In adherence to their coalition agreement, the Namakwa Civic Movement (NCM) and the Democratic Alliance (DA) have facilitated a leadership change in the Nama-Khoi Local Municipality. During a special council meeting in Springbok on Wednesday, June 19, a new mayor and speaker were sworn in.
Dr. Gustav Bock has stepped down as Mayor, with Councillor Rodney Kritzinger of the DA elected to take over the position for the next two and a half years. Kritzinger’s nomination faced opposition from Councilwoman Charllotte Visser of the African National Congress (ANC), who lost the vote 10 to 7.
Bock, representing the NCM, has been appointed as the new speaker of the municipality. He won the election against ANC councillor Joshua Losper, also by a vote of 10 to 7.
This leadership transition is part of the coalition agreement established between the DA and NCM in 2021. In his acceptance speech, Kritzinger expressed gratitude to the outgoing mayor for his efforts and committed to maintaining high standards of service delivery through visibility and community engagement. He urged the community to collaborate with him to achieve the area’s goals.
The African National Congress of Namakwa has acknowledged the elections, promising to remain vigilant and dedicated to public service. The council has also prioritized addressing the Nababeep sewerage issue in their next agenda to prevent health risks to the local population.
