Media Statement: Mayor of George sets the record straight

Issued George Municipality, 12 April 2022 – for immediate release

Executive Mayor for George, Alderman Leon Van Wyk today expressed his concern and displeasure following comments allegedly made in several media outlets and which originated from an article which first appeared in the Sunday Weekend Argus (First Edition) on 10 Apr 2022 in which it is stated that he as Mayor, personally requested the closure of the Voëlklip Road, following the recent tragic deaths of an elderly couple on Sunday 3 April 2022.

Ald Van Wyk today 12 April, confirmed that he did not speak to any journalist on this matter . While initially it was thought he had been misquoted, it would now appear that the person telephonically contacted by the journalist, in fact misrepresented himself as the Mayor of George. The municipality regards this in a very serious light and is investigating the matter.

Ald Van Wyk would like to categorically state that he is opposed to the closure of this road given that it has repeatedly been highlighted that it is unfortunately the actions of road users themselves, and not the road itself that have led to a number of incidents over the years. As indicated by the Western Cape Department of Transport, the request to close the road must be made by the owner whose property the road runs on.  It is clear that the road (infrastructure) is not the problem but driver behaviour. Several safety measures fully supported by Ald Van Wyk, have already been put in place.