After the previous mayor of the Overstrand Municipality, Dr. Annalie Rabie, stepped down, there was much speculation about the new appointment. Several Facebook groups announced in early April that Archie Klaas was the new mayor, but in a short statement he denied the rumors.
On 8 April Klaas released a statement where he said he is not the mayor of OM. In this statement he said: “The DA is yet to issue a statement on who was successful in the mayoral nomination position process. When the DA is done with the process, a public statement will be made by the Party. We must not put undue influence on the party. We must wait. Like many of us who applied, I am awaiting the announcement. Let us respect the other candidates.”
During a special council meeting held on Monday (12 May) Klaas was inaugurated as the new mayor. It was also reported on social media that the new deputy mayor is Elnora Gillion. In response to this rumour Klaas said on 10 May: “In response to the enquiries on the position of the Deputy Executive Mayor of Overstrand Municipality, we are not yet there. At the right time, we will know the facts around the Deputy Executive Mayor position. For now, the Executive Mayor is being put into office thus the Acting Executive Mayor goes back to the ‘default’ position.”
He also sang the praises of Lindile Ntsabo during a Facebook post. “ladies and gentlemen in Overstrand Municipality, help me appreciate the outgoing 35 year old executive mayor, alderman Lindile Ntsabo. What a leader! What an amazing friend! It is so humbling to work with him!
Ntsabo also announced his new role recently and said that he will step down from his duties as acting mayor on Monday, 12 May at 12:00. “I will revert to my position as Deputy Mayor at the same time. I am pleased to announce the election of a new executive leadership. I warmly congratulate Mayor-elect Archie Klaas, who will officially assume office at that time. I extend my best wishes to Mayor Klaas as he takes on this important role,” he said.
Getting to know the new mayor
Archie is no stranger to the Overstrand and is a proud resident of Zwelihle for the past 45 years.
According to his profile he was the Head of Marketing for Relmar Holdings from 2005- 2014. Politics runs deep in Archie’s veins and he joined the Overberg District Municipality as Deputy Executive Mayor from 2016-2021. He was the Chairperson of National Task Team, BMF Student Chapter (all Universities in South Africa).
He obtained a Degree and Diploma in Marketing at CPUT (Cape Peninsula University of Technology). In his free time he enjoys playing golf, reading books and writing.“I have served as a PR Councillor since 2016. I have a passion to develop my community, and to make a difference in my beloved community.”
For him service delivery is very important and he wants to ensure that every resident receives only the best services. Other problems that are close to his heart are illegal dumping and sewage, housing and health care and safety.
