THE council of the Sarah Baartman District Municipality (SBDM) hosted a special council meeting on Tuesday to confer the title of alderman/alderwoman upon 16 of its councillors.
The event was held at Addo Wildlife and included the official handover of certificates from the Speaker of SBDM council, Councillor M.E. Njadayi. The event was held in accordance with COVID-19 protocols.
The title of alderman/alderwoman serves as recognition for the role played in local government by qualifying serving councillors.
The following criteria is used to qualify for the title:
- . Serving on one or more local government bodies with South Africa for a consecutive period of 20 or more years.
- . Assumption of the office of executive mayor of the district municipality.
- .Attainment of 20 points which includes additional points for serving as a chairperson of portfolio/standing committee or mayoral committee.
The title of alderman/alderwoman has been conferred upon the following councillors in the district:
- Councillor Khunjuzwa Kekana for her 20+ years of service and position as executive mayor of SBDM.
- Councillor Deon de Vos for his 20+ years of service and the various positions he has held, including his role as mayor of Dr. Beyers Naudè Municipality.
- Councillor Horatio Hendricks for his 10+ years of service and the various positions he has held, including his role as executive mayor of Kouga Municipality.
- Councillor Phindile Faxi for his almost 20 years of service and the various positions he has held, including his current role as portfolio councillor in SBDM.
- Councillor Vernon Stuurman for his 20+ years of service and the various positions he has held, including his current role as portfolio councillor in SBDM.
- Councillor Nomhle Gaga for her almost 20 years of service and the various positions she has held, including her current role as portfolio councillor in SBDM.
- Councillor Solethu Lukas for his almost 20 years of service and the various positions he has held, including his current role as portfolio councillor in SBDM.
- Councillor Karen Smith for her 10 years of service and the various positions she has held, including her role as EXCO member in Sundays River Valley Municipality.
- Councillor Nosicelo Xhasa for her 10 years of service and the various positions she has held, including her role as EXCO member in Ndlambe Municipality.
- Councillor Monica Mateti for her almost 20 years of service and the various positions she has held, including her role as local representative to the district.
- Councillor Joseph Britz for his 10+ years of service and role he has played as a committee member and PR councillor. Councillor Leslie Reynolds for his 30 years of service and the various roles he has held.
- Councillor Fuzile Yake for his 20+ years of service and the various roles he has held.
- Councillor Daniel Bezuidenhout for his almost 20 years of service and the various positions he has held.
- Councillor Asanda Mboneni for his 10 years of service and the various positions he has held.
- Councillor Xolani Madyo for his 20+ years of service and the various positions he has held.
This event was the first of its kind for the Sarah Baartman District Municipality, and the province, and it showcases its appreciation to those Councillors who have served on various transitional local councils, Western District, Cacadu District Municipality and now Sarah Baartman District Municipality.
Through their steadfast leadership the district has remained a district committed to progress and development.
Hendricks, said, “It is with sincere appreciation that I accepted the conferment of the title of alderman from the SBDM.
“I want to extend my gratitude to the council, as well as salute my fellow confirmands for reaching this milestone in their political careers.
“My wish is for us is to live out this honour with humility and service to our communities and keep this title in good stand.”
