GOOD Speech by Roxaan Vorster,
GOOD George Municipality Councillor
26 March 2026
*Note to Editor: This speech was delivered during the George Municipality Council Meeting
The Mayor, in his foreword, just as in the MM’s foreword, says the following: “It is with a strong sense of responsibility and commitment that I present the review of the IDP.”
As a GOOD councillor, I regret today that I cannot share his sentiments about our responsibility as councillors towards the community of George. The document was provided to us yesterday afternoon and consists of 532 pages. I cannot in any way give the community of George the assurance that this document speaks in the interest of the broader George community.
All operational and financial processes begin with the IDP. The IDP is the primary document in which the service delivery expectations of the community are captured in a strategic plan, following many public participation processes between the council and the community. I am of the opinion that we, as councillors, are failing our community by treating the document as just another rubber-stamp exercise.
From page 251 onwards, Ward Priorities and Planning, after all the red tape in the preceding pages, the important sections are finally shared. This section deals with the expectations of the community and how these are captured and budgeted for in the strategic planning documents. It is important that this be workshopped with us as councillors and presented in a short explanatory summary so that the community’s needs and priorities can be ensured in the revised document, as contained in the 5-year IDP and strategic plan.
At this stage, Speaker, I cannot say with conviction that the expectations of our communities are being addressed.
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