The Chief Whip is a senior office in the City of Cape Town's Council. The role is to build and maintain relationships with all party whips. The Chief Whip helps the Speaker keep order in the Council Chamber, working with the party whips. The Chief Whip also makes sure every political party is represented on the Council's committees. Party whips handle caucus discipline, attendance and apologies. That is why the meeting opens with apologies and late arrivals, and why opposition caucuses such as the ANC, EFF and UDM are involved in a Chief Whip's farewell.
Desiree Visagie (DA) has held the post since the current administration took office. Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis nominated her in 2021 to uphold the highest standards and values and to ensure the smooth functioning of Council and Caucus. Councillors are elected for fixed terms. Members of Council serve for five years. The term that began after the 2021 local elections is therefore close to its end, and a councillor's departure at this stage is a normal part of that cycle.
Council is large and politically diverse. It has 231 members, made up of 116 ward councillors and 115 proportional representation councillors. A Chief Whip who works well across party lines helps Council business run smoothly. Her successor will be chosen by the governing party's leadership, and that choice affects how Council meetings are managed.
