DA delegates converge in Graaff-Reinet

GRAAFF-REINET NEWS — Following AGMs of all properly constituted branches of the Democratic Alliance in the Constituency, the Dr Beyers Naude Constituency AGM was held last Saturday at Profcon in Graaff-Reinet.

Delegates from all branches, barring Ward 8 in Willowmore, were in attendance, as well as all but one councillor. In all, there were 38 voting delegates, as well as a number of observers.

The outgoing Constituency Chairperson, Cllr Samantha Jankovich, opened the meeting and welcomed all present. She then handed the floor to Constituency Leader, Hon Vicky Knoetze, MPL who emphasised the importance of electing good leaders who are “fit for purpose”.

She stressed that an election such as this should not be about anything other than selecting the right person for the job.

Knoetze took over as Constituency Leader towards the end of last year, as Annette Lovemore, the previous incumbent, was elected as a councillor in the last municipal elections and was thus no longer eligible for the position. Knoetze was previously the Constituency Leader of Zuurberg Constituency (Blue Crane and Sundays River Valley) and so brings a wealth of experience to the post.

Councillor Karen Smith from Sundays River Valley Municipality, who is also the Provincial and Acting National Chairperson of the Association of Democratic Alliance Councillors, was present in the role of Presiding Officer.

The election process was free and fair and done in accordance with the Federal Constitution of the Democratic Alliance. The outcome of the elections was as follows:

• Chairperson: Cllr Eldan Carolus of Graaff-Reinet (PR Councillor - Ward 3)

• Deputy Chairperson: Cllr Rudy Jacobs of Aberdeen (Ward Councillor - Ward 7)

• Secretary: Cllr Glenda Mackelina of Graaff-Reinet (Ward Councillor - Ward 5)

• Chairperson of Finance: Cllr Linda Botha of Graaff-Reinet (Ward Councillor - Ward 2)

• Chairperson of Fundraising: Cllr Daniel Williams of Graaff-Reinet (PR Councillor - Ward 4)

• Councillor Delegates: Cllr Wilton Le Grange and Cllr Wayne Seekoei of Klipplaat (Both PR Councillors of Ward 10)

• Additional Members: Cllr Joy Williams of Graaff-Reinet (Ward Councillor - Ward 14), Ricardo Smith of Graaff-Reinet (Chairperson of Ward 5 Branch), Michelle Holland of Aberdeen (Secretary of Ward 7 Branch) and Jacky Stout of Steytlerville (Chairperson of Ward 12 Branch).

• ADAC (Association of Democratic Alliance Councillors) Rep: Cllr Samantha Jankovich of Graaff-Reinet (PR Councillor - Ward 6)

Outgoing Chairperson Cllr Jankovich expressed her confidence in the new officials: “We have no doubt that this is an incredibly strong team that will work hard to grow the membership base and the vote in Dr Beyers Naude Municipality”.

Because many of the people had travelled from far away, a light lunch of chicken schnitzel, chips and salad was provided, and all enjoyed this and the associated socialising after the business of the morning was concluded.