A chair in the front row of the KwaDukuza council chambers is soon to be empty.
Executive committee member Ann McDonnell is making the leap from local to provincial politics at the end of the month.
McDonnell was placed on the Democratic Alliance’s short list for the provincial legislature in January and received news of her promotion earlier this week.
“I have been in local politics for 25 years and I need to make this change. Sitting at provincial level will allow me to focus on broader issues like education, health and provincial roads.”
The former fashion model and buyer’s political career started in 1992 in Umhlali. She has seen the North Coast transition to the Dolphin Coast and finally, KwaDukuza.
She served as the ward six (Ballito) councillor and has been at the helm of the newly-formed ward 22 since the 2011 local government elections.
“I have always been interested in people so politics seemed like a good fit. Working in ward 22 over the past few years has truly been wonderful, seeing the mix of people and catering to different needs.”
She will be sworn in as a member of provincial legislature (MPL) on May 21 and will be in Pietermaritzburg at least three days a week.
McDonnell said she would miss the KwaDukuza council and the friendly people on the Dolphin Coast.
But she will not be leaving the area completely.
“Depending on which constituency the party assigns me to, I may still be around! I am so excited for this new challenge, I have even bought a new wardrobe for Ann McDonnell, MPL. As I prepare to move on I can say that I am satisfied I have done my best.”
The DA will draw up a candidate list and hold a by-election in ward 22 within 90 days, as well as fill the party’s vacancy on Exco.
In the meantime ward 22 residents may contact committee member Di Jones on 083 612 0859 for assistance until a new councillor is elected.
All queries and ward-related complaints and suggestions can be dropped off at the Ballito and Salt Rock Libraries.
