Georlene Wolmarans, our current Mayor, is apparently in disfavour within the DA so we must wonder if Eleonor Spies‘ rocket ride to the top means that there’s the intention of making her our Mayor at the Municipal elections in 2 years time?

White mayors don’t fit into the DA’s rent-a-black/coloured strategy to draw voters away from the ANC so Spies, a coloured lady, is well BEE-positioned, far better than the others on the MAYCO (Mayoral Committee):

1. Irene Grootboom – so quiet that I have nothing to say except that.
2. Louisa Hart – wrong colour. I have no justification for it except gut feel that she wants to do the right thing but doesn’t have the courage to fully be the person she wants to be.
3. Esme Edge – wrong colour – seemingly blowing whichever way the DA blows, a packet in the wind rather than a seed seeking to grow itself into a tree giving root to Knysna… proven to be an attribute rather than an insult in insane politics that has turned this unknown beauty salon owner/estate agent into our Deputy Mayor with most not realising it happened.
4. Ray Barrell – wrong colour – also an ex-ANC politician but a man who’s proven himself to be a voice of reason and calm in Council, one of the most respected by all parties. He also seems to want to do the right thing but has, several times, failed on final delivery.

The media gave Eleonor Spies a big, free ride when she was ANC Mayor, making her popular amongst white folk who, arguably, decide what happens in Knysna. That she’s in office should beg scrutiny, even more so if she’s got the intention to be Mayor. It’s in her blood. She’s a born politician.

Maybe Georlene Wolmarans will surprise us. Surely the best way to hang onto her job would be to be the best mayor ever for the last 2 years of her reign. We can hope.