Civil Society Urges Calm And Maturity Ahead Of Local Elections.
With less than 10 days before the local government elections, the Nelson Mandela Bay Civil Society Coalition has called on political parties to put the metro’s stability and future ahead of political rivalry, urging peaceful conduct before, during and after voting.
Coalition Chairperson Monga Peter urged political leaders, their supporters and residents to respect opposing views, reject intimidation and protect the integrity of the electoral process, warning that political point-scoring and unnecessary provocation must not distract from the urgent challenges confronting the metro.
“This is a defining moment for Nelson Mandela Bay. Political differences must never compromise public safety or the right of residents to vote freely and without fear. We expect political leaders to demonstrate maturity, discourage inflammatory rhetoric and ensure that the elections are conducted peacefully. The success of our democracy depends not only on people being able to vote, but also on their ability to do so without intimidation or fear,” said Peter.
He emphasised that political competition was an essential part of democracy, but it must be conducted responsibly and with respect for the rights and dignity of others. Political parties have a responsibility to lead by example, particularly in their public messaging and the conduct of their supporters.
Peter said the real test would come after the results were declared, when the metro would still face pressing challenges, including unemployment, deteriorating infrastructure, inadequate service delivery and economic hardship.
“An election victory will not, on its own, resolve these problems. Rebuilding Nelson Mandela Bay requires leadership, accountability and a willingness to work across political and sectoral divides. Government, business, civil society, community organisations and residents all have a role to play. We cannot continue to approach the metro’s challenges through the narrow lens of party politics when the consequences are felt by everyone who lives and works here,” he said.
He added that the metro possessed significant industrial, economic, tourism and human potential, but unlocking these opportunities would require a collective commitment to practical solutions, effective governance and an environment in which businesses could invest, communities could thrive and residents could access better opportunities.
The Coalition believes the metro’s recovery must become a shared priority, supported by constructive engagement between political parties and stakeholders across society. This requires a willingness to find common ground where possible, hold decision-makers accountable where necessary and put the long-term interests of residents above short-term political gains.
In this regard, the Coalition has called on all political parties to align their post-election priorities and programmes with the Nelson Mandela Bay Rebuild Plan, using it as a basis for constructive engagement and coordinated action to address the metro’s pressing challenges. The Coalition believes the plan must extend beyond political commitments and become a practical framework for rebuilding the metro through shared priorities, clear responsibilities and measurable progress. Regardless of the election outcome, political parties must be prepared to work with business, civil society and communities to advance the plan in the interests of all residents.
“We may vote for different parties, but we share the same metro and the same future. Our differences should never prevent us from working towards a safer, better-governed and more prosperous Nelson Mandela Bay. The priority must be the well-being of our people, not political point-scoring. We must recognise that rebuilding the Bay is bigger than any single political party,” Peter said.
The Coalition called on political parties to ensure their supporters refrain from violence, intimidation and conduct that could disrupt voting. Residents were urged to exercise their democratic rights responsibly, respect the choices of fellow voters and allow the electoral process to unfold peacefully.
Peter said the elections must be a starting point for decisive action, with political parties prepared to move beyond campaign rhetoric and work collectively to address the challenges holding the Bay back.
“Once the votes have been counted, the campaigning must give way to the hard work of rebuilding our metro. We need political leaders who are prepared to put residents first, work across party lines and be held accountable for delivering results. Business, civil society and communities must also play their part in driving solutions and restoring confidence in Nelson Mandela Bay.
“We cannot afford another cycle of political contestation while our infrastructure deteriorates, service delivery falters and economic opportunities are lost. Residents need more than promises made during election campaigns; they need visible progress, responsible leadership and a government that responds to their needs. The period after the elections must therefore be defined by action, cooperation and measurable improvements in people’s lives.
“The time has come to turn our shared vision into measurable action. Political parties must be willing to engage constructively, identify common priorities and support initiatives that advance the metro’s recovery, regardless of who proposed them. Aligning with the Nelson Mandela Rebuild Plan must be part of this commitment, ensuring that the metro’s recovery is guided by shared objectives rather than competing political agendas. Business, civil society and residents must likewise contribute their expertise, resources and commitment to rebuilding our communities.
“The future of Nelson Mandela Bay cannot be left to one party or one sector alone. We all have a responsibility to help restore confidence, unlock the metro’s potential and build a future in which residents can live with dignity and businesses can grow. Let us protect our democracy, respect the outcome of the elections and emerge from this process ready to work together in the best interests of the Bay,” Peter concluded.
