Cllr Babalwa Lobishe: Leading Nelson Mandela Bay with Vision, Integrity and Purpose

In an era where communities increasingly demand accountable leadership, Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality’s Executive Mayor, Cllr Babalwa Lobishe, has emerged as a leader committed to stability, service delivery and inclusive development.

Since assuming office as Executive Mayor, Lobishe has focused on building a municipality that reflects the values of Nelson Mandela, one founded on dignity, equality, good governance and shared prosperity.

Her leadership has been characterised by a people-centred approach that prioritises economic growth, infrastructure development, social justice and improved municipal performance.

A seasoned public servant with more than two decades of experience in municipal government and the Eastern Cape Provincial Legislature, Lobishe has earned a reputation as a principled leader whose commitment extends beyond politics to community development, women’s empowerment, youth advancement and creating opportunities for persons with disabilities.

Her leadership journey began through student activism and community organising before progressing through numerous leadership positions within local government, the Eastern Cape Legislature and the African National Congress.

This extensive experience has equipped her with the strategic insight and governance expertise required to navigate the complexities of one of South Africa’s largest metropolitan municipalities.

Since taking office, Mayor Lobishe has overseen one of the longest sustained coalition governments in the history of the current Nelson Mandela Bay Council, helping restore political stability and strengthen municipal governance.

Functional council structures and active ward committees have enhanced public participation and strengthened democratic accountability across all communities.

Infrastructure development has remained central to her administration. Significant progress has been made in expanding bulk electricity, water and sanitation infrastructure while implementing long-term drought mitigation strategies.

Projects such as the East-to-West Bulk Water Transfer Pipeline, the completion of Phase Four of the Coegakop Wellfields and upgrades to the Nooitgedacht Water Treatment Works have strengthened water security for residents and businesses alike.

Recognising the importance of reliable municipal services, her administration appointed multiple service providers to accelerate streetlight repairs and maintenance while procuring 25 refuse compactor trucks valued at R90 million to improve waste collection services across the metro.

Today, all formal households receive weekly refuse collection, while the overwhelming majority of informal settlements benefit from integrated waste management services.

Housing delivery has also remained a priority. During the 2024/25 financial year, the municipality constructed 417 state-subsidised housing units and transferred 1,275 title deeds, providing thousands of families with greater housing security and ownership opportunities.

Economic development under Mayor Lobishe’s stewardship has delivered encouraging results. Through streamlined municipal approval processes, improved investor facilitation and strengthened partnerships with business, Nelson Mandela Bay has attracted more than R800 million in new private investment during the 2024/25 financial year.

Major investments by companies in logistics, retail distribution and manufacturing have created hundreds of direct employment opportunities while reinforcing confidence in the metro as an investment destination.

These initiatives have contributed to broader economic gains, with approximately 70,000 additional jobs reportedly created during the financial year and unemployment declining significantly.

Support for small businesses has also expanded through a R30 million partnership with the Eastern Cape Development Corporation, aimed at empowering micro, medium and small enterprises as well as entrepreneurs operating within the informal economy.

Tourism continues to play an important role in the city’s growth strategy. Nelson Mandela Bay welcomed more than 222,000 international visitors and approximately 1.2 million domestic tourists during the 2024/25 financial year, generating an estimated R6.21 billion for the local economy.

The successful hosting of major sporting, business and cultural events has further strengthened the city’s profile as a destination for investment and tourism.

Public safety has likewise received renewed attention. Collaborative agreements with the South African Police Service, expanded CCTV surveillance, intelligent transport systems, beachfront safety programmes, drone technology and increased security personnel have enhanced efforts to combat crime and improve public safety throughout the metro.

Mayor Lobishe has consistently emphasised that infrastructure and economic growth must ultimately improve the quality of life for ordinary residents. Her administration continues to prioritise women, young people and persons with disabilities, ensuring that development initiatives are inclusive and leave no community behind.

Colleagues describe her leadership style as one rooted in humility, compassion, accountability and servant leadership. Those values are reflected not only in her governance philosophy but also in her commitment to strengthening partnerships between government, business and civil society.

Academically, Lobishe holds a Bachelor of Commerce in Economics and Business Management from Vista University (now Nelson Mandela University campus), complemented by qualifications in Local Economic Development, Municipal Finance Management and management studies at the University of Fort Hare. Her educational background has strengthened her expertise in public finance, governance and economic planning.

As Nelson Mandela Bay continues to navigate economic recovery, infrastructure renewal and social transformation, Mayor Babalwa Lobishe remains focused on building a metro that is vibrant, inclusive and competitive.

Her vision is one where every resident has access to opportunity, every community shares in development, and local government serves as a catalyst for sustainable growth.

With a leadership philosophy grounded in integrity, social justice and service to the people, Cllr Babalwa Lobishe continues to shape a future in which Nelson Mandela Bay strives to fulfil its promise as one of South Africa’s leading metropolitan municipalities.