Leoné serves as a Councillor at both the Cederberg Municipality and the West Coast District Municipality. In addition, she forms part of the Mayoral executive committee of Cederberg Municipality, and holds the position of Portfolio Chairperson for Corporate and Community Services.
What do your roles involve?
I am a member of the Mayoral Committee and currently serve as the Portfolio Chairperson for Corporate and Community Services. Initially, I oversaw over ten departments but following the adoption of a new structure, I’m now responsible for five departments, namely, Administration and Legal Services, Human Resources, Economic Development (including Libraries and Resorts), Public Safety and Disaster Management, and Information Technology.
As a chairperson, it is my role to oversee and guide meetings, ensuring that the constitution is upheld and that due procedures are followed. I am also responsible for reporting to the Mayor on departmental performance and concerns. This includes assessing department effectiveness, addressing any issues that arise, and ensuring that all actions are in line with our government framework etc.
What motivated you to enter local government as a career?
I grew up in a very small and poor town in the Northwest Province. My daily routine involved waking up to a 5L container of water, which had to suffice for all essential household needs as the municipality turned off our taps at 4am, only resuming services the following day. Even so, you were lucky if your pipe had water at 4am. Potholes were never a concern because there was not even a tar road. We would simply drive alongside the remains of what was once a tar road. All of this was due to the mismanagement by the municipality, which failed to pay its bills and deliver essential services.
Moving to the Western Cape was a transformative experience for me, as it was my first encounter with what I now understand to be basic services. Having a continuous supply of water throughout the day, driving on long stretches of well-maintained tar roads, and enjoying the benefit of consistent municipal services were all new to me.
By studying law, I believed I could make a difference and bring about change. However, it was only after working with the people and the DA that I began to recognise that real change starts from within and that through local government, I could make a meaningful impact and improve the quality of life for others.
A young woman like yourself in the hurly-burly of politics?
I once encountered a statement made by the first female British Prime Minister: “If you want something said, ask a man; if you want something done, ask a woman.” When I began my Women in Leadership course, the introduction started with this phrase. That was when I knew I was in the right place. What motivates me is the fact that many people are in leadership positions without understanding the fundamental philosophy of leadership; it’s all about the people, you cannot lead if you do not know how to serve. You can be good in many things, but it counts little if your intentions mean little.
What challenges do you typically face?
I find myself in a Council composed of ten men, where I am the only woman and also the youngest member. I consider it a privilege to work alongside them, and we work effectively well together. However, it is unfortunate that some individuals in today’s society still believe that the political arena and leadership roles should be predominantly occupied by men. Despite progress in recent years, significant gender inequalities still persist in every field.
Challenges faced include:
Criticism: Not everyone will appreciate your efforts or like you, especially when you are a young woman in a leadership position.
Effectiveness: There is often a discrepancy between what i consider effective and what the administration deems effective.
Time Constraints: Communities are often unaware of the procedures and processes required for a decision to be taken by the council or administration. It can be frustrating that processes often take a considerable amount of time.
Community engagement: Engaging within the community is a vital part of being a Councillor. You must listen to concerns, address needs, and foster a strong sense of trust and collaboration between each other. Building relationships can be challenging, people are sometimes uneducated on what needs to be done and what we as councillors can or cannot do. I always start with an educational introduction before addressing issues.
Being straight and forward: I am a person who sees things in black and white, with no Gray areas. This direct approach often means that people and the administration may not appreciate being challenged or encountering differing opinions, yet, my opinion is not always right, so I always strive to find the best solution.
Your road to Councillor?
From a young age, my desire was to become a lawyer, and eventually a judge. Due to personal reasons, after completing school in 2010, I decided to work and study simultaneously, choosing to pursue my studies rather through Unisa. After a year, my mother, frustrated with my progress, sent me to attend a meeting. To my surprise, the Mayor of Saldanha was also in attendance. It was then that I realized I was at a DA political meeting. They asked me to assist with a CANSA walk, and I agreed. I enjoyed the experience and the people so much that the following week, I attended my first by-election.
From that point on, my journey in politics began. I worked for DA Saldanha for two years and even considered changing my degree to BA Politics, as I found politics far more engaging. I then moved to Cederberg, not even knowing where it was, and worked for DA Western Cape for eight years before resigning to become a Councillor.
Needless to say, I enjoyed my time working for the DA so much that my degree took a backseat. It took me ten years to complete my LLB Degree, and I still aspire to pursue a BA in Politics.
Today, I am grateful to have completed my degree, now I can be a DA Councillor with Legal knowledge, and add more value.
Cllr Leoné Venter
LLB
Cederberg and Weskus Distrik municipalities.
10177 (022) 433 8700
Is the Emergency number for the Fire and Medical Services within the West Coast District.
Is die Noodnommer vir die Brandweer- en Mediesedienste binne die Weskus Distrik.
