GEORGE NEWS - Next week Wednesday, 25 April, is by-election time for residents of Ward 18, including a wide residential stretch from a section of Denneoord to Denver Park and Loerie Park.
The voting stations will be open from 07:00 until 21:00 and voters are reminded to bring along their identification documents (ID).
Residents can take their pick from five different political parties, the ACDP, ANC, DA, EFF and FF Plus. Learn more about the candidates from their brief resumes below:
ACDP candidate Karen van Zyl is a mother of three children, two boys and a little girl. "I love people and I really have a heart for them," she said. "I believe there is a place for young women with integrity in politics and that they can make a huge difference. Their voices must be heard.
"I stand for righteousness and will make sure that real interests will be addressed by George Municipality."
Having been married to a minister for 20 years and lived in George for almost seven years, Van Zyl knows what it is to serve the community.
"That is what I want to do through working in this ward and being part of the municipality where they make decisions that affect us all. I am fortunate to be available full-time for this opportunity."
ACDP Karen van Zyl
Van Zyl was a personal assistant for 14 years. Organising and getting tasks done are her strong points. "Serving is my mission and through politics I want to enlarge my territory to serve the whole of George."
ANC Candidate Valesca Qhawkazi Erlank has been a resident of George since 1986. She matriculated at PW Botha College in 2013 and has since been involved in the following organisations: Thabo Mbeki Leadership Institute, Thabo Mbeki Foundation, African Youth Coalition and International Youth Council (United Nations).
ANC Valesca Erlank
Erlank worked as a South African representative at the International Transformation Foundation in Kenya, an opinion writer for international magazines, and a motivational speaker.
She has won awards in philanthropy and leadership and has been rated one of forty upcoming leaders in Africa by the Thabo Mbeki Foundation. Her involvement varies from voluntary work as a committee member of the OCC and at the Department of Health, to reaching out to HIV patients and fundraising for credible service organisations.
Erlank recently started her own business in training and legal services. Qhanekazi (PTY) LTD, of which Erlank is the co-founder and executive director, is a proudly women and youth-led company. Her vision for George is to alleviate poverty by growing the economy, unite divided communities, ensure excellent and equal service delivery to all communities, to ensure good governance, reveal all forms of corruption in local government and take the lead in the fight against racism.
EFF candidate Marthinus Christoffel Muller is a local security guard, representing the working class.
"I understand the struggle of the marginalised. I am a good, humble leader and can take Ward 18 to new heights," said Muller.
"I can be a voice especially for the poor residents in the ward. I will address the needs of the people and issues in Ward 18."
EFF Marthinus Muller
DA candidate Jannie van der Westhuizen started his career in education at Outeniqua High School in 1982, whereafter he was promoted as department head and later, vice principal at Point High School in Mossel Bay.
During his career, Van der Westhuizen was the principal of three different schools, including Kirkwood High School, Hoër Landbouskool Boland and, for the last ten years, Paul Roos Gymnasium in Stellenbosch.
In his profession he has served on various committees, including the Western Cape Education Board, the South African Democratic Teachers Union, the council of the University of Stellenbosch and a member of the Commission for Education of the South African Academy for Science and Art. He undertook various overseas study tours, including to Denmark, Germany and Kenia.
Van der Westhuizen is regularly invited to speak at education congresses, workshops and symposiums on national and provincial level.
DA Jannie van der Westhuizen
After his retirement last year, Van der Westhuizen and his wife came to settle in George. He currently works as an educational consultant and is involved in a mentorship programme for principals, Bright Foundation. "The Southern Cape is in my blood," he said. "I'm excited about the opportunity and I think I can make a contribution."
Freedom Front Plus candidate Gert van Niekerk was born and raised in the small mining town Okiep, in Namaqualand. After school he joined the armed forces, first the South African Police Force and thereafter the South African Military Police and ended his career in the South African National Defence Force as Lieutenant- Colonel.
In the army he completed the degree Baccalaureus Legum (LLB) at the Potchefstroom University for Christian Higher Education and, by invitation, became a member of the Golden Key International Society based on academic achievements.
FF Plus Gert van Niekerk
Van Niekerk was admitted as an advocate to the High Court of South Africa on 16 May 2005 and prior to becoming a George resident, he practised law in Pretoria as a member of the Pretoria Bar.
"My parents and younger sister had moved to George 25 years ago. The beautiful town, clean air, friendly people and enjoyable weather - and of course the fact that it became our parents' residence - all played a role in our decision to settle here," said Van Niekerk.
Gert and his wife, Petro, are blessed with 6 children, 13 grandchildren and one great grandchild. He is still practising as an advocate and serves on the George Council.
"I am in the front line to ensure good governance and to challenge issues such as the long-overdue raising of the George dam wall, the Thembalethu road project, unauthorised spending by the municipality, enormous overtime payments and the unheard-of 53% vacancy rate at the municipality," said Van Niekerk.
"My track record in Council supports our motto: 'We don't just talk, we do!!'. To establish a real sense of belonging to all our residents, Ward 18 must become and remain the ward to be proud of."
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