Land Party Credits Archie Klaas Appointment as Overstrands First Black Mayor to Its Political Pressure
The Land Party has attributed the appointment of Archibald Archie Klaas as Overstrand Municipality first black executive mayor to its growing influence and sustained pressure on the Democratic Alliance (DA) to transform leadership in the historically exclusive council.
Klaas assumed the position following the resignation of Dr Annelie Rabie in March. His election was confirmed during a Special Council Meeting on May 12, 2025. The Land Party, while welcoming the appointment, stated that this milestone was not the result of progressive governance but a calculated response to shifting political dynamics.
According to Land Party spokesperson Asavela Sithonga, the appointment was not driven by a genuine DA commitment to transformation but was rather the product of consistent pressure from the Land Party and the community demand for change in Overstrand. Sithonga added that the Land Party has, since its formation, actively challenged what it sees as systemic racial bias and political stagnation within the DA-led council.
For years, Sithonga claimed, the DA had operated with minimal resistance, partly due to muted opposition from ANC councillors. The emergence of the Land Party has disrupted this dynamic, prompting the DA to take previously unimaginable steps, including the election of both a black executive mayor and deputy mayor — a historic first for the municipality.
Sithonga emphasized that the Land Party is not swayed by symbolic gestures and that its support must be earned through tangible change. While acknowledging Klaas, the party indicated it would closely monitor his performance. Klaas previous tenure as deputy mayor and later Speaker of the Overberg District Municipality was criticised by the Land Party for being overly theoretical and slow in delivering outcomes.
According to Sithonga, Overstrand residents are tired of prolonged meetings that lead nowhere, and Mayor Klaas now has a responsibility to lead with action, not rhetoric. The Land Party committed to holding the new administration accountable, insisting that transformation must go beyond window-dressing and be rooted in meaningful service delivery, spatial justice, and socio-economic improvement — particularly in underserved areas like Zwelihle, Klaas’s hometown.
Meanwhile, DA Western Cape leader Tertuis Simmers welcomed Klaas appointment, stating that Klaas brings a wealth of governance experience and reflects the DAs dedication to clean and effective service delivery. Simmers said Overstrand has long been one of SAs top-performing municipalities and expressed confidence in Klaas’s ability to maintain that standard.
Municipal Manager Dean O’Neill also expressed support, noting Klaas strong public service record and deep connection to the community. He said the administration looks forward to working together to maintain and enhance service levels.
Klaas, who began his political career in 2016 as an Overstrand councillor, said he plans to build on the municipalitys progress while addressing ongoing challenges.
Klaas assumed the position following the resignation of Dr Annelie Rabie in March. His election was confirmed during a Special Council Meeting on May 12, 2025. The Land Party, while welcoming the appointment, stated that this milestone was not the result of progressive governance but a calculated response to shifting political dynamics.
According to Land Party spokesperson Asavela Sithonga, the appointment was not driven by a genuine DA commitment to transformation but was rather the product of consistent pressure from the Land Party and the community demand for change in Overstrand. Sithonga added that the Land Party has, since its formation, actively challenged what it sees as systemic racial bias and political stagnation within the DA-led council.
For years, Sithonga claimed, the DA had operated with minimal resistance, partly due to muted opposition from ANC councillors. The emergence of the Land Party has disrupted this dynamic, prompting the DA to take previously unimaginable steps, including the election of both a black executive mayor and deputy mayor — a historic first for the municipality.
Sithonga emphasized that the Land Party is not swayed by symbolic gestures and that its support must be earned through tangible change. While acknowledging Klaas, the party indicated it would closely monitor his performance. Klaas previous tenure as deputy mayor and later Speaker of the Overberg District Municipality was criticised by the Land Party for being overly theoretical and slow in delivering outcomes.
According to Sithonga, Overstrand residents are tired of prolonged meetings that lead nowhere, and Mayor Klaas now has a responsibility to lead with action, not rhetoric. The Land Party committed to holding the new administration accountable, insisting that transformation must go beyond window-dressing and be rooted in meaningful service delivery, spatial justice, and socio-economic improvement — particularly in underserved areas like Zwelihle, Klaas’s hometown.
Meanwhile, DA Western Cape leader Tertuis Simmers welcomed Klaas appointment, stating that Klaas brings a wealth of governance experience and reflects the DAs dedication to clean and effective service delivery. Simmers said Overstrand has long been one of SAs top-performing municipalities and expressed confidence in Klaas’s ability to maintain that standard.
Municipal Manager Dean O’Neill also expressed support, noting Klaas strong public service record and deep connection to the community. He said the administration looks forward to working together to maintain and enhance service levels.
Klaas, who began his political career in 2016 as an Overstrand councillor, said he plans to build on the municipalitys progress while addressing ongoing challenges.
