Announcement of new Mayoral Committee
The recent general elections have precipitated a change to the City of Cape Town's Mayoral Committee (Mayco), with two previous members having taken up seats in the National Parliament. This has given me an opportunity to consider the best needs of the City and the kind of diverse leadership required to move our agenda forward across all platforms.
As such, I have used the two vacancies to promote new councillors. I have also decided to strengthen our commitment to and work with South African Local Government Association (SALGA) by giving Alderman Demetri Qually more time to dedicate to his strategic chairmanship of SALGA Western Cape.
I am confident that this newly constituted Mayco team is the right blend of youth and experience, knowledge and expertise, and that it will help us to continue to deliver world-class standards of City governance.
The new Mayoral Committee is as follows:
1. Transport for Cape Town: Councillor Brett Herron
2. Community Services and Special Projects: Alderman Belinda Walker
3. Economic, Environment and Spatial Planning: Councillor Johan van der Merwe (new member of Mayco)
Cllr van der Merwe has been promoted to Mayco for the first time. He has served the City Council for many years and has occupied leadership positions within and outside of the caucus. He has served on numerous boards and was instrumental in devising a new spatial approach to the greater Tygerberg region's urban regeneration in the formation of the Greater Tygerberg Partnership. He has most recently served as the Portfolio Committee Chairperson of Finance.
4. Health: Councillor Benedicta van Minnen (new member of Mayco)
Cllr van Minnen has served the Council with distinction, most recently as an outstanding member of the Safety and Security Portfolio Committee. Her activism and leadership in her ward has been a source of inspiration to other councillors and her significant analytical skills and determination will stand her in good stead in the Health portfolio.
5. Utility Services: Councillor Ernest Sonnenberg
6. Corporate Services: Councillor Xanthea Limberg (new member of Mayco)
Cllr Limberg is one of the Council's outstanding young leaders. She has worked hard to make the Economic, Environment and Spatial Planning Portfolio Committee a success as its chairperson and has been at the forefront of the Council's efforts to consider its approach to sustainable energy needs. She has a degree in public administration from the University of Cape Town and has been politically active for almost a decade.
7. Human Settlements: Councillor Siyabulela Mamkeli (new member of Mayco)
Cllr Mamkeli has worked for the DA for numerous years, starting out as an activist. During his time in the Council, he has served with distinction in numerous leadership roles, including as the Portfolio Committee Chairperson of Utility Services and as a Subcouncil Chairperson. He therefore brings extensive experience of community issues and concerns to this critical portfolio.
8. Safety and Security: Alderman JP Smith
9. Tourism, Events and Marketing: Councillor Garreth Bloor (existing Mayco member moved)
10. Social development and Early Childhood Development: Councillor Suzette Little
11. Finance: Alderman Ian Neilson
Finally, let me pay tribute to Alderman Demetri Qually who has contributed significantly to the system of government in the City of Cape Town. He was instrumental in reforming the system of Subcouncils that enhance our connection with residents. Ald. Qually will now be able to devote more time and energy to his strategic role as the Western Cape Chairperson of SALGA - a critical grouping of municipalities that helps us interface with our colleagues across the country to share best practice with one another.
Statement issued by Patricia de Lille, Executive Mayor, City of Cape Town, May 16 2014
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