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Acceptance Speech

2025 11 11 Acceptance Speech by Ald. Marais Kruger, newly elected Executive Mayor

Acceptance Speech by Ald. Marais Kruger, newly elected Executive Mayor

11 November 2025

Good morning,

Honourable Speaker,
Deputy Executive Mayor,
Councillors,
Municipal Manager,
Senior Management,
Representatives from our Local Municipalities,
Community partners, the media, and all guests present, all protocol observed.

Thank you for being here today. Stepping into this role within the Garden Route District Municipality is both an honour and a responsibility. Our district spans over seven Local Municipalities, each with unique communities, strengths and challenges. Yet, we are united by one shared commitment: to work for the wellbeing and development of the entire Garden Route region.

The work of a district municipality is sometimes not always seen directly at community level, but it is deeply impactful. We support, coordinate and strengthen service delivery across the region. We plan for what lies ahead – for economic development, tourism growth, environmental protection, regional infrastructure, and municipal support. And importantly, we carry a critical role in disaster management and fire services, especially in a region prone to wildfires.

Our Fire & Rescue teams work day and night to protect lives, homes, farms, and natural habitats. Their bravery and dedication remind us what service truly looks like and they deserve our full support as we continue building resilience and readiness across the district.

As we begin this new chapter, our focus remains practical and people-centered:
• To work collaboratively with all our local municipalities
• To strengthen and resource regional disaster management and fire services
• To improve long-term planning and sustainability in our environment and infrastructure
• To support economic development and job creation that brings dignity to households
• And to invest in opportunities for our youth across communities, towns and rural areas.

We may come from different political backgrounds, but our responsibility is shared. The people we serve expect us to work together, respectfully, constructively and with purpose.

To our administration, thank you for your continued commitment. The district relies on your professionalism every day.

To our partners, community organisations, businesses, education, tourism, safety structures, traditional and faith leaders, your work strengthens our region, and we value your collaboration.

And 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.

I also want us to urge everyone focus not on who is important, but rather acknowledge ‘what is important’.

Thank you.

05 July 2024 Acceptance Speech by Executive Mayor, Ald. Andrew Stroebel

Acceptance Speech by Executive Mayor, Ald. Andrew Stroebel

5 July 2024

Good morning Speaker, esteemed Councillors and distinguished guests, the administration, members of the public and the media

As the newly elected Executive Mayor of the Garden Route District Municipality, I am honoured to stand before you today and to share my vision for the future of this beautiful Garden Route.

Over the past fifteen (15) years, I have had the privilege of engaging with the people of our region, listening to their hopes, their concerns, and their dreams. It is clear to me that the residents of this district are deeply passionate about their home, and they are ready to work alongside us to build a brighter tomorrow for all who live in it.

This administration and Council’s top priority will be to address the pressing issues that matter most to our citizens. We will focus on enhancing service delivery, improving infrastructure, and fostering sustainable economic development. Through transparent governance and open communication, we will strive to rebuild the trust between the municipality, the community and the seven Local Municipalities.

No single person or organisation is perfect, mistakes could have been made, but we must own them, fix them and learn from them, starting today.

There will be no witch hunt of any employee as long as you have the relevant qualification and skills for your job, have done nothing seriously wrong and you are completely honest, diligent and hard-working. We are paid to be here and to deliver services to a standard that the public expects.

My door will always be open to all employees because I believe that with mutual respect and having a shared vision, we will be able take this municipality to the next level.

I believe in strong financial discipline and that’s why there will be a refocus on the financial sustainability of this municipality, the liquidity, and implementing the District-on-a-diet approach.

Additionally, we will work tirelessly to balance the perfect environment for the private sector to create more job opportunities, particularly in the thriving tourism and agriculture sectors. By supporting local small businesses, attracting strategic investments, and nurturing entrepreneurship, we aim to cultivate a diverse and resilient economy that provides meaningful employment, especially for our youth.

The Roads function and the Regional Waste Management Facility will also be at the forefront of our agenda and it must be championed by the Members of the Mayoral Committee (MMC) through Council as a top priority.

All MMC’s are selected not by loyalty but by performance and I will reconsider the Mayco each quarter, solely based on performance. The message can’t be clearer: Shape up or ship out.

Disaster Management and Fire & Rescue Services will always be close to my heart. I will strive to be with you on the ground as much as possible because you deliver an excellent service which we must support, as there is nothing more important than saving lives.

Furthermore, we recognise the importance of sustainable environmental practices and the effect of climate change. We will promote the conservation of our natural resources, do our best to enhance waste management systems, and explore renewable energy solutions to reduce our carbon footprint and safeguard the unique beauty of the Garden Route for generations to come.

My fellow citizens, the road ahead may not be an easy one, but I am confident that with team work, and with collective leadership, we can overcome the challenges and seize the opportunities that lie before us. By working hand-in-hand, we will build a future that is prosperous, inclusive, and resilient, a future that we can all be proud to call home.

I’m willing to take hands with this administration and every council member, to work with you, listen to you, and build relationships and trust through love and respect to provide citizens hope for a better tomorrow.

I thank you.