Dr. Voges officially stepped into the role this July with an address to the full MBDA team, followed by an engagement with local media representatives along with Board Chair, Mr. Khulile Nzo, Deputy Executive Mayor, Cllr Gary van Niekerk, and MBDA Board members, Mr. Welile Moss, Mr. Ernest Bergins and Ms. 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 describes 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.
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 5 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.”
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 organization 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.
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 pre-cautionary 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, Mr. 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.
About the Mandela Bay Development Agency (MBDA)
The MBDA was established in 2003 as a municipal entity through a joint initiative of the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality (NMBM) and the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC). The MBDA management team delivers operational outcomes in line with the Agency’s strategic plans and mandate documents, as well as the Integrated Development Plan (IDP) of the NMBM.
