Born and bred in Piketberg, Executive Mayor Ray van Rooy is passionate about his community and change.
The Mayor matriculated from Steynville Secondary where he was actively involved in the 1985 countrywide school boycott. He was detained for two weeks in Malmesbury prison with 18 other students from Steynville Secondary for their participation in the boycott.
While attending high school Ray was the chairman of the Verenigde Christelike Studentevereniging (VCS), a member of the school newspaper, played a variety of sports and was the chairman of the student council.
After high school, Ray became very active within the community with upliftment projects. He also completed a short course in community development at the University of the Western Cape.
Ray started his career with the DA as a ward councillor in Bergrivier Municipality in 2000. He still serves as a ward councillor and has occupied several positions within the council. He has served as speaker, deputy mayor, and chairman of the Community Services portfolio and the Administrative Services portfolio. He is currently the chairman of the Corporate Services portfolio.
Since 1999, Ray annually hosts a Christmas lunch for the elderly and hands out gifts to needy children in the community. He is launching a project called 90 Days of Hope where food, blankets and clothing will be collected for those in need.
With his passion for the community, Mayor van Rooy believes that he can bring change to Bergrivier Municipality and help all residents in need.