LOCAL NEWS - George Municipality has been ranked second among 50 municipalities assessed in the FW de Klerk Foundation’s 2026 Local Government Report Card, achieving an impressive 87,5% and an A grade.
The independent report places George second overall, behind Swartland in first and Stellenbosch in the third place.
This is ahead of several well-known municipalities, including Midvaal and the City of Cape Town.
George’s strong financial position, effective administration and continued investment in infrastructure are mentioned in the report.
The municipality also achieved its fourth consecutive clean audit, while receiving particularly strong marks for financial management, governance and integrity.
Mayor Browen Johnson welcomed the recognition, saying this is a significant achievement for George and is a reflection of the commitment of the city's councillors, municipal officials and “most importantly residents, who all have a role to play in building a municipality that works”.
Full marks
George achieved full marks in several areas, including audit, creditor management and expenditure control. Its financial management score was particularly strong at 24 out of 25, supported by strong cash and collection performance and a substantial capital programme.
The municipality also achieved its fourth consecutive clean audit, with revenue of approximately R3.36 billion and a reported surplus of about R937 million.
Overall, George met 77 of the report’s 100 standards, partially met 21 and did not meet two. Its governance, integrity and inclusion scores were also among the report’s strongest, contributing to its overall A grade.
The report notes that continued attention is needed in areas such as long-term water security, maintenance, environmental performance and the pressures created by rapid growth.
Right direction
Browen said the recognition provides confidence that the municipality is moving in the right direction, particularly in governance, financial management, service delivery and accountability.
However, Johnson stressed that the ranking should not be seen as an end goal.
“Being recognised as one of the country's better-performing municipalities comes with an even greater responsibility to maintain our standards and to continue improving,” he said.
With George continuing to grow, the mayor said responsible planning, infrastructure investment and addressing inequality would remain priorities.
“Our focus must remain on delivering quality services, investing in infrastructure and ensuring that development reaches all our communities,” Johnson said.
He added that the achievement belongs to the people of George and should serve as motivation to improve further.
“We are proud of where George stands today, but we are even more focused on where we are going.”
New acting MM started today
George Municipality has appointed Dr Dean O’Neill as Acting Municipal Manager, following a decision by the George Municipal Council and consultation with the MEC for Local Government.
He has been seconded from Overstrand Municipality and started his duties today, 11 August, for a period of three months, with the option to extend the arrangement for a further three months if required.
Johnson, welcomed O’Neilland said his experience in local government would contribute to administrative stability and continuity during this period.
According to a municipal media statement, O’Neill has extensive local government experience, having served in various senior management positions since 1996.
He has served as Municipal Manager at Matzikama Municipality, Cape Agulhas Municipality and, most recently, Overstrand Municipality, where he has served since November 2020.
He holds a Doctoral Degree in Public Administration and is an Accredited Municipal Manager with the Institute for Local Government Management (ILGM). He also serves as Chairperson of the Western Cape Municipal Managers’ Forum.
O’Neill says he looks forward to working with the municipality’s leadership, management and staff.
“I regard teamwork as key to achieving our common goals. Every individual’s contribution, no matter how small it may seem, is important.
I believe in focusing on the positive things that bring us together as a community and building on those strengths,” he says.
O’Neill will return to Overstrand Municipality at the conclusion of his assignment in George, subject to any extension that may be agreed upon.
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