“The infrastructure projects underway are racing ahead of schedule, with the Jubilee Canal project significantly exceeding expectations. Moreover, the Matanzima Bridge, initially set to be completed in 24 months, is now scheduled for completion in just less than 10 months,” Lobishe said.
The Mayor also warned residents against littering in rivers, storm water drains and canals, emphasising how littering negatively affects river overflows and contributes to floods during heavy rains.
Acting Director of Project Management, Sisanda Njanjula said the city is racing to complete the project before the festive season begins.
“Following regular site inspections, we noted that the canal is closer to the community, posing a safety risk, particularly for children playing in the area. To mitigate this, contractors are working diligently, including on weekends,” Njanjula said.
Kariega community member, Belinda Snam, expressed her heartfelt gratitude to the municipality, especially the Mayor, for prioritising Kariega’s development within her 100 Days initiative.
“We are thrilled to see our roads open. We will definitely enjoy our festive season,” Snam said. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Thu, 12/12/2024 - 12:51
220 views
Epileptic Woman Has to Sleep on Concrete Floor at Hospital
Eastern Cape health department says Uitenhage Provincial Hospital has too few beds for increased demand
Gqeberha Pride Festival: Sports Uniting Communities
Hosting netball games gets more people involved in Pride
Spaza Shop Landlords Shocked by R2,200 Permit Fee
Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality is scrambling to legalise residential based enterprises
Nelson Mandela Bay Mayor Targets Immigrant-Owned Spaza Shops
“These are politically motivated actions against us. There are many more pressing issues facing this city.”
Patients Lie on the Floor at Uitenhage Provincial Hospital
The health department has acknowledged there is pressure on available beds
Storm Damaged Kariega Bridge Could Take Two Years to Repair, Says Mayor
Two bridges linking KwaNobuhle to the town were badly damaged by floods in June and October
Nelson Mandela Bay metro works to restore power
Nelson Mandela Bay metro works to restore power
Newly elected mayor of the Nelson Mandela Bay Metropolitan Municipality, Babalwa Lobishe, has reassured residents that electricity supply will be restored soon.
This follows heavy rains on Monday which affected municipal infrastructure across the metro, resulting in power outages, road closures and blocked stormwater drains.
Lobishe said various teams are on the ground working diligently to resolve the faults and other service delivery efforts.
The mayor led a delegation of officials in Kariega and KwaNobuhle on Tuesday, to assess the metro’s response and progress, and address challenges that still need attention.
She expressed gratitude to the metro’s dedicated officials who are attending to various calls, including flooded homes, electricity outages, burst water pipes, and blocked stormwater drains.
During a visit to the Mabandla Substation in KwaNobuhle where the entire area is affected by the outage, Lobishe said the officials confirmed that power is live and connecting to the substation.
“They are currently finishing testing to switch the electricity back on. We are also making progress on the capital project to refurbish the Mabandla Substation, aiming to eliminate frequent power outages in the area,” Lobishe said.
The mayor also commended officials, who are diligently working to ensure no reference number is left unattended, emphasising the municipality’s unwavering commitment to effectively provide and restore all services to residents.
"Our goal is to ensure that every resident receives the services they need promptly and efficiently. We are dedicated to addressing all issues, from power outages to water supply, with the utmost urgency and care.”
KwaNobuhle resident, Aphelele Nelani, expressed hope that power would be restored soon, following the mayor’s visit.
"The outage really hits us hard in the mornings when children have to go to school, as some households do not have gas stoves. We are hopeful that we will have electricity again soon,” Nelani said.
Other political leaders, including former Mayor and now Deputy Mayor, Gary van Niekerk, including Council Speaker Eugene Johnson, and Chief Whip Wandisile Jikeka, also conducted inspections in other affected clusters.
Cable theft
Meanwhile, a swift and successful fireworks compliance inspection, led to the arrest of a cable theft suspect.
The suspect was arrested by the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality Metro Police on Tuesday, after the suspect was caught red handed in possession of stolen copper cables hidden in a storeroom.
The arrest follows an inspection of a spaza shop at Mtyingizane Street in KwaNobuhle, Uitenhage.
Metro Police Acting Commissioner, Advocate Andrew Moses, said a 200-meter copper cable was confiscated, and the suspect has been detained at KwaNobuhle Police Station.
"The municipality is experiencing high levels of cable theft, and this crime undermines the efforts to grow the economy of the city and the region. It impacts greatly on safety and security,” Moses said.
The Acting Commissioner also commended operation response members for their keen vigilance and urged the community members to join the fight against cable theft by reporting to the 24- hour room on 041 585 1555 or 041 508 5501. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Wed, 11/06/2024 - 14:04
96 views
Gqeberha in the News 4 November 2024
Zambia edge SA on penalties to claim Cosafa women’s crown: Zambia were crowned Hollywoodbets Cosafa Women’s Championship winners after they edged hosts SA 4-3 on penalties after a goalless draw in the final in Gqeberha on Saturday, earning the Copper Queens their second title. Zambia’s previous success came in 2022, while SA were hoping to lift …
Gqeberha in the News 1 November 2024
Deputy Minister Sitlholo Urges Municipalities To Do More To Protect Water Infrastructure From Vandalism | Infrastructure news: The Water and Sanitation Deputy Minister, Sello Seitlholo conducted a two-day oversight visit in the Eastern Cape in the Nelson Mandela Bay and Buffalo City Metros between 28 and 29 October 2024, aimed at assessing the state of Wastewater …
Gqeberha in the News 31 October 2024
Heba Guest Lodge Two, Gqeberha, South Africa: 166 Caledon Street, 6229 Gqeberha, South Africa. .continue reading HERE. Nelson Mandela Bay: Festivals and Events – The district hosts a variety of festivals and events throughout the year, celebrating local culture, food, and music Zimkhitha Almost Does the Unthinkable | Coming up on Gqeberha the Empire …
Gqeberha in the News 30 October 2024
No reinstatement for axed teacher who ‘dragged mentally challenged pupil’, but he gets two months’ salary: The council heard it was common cause the teacher dragged the learner from one corridor to another by her arm, but said he had “done this to protect the learner and had her best interests at heart as she was …
Gqeberha in the News 29 October 2024
VVS Laxman Set To Be India’s Head Coach For T20I Series Against South Africa: Report – News18: India will face South Africa in a four-match T20I series next month, which starts on November 8 in Durban. Former Indian middle-order batter VVS Laxman will serve as India’s head coach for the four-match T20I series against South …
Gqeberha in the News 28 October 2024
Maud Khumalo turns one eye to COSAFA semis after early qualification | soccer: Banyana Banyana coach Maud Khumalo is already worried about competition in the next phase as she eyes further progression in the COSAFA Women’s Championships….continue reading HERE. Chippa shoot down Arrows, rise to third | SuperSport: Chippa United defeated Golden Arrows 2-0 in …
Only One Bridge Links Kwanobuhle to Kariega After Floods
Two bridges in the area were damaged
Gqeberha in the News 25 October 2024
South Africa Gets COSAFA Women’s Championship off to a Winning Start – gsport4girls: Banyana Banyana got their COSAFA Women’s Championship off to a winning start in Gqeberha on Tuesday, 22 October 2024. The South Africans won 1-0 against Namibia in their opening match of the competition. The home side’s inexperience showed as they failed to score …
Families Evacuated From Their Flooded Homes in Nelson Mandela Bay
Municipality says mop up and damage assessment operations are underway