George Municipality Interns Shine at National Treasury Workshop

In the photo above Naudica Swanepoel, George Municipal Senior Town Planner receiving the award on behalf of the George Municipality at the event hosted by Gert Sibande Municipality.

George Municipality is proud to announce the exceptional achievements of its Infrastructure Skills Development Grant (ISDG) interns at the recent National Treasury workshop held on 13 and 14 November 2024. Hosted by Gert Sibande District Municipality at Gold Reef City in Johannesburg, the event brought together interns from 18 municipalities across South Africa to share knowledge and showcase their contributions to municipal projects.

The two-day workshop provided a platform for ISDG beneficiaries to present their innovative work in municipal infrastructure. Presentations were assessed by a panel of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and Town Planning professionals, focusing on urban land-use demarcation, the implementation of urban functions using GIS and survey-based data, and collaborative GIS-based planning-support systems for sustainable development.

The George Municipality’s Town Planning Department is proud to host four ISDG interns: Winsley Leighton Meyer, Mpilenhle Siyamthanda Ngcobo, Nangamso Mhobo, and Tandile Hlobo. Registered as candidate planners with the South African Council for Planners (SACPLAN), these talented individuals represented George Municipality with distinction, presenting their progress and innovative approaches to sustainable development.

Their outstanding contributions were recognised during the workshop’s awards ceremony, where George Municipality received the top accolade for its presentation demonstrating sustainable development within the categories of Town and Regional Planning, Geographic Information Systems and Land Survey. This recognition underscores the Municipality’s commitment to fostering innovation and sustainable urban planning.

In addition to the formal presentations, the workshop featured networking opportunities for over 200 participants, including interns, supervisors, and mentors. Team-building activities such as constructing towers with toothpicks and jelly tots and an “Amazing Race” across Gold Reef City further encouraged collaboration and camaraderie among attendees.

George Municipality remains dedicated to training and mentoring young professionals to equip them with the skills needed for sustainable urban development. The Municipality congratulates Winsley, Mpilenhle, Nangamso, Tandile, and their supervisors and mentors for their exceptional efforts and commitment to excellence. Their achievements reflect George Municipality’s dedication to capacity building, innovation, and sustainable development for the benefit of the local community and beyond.

Caption 1: Naudica Swanepoel, George Municipal Senior Town Planner receiving the award on behalf of the George Municipality at the event hosted by Gert Sibande Municipality.
Caption 2: From left to right: Mpilenhle Siyamthanda Ngcobo, Winsley Leighton Meyer, Nangamso Mhobo, and Tandile Hlobo, on day one of the workshop at Gold Reef City.
Caption 3: From left to right: Naudica Swanepoel (Senior Town Planner and intern supervisor), Winsley Meyer (intern), Nangamso Mhobo (intern), Stéfan de Kock (Professional Town Planner and mentor), Tandile Hlobo (intern), Mpilenhle Ngcobo (intern), proudly showing off their well-deserved award for demonstrating sustainable development in the presentation within the categories of Town and Regional Planning, Geographic Information Systems and Land Survey.

From left to right: Mpilenhle Siyamthanda Ngcobo, Winsley Leighton Meyer, Nangamso Mhobo, and Tandile Hlobo, on day one of the workshop at Gold Reef City.

From left to right: Naudica Swanepoel (Senior Town Planner and intern supervisor), Winsley Meyer (intern), Nangamso Mhobo (intern), Stéfan de Kock (Professional Town Planner and mentor), Tandile Hlobo (intern), Mpilenhle Ngcobo (intern), proudly showing off their well-deserved award for demonstrating sustainable development in the presentation within the categories of Town and Regional Planning, Geographic Information Systems and Land Survey.