NELSON MANDELA BAY, EASTERN CAPE — As the voter registration weekend enters its final day, Nelson Mandela Bay coalition politics are taking center stage, with smaller parties fighting for relevance in a metropolitan municipality that has not seen an outright majority since 2016. The intense political campaigning is unfolding against a backdrop of tragedy following the assassination of ANC councillor Sicelo Mleve, an event that has deeply affected the region’s political landscape.
Nelson Mandela Bay made history in 2016 by becoming South Africa’s first coalition-run municipality. Since then, no single party has secured an outright majority, making every seat in the council potentially influential. While larger parties battle for control, smaller parties—including the Pan Africanist Congress (PAC), which currently holds representation and hopes to retain its place at the negotiating table—are campaigning vigorously to ensure they remain relevant in a political environment where coalition partners often determine who governs.
Amidst the voter registration drive, the African National Congress (ANC) released a statement mourning the tragic death of Comrade Sicelo Mleve, describing him as a leader deeply committed to advancing the interests of the Nelson Mandela Bay community. Mleve, who served as the councillor for Ward 27 and was a member of the party’s Regional Executive Committee, was shot dead in his councillor’s office.
The assassination occurred between 6:00 PM and 7:00 PM while Mleve was holding a debrief session with branch members following the first day of voter registration. According to eyewitnesses, two shooters entered the office one after the other. The assailants reportedly called Mleve by name, stating they were looking for him, before taking turns shooting him. The ANC has confirmed that his family has been notified and an official regional statement is forthcoming.
The United Democratic Movement (UDM) also expressed profound shock and sadness over the killing. Luxolo Namette, a UDM spokesperson, shared his personal grief, noting that he had worked closely with Mleve when Mleve served as the Member of the Mayoral Committee (MMC) for Education. Namette offered his condolences to Mleve’s family and the ANC, emphasizing that the council and the broader region have lost a dedicated leader who was passionate about uplifting the community.
Despite the tragedy, smaller parties like the UDM are pushing forward with their election campaigns. The UDM, which has historically maintained strongholds in areas like Motherwell and previously occupied the mayoral chain with the late Mongameli Bobani, is focused on increasing its footprint. Namette stated that the party is working tirelessly to gain more seats ahead of the November 4 elections, confident that they will return to City Hall stronger than before.
Recognizing that coalition governments are a permanent fixture in the metro, the UDM is actively urging residents to participate in the voter registration drive. Namette appealed to the public not to stay away from the polls due to the current status quo, insisting that their votes have the power to drive change and improve service delivery in Nelson Mandela Bay. The party remains determined to secure its representation and play a pivotal role in the post-election coalition negotiations.
