GRAAFF-REINET NEWS - “It is with a sad and heavy heart that I bid you all farewell as I leave the Democratic Alliance as Councillor for Ward 2 in the Dr Beyers Naude Municipality.”
These were the opening lines of what will be Linda Botha’s final newsletter to the residents of ward 2 in the Dr Beyers Naude Local Municipality.
In the two and a half years since her inauguration in August 2016, she has become very involved in the political affairs of the residents of her ward, which covers the Horseshoe area of Graaff-Reinet as well as Nieu-Bethesda. “Never in my wildest dreams did I ever envision becoming so involved in the political arena, and had it not been for the late Theuns Eksteen’s persuasion, my life may quite surely have just continued copping along quietly,” said Botha.
Sadly, life in the political field has taken its toll, and she has decided to resign from Council and continue her work for the DA as an active branch member. She will also remain as the Constituency Finance Chair.
Botha expressed her gratitude for having had the opportunity to give of her best to what she refers to as a wonderful and supportive community. As one who grew up in what she terms “the grim and cold years of apartheid”, she is also deeply appreciative of having had the opportunity of getting to know and lovingly accept those who have been less fortunate than herself, and this she considers to be the greatest of gifts bestowed upon her over the past four years.
When asked about what she feels have been her greatest achievements, Linda’s first immediate response was the work she did on removing a dear elderly lady who had been in Somerset Street living in the direst of conditions. The lady now resides in the Parsonage Street Home and is being well-cared for.
Another highlight was obtaining a wonderful donation from a very kind community member and using it to have the Ward 2 Horseshoe Clinic thoroughly cleaned up and painted which assisted them in achieving “Ideal Status” through the Department of Health.
In Nieu-Bethesda, she was delighted when, after much stressful debate and persuasion, the upgrade of the MR605 was finally approved – she was disappointed that it was not tarred, but at least good sound maintenance.
Cllr Samantha Graham is full of praise for the contribution that Botha made to the Council and to the DA Caucus. “Her passion for service was evident in everything she did from solving service delivery issues for residents to arranging for the knitting of beanies for the children in Pienaarsig in Nieu-Bethesda. Her tenacity and outstanding administrative skills meant that no issue was forgotten or left unsolved” said Cllr Graham. “I have no doubt that some people are heaving a sigh of relief that she is no longer there to wield the whip and ensure accountability from them.
But for the community of Ward 2 and Dr Beyers Naude Local Municipality, this is a tremendous loss. “We wish Linda all the very best in her future endeavours and trust that she looks back on this time as a Councillor with joy and a great sense of pride in a job brilliantly done,” Cllr Graham concluded.
Ward 2 matters will be attended to by Cllr Graham until such time as a by-election has been held and a new councillor has been elected.
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