Still No Homes for Families Moved During Pandemic
Gqeberha temporary accommodation leaky and cold
Nelson Mandela Bay
VF+ Rejects NMBM’s Exorbitant Tariff Hikes
The Freedom Front Plus (VF Plus) strongly objected to the Nelson Mandela Bay Metro’s (NMBM) draft budget for the 2025/26 financial year due to its excessive tariff increases that will place residents under further financial strain. The proposed tariff hikes include:• 5% for assessment rates• 5,5% for water and sanitation• 6% for refuse removal• 12,8% […]
The post Freedom Front Plus rejects NMBM’s exorbitant tariff hikes appeared first on Freedom Front Plus.
Youth Day: We Are Not a ‘Lost’ Generation but a …
GOOD Statement by Kaden Arguile,GOOD National Youth Chairperson 16 June 2025 From the moment a child is born in South Africa, they face barriers in every direction. If they’re lucky, they’ll survive a chronically underfunded healthcare system. If their home is unstable, the chance of receiving help from an overwhelmed and under-resourced social worker is […]
The post YOUTH DAY: WE ARE NOT A ‘LOST’ GENERATION BUT A DISCARDED ONE appeared first on For Good.
Over a Thousand Families Face Losing Income as NMBM Decays Under ANC Coalition
The news that Goodyear South Africa is closing its manufacturing plant in Uitenhage/Kariega comes as a severe blow to the Nelson Mandela Bay Metro (NMBM) and the local economy. More than a thousand workers and their families face an uncertain future. This is a Metro where unemployment already stands at a staggering 33% and the […]
The post Over a thousand families face losing income as NMBM decays under ANC coalition appeared first on Freedom Front Plus.
NMBM Must Address Illegal Electricity Connections in Kragga Kamma Road
The Freedom Front Plus (VF Plus) has asked the acting City Manager of the Nelson Mandela Bay Metro (NMBM), Mr Ted Pillay, to immediately address the illegal electricity connections in Kragga Kamma Road. This street, which runs through various residential neighbourhoods in Port Elizabeth (Gqeberha), is a hotspot for illegal electricity connections. These connections form […]
The post NMBM should address illegal electricity connections in Kragga Kamma Road appeared first on Freedom Front Plus.
Mogotsi Delivers
Volkswagen Motorsport’s Jonathan Mogotsi delivered a dominant performance to win the SATC SupaCup day at the Kyalami Grand Prix Circuit’s Blockbuster Extreme Festival by Coca-Cola on Saturday. Rookie Cup champion and Volkswagen Motorsport driver Judd Bertholdt meantime scored his maiden Astron Energy Polo Cup pole position in a sparkling effort on the day. “Jonathan Mogotsi …
Maiden Win, Pole Position, for Young Lady Racer Tyler Robinson
Johannesburg, 14 April 2025 – The Astron Energy Polo Cup delivered another day of multiple winners, thrills and drama at the Kyalami Grand Prix Circuit’s Blockbuster Extreme Festival presented by Coca-Cola on Saturday. Young lady racer Tyler Robinson stood up to deliver a spectacular performance with pole position and the opening race win. Title rivals, …
VF Plus Supports No-Confidence Motion in NMBM Leadership
The Freedom Front Plus (VF Plus) gave its full support for the motion of no confidence in the current leadership of the Nelson Mandela Bay Metro (NMBM). The GOOD party councillor, Lawrence Troon, tabled the motion and the Freedom Front Plus seconded it. It is a motion of no confidence in the Mayor, Babalwa Lobishe, […]
The post VF Plus supports no-confidence motion in NMBM leadership appeared first on Freedom Front Plus.
G20 must tackle inequality, gender gaps to build just labour markets – Minister Meth
G20 must tackle inequality, gender gaps to build just labour markets – Minister Meth
Employment and Labour Minister Nomakhosazana Meth has called on G20 member states to urgently address growing inequality and the erosion of labour income share, warning that these trends threaten global economic stability and social cohesion.
The Minister was delivering the keynote address at the second G20 Employment Working Group meeting in Umhlanga, KwaZulu-Natal on Tuesday.
“The growing erosion of labour's share of national income poses a significant threat to broader economic resilience and inclusivity goals by widening wealth disparities, weakening the social fabric, and limiting upward mobility. Addressing this trend is crucial for global progress,” the Minister said.
Meth emphasised that economic progress must not be measured solely by GDP or trade metrics, but by the ability to uplift vulnerable communities through decent work, fair wages, and inclusive opportunities.
She underscored the need to close gender gaps in employment and pay, describing it as both a moral imperative and a driver of innovation and prosperity.
“We find ourselves at a critical juncture, where the global landscape is marked by increasing disparities threatening the fundamental principles upon which just and dignified societies are built.
“Millions of workers worldwide remain mired in precarious employment conditions, receiving stagnant wages and experiencing shrinking opportunities for social mobility. Policies and initiatives that aim to alleviate poverty and economic despair encounter resistance from those who prioritise narrow economic interests over workers' inherent dignity and rights,” she said.
However, Meth said it must be clear that economic growth must not be evaluated solely through GDP metrics, trade balances or other numerical indicators. While such measures are important, she said, they cannot be the only barometers of success.
“Genuine progress must be evident in our collective commitment to uplift the most vulnerable of our society. The real test of our achievements is ensuring that economic expansion leads to substantive social justice, employment figures correspond to quality jobs with decent pay, and that work provides financial stability, dignity, fulfilment and security,” the Minister said.
She emphasised that at the core of the discussions was the principle that labour is not a commodity, workers are human beings with rights, not disposable economic inputs.
Meth stressed that an international system prioritising profit over people is unsustainable and unethical, calling for the rejection of transactional approaches that compromise fairness, equity, and dignity.
As the G20 President, South Africa remains steadfast in upholding the values of solidarity, equality and sustainability.
“These are not abstract ideals or rhetorical flourishes; they serve as the foundation upon which our policies, governance structures and international engagements are built. We categorically reject any notion that human suffering can be reduced to a mere footnote in pursuing political expediency or economic dominance,” she said.
Youth jobs and gender equality top of the labour agenda
The Minister said that the Employment Working Group was prioritising youth employment and women’s economic empowerment, with bold targets such as the Nelson Mandela Bay Goal to reduce global youth unemployment by 5% by 2030.
“This is not merely an employment target; it represents an investment in the future of our societies. We must actively create quality jobs, foster skills development and champion youth-led innovation to ensure young people have a place in the evolving labour market,” she said.
The group is also pushing to renew and expand commitments like the Brisbane-eThekwini Target to close gender gaps in labour force participation.
Minister Meth emphasised that workplace equality and youth inclusion are essential for sustainable growth, warning that the cost of inaction would be far greater than intervention.
Call for resilient labour policies amid global trade shifts
Minister Meth raised concern over disruptive global trade developments, warning they risk driving economic stagnation and widespread job losses, especially in developing countries.
She urged G20 like-minded G20 countries to rise to the occasion and forge resilient labour market policies that protect jobs, safeguard economic stability, and ensure that economies remain viable despite mounting global uncertainties.
“South Africa stands firm and shall not waver in pursuing fairness, inclusion and social justice. We will continue to advocate for decent work, robust labour protections and equitable economic opportunities for all.
“We will resist any effort, whether domestic or international, that seeks to undermine our sovereignty, our people’s dignity and the fundamental rights of workers,” she said.
The Minister told delegates to remain mindful that deliberations have profound real-world implications.
“The decisions we make today will shape the future of work for millions of people across the globe. Our efforts must not be confined to policy frameworks alone, but must translate into tangible, measurable improvements in people’s lives,” Meth said. – SAnews.gov.za
DikelediM
Tue, 04/08/2025 - 14:35
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Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality announces new appointments
Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality announces new appointments
Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality Executive Mayor, Babalwa Lobishe, has commended the appointment of two senior managers who have been placed in acting roles for the next six months.
"We welcome these appointments. We will hit the ground running to fast-track service delivery issues, prioritise the flood related infrastructure interventions in Kariega and other affected areas,” Lobishe said of the appointments in the Eastern Cape based municipality.
This as on Tuesday, the MEC for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA), Zolile Williams confirmed the appointment of Ted Pillay as the Acting City Manager and Lonwabo Ngoqo as the acting Chief Operating Officer (COO).
These appointments materialise following a request by the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality Council and the Executive Mayor, for a section 154 intervention through COGTA and the MEC by appointing an Acting City Manager and a COO.
The appointments come after a request from the municipality’s council and Executive Mayor for a Section 154 intervention through COGTA, aimed at strengthening the municipality's administrative and governance capacity.
Section 154 of the South African Constitution requires the national and provincial governments to support and strengthen the capacity of municipalities to perform their functions.
Speaking at a recent press conference, Lobishe said the appointments come at a time when the municipality is working around the clock to accelerate service delivery.
"We thank MEC Williams for the interventions to address service delivery challenges. We are looking forward to work with this team of experienced senior officials,” Lobishe said.
On the status of the current City Manager, Mayor Lobishe confirmed that negotiations are ongoing with Dr. Noxolo Nqwazi, who is currently on suspension, regarding the terms of her contract termination.
The municipality aims to the resolve the matter with the incumbent City Manager over the next six months.
The MEC said the interventions are based on the request that the Council has made for the specific appointments.
The acting appointments took effect from 1 April 2025.
– SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Fri, 04/04/2025 - 07:18
453 views
Demands for Removal of Mayor Lobishe Over Financial Mismanagement
GOOD Statement by Lawrence Troon,GOOD Nelson Mandela Bay Councillor 03 April 2025 The GOOD party in Nelson Mandela Bay has submitted a motion of no confidence in the Executive Mayor Babalwa Lobishe following a series of concerning failures in governance and service delivery under her administration. The municipality is grappling with a significant deterioration in […]
The post NELSON MANDELA BAY MUNICIPALITY: GOOD DEMANDS REMOVAL OF MAYOR LOBISHE OVER FINANCIAL MISMANAGEMENT appeared first on For Good.
NMB: Controversial R32.5 Million Write-off Needs Full Investigation
GOOD Statement by Lawrence Troon ,GOOD Nelson Mandela Bay Councillor 03 April 2025 GOOD condemns the recent Nelson Mandela Bay council decision to write off 50% of Premium Precision’s debt, amounting to over R32.5 million. The decision raises serious concerns about fairness and transparency. It is GOOD’s belief that Premium Precision has the ability to […]
The post NELSON MANDELA BAY MUNICIPALITY: CONTROVERSIAL R32.5 MILLION WRITE-OFF NEEDS FULL INVESTIGATION appeared first on For Good.
Springbok Women to Play in Gqeberha
Rugby supporters in Gauteng and the Eastern Cape are in for a feast of Test action with the announcement that the Springbok Women will take on Canada in curtain raisers when the Springboks host Italy at Loftus Versfeld and Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium on 5 and 12 July. The Tests against Canada – ranked second …
NMBM Residents Will Stagger Under Proposed Tariff Hikes
Residents of the Nelson Mandela Bay Metro (NMBM) are facing a huge financial challenge with the new tariff hikes proposed in the Metro’s draft budget for the 2025/26 financial year. These tariff hikes are as follows: • Power increases by 12,74%• Water and Sanitation by 5,5%• Property taxes by 5%• Refuse removal by 6% These […]
The post NMBM residents will stagger under proposed tariff hikes appeared first on Freedom Front Plus.
VF Plus Takes a Strong Stance Against NMBM Writing off R2,6 Billion in Irregular Expenditure
The Freedom Front Plus (VF Plus) helped to stop the Nelson Mandela Bay Metro Council (NMBM) from writing off R2,6 billion in irregular expenditure without sufficient documentation or a thorough investigation. Such a step would constitute a serious violation of financial accountability and transparency. The only reason why the step could not be carried out […]
The post VF Plus takes a strong stance against NMBM writing off R2,6 billion in irregular expenditure appeared first on Freedom Front Plus.
Taxi Drivers Protest in Kariega, Demanding Urgent Repair of Collapsed Bridge
Nelson Mandela Bay Mayor Babalwa Lobishe says a contractor will be appointed this week
Top Four on a Collision Course
The NovaVit Griffons and Suzuki Griquas’ unbeaten status will be on the line when they clash in a highly anticipated SA Cup match in Welkom on Saturday afternoon, when all five round four encounters kick off at 15h00. The Northern Free Staters and the defending champions from Kimberley are two of the three remaining unbeaten …
Nelson Mandela Bay gains additional police resources
Nelson Mandela Bay gains additional police resources
Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality Mayor, Babalwa Lobishe, has commended the Eastern Cape MEC for Community Safety, Xolile Nqatha and national government for the swift and decisive intervention in deploying additional police resources to strengthen crime-fighting efforts in the region.
This follows the arrival of 150 public order police members, including 15 detectives, and crime intelligence officers, who arrived in the metro on Sunday to provide much-needed support to local law enforcement.
In a statement on Monday, Lobishe said the strategic intervention comes at a critical time when the latest crime statistics position Nelson Mandela Bay as a focal point for criminal activity in South Africa.
"The deployment of these additional resources will enhance policing visibility, improve intelligence-led operations, and bolster investigations to ensure that criminals are swiftly brought to justice. Public safety remains a top priority, and we are confident that this initiative will contribute significantly to restoring law and order in our city,” Lobishe said.
She said the newly deployed officers will be strategically stationed in key crime hotspots throughout Nelson Mandela Bay, including KwaZakhele, New Brighton, Helenvale, Gelvandale, Central and North End, Motherwell, Uitenhage, and Despatch.
On 12 March 2025, MEC Nqatha released the Eastern Cape’s crime statistics, which indicated an increase in criminal activity within Nelson Mandela Bay.
Despite a 7.1% decrease in serious crime for the second quarter of the financial year, the region accounted for 23.4% of the province's total serious crime cases.
Crime trends showed an increase in incidents, including attempted murder (+9.0%), assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm (+3.5%), and the trio crimes of carjacking, house robbery, and business robbery (+2.4%), as well as a notable rise in house robberies (+14.9%).
However, the city also witnessed a decrease in certain crimes, including aggravating robberies (-3.4%), common robberies (-2.4%), sexual offences (-6.4%), and business robberies (-9.1%).
For the third quarter of 2024/2025, Nelson Mandela Bay also showed a reduction in serious crimes, contributing to a 13.5% decrease in reported cases, while still representing 22.5% of the region's total serious crime reports.
Lobishe stressed that the district remained a focal point for crime, with significant decreases in common assault and aggravating robberies.
“The most problematic police stations for serious crimes and rape cases in the region remain consistent with the second quarter, underscoring ongoing challenges with law enforcement in specific areas of the metro.
“Additionally, the province has seen a rise in incidents of gang violence and extortion, particularly in areas such as the Nelson Mandela Bay Metro. Community members are living in fear, as criminals are determined to disturb the peace of our people,” the Mayor said. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Tue, 03/25/2025 - 10:23
271 views
Valke and EP Soar
The leading trio of Suzuki Griquas, Airlink Pumas and NovaVit Griffons maintained their unbeaten run with good victories in the third round of the SA Cup, while the Valke and Eastern Province were in good form as the Sanlam Boland Kavaliers and Toyota Cheetahs lost further ground on the top four. In the weekend’s action, …
Kariega residents share their reflections on Human Rights Day
Kariega residents share their reflections on Human Rights Day
The residents of Kariega in the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality have shared their thoughts on the significance of Human Rights Day, emphasising the importance of freedom, self-expression, and government accountability.
Speaking to SAnews, 17-year-old Luphumelo Hini from KwaNobuhle said Human Rights Day represented her ability to express herself freely and pursue her dreams without restrictions.
“Human Rights to me means that we are able to express ourselves in different ways, we are able to live our lives freely, we are able to follow and fulfil our dreams and do a whole lot of things that many people who do not have human rights and are not given freedom are not able to do,” Hini said.
She added that the presence of Deputy President Paul Mashatile at the event made her feel recognised.
“It means a lot for me for the Deputy President to come and address us because it means he acknowledges us, and he realises the importance of Human Rights Day. It just shows that he has the spirit of Ubuntu,” she said.
Similarly, 29-year-old Sinethemba Krweda expressed his appreciation for the Deputy President’s attendance, noting that young people are eager to learn about the government’s role in protecting their rights.
“We do have rights as people. The first right is that we are free and can move freely, unlike during the apartheid era. We are also able to study and further our education. We appreciate that the Deputy President is here so he can hear our concerns, particularly regarding the high unemployment rate among the youth,” Krweda said.
Speaking ahead of the main event, Eastern Cape Premier Oscar Mabuyane reiterated the provincial government’s commitment to improving the living conditions of communities as South Africa marks Human Rights Day.
Mabuyane emphasised that the day is not just about remembrance but also the tangible efforts made to transform people’s lives.
“To us, this is not just about celebrating or commemorating Human Rights Day - it’s about what we are doing to change people’s lives here. If you look around, you can see the … challenges that our people still facing. But we are doing our level best to turn the tide,” Mabuyane said.
The area has been among the hardest hit by natural disasters, further exacerbating socio-economic struggles. However, the Premier assured residents that government has a concrete plan to support affected communities.
“We have a plan to ensure that we rescue our people out of these kinds of challenges,” he said.
Mabuyane welcomed the visit by the Deputy President to the province, saying his presence reinforces government’s commitment to ensuring that historically marginalised communities are not left behind.
“The people of this area must know that they are part of the history of our country, and they must feel the presence of the government,” he said.
Deputy President Mashatile is set to deliver the keynote address at the 2025 Human Rights Day commemoration event.
The programme began with a visit to James Ndulula Primary School, followed by a wreath laying ceremony at Langa Memorial in Kariega.
Meanwhile at the main event the festivities began with lively performances that had the crowd dancing and cheering in anticipation of the Deputy President’s speech.
This year’s Human Rights Day commemorative events are being held under the theme, “Deepening a Culture of Social Justice and Human Rights”.
The theme calls for renewed commitment from all levels of society to accelerate practical solutions for inclusive growth, job creation, poverty reduction, and addressing the high cost of living while building a capable, ethical, and developmental state.
South Africa commemorates Human Rights Day annually on 21 March in remembrance of the Sharpeville Massacre of 1960, where 69 anti-apartheid protesters were killed by apartheid police.
The day also honours the 35 people killed on 21 March 1985 in Uitenhage and KwaLanga when apartheid police targeted community members after a funeral. – SAnews.gov.za
DikelediM
Fri, 03/21/2025 - 13:05
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Human Rights Day should be a time for reflection
Human Rights Day should be a time for reflection
While many have been looking forward to the long weekend provided by Human Rights Day, its commemoration should not only provide an opportunity to connect with loved ones but should also inspire the nation to reflect on the gains the country has made.
“What is important as we’re about to celebrate Human Rights Day is that we should be a proud nation and country given where we come from,” Deputy Director-General for Court Administration at the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development (DOJ&CD), Lucky Mohalaba told SAnews, in a recent interview with the South African Government news agency.
March 2025 marks over six decades since the painful events of 21 March 1960 where 69 lives were lost in the Sharpeville Massacre. The massacre came to be as a result of citizens choosing to protest against the then pass laws of the apartheid government.
Lives were lost and many were injured not only in that massacre in Gauteng, but across the country as a whole.
When the country attained democracy in 1994, government declared 21 March as a national day to commemorate Human Rights Day. The month of March was also declared as Human Rights Month.
“[We ought to remember] the atrocities that were committed against the people of this country who were fighting for their rights. Given the forcefulness of the then regime to deny the people of this country their rights, whether it be in [the] health sector, education and so on, we should be very proud about where we come from, and the victories that we scored in 1994.
“At the present moment we should take leave in terms of our constitutional dispensation as South Africans and be proud of the Constitution which offers every one of us our rights as enshrined in the Bill of Rights. I think that should be celebrated given the dark history of this country,” Mohalaba told SAnews.
Contained in South Africa’s Constitution, the Bill of Rights is a cornerstone of democracy and “enshrines the rights of all people in our country and affirms the democratic values of human dignity, equality and freedom.”
Among its tenets is that everyone is equal before the law and that the state may not unfairly discriminate directly or indirectly against anyone on one or more grounds, including race, gender, sex, ethnic or social origin, amongst others.
The Bill of Rights also states that everyone has inherent dignity and the right to have their dignity respected and protected.
The DDG’s comments come as Deputy President Paul Mashatile is set to deliver the Human Rights Day keynote address in the Eastern Cape today.
The Deputy President will deliver the address on behalf of President Cyril Ramaphosa at the Derrick Ferreira Stadium in Kariega which is located within the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality.
Human Rights commemorative events this year are being held under the theme, “Deepening a Culture of Social Justice and Human Rights”.
“This is a call for a renewed and strengthened commitment from all levels of society, to accelerate practical solutions in driving inclusive growth and job creation, to reduce poverty and tackle the high cost of living, and to build a capable, ethical and developmental State,” the Presidency said in a statement on Wednesday.
In its statement, it stated that this is an important day, which also honours 35 people who were killed on 21 March 1985, when apartheid police targeted community members after a funeral in Uitenhage and KwaLanga.
This year, government chose Kariega to host the national commemoration as the State’s initiative to rotate national days, allowing communities across all provinces to pay tribute to those who lost their lives during the liberation struggle.
According to the Presidency, it also provides an opportunity to reflect on and evaluate the progress made towards building a non-racial, non-sexist, democratic, and united nation.
Constitutionalism
Mohalaba added that government is committed to promoting constitutionalism.
“What we can say to South Africans as the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development is that the department is still committed, led by the Minister [Mamoloko Kubayi], to ensure that we promote constitutionalism across the country.
“We are still committed to ensuring that people have access to justice using the facilities we have such as the courts and also reviewing apartheid legislation,” he said.
Mohalaba’s comments come as discussion documents into the Criminal Procedure Act of 1977 that were released for comment in February with the closing date for public input set for 31 March 2025.
The act makes provision for procedures and related matters in criminal proceedings.
The documents were released by the South African Law Reform Commission (SALRC). The review seeks to address systemic challenges in the Act, particularly in relation to provisions that deal with arrest, bail, alternative dispute resolution, and victim participation in the criminal justice process.
READ | Deadline for comments into CPA discussion papers looms
The review seeks to address systemic challenges in the Act, particularly in relation to provisions that deal with arrest, bail, alternative dispute resolution, and victim participation in the criminal justice process.
“Those are matters that the department is really looking into, and I think [that for us] is to celebrate but at the same time, the laws that we have as a nation, we urge the nation to ensure that we protect these victories. [What we are saying] to the citizens of this country is that this department being at the centre of constitutionalism, is still committed to ensuring that the laws that have been passed by Parliament and signed off by the State President are applied to the fullest,” he explained.
The DDG said that government is committed to building a better South Africa.
“We are committed to work with the public at large to say that as we celebrate Human Rights Day. This department and government in particular, is committed to building a strong, united nation going forward for generations to come,” he said. - SAnews.gov.za
Neo
Thu, 03/20/2025 - 13:47
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Nelson Mandela Bay sails to cruise industry growth
Nelson Mandela Bay sails to cruise industry growth
The strong working relationship between the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality (NMBM) and local tour guides and operators, has proven to be the key driving force for the booming cruise tourism industry within the city.
According to the Tourist Guide Association of Mandela Bay (TGAMB), which represents the tour guides and operators within Nelson Mandela Bay, the industry has seen drastic growth post-COVID-19, due to the ongoing good working relationship with the municipality.
Luxolo Kanti confirmed that huge strides have been made within the tourism industry, with the "cruise industry as the catalyst and gateway” to the region’s broader tourism growth.
Kanti noted that the association, working with the municipality to rebuild the cruise industry, has seen more diversity and inclusiveness.
“A lot of emerging tour guides and operators have managed to get into the industry and thrive. Through a number of training programmes and workshops we have received on areas like Digital Marketing, Tourism Best Practice and Packaging of Cruise Tourism in South Africa, we have managed to acquire skills to market both the city and our businesses to attract more people to venture into the cruise tourism experience across the world,” he said.
Kanti also commended the municipality’s openness to the industry’s advice and contributions in policy development.
"In as much as we have made strides, there are still areas we need to improve on, both as the industry and the municipality, so that we can be competitive against other major cities.”
Successes
Highlighting the success of the current cruise season, NMBM mayor, Babalwa Lobishe said Nelson Mandela Bay has already received 34 cruise vessels which docked at the city’s ports, from the 45 scheduled for the season which started in November last year.
“In March alone, there has been seven cruise vessel dock-ins and five overnight stays, with three vessels still expected for this month. During the current cruise season, there will be 15 cruise vessels that will stay for more than one day. The cruise vessels for this season are expected to spend a combined total of 61 days,” Lobishe said.
The mayor also announced that the current cruise season is expected to generate significant economic benefits for the region, with a forecasted R100 million in economic spin-offs, an increase from R85 million during the 2023/24 season.
“This forecast is based on the anticipated 50 000 passengers who will be spending on tours, dining, shopping, and other cultural and heritage experiences across Nelson Mandela Bay. This influx of visitors will not only boost our local economy but also showcase the rich diversity and vibrant culture of our city,” the mayor said.
Appeal
In line with the city’s Tourism Master Plan, several initiatives are being pursued to enhance the region’s tourism appeal. These include the development of new cultural and heritage routes, the promotion of township tourism through community forums, and the expansion of events strategies aimed at attracting international visitors.
Member of the Mayoral Committee (MMC) for Economic Development, Tourism and Agriculture, Bassie Kamana, emphasised the municipality’s commitment to ensuring that the city remains a top destination for tourists and a thriving community for the residents.
According to Kamana, part of the work that the NMBM Tourism Sub-Directorate is doing is to create a conducive environment for the cruise industry to optimise on regional economic opportunities.
“Working with the vast tourism industry stakeholders, the metro encourages passengers to explore the full breadth of the region, including private game reserves, cultural and heritage sites, and local businesses.
“This is done to make sure that passengers do not just sleep over in the metro, but spend funds, explore and experience the region’s tourist attractions and create unforgettable memories,” Kamana said.
The MMC added that working with its development entity Mandela Bay Development Agency, Transnet, Eastern Cape Tourism, and other stakeholders, it has made strategic infrastructure investments to improve port facilities, tourism products and heritage sites. This is so as to ensure a seamless and welcoming experience for cruise tourists.
The NMBM has also paid special attention to tourist safety and hospitality by training and recruiting youth with a tourism background to work as tourism ambassadors. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Thu, 03/20/2025 - 12:53
92 views
Deputy President Mashatile to lead Human Rights Day commemoration
Deputy President Mashatile to lead Human Rights Day commemoration
Deputy President Paul Mashatile will deliver the keynote address at Friday’s 2025 Human Rights Day commemoration event.
The Deputy President will deliver the address on behalf of President Cyril Ramaphosa at the Derrick Ferreira Stadium in Kariega, located within the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality in the Eastern Cape.
This as Human Rights commemorative events this year are held under the theme, “Deepening a Culture of Social Justice and Human Rights” .
“This is a call for a renewed and strengthened commitment from all levels of society, to accelerate practical solutions in driving inclusive growth and job creation, to reduce poverty and tackle the high cost of living, and to build a capable, ethical and developmental State,” the Presidency said in a statement on Wednesday.
South Africa commemorates National Human Rights Day on 21 March to remember the Sharpeville massacre, where apartheid police killed 69 peaceful protesters against the regime in 1960.
The Presidency stated that this is an important day, which also honours 35 people who were killed on 21 March 1985, when apartheid police targeted community members after a funeral in Uitenhage and KwaLanga.
The government has chosen Kariega to host the national Human Rights Day commemoration as the State’s initiative to rotate national days, allowing communities across all provinces to pay tribute to those who lost their lives during the liberation struggle.
According to the Presidency, it also provides an opportunity to reflect on and evaluate the progress made towards building a non-racial, non-sexist, democratic, and united nation.
Deputy President Mashatile will be accompanied by the Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture Gayton McKenzie, Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development Mmamoloko Kubayi, Premier of the Eastern Cape Province Oscar Mabuyane, Members of the Eastern Cape Provincial Executive Council, Mayors, and senior government officials. – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Wed, 03/19/2025 - 13:27
147 views
Court Limits Fishing to Protect African Penguins
By agreement between all parties pelagic fishing permits must be amended within 14 days to protect six key penguin breeding areas