The Democratic Alliance’s (DA) Free State leader, Dr Roy Jankielsohn, earlier this afternoon announced Stone Makhema as the party’s mayoral candidate for the Metsimaholo Local Municipality, and Carina Serfontein as the mayoral candidate for Ngwathe Local Municipality.

Serfontein is a seasoned public representative and committed leader in the DA, with over a decade of experience in local and district governance. She has served as councillor in the Ngwathe Local Municipality since 2011, and as a seconded councillor to the Fezile Dabi District Municipality.

As long-standing DA member since 2008, she previously served as Deputy Provincial Chairperson of the DA in the Free State for two terms. She currently serves on the Mayoral Committee for Environmental Health and Emergency Services in the Fezile Dabi District Municipality, where she continues to advocate for accountability and sound financial management

Known for her firm stance on clean governance, Serfontein is driven by a vision to restore dignity to communities through reliable basic services, responsible leadership, and zero tolerance for corruption.

Serfontein in an interview said that with the Local Government Election coming up on November 4, it is important for voters to let their voice be heard. “What you vote for is what you get,” she said.

She believes in a Ngwathe that works – not in theory but in reality, saying that poor service delivery is seen in all Ngwathe towns because of funds not spent where it should be spend, and the lack of political will to bring change.

Instead of damage control, pro-active governance and maintaining of infrastructure is needed to deliver basic services, giving Ngwathe residents what they deserve, she added.

Serfontein said despite poor infrastructure and financial woes in the Ngwathe Municipality including the longstanding Eskom debt, a turnaround for the municipality is possible referring to the DA-governed Kouga Municipality in the Eastern Cape as an example of what can be done where a municipality is governed successfully.

Serfontein emphasised that Ngwathe deserves leadership that understands its challenges, and has the courage to fix them.

Although change will not happen overnight, Serfontein believes that strong leadership and good governance, will make the difference. She referred to an area in her hometown, Koppies that had been without water for the past 3-4 years, but now have sustainable water after constant pressure from the DA.

Metsimaholo

Stone Makhema joined the DA in 2016 during the DA/EFF/MCA coalition that eventually collapsed, and the municipality was later dissolved. In the 2017 rerun elections, he stood as an aspirant candidate in Ward 21 (Amelia), where he delivered the best performance in an ANC ward.

He later served as a Field Support Officer in the Fezile Dabi region, a role that evolved into Constituency Coordinator for the Helen Suzman constituency. In January 2022, he was appointed as a Councillor in Metsimaholo, serving as MMC for Corporate Services and Organisational Development.

In July 2023, he was appointed MMC for Finance in the Fezile Dabi District Municipality, a position he currently holds, while also serving as Caucus Whip. His leadership roles include Constituency Finance Chair and Caucus Chair in Metsimaholo. He currently serves as an MPLC member in Metsimaholo.