Divisions Erupt Ahead of By-Election
Reporter – George April
VELDDRIF:- Political tension is simmering in Velddrif as the community heads towards the crucial by-election scheduled for July 23rd.
At the centre of the latest controversy are the Patriotic Alliance (PA), the party’s candidate selection, and the polarising role of political figure Sammy Claassen.
The announcement that Reginald Carolus will represent the PA as the ward candidate has sparked mixed reactions,
Exposing deep divisions within the community. Some support the decision, while others accuse Claassen of manipulating the process behind the scenes.
Political Hopping Raises Eyebrows
Sammy Claassen, once a prominent activist in the ANC, has become known for his shifting political affiliations. Over the years, he has moved from ANC to GOOD, then to the DA, Marius Fransman’s party, and eventually the PA. His political journey has been described by critics as opportunistic, while supporters argue that he is driven by a desire to serve communities.
In the run-up to the 2021 municipal elections, Claassen was at the top of the PA’s candidate list for the Saldanha Bay Council and secured a position as interim councillor. But by 2022, he had resigned from the PA and aligned himself, at various stages, with Fransman’s movement and even the DA. During last year’s national election campaign, he openly criticised PA leader Gayton McKenzie on social media, only to rejoin the party later in last year.
It is this track record, coupled with accusations of behind-the-scenes manipulation, that fuels distrust among some PA supporters in Velddrif.
Lee-Roy’s Facebook Post Adds Fuel
Local resident Lee-Roy Joseph, of Velddrif, a known community voice, recently took to Facebook to express frustration over what he described as “backdoor politics” and alleged interference in candidate selection. His post, which quickly gained attention, reflects the concerns of many who feel that ordinary community voices are being sidelined.
Jacky September Supports Reginald Carolus
Meanwhile, respected community leader Jacky September of Hopefield has publicly endorsed Reginald Carolus as the PA’s chosen candidate. September described Carolus as a “people’s person,” known for his calm demeanour, strong communication skills, and ability to unite people.
“I got to know Reginald in Boland rugby meetings. He listens to people, and he’s not aggressive in meetings. He’s a good speaker, tactically sound, and approachable,” September stated, urging Velddrif residents to rally behind Carolus.
A Divided Community
The internal PA tensions and Claassen’s controversial history have left the community deeply divided ahead of the 23 July by-election. Some residents feel the focus has shifted away from service delivery and community needs, towards political games and personal agendas.
With the clock ticking down to election day, all eyes are on Velddrif — where the outcome could not only impact local politics but also reveal how much patience residents have left for political infighting.
