Elza Van Lingen voted in as the new Mayor of Kouga

Following a resounding win on the 3 August election, the Democratic Alliance took over the Kouga Council on Friday.

Horatio Hendricks and Elza Van Lingen are the new Speaker and Mayor of Kouga. Photo: Clive Wright

The meeting was held in the Kruisfontein Civic Hall, which was filled to capacity for the occasion.

Horatio Hendricks was voted in as the new Speaker of the Kouga Council, with Elza Van Lingen elected as the new Mayor for the next five years.

In her acceptance speech, Van Lingen said: “During this historic election, we have seen a wave of change hit our beautiful country, South Africa.

A blue wave, where a Democratic Alliance led Government was voted for by the people to bring about the change needed to create a better life.

A better life not just for some, but a better life for all.

Rest assured, from today, we not only represent the Democratic Alliance but all the people of Kouga regardless of who you voted for.

People came from all over Kouga to attend the inauguration of the new Council. Photo: Clive Wright

Current agreements between the previous Kouga municipality and the Eastern Cape Provincial Human Settlements Department, committed to assist with 1500 RDP houses being constructed in Ocean View and 220 in Pellsrus.

In Humansdorp and Kruisfontein, 391 houses have been committed to.

And in Hankey and Weston, respectively 990 and 196 units have been approved.

These projects will continue but we will monitor any tenders for pals and reprimand anyone found to waste money through corrupt activity – as this has become a hallmark in ANC led governments.

Too many of our people are unemployed and cannot find work.

Agriculture and Tourism have been at the heart of our economy and will be prioritised as key sectors for job creation.”

Van Lingen also announced the new Mayoral Committee for the next five years: Desmond Petersen (Infrastructure, Planning and Development), Danny Benson (Social Services), Frances Baxter (Tourism and Creative Industries), Bryan Dhludhlu (Local Economic Development), Brenton Williams (Finance, Administration, Monitoring & Evaluation) and Nico Botha (Special Projects).

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