Ex Mayor heads off to parliament
Love her or hate her, but Knysna’s flamboyant Eleanore Bouw-Spies is a force to be reckoned with and is making her way to Parliament. The DA’s Bouw-Spies will be sworn in next Monday 20 May after the party secured the Western Cape once again.
Bouw-Spies has been involved in the political arena for 16 years, was a mayor for both the ANC and then the DA, was involved in community development programmes and has been caught up in controversy many a time.
A report by an independent law firm compiled on the instruction of councillor Ricky van Aswegen in June last year recommended that Bouw-Spies be investigated for misconduct and criminally charged with fraud. The council referred the matter to the minister of local government Anton Bredell to investigate.
The Ward 5 councillor and Garden Route District Speaker said although she took a break from politics in 2011 it was always at the back of her mind to progress in politics. “However, it was important for me to work in my community first, to gain their trust by doing my best to turn things around for the better,” said Bouw-Spies.
Conscious decision
During the 2016 local government elections she said she took a conscious decision that, should the opportunity present itself, she would accept the offer of becoming a member of the National Assembly.
The beaming Bouw-Spies said, “It is a dream come true and indeed top of the iceberg for any politician to represent voters at a level where laws are passed, oversight of the executive and organs of state provided, facilitation of public participation takes place, promoting and overseeing cooperative government and to participate in international, regional and continental bodies.”
Former teacher
The former teacher said what compelled her to join politics was noticing that many of the learners’ issues originate in their homes and communities. “Children have always been open to sharing their stories with me, perhaps because I am also a mother and naturally open my ‘wings’ to love, protect and listen to their needs and concerns. As a teacher, change is however mostly limited to the children – being a politician, the impact of your work touches all age groups, so for me, this resonated with me.”
In order for her to ensure a successful political career, she added, she had to familiarise herself with the intricacies of how government works. “Many of us accept things the way they are but a little reading can open a world of wonders and avenues and could be the change in one’s direction in life, and the last thing that motivated me to join politics was my children – I have to make sure our town, region, province and country is steered in a direction that will be of benefit to them.”
Future plans
She will be moving to Cape Town, with her husband Rowan Spies and their two youngest children to join her next year.
To the youth in politics today, she advised that if any of them are in it for themselves they will never be perceived as authentic leaders. “Nelson Mandela is a prime example of an authentic leader. His vision was for us to live in a country that respects one another, embraces diversity. My plea to the youth is to think hard and deep on how they can bring people from all works of life together.”
And lastly she expressed her gratitude to Knysna Municipality, the town’s residents, Garden Route District Municipality, regional voters and all those who supported her throughout her journey, and especially her family, adding, “I could not have reached this milestone without the support of others, and finally my heavenly father for his guidance in helping me find the right path.”
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Source: Knysna Plett Herald News