Nelson Mandela Bay coalition partner and National Alliance president Gary van Niekerk has written to ANC provincial secretary Lulama Ngcukayitobi expressing concern about the actions of some members in his party.
In his letter to Ngcukayitobi, Van Niekerk alleged there hade been continued efforts by some, including speaker Eugene Johnson, to have suspended city manager Noxolo Nqwazi reinstated.
“Allowing a return to the instability of 2022 would have serious consequences — for the municipality, for the residents, and the reputation of the ANC ahead of the next election,” Van Niekerk wrote.
The leaked letter, dated August 10, said Nqwazi’s actions while on the job as municipal manager had eroded trust within the coalition and created a climate of instability and “directly contributed to the breakdown of the administration”.
“As you will recall, the governing coalition in Nelson Mandela Bay collapsed in 2022 largely because of Nqwazi’s conduct during her tenure as city manager.
“Since her suspension, there have been sustained efforts by individuals within the ANC to have her reinstated.
“This includes the speaker of the council, Eugene Johnson, who has openly supported lifting the suspension.
“This position is deeply troubling given the seriousness of the charges she faces and the damaging effect her return would have on governance in the metro.
“It has become increasingly clear from recent council meetings that some members of the ANC caucus are working in close alignment with the DA on this matter.
“This alignment undermines the unity and credibility of the ANC in Nelson Mandela Bay, and risks sending a message to our constituents that internal discipline and ethical governance are negotiable.
“The danger of reinstating Nqwazi is not political alone — it is financial and operational,” Van Niekerk wrote.
In recent meetings, members of the ANC, as well as the government of local unity, have been divided on what approach to take when dealing with Nqwazi.
Some want her reinstated, while others have suggested a settlement.
In July, a leaked opinion by advocate Olav Ronaasen SC stated that it would be financially irresponsible to pursue prolonged disciplinary proceedings against Nqwazi.
Ronaasen’s leaked opinion, dated July 17, was intended to be debated at a council meeting but was never tabled, and copies were not formally distributed to councillors or coalition parties.
This is reportedly because some of the city’s top political leaders were unhappy with the opinion’s recommendations.
Before her suspension, finance minister Enoch Godongwana withheld grants from the metro due to Nqwazi facing criminal charges.
“Proceeding with her reinstatement would therefore not only destabilise the administration but also jeopardise essential funding for service delivery — a decision that voters would rightfully view as reckless.”
Van Niekerk declined to comment.
On Monday, Johnson said claims that she was hell-bent on reinstating Nqwazi were nonsense.
“I’m not trying to get anyone back.
“Remember when the [Cogta] MEC [Zolile Williams] brought the acting city manager, it was the MEC who said the issue of the city manager must be resolved within six months. It’s not me.
“But if any motion comes to council with regards to the city manager and it’s competent, then it’s for council to decide if it wants to entertain the motion or not.
“It’s utter nonsense that I want to bring back the city manager.
“Any item that’s brought to council belongs to either the mayor or the acting city manager. I’m only presiding over council,” Johnson said.
Meanwhile, Ngcukayitobi confirmed receiving Van Niekerk’s letter but noted the Nqwazi matter has dragged on for almost two years.
“We’d hoped by now the municipality would’ve dealt with the matter decisively and a disciplinary matter undertaken and concluded.
“The municipality is battling with their capabilities without a city manager on certain matters, and I fully agree with Van Niekerk that National Treasury wrote a letter withholding grants in the municipality, which influenced the ANC decision at that particular time.
“The matter is in the hands of the council,” he said.
Ngcukayitobi said the council, which Van Niekerk served as deputy mayor, should find a solution.
“I have trust and confidence that Gary, as part of the council, and also occupying the deputy mayor role, will be able to influence the correct path forward.”
The Herald
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.