Mandela Bay Development Agency appoints Dr Pierre Voges as interim CEO

Dr Pierre Voges with Deputy Executive Mayor, Cllr Gary van Niekerk, and MBDA Board Chair, Khulile Nzo.

The Mandela Bay Development Agency today announced the appointment of Dr Pierre Voges as Interim CEO. The move brings immediate stability to the agency and creates the agility needed to consolidate the board’s actions since taking office in November 2025.

Dr Voges officially stepped into the role with an address to the full MBDA team, followed by an engagement with local media representatives along with Board Chair, Khulile Nzo, Deputy Executive Mayor, Cllr Gary van Niekerk, and MBDA Board members, Welile Moss, Ernest Bergins and Dorelle Sapere.

Over the next five months, Dr Voges will be expected to:

• Review and reset the agency to ensure its structure is fit for purpose.
• Prepare the organisation for the upcoming Auditor General audit.
• Lay the groundwork for recruiting a permanent CEO.
• Strengthen capacity in a senior management team currently under strain.
• Generate recommendations to the board focused on where intervention is needed.

Dr Voges described his return to the MBDA as a privilege, and he shared his vision for Nelson Mandela Bay with both the staff and media. Drawing on his experience of living and working in many countries, he reflected on how Gqeberha shaped his understanding of what makes a city work for ordinary citizens. “This city has all the ingredients to become a place for everyone,” he said.

Dr Pierre Voges with Deputy Executive Mayor, Cllr Gary van Niekerk, and MBDA board members Dorelle Sapere, Welile Moss and Ernest Bergins.

Dr Voges highlighted the elements that make urban life truly liveable: feeling safe enough to walk freely, enjoying warm waters to swim in, seeing art expressed in streets and theatres, having access to affordable restaurants and entertainment, and ensuring schooling is within reach. Above all, he emphasised an openness to diversity and a city guided by culture and spirit – qualities he believes Gqeberha can achieve.

“My goal is to position and support the MBDA over the next five months, so that when a new CEO is appointed, he or she will be able to focus on the right priorities and continue building on the vision for the city for which the entity was established. I understand its purpose and potential, and hope to lay a strong foundation for the next phase of its journey."

Dr Pierre Voges with MBDA Board Chair, Khulile Nzo.

The board’s decision to appoint Dr Voges reflects its commitment to strong governance, transparency and the responsible management of public resources. Dr Voges is no stranger to the MBDA. He was the founding CEO of the organisation 22 years ago in 2004. He has since led several large-scale developments and development entities in the Western Cape, and worked, until recently, as an Urban Planning Director for a prominent outfit in Saudi Arabia.

Dr Pierre Voges received a warm welcome from the MBDA board and staff as he addressed them at the Tramways Building this morning.

Background to the appointment of the interim CEO:

• Since November 2025, the MBDA board has been working to stabilise the organisation following serious governance concerns and leadership challenges. As part of this process, the former CEO was placed on precautionary suspension and later dismissed in March 2026 for unrelated charges. Since dismissal, the former CEO has launched several legal proceedings, and these are still ongoing, which prevents the post from being filled permanently at this stage.
• To maintain continuity, Finance Manager, Unathi Peter was appointed acting CEO from January to early July 2026. This step ensured that investigations could proceed without risk of interference, while the board prepared to strengthen leadership capacity through the appointment of an interim CEO.

The process to appoint the interim CEO:

• The role was benchmarked against sector standards, requiring advanced qualifications and extensive senior management experience. A recruitment agency managed the process, with 88 applications received.
• Shortlisting and interviews were conducted by a panel of board members and an independent Audit Committee member.
• The appointment was made in full compliance with the MBDA’s Recruitment, Selection and Promotion Policy and in compliance with the powers ascribed to the board under section 93 J of the Municipal Systems Act 32 of 2000.

Dr Voges received a warm welcome from management and staff of the entity.