GOOD Statement by Rosa Louw ,
GOOD George Municipality Councillor
30 May 2025
The GOOD Caucus in George voted against the George Municipality’s 2025/26 budget, which totals nearly R5 billion.
It is our belief that this budget is bloated, inefficient, and fails to prioritise the real needs and affordability concerns of George’s residents. Instead of offering tangible relief, the budget imposes high property rates and continues to place an undue burden on already struggling households.
The public participation process was little more than a tick-box exercise. Ratepayers’ written submissions were ignored, and no meaningful engagement was facilitated. This undermines the democratic process and shows clear disregard for the voices of the community. A view that was shared by the Ratepayers Alliance, representing 28 member associations across the Garden Route region.
As the GOOD Caucus, we cannot support a budget that is both financially irresponsible and socially unjust.
Media enquiries:media@forgood.org