Today, we proudly announce Heinrich Pieterse as the Democratic Alliance’s Mayoral Candidate for Sol Plaatje Municipality, with a clear mandate to save our city, rebuild what has been lost, and get Kimberley working.
It is no secret that Kimberley is hurting.
Residents are living with broken water and sanitation systems, deteriorating roads, unreliable refuse removal and failing municipal services, while businesses struggle to survive and young people face limited job prospects. Infrastructure continues to deteriorate, opportunities are being lost, and too many residents no longer feel safe as crime takes hold of our streets.
Residents should never be expected to accept the decline of Kimberley as their inevitable fate.
Kimberley remains a city of enormous potential, with everything needed to once again be a thriving capital city. But it doesn’t need more political theatre from political infighting. It needs sound judgement, and the hard work of rebuilding, long after the cameras have gone.
That is why the DA has chosen Heinrich Pieterse. While others are breakers, he is a builder who brings substance, responsibility and a clear understanding of the work ahead. He is committed to leading with integrity, discipline and determination to do what is right for Sol Plaatje and all its people. He knows that getting Kimberley working again will not come through popularity contests, grand gestures or promises without a plan. There is also no overnight fix for years of poor governance. Instead, results will come through the disciplined work of rebuilding what has been lost.
There will be quick wins and where something can be fixed, we will fix it. But quick wins can only start the rebuild. To build a winning municipality, we must also create strong, sustainable foundations for the future.
The real work is in the fundamentals. It is in implementing an urgent financial recovery programme, tackling municipal debt, improving collection rates, scrutinising contracts and emergency procurement, strengthening financial controls and consequence management, properly implementing the IDP, establishing functioning ward committees, restoring municipal discipline and oversight, and ensuring meetings happen, officials attend and decisions are implemented. We must also restore the municipal fleet so essential services can reliably reach residents.
These may not make glamorous headlines, but it is through doing the work properly, without shortcuts, that we will fix what is broken.
I urge all Kimberley residents to stand with the DA and with Heinrich, as we grow support to build a municipality that works
Brick by brick, decision by decision, we can build a financially sustainable, well-governed municipality that delivers services, creates safer communities, attracts investment and opens opportunities for young people. Together, we can restore the pride and sense of community Kimberley deserves. And, one day, we can even welcome the flamingos home.
Today, we begin laying the foundations for a winning municipality for every street, every home and every family.
Together, let’s get Kimberley working!