GEORGE NEWS - Some disagree with the praise that the George Municipality has received since it became known that the municipality is ranked third on the list of the most financially sound cities in South Africa and ranked second in the Western Cape.
The George Business Chamber has congratulated the municipality on the achievement. Dr Dennis Farrell, chairperson of the chamber, said that the organisation has over the past few months been in discussions with the municipality.
The chamber has committed itself to work with the authorities in addressing certain identified areas.
"It must be noted that without the collaboration of the Community Policing Forum (CPF), the 'We are George' Initiative, and the local law enforcement agencies inclusive of the SAPS, a CID (City Improvement District) structure will be just about impossible to implement. We can with confidence confirm that we are all on board to make this happen."
Langa Langa, district secretary of the South African Communist Party (SACP) told the George Herald that one must be cautious not to create a wrong impression with such ranking exercises.
"There are matters that are of great, great concern to us. Our concern is mostly about creating a precedent and an image that is being painted of George. Somebody that does not know George would think that everything is in order. In our opinion it is necessary to dig deeper."
He said the favourable impression the ranking gives to the municipality, does not necessarily translate into a healthy situation in the communities and townships.
Thembalethu in particular is a great example of a very poor, dirty, congested as well as under-serviced and under-developed neighbourhood in the George municipal area. "You find the majority of the unemployed people in this area."
Langa Langa, district secretary of the South African Communist Party (SACP)
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