Author: Ntobeko Mangqwengqwe

In the photo is the Executive Team: (From left to right) Speaker Cllr Sean Snyman, Executive Deputy Mayor Ald Gert van Niekerk, Executive Mayor Cllr Browen Johnson, and Municipal Manager Godfrey Louw.

The George Municipality is pleased to announce that, at a Special Council Meeting held today, 21 November 2025, Council elected Alderman (Ald) Browen Johnson of the Democratic Alliance (DA) as the new Executive Mayor of George. Ald Gert van Niekerk of the Freedom Front Plus (FF Plus) was elected as the new Executive Deputy Mayor, while Ald Jackie von Brandis (DA) will serve as the Chief Whip of Council.

In terms of Section 60(1) of the Local Government: Municipal Structures Act, 117 of 1998 (as amended), the Executive Mayor announced the members of his Mayoral Committee, mandated to assist the Executive Mayor in the executive governance of the Municipality.

The Mayoral Committee (MAYCO) is confirmed as follows:

Executive Leadership
• Executive Mayor: Ald Browen Johnson
• Executive Deputy Mayor: Ald Gert van Niekerk
• Speaker: Councillor (Cllr) Sean Snyman
• Chief Whip of Council: Ald Jackie von Brandis

Members of the Mayoral Committee (MMC):
• Social Development (Libraries, Sport & Customer Care): Cllr Melvin Roelfse
• Community Safety and Mobility: Ald Daniel Cronje
• Planning and Development (Planning, Building Control, Property & Agriculture): Cllr Gert Niehaus
• Human Settlements: Cllr Jean Safers
• Electro-technical Services: Cllr Monique Simmers
• Corporate Services: Cllr Johan Du Toit
• Human Resources: Cllr Jayze Jantjies
• Civil Engineering Services: Cllr Donovan Gultig
• Community Services (Refuse, Environment & Parks): Cllr Erika Brown
• Financial and Strategic Services (IDP, Performance Management, Economic Development & Tourism): Ald Iona Kritzinger

Mayor Johnson said in reaction to his election: “I am deeply honoured to serve as the Executive Mayor of George, and I take up this responsibility with humility and a firm commitment to all our residents. My focus is to govern transparently, deliver real solutions, and work with every councillor and every community to build a just, safe, and prosperous city. Together, we will strengthen service delivery, support our most vulnerable, protect our natural resources, and ensure that every resident feels the impact of responsive and accountable governance.”

Executive Deputy Mayor Ald Gert van Niekerk commented on the new mandate: “I am fully committed to supporting Mayor Johnson and the Council in delivering the services our community expects and deserves. This coalition represents a shared vision for stability, fiscal responsibility, and ensuring that all George residents, across every ward, benefit from efficient and ethical governance.”

Speaker Sean Snyman congratulated the new Mayor, saying: “I have had the privilege of working closely with Executive Mayor Johnson, and I have witnessed his steady, disciplined approach to leadership. He leads not with fanfare, but with quiet determination, respect for due process, and a genuine commitment to serving the people of George. His transition into this role is a natural progression for a leader who is prepared, grounded, and focused on stability and good governance. He has my full support as we continue the work of strengthening our municipality.”

In the photo: Leaders celebrating the official launch of the George Festival 2025 at the George Museum. From left: Cllr Melvin Roelfse (MMC for Social Development – Libraries, Sport and Customer Care), Cllr Browen Johnson (Executive Deputy Mayor of George), Alderman Jackie von Brandis (Executive Mayor of George), MEC Isaac Sileku (Western Cape Minister of Mobility), and MEC Ricardo Mackenzie (Western Cape Minister of Cultural Affairs and Sport).

The spirit of celebration is alive in George following the official launch of the George Festival 2025 on Friday, 14 November, at the George Museum. Hosted by the George Municipality in collaboration with the Western Cape Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport (DCAS), the event set the tone for what promises to be one of the region’s most vibrant celebrations of culture, art, and sport. The launch, attended by dignitaries, sponsors, partners, and community representatives, showcased the energy and unity driving this year’s festival theme — Culture. Art. Sport. Our community. Our celebration.

Executive Mayor Alderman Jackie von Brandis opened the proceedings, welcoming guests and reflecting on the journey that brought the festival to life. “When we said something big is coming to George, this is what we meant,” said Mayor von Brandis. “This festival represents who we are — a community full of creativity, talent, and heart.”

Western Cape MEC for Cultural Affairs and Sport, Ricardo Mackenzie, delivered an inspiring keynote address, encouraging residents to embrace the festival spirit. “The George Festival 2025 is more than an event — it’s an investment in people, creativity, and community.”

“When we bring together arts, culture, and sport, we build unity, create opportunity, and inspire hope that lasts far beyond the festival dates. This celebration will showcase the very best of George and the Garden Route — from our athletes and artists to our entrepreneurs and families. I want to thank our strategic partners — SportPesa, Heineken, MTN, and Knox — as well as the George Municipality, Council, and Garden Route District Municipality for believing in this vision. Together, we are proving that when government, business, and community stand side by side, we can build a legacy of growth, pride, and opportunity for generations to come

The morning included performances, sponsor recognitions, and the unveiling of the official George Festival 2025 programme, followed by networking and light refreshments.

A FESTIVAL POWERED BY PARTNERSHIP
The success of the George Festival 2025 is made possible through the dedication of multiple partners and sponsors who have joined forces to create a world-class experience for residents and visitors alike.

Lead Sponsors and Partners:
MTN – Key festival sponsor supporting community sport, youth participation, and local athletes.
Heineken Beverages – Contributing financial and product support to elevate the festival atmosphere.
SportPesa – Sponsor of the Home of Golf Sundowner Challenge, promoting sporting excellence and community upliftment.
Knox Hydrate – Official hydration partner, ensuring athletes and festivalgoers stay refreshed.
SCAVA (Southern Cape Association for the Visual Arts), ATKV, MTB Hillbillies, George Trails (GTR), Home of Golf Africa, George Joint Marketing Association (GJMA) NPC, George Naturally, and the Garden Route Botanical Garden Trust, have also pledged their invaluable support. The festival further enjoys collaboration with the Eden Sport Council and the Garden Route District Municipality.

Mayor Von Brandis extended heartfelt appreciation to all sponsors and partners, saying, “Your investment in this festival is an investment in George — in our people, our youth, our creativity, and our shared future.”

FOUR DAYS OF CULTURE, SPORT, AND CELEBRATION
The George Festival 2025, taking place from 13 to 16 December, will transform the city into a vibrant hub of entertainment and activity, with events hosted across Unity Park, the Garden Route Botanical Gardens, Thembalethu, Rosemoor, Pacaltsdorp, and the George Museum.

Festival highlights include:
Saturday, 13 December: A full day of sporting action — including 5-a-side soccer, Indigenous Games, Touch Rugby, Netball, and Table Tennis tournaments — culminating in the Annual Lights Festival at Unity Park, with live performances, markets, and family entertainment.

Sunday, 14 December: Eden Street Mile, George Trails/GTR Trail Run (14km and 7km), Gospel Festival at Unity Park, and ongoing sport.

Monday, 15 December: Long Table Literary and Arts Experience at the George Museum, Kiddies Fun Zone at the Botanical Gardens, Bowls for the Blind at the George Bowling Club, and the Louis Massyn 5km and 10km Fun Run.

Tuesday, 16 December: Finals across all sporting codes, Chess, Dominoes, and Scrabble competitions at Unity Park, the MTB Hillbillies Dam Dash (35km, 20km, and 10km), GTR Cross Hike (6km), and the Jazz Summer Festival at the Kaptein Dikkop Amphitheatre, Pacaltsdorp.

The festival’s diverse offering celebrates George’s cultural identity while promoting active living, inclusion, and local economic development. In closing the launch, MMC Melvin Roelfse encouraged residents and visitors alike to participate fully in the festival: “This festival is more than a series of events — it’s a reflection of who we are as a city. It’s about connection, pride, and the joy of being part of something bigger than ourselves. Let’s make George Festival 2025 unforgettable.”

The George Festival 2025 – Culture. Art. Sport. Our community. Our celebration. promises to bring the city together in a true celebration of creativity, unity, and local pride.

Explore the full line-up of events, activities, and entertainment by accessing the programme via the link: https://tinyurl.com/45dvp5d8 and follow official George Municipality and WC DCAS social media channels.

In the photo: Construction works underway on Plattner Boulevard, Heather Park — part of George Municipality’s major road and infrastructure upgrades to support the expansion of the GO GEORGE public transport network.

George Municipality is taking a decisive step forward in building a smart, connected, and accessible city through major road and transport infrastructure upgrades. Enabled through the Public Transport Network Grant (PTNG) administered by the National Department of Transport, this investment includes R505 million allocated in 2024/25 and a further R250 million secured for 2025/26.

The R750 million commitment is driving the expansion of the GO GEORGE bus service. The funding supports road rehabilitation, the construction of transfer locations, sidewalk upgrades to promote universal accessibility, and other associated infrastructure improvements.

ROAD REHABILITATION PROJECTS – PROGRESS UPDATE

George Municipality is committed to providing regular progress updates on the road upgrades across the city:

Pacaltsdorp
• Mission Street: 82% complete. Construction commenced on 18 October 2024, and the initial expected completion date was in June 2026; however, the revised completion date is now expected to be in March 2026. Current work includes concrete side drains, kerbing, stormwater structures, and sidewalks.
• Protea Street (Phase 1 & 2): Completed. Work commenced on 30 September 2024.
• Protea Street (Phases 3): 74% complete. Work commenced on 5 August 2025, and the scheduled revised completion date is in February 2026. Current activities include road layer works, kerbing, construction of stormwater structures, and sidewalks.
• Protea Street (Phases 4): 41% complete. Work commenced on 29 September 2025 and is scheduled for completion in March 2026. The contractor is currently removing concrete block pavers, box-cutting, and road layerworks.
• Heather, Haydn, and Rose Streets: 55% complete. Construction commenced on 25 September 2024 and is expected to conclude in July 2026. Current activities include kerbing, layerworks and stormwater structures. An investigation into road failures on Heather Street will commence in December 2025 when traffic is diverted away from the affected layer onto the new layer, with the cause and appropriate remedial actions to be determined thereafter.
• Beukes Street: 9% complete. Work commenced on 29 September 2025 and is scheduled for completion in May 2026. The contractor is currently removing concrete block pavers, box-cutting and road layerworks.
• Genesis Street: The revised commencement date is tentatively scheduled to commence in January 2026, with the expected completion in June 2026.

Thembalethu
• Ngcakani and Ncamanza Streets: 88% complete. Work commenced on 21 October 2024 and is scheduled to conclude in January 2026. Current activities include road layer works, kerbing, stormwater structures, and sidewalks on Ncamanza Street, with only limited work remaining on Ngcakani Street.
• Tabata and 26th Streets: 90% complete. Construction commenced on 25 September 2024 and is expected to conclude in March 2026. Current activities include stormwater structures and sidewalks.
• Tabata Street (Phase 4): The revised commencement date is tentatively scheduled to commence in November 2025, with expected completion in May 2026.

George Industria
• PW Botha Boulevard: 57% complete. Construction commenced on 26 September 2024 and is scheduled for completion in July 2026. Current works include box-cutting, road layerworks, kerbing, stormwater structures, and sidewalks. Stop-and-go traffic management remains in place.

Rosemoor
• Beer and Woltemade Streets (Phases 1 & 2): 96% complete. Construction commenced on 13 August 2024 and is expected to conclude in November 2025. Outstanding works include the finalisation of defects highlighted during practical completion inspection.
• Beer Street (Phase 3): 30% complete. Construction commenced on 04 August 2025 and is scheduled for completion in February 2026. Current works include box-cutting, relocation of existing services, road layerworks and stormwater structures.
• O’Connell Street: 92% complete. Work commenced on 19 August 2024 and is expected to conclude in December 2025. Outstanding works include the finalisation of defects highlighted during practical completion inspection.

Heather Park
• Airway Street: Completed. Work commenced on 27 September 2025.
• Pine Street: 68% complete. Work commenced on 4 August 2025 and is expected to conclude in December 2025. Current works include stormwater structures and road layerworks.
• Plattner Boulevard (Phase 1): 8% complete. Construction commenced on 29 September 2025 and is scheduled for completion in March 2026. Current works include box-cutting, road layerworks, and stormwater structures.
• Plattner Boulevard (Phase 2): Scheduled to commence in January 2026 with completion expected in June 2026.

Bo Dorp
• Wellington Street: Completed. Work commenced on 19 June 2025.

George Central
• Cradock Street: Scheduled to commence in November 2025 with completion expected in April 2026.

TRANSFER LOCATIONS – CRITICAL SUPPORT INFRASTRUCTURE FOR GO GEORGE

In addition to road upgrades, the construction of GO GEORGE Transfer Locations (TLs) is progressing. These facilities are essential for improving route connectivity and allowing commuters to transfer safely and efficiently between routes.
• Beach/Panther Transfer Location: 95% complete. Construction commenced in March 2025 and is expected to conclude in November 2025. Outstanding works include the finalisation of traffic signals.
• NMB/Jonga Intersection Transfer Location (Phase 1): Completed. Construction commenced in February 2025.
• 26/Ncamanza/NMB Transfer Location (Phase 1): Completed. Construction commenced in February 2025.

IMPACT OF ONGOING CONSTRUCTION

George Municipality acknowledges the impact of ongoing construction on bus operations and general traffic flow, particularly in Pacaltsdorp and surrounding areas. GO GEORGE is monitoring the situation closely and implementing mitigation measures, including temporary route adjustments and the deployment of additional buses where possible.

Passengers are encouraged to stay informed about service changes and construction-related adjustments by using the official GO GEORGE communication platforms. Real-time updates on routes and timetables are available through the trip-planning tools on the website (www.gogeorge.org.za). Commuters can also follow the GO GEORGE Facebook page or subscribe to the WhatsApp Channel for instant notifications and service alerts. The WhatsApp Channel can be joined directly via this link: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VanooYO002T09OyaKM3x

In the photo: Ward 18 Councillor Donovan Gultig (standing, second from left) with members of the Ward 18 Committee and Denneoord Neighbourhood Watch during the handover of safety equipment. Standing from left: Denise Human, Cllr Donovan Gultig, Bridget Viljoen, and Viljé Maritz.
Seated from left: Zak Edgar (Chairperson, Denneoord Neighbourhood Watch) and Cheré Vivier (Treasurer, Denneoord Neighbourhood Watch).

The Ward 18 Committee has strengthened community safety efforts by donating equipment valued at R20 000 to the Denneoord Neighbourhood Watch on 6 November 2025.

According to Councillor Donovan Gultig, Ward 18 Councillor and Portfolio Councillor for Electrotechnical Services, the initiative aims to bolster local crime-prevention activities and support the dedicated volunteers who work tirelessly to keep the community safe.

“This partnership is about empowering those who give their time to protect others,” said Cllr Gultig. “Neighbourhood Watches play a vital role in promoting safety and fostering community trust. We are proud to support their ongoing efforts.”

The Municipality extends sincere appreciation to the Ward 18 Committee for championing this initiative, and to the Denneoord Neighbourhood Watch for their ongoing commitment to safeguarding residents. Together, we are building a safer George.

Ends.