Executive Mayor

Executive Mayor Marais Kruger has called the Garden Route home for more than 35 years. He is a proud former “Kwagga,” having matriculated from Outeniqua High School in 200_. With a strong background in financial management, logistics, public administration, and community-focused governance, he brings a well-balanced set of skills ideally suited to the region’s needs.

Since entering the sphere of Local Government in 2021, Kruger has served as a Ward Councillor, a Mayoral Committee Member for Community Safety and Finance in the George Municipal Council. Through these roles, he gained extensive experience in strategic planning, financial oversight, and collaborative leadership. He also holds a Diploma in Finance.

He draws confidence from the continued support of his parents, fiancé and the Democratic Alliance, as he steps into this critical role as the first citizen of the Garden Route. With a clear and forward-looking vision for the district, Mayor Kruger is committed to strengthening economic development, promoting tourism, enhancing community safety, and ensuring stability across the region.

A key focus will be on assisting to drive sustainable growth within the tourism sector, recognising the Garden Route as one of South Africa’s most diverse and valuable destinations. Central to this vision is fostering strong partnerships among the district’s seven local municipalities (Hessequa, Mossel Bay, George, Knysna, Bitou, Oudtshoorn, and Kannaland), to continue the work initiated under former Mayor Andrew Stroebel. He has a particular interest also in advancing coordinated development (Joint-District Metro Approach), shared resources, and aligning priorities within the region through integrated development planning.

Mayor also emphasises the importance of maintaining and improving municipal infrastructure and ensuring that the GRDM’s property portfolio is optimally utilised. Supporting and strengthening the GRDM’s Community Services Department which encompasses Disaster Management, Fire and Rescue Services, and Municipal Health Services, will remain a another priority for him as the region continues to face ongoing and emerging environmental and climatic challenges.

Guided by integrity, inclusivity, and a commitment to long-term development, Mayor Kruger is determined to serve the people of the Garden Route with transparency, accountability, and a shared vision for progress and prosperity.