VANDERBIJLPARK. — The Vaal region has suffered a major political blow after councillor Gerda Senekal officially resigned from her position and the Freedom Front Plus (FF Plus).

Senekal served as the leader of the Freedom Front Plus (FF Plus) in Emfuleni, as well as the party’s Gauteng regional leader and chairperson.

Her resignation follows the recent arrest of her son, David Senekal, who was charged with fraud alongside six other municipal workers.

For many years, she dedicated her time and energy to the communities of the Emfuleni Local Municipality, focusing on issues such as water and sewage pollution, electricity supply, financial management, municipal accountability, service delivery, and protecting residents’ interests.

Her resignation follows the recent arrest of her son, David Senekal, who was charged with fraud alongside six other municipal workers.

Senekal explained that the FF Plus asked her to step down with immediate effect as a councillor and election candidate because current media reports and the circumstances surrounding the case could harm the party’s reputation and election campaign.

“This decision is not one that I took lightly or alone. The FF Plus requested me to resign with immediate effect as a councillor and candidate for the upcoming election,” she said.

Reports surrounding her son created a public situation where family matters could mix with her public service.

Described as an iron lady in local politics, Senekal was well known for keeping the ruling ANC on edge with tough questions and refusing to stay silent on behalf of residents.

She said that the reports surrounding her son created a public situation where family matters could mix with her public service. 

“I want to state very clearly that my record and service to the residents must be judged on its own merit. I will not allow allegations surrounding any other person to be used to distort, belittle or erase the years of work I have done for Emfuleni,” she said.

Senekal expressed gratitude to the FF Plus for the opportunity to serve and thanked residents for their ongoing support and feedback over the years.

“I sincerely thank the FF Plus for the opportunities offered to me to serve at local government level and within the party. I tried to live out the party’s principles of accountability, transparency and responsible government with conviction. We did not always win, but I believe we often asked the important questions that others chose to avoid.”

She concluded by noting that stepping down from the council does not mean her responsibility to the community ends, as she still cares deeply for Emfuleni and the Vaal.