Kwazakhele, Nelson Mandela Bay – As work continues across the Metro, Nelson Mandela Bay’s R20 million Streetlight Service Delivery Programme is expected to make a visible difference in the lives of residents — improving safety, supporting small businesses, and restoring confidence in municipal service delivery.
The initiative, first introduced in Kwazakhele’s Njoli Square, was launched by Executive Mayor Cllr Babalwa Lobishe, alongside the Member of the Mayoral Committee for Electricity and Energy, Cllr Ziyanda Mnqokoyi, Ward 22 Councillor Monwabisi Jakuja, and senior municipal officials.
Ten contractors have been appointed under three-year terms to carry out inspections and repair non-functional streetlights in both residential areas and along main roads. The programme stretches across Motherwell, the Northern Areas, Western Suburbs, Kariega, and the former Ibhayi areas — reaching every corner of Nelson Mandela Bay.
Mayor Babalwa Lobishe has emphasized that improved lighting is about far more than visibility — it’s about safety, dignity, and public trust.
“Lighting up our communities is about restoring confidence, safety, and dignity. Every working streetlight is a sign that this government listens, acts, and delivers for its people,” said Mayor Lobishe.
Better-lit streets are expected to make a significant difference in reducing crime, supporting law enforcement, and improving the sense of security for residents walking or commuting after dark.
Areas like Njoli Square — home to one of the Metro’s busiest taxi ranks and a vibrant SMME and hawker community — will benefit directly. Improved lighting enables traders to operate for longer hours, increases foot traffic, and makes public spaces more accessible and welcoming.
By creating safer, well-lit environments, the municipality is helping small businesses thrive and encouraging renewed economic activity in key township and suburban hubs.
Cllr Ziyanda Mnqokoyi, MMC for Electricity and Energy, has called on residents to take ownership of the project and protect public infrastructure.
“We are making a call to our communities to work with us to protect these streetlights,” said Mnqokoyi.
Her Directorate continues to champion anti-vandalism awareness campaigns as part of the programme’s rollout, emphasizing shared responsibility between residents and local government.
With work already underway, the R20 million investment represents a long-term commitment to improving urban safety, economic resilience, and community pride. The Streetlight Service Delivery Programme is one of several key projects positioning Nelson Mandela Bay for a brighter, more connected future — both literally and socially.
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