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George Municipality Strengthens Leadership in Human Settlements, Planning & Development Directorate

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.

Mahlatse Phosa Director Human Settlement, 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.

Simnikiwe Mbekushe, Deputy Director of Human Settelements

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.