Mayor Jackie von Brandis marks 100 Days in Office with Festive Celebration
In the photo above: Mayor Jackie von Brandis, councillors and officials during the parade.
The Executive Mayor of George, Ald Jackie von Brandis, Councillors and officials celebrated the Mayor’s first 100 Days in Office with a festive celebration, taking to York Street with a motorcade consisting of George Municipal vehicles and a short parade led by the drum majorettes of Heidedal Primary School to the George Civic Centre where the mayor addressed the crowd in a heartfelt address.
Von Brandis thanked the community for their support and outlined the significant strides made by her administration.
Officials dressed up in different colours to differentiate between all the directorates and some made their outfits interesting to join in the festivities.
“To the residents of George Municipality, I want to thank you for embracing me over these last 100 days, it has been an honour to serve you. This role comes with its challenges, it has come with naysayers, but it is you and your support that keeps me going. The officials who serve our residents in the best possible way keep me enthused and motivated to fulfil the mandate you have given us. So, I would like to extend my gratitude to you and make a commitment to you that we will continue to govern in your best interests, we will continue to bring services to you, and The Directorate established area offices in key wards and launched dashboards to track capital and operational expenditure to date will continue to account to you,” the Mayor said.
In a comprehensive review of the first 100 days of her administration, Executive Mayor Jackie von Brandis highlighted significant achievements across various departments within George Municipality. “When I say that we are a responsive and caring government, this is the type of innovative thinking that I am referring to,” she explained.
The Finance Directorate successfully implemented the Old Debt task team, which aims to write off R315 million in debt older than 180 days. To date, the Directorate, also established area offices in key wards and launched dashboards to track capital and operational expenditure.
Under the leadership of Cllr Melvin Roelfse, the Social Development and Sports Departments have made notable strides, including launching the Pacaltsdorp satellite Thusong Centre and hosting an LGBTQ+ imbizo. Efforts are ongoing to empower youth and upgrade sporting facilities to position George as the Sports Mecca of the Garden Route.
The Civil Engineering team is advancing numerous projects, such as upgrades to the public transport network and the construction of pumping schemes. The GO GEORGE Bus service received significant funding from the National Department of Transport to enhance road infrastructure, benefitting both the service and the community.
The Environmental Services department is focused on keeping George clean, finalising the procurement of skips and appointing contractors to maintain cleanliness across all Wards. Additionally, three beaches have received blue-flag status as the Municipality prepares for the festive season.
The Electrotechnical Directorate completed a solar power project in Thembalethu and electrified Informal Settlements in Borchards and Syferfontein. LED lights were also retrofitted at sports fields to support the local sporting community.
Current upgrades at municipal halls aim to enhance facilities for community use under the Corporate Services Directorate. The Human Resources department has filled nearly 100 vacancies in record time to better serve residents.
The Human Settlements department has handed over more than 100 homes in the Metrogrounds and Erf 325 housing developments and conducted title deed outreach drives, distributing 17 title deeds to homeowners.
In line with “Safety Week,” the Community Safety Department hosted a Safety and Security Expo. Key actions included transitioning the control room to a 24-hour service and appointing additional traffic officers to reduce waiting times at the driver’s license testing centre.
Overall, Mayor von Brandis emphasised the administration’s commitment to responsive governance and community engagement, ensuring that the Municipality continues to thrive in months to come.
Von Brandis also addressed ongoing outreach efforts aimed at connecting with residents in underserved areas. “I made it my mission to ensure that residents of Uniondale, Haarlem, and Touwsranten have the opportunity to meet with our administration,” she stated, urging community members to engage in future initiatives.
In discussing future goals, the mayor expressed a vision of transforming George from a ‘dorpie’ into a thriving Municipality. “I want George Municipality to take up her rightful place at the forefront of this great province and country,” she declared.
Mayor Von Brandis said without a doubt, none of our work as councillors would be possible without the efforts of our administration, “so thank you to those who are here today to celebrate this significant day with us. To my fellow councillors and colleagues, I commend you for the work that you do in your communities every single day, again, it is our privilege to serve the people who have entrusted us with their vote, and we must simply serve them to the best of our ability. To our leaders, the Premier and his ministerial cabinet, on behalf of George Municipality, I extend our gratitude for the work that you do.”
“To my colleagues, my mayoral committee, l want every single decision you make and action you take to be focused on our town thriving and flourishing.”
As the celebration concluded, Von Brandis reiterated her determination to keep the momentum going, stating, “I will ensure that this ship keeps moving for the 100 days that are to come, and the 100 days after that.”
Follow the link to the video of the event: https://youtu.be/2lpmMFLiRY4
Photos:
Drum Majorettes from Heidedal PrimarySchool led the first 100 Days in Office Mayoral Parade to the front of the George Civic Centre.
A group of the Finance Directorate dressed in blue for the event.
Officials from Human Settlements, planning and development, and property management dressed in white at the first 100-day parade of the Executive Mayor of George, Ald Jackie von Brandis.
Mayor Jackie von Brandis and colleagues wave to the people during a motorcade in York Street last Friday, celebrating her first 100 days in office.
Mayor Jackie von Brandis, councillors and officials during the parade.
Mayor takes to the podium after being introduced by Cllr Brendon Adams.
The Mayor and Traffic Chief, Janine Wells and councillors greet traffic officers after they have marched during the proceedings.
Officials from the Office of the Municipal Manager dressed in all colours in celebration of the event.
Protection Services dressed in yellow for the first 100-day parade of the Executive Mayor of George, Ald Jackie von Brandis.
Councillor Johan du Toit with leadership from the George Fire Brigade, Traffic and Civil Engineering Services at the event.
All Directorates had different colours in which they had to dress. Here is a group from Corporate Services Directorate dressed in red.
Cllr Raybin Figland, Executive Deputy Mayor of George addressing the crowd.
The Acting Municipal Manager of George, Dawie Adonis, giving a vote of thanks at the event.
Traffic Officers salute the Mayor and George Councillors after a drill at the event.
Mayor Jackie von Brandis and some of the councillors photographed supporting her during her first 100 days celebration.