PLETTENBERG BAY NEWS - New Bitou mayor Jessica Kamkam is described as a down-to-earth person with a jovial and warm personality, and she is eminently approachable.
Away from the pressures of office she finds solace with her family of husband Jonathan and three children: Justine, Jerush-ah and Jotham.
Kamkam said after being elected Bitou mayor on Monday 26 August, that it was a significant moment for her as it brought to mind "the invaluable influence of my Griqua heritage".
"My roots shaped my values and have given me a profound respect for others and a strong sense of identity and belonging. These traditions and principles are the foundation of who I am, guiding me on my journey and in the responsibilities I now take on," said Kamkam
Kamkam is the councillor for Bitou's ward 1, which covers an area of 557km2 with a population of 6300 people. It extends from Nature's Valley to Keurboomsstrand and includes The Crags, about 20km north-east of the town of Plett, where she was born and brought up. After working for a number of organisations involved with development and outreach programmes in and around Plett, Kamkam began working in the office of Bitou's municipal speaker in September 2013.
From this time onwards, she became more politically aware and resolved to help the people of Bitou. On the advice and encouragement of Annelise Olivier, Bitou speaker from 2011 to 2016 (and recently reappointed to this post), Kamkam stood as a DA candidate in the municipal elections of 2016 and won with a very healthy majority.
Kamkam is also recognised as a feisty debater, and does not stand back in her interactions in council.
"I had to convince myself to become involved in politics," Kamkam told the then Cxpress newspaper.
"Ultimately, it was a combination of my roots in the local community, having empathy with the people around me, and to provide leadership - we need good leaders who have principles and who listen."
Working out of a small office in the Kurland Village community hall in The Crags, she travelled to Bitou's municipal offices when required.
From now on she will occupy the mayor's office in Sewell Street.
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