The KwaZulu-Natal Legislature Speaker, Ntobeko Boyce recently swore in the former Umdoni Municipality PR and Ward councillor, Edwin Baptie as the Democratic Alliance Spokesperson on Health in KZN. The appointment comes after his 25 years of serving the people of Amandawe, Scottburgh, Park Rynie, Kelso and Pennington.
Baptie said it has been a long and challenging journey that started in 1996, with the first Local Government Election. “It is with mixed feelings that I have to inform South Coast residents of my decision to resign my seat on the Umdoni Local Council with effect from Tuesday, 29 August. I have taken a seat on the KZN Provincial Parliament. It’s an honour and privilege which I will engage with in great enthusiasm and hope. This new role will put me into an arena that covers a far greater area and impacts many more lives. It will be a challenge but I am confident that I can add value to the way in which provincial government performs,” said Baptie.
He said Umdoni is close to his heart and he will continue working with the councillors of the South Coast. “There are a number of initiatives in ward 10 that must and shall continue, such as the Road Maintenance Programme, the Farm Abrams Housing Project, Recycling, Crime Watch and serval others. I will continue my involvement and commitment to serving the interests of our community,” he said.
Baptie encouraged Umdoni residents to learn how government works and participate in the legislated processes in a positive and constructive way. “Our people must always be respectful when dealing with government representatives and officials,” he said.
