A writ of execution has been issued by the Gqeberha High Court, directing a sheriff to attach and take into execution Mayor Babalwa Lobishe's movable goods or other assets at her home or places where she operates. This is to recover the R82,970.88 in legal costs she owes to People's Power leader Siyanda Mayana. The costs arose from Lobishe's unsuccessful urgent application against Mayana earlier this year.
The application sought to stop Mayana from publishing claims about Lobishe, including allegations concerning her Capitec Bank account. Mayana had posted on his Facebook account in January that Lobishe's Capitec Bank account had been frozen in December due to allegedly illicit funds deposited into the account. Lobishe disputed the allegations, stating the account was temporarily paused as part of a Fica compliance process and the money was linked to her hair business.
The costs were ordered by the court on 19 February 2026 and taxed on 4 August 2026. The writ of execution, issued on 18 September, directs the sheriff to pay the amount due to Mayana or his attorneys. Mayana stated that the sheriff was expected to visit Lobishe's home, but he doubted the execution would be successful. Mayana's ultimate goal is to charge Lobishe criminally for being in contempt of court.
The feud between Lobishe and Mayana has involved several allegations and complaints. Mayana registered an inquiry for investigation with the Hawks to probe the reasons for the freezing of Lobishe's account and the source of the funds, which he claims were from ANC headquarters, Luthuli House. In March, Lobishe opened an extortion case against Mayana, alleging he demanded R170,000 in exchange for withdrawing complaints linked to a dispute about an allegedly irregular leasing of a municipal transformer.
The National Prosecuting Authority declined to prosecute Mayana on the extortion complaint, and the Hawks closed their investigation. Mayana has accused Lobishe of irregularly leasing the municipal transformer, valued at about R25-million, to private company Coega Steels without a council resolution and despite advice against the arrangement from then metro chief executive Jackson Ngcelwane.
The 12-month lease was concluded in September 2025, but the municipality later sought to have the agreement reviewed and set aside. Lobishe has defended the deal, stating it was intended to protect jobs and economic activity. An ANC Provincial Integrity Commission investigation into the deal found no evidence that Lobishe had personally benefited from the transaction or broken the law.
The latest setback for Lobishe comes as the DA prepares to ask the high court in Gqeberha to force the metro to seek recovery from her personally for any losses linked to the lease, in terms of the Municipal Finance Management Act. Lobishe was asked for comment but had not responded by publication. Her comment will be added if received.
Key points
- A sheriff has been ordered to seize Nelson Mandela Bay Mayor Babalwa Lobishe's assets over unpaid court costs of R82,970.88.
