George Council Elects New Executive Mayor and Mayoral Committee
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.”
