Author: Debra Sauer

In the photo above, community members in attendance at the IDP and Budget public participation meeting at Pacaltsdorp Community Hall.

George Municipality’s 2026 Integrated Development Plan (IDP) and Budget public participation process continues to gain strong momentum, with high levels of community engagement recorded across multiple wards during April.

One of the most well-attended engagements to date took place at the Pacaltsdorp Community Hall on last week, where residents demonstrated a keen interest in municipal planning and service delivery priorities.

The public participation programme forms a key component of the Municipality’s statutory planning cycle and supports the review of the Integrated Development Plan and Medium-Term Revenue and Expenditure Framework (MTREF). These engagements provide residents, ward committees and stakeholders with the opportunity to contribute directly to municipal priorities, projects and budget allocations for the 2026/27 financial year.
Proceedings in Pacaltsdorp commenced with a ward committee session involving representatives from Wards 4, 14, 16 and 27. The session focused on strengthening understanding of municipal programmes, planning processes and strategic objectives, ensuring that ward committees remain well-positioned to represent their communities effectively.

The evening public meeting was well attended, with residents engaging constructively throughout. Municipal officials presented key IDP projects and budget-related matters impacting both the local wards and the broader municipal area.

Executive Mayor Alderman Browen Johnson attended the session and engaged directly with residents, responding to questions and providing clarity on service delivery matters. The interaction was well received and reflected constructive engagement between the Municipality and the community.

Ronél Valla, Acting Manager: IDP, Performance Management and Public Participation, who chaired the session, noted that the positive participation reflects growing community trust in the process.
“Active public participation remains essential in ensuring that municipal planning responds to the needs and priorities of our communities,” she said.

During the engagement, residents raised matters relating to electrification in the Moeggeploeg area. Officials from Electro-Technical Services provided feedback on current planning and implementation progress, which was positively received by those in attendance.

Similar positive engagements were recorded across other areas, including Thembalethu, Conville, George Town Hall and Touwsranten, where communities participated constructively and provided valuable input on the draft budget and planned development initiatives.

Dr Kosie Haarhoff, Deputy Director: Strategic Services and Economic Development, said the consistent turnout and quality of engagement across wards underscores the importance residents place on participating in local governance processes.

“The Municipality is encouraged by the level of community involvement. The inputs received will be carefully considered as part of the finalisation of the IDP and budget,” he said.

Residents are encouraged to make written submissions by 06 May 2026 to Idp@george.gov.za and budget@george.gov.za
Residents can also engage through their ward councillors and ward committees.

Photos:

Community members in attendance at the IDP and Budget public participation meeting at Pacaltsdorp Community Hall.

Ronél Valla, Acting Manager: IDP, Performance Management and Public Participation, who chaired the session, speaks to the Community while Executive Mayor, Ald Browen Johnson listens intently.

The Mayor addresses the community with the Acting Municipal Manager at the back, Bevan Ellman.

Michael Rhode, Director: Electrical Engineering Services gives a thumbs up at the meeting, flanked by Louise Botha and Jermaine Cupido, both from the directorate.

In the photo above the George Municipality Internal Audit team with the External Quality Assurance Review report.

The Internal Audit function of George Municipality has achieved a Full Conformance rating following a recent External Quality Assurance Review (EQAR), confirming alignment with the Global Internal Audit Standards issued by the Institute of Internal Auditors.

In addition to the Full Conformance rating, the review confirmed that the Internal Audit function has achieved its performance objectives and complies with applicable municipal laws and regulations. These outcomes reflect a high level of effectiveness and alignment with recognised professional practices.

The independent review assessed the Internal Audit function against the latest Global Internal Audit Standards, which represent the current international benchmark for the profession. The results indicate that the function is operating in accordance with the standards’ principles and requirements, and is positioned to provide consistent assurance and advisory support to governance structures.

The outcome reflects several key areas of maturity within the function, including:
• An established Internal Audit Charter and governance framework
• Structured audit planning, execution, and reporting processes
• A continued focus on risk management, control, and governance
• Demonstrated professional competence, independence, and objectivity
This result provides assurance to the Audit Committee, Council, management, and other stakeholders that the Internal Audit function is aligned with international standards and is effectively supporting oversight and accountability within the Municipality.

Commenting on the outcome, Chief Audit Executive Jean-Pierre Rossouw noted that the review outcome affirms the function’s role in strengthening governance and supporting informed decision-making across the organisation.

The Internal Audit function acknowledges the support and cooperation of the Municipal Manager, Audit Committee, management, and stakeholders throughout the review process. The function remains committed to continuous improvement and sustaining alignment with evolving professional standards.

In the photo above are members of the new JCC, previous JCC, Councillors and Official. Infront from left: Mzivuyo Gumede (Glenwood House School) Chief Whip of JCC 2026, Matthew Taylor (Outeniqua High school) Junior Speaker of JCC 2026, Cllr Melvin Roelfse, MMC Community Development, Sport and Libraries, Anouk van Coller (Outeniqua High School) Junior Mayor for 2026, Xaney Janse van Rensburg (Outeniqua High school)Deputy Speaker for 2026, Cllr Thandiswa Qatana and Jonel Kerspuy (Coordinator of George Municipality Youth Office).
Second row are Andrea Mouton(Eden Technical High school), Stacey-Lee Blaauw (Parkdene High School), Sharon-Rose Wentzel (George High School), Tamryn Bostander (Heatherlands High School), Naledi Ngxishe (York High School – JCC, 2025), Marné Van der Westhuizen (Outeniqua High School – JCC, 2025), Mia Mengel (Outeniqua High school – JCC, 2025) Niellin Bruinders (George High School – JCC, 2025), Iya Khuze (Glenwood House School – JCC, 2025).
Third row: Ethan Lee (Parkdene High School), Tyra-Lee Lindoor (George High school), Amber-Lee April (Eden Technical High School), Aphelele Damons (Jonga High School), Anneke Erasmus and Hendrik Stander (Outeniqua High School), Caleb Dickson, Okwethu Tsholeka and Marissa Nunns (York High School).
Absent in the photo: Mastoerah Davids (York High School – JCC, 2025), Liwa Robebe (Eden Technical High School), Skylar Sauer (Municipal Manager JCC 2026) and Liah Pennington (both from Glenwood House School).

The newly elected George Junior City Council (JCC) for 2026 was officially inaugurated at a special ceremony recently attended by the Speaker of Council, Councillor Sean Snyman, alongside overseers from the Office of the Executive Mayor responsible for the JCC.

Cllr Melvin Roelfse, MMC for Community Development, Libraries and Sport and Cllr Thandiswa Qatana. The event brought together young leaders, parents, teachers, municipal officials and community stakeholders to mark the beginning of a new term of youth leadership in George. It was held at the George Banquet Hall.

A highlight of the programme was the announcement of the 2026 JCC Executive Council by Councillors Qatana and Roelfse. The Speaker of Council administered the Oath of Affirmation, marking a significant moment as the newly elected members committed themselves to serving their peers and community. The newly elected Junior Mayor for 2026 delivered an inspiring inaugural address, setting the tone for the year ahead.

Cllr Roelfse delivered a keynote address emphasising the importance of active youth participation and ethical leadership in governance and community development. His message encouraged the newly elected members to lead with integrity, accountability and purpose, while recognising the important role young people play in shaping the future of the municipality.

Notably, two learners from Parkdene High School were affirmed as members of the JCC, marking the school’s first participation in the programme. Other schools represented in this year’s JCC are Eden Technical High School, George High School, Glenwood House, Heatherlands High School, Jonga High School, Outeniqua High School, Parkdene High School and York High School.

The presence of parents and teachers added meaningful support to the occasion, highlighting the important role of mentorship and guidance in developing future leaders. The event underscored the strong partnership between schools, families and the municipality in building a brighter future for George.

The inauguration also marked the conclusion of the 2025 JCC term. Outgoing members reflected on their leadership journey, sharing insights and experiences, and extended messages of encouragement to the incoming council. In her reflection, 2025 Junior Mayor, Mia Mengel, highlighted the positive impact of youth leadership within the municipality.

Key initiatives undertaken during the previous term included the donation of clothing to assist families affected by a fire in 2025 that destroyed nearly 50 informal structures, participation in the inaugural Western Cape Boys Parliament, awareness programmes addressing gender-based violence and femicide during the 16 Days of Activism for No Violence Against Women and Children campaign, as well as various other community-focused initiatives.

Certificates of recognition were presented to the outgoing 2025 council members in appreciation of their dedication and service. The event celebrated not only youth leadership, but also continuity, growth and the ongoing commitment of young leaders to serve their communities.

Photo:

Cllr Melvin Roelfse, Community Development, Sport and Libraries, Cllr Thandiswa Qatani, Anouk van Coller, Junior Mayor of 2026, Mia Mengel, Junior Mayor of 2025, Xaney Janse van Rensburg, Junior Deputy Mayor of 2026, Naledi Ngxishe, Deputy Junior Mayor of 2025, Mathew Taylor, Junior Speaker of 2026, Mivuyo Gumede, Junior Chief Whip of 2026. With Cllr Sean Snyman, Speaker of George Council at the back at the event.