The Cape Winelands District Municipality (CWDM) confirms the appointment of Mr. Seraj Johaar as the Acting Municipal Manager. 

Mr Seraj Johaar is the Executive Director of Corporate & Planning Services at Drakenstein Municipality in Paarl, Western Cape. Previously, he served as the Director for Municipal Governance and Head of Litigation at the Western Cape Government, where he gained extensive experience in local government law. He studied at the University of Cape Town and completed his BA LLB and postgraduate diploma in Tax Law.

In his current role, Mr. Johaar leads the Corporate and Planning Services Department, which is aligned with the municipality’s key development objectives, particularly institutional development and integrated planning. His department focuses on enhancing employee recruitment and development, improving administrative systems, legal compliance and assurance and delivering efficient planning services.

Mr. Johaar is dedicated to finding innovative ways to deliver services to the Drakenstein community. He emphasizes the importance of effectively utilizing existing structures to address community needs holistically and integratedly. His strategic vision includes aligning organizational objectives with human resources and amplifying technological applications to enhance service delivery.

Regarded as the lifeline of the municipality, Mr. Johaar’s department provides essential support to all other departments and council structures, ensuring the smooth operation of the municipality. With his wealth of experience and commitment to community development, Mr. Johaar is a knowledgeable speaker on municipal governance, corporate services, and effective strategies for local government operations.