She may be Beaufort West’s eighth mayor since the turbulent 2021 local elections, but Gina Duimpies is determined not to be just another name in the revolving door of politics.

“I’m not going anywhere,” she said.

Despite fierce opposition, Duimpies, of the DA, insists she wears the mayoral chain “for the love of my people” and “to make a difference”.

And she is not alone, as her DA colleague,October Haarvoor, was elected as deputy mayor during a special council meeting on Wednesday.

Speaking to IOL, the 56-year-old said it was her desire to serve and protect, along with her three decades as a police captain, that led her to take on the mayoral chain.

The mother of three said she was hellbent on fixing the municipality and turning the tide around.

Beaufort West is a city plagued by poor service delivery in recent years, having seen seven mayors before her come and go since the 2021 local government elections.

“My top priorities include looking for ways to reduce the cost of living and working in Beaufort West,” she said.

“To achieve this, we’ll explore alternative avenues for procuring electricity and other services to drive prices down.

“However, this requires establishing stability to attract investments and encourage organisations to engage with our local economy.”

Duimpies said she will also prioritise expanding the indigent household registration programme for eligible residents, increasing revenue for the municipality and helping reduce the cost of living.

“Additionally, I will focus on reducing our metered water losses, improving water accountability, and ultimately lowering water costs for Beaufort West residents,” said Duimpies, who since July 2024 has served as a ward councillor and deputy mayor, before acting as mayor over the last two months.

As mayor, she said, her biggest challenge was adapting to the role and understanding her responsibilities within the municipal structure.

“This includes my duties to the community and the people who elected us,” she said.

“It’s a learning curve, but I’m committed to serving the people of Beaufort West to the best of my ability.

“Political instability is never a good thing; it can hinder economic growth in a municipality.

“I am committed to restoring security and stability in Beaufort West, paving the way for economic growth and development.

“To achieve this, we’ll prioritise transparency and keep residents well-informed, empowering them to make informed decisions about business opportunities and their future.”

Duimpies said she also relied on residents to play their part.

“The community is essential for stabilising Beaufort West by participating in holding leadership accountable, contributing to safety initiatives, and supporting economic development efforts.”

When she is not at the office, Duimpies is very much a family woman. She has been married for 30 years and is a doting mother of three.

She said her household has supported her throughout her journey.

“My family has been my rock.

“Their encouragement and understanding give me the strength to face the challenges of this role every day.”

Duimpies’ predecessors include Gaba Pietersen, Thershia Prince, Ashley Sauls, Eben Botha, Pietersen again, Sias Reynolds and Castro De Bruyn.

IOL News

Source link