KNYSNA NEWS - After more than three decades of working at Knysna Municipality, manager of Protection Services Steven Langlands recently announced his retirement, which became effective on 31 October. Since then an outpouring of well-wishes has come his way on social media.
According to a municipal press statement, his career in civil service began as health inspector at the Paarl Division Council and spans 40 years, 33 of which were spent at Knysna Municipality.
One of Knysna Municipality's longest-serving employees, Langlands joined the municipality as a senior environmental health officer on 1 April 1989.
During his tenure with the municipality he also held the position of deputy chief of Health and Housing, among others.
Langlands and his teams can be credited with the establishment of a municipal law enforcement section, a 24-hour operational fire department in both Knysna and Sedgefield and the completion of the White Location Multipurpose Centre.
Some of the difficulties he faced included dealing with irate communities regarding housing issues and ensuring that contractors remain on site and continue with works, not to mention the ongoing baboon problem in Hunter's Home.
"The ability of various communities to work together have, however, left a great impression on me," he says.
Former acting municipal manager Johannes Jonkers thanked Langlands for his long-time service in the municipality.
"An exemplary employee who has shown himself time and again to be a leader with exceptional qualities, Steven Langlands deserves our recognition and gratitude for the value he has brought to this organisation."
Mayor Aubrey Tsengwa extended many congratulations to Langlands for his lengthy and impressive career.
"Steven has been a consistent contributor to this institution," he said. "His tenure has seen changes in the national and local political landscape, but he has never wavered in serving his community with a sense of duty and dedication. We wish him well with his future endeavours."
What parting advice did Langlands have for his successor? Well, it perhaps underlines the values that guided Langlands' work at Knysna Municipality.
"Deal with all members of the political leadership in the same manner," he said. "Continue to grow the department and carry on improving on service delivery to all members of the community."
Although visits to his children in our northern provinces and his sisters in the United Kingdom are in store, Langlands plans on staying in Knysna.
These comments were made on the Knysna-Plett Herald Facebook page, in response to the announcement of Steven Langlands' retirement.
Magdalene Moos
I go way back with Mr Langlands. A true gentleman [with an] open door policy. We came from days when community dialogue and engagement still exist. We wish him a well deserved retirement. I thank him for serving Knysna well with dignity and pride. Thanks to his family who supported him while serving [the] Knysna community.
Michelle Wasserman
You are going to be so missed Steven. Thank you for your commitment and tireless service to Knysna. Wishing you a well deserved rest and every happiness.
Jim Parkes
Thank you for your dedicated service over the decades. You have been outstanding in your service to Knysna which has been much appreciated. Thank you!
Wendy Rademeyer
So sorry to see Steven leave. He served Knysna well despite all the challenges over the years. Enjoy your retirement, Steven. You've certainly earned it. All the best and God bless.
Cheryl Britz
A CPF Thank you Mr Langlands for your committed partnership, friendship and open door policy.
Lee Erasmus
Wishing you well, on your new adventure, retirement, enjoy all the things you wanted to do while you could not, making new and wonderful memories.
Mosaic Table
Well done Steven. You deserve all the time off and your retirement. You served Knysna with dignity and total devotion. Thank you we will miss you. Big shoes for the new ones to fill.
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