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.
