Mayor promises no tolerance of corruption
2011-06-02
Anne Kruger
THERE will be zero tolerance of corruption and fruitless and wasteful expenditure in Drakenstein. This statement by the new mayor of Drakenstein, Gesie van Deventer, was greeted with enthusiastic applause from the large number of DA supporters at the first municipal council meeting after the recent election, held in the Paarl Town Hall on Monday. “If you are here to make money through corruption, you can leave now,” van Deventer warned. “We are going to investigate the many complaints we receive, including those about the housing list. This list will be transparent and will be made public. “My office will also be open to the public. Our money is the public’s money - as you have entrusted us with your money, we must ensure that it is well spent. “We will also focus on service delivery by able people, especially in the field of safety and law enforcement. We want to make Drakenstein a safe place to live in and I ask the public to take my hand, to be my eyes and ears.” Van Deventer added that the Council would focus on building Drakenstein’s potential as a tourist destination, in order to promote job creation. Other issues to be addressed are environmental pollution, especially of the Berg River, and agriculture. She thanked the voters who had made her feel welcome wherever she went during the election campaign and promised to look after the residents of smaller towns and rural areas, not only those of Paarl and Wellington. She also extended a hand of co-operation to all political parties and alliances in the Council. “Some of you are highly qualified - let’s join hands. I am a mayor for all, not just for one party. “I am intensely aware of the great task that lies ahead - for me it is not just a post, it is a calling, and there is work to be done. Let’s work together.” The DA has 35 councillors, the ANC 19, while another six councillors represent minority parties. Conrad Poole was elected as deputy mayor to general acclaim. He will also hold the portfolio Agriculture and Rural Development. Koos le Roux was elected Speaker, and Anré Koegelenberg as chief whip. The rest of the executive committee consists of Gert Combrink (Finance), Lutisia Daries (Human Settlements and Land Development), Dr Noel Adams (Social Services and Community Development), Jonathan Qebenya (Sport, Culture and Youth Development), Lulu Ntlemeza (Environmental Affairs and Public Spaces), Johan Rademeyer (Infrastructure and Planning), Rean Smuts (Security and Disaster Management), Dr Thys Smith (Corporate Governance and Strategic Services), Dr Lourens du Toit (Integrated Economic Development) and Esther Kearns (Public Complaints/Ombudsman). ) The directly elected representatives of Drakenstein on the Cape Winelands District Council are Norman Kahlberg and Rassie van Zyl (DA) and Chrissie Brink (ANC).
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