KNYSNA NEWS - Knysna’s newly elected councillors are preparing to take up their positions after the local government elections on 4 November.

Acting Municipal Manager Dr Richard Martin has congratulated the councillors elected to serve the greater Knysna community, describing the election as the start of an important new chapter for the municipality.

“Nine political parties will be represented in the new council, five of which are new additions. This is three more parties than were represented in the previous council,” Martin said. A total of 23 political parties contested the election in the greater Knysna area.

“The people have made their choice, and we congratulate everyone elected to represent their communities. With the election behind us, the focus now shifts to serving residents and delivering on the promises made during the campaign.”

Martin also thanked the political parties, candidates, election officials, IEC staff and, most importantly, the voters who took part.

“The peaceful and democratic manner in which the election was conducted is something we can all take pride in,” he said, and added that the municipal administration looked forward to working with the new councillors in the interests of Knysna and its communities.

“There is much work ahead. The challenges facing local government require a shared commitment, constructive engagement and a clear focus on improving residents’ lives. Our administration remains committed to supporting the new council and ensuring that municipal services and programmes continue without interruption.”

Martin said he hoped to build a productive working relationship with the new council, based on mutual respect, accountability, ethical leadership and integrity, with residents’ needs at its heart.

The new council’s first meeting is scheduled for 12 November, subject to the IEC’s official declaration of the election results. Preparations are under way to ensure the meeting proceeds as planned, and the newly elected councillors can formally take up their responsibilities. 

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