Author: Debra Sauer

George Municipality mourns the recent passing of official Arno Barnard, a valued employee within the Directorate: Community Services.

Barnard was appointed on 1 July 2024 as a Foreman: Refuse Removal in the Department Refuse Removal, Collections and Minimisation. According to his manager, Frank Tamboer, during his tenure Barnard was known as a dedicated and hardworking employee who remained committed to the objectives of his department and directorate. He contributed meaningfully to the goal of maintaining a clean and healthy city.

Barnard fell ill in March 2025 and was thereafter on sick leave, during which time he was frequently in and out of hospital in his hometown of Vredendal.

A memorial service will be held on Thursday, 22 January 2026, at the Parkdene Community Hall from 14:00 to 16:30. The funeral will take place in Vredendal.

George Municipal Manager, Mr Godfrey Louw, on behalf of George Municipality, extends sincere condolences to Barnard’s wife, Sue-Nay, his family, friends, and colleagues during this difficult time. Barnard will be remembered for his dedication, professionalism, and commitment to public service.

   In photo above, Mayor Browen Johnson takes a delightful “group selfie” with beneficiaries at the Metroground housing development.

George Municipality’s Integrated Human Settlements Department continues to make steady progress in providing safe and dignified housing to qualifying residents across the municipal area. Even as the year drew to a close, meaningful progress was achieved on several housing projects, with many families receiving the keys to their new homes during December 2025, just in time for Christmas.

The Metro Grounds housing development, which will ultimately deliver 632 units, saw the handover of 61 houses in December 2025. Since the start of the project, 497 homes have been completed and handed over. A total of 275 houses were delivered during the October to December 2025 quarter alone.

Speaking at a recent handover at Metro Grounds, Executive Mayor of George, Ald Browen Johnson, highlighted the significance of these milestones, saying: “The handover of these houses is about far more than numbers. Each home represents a family whose life is changing forever. These houses are symbols of dignity, hope and new beginnings.”

The Erf 325 East, Syferfontein project includes 57 houses for persons with disabilities as well as an additional 217 units. All 57 houses allocated to people with disabilities have been completed and handed over. In December 2025, 144 of the 217 units were handed over, and the municipality is currently continuing with the handover of the remaining houses.

The Thembalethu Upgrading of Informal Settlements Programme (UISP) consists of 100 units. During December 2025, 25 houses were handed over. This is an in-situ upgrading project, meaning beneficiaries receive new homes in the areas where they have been residing, helping to preserve community ties and minimise disruption.

Construction is continuing on the remaining top structures at the following projects:

• Thembalethu UISP: 75 houses still to be completed
• Metro Grounds: 135 houses outstanding
• Erf 325 East, Syferfontein: 73 houses outstanding

Housing beneficiaries were selected from informal settlements, surrounding farms, backyard dwellers and applicants on the municipal housing waiting list, in line with approved housing policies and procedures.

Addressing new homeowners, the Executive Mayor emphasised the long-term value of homeownership, stating: “Becoming a homeowner is one of the most important milestones in a person’s life. These homes are not only places of safety and belonging, but also a legacy that families can pass on to future generations.”

184: Simnikiwe Mbekushe, Deputy Director: Integrated Human Settlements, Planning and Development address the crowd at Metrogrounds housing development.

Mayor Browen Johnson comforts one of the beneficiaries at the Metrogrounds when she became emotionally overwhelmed.

 Councillors and officials hands keys over to beneficiaries of houses at Metrogrounds.

 Councillors and officials hands keys over to beneficiaries of houses at Metrogrounds.

In photo above, Lunga Pieters left and Luthando Bada is on board fighting illegal dumping.

An educational illegal dumping awareness campaign was successfully held recently at the shopping centre in Pacaltsdorp, aimed at engaging and informing residents about the harmful effects of illegal dumping on the environment, public health and municipal service delivery.

The campaign created an opportunity to interact directly with community members in a busy public space, allowing officials to reach a broad cross-section of residents. Information was shared on proper waste disposal practices, available municipal refuse removal services, and the importance of making use of legal disposal and recycling facilities.

Community members were encouraged to take a pledge against illegal dumping, symbolising their commitment to keeping their neighbourhoods clean, safe and healthy. The initiative was well received, with residents showing keen interest and willingness to play their part in protecting the environment.

Executive Mayor Browen Johnson and MMC Erika Brown for Environmental Services joined the campaign, reinforcing the municipality’s commitment to combatting illegal dumping through education, community participation and shared responsibility.
The positive response from residents highlighted the importance of awareness and community involvement in addressing illegal dumping. George Municipality remains confident that through continued education initiatives and cooperation with communities, cleaner and healthier living environments can be achieved for all.

Photos:

Taking the pledge is Clive Caroulus.

Gurshwin Lewies took the pledge