Sithandiwe Velaphi

MEC for local government and traditional affairs Mlibo Qoboshiyane said Nelson Mandela Bay municipality was battling to sort out its finances and was in need of provincial support.

Qoboshiyane said he had sent a team of officials to the metro to "look into the financial administration" of the municipality.

He said in August 2011, he met with Bay mayor Zanoxolo Wayile to discuss the municipality's request for help to stabilise its weak financial systems.

"The request was also discussed within the department and a decision was taken to accede to the request and to render support to the municipality in terms of Section 154 of the Constitution," said Qoboshiyane.

"We also sent our senior official Themba Nabholiti Hani to act as the municipal manager." Luncedo Njezula, from the mayor's office, said the team sent by MEC was "well received".

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