Grandi Theunissen FF Plus leader in Tshwane
By Grandi Theunissen
FF PLUS Tshwane Leader
Proven Momentum: A Surge in Public Trust
Recent by-elections in Tshwane have served as a clear “litmus test,” showing that the VF Plus is no longer a junior partner, but a primary contender for leadership in the Metro:
Ward 84 (23 October 2024): The party saw its support surge from 20% to 36%.
Crucially, they won two out of the six voting districts (VDs) outright, marking a significant shift in the electoral landscape.
Ward 57 (21 January 2026): In a massive showing, the party achieved 44.4% of the vote (up from 16.1% in 2021).
The VF Plus won two out of the three voting districts (Lyttelton Primary and Laerskool Louis Leipoldt), coming within just 270 votes of winning the entire ward.
The party has prepared a diverse slate of 90 plus candidates, specifically curated to act as a “shadow administration” ready to govern from day one:
Expert-Led: The slate is heavily weighted with legal, financial, and technical experts. This is a deliberate move to address the city’s technical and financial challenges with professional skill rather than political ideology.
Seasoned Experience: The list includes 16 current councillors, many of whom are serving their second or third terms.
This core group provides the institutional memory and continuity required to navigate complex council dynamics.
Representative Balance: The candidates represent a balance of young and older leaders, including men and women of all races, reflecting the party’s commitment to a merit-based, non-racial future for the capital.
Leadership with Unrivaled Depth
The campaign is anchored by a leadership duo that combines high-level legal muscle with extensive administrative history:
Willie Spies Candidate): A prominent attorney and 50-year Pretoria resident, Spies brings decades of expertise in civil litigation.
His return to politics is focused on “resurrecting the Metro” through legal accountability and professional management.
Grandi Theunissen (Campaign Lead & Regional Leader):
As an Alderman and the current Caucus Leader, Theunissen is a heavyweight in local government.
His experience is exceptional, having served more than five terms in councils.
His background as the former Mayor of Ermelo and his tenure as the MMC for Community Safety provide a proven track record of managing municipal complexities at the highest levels.
The VF Plus is presenting itself as the stable, competent backbone necessary for a strong coalition government.
With voter support hitting record highs in key wards and a team led by the experienced duo of Theunissen and Spies, the party is positioned to ensure that South Africa’s capital is restored through technical expertise and seasoned governance.
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