The formula to win an election these days seems to be one that involves constant exposure of your political party in as many forms of media as possible. That you pay lip service to fixing our many service delivery problems is also a benefit.
Now – these campaigns cost money – and, if you employ people to do your photos, copy, video, distribution and monitoring it can add up to a sizeable chunk in record time.
Of course – if YOUR party is in charge of a metro and your Ward comes up for a by-election then the temptation to use Municipal funds and ‘inside’ information is pretty high on the list.
Let’s take a look at the ANC’s recent retaining of Ward 57 after the by-election:
- The Mayor is an ANC member
- The Ward was always an ANC stronghold
- In the run up to the local elections in 2026 retaining this ward was vital
- As it was a local campaign the gravy from a large scale election was not available
So, how did the ANC bring focus on Ward 57 and the Party?
Relatively easy – our Executive Mayor (and other cronies) embarked on a number of municipal activations in Ward 57.
The NMB Media WhatsApp group records 14 such municipal funded activations/releases/reminders between 6 May and 26 June 2025
These activations/notifications on the NMB Media Group were:
- 6 May: The Ward delimitation process seeks to favour residents and offers several benefits, including seeking to ensure fairer representation, accommodating population changes, and facilitating effective service delivery. Wards 23, 53, 54, 55, 56, 57, 58, 59 and 60 were consulted in the meeting today at Raymond Mhlaba.
- 7 May: The Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality hosted an Integrated Development Plan (IDP) meeting at the Raymond Mhlaba Sports Centre for Wards 23, 56, and 57, focusing on the District Development Model (DDM) and the Municipal Spatial Development Framework (MSDF). The session was led by Ward 56 Councillor, Cllr Lubabalo Ludwabe, together with PR Councillors Noxolo Koko of ward 23 and Itumeleng Ranyele of ward 57 and other municipal officials. Residents raised critical issues including potholes, RDP housing, crime, master lights, maintaince of community halls, public schools fencing and service delivery challenges.
- 8 May: The Acting Executive Mayor, Cllr Thembinkosi Mafana, together with Caretaker Councillor Tumi Ranyele and officials from Human Settlements, mobilized the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) and Disaster Management teams to assess the site of a recently burned-down residence on Sixwila Street in Ward 57. Following a walkabout to evaluate the extent of the damage, Acting Executive Mayor Mafana committed to providing a Temporary Residential Unit (TRU) for the affected residents. This intervention has been approved by the national Department of Human Settlements and will be implemented within the coming days.
- 23 May: The Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality’s Member of the Mayoral Committee (MMC) for Electricity and Energy, Councillor Ziyanda Mnqokoyi, conducted an walkabout today in Motherwell Ward 57. The visit focused on assessing the condition of streetlights and included stops at several households in the area. Councillor Mnqokoyi also took the opportunity to engage directly with residents during the walkabout, listening to their concerns and challenges. A major issue raised by the community was the non-functional streetlights, which have left many areas in darkness and contributed to a rise in criminal activity, including night time robberies.
- 30 May: The Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality, led by Cllr Bassie Kamana, Member of the Mayoral Committee for Economic Development, Tourism, and Agriculture, together with Ward 59 Councillor Bulelani Matenjwa and senior municipal officials, visited farmers from Wards 57 and 59 in Motherwell to engage directly on the challenges facing their agricultural activities. During the engagement, farmers voiced long-standing concerns, including insecure land tenure, lack of basic services such as water and electricity, and the absence of legal recognition. Many reported being relocated multiple times without formal agreements, leaving them vulnerable and unable to access consistent support. The lack of essential infrastructure — such as toilets, fencing, and proper shelter – continues to undermine their productivity and safety. Farmers also highlighted frustration over unfulfilled municipal promises and their inability to implement training due to the lack of stable conditions. They stressed the urgent need for formal lease agreements and basic services to access support from government and NGOs. Security was another key concern, with frequent incidents of livestock theft in the poorly lit and unfenced area. Cllr Kamana acknowledged the seriousness of the issues raised and assured the farmers that the municipality is committed to reviewing their concerns and working towards sustainable, long-term solutions to support and protect their livelihoods.
- 24 June: The Executive Mayor of Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality, Cllr Babalwa Lobishe, will be engaging directly with the community and bringing services closer to you. Date: Friday, 27 June 2025, Time: 09h00, Venue: Rock of Ages Church, Ward 57. Community members are encouraged to attend and access a range of municipal and other services on the day such as Home Affairs, Department of Employment and Labour, NYDA, Department of Tourism, ABSA, NMU, IEC and TVET colleges. Let’s work together to build a better Bay.
- 24 June: The Executive Mayor of Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality, Cllr Babalwa Lobishe, will be engaging directly with the community and bringing services closer to you. Date: Friday, 27 June 2025, Time: 09h00, Venue: Rock of Ages Church, Ward 57. Community members are encouraged to attend and access a range of municipal and other services on the day such as Home Affairs, Department of Employment and Labour, NYDA, Department of Tourism, ABSA, NMU, IEC and TVET colleges. Let’s work together to build a better Bay.
- 24 June: Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality’s Executive Mayor, Cllr Babalwa Lobishe reflects on service delivery complaints received from Ward 57.
- 25 June: The Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality’s Executive Mayor, Cllr Babalwa Lobishe, alongside officials from the Budget and Treasury Directorate’s Revenue Management sub-directorate, led a community outreach initiative in Ward 57 today. The initiative focused on raising awareness around the Municipality’s Assistance to the Poor Programme (ATTP), helping eligible residents understand the application process and benefits of the programme. Officials also engaged with residents on complex estate late queries and other municipal account matters, providing much-needed clarity and support on-site. This community engagement forms part of the Municipality’s ongoing efforts to bring services closer to the people and ensure that no resident is left behind.
- 26 June: REMINDER – Bringing Services to the People‼️ The Executive Mayor of Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality, Cllr Babalwa Lobishe, will be engaging directly with the community and bringing services closer to you. Date: Friday, 27 June 2025, Time: 09h00, Venue: Rock Of Ages Church, Motherwell, Ward 57. Community members are encouraged to attend and access a range of municipal and other services on the day such as Home Affairs, Department of Employment and Labour, NYDA, Department of Tourism, ABSA, NMU, IEC and TVET colleges. Let’s work together to build a better Bay.
- 26 June: Executive Mayor Cllr Babalwa Lobishe of Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality led the Budget and Treasury’s Assistance to the Poor (ATTP) outreach programme in Ward 57 today.
- 27 June: REMINDER – Bringing Services to the People‼️ The Executive Mayor of Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality, Cllr Babalwa Lobishe, will be engaging directly with the community and bringing services closer to you. Date: Friday, 27 June 2025, Time: 09h00, Venue: Rock Of Ages Church, Motherwell, Ward 57. Community members are encouraged to attend and access a range of municipal and other services on the day such as Home Affairs, Department of Employment and Labour, NYDA, Department of Tourism, ABSA, NMU, IEC and TVET colleges. Let’s work together to build a better Bay.
- 27 June: Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality Brings Services Closer to You! Today, NMBM is proudly serving the community at Rock of Ages Church in Motherwell, Ward 57 as part of our continued commitment to bringing services directly to the people. Our Electricity & Energy and Budget & Treasury Departments are on-site, offering assistance and sharing crucial information — including support for the ATTP (Assistance to the Poor) Programme. Plus, Harambee, through the SA Youth initiative, is providing exciting learning and earning opportunities to community members. Don’t miss the chance to engage! Head to Rock of Ages Church and take advantage of the support, resources, and opportunities waiting for you.
- 1 July: The Executive Mayor of Nelson Mandela Bay, Cllr Babalwa Lobishe and local ward Cllr, Thembinkosi Mafana met the Ward 57 by-election special voters today, 01 July 2025 in Motherwell. The voting station closes at 17:00. Residents are invited to vote 02 July 2025. The following Voting Stations will be open from 07:00-21:00 tomorrow: Funisukoma Primary School, Nxanelwimfundo Primary School, Motherwell High School, Triomph Primary School. To be eligible to vote, you must meet these requirements: Be a South African citizen, Be 16 years to register and vote when you are 18 years, Produce your green barcoded ID or Smart Card ID at the voting station, Provide Address, Register in Person. If you have applied before, you can check your registration status by SMSing your ID number to 32810.
Is it not STRANGE that of the 60 Wards in Nelson Mandela Bay, our Executive Mayor and her team decide to spend as much time and effort as possible on Ward 57 business OSTENSIBLY on behalf of the municipality but still going to these events in visible party colours?
Rest assured – there were no visits to other Wards in our metro that could be classified as vital to our economy and the well being of all.
Wards like:
- 1 and 2 – beachfront/tourism
- 5, 6 and 7 – Business
- 15, 16 and 60 – Industry
