Cape Town - Former Western Cape MEC of Social Development, Sharna Fernandez has quit politics in exchange for a role in property, following in her past footsteps of sales and banking and has vowed to continue to do her humanitarian work.
Fernandez took to her Facebook page where she announced her huge step out of the political arena under the banner of the DA and into the doors and domain of Rawson Properties, at their Constantia branch.
Fernandez's role as the Minister of DSD began in 2019 and came to an end following the May 2024 National elections.
She was also a member of a provincial legislature and the 6th candidate at the DA provincial Western Cape list for 2019.
The new Minister who has filled Fernandez's shoes, is Jaco Londt.
Fernandez shared the highlights of her political career, including being the Speaker of the Legislature between 2014 to 2019 and her health battles and triumphs.
“I am excited to announce that my life has gone full circle. For the many who know me, I spent nearly thirty years in banking,” she explained.
“My last stint was spent at ABSA Head Office, Bloemfontein as the Acting AGM managing the Mortgage Bond division for the Free State, North West Province and Northern Cape.
“I contracted H1N1 in 2009, which left me debilitated with a long, slow journey of recovery.
“I believed though that God had a plan for my life and in 2014, I became a member of the Western Cape Provincial Legislature and the Speaker of the Legislature at the same time. In 2019, I was afforded the opportunity to serve our citizens as the Minister for Social Development in the Western Cape Government.
“I am grateful for the opportunity to have served at the highest level.”
Fernandez said despite bowing out of politics, she will continue to serve the people of the Western Cape.
“A series of events required me to make some tough decisions and I opted to retire from the political arena in June 2024,” she explained.
“I will still be actively involved in humanitarian work. I wish to thank every individual, colleague and leader who I worked with over the years, for their unwavering support and for enriching my life . To my family and friends, you are the wind beneath my wings. Your love and support have allowed me to grow beyond what I thought possible.
“As I embark on this new journey, I wish to thank our MD Martin Rautenbach and the team at Rawson Constantia for welcoming me back into the fold.
“I started out as a very passionate enquiry clerk working for Barclays bank.
“Networking, sales, service and client engagement fuel my passion to make a difference.
“I undertake to serve all my clients with honesty and integrity as Values Based-Leadership is at the core of everything I do. I am ready to serve!.”
Rawson Properties Constantia also took to social media to congratulate Fernandez to their team.
“We are excited to introduce another new addition to our Rawson Properties Constantia team, Sharna Fernandez!
“With her passion for real estate, dedication to clients, and exceptional knowledge, we know Sharna will be an amazing asset to our team.”