GRAAFF-REINET NEWS - Danie Bezuidenhout (71) of Steytlerville brings a wealth of local government and political experience to his new position as leader of the DA caucus in the Dr Beyers Naudé Municipality.

Bezuidenhout took over from Samantha Graham-Maré, who resigned following her election to parliament.

After receiving a degree at the then University of Port Elizabeth, Bezuidenhout joined the old Administration Boards, and became CEO of Ibayi City Council. He moved on to become the head of local government in the Eastern Cape as Director of Community Services.

In the 1980s, he was deeply involved in the amalgamation of the previous black, coloured and white local authorities into one united body.

In 1995, Bezuidenhout was appointed as the Permanent Secretary in the Department of Local Government and Housing in the Eastern Cape.

He left government service in 2000 and moved to Steytlerville, where he started farming.

Due to his experience in local government, he was able to help many people, and was eventually persuaded to stand as a councillor.

He served two terms in the former Baviaans Local Municipality, and in 2016 was elected to represent ward 12 in the Dr Beyers Naudé Local Municipality. He has also served on the council of the Sarah Baartman District Municipality.

"I have big boots to fill," Bezuidenhout said about his new role.

He would like to see improved communication between members of his party and the community, and also work with the ruling party and the municipality on administrative organisation.

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