Well known Durban North politician John Steenhuisen is fast climbing the ladder to political success, writes Kirsten Clark
Durban City Councillor John Steenhuisen is a man who is undeniably on to bigger and better things − the 33-year-old Durban North local recently took up his seat in the KZN provincial parliament.
Well known for taking on Durban City Manager Mike Sutcliffe in the press, and as a man who clearly will not shy away from a challenge, John was born and raised in Durban North, where he attended Chelsea Prep and Northwood. His fondest memory of growing up in the area is the neighbourly and family orientated atmosphere.
“When I was younger we would ride our bikes in the street until the sun went down. I still think Durban North is one of the best places in the country, and that’s why I intend to raise my family here. It’s a beautiful garden suburb which offers a quality lifestyle. The walls may be higher but it is still friendly.”
As a youngster, he says, the figures of John F Kennedy, Nelson Mandela and Hillary Clinton inspired in him a passion for politics, a passion that he admits can be “immensly frustrating but one I wouldn’t swop for anything!”
A normal day starts early. Up at 4.30am for a morning run or work out at Virgin Active, John’s in the office by 7.30am to answer e-mails and return calls.
“Most of my day is taken up with council or party meetings and I often go out to meet residents to discuss particular problems. Helen Suzman always said you should go and see for yourself and this is something I try to live by.” John can often be found interacting with municipal officials to resolve his ward’s problems and he frequently attends meetings with the Community Policing Forum and the Ratepayers’ Assocation.
On a personal front, John has been married to Julie for nine years. Julie has been an immense support for John both in his career and in his personal life. She has cheered him on to the finish in six Argus and Amashova Cycle Races and celebrated his successful leadership of the 33-strong DA caucus in the Durban City Council.
Says John: “Julie is incredibly supportive – my work involves me being away from home for long periods and sometimes I have to work late at night. Apart from being a very successful business woman in her own right, she keeps the home fires burning too. I am extremely lucky to have her and would battle to keep up without her!”
The couple met at the North Durban Rotaract Club and have two daughters, Ashley, aged three, and Caroline, who is one. John says his girls are his proudest achievement and he can often be found spending precious quality time with them. “I love being with them and they both have an excellent sense of humour!”
The couple also credit Chrisilda Sifumba as being “the rock” of their household, particularly with their children. “She’s a real star and an integral part of our family.”
John has enjoyed a number of significant successes during his tenure as the Durban North Ward councillor. He has served on the Executive Committee, as well as the Housing and Economic Development Committees but he regards his greatest achievement, aside from his family, to be “standing up and giving a voice to the ordinary people in our city”.
“Being able to help those with issues from rates queries to getting streetlights and potholes fixed is very rewarding.”
Useful contacts: John Steenhuisen can be contacted through the DA provincial office in Kloof at 031 764 0941 or via email at unicity@iafrica.com. He is also available on Facebook and Twitter.