The Democratic Alliance (DA) bids farewell to a true pillar of the party, Stellenbosch Mayor Alderwoman Gesie van Deventer, who has announced her retirement today and plans to step down as mayor at the end of November.
Ald. Van Deventer joined the DA because she believes in, and lives, the values of the DA – freedom, fairness and opportunity for all.
In 2011, Ald. Van Deventer was elected mayor of Drakenstein after the DA won a majority of seats in council in the 2011 elections. Ald. Van Deventer was elected to the Western Cape Provincial Parliament in the 2014 provincial elections; however, she relinquished her seat to continue serving as mayor of the Drakenstein.
In 2016, Ald. Van Deventer was nominated as the DA’s mayoral candidate for Stellenbosch and vacated her role as Drakenstein mayor in May 2016. On 15 August 2016, Van Deventer was elected Stellenbosch mayor.
And for eight consecutive years, Gesie and her Stellenbosch Councillors were awarded clean audits by the Auditor General of South Africa.
Her unwavering dedication and tireless advocacy for service delivery have left an indelible mark on residents in Drakenstein and Stellenbosch.
The DA in the Western Cape wishes to extend our heartfelt thanks to Gesie for her incredible commitment to residents and to her family for their continuous support. We wish you a restful and joyful retirement.