NEWLY ELECTED LANGEBERG SPORT COUNCIL
On 13 March 2025, the official Sport Council election was held, with Deputy Mayor Ald. Grootboom stating the establishment of a Sport Council was long overdue to ensure a proper structure is in place, emphasizing the importance of electing committed and passionate individuals to foster better relationships and develop sports within the Langeberg Municipality.
Mr. Andre Enslin and Mr. Lorenzo Arendse, representatives from the Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport, were in attendance to advise and ensure a proper selection process, with discussions on key positions and additional positions were followed. The election process was facilitated by Mr Lorenzo Arendse, as Chairperson of the Cape Winelands District Sport Council.
19 Clubs participated in elections for four positions: Chairperson, Vice Chairperson, Treasury, Secretary, additional members, and a member from the municipality serving as a liaison officer between Council and the Municipality.
The sport codes include:
1. Bowling
2. Table tennis
3. Tennis
4. Pigeon
5. Gymnastics
6. Karate
7. Soccer
8. Cricket
9. Netball
10. Rugby
Mr Arendse also provided a short message of support to the newly elected council, and stated that normally there was not a voice for Langeberg area, however with the election of the Sport Council, the area will be included and can form part of events and activities that the District Sport Council arrange annually together with the Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport for example, their Sport Legends Event.
The newly elected Sport Council aims to promote societal change by ensuring access to sport, promoting women, girls, and disability sports. They aim to inspire change and create hope for growth in sport development.
Introductions were done of nominations with a short background provided by candidates at the meeting before the election, so that voters (clubs) could make an informed decision when they vote.
The Secretary position was filled by Deon Bure from Ashton Tennis Club, while the Vice Chairperson position was filled by G Abrahams from United Ashton RFC. The Chairperson position was filled by Cecil Fielies from Robertson Cricket club.
The new Sport Council members now have the task to ensure a fair process for filling the Treasurer position that received no nominations, with all sports codes having representation through additional members.
The newly elected Sport Council for Langeberg area, chaired by Mr. Fielies, mentioned in his vote of thanks that it has been a long journey to establish a Sport Council for Langeberg area, but now clubs can work closely together and foster better relationships between clubs and the municipality. The Langeberg Municipality's Director Community Services, Mr. Mgajo, congratulated the new Council for making a difference to take on the task of fostering good relationships with all sports codes and promote economic development.
Photo from left to right: Mr Mike Mgajo (Langeberg Municipality Director Community Services), Mr Gerrit Abrahams (Langeberg Sport Council Vice Chairperson), Mr Cecil Fielies (Langeberg Sport Council Chairperson), Mr Deon Bure (Langeberg Sport Council Secretary), Mr Lorenzo Arendse (Chairperson Cape Winelands Sport Council), Mr Andre Enslin (Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport), Cllr Danie September (Mayco Community Services) , Mrs Lenchen April (Langeberg Municipality Manager: Community Facilities)