GOOD Statement by Marius van Stade
GOOD Stellenbosch Mayoral Municipality Councillor
10 September 2026
The GOOD Party has elected Cllr Marius van Stade as its Mayoral Candidate for Stellenbosch Municipality in the 2026 Local Government Elections on 6 September 2026. After five years of serving residents in Council, Van Stade says he is ready to take accountability and community advocacy to the next level.
“For five years, I have asked the difficult questions, challenged decisions and stood up when communities were not being heard. Now I am ready to lead.”
Van Stade says residents are under increasing pressure from the rising cost of living, rising municipal tariffs, housing shortages, unemployment and growing insecurity.
“People are struggling to make ends meet. Informal settlements are becoming normalised, young people are desperate for jobs, and too many residents are living in fear. This cannot become the new normal.”
He says Stellenbosch’s economic success must benefit all residents, not only those already enjoying the municipality’s prosperity.
“We need a municipality that creates an environment where investment can flourish, local businesses can grow and investment translates into real jobs and opportunities for our people.”
GOOD Stellenbosch will campaign around four priorities:
Economic Justice: jobs, local business, entrepreneurship and investment.
Social Justice: dignified housing, reliable services, safer communities and youth development.
Spatial Justice: better access to housing, land, transport, employment and opportunity.
Environmental Justice: water security, flood resilience, waste management and responsible development.
Marius Listens:
Through “Marius Listens”, Van Stade will take the campaign directly into communities across Stellenbosch, including Kayamandi, Idas Valley, Cloetesville, Jamestown, Pniël, Kylemore and surrounding rural areas.
“A mayor must understand what residents experience every day. We want to listen before we advise, understand before we act, and report back to communities.”
Van Stade says voters should judge him on his five-year performance track record of accountability.
“I am not asking residents to vote for empty promises. Look at the performance track record. Look at the questions we asked, the issues we raised, and the decisions we challenged.”
“For five years I have been asking the questions. Now I am asking the people of Stellenbosch for the opportunity to lead the answers.”
Media Enquiries: media@forgood.org.za