Frik Rousseau FF+ Leader Thaba Chweu and National FF+ Council writes

Frik Rousseau FF+ Leader Thaba Chweu and National FF+ Council writes:

I have known Sonja Boshoff for 25 years and on behalf of the FF+ we would like to congratulate her on being elected to the National Council of Provinces (NCOP).

Our friendship reminds me of that of my father, Pierre Rousseau, and his best friend Richard Harrington. I was born in Groblersdal in 1959. My father was the chairman of the National Party in Groblersdal and co-owner of Groblersdal Motors, a dealer in Ford cars. Richard was chairman of the “Verenigde Party” (Sappe) and the owner of Harrington Motors in Groblersdal that sold Chevs.

In spite of the fact that they were direct opponents in politics and business no one in town could understand how they could be such good friends. I refer here to the book Nasionale Party van Transvaal Kiesafdeling Groblersdal Halfeeufees gedenkalbum 1914 tot 1964.

In spite of our political differences Sonja has never ended our friendship. Council meetings are cruel and on occasion personal attacks are made. In Pretoria councillors call each other dogs (read Beeld, December 4, 2013). Sonja has never attacked me personally. When municipal meetings were held in Sabie and Graskop she always suggested that we travel together. Three months ago at an IEC meeting she noticed that my surname was spelt incorrectly and brought it to the attention of the chairperson. When I cannot attend a meeting or a private function and I am being referred to in negative manner, she will always defend me. That is true friendship.

I am not surprised that she has been elected to the National Council of Provinces as she someone who thinks on her feet.