Alderman Jean-Pierre Smith was born on 13 July, 1971. He attended Micro Primary School and matriculated at De Kuilen High School, both in Kuilsriver, Cape Town. He continued his studies at Stellenbosch University where he achieved a BA degree in English.
Ald Smith served on the board of an NGO working with street children and worked with a variety of NGOs that assist homeless children and adults, including the Western Cape Street Children’s Forum and the Central Street People’s Forum (which he chaired for two years). He started the Atlantic Seaboard Refugees Association and the Atlantic Seaboard Domestic Workers’ Association and served on the Civilian Oversight Committee of the Cape Town Metro Police.
In addition to serving as the Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security, he is also a Proportional Councilor assigned to Langa and serves on the Provincial Executive of the Democratic Alliance (DA). He previously served as the ward councilor for Ward 58 (Atlantic Seaboard).
He previously taught English abroad and conducted computer software research and development. His interests include paragliding, kayaking, politics, reading, IT and gadgets of all descriptions, science and technology, organized electronic sports and computer network gaming, cinema, table-top, simulation and board games, animals, travelling and exploring the diversity of people and cultures.
Departments
As Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security, Ald Smith has oversight over the following areas related to safety and security:
- Public Emergency Call Centre (PECC107)
- Disaster Risk Management
- Traffic Services
- Fire and Rescue Services
- Law Enforcement Service
- Metro Police Department
- Events and Film
- Safety and Security Investigations Unit
- Neighbourhood Policing Support (Neighbourhood Watches)