The MBDA notes and acknowledges receipt of correspondence from Mayibuye Civic Movement and pledges to cooperate with all duly established process within the prescribed regulatory environment.
The letter from Mayibuye Civic Movement makes several allegations which the entity will not substantively deal with now, but at the appropriate platforms.
The MBDA Board and management are committed to the highest ethical standards in corporate governance, and this has been evidenced by several investigative initiatives already covered by various local media organisations.
Several other investigations are in progress to ensure that the entity is governed and managed within the prescripts of the law and the highest ethical standards.
The entity values the strategic oversight function performed by the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality and we remain available to engage with Council on any matter of concern.
On the key issues raised:
Acting Stadium Manager appointment
The current incumbent Acting Stadium Executive joined the MBDA/Stadium in June 2018 as HOD – Technical and Facilities, a role he has fulfilled with distinction.
The NMB Stadium has hosted several local and international events, and has delivered impeccably, in large due to the division headed by the HOD.
As a line manager reporting to the Stadium Manager, the HOD is eligible to act in the post for a limited period.
Being in possession of the qualifications and experience required for the post he holds as HOD – Technical and Facilities, the incumbent has attained 16 National Treasury Minimum Competencies, a key requirement of Senior Managers.
The acting appointment is short-term, pending the recruitment process of a Stadium Manager.
As in the case of other stadiums in South Africa, the MBDA is very aware of the need for a more commercial stadium approach, and plans are in place to address this matter.
Appointment of the Accounting Officer / Interim CEO
The authority to appoint Accounting Officer is spelled out in legislation, particularly Section 93 J of the Municipal Systems Act and regulated by the relevant Recruitment Policies of the entity.
The Board would like to assure all stakeholders that the process, supported by a competent legal opinion, has been compliant in appointing the Interim Chief Executive Officer.
Chippa United fixtures
Due to the lack of a hosting and sponsorship agreement between the city and Chippa United, the MBDA has no legal authority to enforce the staging of fixtures at the NMB Stadium until such agreements are in place.
The entity has pursued a separate commercial agreement avenue to ensure that the Chippa vs Kaizer Chiefs fixture of the 28th of November 2026 is held in the Bay.
Negotiating matches outside of a long-term hosting and sponsorship agreement is not ideal, however we believe in the commercial viability of the fixture and pursued it accordingly.
We note that the local government elections campaigning is in full mode, and that brings additional scrutiny, but we assure residents and stakeholders that where wrongdoing is established, the entity will act without fear or favour.
