Author: Ntobeko Mangqwengqwe

In the photo from left to right: Ms Louise Stevens (Chairperson of the Audit Committee), Alderman Jackie von Brandis (Executive Mayor of George) and Jean-Pierre Rossouw, (Chief Audit Executive, George Municipality)

George Municipality’s Executive Mayor, Alderman Jackie von Brandis, and Municipal Manager, Mr Godfrey Louw, officially welcomed Ms Louise Stevens, the newly appointed Chairperson of the George Municipal Audit Committee, during an introductory meeting held on 22 May 2025.

Ms Stevens was appointed as Chairperson of the Audit Committee on 24 April 2025. The meeting provided an opportunity for the new Chairperson to engage with the Executive Mayor, the Municipal Manager, the Internal Audit team, and the directors of the municipality. The discussions focused on key challenges and opportunities facing the Municipality and explored ways in which the Audit Committee can offer strategic oversight and guidance.

Ms Stevens brings over two decades of extensive internal auditing experience to the role. She is a Certified Internal Auditor (CIA), holds a Certification in Control Self-Assessment (CCSA) and is certified in Risk Management Assurance (CRMA) through the Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA). She currently also serves as Chairperson of the Audit Committee at Cape Agulhas Municipality and as a member of the Audit Committee for the Western Cape Provincial Government (Jobs Cluster).

Alderman von Brandis expressed her confidence in Ms Stevens’ leadership and expertise: “We are honoured to welcome Ms Stevens to the George Municipality. Her depth of knowledge and impressive track record in governance and internal audit will add immense value to our oversight structures. We look forward to working closely with her and the committee to strengthen our accountability and service delivery,” said Ald von Brandis.

Ms Stevens expressed her appreciation for the warm welcome and her commitment to contributing meaningfully to the Municipality’s governance: “It is a privilege to take up this role and engage with such a dynamic and committed leadership team. The Audit Committee plays a vital role in ensuring transparency, accountability, and the efficient use of public resources. I look forward to supporting the Municipality in achieving its strategic goals and serving the people of George with integrity,” said Ms Stevens.

The George Municipal Audit Committee is an independent advisory body established in terms of Section 166(1) of the Municipal Finance Management Act (MFMA), No. 56 of 2003. The Committee performs a range of oversight responsibilities as stipulated in the MFMA, the Local Government: Municipal Systems Amendment Act (2011), the Municipal Structures Amendment Act (2021), and in accordance with its charter as approved by the Council.

In addition, the Audit Committee also acts as the Municipality’s Performance Management Audit Committee in terms of Regulation 14(2) of the Local Government: Municipal Planning and Performance Management Regulations, 2001.

The George Municipality Internal Audit team is celebrating International Internal Audit Awareness Month during May with a series of activities aimed at promoting the value of internal auditing and strengthening a culture of good governance. Jean-Pierre Rossouw, the George Municipality’s Chief Audit Executive, noted that the meeting with the new Audit Committee Chairperson aligns perfectly with the campaign’s objectives.

“This engagement is a fitting highlight in our Internal Audit Month programme. It highlights the importance of strong partnerships and sound oversight structures in achieving transparent and accountable governance,” said Rossouw.

Ms Stevens echoed these sentiments and reflected on the significance of the month: “May is a time to celebrate internal auditors around the world—They play a vital role in ensuring transparency, accountability, and effective governance within organisations. From the perspective of the Audit Committee, their contribution is especially critical. Audit Committees rely heavily on the internal audit function to identify emerging risks, provide objective insights, and support informed decision-making. Together, organisations and their Audit Committees can highlight and reinforce the value of internal audit in driving continuous improvement and strengthening organisational integrity.”

In the photo: George Firefighters proudly assisted at the Wings of Hope Cancer Support Event

On Saturday, 17 May 2025, our brave George Firefighters proudly supported the Wings of Hope Cancer Support event — honouring survivors and standing with their families in strength and hope. 💪💜
📺 Watch the highlight video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x06fJcH0zTc
#GeorgeMunicipality #WingsOfHope #CancerAwareness #CommunitySupport #GeorgeFirefighters

In the photo: Municipal Internal Audit Team with 3^rd year accounting students and lecturer at Nelson Mandela University

In celebration of Internal Audit Awareness Month, George Municipality’s Internal Audit Unit embraced a fresh approach to raise awareness about the profession and its role in promoting good governance. With a vision to become a leading municipal audit unit in the Garden Route—and ultimately across the country—the team used this opportunity to educate, inspire, and engage the next generation of auditors.

As part of the campaign, the Internal Audit team visited third-year accounting students at Nelson Mandela University’s George Campus. The objective was to share professional insights, foster greater awareness of internal auditing, and inspire future professionals.

“This initiative was a teaching and learning opportunity for both the students and us. We aimed to share real-world experiences, outline industry expectations, and offer encouragement about the wide-ranging opportunities within the internal audit profession,” said Zimasa Bulo, Senior Internal Auditor at George Municipality.

Key topics covered during the session included:
• The importance and impact of internal auditing in organisations
• The definition, purpose, and scope of internal auditing
• Fundamental concepts such as risk management, control, and governance
• Career paths and roles in internal auditing
• IIASA Siyakhula Student Membership opportunities

Student Feedback:
Reacting to the George Municipality’s visit, third-year accounting student Josh Loubser said:
“The internal auditing team from George Municipality brought a fresh perspective and insight into the world of auditing. We had the opportunity to learn more about the academic and professional pathways to becoming an internal auditor, and the vital role the profession plays in enhancing operational efficiency.”

Loubser added: “My key takeaway is that internal auditing allows one to apply critical thinking and a passion for excellence to bring about meaningful change within organisations.”

The visit left a strong impression. “We believe a seed has been planted among these future professionals,” Bulo said. “Not only did we share knowledge, but we also gained renewed energy and fresh insights from the students.”

Looking ahead, the Internal Audit Unit plans to expand its outreach to high school learners, raising early awareness of internal auditing as a relevant, impactful, and sustainable career path.

Front Row from left: Ymke Vreken (lecturer in the School of Accounting), Nompumelelo Abenta (horticulture worker), Xolisile Sotushe (Internal Audit Intern, George Municipality) and Charlene Cupido (Administrator for the Business and Economic Science Faculty). Second row:From left: Zimala Bulo (Senior Internal Auditor, George Municipality), Kloper Madunda (Internal Auditor), Ewayne le Roux (lecturer in the School of Accounting), Josh Loubser (NMU Accounting Student), Jean-Pierre Rossouw (Chief Audit Executive, George Municipality), Natache Martins (Internal Audit Intern, George Municipality) and Heybré Ellis (Manager: Internal Audit, George Municipality).

In the photo. As part of a visit to George during their annual Premier’s Cycle Tour, Western Cape Minister of Mobility, Isac Sileku (right) handed over the feedback report of the 2024 survey to Premier, Alan Winde (middle). The two keen cyclists hopped on a bus to Thembaletu – in their cycling wear, just off the road – and engaged with numerous passengers at bus stops and on the bus. George Executive Mayor, Ald. Jackie von Brandis (left), accompanied the Cape delegation during the bus ride and handover.

The verdict is in: GO GEORGE has earned an outstanding 91% passenger satisfaction rating, reaffirming its role as a vital public transport service that prioritises safety, accessibility, mobility, and affordability. Residents of George have embraced GO GEORGE as more than just a transport system; they see it as a driver of economic growth, environmental sustainability and social upliftment in the region.

This impressive rating stems from the 2024 Macro-, Transport-, Socio-Economic Study (MTSES), an annual passenger satisfaction survey conducted among GO GEORGE users, special-interest groups, and other stakeholders indirectly affected by the service.

A public transport system that drives economic growth

Western Cape Minister of Mobility, Isaac Sileku, emphasised the far-reaching impact of public transport: “An inclusive and well-functioning transport service plays a vital role in economic development, poverty alleviation, social integration, and job creation in communities. We need to know whether GO GEORGE is hitting the mark and, as a provincial partner, we find this survey the optimal tool to obtain feedback on passenger experience regarding system operation. The Total Value Assessment (TVA) approach followed in compiling this survey recognises the non-monetary as well as monetary value of a public transport system, providing crucial information needed for planning and adjustment of the service to meet our passengers’ needs.”

Passenger feedback and key survey insights

The annual survey, commissioned by GO GEORGE and conducted by socio-economic research specialists, aims to assess the macro- and transport-economic impact on the bus service. The data collection took place in all operational areas during October 2024 with face-to-face interviews conducted Monday to Friday, between 07:00 and 17:00.

In addition to passenger interviews, perspectives were gathered from special-interest groups, including the George Association for Persons with Disabilities, staff of George Link (GO GEORGE’s vehicle-operating company), and passengers residing in Thembalethu where the first route to this area was rolled out late in 2023.

GO GEORGE Manager, Morné Lakay, highlighted the significance of the survey’s user-focused methodology, ensuring accurate insights. “The MTSES 2024 was solely dedicated to studying user satisfaction. No non-users were included in the survey, which was conducted with a sample of 28% of GO GEORGE passengers. This helps us to understand passenger trip characteristics and how passengers plan and execute a trip. We get an indication of passenger perceptions in terms of value for money, cost and affordability. Including, but also ringfencing data obtained from the new Thembalethu passengers provides us with invaluable information as we continue rolling out more routes to this area.”

High scores reflect growing satisfaction

Survey results show strong improvement from 2023, reinforcing GO GEORGE’s commitment to delivering reliable, high-quality public transport. Passengers expressed high satisfaction in key areas, including:
* On-board bus accessibility (96%)
* Safety and security on-board (92%)
* Bus drivers driving safely, responsibly, and professionally (97%)
* Reliability of service (97%)
* Bus stop proximity to destinations (94%)
* No criminal behaviour on buses (93%)
* Passengers saying they are paying less by using GO GEORGE (89%)

Affordability and economic impact

George Executive Mayor, Alderman Jackie von Brandis, welcomed the survey’s findings. “The feedback received by our most important stakeholders, our passengers, is extremely valuable and a true testament to the excellent work done by our GO GEORGE bus service. The prioritisation of investing into our public transport system is an absolute necessity, as shown by the results of this survey. Our passengers identify affordability as the most significant benefit of the GO GEORGE service, which is one of the core tenets of subsidised transport services – GO GEORGE trips included. We provide this service so that no person is forced to turn away a job opportunity because they cannot afford to travel to an interview or place of work. As a matter of fact, the policy of free transfers within one hour is very conservatively estimated to have left at least R 43,3 million in the pockets of our passengers since the inception of the service.”

The mayor also noted the broader socio-economic impact of GO GEORGE, including job creation and skills development: “The most consistent direct benefit of the GO GEORGE service is the revenue earned by local companies and related support industries – important ongoing local economic activities with direct local income generation. The economic impact of our bus service on the entire community is immense, improving their quality of life and employment potential. Along with the employment opportunities, there is an ongoing programme of training and skills development associated with the project, resulting in transferrable formal skills in the labour force. The George Municipality is very proud to be a partner in this uplifting and empowering project,” she said.

Handover of feedback report

As part of a visit to George during their annual Premier’s Cycle Tour this week, Western Cape Minister of Mobility handed over the feedback report of the 2024 survey to WC Premier, Alan Winde. The Premier responded by saying that the findings reflect the growing importance of GO GEORGE.

“GO GEORGE is so much more than just a non-metro bus service; it is also a vital economic enabler, connecting our residents to opportunities. It has positively transformed the local and regional economy, directly impacting on the quality of life of thousands of people, including passengers, employees, businesses and service providers. We take pride in the continuous growth and commitment to service excellence of the GO GEORGE service over the past ten years,” he said.

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Passasiers gee GO GEORGE ‘n 91% tevredenheidsgradering in jongste opname

Die uitslae is in: GO GEORGE het ‘n uitstekende passasierstevredenheidsgradering van 91% behaal. Dit herbevestig die busdiens se rol as ‘n noodsaaklike openbare vervoerdiens wat veiligheid, toeganklikheid, mobiliteit en bekostigbaarheid prioritiseer. Inwoners van George beskou GO GEORGE as meer as net ‘n vervoerstelsel. Hulle sien dit as ‘n drywer van ekonomiese groei, omgewingsvolhoubaarheid en sosiale opheffing in die streek.

Hierdie indrukwekkende gradering spruit uit die 2024 makro-, vervoer- en sosio-ekonomiese studie (MTSES), ‘n jaarlikse passasierstevredenheidsopname wat onder GO GEORGE-gebruikers, spesiale belangegroepe en ander belanghebbendes wat indirek deur die diens geraak word, gedoen is.

‘n Openbare vervoerstelsel wat ekonomiese groei dryf

Die Wes-Kaapse minister van mobiliteit, Isaac Sileku, beklemtoon die verreikende impak van openbare vervoer: “‘n Inklusiewe en goed funksionerende vervoerdiens speel ‘n belangrike rol in ekonomiese ontwikkeling, armoedeverligting, maatskaplike integrasie en werkskepping in gemeenskappe. Ons moet weet of GO GEORGE die kol tref en as ‘n provinsiale vennoot vind ons hierdie opname die optimale hulpmiddel om terugvoer oor passasierservaring rakende stelselbedryf te kry. Die totale-waarde-assesseringsbenadering wat gevolg is om hierdie opname saam te stel, erken die nie-monetêre sowel as monetêre waarde van ‘n openbare vervoerstelsel, wat noodsaaklike inligting verskaf vir die beplanning en aanpassing van die diens om aan ons passasiers se behoeftes te voldoen.”

Passasiersterugvoer en belangrike insigte

Die jaarlikse opname, wat in opdrag van GO GEORGE gedoen is en deur sosio-ekonomiese navorsingspesialiste gedoen is, het ten doel om die makro- en vervoer-ekonomiese impak op die busdiens te bepaal. Die data-insameling het gedurende Oktober 2024 in alle operasionele areas plaasgevind met aangesig-tot-aangesig onderhoude wat Maandag tot Vrydag tussen 07:00 en 17:00 gevoer is.

Benewens passasiersonderhoude is perspektiewe ingesamel van spesiale belangegroepe, insluitend die George Vereniging vir Persone met Gestremdhede, personeel van George Link (GO GEORGE se voertuigbedryfsmaatskappy), en passasiers wat in Thembalethu woon waar die eerste roete na hierdie gebied laat in 2023 uitgerol is.

GO GEORGE-bestuurder, Morné Lakay, het die belangrikheid van die opname se gebruikersgerigte metodologie beklemtoon, wat akkurate insigte verseker. “Die MTSES 2024 was uitsluitlik toegewy aan die bestudering van gebruikerstevredenheid. Geen nie-gebruikers is ingesluit in die opname nie, wat gedoen is met ‘n steekproef van 28% van GO GEORGE-passasiers. Dit help ons om eienskappe van passasiersritte te verstaan en hoe passasiers ‘n rit beplan en uitvoer. Ons kry ‘n aanduiding van passasierspersepsies in terme van waarde vir geld, koste en bekostigbaarheid. Deur data wat van die nuwe Thembalethu-passasiers verkry is in te sluit, maar ook af te baken, het ons waardevolle inligting verkry terwyl ons voortgaan om meer roetes na hierdie gebied uit te rol.”

Hoë tellings weerspieël groeiende tevredenheid

Opnameresultate toon sterk verbetering vanaf 2023, wat GO GEORGE se verbintenis tot die lewering van betroubare openbare vervoer van hoë gehalte versterk. Passasiers het groot tevredenheid uitgespreek op sleutelgebiede, insluitend:
* Toeganklikheid aan boord (96%)
* Veiligheid en sekuriteit aan boord (92%)
* Busbestuurders wat veilig, verantwoordelik en professioneel bestuur (97%)
* Betroubaarheid van diens (97%)
* Bushaltes se nabyheid aan bestemmings (94%)
* Geen kriminele gedrag op busse nie (93%)
* Passasiers wat sê dat hulle minder betaal deur GO GEORGE te gebruik (89%)

Bekostigbaarheid en ekonomiese impak

George se uitvoerende burgemeester, raadsheer Jackie von Brandis, het die bevindinge van die opname verwelkom. “Die terugvoer wat van ons belangrikste belanghebbendes, ons passasiers, ontvang is, is uiters waardevol en ‘n ware bewys van die uitstekende werk wat deur ons GO GEORGE-busdiens gedoen word. Die prioritisering van belegging in ons openbare vervoerstelsel is ‘n absolute noodsaaklikheid, soos blyk uit die resultate van hierdie opname. Ons passasiers identifiseer bekostigbaarheid as die belangrikste voordeel van die GO GEORGE-diens, wat een van die kernbeginsels van gesubsidieerde vervoerdienste is – GO GEORGE-ritte ingesluit. Ons lewer hierdie diens sodat niemand gedwing word om ‘n werksgeleentheid weg te wys omdat hulle nie kan bekostig om na ‘n onderhoud of werkplek te reis nie. Trouens, die beleid van gratis oorklimgeleenthede binne een uur het, baie konserwatief geskat, sedert die aanvang van die diens minstens R43,3 miljoen in die sakke van ons passasiers gelaat.”

Die burgemeester het ook kennis geneem van die breër sosio-ekonomiese impak van GO GEORGE, insluitend werkskepping en vaardigheidsontwikkeling: “Die mees konsekwente direkte voordeel van die GO GEORGE-diens is die inkomste wat deur plaaslike maatskappye en verwante ondersteuningsbedrywe verdien word – belangrike deurlopende plaaslike ekonomiese aktiwiteite met direkte plaaslike inkomstegenerasie. Die ekonomiese impak van ons busdiens op die hele gemeenskap is enorm en verbeter hul lewensgehalte en werkspotensiaal. Saam met die werksgeleenthede is daar ‘n deurlopende program van opleiding en vaardigheidsontwikkeling wat met die projek geassosieer word, wat lei tot oordraagbare formele vaardighede in die arbeidsmag. Die George-munisipaliteit is baie trots om ‘n vennoot in hierdie opbouende en bemagtigende projek te wees,” het sy gesê.

Oorhandiging van terugvoerverslag

As deel van ‘n besoek aan George tydens hul jaarlikse Premiersfietstoer vandeesweek, het die Wes-Kaapse Minister van Mobiliteit die terugvoerverslag van die 2024-opname aan die Wes-Kaapse premier, Alan Winde, oorhandig. Die premier het gereageer deur te sê die bevindings weerspieël die groeiende belangrikheid van GO GEORGE.

“GO GEORGE is soveel meer as net ‘n nie-metro-busdiens; dit is ook ‘n noodsaaklike ekonomiese bemagtiger wat ons inwoners met geleenthede verbind. Dit het die plaaslike en streeksekonomie positief getransformeer, wat die lewenskwaliteit van duisende mense, insluitend passasiers, werknemers, besighede en diensverskaffers, direk beïnvloed. Ons is trots op die voortdurende groei en toewyding tot uitmuntende diens van die GO GEORGE-busdiens oor die afgelope tien jaar,” het hy gesê.

As deel van ‘n besoek aan George tydens hul jaarlikse Premiersfietstoer, het die Wes-Kaapse Minister van Mobiliteit, Isaac Sileku (heel regs) die terugvoerverslag van die 2024-opname aan die premier, Alan Winde (middel), oorhandig. Die twee ywerige fietsryers het gou ‘n bus na Thembaletu gehaal – in hul fietsrydrag, pas van die langpad af – en met talle passasiers by bushaltes en op die bus gesels. George se uitvoerende burgemeester, raadsheer Jackie von Brandis (links), het die rit en oorhandiging saam met die Kaapse afvaardiging meegemaak.

Nomaphelo Lufundo

It is with deep sadness that the George Municipality announces the passing of one of its valued employees, Mrs Nomaphelo Lufundo, who passed away on Sunday, 4 May 2025.

Ms Lufundo served with dedication as a Weighbridge Operator Clerk at the George Transfer Station/Landfill Site. Her commitment to her work and her warm, collegial spirit will be remembered fondly by all who had the privilege of working alongside her.

A memorial service in her honour will be held on Wednesday, 14 May 2025 at 13:00, at Thembalethu Hall. Her burial will take place on Sunday, 18 May 2025. Further details will be shared once confirmed.

Acting Municipal Manager Mr Bevan Ellman extended his heartfelt condolences. “On behalf of the Municipality, we express our sincere condolences to the Lufundo family, her colleagues, and loved ones. Nomaphelo’s contribution to our organisation will not be forgotten. May her soul rest in peace and may her family find strength and comfort during this difficult time.”

The George Municipality mourns the loss of a loyal team member and stands in support of her family and colleagues.

In the photo from left Front row: Mr Godfrey Louw (Municipal Manager) and Ald Jackie von Brandis (Executive Mayor of George).
Back Row: Mahlatse Phosa (Director for Human Settlements, Planning and Development, and Property Management) and Simnikiwe Mbekushe, appointed as the new Deputy Director for Human Settlements.

George Municipality is proud to announce two key leadership appointments in the Directorate of Human Settlements, Planning and Development, and Property Management, effective 1 May 2025. These appointments reflect the Municipality’s ongoing commitment to service excellence and strategic urban planning. The Executive Mayor, Alderman Jackie von Brandis, and Municipal Manager, Mr Godfrey Louw, officially welcomed the new appointees.

George Municipality Welcomes New Director of Human Settlements

Mr Mahlatse Phosa has been appointed as the new Director for Human Settlements, Planning and Development, and Property Management.

He brings over 15 years of experience in urban and regional planning, human settlements, project management, and property development across national, provincial, and local spheres of government, as well as the private sector.

Mr Phosa has held senior positions at municipalities in Mpumalanga, KwaZulu-Natal, Limpopo, and the Northern Cape and has served on several Municipal Planning Tribunals.

His academic credentials include a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from the University of KwaZulu-Natal, a BSc (Hons) and BSc in Urban and Regional Planning from the University of the Witwatersrand, and additional qualifications in municipal finance and property development. He is registered as a Professional Town Planner with the South African Council for Planners.

The Municipality extends a warm welcome to Mr Phosa and looks forward to his leadership in advancing George’s developmental and planning priorities.

New Deputy Director for Human Settlements Appointed

Joining Mr Phosa in the leadership team is Ms Simnikiwe Mbekushe, appointed as the new Deputy Director for Human Settlements.

A registered Professional Town Planner, Ms Mbekushe brings more than a decade of experience in local government, with expertise in urban planning, land use management, housing, and property development. She previously served in senior roles at Sakhisizwe and Senqu Local Municipalities, where she led major initiatives including the development of land use schemes, Spatial Development Frameworks, housing sector plans, and building control compliance.

Ms Mbekushe holds a Master’s Degree in Town and Regional Planning from the University of Pretoria, a BTech in Project Management from the Central University of Technology, and a Certificate in Municipal Finance Management.

George Municipality is confident that she will make a valuable contribution to advancing sustainable development and integrated housing solutions.

The Municipality warmly welcomes both Mr Phosa and Ms Mbekushe and looks forward to their contributions toward strengthening integrated planning and sustainable human settlements in George.