GQEBERHA - The R25-million electricity transformer that the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality leased to Coega Steels is causing controversy.
A whistleblower laid criminal charges against Mayor Babalwa Lobishe, claiming she ignored warnings and pushed through the lease.
The loss of the transformer has caused problems in the municipal electricity grid, leaving residents without power for five days.
Siyanda Mayana says he's acting as a concerned resident.
The leasing of the transformer was pushed through without council approval, and the matter has now been taken to court.
Mayana claims Lobishe has ANC Secretary General Fikile Mbalula's backing to defy the Eastern Cape provincial leadership.
The former Good Party chairperson in Nelson Mandela Bay accuses Lobishe of lying to the public and sidelining the council.
Lobishe refuses to respond to the allegations levelled against her.
"I said the matter is still in court, I'm not saying I was right or wrong. We are waiting for the judge to make a determination," she said.
Mayana believes Lobishe's actions have caused harm to the residents she is supposed to serve, and he's pinning his hopes on law enforcement, saying action is imminent.
- eNCA's Nceba Ntlanganiso reports.