Getting to Know Your Mayor
In Cape Town's leadership, there's a figure who stands out for his commitment to progress and his personable approach to governance. Geordin Hill-Lewis, the city's executive mayor since 2021, has quickly become a familiar face known for his dedication to the people of the Mother City. Despite the challenges that come with leadership, he has made significant strides in various areas, earning a reputation for being approachable and results-driven.
We had the exclusive opportunity to sit down with Mayor Hill-Lewis, delving into his perspectives, motivations, and visions for Cape Town. Through a series of 20 questions, we offer a unique glimpse into the life and mind of the man at the helm of one of the world's most beautiful cities.
1. What is your idea of perfect happiness?
Spending quality time with my family, especially in the outdoors - like in one of South Africa's incredible national parks - is about as close to heaven on earth as it gets for me.
2. What is your greatest fear?
Like most South African families, my greatest fear revolves around the personal safety of my wife and child. I know we can only make South Africa truly safer when we grow the economy, get more people into work, and make our society fundamentally more sustainable. That is my purpose in politics.
3. What is the trait you most deplore in yourself?
I probably lose patience too quickly.
4. What is the trait you most deplore in others?
I'm not a fan of bad faith interactions, and when people demonstrate a lack of integrity.
5. Which living person do you most admire?
Helen Zille - I owe her a great deal. And my mom.
6. What is your greatest extravagance?
An annual holiday in the Kruger Park - my happy place. And I spend far
too much on books, many of which I haven't read. I could bankrupt myself in a bookstore, easily.
7. What is your current state of mind?
Optimistic and determined.
8. Which words or phrases do you most overuse?
'Stretch targets' - we are always looking to push the envelope and achieve big things for Cape Town.
9. What or who is the greatest love of your life?
My darling wife, Carla, and my daughter.
10. Which talent would you most like to have?
A singing voice. For those who heard me on KFM's secret singer, you will know I do not have one...
11. What do you consider your greatest achievement?
Raising my daughter is the greatest privilege and achievement of my life.
12. What do you love most about Cape Town?
Its diversity, natural beauty and so many interesting people.
13. What's your favourite feature of the city's new app?
The 'What's on' feature, where people and families can see what's happening near them.
14. What do you love most about being the mayor?
I love meeting residents across the city and just talking and sharing views. I'm fundamentally a people's person, and really enjoy meeting interesting people and learning about their lives. Our people have hearts of gold.
15. What do you like least about being the mayor?
It does entail quite a bit of family time sacrificed.
16. What's something about your job that you wish people knew?
The path from A to B in government is often quite complex, especially due to red tape. This is something we're also looking to improve on.
17. What's your favourite holiday destination?
Cape Town - among the greatest cities in the world!
18. Which historical figure do you most identify with?
George Orwell - not that I can write anywhere nearly as beautifully as he did. But he was prescient, funny, didn't take himself too seriously, and got almost all the long-term trends right.
19. Who are your heroes in real life?
I have great respect for the City of Cape Town staff who deliver critical basic services in crime hotspots under very difficult conditions.
20. What is your motto or your 'words to live by'?
'Do what you can, where you are, with what you have.'
22 Jan 2024
Author Seeff Atlantic Seaboard & City Bowl
