Cllr Heinrich Pieterse has officially accepted the DA mayoral candidacy for the Sol Plaatje Municipality in Kimberley on Saturday 15 August, delivering a speech centred on a vision of renewal, accountability, and the restoration of basic services.

Accepting the nomination with what he described as a “profound sense of responsibility,” Pieterse emphasised that his candidacy was a commitment to the communities of Kimberley rather than a pursuit of a title. He began his address by offering gratitude to his family, his party’s provincial and constituency staff, and specifically acknowledged activists for their support.

Pieterse did not shy away from the challenges currently facing the municipality. He noted that residents were “tired” of a city plagued by intermittent water supply, sewage leaks and broken infrastructure. According to Pieterse, these failures, compounded by unfulfilled promises, have led to a significant loss of trust in the government and a lack of belief among the youth regarding Kimberley’s future.

The cornerstone of Pieterse’s platform is the slogan, “Let’s get Kimberley working again”. His primary commitments include fixing sewage systems and ensuring a consistent water flow; creating an environment conducive to business growth to provide meaningful employment for youth and entrepreneurs and prioritising competence and accountability over political connections and excuses.

Pieterse pledged to shift the culture of local government from “excuses to execution” and from “decline to growth,” stressing that public money must be treated as belonging to the people. He further asserted that under his leadership, corruption would face clear consequences.

Recognising that the DA cannot revitalise the city alone, Pieterse issued a call to action. He urged businesses, civil society, faith-based organisations and disillusioned residents to collaborate with the party to implement a “concrete plan” rather than “empty promises”.

This was a broad call to action inviting residents from Belgravia to Ritchie to join hands with him. To those who have lost faith in government, he asked for the opportunity to earn their trust through action.

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“The road ahead will be difficult,” Pieterse acknowledged, framing the upcoming election as a choice between decline and renewal.

He concluded his speech by promising a “people-first” governance model, expressing his belief that with collective effort, they could once again “make Kimberley sparkle”.