Marius Koen Returns as Executive Mayor of Saldanha Bay Municipality
Editor/Reporter – George April
VREDENBURG:- In a dramatic and closely contested special council meeting on 26 February 2026, Alderman Marius Koen of the Democratic Alliance (DA) was elected Executive Mayor of Saldanha Bay Municipality (SBM) by the narrowest of margins.
Just one vote -over Councillor Tyrone Williams of the GOOD party.
The election, held in the Vredenburg council chambers, aimed to restore leadership stability following two recent DA resignations: former Mayor André Truter stepped down on 30 January 2026, and Acting Mayor Charmaine Laubscher resigned her council seat and DA membership on 13 February to join the Patriotic Alliance (PA). These departures created a leadership vacuum, making the mayoral vote crucial for addressing service delivery, infrastructure, and governance in this important West Coast municipality.
The vote itself turned contentious due to a disputed spoiled ballot. Municipal Manager Heinrich Mettler ruled one ballot invalid—reportedly from ANC Councillor Theresa Rossouw, who intended to vote for Koen, due to improper or ambiguous marking. This decision sparked heated debate in the chamber, with opposition parties (ANC, EFF, MK, PA, and GOOD) questioning the fairness and process. Speaker Olivene Daniels upheld the ruling, and despite objections, the meeting continued.
The final result saw Koen prevail narrowly, amid reports of “chaos in the council chamber” over the spoiled ballot issue.
Koen, who previously served as Mayor from 2016 to 2021 and has experience driving industrial growth around the Saldanha Bay port, returns to the role. Critics have referenced service delivery concerns from his earlier term, while supporters highlight his track record in economic development.
In the aftermath, Tyrone Williams shared an emotional Facebook post reflecting on the outcome and expressing pride in the community’s support:
“Good evening community. Trust you’re all well. I just want to take this opportunity to thank everyone for your support today. I’m sitting here alone in my living room with tears running down, not because I lost, but because I’m proud – not just of the Laingsville community, but of the entire Saldanha Bay Municipality’s residents. Today was once again proof that people believe in and trust my capacity and leadership.
What happened today was shocking, but rest assured, I will not stop fighting for you. Even if I have to go to the bitter end, I will fight until the end. The Word of God teaches me tonight: Not my time, but God’s time. Amid all the sadness and anger, let’s stay focused because
November is around the corner, then we’ll show them what happens.
Thank you again, community. I’m very proud of you, I love you all, and I will always fight for you until the bitter end.”
The post highlights the personal impact of the defeat and Williams’ resolve to continue advocating, especially with the 2026 local government elections approaching (including two by-elections on 17 April in Langebaan and Saldanha wards, triggered by the DA resignations).
The spoiled ballot controversy has sparked calls for greater transparency, with some residents and opposition voices expressing frustration online. Broader political shifts in the area, such as emerging support for parties like MK and PA in recent polls, add to the sense of volatility.
With Koen now leading, attention turns to stabilizing the council, appointing a mayoral committee, and progressing key projects linked to the port, tourism, and housing. The November elections loom as a potential turning point for the municipality’s future direction.
(Sources: Saldanha Bay Municipality official website, local news reports including NovaNews, and community social media updates)
