Growth took place during difficult circumstances
Last week, during which unrest and demonstrations took place, was a difficult period for our town
My sincere gratitude goes to our municipal manager, directors, mayoral management committee, media team, disaster management team, community and faithbased organisations, ward councillors for ward 1, 2, 3, 15 and taxi associations.
Despite the challenges over the past week, we have seen a lot of growth. This past month we had a successful Women’s Month. As part of our Make A Difference Campaign we celebrated many women making a meaningful contribution in our communities.
Through our AM Dialogues, I invited community members to enjoy coffee with me in my office and chat about what is and isn’t working in Mossel Bay.
This past month I enjoyed coffee in my office with Mrs Claudia de Jager, who taught Grade 1 learners for 38 years at Ridgeview Primary School.
Most recently, I met principal Genevieve Muller, deputy principal Tarien Strauss and learning support teacher Leana Barnard from Diaz Primary, all excellent leaders in education.
We discussed the value of discipline, the need to innovate education and the importance of a well-functioning state institution in supporting successful education. It is essential that we support our teachers.
I also attended the first meeting of the Mossel Bay Munucipality’s Multiparty Women’s Caucus on the invitation of SALGA representative, Councillor AnnaMarie Janse van Rensburg. I am encouraged by the cross-party collaboration in the interests of all women in Mossel Bay.
On 16 August, under the leadership of Councillor Leon van Dyk, we welcomed Premier Alan Winde, provincial ministers Reagen Allen and Tertuis Simmers and MP Jaco Londt for the official opening of our Joint Operation Centre.
I again thank and congratulate Mayoral Committee member for Community Safety, Councillor Leon van Dyk, for all his work and effort. It was an incredible example of the value of partnerships and Mossel Bay’s ability to innovate.
Ability to innovate
The Joint Operation Centre has since become the benchmark for community safety facilitation in the Garden Route district and in the Western Cape.
Earlier in August I attended the launch of Iconic Mossel Bay, a new destination marketing campaign initiated by Mossel Bay Tourism and supported by various stakeholders including Mossel Bay Municipality.
Addressing the attendees, I challenged everyone present to consider why they believe Mossel Bay is iconic, and how they can continue to put in the necessary effort to ensure Mossel Bay remains deserving of iconic status. I was encouraged to see members of the Mayoral Committee and council attending and supporting the launch. Congratulations to our tourism sector for its efforts.
Months ahead
We will be hosting quite a few events which will boost the profile of Mossel Bay, making us iconic, attract tourism and grow the economy.
On 23 September, we will host the Mayoral Golf Day
During September and October, we will host the Mossel Bay Sports Festival
On 6 November we welcome the Iron Man Competition to Mossel Bay for the first time
Our economy will also be bolstered by the ongoing market days spearheaded by the Department of Local Economic Development
The next market days will be on:
3 September in Asla Park
24 September at Kwano Business Park in Extension 13
30 September at our Thusong (Entrepreneurial Outreach Programme) The markets are in line with the council’s goal of growing and supporting local business, growing the economy and making Mossel Bay more family friendly.
Thank you to Gwynne Harding and our municipal Department of Local Economic Development.
In September we celebrate Arbor Month. Thank you, Communcity Services director Nel, for - as part of our greening campaigning - ensuring that 1 600 trees have been planted in Mossel Bay.
As the mayor I will be focusing heavily on greening the future in September, starting with a “Spring Hike with the Mayor along the St Blaize Trail”.
We need to promote the protection of our natural wonders but also encourage and invite the rest of the Garden Route, the Western Cape and the country to visit and enjoy iconic Mossel Bay.