Media Statement: Garden Route District Municipality elects new Executive Mayor, Marais Kruger

11 November 2025

The Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) Council has elected and sworn in Alderman Marais Kruger as the new Executive Mayor during a Special Council Meeting held on 11 November 2025. Mayor Kruger succeeds the former Executive Mayor, Ald. Andrew Stroebel, who vacated the office on 31 October 2025.

Kruger was nominated by Cllr Jobieth Hoogbaard and seconded by Ald. Nompumelelo Ndayi from the Democratic Alliance (DA). Councillor Christopher Taute (ANC) nominated and Cllr Vinolia Gungubele (ANC) seconded the nomination of Ald. Stephen de Vries as Executive Mayor.

The two nominations required votes to be cast by all Councillors present. Subsequently, the votes recorded were 19 in favour of Ald. Kruger and 7 in favour of Ald. De Vries; three Councillors abstained from voting.

During his acceptance speech, Ald. Kruger focused on his commitment to strengthening regional cooperation, supporting economic development, enhancing disaster management and fire services, and prioritising the well-being and future of all communities within the Garden Route District.

“To the people of the Garden Route, we are here to serve you. Your needs, your voices and your dignity remain at the centre of our work. Let us move forward together, building a district that is safe, resilient, inclusive and full of opportunity for all who call the Garden Route home”.

Read the full acceptance speech of Mayor Marais Kruger: https://tinyurl.com/mrxjvsas

MAYOR MARAIS BACKGROUND

Mayor Marais Kruger (see profile here) hails from George. He matriculated at Outeniqua High School, holds a diploma in finance obtained from Moonstone Business School and is currently enrolled doing his MMC through Stellenbosch University School of Public Leadership. He entered politics in 2021 and currently serves as the Ward 22 Councillor in George. Until February 2025, he served as the Mayoral Committee Member (MMC) for Community Safety and Financial Services at George Municipality.

Read his profile here: https://www.gardenroute.gov.za/executive-mayor/

MAYORAL COMMITTEE AND COUNCIL WHIP

Prior to his election as Executive Mayor, he also held the position of Council Whip at GRDM.

At the same Special Council Meeting, Cllr Koos Malooi was nominated and elected as the new Council Whip. Ald. Clodia Lichaba was also nominated. Votes were subsequently cast and Cllr Malooi had 19 votes in his favour, Ald. Lichaba had 7 and 3 people abstained from voting.

For the interim, Mayor Kruger has retained the existing Mayoral Committee to ensure continuity and stability in the administration during the season ahead:
1. Ald. Nompumelelo Sumeia Ndayi, Corporate Services – https://tinyurl.com/3j23bekv
2. Ald. Dave Swart, Financial Services – https://tinyurl.com/nuxnfrb6
3. Ald. Rosina Ruiters, Planning and Economic Development – https://tinyurl.com/yx6ckn8j
4. Cllr Jobieth Hoogbaard, Community Services – https://tinyurl.com/yvp2zehx
5. Ald. Stag Cronje, Roads and Transport Planning Services, https://tinyurl.com/4hdjc668
6. Ald. Werner Meshoa, Strategic Services, https://tinyurl.com/e4tfvbeu
7. Cllr Hilton Stroebel, Property and Asset Management, https://tinyurl.com/3ezfrxhj

MESSAGES OF SUPPORT

Ald. Werner Meshoa said amongst others that “From the coastal towns, farms and townships, the people expect fairness, transparency and bold action. In your hands lie the opportunity to unite us”.

Ald. Stephen De Vries (ANC), stated that the ANC looks forward to working with the Mayor for the betterment of communities. He also said he “looks forward to robust and respectful debates”.

Cllr Rosa Louw from GOOD said she trusts that Ald. Marais will uphold the highest standards in the public office. “We know the journey is not always easy, but we are looking forward to working with you to serve communities”.

Cllr Alberto Marbi from PBI, congratulated Ald. Marais on his significant achievement as Mayor and stated that “your leadership comes at a critical time and we trust that you will inspire positive change going forward”.

Monde Stratu, Municipal Manager conveyed his messages of support from the administration and said “we pledge our support and solidarity”. “We will avail our capacity and expertise to help you succeed in your vision. We stand with our professional ethics to deliver on the madate you require us to deliver on.” “Congratulations Executive Mayor, he condluded”

The GRDM remains committed to transparent governance, stability, and service excellence under the leadership of Executive Mayor Marais Kruger and the Council as a collective.

ENDS