Ward 84 councillor Roelof Fourie died unexpectedly on Sunday morning, July 28.
Fourie was born on May 13, 1968 and was described as a passionate and dedicated councillor and a gentle giant in the community.
He leaves behind his wife, Marna, and sons Philip and Joggie.
Fourie was elected ward councillor in May 2011 for Moregloed, Koedoespoort, Queenswood, Kilnerpark, Weavind Park, Rietondale and Villieria.
He was previously the regional manager in the DA Gauteng North Regional Office, and served about nine years in the whippery as one of the Tshwane representatives on the Local Labour Forum.
He was also one of the representatives of the City of Tshwane on the Party Liaison Committee (PLC) between the city and the IEC, for many years.
DA constituency leader Glynnis Breytenbach said Fourie’s contributions during the course of his career were invaluable.
“It is with great sadness that we must share the news of the passing of one of our stalwarts in Gauteng North,” she said.
“He dedicated his entire life to politics and our region, serving as both a former staff member and councillor.
We extend our heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, constituency and colleagues.”
She requested that his family and loved ones be given the time to grieve.
The office of the chief whip of the metro said: “The City of Tshwane has lost one of its most dedicated and courageous servants.”
His friend and colleague Juanita du Plooy described him as a gentle giant who was passionate and committed to his work.
Fourie was working on Saturday, July 27 for elections in ward 92.
She said he was a walking encyclopaedia who was passionate about sharing his knowledge and mentoring others.
Dr Trebot Barry said: “Roelof Fourie’s enormous contribution to knowledge and wisdom, the execution of duties, service delivery, training, respect, steadfast and polite negotiations with colleagues of all political persuasions will be missed by all.”
Die Moot Projek representative in Rietondale, Ronel de Wet, said she would greatly miss Fourie’s support and his gentle way of doing things.
“Over the past few years we have worked closely with problems in Rietondale in particular.
“With his illness together it was sometimes difficult, then I would just stand in where I could to make a difference,” she said.
“Rest in peace friend, no more pain and suffering just the eternal rest that awaits you.”
Arrangements for Fourie’s funeral had yet to be finalised at the time of publication.
Residents in his ward are directed to his colleague councillors, Elma Nel, Juanita du Plooy, and Freddie Pienaar, who will look after the ward until elections can be held.
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