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Council is the elected political leadership of the Prince Albert Municipality.

Prince Albert at present has four wards, each with its own councillor elected directly by the community. These councillors are supported by ward committees, which consist of ten members. The committees include both individuals and representatives from local organisations. Their main role is to ensure that residents have a say in setting priorities for their neighbourhoods — especially when it comes to shaping the Integrated Development Plan (IDP) and identifying budget needs.

Prince Albert is a collective executive system, combined with a ward-based participatory system. The Council elects both an Executive Mayor and a Deputy Executive Mayor. Council also appoints the chairpersons of portfolio committees through which Council conducts its business: Personnel and Administration; Community Development and Protection Services; Civil and Electrical Services; and Financial Services.

The elected Speaker chairs Council meetings, and ensures compliance with the Council's code of conduct, rules and orders.

Of the seven councillors in Prince Albert, three are elected through proportional representation. They help ensure that Council decisions consider the full spectrum of community views, not just individual wards.

Currently, four political parties are represented in Council: The Democratic Alliance (DA) party has 4 seats. The African National Congress (ANC) party has 1 seat. The Karoo Gemeenskap Party (KGP) party has 1 seat. The Patriotic Alliance (PA) party has 1 seat.

Executive Mayor: Cllr Linda Jaquet

Party Affiliation
Democratic Alliance
Ward
2
Committees
Chairperson: Financial Services Portfolio Committee

The Executive Mayor leads the Municipality with a commitment to service excellence, transparency and community wellbeing. With a strong background in public service and governance, the Executive Mayor provides strategic leadership to Council, ensuring that decisions reflect the needs of all residents.

The Executive Mayor champions public participation, oversees financial planning and service delivery, and acts as an appeal authority where legally prescribed. The Executive Mayor is dedicated to fostering partnerships between Council, Administration and the community, helping to build a resilient, sustainable and inclusive future across the municipal area.

The Executive Mayor is passionate about putting people first, strengthening good governance and unlocking the full potential of the Municipality's towns and communities.

Role

Providing Strategic Direction
Chariring Mayoral Committee Meetings
Representing Council
Overseeing Financial Management
Driving Policy Implementation
Promoting Good Governance
Championing Public Participation
Fostering Intergovernmental Relations

Focus

Leading the development of the Municipality's vision, mission, priorities and strategic plans
Overseeing executive decision-making
Acting as the public face of the Municipality
Ensuring sound financial management
Working closely with Administration to ensure policy execution
Upholding transparency and accountability
Encouraging community involvement
Representing the Municipality in provincial and national forums
More about Linda Jaquet More about the Executive Mayor role

Deputy Mayor: Cllr Sidney Koonthea

Party Affiliation
Democratic Alliance
Ward
3
Committees
Chairperson: Civil and Electrical Services Portfolio Committee

The Deputy Mayor supports the Executive Mayor in providing strategic political leadership to the Municipality. Acting as second-in-command, the Deputy Mayor assists in guiding Council's work, promoting good governance and representing the Municipality when delegated by the Executive Mayor.

The Deputy Mayor works closely with Council, Administration and community stakeholders to ensure that municipal decisions and policies are responsive to the needs of all residents across the municipal area.

In addition to providing support within Council structures, the Deputy Mayor also advocates for public participation, transparency and sustainable development — helping to strengthen the resilience, inclusivity and service delivery capacity of the Municipality.

When required, the Deputy Mayor acts on behalf of the Executive Mayor, ensuring continuity of leadership and the smooth operation of municipal affairs.

Role

Supporting the Executive Mayor
Acting on Behalf of the Executive Mayor
Promoting Good Governance
Engaging with the Community
Supporting Council and Committees

Focus

Assisting the Executive Mayor in providing strategic leadership
Performing duties of the Executive Mayor when delegated or absent
Upholding transparency and accountability
Representing Council at community events and consultations
Participating actively in Council meetings and committees
More about the Deputy Mayor role

Speaker: Cllr Magrietha Jafta

Party Affiliation
Democratic Alliance
Ward
4
Committees
Chairperson: Personnel and Administration Portfolio Committee

The Speaker plays a crucial role in ensuring that the Council operates with fairness, integrity and democratic transparency. As Chair of Council meetings, the Speaker ensures proceedings are conducted according to the rules, promoting respectful debate and informed decision-making.

The Speaker is responsible for implementing and monitoring the Code of Conduct for councillors, facilitating public participation in legislative matters, establishing and supporting ward committees, and providing assistance to councillors in fulfilling their duties. Through these responsibilities, the Speaker helps to uphold ethical governance, enhance community engagement, and strengthen the relationship between residents, Council and Administration.

The Speaker ensures that Council meets at least once per quarter, enabling important decisions to be discussed, debated and adopted in a structured and open forum.

Role

Chairing Council Meetings
Upholding the Code of Conduct
Facilitating Public Participation
Establishing and Supporting Ward Committees
Supporting Councillors
Promoting Good Governance

Focus

Presiding over Council meetings with fairness and compliance
Overseeing the implementation of the Code of Conduct for councillors
Driving community engagement in legislative processes
Overseeing the creation and functioning of ward committees
Providing guidance and support to councillors
Championing transparency and accountability within Council
More about the Speaker role

Proportionally Elected Councillors

Drawn from party lists based on election results, Proportionally Elected Councillors bring diverse political perspectives into Council. They help ensure that council decisions consider the full spectrum of community views, not just individual wards.

neville_claasen-v1
Neville Claassen
Proportionally Elected Councillor
COMMITTEES:
Chairperson: Community Development and Protection Services Portfolio Committee
da
Arnold Mackay
Proportionally Elected Councillor
pa
Elsabe Maans
Proportionally Elected Councillor
anc

Ward Councillors

Elected by the people of their wards, Ward Councillors bring community concerns directly into the council chamber. They focus on improving local services, strengthening engagement and delivering projects that uplift their areas.

kiewiet_baadjies-v1
Kiewiet Baadjies
Ward Councillor - Ward 1
KGP