Mayor Sias Reynolds Beaufort West

13/06/2025

I need to clarify to the public that at no stage did I make any public statements, or contact the media regarding the reasons for my resignation. I did make a statement on my page for all to read. The information in this article, is not entirely factually correct.

30/05/2025

I want to formally announce my official step down as Mayor of Beaufort West. Please know my intention has always been, and still is, to uplift and better the community and town. I would like to thank the community for their support during my term.
I have to highlight some key achievements, including the signing of the application for R46m funding for water meters from the national treasury, the writing off of a significant portion of the municipality's Eskom debt, and signing an agreement with Superloads for sponsorship of new law enforcement vehicles.

I am also proud of the efforts to keep the town clean, which has received positive feedback from the community and visitors. I want to give thanks to the devoted service of all municipal workers, managers, including the exiting MM.
I want to congratulate the newly appointed acting Municipal Manager and acknowledge the need for stability within the municipality.
Additional achievements include the Long Table Initiative, which provided financial assistance to 30 young students for registration fees. This initiative was spearheaded by Councillor Slabbert.
Discussions with renewable energy producers about potentially cheaper energy sources are at an advanced stage. I hope that the new administration will build on this progress and bring it to fruition.
I also want to highlight more achievements, including hosting a successful SOPA event that welcomed the Premier of the Western Cape and the Western Cape Parliament, which brought economic benefits to local businesses. For the first time in 8 years we received money for the development of netball courts in Beaufort West, and Murraysburg. This was established because of a better working relationship between provincial government and the municipality.

Unfortunately not everything is positive. Last week Beaufort West Municipality also lost one of his employees (Jannie Adams) in a freak accident and we all are mourning his loss.

Lastly I want to express my gratitude to the business community in Beaufort West for their efforts in making the town more attractive to tourists and visitors. I want to acknowledge their contributions and appreciate their hard work.

Thank you again for this amazing opportunity.

30/05/2025

Please read this with care.
The MM is supposed to be in service until end of June as per instruction from the MEC of Local Government.
Follow me to be informed.

28/05/2025

I want to emphasize the importance of rules and mutual respect in creating a safe and harmonious community where people from different racial and age groups can co-habit. By adhering to these rules and showing respect for one another, individuals can express their unique identities while also ensuring a safe and free environment for everyone.
The racial issue that arose in Beaufort West after some community members unfortunately took the law into their own hands due to others not adhering to municipal bylaws, has put us as Beaufort West community in the spotlight. This whole incident saddens me immensely. Then, showing how racial issues can be so easily misused by individuals to spike racial tension on social media, only worsens the situation.
It needs to be highlighted that racial remarks are a serious matters that require careful handling. I want to urge community members to refrain from making infammatory remarks on social media, as this can cause harm, devastation, division and intollerance. Instead, I want to encourage people to allow the law to take its course in this case and let the proper processes unfold, rather than resorting to further divisive and hurtful behavior.
Let us strive to create a community where we all can love where we live.

26/05/2025

A word of thanks to Minister Sileku and the mobility provincial department for the handover of the digitalized Learner Driver examination process in Beaufort West, marking this the first official rollout of its kind in the Western Cape.

We have to acknowledge that the new digital system might present a learning curve for applicants, but we also have to emphasize its benefits.
- Digital exams can be administered and graded quickly, reducing wait times for test-takers.
- Automated grading reduces the likelihood of human error.
- Digital exams streamline the testing process, reducing the need for paper-based materials and manual processing.
- Digital exams include security measures to prevent cheating and ensure the integrity of the testing process.

This is us moving small steps in the right direction.

where you live
Beaufort West

21/05/2025

I need to clarify misconceptions of people making remarks on social media regarding council decision.

It is important to emphasize that the proposal in question was actually made by me and seconded by an opposition member, rather than being an opposition proposal itself.
This means that councilor Slabbert and myself voted for my proposal and technically we did not vote with the opposition, but the opposition voted with us.

A second proposal was then made by one of our DA caucus members and seconded by another member within the same caucus.
One opposition member voted with them. Not me, nor councilors Slabbert ,or any of the opposition party members ever made any derogatively remarks towards them on exercising their democratic right. Why should it be any different for us?

I am merely providing additional context as I feel strongly about the fact that every member of council and the DA caucus should be able to make their voice heard, and be able to exercise a free democratic right. Before this meeting ( at a previous caucus leading up to this council meeting) I requested a free conscience vote for all caucus members on this particular decision. This request was not denied nor granted.
This adds another layer to the situation, highlighting my efforts to allow for individual discretion in the voting process.

I need to emphasize the importance of the public verifying facts before making comments or accusations, especially on social media. We need to be encouraging people to be responsible and factual in their online interactions, rather than spreading unverified or speculative information.
I urge the community to refrain from making racial remarks and speculations, emphasizing that such comments are not only factually incorrect but also derogatory and potentially legally problematic. I want us to promote a more responsible and respectful dialogue in the general community and in council to build better relationships and not to create divide.

19/05/2025

Council Decision on Allegations Against
Municipal Manager:

Today, Beaufort West Council deliberated once again on repeated allegations brought against the Municipal Manager. We had two options: initiate an investigation ( which would entail its own costs and potentially incurring significant legal costs from expected legal actions against the municipality ) or dismiss the allegations and avoid further expenditure.

Decision Rationale
After careful consideration, I, along with some DA and opposition party members, decided to vote in favor of dismissing the allegations. This decision was based on principle, legal prudence, and the potential cost implications for Beaufort West municipality and its community.

Confidence in the Decision
While only time will tell if this was the right decision, I am confident that it was a necessary precautionary measure as the allegations had no ground in my opinion. It is important to note that the municipal manager's contract technically ends in less than 2 weeks. Take note that these allegations had been presented previously in a different form.
Council today chose to prioritize fiscal responsibility and efficient governance.

15/04/2025

*Media Visit to Water Treatment Plant:*
Beaufort West Municipality has become aware that certain individuals have taken the media to our water treatment plant, highlighting weaknesses in the infrastructure and security measures. We acknowledge and are transparent about the challenges we face with funding and are actively seeking support from provincial authorities to address these issues. This is not a new issue and was also not addressed by predecessors.

We have repeatedly requested additional funding to upgrade our infrastructure, specifically the water treatment facility's fencing, to ensure continuing to deliver safe water supply of high quality. In light of these ongoing efforts, we urge the community to remain patient and supportive as we work towards finding long-term solutions.

We kindly request that individuals refrain from using this situation for political gain and instead focus on promoting the positive aspects of Beaufort West. By working together, we can build a stronger, more resilient community.

(Photo credit: en Kontrei.)

03/03/2025

Deel asb.

03/03/2025

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02/03/2025

01/03/2025

Dear Premier Alan Winde ,

As the Mayor of Beaufort West, I can confidently say that SOPA 2025 has been the highlight of my political career. The positive contributions it has made to our community are undeniable And I'm forever thankful.

Your commitment to good governance, innovation, and transparency is truly inspiring, and I'm proud to be part of a province that prioritizes the needs of its residents.

Once again, thank you for your tireless efforts in making the Western Cape a better place for all. I look forward to continuing our work together to build a brighter future for our communities.

Sincerely,
Sias Reynolds
Mayor of Beaufort West