GOOD Statement by Rosa Louw, GOOD George Municipality Councillor:
As the Council prepares to debate the PW Botha Boulevard motion and the Electricity Tariff increases, the GOOD Caucus in George Municipality warns that democracy is being silenced as the Speaker continue to hold meetings virtually, blocking residents from witnessing their elected representatives in action.
It is deeply concerning that instead of restoring visible, open governance, Council continues to shield itself from public scrutiny while spending taxpayers’ money on Council Chambers that remain unused.
While the Speaker cites legislative authority, there is no reasonable justification for keeping Council behind screens. Virtual meetings are being misused to control debate, disable opposition microphones, mute voices, block points of order, and silence councillors. This is not governance. It is managed secrecy.
This level of control and suppression of democratic debate echoes the draconian, authoritarian style of PW Botha–era governance, where decisions were made behind closed doors and public participation was ignored. George residents deserve better.
Residents have the right to see their elected representatives at work. Council belongs to the people, not to a screen.
The GOOD Caucus, together with other opposition parties, will now take this fight directly to the communities of George to demand accountability and the immediate return of Council to the Chamber.
Other opposition parties have also requested that meetings be held in person. So why is the DA hiding from the public?
It is time for transparency, accountability, and open governance. The people of George deserve to see their Council in action, and that must happen without delay.
Bring Council back to the Chamber, now!
GOOD Community Engagement: The party encourages active community participation in governance.
Plegasus
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