Nelson Mandela Bay municipality appoints new MBDA board chair

Gqeberha businesswoman Glenda Perumal is Mandela Bay’s new Development Agency board chair.

The appointment was made on Friday night by a municipal members’ committee headed by mayor Retief Odendaal.

Perumal replaces Mandlakazi Skefile, who died in April.

Perumal said they were big shoes to fill. “I am surprised and grateful that the city chose me for the position,” she said.

Perumal said she was encouraged by the support for the empowerment of women shown by the committee.

“I take my hat off to men who will do that. I realised it was all men who decided to pick a woman leader.”

The municipal leadership was previously criticised by opposition councillors for having a male-dominated mayoral committee, with only one woman political head.

Shortly after the new coalition government got’ into office, the ANC Woman s League marched to the city hall, demanding Odendaal change his mayoral committee.

Perumal said a crucial decision for the new board was appointing a new CEO.

“It is one of the most critical matters as we try to grow the city to attract tourism and investment.” Also on the agenda for Tuesday ’ s inaugural meeting is a discussion on the vision and immediate plans.

“After our first meeting I’ll be able to share our vision and plans going forward.

“I’m excited that I will lead an amazing team that comes with amazing skills and knowledge.

“I know them personally and I know their strengths, which gives me hope that we will work exceptionally well together to take the organisation to the next level,” Perumal said.