Stellenbosch Executive Mayor Gesie van Deventer first joined the DA because she believes in, and lives, the values of the DA – freedom, fairness and opportunity for all. For her, the DA was the only party to cater to these values.
Growing up in Vanrhynsdorp in the Northern Cape, Gesie first got into politics to ensure a South Africa for all citizens that is corruption free, and with the values of constitutionalism, freedom, fairness and opportunity for all. This way, she wants to ensure the best future for her children and grandchildren.
Gesie studied at Stellenbosch University and her first job was as a public prosecutor in the town.
She is a firm believer that we each have a reason and responsibility to give back and pay-it-forward to our communities and country. Therefore, she has been inspired to take up the role of a public representative to make a marked change in the lives of her fellow residents and communities, by applying her skills, passion and commitment with the necessary vigour to inspire and influence change to the betterment of all communities
Gesie and her husband have recently acquired a quaint home in the town. She is a Matie-mom as her two sons are currently enrolled at Stellenbosch University, and she and her husband also have property and business interests in the Stellenbosch area.
She lives by Zig Ziglar’s motto: “Life is like a ladder and no-one has climbed a ladder with his hands in his pockets.”
Gesie aims to focus on key problem areas such as safety and security, dignified housing, better service delivery for backyarders, providing quality basic services to all residents and creating a favourable and sustainable environment for local economic investment and job creation. Basic service delivery is of the utmost importance to Stellenbosch’s new Mayor.