GQEBERHA - A baptism of fire. That's what the new Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality mayor is said to be facing in his new role.
Issues such as power outages, water drought, crime, and unemployment are plaguing the metro.
READ: New Nelson Mandela Bay mayor promises service delivery
But the man tasked with leading the multi-party coalition says service delivery is his top priority.
Gary van Niekerk made his first address during a council meeting on Wednesday.
He says positive change is coming to the municipality.
READ: Northern Alliance’s Gary van Niekerk elected new Nelson Mandela Bay Mayor
But some councillors say he has no clear plan for tackling some of the tough challenges faced in the Metro.
Residents here say they now have renewed hope that under the new administration, their needs will finally be prioritised.
* eNCA's Ronald Masinda reports.