Pray the News | 17 August 2026 – New Acting CFO for Nelson Mandela Bay

Pray the News
The Herald – 17 August 2026

Abstract

The Nelson Mandela Bay council has appointed Luyanda Ndeya as its new acting chief financial officer.

Ndeya, a chartered accountant, has also worked for the Auditor-General of SA and forms part of the Section 154 intervention team that was deployed to the metro in December by the co-operative governance department.

This appointment comes in the wake of CFO Jackson Ngcelwane going on indefinite sick leave.

Ndeya was appointed at a special council meeting convened at 5pm on Thursday. The appointment of an acting CFO was the only item on the agenda.

According to a report tabled before the council, Ngcelwane is on sick leave for an indefinite period. Ndeya’s appointment is intended to ensure continuity and maintain oversight of the municipality’s financial affairs until Ngcelwane returns.

“Should council appoint an internal employee in an acting capacity, the incumbent shall be remunerated in accordance with the approved acting allowance applicable to acting senior managers of the Nelson Mandela Bay municipality and relevant legislative prescripts. Should council appoint a Section 154 secondee to act as chief financial officer, the incumbent shall be remunerated on the same salary scale and total remuneration package applicable to the current chief financial officer position, subject to the applicable legislative and contractual requirements.

The financial implications arising from either appointment option can be accommodated within the approved budget provisions for the office of the chief financial officer,” the item read.

According to the item, the acting appointment would ensure:

• Continuity in financial administration and governance;
• Compliance with the Municipal Finance Management Act (MFMA) and other applicable legislation;
• Adequate institutional leadership during the preparation of annual financial statements;
• Effective engagement with the National Treasury, provincial treasury and Auditor-General;
• Minimising operational and compliance risks associated with a prolonged or intermittent absence of the chief financial officer.

More Background

Nelson Mandela Bay has faced prolonged financial, governance, and leadership instability, which prompted national and provincial support under Section 154 of the Constitution (support to strengthen municipal capacity). A 10-member technical team from the Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA), via the Results Management Office, was deployed in December 2025. The team focuses on governance, financial management, service delivery, infrastructure, and related reforms across phases of assessment, implementation support, and monitoring. Ndeya is part of this team.

Prayer Pointers

1. Continuity in financial administration and governance
Heavenly Father, we pray for uninterrupted continuity in the financial administration and governance of Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality. Establish wise stewardship and stable processes so that the work of managing public resources proceeds without disruption.
Scripture reference: “Moreover, it is required of stewards that they be found faithful.” (1 Corinthians 4:2)

2. Compliance with the Municipal Finance Management Act (MFMA)
Lord, grant the municipality and its leaders the diligence and integrity needed to fully comply with the Municipal Finance Management Act and all relevant legislation. May every decision and action align with the law and honour Your standards of justice and accountability.
Scripture reference: “Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God.” (Romans 13:1)

3. Adequate institutional leadership
Father, raise up and sustain adequate institutional leadership during the preparation of the annual financial statements. Provide clarity, accuracy, and godly wisdom so that the accounts truthfully reflect the municipality’s position and honour the trust placed in its stewards.
Scripture reference: “Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men.” (Colossians 3:23)

4. Effective engagement with the National Treasury, provincial treasury and Auditor-General
God of wisdom, bless the municipality with effective, transparent, and constructive engagement with the National Treasury, provincial treasury, and the Auditor-General. May these interactions be marked by honesty, cooperation, and the pursuit of good governance.
Scripture reference: “The integrity of the upright guides them, but the crookedness of the treacherous destroys them.” (Proverbs 11:3)

5. Minimising operational and compliance risks
Lord, we ask You to minimise all operational and compliance risks arising from any prolonged or intermittent absence of the chief financial officer. Protect the municipality’s financial systems, strengthen those acting in the role, and preserve stability until full leadership is restored.
Scripture reference: “Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will be established.” (Proverbs 16:3)

Sample Prayer

Heavenly Father, we ask You to grant continuity in the financial administration and governance of Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality. Enable full compliance with the Municipal Finance Management Act and all relevant laws. Provide strong institutional leadership during the preparation of the annual financial statements, and bless effective engagement with the National Treasury, provincial treasury, and the Auditor-General. Protect the municipality from operational and compliance risks during any absence of the chief financial officer, and keep its financial affairs stable and well-ordered. Amen.

Today’s Scripture Chest

1 Corinthians 4:2
Romans 13:1
Colossians 3:23
Proverbs 11:3
Proverbs 16:3

Compiled by GAP Ministries

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