Bouw-Spies was not an ‘incomer from other towns’

Dee Hollely, Knysna:

In response to the letter written about the “hostile takeover” by Mark Willemse as mayor in last week’s Knysna-Plett Herald, some clarity is needed.

Firstly, Eleanore Bouw-Spies is Knysna born and bred, not an “incomer from other towns”.

Secondly, it is simply not true to say that the broader Knysna does not want Eleanore as the mayor. It is not the residents of Knysna town attempting to blot her copybook, but a number of councillors. Sadly there are (as is now public knowledge) DA councillors in this pack.

To date, no proof has been reported about any wrongdoings on her part – just vague accusations that have no substance.

Finally, to refer to Eleanore Bouw-Spies as a political deadwood drifter is highly insulting. Almost everyone who is not white would have voted for and joined the ANC in 1994. That was possibly the only option at that stage for people of colour. Since then the DA has become the only party representing all demographic groups. This is because thousands of voters (like Bouw-Spies) have seen what has happened/ not happened under the ANC government in the last 24 years. These people have had the courage and love for their town and country, to change and support the party they believe will offer freedom, fairness and opportunity to every South African resident.

Although I am a member of the Knysna DA exco and the Ward 10 branch committee as well as the municipal Ward 10 committee, I write this letter in my private capacity.