Dear Mayor Fasser,
On behalf of the residents of Stellenbosch, we extend our heartfelt congratulations on your election as executive mayor. It is reassuring to have a leader who resides in our town, someone who is directly immersed in our daily lives and challenges and who, we trust, will bring a deep understanding of our community’s needs and aspirations.
Your election comes at a pivotal moment for Stellenbosch. While the previous leadership laid a solid foundation by prioritising water and sanitation, refuse removal, cleaning and beautifying our town, infrastructure spending and achieving clean audits, we now look to you to build on this progress.
These essential services are deeply valued, and we are thankful for the stability it brings to our town.
As concerned residents we hope your tenure will be marked by proactive, transparent leadership and meaningful collaboration.
Stellenbosch faces several complex challenges – from safety and security to transport and sustainability – that require bold, inclusive action and clear communication. We trust you will approach these challenges with vision and determination, ensuring the needs of all who call Stellenbosch home are met with fairness and diligence.
We look forward to seeing your leadership bring new energy to our town, and we stand ready to support initiatives that promote a thriving, secure and sustainable Stellenbosch.
Stellenbosch has seen an increasing need for a coordinated and decisive approach to safety and security. We urge you to lead regular meetings with all key stakeholders, including the police, Stellenbosch University, ratepayers’ associations, private security companies and other security and law-enforcement agencies to foster collaboration and result in actionable plans that are transparent and effectively communicated to residents.
This level of engagement and communication is essential to ensuring trust and unity among all sectors.
Traffic congestion in central Stellenbosch is a persistent concern. We appeal to you to prioritise the implementation of the Comprehensive Integrated Transport Plan (CITP), which offers well-considered solutions to alleviate challenges.
One practical step within your reach is the establishment of extensive park-and-ride facilities. With tangible efforts, these could be operational within months, offering immediate relief in the town centre.
It is worth noting that Stellenbosch University and the municipality are two significant contributors to traffic congestion.
As leading stakeholders, both institutions should lead by example by adopting and promoting the use of park-and-ride facilities.
This approach aligns better with the CITP than the proposed parking garage development behind the town hall – a contentious project pursued by your predecessor. Still, it goes against our community’s will and vision of sustainable transport.
Mayor Fasser, Stellenbosch residents are looking to you to bring a new era of leadership that prioritises inclusivity, collaboration and the implementation of solutions that address our town’s actual needs. You can lead Stellenbosch into a brighter, more sustainable future, and we are ready to work alongside you to achieve these goals.
We look forward to seeing your vision come to life and to experience the positive changes your leadership will bring.
