GEORGE NEWS - George Municipality is rated the third best municipality in South Africa by the governance rating agency, Ratings Africa. 

The results of their Municipal Financial Sustainability Index (MFSI) for 2022 were published last week.

George is ranked third with a score of 71 out of 100, a mere 1% behind the top two municipalities, Midvaal in Gauteng and Saldanha Bay in the Western Cape. Furthermore, George obtained the highest ranking of the 19 intermediate cities in South Africa.

Neighbouring town Mossel Bay achieved a score of 70, placing it fourth nationally.

The MFSI rates municipalities and metros on a scale of one to 100, based on six financial components: operating performance, liquidity management, debt governance, budget practices, affordability and infrastructure development.

George Mayor Leon van Wyk congratulated the management team with their diligent work in achieving this accolade during a special council meeting on Monday 29 May.

Van Wyk said the management team is totally focused on achieving high standards of performance. 

"I wish to thank the municipal manager, chief financial officer, directors and their teams for their efforts. We will no doubt continue to strive for excellence and encourage all other municipalities in their efforts.

"The local government sector faces enormous challenges with infrastructure, service delivery, financial sustainability and governance. We therefore need to share experiences to inspire improvement," Van Wyk said.

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