How does the Speaker, a member of a specific political party, remain objective to views from opposition parties? We asked Weskus Distrik’s Speaker, Cllr Kallie Louw.
Kallie, how do you build trust?
The role of the Speaker is to facilitate fair proceedings, uphold Council rules, and ensure that all councillor’s voices are heard, irrespective of their political affiliations.
The moment that Council is sitting, Speakers must see themselves as ‘independent’ which is not always easy to do. You only build trust if the Councillors feel that they are equal in Chambers. I believe that I get it right most of the time and I have a good relationship with all Councillors.
What aspects do you find most challenging?
Councillors from different political parties can have different views but you must listen to their input and understand any frustrations. When it comes to a vote, tensions can rise, and you need to instil calm. You must remind them why they’re Councillors.
Most rewarding?
When an agenda item results in a bit of a power struggle and intense debate, and you leave the Chambers but can still look at each other in the eye. Then you know that the ball was played but not the person.
After 7 years as a Speaker, what drives you?
I have been the Speaker at a local municipality and now at a district municipality. The functions differ in some respects, but one thing is constant: It’s about service delivery!
If you spend your time in Council fighting opposition parties and you don’t deliver services, you have lost! Weskus Distrik has achieved 14 consecutive clean audits because our Councillors – irrespective of political preferences – understand why they’re in the Chamber.
It’s not about us, it’s about them – our community which expects and deserves service delivery.
Cllr NS ‘Kallie’ Louw
Speaker
Weskus Distrik.
