Marlene van Staden was a dedicated servant of the people: Steenhuisen

Democratic Alliance (DA) Federal Leader, John Steenhuisen has hailed the late Modimolle-Mookgophong mayor, Marlene van Staden as a dedicated servant of the people.

She passed away after a long battle with cancer at the age of 42.

Steenhuisen says Van Staden overcame tremendous obstacles to stabilise the Modimolle-Mookgophong municipality.

“Marlene van Staden was deeply loved by her party, the province and a caucus where she was an incredibly dynamic and forthright mayor who lived and breathed the DA’s values and principles every single day,” he says.

“Marlene is well-known for being instrumental in forging relationships with civil society organisations to better capacitate and improve governance. Marlene was dedicated resilient and a powerhouse of local government is the strength of conviction and a sheer determination softened by a wonderful sense of humour and gentle kindness,” Steenhuisen adds.

I am devastated by the terrible news that my friend, colleague and the Mayor of Modimolle-Mookgophong, Marlene Van Staden, has passed away.

My heart breaks for Marlene’s family, especially her husband and two young boys who are in our thoughts and prayers at this time. pic.twitter.com/MIu6dvBMbp

— John Steenhuisen MP (@jsteenhuisen) June 8, 2023

🕊️ | It is with immense sadness that we mourn the passing of DA Mayor Marlene Van Staden.

Marlene was our first-ever mayor in Limpopo, an incredibly dynamic leader who lived and served the community of Modimolle-Mookgophong well. She will be missed by many – condolences to her… pic.twitter.com/pbDENhI0Zd

— Democratic Alliance (@Our_DA) June 8, 2023