Drakenstein council and Mayco-predictions

One of the first tasks of the newly constituted municipal council would be the appointment of senior office bearers, including the mayoral committee.

Before one add any names to a portfolio the constituting of a new council is also an opportunity to reconfigure portfolios and align it with the plans of the administration. Now that might not happen with the incoming administration, but I will still play around. 

First, I would add recreation to the public safety portfolio, I mean at any event there should be public safety. Secondly to put focus on the economic growth and development of Drakenstein as a city I would create an Economic Opportunities and Tourism portfolio and add Human Settlements and Rural Development together.

Finance: There are rumours that Gert Combrink might not be returning as Deputy Mayor, should that be the case and he miss out on this portfolio two excellent candidates would be Jako Matthee and Aletta van Staden. Both would also be excellent choices for Chief Whip.

Engineering: Rumour has it Koos le Roux will be returning as Speaker, leaving the portfolio vacant. Two potential candidates are Johan Miller and Anre Koegelenberg.

Public Safety & Recreation: Rean Smuts has retired leaving the portfolio vacant. This could go to Aidan Stowman, Reinhardt van Nieuwenhuyssen or first-time councillor Avron Apollis. 

Social Services: Should Stowman get Public Safety and Recreation, Apollis might get Social Services. Another candidate for is Laurishia van Niekerk.

Inter-Governmental Relations and Communication: It is highly unlikely that Van Nieuwenhuyssen would return to this portfolio, leaving the door open to Van Niekerk. Another candidate would be Rita Andreas.

Environment, Parks & Open Spaces: Christephine Kearns looks set to return to te portfolio.

Human Settlements & Rural Development: Lorraine Cyster might be returning to the portfolio and take on rural development as well.

Arts, Culture & Sport: It looks like a definite that Lorenzo Arendse will take on the Arts, Culture & Sport portfolio. 

Corporate Services: Patricia Mokoena will not be returning the council leaving the portfolio vacant for first time councillor and former PA to the Mayor, Elizabeth Baron.

Planning and Development: Should Miller be moving to engineering the likely candidate for this portfolio might be first-time councillor Stephanus Liebenberg.

Economic Opportunities & Tourism: Rita Andreas should be the likely choice for this portfolio should it be created, thanks to her successful first term in the rural development portfolio. Should the new portfolio not be created she will most probably return to her old portfolio.