It is with deep sadness that NMBM confirms the news of the loss of our former mayor, Dr Nondumiso Maphazi.
Maphazi, who was Nelson Mandela Bay’s first female mayor, died at a hospital in Johannesburg on Monday after a short illness.
We wish the family strength during this time.
Maphazi served in the first democratic national parliament, then in local government for 9 years where she was the first female executive mayor and served as Special Advisor to the Premier of Eastern Cape.
Maphazi served as the Executive Mayor of Nelson Mandela Bay from 2006 to 2009. During her tenure, she was known for her commitment to community development and social justice, focusing on issues that affected the residents of the city.
Beyond her role as mayor, Maphazi was actively involved in various civil society structures. She served as a Commissioner on the Commission for Gender Equality, advocating for women’s rights and gender equality in South Africa.
Commissioner Maphazi qualified as a professional nurse and a graduate of the Executive Leadership Programme in Municipal Development from Pretoria University and qualified in Management Development for Municipal Finance from the Wits University. She held a Master’s degree in Public Administration (Cum Laude) focusing on expanded public works programme in local government, and a PhD in Public Administration with focus on accountability and good governance in local government (Nelson Mandela University).
Maphazi was known for several key initiatives and contributions that significantly impacted the community:
Community Development: Maphazi focused on enhancing community services and infrastructure, aiming to improve the quality of life for residents. She prioritized projects that addressed basic needs such as housing, sanitation, and access to clean water.
Social Justice Advocacy: She was a strong advocate for social justice, particularly in addressing issues related to poverty and inequality. Maphazi worked to ensure that marginalized communities received the support and resources they needed.
Gender Equality: As a prominent female leader, Maphazi championed gender equality and women’s rights. Her role as a Commissioner on the Commission for Gender Equality highlighted her commitment to advocating for women’s issues in the region.
Public Engagement: Maphazi emphasized the importance of community engagement in governance. She encouraged public participation in decision-making processes, fostering a sense of ownership among residents regarding local issues.
Infrastructure Development: Under her leadership, there were efforts to improve infrastructure, including roads and public transport systems, which were crucial for economic development and accessibility.
Environmental Initiatives: Maphazi also promoted environmental sustainability, focusing on initiatives that aimed to protect the natural resources of the region and promote eco-friendly practices.
