Odendaal blames instability for factory closures in NMB

Newly-announced DA mayoral candidate for Nelson Mandela Bay, Retief Odendaal, says political instability in the metro is a major factor behind the recent closures of international factories – Goodyear being the latest to shut down operations in the region. 

Odendaal, who previously served as mayor from September 2022 to May 2023, claims that since his removal, the metro has suffered significant financial setbacks.

He says the city has lost R900 million in grant funding and that the electricity department is operating at a R1.3 billion loss. He believes the Democratic Alliance has the plan needed to restore the metro’s economic prospects. 

“We are getting this disinvestment exactly because there has been such political disability in the council. The reality is that Nelson Mandela Bay is not open for business,” said Odendaal.

“We see how businesses are struggling to invest here, but if they have already gotten investment, very often these businesses are sitting without a reliable electricity and water supply on a daily basis. Nobody wants to invest in a broken administration in a broken city,” he adds. 

It’s great to be in the Eastern Cape today where I’m joined by the Andrew Whitfield, DA Provincial Leader, and Retief Odendaal, DA NMB Mayoral Candidate. Making a donation towards the Yellowwoods Farm School Food Garden as food security is vital for growing children. 🇿🇦 pic.twitter.com/BFEfYffsVB

— John Steenhuisen MP (@jsteenhuisen) June 7, 2025