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MOSSEL BAY NEWS AND VIDEO - Mossel Bay was the first municipality in South Africa to hold the inauguration of the mayor and municipal councillors this week after the local government elections on 1 November.
The newly-elected municipal council hosted its first official meeting on Wednesday, 10 November in the Mossel Bay Town Hall.
Several dignitaries were present including the premier of the Western Cape, Alan Winde, as well as ministers Tertuis Simmers (Human Settlements) and Dr Ivan Meyer (Agriculture).
Members of the public were in attendance, including former mayors and councillors. Other guests included religious leaders, roleplayers in community safety, representatives from the education and tourism sector and several media houses.
Premier of the Western Cape Alan Winde (left) with Alderman Dirk Kotzè, moments before Kotzè's inauguration. Photo: Johan Pienaar
Historical
Newly-elected speaker, Alderlady Venolea Fortuin, became the first woman to fill this position in the local municipal council. Following this announcement, councillors rose to their feet, giving Fortuin a standing ovation. It is her third term in office. Before taking her seat to chair the meeting, Fortuin was given a congratulatory hug by former mayor, Alderlady Marie Ferreira, in whose council she served her first term as a young councillor.
"For me this is a humble, humble honour to be in this seat," Fortuin said.
Alderman Cliffie Bayman with newly-elected speaker, Alderlady Venolea Fortuin.
Alderlady Venolea Fortuin, the first woman to be speaker in the Mossel Bay Municipal Council during an interview. Photo: Johan Pienaar
Alderman Dirk Kotzè, like Fortuin, received 22 of the 29 votes and was inaugurated by Meyer.
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"Mossel Bay is a beacon of hope and a lighthouse in stormy weather. I humbly accept this mammoth task and will do my best. With me, I have a full, competent team. The challenges are real, but we dare not be paralyzed with doubt and fear.
"The main objective of a mayor is to provide strategy and direction. A large part of this, is growth and forming strategic partnerships and relationships with people that are just as excited about the future of Mossel Bay as we are," said Kotze during his acceptance speech.
Councillor Stephan Botha was named council whip. The council accepted a recommendation to elect the deputy executive mayor at a later stage.
VIDEO: Mossel Bay first to inaugurate new council
Opposition
Councillor Elroy Baron (Freedom Front Plus) congratulated the DA on its election campaign. "Electioneering is an art and you have perfected it." He congratulated Fortuin, saying that as the most capable person, she was in the right chair. Baron concluded his speech by imploring Kotzè to act as "father of the town".
"As first citizen, you are not just the head of council. You must bring all other departments serving the community together and hold them accountable."
Councillors Dawid Kamfer (Icosa) and Jeanette Gouws (ACDP) also conveyed congratulations. Gouws added that the ACDP will continue being a vigilant watchdog in council. Kamfer bemoaned the absence of former executive mayor Harry Levendal and honoured him for his legacy. Levendal, Fortuin said, turned down an invitation to attend the inauguration.
Councillor Thembeni Buda (ANC) expressed the hope of having productive working relationships in council, especially in order to serve the poorest of the poor.
Councillor Daizel Porter (Patriotic Alliance) made a plea for greater equality. "We want to see change across the board in Mossel Bay."
Executive committee
The following councillors will be serving in their former portfolios: Finance: Councillor Mark Furness; Community Services: Alderman Niklaas Booisen; Planning and Local Economic Development: Alderman Cliffie Bayman; Infrastructure: Councillor Anton Dellemijn.
The new appointments, serving a first term on the executive committee, are: Community Safety: Councillor Leon van Dyk; Corporate and Governance Services: Councillor Nickey le Roux.
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