PRESS STATEMENT BY NELSON MANDELA BAY MUNICIPALITY’S EXECUTIVE MAYOR,
CLLR BEN FIHLA, AT A PRESS CONFERENCE AT JENNY’S ROOM, PORT ELIZABETH CITY HALL ON TUESDAY, 21 MAY 2013

Deputy Executive Mayor, Cllr Thando Ngcolomba

Mayoral Committee Members,

City Manager,

Councillors,

Officials,

And our guests of honour, the members of the media, and the esteemed members of our Investment Council, which I will formally introduce later.

I extend a very warm welcome to you all.

I thank you for accepting the Municipality’s invitation to this important press conference as we complete a key task in terms of our 100 Days of Action Plan, namely the establishment of an Investment Council.

At the time when the Deputy Executive Mayor and I took office, on 22 March, we committed ourselves to real, vibrant and sustainable change to address the many challenges facing the city and the institution. As most of you will be aware, we are currently in the process of rolling out our 100 Days of Action Plan. My Executive Mayoral Committee and I are hard at work in implementing a broad diversity of projects across the city to address some of our resident’s most pressing needs. These are quick-wins that we spotted that could make an immediate difference to our residents’ lives.

The 100 Days of Action Plan gives life to my declaration in my acceptance speech that my team and I would build a caring society – deepen democracy – and make our city work. We are not yet half-way in the roll-out of the 100 Days Action Plan, but I am delighted to report to you that we are on track, making good progress, and making a real difference to the lives of our people. Highlights over the past few weeks include the launch of our renovated Nangoza Jebe Hall in New Brighton, which will ensure that it retains its status as a prime venue for community, business, social and cultural events, giving the residents of New Brighton access to a top class facility. Another widely-welcomed initiative, in terms of the 100 Days Action Plan, is the traffic fine amnesty that I announced last week, giving qualifying motorists 50% discount on traffic fines of R300 and more. The reasoning behind this Amnesty was to ensure that our motorists remain law-abiding citizens by paying their traffic fines, but also to acknowledge that times are hard, and the Municipality wanted to demonstrate its understanding and acknowledgement of that fact.

Some of the projects undertaken in terms of the 100 Days Plan of Action will by their nature bear fruit in the longer term. A key focus area of my team’s tenure in office is the promotion of the economic growth and development of Nelson Mandela Bay. We are already initiating and implementing a number of economic projects and opportunities. In these efforts, the launch of the Investment Council, which will be run by the Deputy Executive Mayor, will play a vital role.

Naturally, the composition of the Investment Council is of prime importance. Members need to include champions of industry, investment promotion agencies, government and labour, to fully execute the mandate of the Council, namely to advise and provide strategic direction to all investment and retention initiatives in the Nelson Mandela Bay region. An important focus area of the Investment Council will also be to address the lack of a co-ordinated effort and strategy within the city to leverage resources and support from stakeholders.

It is now my privilege to introduce to you the members of the Nelson Mandela Bay Investment Council. I trust that you will agree with me that they represent a diverse and authoritative pool of experts and key stakeholders.

Nelson Mandela Bay Investment Council Members

NAME / DESIGNATION / INSTITUTION/COMPANY
Mr Odwa Mtati / Chairperson / Nelson Mandela Bay Tourism
Mr Christopher Mashigo / Executive Manager: Business Development / Coega Development Cooperation
Mr Mnyamezeli Dyala / NMB: Regional President / NAFCOC
Mr Mandla Madwara / President / Nelson Mandela Bay Business Chamber
Mr Bongani Gxilishe / HOD / Department Economic Development Environmental Affairs and Tourism
Mr Siyabulela Mhlaluka / Manager / TRANSNET
Ms Phumelelo Kate / Manager / CACADU District Municipality
Mr Andrew Murray / CEO / Eastern Cape Socio Economic Consultative Council
Mr Andile Bloko / Local Secretary / COSATU
Mr Cedrick Frolick / Member of Parliament / National Parliament
Ms Pumela Salela / National Economic Development
Ms. Nomkhita Mona / CEO / South African Forestry Company Limited
Ms Bongi Siwisa / Chairperson / Emfuleni Resorts (Pty) Ltd T/A Boardwalk Casino & Entertainment World

The Mayoral Committee, the Deputy Executive Mayor, Cllr Chippa Ngcolomba and I are hard at work to improve the lives of our residents and restore their dignity, following many decades of neglect, deprivation and injustice. Energising and improving the economic climate and conditions in our city to make it a more attractive place for investors will be key in this process.

In April 2014, as we celebrate 20 years of freedom, we must be able to look back and trace our efforts and actions to promote the growth and development of Nelson Mandela Bay. Today, through the launch of this Investment Council, we have taken an important step forward in the reconstruction and development of this city.

We dare not fail.

Together we can build better communities.

Ladies and Gentleman, I thank you.

NKOSINATHI BENSON FIHLA

EXECUTIVE MAYOR

NELSON MANDELA BAY MUNICIPALITY