Kouga Clr Daphne Kettledas is the new Executives Mayor for Kouga and the first woman in our municipal area to have this honour.
A former teacher and seasoned political activist, she was elected to the position at a Special Council Meeting on 11 May 2015. Her election follows the resignation of Clr Booi Koerat as Executive Mayor owing to health reasons.
Political party leaders in Kouga on both sides of the fence, welcomed Kettledas’ appointment.
In her acceptance speech Clr Kettledas thanked the outgoing Mayor for the contribution he had made towards creating a non-racial and non-sexist, democratic South Africa (read her speech on p6).
She also acknowledged the strong leadership role played by the Mayoral Committee and encouraged them to continue rendering their services to communities with the commitment they deserve.
She said the Mayoral Committee would remain unchanged, save for the addition of Clr Koerat as the portfolio councillor in charge of Special Programmes in the Office of the Executive Mayor.
She cautioned that her election was not an occasion to celebrate but rather a breather in preparation for the service delivery challenges that lay ahead. She also called for unity across the political divide and confirmed her commitment to engaging with all stakeholders.
“The quality of our leadership will not be measured by good speeches but through collective action. It is my policy to have an open door and to listen to all the people and benefit from their experience and aspirations.”
Born and bred in Humansdorp, where she also taught for 31 years at Graslaagte Primary, she is no stranger to the people of Kouga. She became involved in politics during the 1980s as a student and has since been active in various political structures.
Councillors bade farewell to Clr Booi Koerat. ANC Clr Vernon Stuurman thanked him on for the work he had done. He said it was a pity that the Mayor had to resign due to ill health but that the ANC was grateful that he would stay on as a new member of the Mayoral Committee in order to continue serving the people.
DA Clr Danny Benson thanked Clr Koerat for the time and effort he had put into the municipality. He wished the outgoing Mayor all the best for the future. ANC Clr Virginia Cam alio-Benjamin congratulated the new Mayor and vowed that the ANC would give her their full support and assistance.
DA Clr Chimpie Cawood also congratulated Clr Daphne Kettledas on her election. He said as long as he actions were on line with legislation, the DA would support her and the municipal administration.
Mayor Daphne’s maiden speech : Clr Kettledas acceptance speech
St Francis Chronicle 