Ward 10 councillor Caelee Laing is excited about Christmas
The Westville Girls’ High School alumnus was elected as Ward Councillor in early November, in the Democratic Alliance-retained ward. She joined her party in 2013 and was mentored for nine years by the late political veteran Terrance (Tex) Collins.
CAELEE Laing describes herself as a ‘feminist, activist and rescue-mom’.
Laing was motivated to enter the political arena when several of her school and university friends left South Africa.
“I decided to contribute to fighting for change in our country and not to leave – not just for myself but for my nephews and fellow youth. I do what I do because I believe if we fight hard enough, with the values of my party behind us, we will achieve the goal of bringing change to this beautiful city and country I call home.”
Laing was previously a Proportional Representative (PR) councillor for Wards 24 and 92 in 2016, which included Chesterville, Clermont, Westville, and Westville North. Her subsequent term in 2021 saw her serving in Wards 7, 8, and 103, which cover the areas of Assagay, Botha’s Hill, Hillcrest, Shongweni, and surrounds. Laing is the DA whip on the Finance, Security, and Emergency Services Committee.
The Ward 10 councillor lives in the Upper Highway area and enjoys the country lifestyle available to residents.
Laing’s top five local restaurants include the 1000 Hills Chef School in Botha’s Hill and Madison’s Bakery at the Mushroom Farm on Kassier Road.
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She says, “My other favourites are Mandala Café, which is a fantastic place for vegans and vegetarians, Rioca Café and anywhere I can get a good curry.”
Mandala Café is on Old Main Road, in Botha’s Hill, and Rioca Café is situated in Kloof.
Laing is looking forward to leisure time during the festive season, and when the Highway Mail asked which of Durban’s Christmas events she is planning to attend, she replied, “As councillors, we don’t get a lot of time with our families, so I intend getting some much-needed time with my large family and the other half. I also intend to spend time with friends and the fur kids. I’m hoping to finish the novels I haven’t had time to complete, and lastly, indulge in my tradition of rewatching the Harry Potter series.”
Laing’s Christmas day meal won’t be strictly traditional.
She said, “I’ll be spending the day with some of my family, so there will be the usual meats and salads for them. However, I’m a strict vegan so I’ll be eating a lovely plant-based roast!”
The councillor wishes her constituents well.
“As residents of the Upper Highway, we have had a tough year with the floods and challenges we’ve faced thereafter. I’d like to wish the residents of Ward 10 a blessed and restful festive season with their families and loved ones,” she said.
