New ward councillor sworn in

KOUGA’s newest councillor was sworn in at a council meeting last week.

Phumzile Oliphant replaces Sam Swepu, who passed away earlier this year, as the ward councillor of ward 6 in Humansdorp.

This follows ANC-candidate Oliphant’s victory in the bi-election of October 14. He received 73,52% of the 2669 votes while Thamsanqa Ndzelani of Cope, took 26,48%.

After he was sworn in, Oliphant commented that the people of ward 6 had “spoken overwhelmingly”.

He committed himself to looking after the interests of his ward, which includes KwaNomzamo and Boskloof.

“I will fight and stand strong for my community,” he said. “I am not here on honeymoon. I am here to ensure service delivery happens.”

Kouga executive mayor Robbie Dennis said it was good to be reminded of the oath councillors have to take.

He said it reminded councillors of their obligation to work together, regardless their differences, to uplift their communities.

“We must reconcile in the best interest of Kouga, as the oath states.”

ANC supporters from ward 6 also attended the meeting to witness their elected ward councillor being sworn in.

Some opposition party members objected to their singing as Oliphant prepared to take the oath, however, the mayor reminded the meeting that singing and dancing were “part and parcel of the people of Africa”.

He said it was “unfortunate” that some had not yet made the mindshift to recognise and accept this.