A political novice and former switchboard operator was named on Monday as the Independent Democrats’ mayoral candidate for Cape Town.
Simon Grindrod (35) was elected unanimously by the party’s 105 candidates in the metropole.
He is currently general manager of the upmarket Commodore and Portswood hotels at the V&A Waterfront.
In his first foray into politics, he will contest the municipal elections against seasoned politicians — Helen Zille of the Democratic Alliance and Nomaindia Mfeketo of the African National Congress.
”The people of this city have a choice — they can allow this DA/ANC circus to continue and nothing happens, or they can get behind the third choice, the best choice, the Independent Democrats,” said Grindrod, who was introduced to the ID’s supporters at the party’s manifesto launch in Cape Town.
Grindrod said a choice of two parties, who had their chances but blew it, is no choice at all.
He said people are confused with both the DA and the ANC, saying a vote for the DA could be a vote for either the Theuns Botha New National Party faction or the Helen Zille Democratic Party scion.
”People are confused about the ANC: Are you voting for the ANC of Thabo Mbeki or the ANC of Jacob Zuma?”
Grindrod said voters, tired of the same faces, modi operandi and promises, now have the chance to vote for a fresh start.
”We will under-promise and over-deliver.”
Grindrod, the son of two social workers, who worked himself up without the benefit of a university education, described himself as a Christian who believes in the death penalty.
Ironically, the ID campaigns on an anti-death-penalty ticket.
Party leader Patricia de Lille said she had been approached to stand for mayor, but her interests lay in the national level.
”I am [also] the unifying factor within the Independent Democrats … and I want to continue playing a role at national level.”
De Lille pledged her full support to ensure Grindrod’s candidacy is successful.
The fact that Grindrod is a white, Christian male does not count against him.
”Everybody say that the white male species is basically extinct. We certainly want to show there is still a role for them to play in South Africa.”
De Lille said Grindrod was chosen for his overall ability to manage, particularly finances, and the fact that he is people-friendly.
Grindrod, eager to demonstrate his people-first approach, said at a media briefing that he will personally take between a 50% and 70% pay cut, should he be elected mayor.
”I have nothing to gain other than to contribute to the city in which I was born.”
Grindrod, who will officially resign his day job on March 2, said transparency in governance will be key. — Sapa