Mayor Fasser tells of his first year

To become the mayor of the town you grew up in is an experience most will never know, but for Stellenbosch’s executive mayor Jeremy Fasser it has been his reality in 2025.

The Cloetesville resident spoke to Eikestadnuus about his first year on the job, including the challenges and change that come with being in the hot seat.

“Growing up in Stellenbosch, I experienced the town very differently from how I do today. Serving as mayor has given me a fuller picture – the challenges, the promise and the shared responsibility we have towards one another,” Fasser said.

“Growing up in Cloetesville, I witnessed both inequality and hardship, but also immense beauty and untapped potential. It was within this potential that I found guidance through mentors who kept me on the right path, broadened my horizons and shaped my outlook on life.”

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He may well not have known it at the time, but being part of the local theatre group at the Breughel Theatre provided the building blocks of a future career in politics – confidence and projecting outwards. “I was never in leadership roles in my early years. Theatre played a big part in my life and later, when I became an entrepreneur and started my own business, I learnt the importance of accountability and responsibility. That experience helped me understand what leadership truly means; taking ownership of decisions and their consequences.”

Fasser took the reins of Stellenbosch Municipality in November 2024, after former mayor Gesie van Deventer stepped down. She was at the helm of the municipality from 2016 until last November, with Fasser serving as her deputy after her re-election.

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This meant he didn’t go into his neweposition blindly, but there has been many surprises along the way. “Change is never easy and requires courage and persistence. As executive mayor, I am continually surprised by how many people want to be part of positive change and are willing to offer their guidance and support,” he says.

“For me that is the most rewarding part of the role – building bridges between people from different backgrounds, united by a solution-driven approach and a shared determination to get things done.”

Finding solutions for “the valley of possibility” is a challenging and taxing task. In a town bursting at the seems challenges like residential developments, traffic congestion, housing and basic service delivery remain hot button issues for locals.

Fasser felt the responsibility of running a municipality. “The challenges have been significant; balancing expectations, working within limited resources, managing budget cuts and serving diverse communities. Navigating the complexities of local government, the responsibilities of an executive mayor and increasing regulatory demands has required adaptability and resilience.”

This is why Fasser keeps his family close. “My family keeps me grounded by reminding me of who I am beyond the title. They are my foundation, my perspective and my constant support,” he shared.

“When the job becomes demanding, they remind me of my strength, my values and how far I have come – the trials, the sacrifices as well as the celebrations and achievements. They keep me firmly rooted in what I stand for and provide me with the emotional support and love that sustains me through every season.”

The past year has not been without controversy, critique and complaints for Fasser and the municipality, but the mayor is proud of initiatives that create real opportunities, “especially for communities that have historically been left behind”.

“One of my proudest accomplishments has been delivering a budget that prioritises service delivery, financial sustainability and a continued commitment to improving the quality of life for all residents of Stellenbosch. I see the budget not merely as a document, but as a tool to provide dignity, empower communities and create ecosystems for development,” he said.

“A well-informed, balanced, community-driven budget remains one of my greatest accomplishments, one that translates policy into action and improves the daily lives of our residents.”

He added the municipality receiving its sixth clean audit outcome affirmed the financial leadership required to ensure service delivery is implemented and projects reach completion. For Fasser service delivery is at the heart of his mayoralty.

As Stellenbosch heads into 2026 and gears up for the local municipal elections all eyes will be on him and the municipality as residents consider who will get their vote.

Fasser says he will be focusing on the job, “continuing to build inclusive growth, strengthen service delivery and create lasting legacies of opportunity and unity”.