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GEORGE NEWS - Blanco Ward Councillor Melvin Naik is the DA's candidate of choice to fill the position of George Mayor should the party take the city in the local government election on 3 August.
The DA made their decision over the weekend after interviewing three DA mayoral contestants. The other two candidates were current mayor Charles Standers and Leon van Wyk, ward councillor of Wilderness. During an interview on Tuesday, Naik who is also the portfolio councillor of civil engineering, said that he is still digesting the good news.
I was extremely surprised by the overwhelming support I received from all over - including the opposition - after the announcement last Saturday," he said.
Naik has been happily married for 22 years to Edwina Naik and the couple have two children Shayna (21), a student at NMMU, and Shannon (17), a matriculant at York High. In his free time Naik likes to spend time with his family outdoors, hiking or playing golf.
He is a member of the VGK-Blanco and in his own words "a devoted Christian".
One thing Naik wants to underline is the fact that he believes in good communication and cooperation with his fellow councillors, officials and the community.
"I am no one's boss. We are all colleagues," he said.
"I want to lift their general morale."
Some of the issues he will prioritise include the revival of the George CBD, tourism, youth support, education on all levels, job shadowing opportunities in the municipality, better utilisation of community halls, good relations with investors and local businesses and improving basic service delivery.
He wants to focus on economic development to expand the tax base, create more work opportunities and thus reduce the number of indigent households.
"I am well aware that I am only a candidate and not mayor yet, but the DA will work hard to win 60% of the votes," said Naik.
Any aspirant candidate could apply for the mayoral position, explained DA Regional Head Jaco Londt. "A subcommittee of the provincial executive drew up a shortlist based on a range of criteria including, but not limited to past local government experience, community involvement and business or leadership experience," said Londt.
"The Mayoral Electoral College consisting of 30 people gave every candidate the opportunity to present him or herself, track record as well as vision for the municipality." The city's economic development, policy implementation, social cohesion, planning and effective governance were some of the discussion points.
When asked for comment, George Mayor Charles Standers replied that he respects the DA's decision and wishes Naik all the best for the next term. "I will give the new mayor my full support and assist him in every possible way."
Standers would like to remind Naik that the mayoral position is centred around people.
"This job is all about our residents and their needs," he said. "My advice would be for my colleague to be impartial, a good listener and to embrace the principles of inclusivity and democracy which is enshrined in our constitution."
As the number one candidate on the PR-list, Standers is still ready to play a leading role.
"I will accept any leadership position offered to me within our dynamic team which will enable me to continue serving the citizens of George," he said.
According to Londt no aspirant candidate is guaranteed any position.
"The mayor will make a recommendation shortly after the election to the provincial executive committee, following consultation with the relevant leaders about the composition of his executive. In some municipalities we might announce a deputy mayor, but in general the practise is to only announce the executive after election."
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ARTICLE AND PHOTO: MICHELLE PIENAAR, GEORGE HERALD JOURNALIST
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