NMB Municipality Mayor Gary van Niekerk, his deputy resign

JOHANNESBURG - Nelson Mandela Bay Mayor Gary van Niekerk has resigned.

The mayor resigned alongside his deputy Babalwa Lobishe.

Van Niekerk is the president of the national alliance and was the third mayor of the Eastern Cape Metropolitan Municipality since the 2021 elections.

The national alliance was in a coalition with the African National Congress (ANC), Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) and five other small parties.

Van Niekerk’s resignation was announced in council on Friday.

“I have received two resignations, one from the executive mayor and one from the deputy executive mayor. That will be the first item on the agenda,” the council's speaker - Eugene Johnson.

The council is expected to elect a new mayor also on Friday.