South Africa's parliamentary Cogta committee has demanded a criminal investigation into irregular job advertisements issued by the Nelson Mandela Bay metro during a leadership vacuum.
On 6 May, committee chairperson Dr Zweli Mkhize questioned metro chief financial officer Jackson Ngcelwane about an internal circular advertising two positions in Traffic and Licensing Services. The document carried Ngcelwane's name and signature as acting city manager, though he had declined the role on 4 May due to a conflict of interest.
The metro has lacked a permanent or acting city manager since the end of April. Its suspended city manager, Dr Noxolo Nqwazi, faces trial on fraud, corruption and Municipal Finance Management Act charges following her 2024 suspension. After the committee requested provincial intervention, Charity Sihunu was appointed acting city manager on 12 May until 31 May.
Democratic Alliance members described the circulars as fraud and called for new cases to be opened. Executive mayor Babalwa Lobishe said she found the matter disturbing and would follow due process after the adverts were withdrawn.