Ratepayers AGM in Feb 'important for future of George'

GEORGE NEWS - The annual general meeting (AGM) of the George Ratepayers Association (GRPA) on Tuesday 6 February is one of the most important AGMs that ratepayers can attend this year if they care about the future of their city, says Johan Steyn, vice-chairman of the GRPA.

"In 2024 nobody can be a bench warmer in light of the general elections when people will not only vote for a national government, but also provincial. It will ultimately affect our local government and we all want a transparent local government that listens to the people that voted for them," says Steyn.

During the meeting, strategies for the year ahead will be discussed.

"There are two possible scenarios - the status quo remains where we simply voice our concerns with the municipality and that's where it stops, or we become project-driven in seeking real outcomes to particular issues. In the latter case we would need a financing model."

The involvement of the broader community with the GRPA will also be talked about.

"During the past year we have worked hard to address ratepayers' issues with the George Municipality and we have realised the importance of more people becoming involved in the GRPA so that we can have a stronger voice," says Steyn.

Other salient issues are also on the agenda and the report on activities of the past year by the previous chairman, Juan Barnard, will be tabled.

A new chairman will also be elected.

The meeting starts at 18:30 at the Methodist Church in Plantation Road.

For more information, contact the GRPA at george.rpa.sa@gmail.com.

The GRPA says the more ratepayers become involved in the GRPA, the stronger the voice of the organisation. Photo: Alida de Beer