Nelson Mandela Bay's fragile coalition faces a defining test this week as opposition parties scramble to secure the numbers needed to oust Mayor Babalwa Lobishe in a high-stakes no-confidence vote. They rely on parties that form part of the coalition government for support to remove Lobishe.

Nelson Mandela Bay's coalition faces a defining test this week as opposition parties scramble to secure the numbers needed to oust Mayor Babalwa Lobishe in a high-stakes no-confidence vote.

With 61 votes required from the 120-member council, the outcome will hinge on support from coalition partners and the DA, the city's largest opposition party.

The ACDP and Freedom Front Plus submitted their notices of motion earlier this month after the controversial leasing of a R25-million transformer to private company Coega Steels -- without following due process -- resulted in Lobishe being summoned before the ANC provincial integrity commission.

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The Hawks are also investigating after former Good party leader Siyanda Mayana opened a case against the mayor in January.

FOR CONTEXT Nelson Mandela Bay's lease of transformer to private company under further scrutiny February 24, 2026 Mayana, ACDP councillor Lance Grootboom, Good party councillor Lawrence Troon and Freedom Front Plus councillor Bill Harington held a joint media briefing in Gqeberha on Monday.

Mayana said he was counting on the EFF and DA to support the motions, following informal discussions with party leaders over the weekend.

The EFF, which holds eight seats, is part of a coalition with the...