18 November 2025: NCOP Provincial Week, Opening and Welcoming Remarks by Ald. Marais Kruger

National Council of Provinces: Provincial Week 

Opening and Welcoming Remarks on 18 November 2025

Executive Mayor Ald. Marais Kruger

Good morning,

Honourable Premier, Hon. Alan Winde,

Honourable Members of the NCOP Delegation,

Members of the Western Cape Provincial Parliament,

MECs, Councillors, Municipal Managers,

Distinguished guests, officials, and stakeholders,

Ladies and gentlemen, a very warm welcome to the Garden Route District Municipality.

It is an honour for us to host this important engagement as part of the NCOP Provincial Week 2025. On behalf of the Garden Route District Municipality, I extend a sincere word of welcome to every delegate and stakeholder who has travelled to our beautiful region to participate in this crucial programme.

This week’s engagements remind us of the importance of cooperation between all spheres of government, National, Provincial, and Local, to address the service delivery challenges that directly affect the lives of our residents. Together, we share one goal: to strengthen municipalities so that every household in our province can experience reliable, efficient, and dignified basic services.

The Garden Route District is a region of great potential, blessed with natural beauty, vibrant communities, and economic promise. Yet, like many other regions, we face challenges that require partnership, innovation, and accountability. I am encouraged that this Provincial Week provides a platform for honest reflection, practical solutions, and shared learning between municipalities and government departments.

Today’s discussions will focus on how we can collectively improve the state of municipalities, strengthen leadership and governance, and accelerate the delivery of essential infrastructure such as water, sanitation, housing, and roads. These are not just service delivery targets, they are the building blocks of hope, opportunity, and stability in our communities.

As the Garden Route District Municipality, we remain fully committed to working hand in hand with our local municipalities – George, Knysna, Mossel Bay, Bitou, and others, as well as with our provincial and national partners to ensure that our residents experience tangible improvements in their daily lives.

Let us approach today’s session with openness, collaboration, and a shared sense of purpose. Together, we can continue building a stronger, more resilient, and inclusive Garden Route and Western Cape.

Once again, welcome to the Garden Route, where we strive to serve with integrity, inspire progress, and deliver results for our communities.

 Thank you.