NELSON MANDELA BAY, EASTERN CAPE — The tragic assassination of ANC councillor Sicelo Mleve has cast a long shadow over Nelson Mandela Bay coalition politics, even as the critical voter registration weekend enters its final day. In a metropolitan municipality where no single party has secured an outright majority since 2016, the sudden loss of a key ward representative adds a layer of profound grief and uncertainty to the ongoing negotiations among both large and small parties vying for municipal control.
Since making history as South Africa’s first coalition-run municipality, the metro has been defined by its hung councils. This political reality means every single seat holds immense weight. While major political formations battle for dominance, smaller parties are aggressively campaigning to maintain their relevance. The Pan Africanist Congress (PAC), for instance, currently holds representation in the council and is actively fighting to retain its crucial seat at the post-election negotiating table, recognizing that coalition partners frequently dictate who ultimately governs.
However, the political maneuvering has been overshadowed by the violent death of Sicelo Mleve. The ANC recently released a statement mourning the late councillor, remembering him as a deeply committed leader dedicated to advancing the interests of the Nelson Mandela Bay community. Mleve, who served as the Ward 27 councillor and was also a member of the party’s Regional Executive Committee, was fatally shot inside his ward office.
The assassination took place between 6:00 PM and 7:00 PM. According to reports, Mleve was in the middle of a debriefing session with local branch members following the first day of voter registration. Eyewitnesses at the scene detailed a harrowing ordeal, stating that two gunmen entered the office one after the other. The assailants reportedly called Mleve by name, explicitly stating they were looking for him, before taking turns firing at him. The regional ANC has confirmed that his family has been notified and is preparing an official statement.
The political community across party lines has been left reeling by the news. Luxolo Namette, a spokesperson for the United Democratic Movement (UDM), expressed deep shock and sadness over the killing. Namette, who previously worked closely with Mleve when the late councillor served as the Member of the Mayoral Committee (MMC) for Education, offered his heartfelt condolences to Mleve’s family and the broader ANC structure. He emphasized that the local council and the region at large have lost a fiercely dedicated public servant who was passionate about community upliftment.
Despite the heavy mood, smaller parties like the UDM are pressing forward with their voter registration drives. The UDM has historically enjoyed strong support in areas such as Motherwell and previously held the mayoral chain alongside the late Mongameli Bobani. Currently holding a single seat in the council, the party is laser-focused on expanding its footprint.
Namette stated that the UDM is working tirelessly to secure additional seats ahead of the November 4 elections, expressing confidence that the party will return to City Hall with increased strength. Acknowledging that coalition governments are a permanent reality in the metro, the UDM is urging residents not to let frustration with the current status quo keep them from the polls. Namette appealed to the public to register and vote, insisting that civic participation is the most effective tool for demanding better service delivery and shaping the future of Nelson Mandela Bay.