Local politician heading for parliament
Mr Ken Robertson, who has championed various hard-hitting community issues, will now be making a difference on a national scale.
Ten years ago, Mr Ken Robertson wouldn’t have dreamed he’d be a politician, never mind heading to parliament. But that’s exactly where he’ll represent the town and province, five years after joining the DA.
Robertson, a dam builder by trade, says he has never felt more at home as in politics and feels humbled to have been chosen for the prestigious position.
He will replace provincial leader, Mr James Masango, who has returned to the Mpumalanga Provincial Legislature to lead the DA from within the province.
Robertson says he’ll report for duty in Cape Town around the middle of next month and will be there until the next national elections in 2019.
He will fly to Cape Town once a week for administrative duties and will perform his constituency and provincial duties in Hazyview.
Robertson says he owes a huge thanks to his wife and children, who have had to put up with a lot during his recent political career, as well as his mom, Colleen, and brother, Robbie.
“Thank you for all your support, giving me the opportunity to go into politics and inspiring me to make a difference.”
Robertson, who joined the DA in 2009 and became a councillor in 2011, says he is inspired by people who have dedicated their lives to making a difference through politics.
“It is only through God’s grace that I’m here and believe there is a reason I’m heading to Cape Town.
I wouldn’t have gotten the opportunity or ability without Him.”
Robertson mentions that he’s also proof that the “Freedom, Fairness and Opportunity” campaign of the DA isn’t just talk. He would like to encourage aspiring councillors and politicians never to give up. “If I can do it, so can they.”
“Prior to joining the DA, I was very vocal about the injustices I was seeing. I wanted to correct the wrongs through joining the party. You have to be involved in the game to make a change,” he advises.
Robertson hopes he will be given a portfolio for at least one of his areas of expertise such as safety and security, tourism, agriculture and water and sanitation.
These are the areas in which he has been most active and successful during his time as councillor.
As a newcomer, he will do the majority of his work in the constituencies and will be more involved in parliament which will enable him to give feedback to the people who require it.
“My perfect South Africa would be a place where unemployment has been brought down to a point where it affects crime stats positively,” Robertson concludes.
