Now, Let’s zoom a bit and explore the broader leadership team—the individuals tasked with guiding the municipality as a whole and shaping its long-term vision. At the top, we find the Executive Mayor and a team of Proportional Representative (PR) councillors, all of whom play vital roles in steering the political and developmental course of JB Marks Municipality.

Who’s at the Helm?

Executive Mayor: Cllr Gaba Thithiba Ka Qhele

As the Executive Mayor, Cllr Ka Qhele oversees the overall direction of the municipality. The mayor’s office plays a central role in executing municipal policies, coordinating council activities, and working towards sustainable development across all wards.

Speaker: Cllr Moithoesi Rosy Dassie

The Speaker presides over council meetings, ensuring democratic procedures are followed. The Speaker also plays a key role in holding councillors accountable and maintaining transparency in governance.

Single Whip: Cllr Lumkile Links

The Whip’s job is to maintain discipline and order among councillors. Cllr Links ensures that political lines of communication remain open and that councillors represent their mandates effectively.

Understanding PR Councillors

Unlike ward councillors who are elected directly by residents in a geographic area, PR councillors are elected based on the proportion of votes their political parties receive in municipal elections. While they represent party interests, they also serve the broader community and contribute to key decisions affecting all residents.

Here’s a breakdown of the PR councillors currently serving in JB Marks Municipality, according to party:

ANC (African National Congress):

• Cllr Gaba Thithiba Ka Qhele

• Cllr Gerald Amos M Modise

• Cllr Lesego Rantekane

• Cllr Mmasetlhake A. Mapogoshe

• Cllr Moithoesi Rosy Dassie

• Cllr Patricia Mtshali

• Cllr Thabo Macdonald Motlhatswi

• Cllr Thandiwe Prudence Mtayi

• Ald Tibane Raymond Mampe

DA (Democratic Alliance):

• Cllr Juanita Fredrika Terblanche

• Cllr Glenville Marvin Levert Fransman

• Cllr Gretchen Merna Meyer

• Cllr Hans Jurie Moolman

• Cllr Jan Hendrik Greyling

• Ald Johannes Christiaan Landsberg

• Cllr Rethabile Galaletsang M. Dube

• Cllr Lebohang Elliot Nchoela

EFF (Economic Freedom Fighters):

• Cllr Agnes Motabogi

• Cllr Alfred Mangaliso Tunyiswa

• Cllr Kedibone Rosina Kegontse

• Cllr Lydia Palesa Tebogo Mlambo

• Cllr Patricia Lebogang Ndwendwe

• Cllr Tlhoiwa Piet Modisane

PA (Patriotic Alliance):

• Cllr Adrë Lee-Rail Swarts

• Cllr Malverine Davis

VF Plus (Freedom Front Plus):

• Cllr Zelona Van Der Merwe

• Cllr Herman Van Der Westhuizen

• Cllr Izak Johannes De Villiers

• Cllr Johannes Jakobus Lourens

• Cllr Karin De Villiers

• Cllr Matthys Jacobus Van Tonder

• Cllr Matthys Wilhelm C. Rossouw

• Cllr Petrus Steyn

Why This Matters

It’s easy to lose track of who’s who in local government—but these are the people making decisions that affect everything from roads and refuse collection to local economic development. Whether you voted for them or not, this team represents you, and they’re the ones you can reach out to for answers or action.

Final Thought: Leadership in Layers

Local government isn’t just about one person or one office—it’s a network of representatives, each with a different focus, working together (in theory, at least) to serve the public interest. The mayor, Speaker, Whip, ward councillors, and PR councillors all play a part in making JB Marks function.

As residents, staying informed is our first step toward holding this leadership accountable—and hopefully, building a better community together.

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