Mayor for all

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GEORGE NEWS - Newly inaugurated DA mayor of George Jacqulique von Brandis (39) strives to be a mayor for all. She values open communication and trust. She will focus on renewable energy and economic development as two key points in steering the city on its course. Capacity building and decentralisation of government are also on this lady's to-do-list.

The mayoral post became vacant when the previous mayor, Leon van Wyk, also from the DA, was promoted to the Provincial Legislature in May.

A day in the office: Festive mood at council with inauguration of the mayor

GALLERY A day in the office: Festive mood in council with inauguration of the mayor

Known to all as Jackie, the new mayor was inaugurated last Friday, 21 June, in the civic centre in York Street during a special council meeting.

Her late father, Eugene von Brandis, served on George Council for many years, including as speaker. He passed away nine years ago, in 2015. Jackie von Brandis has served on George Council since 2016.

New journey

In her address to Council, Von Brandis said she is excited about the new journey that lies ahead. She asked for trust from fellow councillors, and said she welcomes open communication. "Let us meet, converse, and chart a way forward so that we can work together to make this the best municipality for our residents," said Von Brandis.

"We may have different party names, but every difference in opinion is not necessarily a difference of principles. We are all united under the banner of wanting our city to thrive." She emphasised that her goal is to be a mayor for all, and that she will work herself to the bone to make sure all services reach the entire George municipal area.

Fast growing

"George is the fastest growing secondary city in our country, and while this may bring along enormous opportunities, it also presents us with numerous challenges," said Von Brandis. She said the recent census outcome has shown that the population growth in George has outpaced the municipal staff complement, operational budget, overall income and income from services and charges. "The only aspect that our population growth has not outpaced is our capital budget," she said.

She noted that organisational restructuring is already underway, and expressed the need for a larger municipal staff component.

"We have more residents who need the services that they moved here for and therefore the onus falls on us to provide it."

Ulricke (left) and Jackie at a pride festival last year in George, showing their support in DA capacity.

Family

Jackie von Brandis' sister, Angelique de Kock, joined her sister's inauguration, watching from the gallery with the rest of the family, including Jackie's wife Ulricke von Brandis. Jackie's mother, Ina von Brandis, is currently on holiday in the United Kingdom, but had the privilege of opening the meeting with a prayer on a virtual platform, with her appearance on a screen in the civic centre.

After the proceedings, De Kock said the family is very proud of what Jacqulique has achieved from a young age as a leader in various areas. "We know that she cares about the well-being of all people in George. To her, being the mayor is much more than just a position. As a family, we know Jacqulique as someone who follows through on what she started. We wish her all the best in the great task that lies ahead for the leadership of George."

Two new DA councillors inaugurated on the same day, Friday 21 June: Marelna Gultig and Given Masase. Photo: Angelique de Kock

Personal note

Jackie and her wife Ulricke are still enjoying the first months of marital bliss after their wedding on 30 May this year at Apprentice, a restaurant venue in George.

Ulricke said Jackie is extremely hard-working, and she puts her heart and soul into her work. "I am so proud of what she has achieved, and I can't wait for this new chapter that I have the privilege to share with her. I can't wait to see what she will accomplish."

The couple enjoy spending time with their friends and having a braai when the weather is nice. "When we're alone, we like to light a fire and play board games because we're both very competitive, and it keeps us busy for hours. I also enjoy cooking, so we experiment with new recipes. She's usually my taster and tries everything," Ulricke said.

Mug painting on date day at Clay Café for Jackie and Ulricke von Brandis.