Pray the News Monday 31 March 2025
New acting city manager, COO mooted for Bay – The Herald Monday 24 March
Background
Nelson Mandela Bay has been without a city manager since the previous city manager was suspended in October 2023 after she was accused of breaching the Municipal Finance Management Act and Systems Act. Co-operative Governance (Cogta) MEC Zolile Williams chose a pair of officials to occupy two of the most pivotal positions in the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality. They are Lonwabo Ngoqo as the acting chief operations manager and Ted Pillay as the acting city manager. The names emerged after the Bay’s mayor Babalwa Lobise, wrote to Cogta requesting that Zolile Williams intervene and bring administrative stability to the city through Section 154 support. Section 154 of the constitution mandates that the national and provincial government supports and strengthen the capacity of Municipalities to manage their affairs, exercise their powers, and perform their functions. The MEC will meet with the Exco of the municipality to deal with any questions. The appointments still have to be approved by the city council.
People to pray for:
Zolile Williams MEC Co-operative Governance of the Eastern Cape Province
Lonwabo Ngoqo – Proposed as acting Chief Operations Manager
Ted Pillay – Proposed for City Manager
Prayer Pointers
1. For Integrity and Ethical Leadership:
"The integrity of the upright guides them, but the unfaithful are destroyed by their duplicity" (Proverbs 11:3).
Lord, let integrity be their guide. Strengthen them to lead with honesty and uprightness, rejecting duplicity or political favoritism, so their actions reflect Your truth and serve the people faithfully."
2. For Wisdom and Discernment:
"If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you" (James 1:5).
"Father, grant them Your generous wisdom. As they face complex decisions, may they seek and receive Your guidance to discern what is just and beneficial for Nelson Mandela Bay’s residents, above any partisan agenda."
3. For a Heart of Service:
"Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters" (Colossians 3:23).
"Lord, instill in these leaders a heart to serve as unto You. May they work diligently for the good of the people, not for human approval or political gain, pouring their efforts into uplifting the community."
4. For Protection Against Corruption:
"Do not pervert justice or show partiality. Do not accept a bribe, for a bribe blinds the eyes of the wise and twists the words of the innocent" (Deuteronomy 16:19).
"Protect them from corruption, Lord. Keep their eyes clear and their words true, guarding them against partiality or bribes, so their leadership remains just and honorable."
5. For the Residents’ Well-Being:
"Seek the peace and prosperity of the city to which I have carried you… Pray to the Lord for it, because if it prospers, you too will prosper" (Jeremiah 29:7).
"Heavenly Father, inspire these leaders to seek the peace and prosperity of Nelson Mandela Bay. May they govern in ways that bless the residents, addressing their needs with care and diligence, so the city thrives for all."
6. For Unity and Stability:
"Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace" (Ephesians 4:3).
"We ask, God, that You help these leaders foster unity and peace in Nelson Mandela Bay. Let them bridge divides, bringing stability to the municipality as they lead with humility and a shared purpose for the city’s welfare."
Sample Prayer
"Heavenly Father, we lift up our city leaders as they lead Nelson Mandela Bay. Guide them with integrity, as Proverbs 11:3 says, 'The integrity of the upright guides them,' so they reject political favoritism and serve with honesty. Grant them wisdom from James 1:5, giving generously to those who ask, that they may discern what is just for the people. Fill their hearts with a desire to work as unto You, not for human masters (Colossians 3:23), prioritizing the residents’ well-being over personal gain. Help them foster unity and peace (Ephesians 4:3), bringing stability to the city. Protect them from corruption, keeping their eyes clear and words true (Deuteronomy 16:19). May they seek the peace and prosperity of Nelson Mandela Bay, as in Jeremiah 29:7, so the city thrives for all. In Jesus’ name, Amen."
Compiled by GAP Ministries
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