George mourns former Mayor and Speaker, Mercia Draghoender
George Municipality mourns the death of Mercia Draghoender, who died suddenly yesterday (11 June 2022).
George Executive Mayor Alderman Leon van Wyk said the municipality was saddened to hear of the passing of Alderlady Draghoender who had served as Mayor (2010), the first woman to take this leadership role in the George Council. She served as Ward Councillor for Ward 20, Borcherds, as Speaker of Council and a member of MAYCO for George during her long political career.
“Alderlady Mercia Draghoender served for many years as a feisty councillor who cared deeply for the community, constantly seeking to improve lives. Her passing comes as a shock and on behalf of the George Council, I wish to extend my deepest condolences to her family and friends.”
The George Municipality’s flag will be flown half-mast in front of the municipal offices in York Street in remembrance.
Archive Photograph: Formal portrait taken in 2016