GOOD Statement by Chantelle Kyd,
GOOD George Municipality Councillor
15 July 2026
The GOOD Party is deeply concerned by reports that the DA-led George Municipality is considering writing off almost R10.8 million in public money spent following the Neo Victoria disaster.
George’s ratepayers have every right to ask: Why should they pay for a tragedy they did not cause?
For months, GOOD has consistently called for transparency and accountability. We have submitted formal questions asking whether the Municipality obtained independent legal advice, why no claim was lodged during liquidation to recover municipal costs, whether every legal avenue to recover public funds has been explored, and why Council has never been fully briefed on these matters.
Yet today, instead of answers, residents are being told that nearly R11 million may simply be written off.
Ratepayers must not pay for the DA’s failures on Neo Victoria.
Ordinary residents cannot simply write off their municipal accounts. If they fail to pay, the Municipality acts swiftly to recover the money. Ratepayers are entitled to expect the same determination when millions of rands of public funds are at stake.
Before a single rand is written off, the DA-led administration must answer these simple questions:
- Has every legal avenue to recover these costs been exhausted?
- Has Council received all the legal advice needed to justify this decision?
- Has the Municipality done everything within its powers to protect ratepayers from carrying this burden?
- Why should the people of George be expected to foot the bill?
The Neo Victoria tragedy claimed 34 lives. Accountability should not end with a financial write-off.
GOOD will continue to fight for transparency, accountability and the protection of every ratepayer’s money. The people of George deserve answers before they are expected to foot the bill.
Media Enquiries: media@forgood.org.za