Contractors busy at work.
By Joseph Chirume
Gqeberha
True to her recent promise, Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality Executive Mayor, Cllr Babalwa Lobishe led from the front on 29 October 2025 when she officially launched the Streetlight Service Delivery Programme at Njoli, Gqeberha.
Under the theme, “Lighting the Way for Safer Communities,” Cllr Lobishe was on the ground at Njoli, Zwide to introduce contractors as well as rolling out the programme with the aim of restoring dignity and safety in the Metro.
Cllr Lobishe was accompanied by the Member for Mayoral Committee (MMC) for Electricity & Energy, Cllr Ziyanda Mqokoyi, Ward 22 Cllr Monwabisi Jakuja and senior officials from the Electricity & Energy Directorate, when she officially handed over the Streetlight Service Delivery Programme.
It was evident at the scene that Lobishe meant serious business as contractors were already on the ground restoring and upgrading streetlights to improve safety, visibility and service delivery in the area. Dark streets had become a norm in the Metro, and the mayor said time had come to improve safety and visibility.
“This is a good development, and I wish if the officials would prioritize crime hot-spots, especially where there are taxi ranks because criminals use darkness to pounce on unsuspecting passengers,” said a thrilled resident of Njoli.
Cllr Lobishe said the Streetlight Service Delivery Programme was about more than lights, but about safety, dignity, and community pride, adding that it aims to improve public lighting, enhance community safety, and ensure that all residents benefit from reliable and sustainable municipal services.
She explained, “Today marks another step forward in our mission to restore dignity and improve service delivery for the people of Nelson Mandela Bay. As a Municipality, we are committed to accelerating service delivery and maintaining the infrastructure that keeps our city moving forward. But we cannot do it alone. We call on all residents to protect and take care of these lights because they belong to you, the people of Nelson Mandela Bay. Together, let’s build a city that shines for all.”
The call to refrain from damaging and vandalizing public infrastructure was reiterated by the MMC for Electricity &Energy, Cllr Mqokoyi who urged residents to take pride in their communities by safeguarding public infrastructure, reporting vandalism, and working hand in hand with the Municipality to build a brighter, safer Nelson Mandela Bay for all.
Cllr Lobishe reaffirmed that the Municipality remained steadfast in its commitment to repairing, maintaining, and upgrading streetlights across the Metro. She emphasized that well-lit streets not only improve visibility at night but also enhance community safety, boost neighborhood morale, and create a brighter, more welcoming environment for all residents.
“As we continue our efforts to light up every corner of the Metro, we urge residents to join hands with us in protecting this vital infrastructure. Let’s work together to report faulty streetlights, prevent vandalism, and ensure that our communities remain safe and illuminated,” concluded Cllr Lobishe.
