Kouga Local Municipality has officially welcomed Councillor Lorraine Maree as its new Speaker following her election at a Special Council Meeting on March 27.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In a statement released by the municipality, it said that Maree steps into the role following the resignation of former Speaker, Brenton Williams, bringing with her a wealth of experience in local governance and community leadership.\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n
She was elected as the Democratic Alliance (DA) Ward Councillor for Ward 12 \u2013 covering St Francis Bay, Paradise Beach, and Cape St Francis \u2013 during the 2021 Local Government Election, succeeding the late stalwart, Alderman Ben Rheeder.\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Prior to her election, she played a key role in the ward’s development, serving as a member of the ward committee for several years,” the statement said.\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Her leadership capabilities were further recognised in 2021 when she was appointed as a Member of the Mayoral Committee (MMC) for the Infrastructure and Engineering portfolio.”\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The statement further said that following a restructuring of portfolios in 2023, she took on the role of MMC for Finance and Economic Development, where she made significant contributions to Kouga’s financial planning and economic growth strategies.\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Kouga Executive Mayor, Hattingh Bornman, on behalf of the Council, extended his congratulations and best wishes to Maree, expressing confidence in her ability to guide the Council with integrity and dedication.\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“We look forward to working with Speaker Maree as she takes on this important leadership role,” said Bornman.\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Her experience and commitment to service delivery will undoubtedly strengthen the work of Council and the municipality as a whole.”<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Meet the new municipal speaker, Councillor Lorraine Maree, elected to enhance local governance in Kouga 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