AfriForum elects a new committee

A NEW team of volunteers has been handpicked to spearhead AfriForum Vryheid’s relentless and unyielding initiative to protect the rights of minorities.

After a year of noteworthy service from the previously elected committee, members were invited to attend the AfriForum Vryheid AGM on March 9, where the new committee was elected and several pertinent issues were discussed.

Former Chairman, Henry Nel, who has stepped down from his role at the head of the committee, welcomed those in attendance and recollected several of the aims and achievements of the previous year’s endeavors by the organisation.

Guest speaker for the evening, Department of Water and Sanitation KZN’s chief engineer, Norman Ward, discussed several aspects of the water disaster that currently has Vryheid in its unwavering grip and explained the effects of the drought and rise in the temperature of the most recent El Niño climate cycle.

Following Ward’s captivating discussion on the water situation, votes were cast to elect the new committee. Andrè Van Der Walt was elected as Chairman and Boet Janse Van Rensburg as Vice Chairman. Jade Parkins and Brigitte Alston retained their positions, being unanimously re-elected as Secretary and Treasurer respectively.

Albina Janse Van Rensburg also retained her role as AfriForum Vryheid’s Recruitment Officer, while Magda Viktor replaced Doug Grewar, who stepped down as committee member responsible for Local Government Affairs. Grewar will however, continue to assist where necessary. James Holtzhauzer will be responsible for Environmental Affairs and Hermann Gevers has taken the reins for AfriForum Vryheid’s Youth sector.

Eugene Van Aswegen, AfriForum’s Provincial Co-ordinator for KZN, commended the previous committee on their efforts and remarked that Henry Nel’s year as chairman was marked by several successes, particularly good for a newly established branch. He added that Nel’s contributions will be missed.

Andrè Van Der Walt, while having big shoes to fill as Chairman, is a well known member of the Vryheid community and is certainly up for the task.

“We will continue to strive to protect the rights of the community,” stated Van Der Walt. “We will be looking into pressing matters, such as the water situation as well as other issues affecting Vryheid.”

Another Article you might want to read: Pressure From AfriForum restores water supply

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