Garden Route First is: an independent, community-driven organization committed to improving local governance in the Garden Route District through transparency, ethical leadership, and citizen participation. The organization aims to revitalize municipalities by strengthening livelihoods, restoring trust, and ensuring sustainable development. It prioritizes environmental protection, social equity, and intergenerational justice while rejecting traditional party-political control. Operating across seven local chapters, GR First emphasizes servant leadership, human dignity, and inclusive decision-making to create thriving communities.

In Layman's Terms: Garden Route First is essentially a grassroots political movement that wants to put ordinary people in charge of local government decisions. Rather than following traditional political parties, they believe communities should govern themselves through honest, transparent leadership focused on what's best for residents—better services, environmental protection, and fair treatment for everyone.

Download:

1) FINALDraft GR F Revised Constitution 24 Jan 2026.pdf
2) Dashboard of Garden Route First
3) Ward Structure.pdf
4) Community First

If you are interested in becoming actively involved as a volunteer or an independent counselor with Garden Route First, please email us at: bestuur@mgev.co.za
We will direct you to the appropriate contact person within your municipality's ward leadership.

Members of the public are invited to comment and make suggestions on the Constitution of Garden Route First. Simply click on 'Reply' above, state your name, cell number, and email address, then type your comments and and click on POST as in the example below.

Click on the image below to view IRASA's independent candidates for councilor positions. Ward allocations will be determined after the election.




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Councillor Joey Canary represents Ward 13 for the ANC and holds the position of Whip of Council. She is a highly regarded community figure known for her compassionate leadership and dedication to social causes. Canary has a background in community health and social support, supported by relevant formal studies. Her work experience is deeply rooted in grassroots organizing and providing assistance to vulnerable populations, including cancer support initiatives. Her achievements in the council include advocating for better health services and community outreach programs. Canary's empathetic approach and strong advocacy skills make her a powerful voice for the residents of Ward 13, consistently prioritizing their well-being and development.

Contact Details
•    Councillor Name: Joey Canary
•    Councillor Email: jcanary@oudtmun.gov.za
•    Councillor Mobile/Phone: 044 203 3000
•    Contact Person: Ward 13 Assistant
•    Contact Person Email: ward13@oudtmun.gov.za
•    Contact Person Mobile/Phone: 044 203 3000

Click on the image below to view IRASA's independent candidates for councilor positions. Ward allocations will be determined after the election.





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Councillor Ryk Wildschut is the DA representative for Ward 12 and has served as the Chairperson for Community Services. He is a dedicated public servant with a long history of involvement in local government and community affairs. Wildschut's educational background in public management complements his extensive practical experience in municipal operations. He has been a consistent advocate for improved public amenities, parks, and recreational facilities. His achievements include successfully spearheading community safety campaigns and ensuring the maintenance of essential services in his ward. Wildschut's proactive approach and strong communication skills have earned him the trust and support of the residents in Ward 12.

Contact Details
•   Councillor Name: Ryk Wildschut
•   Councillor Email: rwildschut@oudtmun.gov.za
•   Councillor Mobile/Phone: 044 203 3000
•   Contact Person: Ward 12 Assistant
•   Contact Person Email: ward12@oudtmun.gov.za
•   Contact Person Mobile/Phone: 044 203 3000

Click on the image below to view IRASA's independent candidates for councilor positions. Ward allocations will be determined after the election.




Resume
Councillor Jan Van der Ross represents Ward 11 for the ANC. He is a respected community elder and former school principal, bringing decades of experience in education and community leadership to the municipal council. Van Ross holds advanced qualifications in education and administration, which deeply inform his approach to public service. His transition from an educational leader to a political representative highlights his lifelong commitment to serving the public. He has achieved significant milestones in promoting youth education and community welfare. Van der Ross is known for his approachable demeanor and his dedication to addressing the everyday concerns of his constituents, making him a beloved and effective leader in Ward 11.

Contact Details
•    Councillor Name: Jan Van der Ross
•    Councillor Email: jvanderross@oudtmun.gov.za
•    Councillor Mobile/Phone: 044 203 3000
•    Contact Person: Ward 11 Assistant
•    Contact Person Email: ward11@oudtmun.gov.za
•    Contact Person Mobile/Phone: 044 203 3000

Click on the image below to view IRASA's independent candidates for councilor positions. Ward allocations will be determined after the election.




Resume
Councillor Liluth Van Rooyen is the ANC representative for Ward 10 and serves as the MPAC (Municipal Public Accounts Committee) Chairperson. She is a principled leader with a strong focus on financial accountability and transparent governance. Van Rooyen's background in finance and public administration provides her with the expertise needed to oversee municipal expenditure effectively. She has extensive experience working in community development and local government structures. Her achievements include leading initiatives for greener environments, such as tree-planting campaigns, and playing a key role in housing and title deed handovers in Dysselsdorp. Van Rooyen's dedication to oversight and community upliftment makes her a highly effective councillor for Ward 10.

Contact Details
•   Councillor Name: Liluth Van Rooyen
•   Councillor Email: lvanrooyen@oudtmun.gov.za
•   Councillor Mobile/Phone: 044 203 3000
•   Contact Person: Ward 10 Assistant
•   Contact Person Email: ward10@oudtmun.gov.za
•   Contact Person Mobile/Phone: 044 203 3000

Click on the image below to view IRASA's independent candidates for councilor positions. Ward allocations will be determined after the election.



Resume
Councillor Ferlecia Abrahams represents Ward 9 for the Patriotic Alliance (PA) and serves as the Human Settlements Chairperson. She is a dedicated advocate for housing rights and community development. Abrahams brings a wealth of experience in social work and community organizing to her role. Her educational background supports her focus on urban planning and social housing initiatives. Throughout her career, she has worked closely with marginalized communities to ensure they have access to adequate shelter and basic services. Her key achievements include facilitating the handover of title deeds to long-awaiting residents and driving new housing developments in her ward. Abrahams is recognized for her compassionate leadership and her relentless pursuit of social justice for the people of Ward 9.

Contact Details
•   Councillor Name: Ferlecia Abrahams
•   Councillor Email: fabrahams@oudtmun.gov.za
•   Councillor Mobile/Phone: 044 203 3000
•   Contact Person: Ward 9 Assistant
•   Contact Person Email: ward9@oudtmun.gov.za
•   Contact Person Mobile/Phone: 044 203 3000

Click on the image below to view IRASA's independent candidates for councilor positions. Ward allocations will be determined after the election.



Resume
Alderman Mziwoxolo Tyatya is the ANC Councillor for Ward 8 and currently serves as the Executive Deputy Mayor of the Greater Oudtshoorn Municipality. He is a prominent political figure with a vast background in public administration and executive leadership. Tyatya's educational qualifications in governance and his years of experience in senior municipal roles have equipped him to handle complex socio-economic challenges. He has been instrumental in launching major infrastructure projects, including the upgrading of sports facilities and law enforcement centers. His achievements reflect a deep commitment to community development, youth empowerment, and inter-governmental cooperation. Tyatya is a driving force in the municipality, dedicated to fostering growth and stability in Ward 8 and the broader Oudtshoorn region.

Contact Details
•   Councillor Name: Mziwoxolo Tyatya
•   Councillor Email: mtyatya@oudtmun.gov.za
•   Councillor Mobile/Phone: 044 203 3000
•   Contact Person: Ward 8 Assistant
•   Contact Person Email: ward8@oudtmun.gov.za
•   Contact Person Mobile/Phone: 044 203 3000

Click on the image below to view IRASA's independent candidates for councilor positions. Ward allocations will be determined after the election.




Resume
Councillor Anel Berry is the DA representative for Ward 7 and serves as the Chief Whip of the Oudtshoorn council. She is a highly experienced politician and administrator with a strong focus on strategic planning and community welfare. Berry's formal education in public management and her extensive work experience in both the private sector and local government make her a key asset to the council. She is known for her meticulous attention to detail and her ability to drive policy implementation. Her achievements include organizing significant community outreach programs, such as school stationery drives, and ensuring strict oversight of municipal projects. Berry's leadership continues to positively impact the governance and development of Ward 7.

Contact Details
•   Councillor Name: Anel Berry
•   Councillor Email: aberry@oudtmun.gov.za
•   Councillor Mobile/Phone: 044 203 3000
•   Contact Person: Ward 7 Assistant
•   Contact Person Email: ward7@oudtmun.gov.za
•   Contact Person Mobile/Phone: 044 203 3000

Click on the image below to view IRASA's independent candidates for councilor positions. Ward allocations will be determined after the election.




Resume
Councillor Dora Moos represents Ward 6 for the ANC and holds the important position of Chairperson of the Corporate Services Committee. With a robust background in administration and human resources, Moos brings vital organizational skills to the Oudtshoorn municipal council. Her educational achievements in management and governance support her role in overseeing corporate functions within the municipality. She has a long history of community service and has worked tirelessly to improve the administrative efficiency of local government. Her notable achievements include streamlining council processes and advocating for fair labor practices within the municipality. Moos is highly respected for her dedication to public service and her unwavering commitment to the residents of Ward 6.

Contact Details
•    Councillor Name: Dora Moos
•    Councillor Email: dmoos@oudtmun.gov.za
•    Councillor Mobile/Phone: 044 203 3000
•    Contact Person: Ward 6 Assistant
•    Contact Person Email: ward6@oudtmun.gov.za
•    Contact Person Mobile/Phone: 044 203 3000

Click on the image below to view IRASA's independent candidates for councilor positions. Ward allocations will be determined after the election.



Resume
Councillor Loretta Reyneveld is the Patriotic Alliance (PA) representative for Ward 5. She is a dynamic and passionate community leader who recently won her seat through a hard-fought by-election. Reyneveld's background is deeply entrenched in community service and local activism. She serves on the Salga Multi-Party Women's Commission, highlighting her commitment to gender equality and women's empowerment in politics. Her formal education and continuous training in leadership have prepared her well for the demands of municipal governance. Reyneveld's achievements include mobilizing community support networks and advocating for the vulnerable populations in her ward. She is dedicated to addressing immediate local concerns, from basic service delivery to social support, making her a vital voice for Ward 5.

Contact Details
•   Councillor Name: Loretta Reyneveld
•   Councillor Email: lreyneveld@oudtmun.gov.za
•   Councillor Mobile/Phone: 044 203 3000
•   Contact Person: Ward 5 Assistant
•   Contact Person Email: ward5@oudtmun.gov.za
•   Contact Person Mobile/Phone: 044 203 3000