GEORGE NEWS - Lauren Waring has been appointed as Director of Planning and Development at George Municipality. Waring's specialised skills, advanced leadership experience and extensive knowledge of the region will be of great value to George and the Southern Cape, said Acting Municipal Manager Dr Michele Gratz.
"George Municipality is serious about the long-term sustainability of this city, which we regard as one of the most important socio-economic players in the province. We look forward to the development of this important directorate under her leadership."
Waring returns to the Southern Cape from Drakenstein Municipality (Paarl) where she had been Executive Director of Planning and Development since 2016.
She is a former municipal manager of Knysna Municipality, where she had also previously been Director of Community Services and Director of Planning and Development, and is the former deputy director of the Regional Land Claims Commission responsible for the Western and Southern Cape. She has worked in the Southern Cape since 1996..
Waring holds an Honours in Sociology and a Masters in Town and Regional Planning from the University of Stellenbosch. She has 15 years senior leadership experience, 11 years experience in national government and extensive experience in the development and land sector, including inter-stakeholder negotiations on national and international level.
Waring has consulted to government and the private sector on a broad range of projects and held positions on several boards.
"I am so excited to be part of #TeamGeorge. George has immense untapped potential," said Waring.
"We have pristine beauty, a competitive and diverse economy, excellent connectivity and accessibility, all within a well-governed city. One of my primary focuses will be to expedite development and investment opportunities while ensuring economic dynamism, quality of life for all and long-term sustainability. It is such an honour to be able to work for my hometown."
She returns to her home outside Wilderness and has a 17-year-old daughter, Nina. Both adore travelling, hiking and art.
The municipal Directorate of Planning and Development comprises the departments Town Planning, Building Control, Integrated Development Planning (IDP) and Performance Management, Economic Development and Tourism.
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