A R25-million electricity transformer leased by the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality to Coega Steels has ignited controversy, with a whistleblower laying criminal charges against Mayor Babalwa Lobishe over the deal.
The transformer’s removal from the municipal grid is believed to have disrupted electricity supply in parts of the metro, with some residents left without power for up to five days.
Siyanda Mayana, who describes himself as a concerned resident, has accused Lobishe of ignoring warnings and forcing the lease through without council approval. The dispute has since been taken to court.
Mayana alleges the decision to lease the transformer weakened the municipality’s electricity infrastructure and claims the mayor sidelined council processes and misled the public. He further contends that Lobishe has the backing of ANC Secretary General Fikile Mbalula to proceed despite opposition from the party’s Eastern Cape provincial leadership.
The former Good Party chairperson in Nelson Mandela Bay said the situation has negatively affected residents who rely on stable power supply, adding that he expects law enforcement to act on the charges.
Lobishe has declined to comment in detail on the allegations, citing ongoing legal proceedings.
“I said the matter is still in court. I’m not saying I was right or wrong. We are waiting for the judge to make a determination,” she said.
The case is now before the courts, as questions continue to mount over the legality of the lease and its impact on the city’s already strained electricity network.