LOCAL ELECTIONS 2026: Criminal convictions, scathing allegations — NMB’s Dodgy Half-Dozen candidates
From drunk-driving allegations to murder convictions, Nelson Mandela Bay’s local government election contestants come with some colourful backgrounds.
Local government election candidates in Nelson Mandela Bay have a history of criminal convictions and allegations, including cases of drunk-driving, murder convictions, and fraud. Siyanda Mayana, the leader of the newly formed People's Power party, is facing a charge of driving under the influence after being arrested at a roadblock on Friday night.
Mayana claims he only had two drinks before the incident and is set to appear in court on April 30, 2027. Babalwa Lobishe, the current NMB executive mayor, has been accused of leasing a municipal transformer worth R25-million to private business Coega Steel, a deal she denies. Gary van Niekerk, NMB deputy mayor, has been accused of cyber fraud and contravening the Municipal Finance Management Act after allegedly fraudulently racked up R550,000 in legal fees in 2022.
Andile Lungisa, FF Plus mayoral candidate, was convicted of assault with intent to do grievous bodily harm in 2016 and is now a frontrunner to lead the ANC's mayoral race in the Local Government Elections. Bill Harington, FF Plus mayoral candidate, is serving a 13-year and 10-month prison sentence for murder, and has not denied the charges.
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