Drum roll for new George Council

GEORGE NEWS - All indications are that George will have a new city council by next Monday, 22 November, just one day before D-day for the formation of councils as set out in the Municipal Structures Act.

This will be nearly three weeks after the local government elections took place on Monday 1 November, but still within the 14-day deadline after the proclamation of the election results on 9 November.

The much-awaited meeting has been rescheduled twice. Asked about the reason for these delays, Acting Municipal Manager Michele Gratz said on Tuesday indications are that council is not in a position to elect a speaker at this stage. The position of speaker is the most powerful in council.

"A meeting of this stature has logistical and legislative requirements that must be met. An adjourned meeting would lead to fruitless and wasteful expenditure."

It is generally accepted that negotiations between the DA (majority party) and others (including the FF Plus) have not yet been concluded, therefore the postponement of the meeting. DA Western Cape Deputy Leader and Garden Route District Constituency Head Tertuis Simmers said yesterday, 17 November, that the process for the appointment of the speaker is underway and the name will be announced to the DA caucus in good time.

"We are excited about the composition of the new council. Where we have to form coalitions, as in George, we respect the voters' choices. The DA's federal leadership will soon formally make a public announcement. This will probably happen before Monday."

Willie Cilliers

Mayoral seat

It came to light on Tuesday that the current mayor, Leon van Wyk, will be the DA's mayoral candidate. Although the DA does not have an overall majority, they will probably have the support of the FF Plus and the ACDP. Therefore it is likely that Van Wyk will be the mayor.

John du Toit, ACDP member, said the party's national and provincial leadership deal with negotiations about possible coalitions. In the past the ACDP, the DA and FF Plus worked together in the George city council and this will probably continue.

Donovan Saptoe

Concern

Donovan Saptoe of the Good Party said they are very concerned about the repeated postponements of the meeting. "We are watching the situation with great interest. We see that our voters are again not being taken into account. There is so much disrespect. So much anticipation accompanies this inauguration which has now been postponed so many times," said Saptoe.

"Meanwhile, the normal activities of the administration continue, appointments are made and no political oversight can take place."

Sedric Smart of the Patriotic Alliance said the postponement of the meeting is a tactic of the DA to hamper service delivery. "If it continues like this, the community will suffer."

Michele Gratz

Stability

Dr Willie Cilliers, chairperson of the AHI and deputy chairperson of the George Business Chamber, said it is very important to get stability in the city council.

Strong leadership in the council and the municipality is very important. An agreement has already been signed between the George Business Chamber and the municipality that provides for economic growth.

Dr Dennis Farrell, former councillor and businessman, said sustainable governance is key to attract sustainable investment. There must be strong and sound leadership in the local authorities. Attractive incentives for economic development are imperative.

Tertuis Simmers