The Jeffreys Bay community has been left with an empty seat as a beloved volunteer and animal activist, Suzanne Kruger, who for the last 22 years has remained devoted to helping all in her community, has relocated to France.
Kruger, who has been a municipal committee member for Ward 11 for the past five years, said that due to her determination to solving problems and helping people in the community, many people had tagged her on their Facebook posts when they had complaints about service delivery or any other municipal issue.
“I am passionate about service delivery. There is nothing better than solving a problem,” said Kruger.
“I report anyone who is not doing their job correctly because the public has a right to receive service delivery on time.”
To accomplish many of her tasks of helping people and dealing with municipal issues, Kruger said she has received a great deal of help from people within the municipality with various issues, namely, Municipal Manager, Charl du Plessis, newly appointed Deputy Mayor, Hattingh Bornman and Kouga Waste and Environmental Management manager, Christa Venter.
Futhermore, on multiple occasions, she has also received help from local law enforcement officer, Johnny Hayward.
During her time in Jeffreys Bay, Kruger was a committee member at the Kouga Municipality’s animal management committee, which was established to improve the management of animals in the urban areas in the Kouga region.
In addition, she was the SPCA operational manager and shop manager at the charity shop in Jeffreys Bay.
“During my time on the animal management committee, we dealt with various animal-related issues in the town such as bringing back dog tags and encouraging people to pick up after their dogs,” she said.
Since Kruger does not have any family members in the country, after staying in Jeffreys Bay for 22 years, she departed yesterday, November 24, and has relocated to France to be with her son, Anthony Kruger.
“I am so sad that I have to leave on this high note because I have helped a lot of people in my community with multiple issues,” said Kruger.
She said she would miss helping people and animals in the town but plans to visit soon since she has made many good friends in the area.
“My hope for this community is that we all lift a finger to help tidy and fix various issues in the community and make this area a better place for all of us to live in.
“I also hope the community is able to get rid of drugs,” said Kruger.
Local resident, Reg Tischendorf, recently posted about her departure on his Facebook page and many people had positive comments about Kruger.
Sharon White said Kruger would be truly missed.
“You have been a warrior for the animals in this town,” said White.
Annette Hechter Fourie, who dubbed Kruger as a ‘phenomenal woman’, said she did not know her personally, but on many occasions noticed all the various projects she was involved with on Facebook.
“She has got my respect,” said Fourie.
Joan Kruger said her big heart for animals, both feline and canine, was something Jeffreys Bay was going to sorely miss.
“We could always rely on you to help anytime through your contacts who are also going to miss the ear-to-the-ground information you assist them with,” she said.
Helen Barnard said she also did not know Kruger personally, but knew about all the good she had done for people in Jeffreys Bay and surrounding areas.
“Thank you for all that you have done. We are going to miss you on the JBay group,” said Barnard.
