The Nelson Mandela Bay Civil Society Coalition notes with serious concern the reported incident of flooding said to have taken place at the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality’s Budget and Treasury Directorate on 24 November 2025, which allegedly damaged financial records required for the finalisation of the 2024/25 Auditor-General’s audit.
According to information published by the Daily Maverick, critical audit-related documents were affected by the incident. The Coalition noted that the nature of the flooding, the timing of the event, and the vulnerability of essential financial records point to issues that warrant transparent and urgent intervention.
Coalition Chairperson, Monga Peter, said the incident highlights the importance of accountability and sound administrative practices within the municipality. He emphasised that the matter cannot be treated as a routine internal mishap, given the potential implications for the metro’s financial oversight processes.
“This incident raises legitimate questions about the systems, controls and safeguards that are meant to protect the metro’s most sensitive financial records,” Peter said. “The public deserves clear answers on what transpired, why the documents were exposed to such risk, and what steps will be taken to ensure full accountability.”
Peter added that the metro should view this matter as an opportunity to reinforce its commitment to transparent governance. “At a time when public trust in institutions is already under strain, it is crucial that the municipality handles this issue with openness and urgency. A clear and responsible response will go a long way in restoring confidence.”
To ensure a credible and accountable process, the Coalition has expressed its support for the steps called on Executive Mayor Babalwa Lobishe and the municipality to implement several key interventions. These include commissioning an independent investigation into the circumstances of the flooding, ensuring close collaboration with the Auditor-General to mitigate any delays or complications in the audit process, and applying appropriate consequence management should any negligence or procedural non-compliance be identified.
The Coalition further recommended that the municipality strengthen its document security and facility management protocols, including improved storage practices, enhanced protection against environmental risks, and reliable digital backup systems to prevent similar incidents in future. It also urged the municipality to issue a public update outlining the steps being taken to address the incident, noting that transparent communication is essential to maintaining public confidence.
“We offer these recommendations not as criticism, but as constructive guidance aimed at helping the municipality uphold the principles of good governance and responsible administration,” he said.
