It must be intimidating to sit in the parliamentary benches with the formidable advocate Glynnis Breytenbach, let alone serve with her on a portfolio committee.

Especially when you are a 40-year-old new MP from the platteland.

However, the former Steelcrest High School pupil, Damien Klopper (40), has distinguished himself in the last few months as a capable member of parliament who is busy making big strides in politics.

The Middelburg Observer asked Klopper about his baptism of fire in parliament.

Schools attended:

I moved back to Middelburg when I was in grade 5 (then standard 3) and completed primary at Middelburg Primary School (MPS). I attended high school at Steelcrest High School in Middelburg, and completed Matric in 2002.

Studies:

Studied Psychology, obtaining my degree and honors degree. Currently studying my masters In Public Administration (MBA).

Where did your interest in politics begin:

I always had a passion for politics and, in my later teen years, used to love watching parliament on television. In 2012, I started getting involved and active in politics as an activist, engaging with Anthony Benadie at the time which was my very first contact into politics. I later became more active in Ward 15 Kanonkop, joined Cllr Helda de Klerk DA committee, and then served on the ward committee before becoming a councillor at both the local and district levels.

When were you elected to the City Council as a councillor:

I was officially elected as a councillor in late 2018, serving as PR councillor for wards 1, 2, 3, 7, and 18 during my tenure.

Have you and Anthony Benadie met in the Cape:

Unfortunately, not. I would love to, but I haven’t seen him in years.

How do you balance family and MP work:

It is not easy at all. As an MP, you spend a lot of time travelling between Cape Town and your home as well as all over the country, where you are needed, such as for oversight.

In the weeks you attend plenaries and meetings, sometimes till very late, and you may catch the kids awake for a video call. On weekends, you also work with the community in your constituency, which I am the political head for the DA in Chief Albert Luthuli and stretches to the border of Swaziland (Eswatini) from Carolina.

Is your base still Middelburg, and do you miss the town when you are in Cape Town:

I am still home-based in Middelburg; however, as mentioned, my constituency is Chief Albert Luthuli (starting at Carolina). I do miss my town and people very much when not in Middelburg. I still receive many calls from residents, which I try to assist where possible through our councillors. But a person tends to miss the town and more specifically the people.

Do you stay in Akasia Park, where LP Pikkie Coetzee lived:

I do live in Akasia Park.

What is your portfolio:

I am the deputy spokesperson for the DA on Justice and constitutional development. I did spend a few months initially on Correctional Services and then moved to the justice portfolio.

What interesting experiences have you had:

Well, every plenary is interesting when you watch the theatrics and performances in an attempt to capture some media attention. We sit in a massive tent as the parliament is being rebuilt.

It sounds like an orchestra of wind chimes. Getting used to the constant heckling was something unique. What the public does not hear is when you are attempting to deliver your speeches or statements. You have someone constantly heckling or hurling insults.  And you need to learn not to be distracted by the literal “noise” of nonsense that goes on.

Isn’t it intimidating to work with Glynnis Breytenbach:

Honestly, at first, yes. I’ve always had utmost respect for Glynnis, and she was someone I looked forward to meeting, not knowing that I would end up alongside her on the portfolio.

Justice is a hefty portfolio, and there is a lot to learn. I appreciate the opportunity to learn from her. She has the kindest heart, and there is only right and wrong, and no grey areas. So I’m somewhat humbled by her vast knowledge and have the utmost respect for her.

I feel fortunate to have the opportunity to serve in parliament and represent South Africans secondly, I’m grateful for the opportunity to work alongside Glynnis and gain the knowledge and experience I have thus far.

What is your ambition:

My ambition is to make a change in the lives of the people I was elected to serve.

I alone won’t change the world, nor will I fix the justice system alone. But if, alongside Glynnis and every other colleague and ultimately every South African, we will continue to change things, one aspect at a time, rooting out corruption, standing firm in our principles and our values, I believe that there could be real change.

I’ll continue to do whatever I can to make that happen. I do not aspire to attain any specific position; I’ll serve where I’m needed.

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