NMBCSC and my Mate Part Ways

Editor: Of all the Mayors that we had since 1994, I must confess that Zonoxolo Wayile was my favourite – he genuinely appeared to be on the right path to sustaining and growing this municipality until the greedy goblins had their way and got rid of him. It must have stung quite a bit as he his now campaigning for the Number 1 position as Mayor under the SACP banner and not for the ANC….

The NMBSCS said today; “We reaffirm our non-political character and protect the independence of the Civil Society”

The Nelson Mandela Bay Civil Society Coalition and Zanoxolo Wayile have agreed that he will step aside from the Coalition following his decision to enter the political arena as a candidate for the Executive Mayoral position in the upcoming local government elections.

The decision reflects the Coalition’s commitment to maintaining its founding principle of being an independent and non-partisan civil society structure, while respecting Wayile’s right to participate in the democratic and political process.

The Coalition said Wayile’s decision to step aside should not be viewed as a judgement on his political choices or candidacy, but as an appropriate separation between his political activities and his participation in an apolitical civil society platform.

“The Nelson Mandela Bay Civil Society Coalition respects Mr Wayile’s decision to participate in the political process and wishes him well in his political endeavours. At the same time, we have a responsibility to safeguard the non-partisan character and independence of the Coalition,” said Coalition Chairperson Monga Peter.

“Our position is not about his political affiliation or the merits of his candidacy. It is about maintaining a clear distinction between participation in civil society and active participation in electoral politics.”

The Coalition said this distinction was particularly important as Nelson Mandela Bay approaches a local government election period, during which political activity and public scrutiny are heightened.

Peter said Wayile’s decision to step aside provides clarity for both him and the Coalition, allowing him to pursue his political aspirations while the Coalition continues its work as an independent civil society platform.

“We believe this is in the best interests of both Mr Wayile and the Coalition. It allows him to pursue his political aspirations without any ambiguity, while enabling the Coalition to continue its work on behalf of the sectors and communities it represents,” he said.

The Coalition provides a platform through which organised labour, business, civic formations, professional bodies and other sectors of society can engage constructively on matters affecting Nelson Mandela Bay.

Its work includes engaging with public institutions and political office-bearers across the political spectrum, while providing an independent civil society voice on matters of public interest.

Peter said the Coalition would continue to engage constructively with all political formations, candidates and public institutions where issues affecting the people of Nelson Mandela Bay required such engagement.

“We appreciate Mr Wayile’s contribution to the Coalition and respect his decision to pursue a political path. We wish him well in his endeavours and trust that our respective roles will continue to contribute, in different ways, to the development of Nelson Mandela Bay,” he said.

Wayile’s participation in the Nelson Mandela Bay Civil Society Coalition will therefore come to an end with immediate effect.

The Coalition said the decision provides an amicable and respectful separation while ensuring that the independence and non-partisan character of the Coalition remain intact.