New Nelson Mandela Bay mayor receives a frosty reception at City Hall

01 Feb 2016 | Admin Author

Newly appointed Nelson Mandela Bay executive mayor, Benson Fihla, received a frosty reception at City Hall on Monday.

A group of people opposed to the appointment of the 81-year-old following the axing of Zanoxolo Wayile, tried to barge their way into city hall where Fihla was being introduced to stakeholders.

The were seen trashing the entrance with rubbish before police moved in to disperse them.

Fihla's appointment is expected to be ratified at a Council meeting later this week.

Meanwhile, the Democratic Alliance says the resignation of ANC regional chairperson in Nelson Mandela Bay, Nceba Faku, and the axing of executive mayor, Zanoxolo Wayile, should be welcomed.

DA caucus leader in the Nelson Mandela Bay council, Leon de Villiers, says the removal of the two was the only way that stability could be restored to the Metro.

However, he expressed reservations about the appointment of 81-year-old Fihla, as Wayile's replacement.

"In terms of the new mayor I have my doubts and reservations whether an 81 year old person will have the necessary energy to tackle the problems of a Metro the size of ours, especially with it being as dysfunctional as it is at present, however I think he should be given the opportunity to prove us wrong" de Villiers said.