Nelson mandela bay municipality
Authorities optimistic as EC coronavirus cases decline
The provincial health department is on Monday reporting a 31% drop week-on-week in new infections.
DA Eastern Cape leader Nqaba Bhanga on Tuesday argued that Cooperative Governance MEC Xolile Nqatha had no jurisdiction over the municipality and that he could not nullify council processes and decisions.
Police officers noted a trend where patrons flouted COVID-19 mitigating measures by not wearing masks and practicing social distancing. They said outlets also ignored the allowed trading times.
The Eastern Cape is a current hotspot, along with the Western Cape, and there is concern over infections and hospitalisations.
After much confusion last week, the Correctional Services Department confirmed on Tuesday that the jailed ANC councillor would be released from prison on parole.
While supporters of the former Nelson Mandela Bay councillor say he will walk out of prison next week, the Correctional Services Department said it had no knowledge of Andile Lungisa’s imminent release.
The Hawks believe the process to hire service providers for a public transport system in 2010 and another project were irregular, and prices were inflated.
The suspects allegedly ran a syndicate to unlawfully circumvent procurement processes.
The Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality is a major concern for health experts with more than 6,000 active COVID-19 cases.
The ruling comes two years after the DA and coalition partners were removed as the metro’s leaders.
The now-former member of the mayoral committee in the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality appeared before a disciplinary hearing over the weekend.
Norman Mapeza was quickly replaced by former Orlando Pirates assistant coach Rhulani Mokwena after the Port Elizabeth based club announced it on Wednesday.
The councillor reportedly handed himself over to police on Monday and informed his party that he would be resigning until he could clear his name.
The councillor was a member of the party’s central command team, but his membership was reportedly revoked in wake of this allegation and until he could clear his name.
Mongameli Bobani approached the Port Elizabeth High Court after he was removed as mayor earlier this month in a vote of no confidence.
Opposition parties led by the DA in the Nelson Mandela Bay Metro were set to approach a High Court to force the municipality to continue with council business.
The corruption-busting unit started its probe after a proclamation ordering this was issued last year.
The mayor was responding to Finance Minister Tito Mboweni who said mayors should start using public transport as a cost-cutting measure.
Two wards became vacant after the Port Elizabeth High Court ruled in December last year that they needed to be contested.