LOCAL NEWS - In just one week's time more than 8 000 voters in George will have the opportunity to vote for two new political representatives on the George Council, while thousands more will make their way to the polls in February.

The three much-anticipated by-elections in George will be conducted by the Electoral Commission (IEC) in Wards 17 and 27 on Wednesday 21 January, while Ward 16 voters will elect their new councillor on 11 February.

The vacancies in all three wards were caused by the resignations of then DA councillors in October and November last year. 

Brendon Adams (Ward 17), Marchell Kleynhans (Ward 27) and Theresa Jeyi (Ward 16), resigned from their respective DA seats in the George Council to join the PA. 

At the time PA leader Gayton McKenzie made a huge song and dance online welcoming the three into the PA fold.

Stamhoof Brendon off to National 

While Kleynhans is the PA's candidate in Ward 27, Brendon Adams told George Herald today that he is not standing as a PA candidate in his former ward because he is designated to represent the Khoi community as PA representative in the National Assembly.

Adams, who is known as "Stamhoof Adams" in George, said he should be taking up his seat in the assembly in about three months. 

"I have done a lot in my time as [DA] councillor in George and will now be of great value to the Khoi community at national level. I have been canvassing for Raphael Goeieman in Ward 17 and am 100% convinced that the PA will take the ward."

Theresa Jeyi

Jeyi says PA will rule

Former Ward 16 Councillor Theresa Jeyi is also not the PA's candidate in her old ward but has big plans for herself and the party. 

"One person can't be the same ward councillor for ever. 

"On 12 February, the day after the by-election, the PA is taking over in George. We will be emptying the offices! 

"Dan maak ons kantore leeg en die PA trek in. Ons vat dan oor! And who knows, I may be the next mayor!"

However, this is easier said than done as the DA has the majority in council with four FF Plus councillors and one ACDP councillor on its side.  

WARD 17

Ward 17 includes Tamsui, George Industrial, Portion of Rosemoor, Conville, Convent Gardens, Molenrivierrif and Mary View. 

Four candidates will contest the by-election on 21 January:

1. African National Congress - George Samuel Taylor
2. Democratic Alliance- Marizaan Mentoor
3. Patriotic Alliance - Raphael John Goeieman
4. Truth and Solidarity Movement - Mujahied Jacobs

There are 4 196 registered voters in Ward 17 and voting will take place at Rosemoor Centre and Conville Community Hall.

WARD 27

Ward 27 includes Protea Estate Pacaltsdorp, Europa, Harmony Park, Seaview, Aldanah and a portion of Oudorp.

Four candidates will contest the by-election on 21 January:

1. African National Congress - Gail Ndukwana
2. Democratic Alliance - Richard John Hector
3. Patriotic Alliance - Marchell Elton Frederick Kleynhans
4. Truth and Solidarity Movement - Victoria Audrey Rhoda

There are 3 842 registered voters in Ward 27 and voting will take place at St Vincent Palotti Catholic Church and Pacaltsdorp Primary School.

WARD 16

Ward 16 includes Andersonville, New Dawn Park, portion of Protea Park and a portion of Seaview.

Four candidates will contest the by-election on 11 February:

1. African National Congress - Remano Chadly Kasper
2. Democratic Alliance - Eveline Scheepers
3. Patriotic Alliance - Naellowine (Elsa) Esau
4. Truth and Solidarity Movement - Zarina McWhite

There are 5157 registered voters in Ward 16 and voting will take place at the municipal offices in New Dawn Park.

If you are eligible to vote, be sure to make your mark on either 21 January or on 11 February.  

Times and contact details

Voting stations open at 07:00 and close at 21:00. Voters who are in the queue at 21:00 will be allowed to vote.
Each voter must present one of the following valid identity documents: Green barcoded ID book; Smart ID card; Temporary Identity Certificate.

For inquiries, contact the George local IEC office during office hours at 044 873 3552.

Voters can also check their registration status online at www.elections.org.za or SMS ID number to 32810 at a cost of R1 per SMS.

Vote to be heard

Michael Hendrickse, Western Cape Provincial Electoral Officer, reminds all voters that these by-elections are important opportunity to choose their representatives in the George Municipal Council. 

"Voting is one of the most effective ways for individuals to influence public policy. 

"The IEC further calls on political parties, independent candidates, party agents and supporters to uphold the Electoral Code of Conduct to ensure an environment conducive to free and fair elections."

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