A new civic movement, Citizens of NMB, has launched a voter-education campaign to encourage Nelson Mandela Bay residents to cast their votes in the 2026 local government elections. The movement, which describes itself as apolitical and non-profit, aims to bring together local businesspeople, civil society organisations, churches, and residents to promote the importance of voting. The campaign includes billboards in strategic locations across Gqeberha, urging residents to make their voices heard on 4 November.
The movement was founded by local businessman Mark Jensen, who is concerned about the low voter turnout in Nelson Mandela Bay in the 2021 local government elections. According to IEC figures, fewer than half of Nelson Mandela Bay's registered voters cast a ballot in 2021, with a turnout of 45.88% in the metro. Jensen believes that the city's dire condition, characterised by service delivery issues, water and electricity outages, and potholes, is a result of a lack of leadership and voter apathy.
Jensen's research has identified a mixture of disillusionment with political parties and a lack of voter understanding as contributing factors to low voter turnout. He believes that many residents feel neglected and ignored, and that their vote makes no difference. However, Jensen argues that opting out of voting does not opt residents out of the consequences of who governs the metro for the next five years. Citizens of NMB aims to educate residents about the importance of voting and encourage them to make informed choices.
The movement's campaign has gained support from church leaders, who have issued a non-partisan statement urging Christians to participate in the 4 November election. The statement, signed by 20 church leaders, including representatives of the Anglican Church of Southern Africa's Gqeberha Diocese, the Methodist Church, and the Catholic Diocese of Gqeberha, encourages residents to make informed and responsible choices based on biblical values, reliable information, and concern for the well-being of the metro.
The church leaders' statement highlights the concerns of residents, particularly those in townships, informal settlements, suburbs, and rural communities, as well as across every race, gender, age, and physical ability. They urge voters to look for leaders who are wise, honest, competent, accountable, and committed to service rather than status or personal gain. The statement also emphasises the importance of assessing candidates and parties by their character, experience, record of service, and ability to fulfil realistic promises.
Citizens of NMB's campaign has also highlighted the impact of municipal failure on residents, particularly poor households, unemployed youth, women, older persons, and people with disabilities. Jensen argues that the lack of leadership and voter apathy have created an environment in which criminals can thrive, and that voting is essential to shaping the metro's future. The movement aims to remain independent and promote a message that encourages residents to apply their minds and vote responsibly.
As the 2026 local government elections approach, Citizens of NMB and church leaders are urging Nelson Mandela Bay residents to take responsibility for their city's future by casting their votes. The movement's campaign aims to educate residents about the importance of voting and encourage them to make informed choices. With the city's dire condition and low voter turnout in the 2021 elections, the 2026 local government elections are seen as a critical opportunity for residents to shape the metro's future.
Key points
- Citizens of NMB is a new civic movement that aims to promote voter education and encourage Nelson Mandela Bay residents to cast their votes in the 2026 local government elections.
- The 2021 local government elections saw a low voter turnout of 45.88% in Nelson Mandela Bay, with many residents feeling disillusioned with politics and local government.
- Church leaders have issued a non-partisan statement urging Christians to participate in the 4 November election and make informed choices based on biblical values and reliable information.
