n a news bulletin on 20 September, the SABC reported on the problems experienced in the Thembelihle Local Municipality (Hopetown, Strydenburg).
Among other things, it was incorrectly reported that the Municipality is run by the EFF, the Siyathemba Community Forum and the FF Plus.
The FF Plus's councillor in the Municipality is Mr Paul van Niekerk, and he was elected as councillor by Ward 6. He does not serve on the Executive Committee, nor does he hold any executive office in the council.
It is in line with the FF Plus's policy not to enter into a coalition with either the ANC or the EFF.
Van Niekerk possesses valuable technical skills, particularly relating to pumping and distributing water and repairing diesel engines.
He, consequently, spends much of his time assisting municipal officials in this regard. He does not interfere with their work, but he is available on demand to offer the skills that the Municipality lacks in its human resources.
The FF Plus is unequivocally in opposition to both the ANC and the EFF. However, Van Niekerk is a shining example of a councillor who, above and beyond performing his duties, also invests his skills and time to improve service delivery.
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