North Coast mourns loss of community activist Riaan Verster
The 45-year-old loved his motorcycle club "Unshackled", deep sea diving, travelling and 80s music.
Condolences have been pouring in from all corners of KwaDukuza following the tragic death of Ballito resident Riaan Verster.
KwaDukuza mayor Lindile Nhaca said Verster was a true champion of social reform.
“We dip our banner in honour of Verster who worked tirelessly towards deepening democracy and accountability on behalf of the KwaDukuza Residents Forum (KDRF),” said Nhaca.
Verster, the founder and secretary of KDRF, was travelling on Esenembe Road on Saturday when he reportedly lost control of his motorbike, about 6km from Ballito.
KDRF chairperson Warwick Chapman said Verster was passionate about good, clean and accountable governance.
“Riaan did the work of 100 people. He was so passionate and so driven that I honestly have no clue how we will continue without him. He was a redwood among saplings. What I do know is that he will certainly expect of us to pick up and continue the work, and we will. But, the void he leaves behind will quite simply never be filled,” said Chapman.
He said Verster’s vision was clear and simple: tax money should be used for the betterment of all the residents of our municipality and it should be done as cleanly and efficiently as possible.
“He just wanted the government to do its job well and for people to prosper.
“I’m going to miss the fire and passion. I marvelled at his capacity to care and to get things done. I never imagined that one day he simply would not be there.”
The 45-year-old loved his motorcycle club “Unshackled”, deep sea diving, travelling and 80s music.
He grew up in Pretoria and matriculated from Montana High School before completing his law degree.
At the time of his death, Verster held the position of Aspen Group Executive: Governance and Communications and Company Secretary, joining the company in 2011.
He is survived by his wife Natelie, daughter Jeanné and son Nathan.
A memorial service will be held at the Grace Family Church Ballito, at 10.30am on Friday.
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