With only one independent candidate contesting the 2021 Overstrand municipal election, the emergence of five independents ahead of this year’s poll on 4 November suggests growing support for alternatives to party-driven, local government.
Fed up with party politics, the independents share a belief that councillors should be directly accountable to residents, putting local interests ahead of party-political agendas.
The Organic Humanity Movement (OHM) has allowed selected candidates to stand under its umbrella in certain wards. The purpose of a collective approach is to accommodate stronger proportional representation (PR).
OHM founder Lauren Evanthia Bernardo described the Overstrand as a unique case where fed-up residents approached the organisation directly.
The independents are:
Anton Kruger – Ward 13: An environmental activist in the Overstrand for more than a decade, Kruger is of the opinion that persistent rule-breaking by the local administration and politicians is cause for concern relating to the future of the Overstrand’s natural environment. He also notes a general perception among certain ratepayer groups is that the local administration does not always act in the best interests of residents. Rather than criticise from the sidelines, he believes it is time to get involved.
Peter Hodgskin – Wards 1, 3 and 4: A resident whose Hermanus family roots stretch back to 1917, he says he is driven by a commitment to protecting the town’s unique environment and ‘sense of place’. A supporter of development determined by finite resources such as water, sewerage infrastructure and suitable land, he is critical of a ‘develop at all costs’ approach and wants community expertise to help establish responsible development parameters.
Edwin Brooks – Ward 15: As a business owner, Brooks has a long history of community development, youth training, and NPO leadership. He manages Southern Harvest and has supported the Hawston Community Forum, public spaces and affordable housing.
Adolf Krige – Wards 9 and 10: A Kleinmond resident since 1999, Krige has been involved in ratepayers’ associations, community projects and municipal issues. A former scientist and past member of several political parties, he says he is motivated by freedom, fairness and justice.
Riaan van Zyl – Ward 7: A lawyer with 30 years’ experience, practising in the Overstrand, he believes he brings extensive knowledge of property law, municipal governance and accountability to his candidacy. A Sandbaai resident of 15 years, he says he is motivated by the frustrations around the lack of service delivery, infrastructure maintenance, and meaningful public participation that he has experienced firsthand.
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