Stellenbosch, 29 November 2024 – Today, at a Special Council Meeting held in the Stellenbosch Town Hall, Councillor Jeremy Fasser was elected as the new Executive Mayor of Stellenbosch Municipality, following the retirement of outgoing Mayor Advocate Gesie van Deventer.
Mayor Fasser brings with him a wealth of experience, having served in numerous leadership roles within the Municipality. Over the years, he has served as a PR Councillor, Ward Councillor, and in various capacities on the Mayoral Committee, including Deputy Executive Mayor, Member of the Mayoral Committee (MMC) for Finance, MMC for Human Settlements, MMC for Youth, Sport and Culture, and MMC for Protection Services. This extensive portfolio of experience has equipped him with the skills and insight to lead the Municipality into its next chapter.
Born and raised in Cloetesville, Stellenbosch, Mayor Fasser has deep roots in the community he now serves. His upbringing in Cloetesville, where he attended Cloetesville High School, has shaped him into a proud Stellenboscher with a profound love for his community. This connection, combined with his extensive experience, positions him uniquely to address the needs of all residents across Stellenbosch and its surrounding areas.
In his inaugural remarks, Mayor Fasser expressed his gratitude to Council for placing their trust in him and paid special tribute to his predecessor, Advocate Gesie van Deventer, for her years of dedicated service and exceptional leadership. “Mayor Gesie has been a pillar of strength and a source of wisdom. Her unwavering commitment to this municipality has set a standard we will strive to uphold,” he stated.
Mayor Fasser emphasized his administration’s continued focus on creating a clean, safe, and prosperous environment that attracts investment, businesses, and job opportunities. Key priorities include critical infrastructure upgrades and maintenance related to water, electricity, roads, stormwater, and sanitation, as well as forward-thinking infrastructure projects such as new Waste Water Treatment Plants, upgrades to sports facilities, and improvements to public spaces, parks, and cemeteries. He also highlighted the importance of investing in alternative energy projects to build resilience and sustainability.
Mayor Fasser reaffirmed his commitment to inclusive governance, saying, “We will listen and engage openly with all our communities through Integrated Development Plan (IDP) processes, ward meetings, and public consultations to ensure that every voice is heard and every concern is addressed.”
The Council also welcomed Councillor Mynhardt Slabbert from Jamestown as the new Deputy Executive Mayor. Mayor Fasser praised his Deputy’s dedication and expertise and looked forward to working alongside him to serve all residents of Stellenbosch.
Mayor Fasser concluded with a call to action, saying, “Today, we celebrate this new chapter and the remarkable legacy left by Mayor Gesie. But from tomorrow, we roll up our sleeves and get to work—working tirelessly and transparently for the betterment of every resident in our municipality.”
The Municipality extends its heartfelt gratitude to Mayor Gesie van Deventer for her years of service and leadership and wishes Mayor Jeremy Fasser success in his new role.
For media inquiries, please contact:
Communications Department
stuart.grobbelaar@stellenbosch.gov.za
