WATCH: Gayton McKenzie takes mayoral chain in Central Karoo District

McKenzie ran the race unopposed, taking over the reins from Mitchell Smith. 

McKenzie was sworn into council last week, paving the way for his election. 

The PA is part of a coalition government at the municipality including the ANC, Karoo Gemeenskap Party and Karoo Democratic Force.

Cheers broke out on Monday when McKenzie accepted the nomination, taking his oath of office only moments later. 

In his acceptance speech, he vowed to give up mayoral  perks including all of his salary, the mayoral car and bodyguards.

“I didn’t come here to take, I came here to give,” he told municipal officials. 

McKenzie’s to-do list includes eradicating bucket-toilets, fixing public pools, street markings, as well as cleaning the local graveyards.

“I will donate 100% of my salary to start fixing the pools that we have here for our children. 

“The mayoral vehicle must be sold and an ambulance must bought with it. I will not claim for any petrol or any expenses, I want to cost this municipality nothing,” he added.

McKenzie has given himself tight deadlines to get the job done, with his first assessment coming up in 100 days of office. 

“When my time here is over, I will owe the municipality my life because it has given me the opportunity to give back to the people.”

Watch McKenzie’s inaugural speech below:

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