Image: MIKE HOLMES
Nelson Mandela Bay mayor Mongameli Bobani has signed a mayoral resolution giving the acting city manager permission to sign an agreement to host the British and Irish Lions.
The tour, which comes to SA every 12 years, takes place in 2021, bringing with it a huge contingent of media and rugby fans.
The municipality was told in a letter sent by SA Rugby boss Jurie Roux on October 30 that the delay in signing a venue-use agreement meant Port Elizabeth would not be considered as a host city.
In an article published on Monday, Bay acting executive director of sports, recreation, arts and culture Seki Mandaba told The Herald that a council resolution was needed before such an agreement could be signed.
The failure by the city council to meet in more than four months meant the acting city manager was unable to sign an agreement with SA Rugby Event Services, a subsidiary of SA Rugby.
Read the letter from Roux