The new DA-led Kouga Council was inaugurated Friday at a packed Kruisfontein Community Hall in Humansdorp.
The inauguration saw Elza van Lingen installed as the new mayor following a highly-contested local government election which saw the balance of power swing in the highly-contested Council.
The DA won 17 of the 29 available Council positions while the ANC took the remaining 12.
According to a statement from the Kouga Municipality, Van Lingen said in her inaugural speech that the DA would keep all people’s interests at heart, regardless of which party they voted for.
“What I can guarantee you, is that there will be change, but we cannot do it alone,” she said.
Van Lingen also invited all citizens and stakeholders, including sector departments and the private sector, to “jump on board and take this journey with [us]”.
She said residents could expect quality service delivery and “good, clean, efficient governance”.
“We will build a safe, clean, inclusive and well-run Kouga, with opportunities.”
She further allayed fears that approved housing projects in the area would grind to a halt, adding that the new Council would make a point of monitoring not only municipal programmes but also those of other government departments in the area.
She said she was proud of the team they were bringing to the Council.
“It’s a special combination of youth, experience and diversity,” she said.
