Robes for George’s dream team

GEORGE NEWS - The newly elected DA mayor of George, Browen Johnson, promises a transparent governance delivering real solutions and building a just, safe and prosperous city.

With these words, Johnson set the tone for a new chapter in George’s leadership - a chapter that began only after a disrupted and extended council sitting last Friday, 21 November.

The voting and inauguration ultimately took place about three and a half hours after the meeting’s scheduled start, following repeated disruptions by opposition councillors and several 30-minute adjournments called by the speaker to restore order.

During the same Special Council Meeting, Gert van Niekerk of the FF Plus was elected as deputy mayor and the former mayor, Jackie von Brandis (DA), as chief whip of council.

The election of Section 79 committee members was confirmed on Monday 24 November, during the continuation of proceedings.

Johnson said he takes up the responsibility “with humility and a firm commitment to all our residents”, adding that strengthening service delivery and accountable governance will be central to his term. Van Niekerk pledged his support for the new administration, highlighting stability, fiscal discipline and equitable services across all wards.

The new leadership team: Jackie von Brandis (chief whip of council), Mayor Browen Johnson and Deputy Mayor Gert van Niekerk after their election at the Special Council Meeting.