KNYSNA NEWS - In the 16 years they have been married, Sorelda and Lionel Groenewald made their way to the voting station together for three elections, united by a shared hope for a better future for Knysna and its residents.
The couple, who cast their ballots at Hornlee Community Hall, said they hoped those elected to lead the Knysna Municipality would serve the community selflessly and give back to residents, rather than prioritising their own interests.
For the Groenewalds, giving back to the community is something they already practise in their everyday lives, often using their own limited resources to help those in need.
Sorelda, a small-business owner who bakes cakes and savouries and provides catering services, said she and her husband regularly assist less fortunate residents by providing meals to homeless children and young people, as well as mothers facing difficult circumstances.
Lionel, who is unemployed due to a disability, shares his wife’s commitment to helping others. The couple described the voting process at Hornlee Community Hall as organised and calm, with no major disruptions.
They did, however, experience a slight delay when the voting system encountered difficulties at the outset, which they said was understandable.
Looking ahead, the Groenewalds said they remained hopeful and positive about Knysna’s future, and were particularly interested in discovering which political party or coalition would take the reins of the municipality.
Sorelda said she hoped the newly elected leadership would bring much-needed change to Greater Knysna and put residents’ needs first. Beyond the election, Sorelda has her own vision.
She hopes to establish what she calls the Sunrise Project, an initiative she dreams of launching in the near future to support homeless and hungry people, as well as individuals who have lost hope.
She also hopes to see more employment opportunities created for young people and improved services and support for elderly residents, whom she believes are often overlooked and remain vulnerable to criminal activity.
Sorelda said elderly residents should be seen, protected and prioritised, with greater attention given to their needs and well-being. “Everything should not be based on promises or personal interests, but on what is best for Greater Knysna,” she said.
A moment of excitement and cheer as Sorelda and Lionel Groenewald await their turn to cast their votes this morning, Wednesday, 4 November. Photo: Rozano Alie
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