By The race for local elections is now on, while the Electorate Commission (IEC) is ramping up voter registrations, political parties are also getting ready for the upcoming municipal elections later this year.
The re-elected Leader of the Democratic Alliance (DA) in the Free State Province, Dr Roy Jankielsohn, has named his fighter who will enter the electoral race for the Mangaung Metro Mayor position. Jankielsohn has announced Werner Pretorius, a Member of Provincial Legislature (MPL) as the DA’s mayoral candidate in Mangaung and has expressed confidence in him.
Pretorius was born and bred in the city of Bloemfontein; according to the DA Leader, Pretorius is a proud, on-the-ground activist for the residents of Mangaung.
He has a strong academic background, having completed two degrees at the University of the Free State. It was during his time at UFS that his commitment to leadership and public service took root, where he served in the Democratic Alliance Student Organisation and later as SRC Treasurer, demonstrating from an early stage a firm commitment to accountability and good governance.
His record of public service speaks for itself. He has proudly served the people of Mangaung as: a Democratic Alliance PR Councillor. Later as a Ward Councillor, working directly with communities to address service delivery challenges. Since 2024, as a Member of the Free State Legislature, where he has continued to hold government accountable and fight for residents’ rights.
He is an admitted attorney of the Free State division of the High Court, with Master’s degrees in Law and Business Administration.
“Today, he also serves as the Provincial Chairperson of the Democratic Alliance in the Free State, a role that reflects the confidence the party places in his leadership, integrity, and vision for the province.
It is on the strength of this proven track record, deep local roots, and unwavering commitment to ethical leadership that the Democratic Alliance proudly presents him as its mayoral candidate for the Mangaung Metropolitan Municipality.
With Pretorius as Mayoral Candidate, the DA is ready to bring clean, effective governance to the City of Mangaung. Mangaung can work with a Mayor who will put residents first!” said Dr Roy Jankielsohn.
