WILLOWMORE NEWS - Willowmore's Louwrens Nortje was sworn in as a councillor of the Dr Beyers Naudé Local Municipality last week.

He replaces Samantha Graham-Maré as a proportional representation councillor for the Democratic Alliance (DA).

Nortje (54) was born in Willowmore, and studied at Stellenbosch University after completing his schooling in Paarl. He is happily married to Sunette and has three daughters who have professional careers. He has been farming in the Willowmore district for 30 years.

He comes with a strong political background, bringing both experience and a track record of expertise. A member of the DA since its founding in 2000, Nortje has served in all DA party structures as a member, chairperson, campaign manager and active supporter. He served as a councillor in Sarah Baartman District Municipality from 2000 to 2016, finishing his term as DA caucus leader. He also represented his region in the Provincial Council of the DA in the Eastern Cape.

After leaving active politics in 2016, Nortje became closely involved with community organisations in Willowmore, which includes Organised Agricultural, local Business Chamber, and chairing the Rural Land Owners Forum. 

Nortje also currently assists the Business Chamber on their negotiations with the municipality. 

Nortje believes the municipality's greatest challenge is its financial crisis. He sees the low capacity in administration as well as political representatives in council as a major concern.

He is ready to serve on any portfolio necessary. "A councillor's primary task is to be well-prepared and to acquire the relevant knowledge to give inputs and do oversight in any role you're needed for," he said.

"A well-prepared councillor will always make a difference and will likely not be intimidated."

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