Peter de Villiers is hoping to swap his rugby boots for the mayoral chain.
The former Springbok and current EP Elephants coach has been named as the Good Party’s mayoral candidate for the Drakenstein local municipality.
Party leader Patricia de Lille on Sunday announced her party’s eight mayor hopefuls for the upcoming November local government elections.
The eight municipalities are Beaufort West, Drakenstein, George, Johannesburg, Kimberley, Nelson Mandela Bay, Saldanha Bay and Tshwane.
De Lille said the candidates are serious contenders, with proven track records, who have “earned the trust of their communities and have no need to tell any lies about their qualifications”.
“They include experienced members of professions and the business sector, former senior councillors – even a national icon. They have emerged from competitive selection and vetting processes, and they’re ready to lead with honour, integrity and diligence,” De Lille said.
P Divvy coached the Bokke from 2008 until 2011. Under his leadership, the team won 30 of their 48 matches.
However, the 64-year-old has no experience in holding political office.
But De Lille said Snorman has been a leader all his life: “He knows the pressures of expectation and the powers of teamwork.
“How to manage and motivate people into giving their best. How to break through false ceilings and scale global heights.
“Rugby’s loss is good people’s gain. Peter is passionate about levelling the playing field in his hometown of Paarl.
“He wants to build a common understanding among the people, rich and poor, of the links between dignity and justice, on the one hand, and stability and prosperity on the other,” De Lille said.
De Villiers could not be reached for comment yesterday.
Meanwhile JP Smith, one of the City of Cape Town’s longest-serving council members, is reportedly being considered to be the next Cape Town deputy mayor, should his party retain the municipality.
He is expected to go up against current Bonteheuwel Ward Councillor and sub-council five chairperson Angus McKenzie, reports the Weekend Argus.
“I am pondering my options and I cannot say much about the deputy mayor position as applications are yet to be opened,” Smith said.
However, McKenzie boldly stated that he had ambitions of being Geordin Hill-Lewis’ second in command: “People have seen the change I have brought in Bonteheuwel and I believe I can bring the same change in the municipality.”
The DA requires members to apply for posts through the party after local government elections are completed.
The party’s selection panel will then suggest a name to the party’s caucus, who will then vote for that person.
Hill-Lewis said he had no control over who becomes his deputy.