By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Northern Alliance councillor Gary Van Niekerk was elected Nelson Mandela Bay’s newest mayor on Friday, after the DA’s Retief Odendaal was ousted as executive mayor in a motion of no confidence at a Special Council Meeting.
Van Niekerk garnered 64 votes against the 55 of Odendaal, who had accepted the nomination to stand again.
He is the third mayor since the last local government elections in 2021.
In his acceptance speech Van Niekerk said he humbly accepted “the important responsibility to take charge of the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality, an institution named after a global political icon.”
“This internationally recognised brand is now also associated with below average service delivery, political mayhem, finger pointing and instability.”
He said; “We have seen devious political campaigns by those trying to cling to power by abusing the desperation of the poor and disenfranchised to instigate protest and destabilise a democratic process of leadership change.”
Van Niekerk said the new government would not be deterred by what he said was a feeble attempt to instigate defiance and dissent. “We remain resolute to win the confidence and the trust of the people.”
Babalwa Lobishe was voted in as deputy mayor after old deputy mayor Khusta Jack declined his nomination.
ANC councillor Eugene Johnson was elected as the new Speaker of the Nelson Mandela Bay municipality.
The former mayor of the Eastern Cape metro beat the Democratic Alliance (DA)’s Rano Keysor by 11 votes.
Van Niekerk had served as the municipality’s council speaker from November 2021 until May 2023. He is the current president of the Nothern Alliance.