Shift of Power in Plettenberg Bay: New Leadership Ushers in ANC-Majority Coalition

The winds of political change have swept through the picturesque coastal town of Plettenberg Bay, also known as Bitou Municipality, which has witnessed a significant shift in its local government structure. In a dramatic turn of events during a council meeting on February 2, 2023, Claude Terblanche, formerly the council speaker, was elected as the new mayor, supplanting the previous administration led by the Democratic Alliance (DA).

Before this pivotal change, Plettenberg Bay had been governed by a coalition formed right after the 2021 municipal elections. The coalition comprised the Democratic Alliance, the Plett Democratic Congress (PDC), and the Active United Front (AUF). However, tensions had been rising within the coalition, with the PDC, led by Terblanche himself, voicing concerns about inadequate cooperation and pressing issues regarding communication failures with their partners.

These concerns culminated in the PDC severing ties with the DA, denouncing the DA-led coalition, and ultimately playing a pivotal role in its ousting through several motions of no confidence. With the PDC withdrawing its support, the DA's coalition lost its governing majority in the council. Leading up to the election, Dave Swart from the DA held the mayoral position, supported by deputy mayor Mavis Busakwe from the AUF, alongside Terblanche as the speaker, and Whip Annelise Olivier from the DA.

The council meeting that determined the new leadership saw intense deliberations, encompassing three caucus breaks prior to the voting process. In a closely contested battle within the 13-seat council, Terblanche emerged victorious against Swart with a 7 to 6 vote, signaling the advent of a newly formed coalition now under the majority of the African National Congress (ANC).

This marked victory and change in administration were met with rousing applause within the council chambers as municipal manager Mbulelo Memani confirmed Terblanche's new role. The shake-up in Bitou's local governance did not end with the mayorship. Further alterations swept through the council's senior ranks as Nokuzola Kolwapi from the Ikhwezi Political Movement was elected the new deputy mayor. This new coalition also appointed Samkele Mangxaba from the ANC as the council whip and Sandiso Gcabayi, also from the ANC—the councillor responsible for submitting the no-confidence motion requests—as the new Speaker.

Among those impacted by the change, Dave Swart expressed gratitude for the support received during his tenure and committed himself to continue serving the citizens of Plettenberg Bay as Ward 2 Councillor.

This strategic shift in governance has significant implications for Bitou's municipal operations, local politics, and community projects. The new coalition, with its ANC majority, will be closely watched by constituents eager to assess how this change will impact service delivery, economic development, and overall municipal management in the scenic Garden Route town.