The Executive Mayor, Bablwa Lobishe, released this statement today:
Gqeberha – I have noted with serious concern the circulation of false, defamatory and malicious allegations on social media platforms that seek to misrepresent my integrity and deliberately undermine public confidence in my leadership as Executive Mayor of Nelson Mandela Bay.
These allegations are categorically false, unfounded, and reckless. They are not supported by any evidence and have been formally referred to my legal representatives, who have issued correspondence demanding an immediate cessation, retraction, and apology. The legal process is ongoing.
For clarity and for the public record, I confirm that I proactively raised this matter in the Mayoral Committee, where councillors were fully briefed. It was acknowledged that similar administrative banking processes have affected other Capitec clients and that this is not an isolated incident. My bank account is not frozen, it has been temporarily paused for transactional purposes only, in line with routine Financial Intelligence Centre Act (FICA) compliance requirements. Debit orders and deductions continue to be processed normally. No unlawful, irregular, or unscrupulous financial activity has taken place, and I have not received any of the amounts alleged.
I reject these false claims categorically and without reservation. They are untrue, unsupported by facts, and deliberately misleading. I have always subjected myself to oversight and welcome any lawful review. I remain fully committed to ethical leadership, transparency, and serving the people of Nelson Mandela Bay with integrity.
I further caution that coordinated smear campaigns, defamation, harassment, abuse, and the deliberate spread of misinformation will not be tolerated. Opportunistic attempts to weaponise falsehoods for political or personal gain undermine democratic institutions and public trust. I will ensure that the full might of the law is applied, and that all available legal remedies are pursued against any individual or group engaged in such conduct against my name.
I call for responsible public discourse and urge members of the public and the media to verify information through credible and lawful channels. Robust debate is welcomed; abuse, intimidation, and defamation are not.
All rights are expressly reserved.
