Controversial as ever
ployment rate of more than 60%, according to the latest figures from Statistics South Africa (2017). Many believe Prince has failed to deliver on his promises to bring about change.
“We need to put food on the table and get jobs — we are not here to take pictures!” a young man in a KDF T-shirt exclaims angrily as Constable emerges from his office.
He is part of a large group of people who came to the office to inquire about when the toilet project, on which they earned R2 200 a month as temporary workers, would resume.
“At the end of the day, he is just a politician. If you’re not his supporter, he won’t help you. And most people here don’t like to kiss people’s asses. We are really struggling,” says resident Angie Stuurman, who hopes to get her first job in two years.
Prince supporters call him “Beaufort se baas” — someone who can tend to their immediate needs, usually by channelling government money into football projects.
“I’m a soccer lover and I started football in the area ... If our sports structures are functional, then it will get the youngsters away from crime and drugs,” Prince says.
Prince is not shy about Beaufort West’s heavy investment in football. The Fifa stadium cost R30-million to build — R6.3-million was spent on astroturf alone — and this was money well spent, according to him. A former local football star, Prince now owns and partially manages the Beaufort West City football club.
But if Van der Linde and his DA colleagues have their way, Prince’s return to the deputy mayorship will be short-lived. Among the strategies being considered to remove him from office is a case opened against Prince for allegedly stealing water from the drought-stricken town.
Last week, the DA went to the local police station to charge Prince with illegally bypassing the water meter at his house by connecting a separate pipe. Prince easily dismisses these allegations: “No, that’s rubbish.”
After his interview with the M&G, there’s a large group of people still waiting outside to see him. Prince speeds past them on his way to the mayoral committee meeting, infuriating them even more.