Former mayor Gerrie Kriek dies
Gerrie Kriek was a representative of the people and served with pride for 28 years.
Residents of Northmead, Rynfield and surrounds will fondly remember former Ward 27 councillor and mayor Gerrie Kriek (76) as someone who valued his position and the people he served.
Kriek passed away on May 14 at his home in Farrarmere following a short illness.
Born in the Western Cape, the Kriek family moved to the East Rand where he grew up on Benoni agricultural holdings near Petit.
He attended Laerskool Excelsior and Hoërskool Noord Oos Rand, after which he completed an apprenticeship as a fitter and turner at English Electric.
Kriek went on to start his own business, Kriek Engineering, in 1991, and was later inspired to join politics following a visit from a National Party representative.
During his first municipal election, standing as ward councillor for Northmead and Airfield in 1988, he became the centre of controversy as the votes needed to be recounted. The result was Kriek won the election by two votes.
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As he became better known and his reputation of being a hands-on councillor spread, subsequent elections became easier and Kriek was again elected as ward councillor for Airfield and Northmead.
Residents knew him as a person who valued his position and the people he served.
In 1992, Kriek was elected as deputy mayor of Benoni and served alongside Anna Taljaard.
In 1993 he went on to be elected as mayor, a position he perceived to be a great honour.
An obituary compiled by the DA and presented at the Ekurhuleni metro council chambers this week stated that Kriek’s time as mayor was described as tremendous as he never had the ability to refuse a request or appeal from the community.
In 2016, he formally retired from politics after serving a further five years as a portfolio whip in numerous Section 79 committees.
He was conferred Aldermanship status on January 25, 2018.
“Gerrie was a gentleman that held a wealth of knowledge regarding council activities as well as how to effectively lead those serving alongside him,” said Ward 28 councillor Mary Goby.
“His beautiful nature and his unwavering commitment to his faith, family and work will be sorely missed.”
Glynis Cox Millett-Clay of the Benoni History Now and Then Facebook page posted: “We are saddened by Gerrie’s passing. We send our condolences to his family and friends. May his dear soul rest in peace.”
Kriek is survived by his wife, Hennie, sons Marius and Johnny and grandchildren.
A civic funeral in line with the City of Ekurhuleni’s s funeral policy to honour Kriek will be held on May 27 at 09:00 at the NG Kerk, Rynfield.
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