Former Heathfield High School principal Wesley Neumann, who is still fighting to be reinstated following a Labour Court order, received 267 votes in Ward 110 during the Local Government Elections. Despite not making it to the top of the line, Neumann has vowed to continue advocating for working-class communities, highlighting issues such as housing, unemployment, crime, and inadequate services. His campaign focused on grassroots mobilisation and people-centred governance.
Neumann's call for change includes better schools, safer communities, improved sports and health facilities, quality housing, and meaningful job opportunities. The ward seat was taken by the DA's Shanen Rossouw, who received more than 4,300 votes. The National Coloured Congress's mayoral candidate, Ellen Pakkies, received 336 votes in the same ward. Neumann joined politics after his suspension and became a proportional representation councillor in the City of Cape Town.
Neumann's entry into politics followed his dismissal in October 2021 after opposing the Western Cape Education Department's Covid-19 school reopening directive on safety grounds. He subsequently won his Labour Court case, with a judgment handed down on January 5, 2026, ordering his full reinstatement as principal. However, the Western Cape Education Department has appealed the ruling to the Labour Appeal Court, where the matter remains pending.
Neumann reflected on his experience in participating in the democratic process, finding it both rewarding and deeply sobering. During the campaign, he encountered harsh living conditions facing working-class communities, including backyard dwellers and thousands of residents without running water, sanitation, electricity, or adequate housing. He expressed concern for the children living in these conditions and the impact on their dignity and humanity.
Neumann expressed gratitude to his volunteers and supporters for their commitment and hard work throughout the campaign. He congratulated the incumbent and incoming Ward 110 councillor, Shanen Rossouw, on earning the trust of the community and winning the ward. Neumann pledged his full support and commitment to assisting Rossouw in her efforts to uplift the community while remaining committed to holding her accountable through democratic processes.
Ellen Pakkies, the National Coloured Congress's mayoral candidate, did not respond to queries about her plans for the community. During an earlier interview, she stated that she had chosen to join politics to make a difference, citing that communities had suffered for too long. The Patriotic Alliance's Ralph Bouwers, a community activist, received 420 votes in Ward 110.
Neumann's experience in the election has reinforced his commitment to public service and making a meaningful difference in the lives of others. He remains dedicated to advocating for working-class communities and promoting people-centred governance. The outcome of the Labour Appeal Court case regarding his reinstatement as principal remains pending.
Key points
- Neumann received 267 votes in Ward 110 and vows to continue advocating for working-class communities.
- The ward seat was taken by the DA's Shanen Rossouw, who received more than 4,300 votes.
- Neumann's Labour Court case remains unresolved due to the Western Cape Education Department's appeal.
