GQEBERHA · Nelson Mandela Bay Executive Mayor Babalwa Lobishe has paid tribute to the municipality’s late Chief Financial Officer, Jackson Ngcelwane, following his passing.
In a message of condolence, Lobishe extended her condolences to Ngcelwane’s family, friends and colleagues, describing his death as a loss felt across the municipality and among the people it serves.
Ngcelwane served as the municipality’s Chief Financial Officer, a senior position at the centre of the administration’s financial management.
The mayor said his contribution included supporting the municipality’s work around responsible financial management, good governance, accountability and sustainable service delivery.
“We recognise and appreciate the dedication, professionalism and commitment demonstrated during his service to Nelson Mandela Bay.”
Lobishe said Ngcelwane’s contribution to the municipality would be remembered and valued.
The condolence was issued by Lobishe in her capacity as Executive Mayor. She also serves as the ANC’s Nelson Mandela Region chairperson.
A career in municipal finance
Public municipal records show that Ngcelwane’s work in Nelson Mandela Bay’s financial administration predated his service as CFO.
Municipal budget documentation previously identified him as a senior official in the Budget and Treasury Directorate. More recent municipal policy material identifies him as Chief Financial Officer and as the official responsible for championing financial policy.
During 2026, Ngcelwane also formed part of Nelson Mandela Bay delegations appearing before Parliament’s Portfolio Committee on Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs during oversight engagements concerning the metro.
Those records establish his institutional role without requiring claims about his private life or the circumstances of his death.
Why the CFO role matters
Municipal financial administration is closely connected to a city’s ability to plan, budget, account for public resources and support services to residents.
Under the Municipal Finance Management Act, every municipality must have a Budget and Treasury Office led administratively by a Chief Financial Officer. The CFO advises the accounting officer, assists with municipal bank accounts and supports the preparation and implementation of the municipal budget.
Much of that work occurs away from public political debate, but it forms part of the institutional machinery through which councils translate priorities into spending, infrastructure and services.
Remembering a public servant
In her message, Lobishe recognised Ngcelwane’s professionalism and commitment during his service to Nelson Mandela Bay.
She said the loss of a senior member of municipal leadership would be deeply felt across the organisation and by the communities served by the municipality.
“On behalf of the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality, the Mayoral Committee and Council, I extend our deepest condolences to the family and all colleagues who had the privilege of working alongside Ngcelwane.”
The mayor said the thoughts and prayers of the municipality were with the bereaved family and wished them strength and comfort.
She concluded: “May his soul rest in peace.”
A loss for the municipality
For the public, the work of senior municipal financial officials is often less visible than the political leadership of a city. Yet budgets, financial reporting and internal controls are central to the functioning of local government.
It is within this institutional setting that Ngcelwane served Nelson Mandela Bay.
The People’s Register extends its condolences to the Ngcelwane family, his friends, colleagues and all those who worked alongside him during his service to the city.
Read the mayor’s message
Sources and verification
- Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality: message of condolence by Executive Mayor Babalwa Lobishe, supplied to the publication.
- Municipal Finance Management Act: Budget and Treasury Office and CFO responsibilities
- Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality policy identifying Jackson Ngcelwane as CFO and policy champion
- Parliament: COGTA oversight engagement with Nelson Mandela Bay, March 2026
- The Herald: independent report confirming Ngcelwane’s passing and institutional role
- SABC News: Lobishe elected Executive Mayor and identified as ANC regional chairperson
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