Phiwokuhle Mothemela
The ANC in the Eastern Cape has announced plans for a government of local unity in Nelson Mandela Bay, which would see Mayor, Gary van Niekerk, being asked to step aside.
The announcement by the provincial chairperson Oscar Mabuyane comes after a two-day provincial executive committee meeting held at the Boardwalk International Convention Centre in Gqeberha.
However, further talks still need to be held with political parties in the Metro on the formation of a government of local unity.
"The ANC has been blackmailed for so long and the time has come for the party to take back Nelson Mandela to provide stability in the Metro," says Mabuyane.
Mabuyane says the party has been concerned about what has been happening in Nelson Mandela Bay.
"The mayor was not advised to resign however, we have been in talks with the political parties that are in a coalition in the metro on what our stance is as the ANC. The mayor was informed that there could be a reshuffle, depending on what the outcomes are of the GLU talks and he understands," Mabuyane adds.
Furthermore, Mabuyane told the media that Van Niekerk understood that the steps that are being taken by the ANC have been long overdue.
"He is willing to be part of the new government to be formed and the one thing that we appreciate about him is that he was selfless and understands what needs to be done in Nelson Mandela Bay."
ANC provincial secretary Lulama Ngcukaitobi echoed the words of Mabuyane and elaborated on what process will be followed in electing a new mayor once they have concluded the consultations they are having.
"The executive mayor will resign. A council meeting will take place and that meeting will elect a person who will be suggested by the ANC and a new mayoral committee will be established."
"The deputy executive will be appointed in line with the discussion and outcomes we conducting with the various political parties in Nelson Mandela Bay," says Ngcukaitobi.
He also mentioned that the party hopes to conclude the talks they are currently having with possible coalition partners, by the end of the week, which will provide clarity on what the way forward would look like.
