Jacqui Uys: Tshwane's New Finance MMC Marries Fierce Determination with Motherhood

Jacqui Uys, City of Tshwane’s new Member of Mayoral Committee (MMC) for Finance, is an exemplar of contemporary leadership—a blend of maternal instinct, tenacity, and public service commitment. Blonde, always in high heels when not traversing streets for the Democratic Alliance (DA) campaigns, she defies the conventional by combining elegance with political fervor. Behind Uys’s ascent from the domestic sphere to the corridors of power lies an atypical yet inspiring journey.

Uys's tough upbringing on a Free State farm with four brothers prepared her for a life less ordinary, positioning her firmly against fear and stereotyping. Her educational pursuit saw her achieving an honours degree in strategic communication before embarking on a career that would eventually lead her from the corporate world to the heart of local politics. It was love, both personal and for South Africa, that catapulted Uys into the political landscape—her engagement with politics began alongside her husband, Reyaan Uys, a DA councillor, where she started from the grassroots level making coffee and assisting in local campaigns.

The progression from supportive spouse to political contender happened naturally. Recognized for her active role, Uys was approached to run for ward councillor in 2016. Balancing her political rise with motherhood has not hindered Uys; instead, it has reinforced her mission. Embracing both roles seamlessly, Uys demonstrates that societal expectations of women's roles can be transcended. Her children have been part of her political journey, from council assemblies to online Zoom meetings, embodying her principle that maternity does not impede professional aptitude.

Her tenacity extends beyond the political arena, evident in her passionate celebration of Christmas—a festive period she adorns with full gusto, hosting events even for the homeless in her community. It is her authenticity that sets Uys apart. Her dislike of fish and unfairness, the latter driving her political narrative, offers a glimpse into her character—a person led by principles yet openhearted to her surroundings.

Uys steers clear of holding grudges, showing that politics, for her, is less about personal vendettas and more about the greater good. It is this perspective that has seen Uys rise to the role of Tshwane coalition caucus chair and now to the esteemed position of MMC of Finance. Here, she eyes the future with the intent to leave a legacy of improved living for children, communities, and the broader South African populace.

Her appointment is perceived not as a pinnacle but as an opportunity to further the cause she believes in—bettering South Africa at the foundational level. True to her nature, Uys is grounded in the present, aiming to effectuate change in the immediate, subscribing to the notion that influence is strongest at the heart of community administration. Her refusal to engage in the distant allure of parliamentary politics underscores her conviction that change is most potently enacted on the ground.

Uys, a force to reckon with, exemplifies that resolve and womanhood need not be mutually exclusive but can rather be advantageous catalysts in the quest to promote civic betterment and responsible governance. Her story is not simply one of personal achievement but a testament to the multiplicity of roles women can assume in shaping society’s future.