Lorraine Maree takes the helm as Speaker of Kouga Local Municipality

Kouga Local Municipality Speaker, Lorraine Maree

Councillor Lorraine Maree, recently elected as Speaker of the Kouga Local Municipality during a Special Council Meeting held on Thursday, 27 March 2025, is advocating for a leadership approach rooted in collaboration. She emphasises the importance of open dialogue and the exchange of ideas as key drivers of progress and effective governance, ensuring that council agendas remain focused and forward-looking.

Maree steps into the role following the resignation of former Speaker Brenton Williams, bringing with her a wealth of experience in local governance and community leadership.

Her journey began nine years ago, attending clinic and police forum meetings, which inspired her to serve her community. Since then, she has been a dedicated public servant.

Elected as the Democratic Alliance (DA) councillor for Ward 12 – covering St Francis Bay, Paradise Beach, and Cape St Francis – during the 2021 Local Government Elections, Maree quickly rose through the ranks. In 2021, she was appointed as a Member of the Mayoral Committee (MMC) for Infrastructure and Engineering.

Following a portfolio restructuring in 2023, she took on the role of MMC for Finance and Economic Development, where she played a pivotal role in Kouga’s financial planning and economic growth.

As Speaker, Maree aims to guide the Council’s work by ensuring all councillors’ voices are heard and respected. “My priorities are to help the council stay focused on key community issues, ensure transparency in council meetings, and move beyond discussions to deliver real outcomes,” she said.

Maree acknowledges communication as a significant challenge for the municipality. “Many problems stem from misunderstandings, lack of clarity, and poor listening skills. I aim to improve communication between councillors and the administration,” she added.

Committed to fairness and impartiality, Maree emphasised her responsibility to uphold order in council meetings. “As a leader, my principles—fairness, integrity, respect, accountability, and commitment—guide my actions and decisions,” she stated.

Balancing public office with personal life, Maree, an animal lover, finds solace in the outdoors. “Kouga is the most beautiful place on the planet, with spectacular sunrises and sunsets over mountains and sea,” she shared.

Offering advice to aspiring young women in leadership, Maree quoted Simon Sinek: “Leadership is not about being in charge. It’s about taking care of those in your charge.”