Author: Ntobeko Mangqwengqwe

Ilisolethu Logo officially unveiled

George Municipality has officially unveiled the brand identity for the Ilisolethu Precinct, marking an exciting milestone in the Thembalethu Node Development Project.

“Ilisolethu” – meaning “Our Eye” in isiXhosa – symbolises vision, vigilance, and a col-lective outlook toward a brighter future. The logo, developed in consultation with Ward 13 Councillor Simphiwe Toto, his Ward Committee, and community stakeholders, captures the precinct’s role as a focal point for growth and opportunity in Thembalethu.

Executive Mayor of George Ald. Jackie von Brandis said the unveiling of the logo represents more than just a visual identity. “This is a symbol of hope and progress. Ilisolethu reflects our commitment to creating a vibrant, inclusive space where the people of Thembalethu can thrive socially and economically. It is a project by the community, for the community, with long-lasting benefits for the entire George region.”

The precinct, situated along Nelson Mandela Boulevard and anchored around the Them-balethu CBD, has been identified as a priority investment area in the George Municipal Spa-tial Development Framework (MSDF). Backed by the National Treasury’s Neighbourhood Development Partnership Programme, the initiative is supported by a five-year Develop-ment Plan that includes 11 catalytic projects – from a business process outsourcing (BPO) village to new trading hubs, open spaces, transport clusters, and youth development facili-ties.

The logo launch is the first step in introducing Ilisolethu to investors, residents, and visi-tors. It will be rolled out across signage, marketing material, and community engagement platforms to reinforce the identity of the precinct and its vision of renewal.

Ilisolethu is set to become a landmark project – turning Thembalethu into a hub of oppor-tunity, resilience, and shared pride.

#Ilisolethu #Thembalethu #GeorgeMunicipality #CommunityGrowth #UrbanRenewal #Lo-calEconomy

In the photo: Front row: Ald. Iona Kritzinger, MMC for Financial & Strategic Services (left), and Ald. Jackie von Brandis, Executive Mayor of George (Right)
Back row: Municipal Manager Godfrey Louw (Left) and Chief Financial Officer Riaan du Plessis (Right).

George Municipality is proud to announce that it has received its fourth consecutive clean audit for the 2023/2024 financial year, an award presented by the Auditor-General of South Africa.

Executive Mayor Ald. Jackie von Brandis received the award on behalf of the Municipality, joined by the MMC for Financial & Strategic Services, Ald. Iona Kritzinger, Municipal Manager, Godfrey Louw, and Chief Financial Officer Riaan du Plessis.

“This clean audit demonstrates our commitment to transparent, accountable governance and sound financial management,” said Executive Mayor von Brandis. “It is a reflection of strong leadership, disciplined financial management, and a culture of compliance that underpins everything we do. George is striving to be South Africa’s best non-metro municipality — proving that good governance is truly a team effort.”

A clean audit is defined as an unqualified audit opinion with no material findings on performance reporting and no material findings on compliance matters.

MMC for Finance and Strategic Services, Ald. Kritzinger commended the Finance team and all municipal departments on this achievement. “This result is a testament to the dedication and teamwork across the organisation. It showcases the spirit of collaboration that continues to drive our Municipality forward.”

George Municipality remains committed to maintaining the highest standards of governance and financial accountability, ensuring that resources are managed responsibly in the service of all residents.
#CleanAudit #GoodGovernance #GeorgeMunicipality

In the photo from left: Nombuyiselo Majola (Manager of Projects, Solid Waste & Shared Services), Cllr Monique Simmers (MMC for Community Services: Refuse, Environment & Parks), Ald Jackie von Brandis (Executive Mayor of George), and Sivuyile Mtila (Senior Manager: Environmental Services).

George Municipality is pleased to announce the successful installation of a new weighbridge at the municipal transfer station. The Executive Mayor of George, Alderlady Jackie von Brandis, accompanied by Cllr Monique Simmers, MMC for Community Services (Refuse, Environment & Parks), and officials from the Community Services Department, officially launched the operation of the new weighbridge last week.

Executive Mayor von Brandis said the project represents a significant step forward in strengthening the municipality’s waste management systems. “The weighbridge will give us accurate, real-time information on the amount of waste generated and managed in George. With this data, the municipality can make smarter decisions, improve efficiency, and ensure that waste management keeps up with the needs of our growing city.”

Von Brandis added that the new system will not only benefit the municipality but also the public. “Residents and service providers can look forward to quicker turnaround times, improved recordkeeping, and greater accountability. This is about building a cleaner, more sustainable George while making sure that services are reliable and effective.”

According to Nombuyiselo Majola, Manager of Projects, Solid Waste & Shared Services in the Community Services Directorate, staff underwent induction and operational training in August 2025 to ensure they are fully equipped to operate the system efficiently and deliver quality service to all users of the facility. “The introduction of the weighbridge marks a significant improvement in how waste volumes are measured and managed at both the transfer station and the landfill site,” said Majola.

Explaining the benefits of the new weighbridge, Majola highlighted that the system will enable the Solid Waste Section to:
• Accurately record the weight of all incoming and outgoing waste
• Improve monitoring and reporting
• Identify opportunities for waste diversion and measure the impact of such efforts
• Provide greater transparency and accountability through reliable data
• Streamline service delivery for both municipal and commercial users by reducing waiting times, minimising paperwork, and improving operational flow

“Members of the public and service providers using the transfer station and landfill will soon benefit from quicker, more efficient service and better recordkeeping. This will ultimately contribute to a cleaner and more sustainable environment,” Majola added. “The new system will significantly improve our ability to plan and manage waste more effectively, while enhancing the overall user experience for all clients.” MMC Simmers extended appreciation to all stakeholders involved in the project. “We thank the community for its continued support and cooperation as we transition to this improved system.”

“As of 01 September 2025, all landfill site and Waste Transfer Station users will gain access via the newly installed weighbridge. The second gate will be permanently closed. Landfill site users are requested to be patient during this transition,” Sivuyile Mtila, Senior Manager for Environmental Services, announced.

For any enquiries, please contact Ms Nombuyiselo Majola, based at the Waste Transfer Station, on 044 803 9287/9297 or nmajola@george.gov.za

Project 7, which comprises the Park Run and Trim Park Recreation Route progresses well

The George Municipality is pleased that the vision for the Ilisolethu Precinct in Thembalethu is steadily unfolding. Good progress can be observed on Project 7: The Recreation Route, which contributes to the enhancement of safety, connectivity, and recreation along Nelson Mandela Boulevard (NMB) and within the Thembalethu CBD.

Project 7 is one of eleven investment packages identified to drive social and economic development in Thembalethu through the Ilisolethu Precinct and comprises the Park Run and Trim Park Recreation Route. During the 2024/2025 financial year, sidewalk upgrades were completed along Ntaka, Schaap, and Bomvana Streets, as well as along the N2.

The Municipality has invested R 3 088 036.78 in upgrading sidewalks related to the recreation route. A further R450 000 will be spent on the final sidewalk section, and street furniture and lighting along the route will also be applied, valued at approximately R350 000.

Funding is sourced from the National Treasury through the Neighbourhood Development Partnerships Programme (NDPP), which supports township redevelopment by leveraging public investment to attract private and community contributions, improving both quality of life and economic opportunities.

“The NDPP is driven by the notion that public investment/funding can be used creatively to attract private sector and community investment to unlock the social and economic potential in targeted underserved neighbourhoods, generally townships. This will not only improve the quality of life of residents but also address the pertinent issues of economic performance and job creation,” said Delia Power, the Deputy Director for Development and Environmental Planning.

According to Executive Mayor Ald. Jackie von Brandis, these upgrades form part of a larger vision: “In future, we plan to establish a formal park run route along this corridor. It will be open to all community members and visitors, connecting existing and future recreational areas, and making Thembalethu a healthier, safer, and more connected community,” said Mayor von Brandis.

Furthermore, the Municipality is already encouraged to see residents using the completed portion of the route, running along the track envisioned for the park run. This is truly heart-warming and reaffirms that this is a much-needed recreational facility.

Through the programme, George Municipality has installed CCTV cameras at the Thembalethu Sports Field to enhance community safety and ensure the facility remains a safe and welcoming space for all residents and visitors.

Further upgrades are planned for the current financial year, including the development of a formal walkway linking Nelson Mandela Boulevard to Ngcakani Road. The walkway will feature landscaping, street furniture, and urban acupuncture interventions, improving accessibility and usability of the sports field.

“These combined interventions will not only encourage healthy lifestyles but also create safer, accessible, and attractive public spaces for residents and visitors,” added Mayor von Brandis.

For more information on the Ilisolethu Precinct, visit: www.george.gov.za/planning-development/ilisolethu-precinct or contact the George Municipality’s Directorate: Planning and Development – Henko Lourens at hlourens@george.gov.za.
#ilisolethuGeorge #LetsGrowThembalethu #CityOfOpportunities #SafeCommunities