Media Release: Passing of Cllr Danny Saayman comes as a shock and will leave a void

For Immediate Release
18 February 2021

Feature Image caption: Late Cllr Danny Saayman (left) with  Cllr Bernardus van Wyk (middle) and Cllr Ryk Wildschut (right).

Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) Council, Management and employees mourn the sudden passing of Councillor Danny Saayman who represented Mossel Bay on a district level. Saayman served as a Proportional Councillor at the GRDM Council since 2016. Earlier today, employees from GRDM gathered to hold a prayer session at the institution’s Council Chambers to mourn his passing.

Executive Mayor for GRDM, Ald. Memory Booysen, said: “Our prayers go out to Danny’s family, friends and everyone else who worked with him or whose life was touched by his selfless service”. At the time of comment, Ald. Booysen was still in shock of Danny’s passing and mentioned on a lighter note that he was called ‘Yster’ by Cllr Saayman and that he will miss his witty nature.

Chief Whips from the Democratic Alliance (DA), African National Congress (ANC), Plaaslike Besorgde Inwoners (PBI) and Independent Civic Organisation of South Africa (ICOSA), also shared fond memories of their late colleague and friend.

Cllr Rowan Spies (DA), said: “Danny was part of our caucus and will be remembered as a person who uplifted the mood of everyone around him; we will also remember him as a reliable and trustworthy pillar of strength for many”. Spies further described Cllr Saayman as one of few individuals who was emotionally intelligent, able to mediate any  conflicting situation. “He will be dearly missed and our heartfelt condolences go out to his family,” said Spies.

Alderman Virgill Gericke from the PBI shared his deepest condolences and sympathy to the family and said: “He was a very humble servant of the people. I take pride in having known and worked with him. God be with his wife and children”. Alderman Pieter van Der Hoven from the ANC shared that the passing of Cllr Saayman came as a big shock. He said: “I know he added a lot of value not only to his political party but also to his community.” Van Der Hoven also wished Cllr Saayman’s family strength during this difficult period. Cllr Wilbur Harris from ICOSA said that it was terrible news to hear about Danny’s sudden passing. He saw the news break at about 01:00am on 18 February 2021. “I offer ICOSA’s thoughts, prayers and well-wishes during this dark time to his family, friends and political party,” said Harris.

Saayman has left behind a wife and two daughters who will receive the necessary support from the GRDM and the date of a memorial service will be announced soon.

GRDM will treasure the wonderful memories it has of Cllr Saayman – rest in peace.