Celebrating Thornton
Clive and Sandra Justus Alderman Clive Justus and his wife Sandra, an avid pastoral carer are well known members of the Thornton community being true examples of selfless residents giving their time to help others.
Teaching in Thornton
Clive's teaching career began at Thornton High after completing a BSc at UCT followed by a Teaching Diploma. He enjoyed five and half wonderful years at the school and discovered that Thornton was a welcoming community of supportive families, where he taught wonderful students. In 1984 after completing his Bachelor of Education, Clive took up a position at the Cape Technikon, where he taught biology and general science for 15 and a half years (fulfilling the post vacated by Pinelander Nicolette Louw).
Giving voice to the ratepayers
In 1986 Clive attended the local ratepayers meeting needing to drum up some action on the council's decision not to mow the grass verges. The chairman of the meeting noted that Clive had a lot to say and suggested he take up the position of
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chairman. Declining the invitation Clive became a committee member − and when the chairman position came up again, he agreed to take on the responsibility as long as the members of the ratepayers association were strong in their convictions − he didn't want toothless dogs, but ones with a bit of bite!
From teacher to City Councillor
In 1988 it was felt that Thornton needed a councillor from within the suburb, and Clive stood for election − so began his career as a City Councillor − 25 years ago. Ultimately he had to make a decision between teaching at Technikon and serving on council, especially as his duties as executive council member for City Planning was a demanding position. As a full time councillor, Clive has served under Helen Zille as Mayoral Committee Member for Utility Services, enjoying his work with Ms Zille who, he says, has vision, drive and determination and allows her colleagues to develop their potential. He also served under Mayor Dan Plato. Alderman Justus values residents who raise legitimate gripes with well founded reasonable expectations, that can be addressed by council. As a leader he strives for consistency and fairness, even in the face of having to make difficult decisions.
Advice for those seeking to join the political arena
One must be dedicated to the service of others, have integrity, be bold, willing to take the good with the bad, understand that servants of the community rarely get acknowledged for what they do, and strive to make decisions for the greater good that will allow you to sleep at night.
A wake-up call
In 2004 Sandra was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis (MS), and Clive realised that he had become immersed in his work and needed to spend more time with his family. Season tickets for Rugby provided an opportunity to bond with Devon, to learn about the game and to appreciate Devon's position as lock in the rugby 1st team at school.
Sandra − Living up to her name
Sandra who has lived in Thornton, in Plane Avenue, all her life, left her career in banking to look after their two children. When Devon and Phillip started school, Sandra became the secretary of the Methodist Church, and after 14 years she joined the Pastoral Care committee, where she takes great pleasure in treating the seniors from local retirement villages to outings to Hermanus, Fishhoek, Langebaan, Darling, the Strand, Stellenbosch
December 2013 / January 2014 | the muse | 12
Interview and Photography Glynnis Schutte
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live and Sandra began their married life in Thornton 30 years ago on June 25th 1983. They met while Clive was teaching at Thornton High School, where Clive recognised Sandra as "a ray of sunshine". Thornton is their home where they raised their sons − Devon, who works in the hotel industry, and is studying for an HR degree, and Phillip who is studying mechanical engineering at UCT.