Former colleagues now members of the Provincial Legislature

GEORGE NEWS - The Garden Route and George are well represented in the new Western Cape legislature. Several former colleagues from the area are members of this institution for the new term. Among them are three former mayors.

Leon van Wyk, who until recently was mayor of George, was elected under the DA banner and Bazil Petrus, also a former mayor of the city, will represent the PA. Petrus was at one stage also speaker of the George city council.

Memory Booysen, who resigned as mayor of the Garden Route District Municipality on Friday 7 June, will represent the DA.

Dirk Wessels, who was the mayoral committee member for finances of the George Council, is now also a DA member in the legislature.

Jaco Londt, who was previously a DA member in the National Council of Provinces, is now a member of the legislature. He is the chairman of the DA's Federal Council in the Western Cape and has strong ties with Mossel Bay, George and the Garden Route. Londt said he is looking forward to the new challenges.

Jaco Londt (DA)

Tertuis Simmers, DA leader in the Western Cape, said on Monday that he is very excited about the new term of the legislature. It will be his second full term; he has been serving on the legislature since 2017.

Simmers himself also served on the Garden Route District Council a number of years ago. "Hard work awaits and the challenges are enormous," he said.

Tertuis Simmers (DA)

Mayoral vacancies

Simmers said the DA will nominate its candidates for the two vacancies that now arise with Van Wyk and Booysen's departure. The DA's selection process for George has been completed and the candidate's name will be announced during a council meeting.

"Deputy Mayor Raybin Figland assumes the acting mayoral role until Council appoints a full-time executive mayor, who will be announced in due course," said municipal spokesperson Chantèl Edwards.

Applications to be the DA's candidate in the district municipality close this week. After that, a screening process and interviews will take place. There could already be a new district mayor by the end of the month.

New adventure

Van Wyk said it has been a tremendous honour and privilege to serve as mayor and to work closely with Municipal Manager Dr Michele Gratz in dealing with the challenges facing George.

"We have had a common vision to deliver a high standard of services, to tackle upgrades of infrastructure, and to plan for the increase in economic activity and investment being experienced," said Van Wyk. "There has been a common objective to improve levels of productivity so that our citizens can benefit through improved living conditions."

Gratz echoed these sentiments saying that she has worked exceptionally well with Van Wyk, and believes they have taken George forward due to their common vision and good working relationship. "I wish Van Wyk well on this new chapter of his political career. Our collaborative efforts have significantly advanced the infrastructure and economic growth of George, creating a foundation for continued progress and development," she said.

Wessels expressed excitement for the journey ahead and said it has been an honour to serve the George community. "Moving to the Western Cape Legislature gives me the opportunity to once again make a difference. I hope to make George proud."

Gratz thanked him for his input in the Financial Directorate over the past years. She said Wessels has been instrumental in strengthening the financial systems and ensuring fiscal responsibility. "I am confident that he will bring the same level of commitment and expertise to his new role in the Provincial Legislature."

Bazil Petrus (PA)