- Nelson Mandela Bay’s new Mayor Babalwa Lobishe is delaying naming her team while coalition partners argue over posts.
- The coalition could lose control if parties like the EFF and PA quit over these disagreements.
A week after taking office, Nelson Mandela Bay’s new Mayor Babalwa Lobishe hasn’t named her leadership team.
The delay comes as smaller parties join the Government of Local Unity (GLU) and demand a share of power.
Lobishe became mayor after the ANC decided to take control of hung municipalities. Two attempts to announce her team failed — one when provincial leaders missed a meeting, another due to floods.
But insiders say the real problem is power-sharing.
“They are considering giving the UDM the rules and ethics committee, while the DOP [Defenders of the People] and the Good Party are allegedly demanding positions in the mayoral committee,” a source said.
The EFF and PA each want to keep their two committee seats. The EFF runs the infrastructure and engineering plus electricity directorates, while the PA controls roads and transport and economic development.
However, the ANC wants several key departments for itself.
EFF chair Khanya Ngqisha hopes to keep their posts but might swap electricity for the treasury.
The PA won’t compromise: “We either keep our positions or we leave the GLU,” an insider warned.
The new coalition has 67 seats in the 120-member council but could lose its majority if partners walk out over unfulfilled demands.
Pictured above: The members of the ANC-led Government of Local Unity during the election of new Nelson Mandela Bay Mayor Babalwa Lobishe last week.
Source: Anita Dangazele
