LOCAL ELECTIONS 2026: Gayton McKenzie promises debt write-offs, ‘Abahambe’ crackdown in Nelson Mandela Bay
With the 2026 local elections approaching, PA leader Gayton McKenzie says voters should give his party five years to govern Nelson Mandela Bay, promising a fresh approach to the metro’s debt, jobs, services and immigration.
The 2026 local elections in Nelson Mandela Bay have Gayton McKenzie promising to address the city's debt, job creation, services, and immigration issues. McKenzie's party, the Patriotic Alliance (PA), is led by Bradley Murray, a former mayoral committee member responsible for roads and transport. Murray promises to write off municipal debt for households with properties valued at R1-million or less and to crack down on foreign-owned shops under the PA's "Abahambe" slogan.
Murray, McKenzie, and the PA argue that the current ANC and DA mayors have failed to improve the lives of Nelson Mandela Bay residents. They claim that five years with the PA in power would bring about significant change. Murray identifies Durban Road in Korsten as the site where foreign-owned shops would face the most scrutiny.
The PA also plans to tackle unemployment, electricity, water, and crime as key issues that need to be addressed by the new administration. They criticize the current leadership's instability, particularly the ongoing suspension of city manager Noxolo Nqwazi, which has cost the municipality over R6.7-million in salary alone.
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