New mayor rings changes

NEW Nelson Mandela Bay mayor Ben Fihla officially took over the reins yesterday, promising to lead the city out of its chaotic state and hinting at the revival of ambitious development projects that were first mooted during former mayor Nceba Faku’s tenure.

Councillors and residents who packed the public gallery of the council chambers erupted into renditions of President Jacob Zuma’s trademark songs

(Bring me my machine gun) and (This journey is long) when Fihla and his deputy Chippa Ngcolomba were officially sworn in.

Fihla beat DA councillor Leon de Villiers, who was nominated by his party as mayor, by 68 votes to 39, while Ngcolomba beat DA councillor Knight Mali by 66 votes to 40.

Among those who came to witness the proceedings were Finance MEC and ANC provincial chairman Phumulo Masualle, Safety and Liaison MEC Helen Sauls August and ANC regional secretary Zandisile Qupe.

Clad in a black suit and navy tie, Fihla delivered his inaugural speech, promising: "Business as usual is over. We will ensure that the municipality operates specially differently and professionally”.

The ANC has come under fire for appointing 81-year-old Fihla to replace trade unionist Zanoxolo Wayile earlier this month.

Critics questioned whether the former member of parliament was up to the task of running a R9-billion metro which had been pushed to the brink of collapse by ANC leadership squabbles in the past two years.

But Fihla disarmed his critics by calling on all councillors and officials to spring into action to ensure "sustainable, quality services for our people”.

"We are in the process of proactively dealing with flash-point areas and with service-delivery protests.” he said in his inaugural speech.

"It is of crucial importance that we finalise the organisational structure and appoint executive directors to strengthen service delivery implementation and bring stability to an institution that used to be known for instilling business confidence, exceptional economic growth, as well as international and national awards.”

Fihla said he wanted to revive the Vision 2020 projects which were part of former mayor Faku’s long-term plans for the city.

The plan was to make the city the tourism destination of choice with the construction of an international convention centre, championing the idea of a Madiba Bay Leisure Park and the removal of the manganese facility and tank farm near Kings Beach.

The Njoli Square development in Kwazakhele, which is coming to fruition, was part of his Vision 2020 project as well as the revitalisation of Bayworld and securing the future of the Apple Express.

Fihla said the city would aim for a clean audit in 2014. "We acknowledge the areas highlighted by the auditor-general and we are making a firm commitment towards the achievement of a clean audit in 2014.”

Some of the other programmes that Fihla wants to embark on in his first 100 days in office are to go ahead with the establishment of the longawaited metro police force and ward committees.

Opposition parties all congratulated Fihla and Ngcolomba, pledging their support to work with them.

DA leader Leon de Villiers said he was happy to hear that Fihla was going to prioritise the filling of senior manager vacancies, eradicating the bucket system, fixing water leaks and finalising the city’s staff organogram.

"These are things that the DA has been driving for a long time. We will support you. We can’t take another day of business as usual . . . It’s time to get delivery back on track,” De Villiers said.

UDM councillor Mongameli Bobani said: "It’s the first time that I heard such a well-orientated, perfect speech.”

COPE councillor Mzwandile Hote said: "The winds of change are a necessity in any environment.

"COPE did say we are afraid of the new mayor’s age, but we raised that in the current unstable environment. We hope that collectively we’ll overcome these challenges”.

ANC chief whip Joy Seale said the party had "trust and confidence in Fihla’s stature”.

This is a version of an article that appeared in the print edition of the Weekend Post on Saturday, March 23, 2013.