19/10/2026
WHY IRASA, AND CAN ONE PERSON REALLY MAKE A DIFFERENCE?
Since beginning my campaign ahead of the 4 November municipal elections, three questions have come up repeatedly:
What does IRASA stand for? Why am I getting involved in local government? And can one representative really make a difference?
I believe these are important questions because people want to understand my motivation and know what they can expect from me as a candidate.
WHY IRASA?
IRASA โ the Independent Ratepayers Association of South Africa โ provides a platform that closely aligns with my values and my longstanding involvement in property, business, local government and community affairs.
IRASA is not focused on traditional party politics or political infighting. Its core principle is โResidents First.โ
This means that decisions should be assessed from a local perspective by asking one fundamental question:
What is in the best interests of Matlosanaโs residents, property owners, ratepayers and businesses?
AM I NOW ENTERING TRADITIONAL POLITICS?
No. I do not see my involvement as an entry into traditional politics.
My interest lies in local government and community development. The municipal council is where decisions are made about matters that directly affect people's daily lives โ property rates, municipal tariffs, infrastructure, service delivery, development and the local business environment.
That is precisely why IRASA is a natural platform for me. It gives me the opportunity to represent small and large businesses, property owners and ratepayers within the municipal decision-making process.
BUT CAN FRANS ROOS, AS ONE REPRESENTATIVE, REALLY MAKE A DIFFERENCE?
The answer is: Yes.
One representative may not be able to change everything alone, but one active, informed and principled voice can ask questions, obtain information, bring problems to the communityโs attention and promote accountability.
However, I do not believe the solution lies in a single councillor alone.
The greater opportunity lies in mobilising active communities. When a strong business network, residentsโ forum or community association comes together around a particular issue, an enormous amount of knowledge and experience can be harnessed for the benefit of the community.
WHAT DO I ULTIMATELY WANT TO ACHIEVE?
I want residents and businesses to know that they have a voice in local government โ not only during election time, but every day.
Matlosana has people with remarkable knowledge and experience in business, property, finance, engineering, legislation, community development and many other fields.
The question is: How do we bring this expertise together and use it constructively for the benefit of Matlosanaโs residents?
That is where I believe I can play a role.
Ultimately, this is not about Frans Roos. It is about what we, as residents, property owners and businesses, can achieve together to build a stronger and more sustainable Matlosana.
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