Adjustment Budget Favours Showpiece Events Over Grassroots Growth

GOOD Speech delivered during the George Municipality Council Meeting by Rosa Louw, GOOD George Municipality Councillor:

Speaker,

Through you, to the Executive Mayor:

This Adjustment Budget of the George Municipality forces us to confront a simple question: who truly benefits from our spending priorities?

Firstly, in the Adjustment Budget of the George Municipality, a provision has finally been made to establish a Grant-in-Aid Fund to assist struggling learners and their parents. However, do we still have no structured support for families in financial distress?

We cannot speak about youth empowerment while the most vulnerable households receive no direct relief.

Secondly, the Pacaltsdorp Sportsfield, situated in the Mayor’s own ward. Has provision finally been made for upgrades and high-mast lighting to ensure safe and extended use of the facility, or must that community continue to wait while other projects move ahead?

If we cannot prioritise basic infrastructure in the Mayor’s ward, then the message to struggling communities is clear.

Then, Speaker, the Events Budget.

We are allocating funds to host events such as the Ebrahim Patel Cup, yet only one rugby team from George is participating.

Evergreens RFC has requested support to participate in the Saldanha Bay Easter Tournament. Will they receive assistance?

Because this is where the real test lies.

When local clubs that develop young talent request support for participation, travel, and exposure, do we back them? Or do we prioritise once-off showcase events while grassroots clubs struggle?

Through this Adjustment Budget, are we making practical interventions that strengthen families and empower youth, or are these priorities once again deferred?

I await the Mayor’s response.

Thank you.

GOOD Representation: The party has representation in the Cape Town City Council.

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