MOSSEL BAY NEWS - On 2 November 2021, a day after the local government elections, the new town council came into office.
The executive mayor, Alderman Dirk Kotzé formulated a GROW strategy which has been adopted by Council and implemented by the administration.
The strategy rests on five pillars being a focus on the local economy, the environment, community safety, good governance and social regeneration. Directorates during a strategic session looking back on the year that was, offered their feedback on the deliverables in each strategic focus area and there are successes aplenty.
“One year ago today, the residents of greater Mossel Bay put their trust in me and elected me executive mayor. My vision then was to form and develop partnerships, improve safety and create a more sustainable and economically attractive environment,” Kotzé commented in retrospect this week. He continued saying that partnerships are of vital importance to him, since they provided the firm foundation for successful cooperation.
Community safety
One of the greatest success stories of the past year, is the establishment of the Joint Operation Centre, which provides a nodal point from where information and service delivery can be managed.
The JOC is but a part of the community safety portfolio where notable work has been done regarding future implementation of units to combat land invasion, among others. Value-added services offered at the centre also includes offering a service to look at community well-being in a holistic way.
As for law enforcement, a functional municipal court which serves under the Directorate Community Safety, adds to the success of bringing residents who are in transgression with municipal by-laws to book.
“We have successfully joined hands with various organizations which include the taxi associations, neighbourhood watch groups, non-profit organisations, homeowners’ associations as well as the faith community. Not to mention our partners in other state departments dealing with safety, law enforcement and justice,” Kotzé said.
As for boosting the economy, Mossel Bay is experiencing a bumper event season boosted by the launch of the Iconic Mossel Bay destination marketing brand.
A concerted effort is made to develop entrepreneurship and create economic opportunities for informal traders. Educational and business training events have been hosted and more business hubs are being created in specific wards.
'We bring you the latest Mossel Bay, Garden Route news'
