The Cape Winelands District Municipality (CWDM) convened its final Council meeting on Thursday, 29 October 2026, in the CWDM Council Chambers in Worcester, marking the conclusion of the current Council’s five-year term ahead of the upcoming Local Government Elections.
The conclusion of the 2021 – 2026 term provides an opportunity to reflect on the Municipality’s achievements, partnerships and progress in serving communities across the Cape Winelands District.
All achievements were never the work of one individual or institution alone. Rather, they were made possible through the collective efforts of the five constituent municipalities, the CWDM administration, Council, the Mayoral Committee, other spheres of government, the private sector, and partners across agriculture, business, education, tourism, sport, social development and numerous other sectors.
The conclusion of the current Council’s term also marks the end of Ald. (Dr) Elna von Schlicht’s 10-year tenure as Executive Mayor of the CWDM. Reflecting on her time in office, Ald. von Schlicht expressed her sincere gratitude to the people and administration of the Cape Winelands District.
“I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the citizens of our beautiful district, the Council, the Municipal Manager and the entire administration for their support throughout my tenure. It has been a privilege and an honour to serve this district and its people.
As I bid farewell, I encourage everyone to continue living purposefully, to enjoy and protect our most beautiful district, and to look kindly upon our neighbours. Let us remain mindful of the safety measures that protect our communities and continue to care for one another.”
Throughout the term, the Municipality remained committed to sound financial management and good governance, adding to the achievement of 12 consecutive clean audits.
Beyond its governance and financial management achievements, the Council leaves behind a legacy of well-established programmes and initiatives that have contributed to local development and created opportunities across the district.
One such initiative is the Winelands Autumn Expo, established in 2024. Now in its third year, the Expo has continued to attract growing visitor interest and participation, providing a platform for businesses to connect with customers, showcase their products and services, and explore new investment opportunities.
The Municipality has also advanced the development of a regional waste disposal facility aimed at strengthening waste management across the district. Severe damage caused by the May 2026 floods, however, has delayed the facility’s operational commencement until early 2027.
The CWDM’s commitment to service delivery, innovation and performance has also been recognised through several accolades received during the term. Most recently, the Municipality received a Silver Award in the Best Municipality (District) category at the Western Cape Government Service Excellence Awards 2026.
Other notable achievements include a Silver Award in the Eco-Municipality category at the 2023 Eco-Logic Awards, recognising an educational board game developed to teach learners about preventing the spread of COVID-19.
The final Council meeting also provided an opportunity to honour the late Councillor Deon Carinus, upon whom the distinction of Alderman was bestowed posthumously in recognition of his distinguished service and significant contributions to local government. Speaker, Ald. Donovan Joubert paid a special tribute to the late Alderman Carinus for his unwavering commitment to the community and his dedication to using sport as a vehicle for positive change in people’s lives. “It was a true privilege and honour to have served alongside Alderman Carinus” he concluded. Mrs Carinus was invited to the council meeting to receive the honour.
As the current Council concludes its term, the CWDM acknowledges that continued progress across the Cape Winelands District depends on collaboration, active public participation and a shared commitment to improving the lives of residents.
The term leaves behind a legacy of partnership, participation and possibility, providing a stronger foundation upon which future administrations can continue building healthier, more inclusive and resilient communities across the Cape Winelands District. See less
