In the photo above: Mayor Browen Johnson and Cllr Erika Brown, MMC for Environmental Services looks on as Samuel Buys, a Supervisor Driver from Community Services demonstrates how to operate a refuse compactor. He is a driver of a compactor truck.
George Municipality has officially taken delivery of two new refuse compactors and two cage trucks last week as part of its ongoing commitment to strengthen refuse collection services and ensure cleaner, healthier communities.
The handover took place during a recent visit to the Environmental Services department by Executive Mayor, Ald Browen Johnson, accompanied by the Acting Director for Community Services, Sivuyile Mtila, and the MMC for Environmental Services, Cllr Erika Brown. “As part of our Integrated Waste Management Plan and Integrated Development Plan, it is critical that the Municipality maintains a replacement plan for refuse collection vehicles,” said Executive Mayor Ald Browen Johnson. “Since 2022, we have been replacing two refuse compactors per year to ensure that this essential service is delivered consistently and efficiently.”
For the 2025/2026 financial year, the Municipality invested in two new refuse compactors at a cost of R2 745 000 per vehicle. According to the Executive Mayor, these vehicles will significantly strengthen the Municipality’s refuse collection fleet. “These new compactors will improve refuse collection across our municipal area and help us to ensure cleaner communities, while reducing service interruptions experienced by residents,” Ald Johnson said. In addition, the Municipality has procured two cage trucks specifically for the collection of green bags used for garden waste removal. Each cage truck was acquired at a cost of R1 532 144. “The introduction of these cage trucks will greatly improve the efficiency of green bag collections and support our environmental management objectives,” the Executive Mayor added. Ald Johnson emphasised that the investment in new vehicles goes beyond fleet replacement. “Upgrading our fleet is not simply about replacing vehicles. It is about ensuring that we continue to serve every resident effectively, support environmental sustainability, and uphold our responsibility to deliver quality municipal services.”
He further commended officials for their efforts, saying: “I want to acknowledge the Environmental Services teams for their hard work and commitment. Together, we are building a municipality that prioritises service delivery, environmental responsibility, and community well-being.”
Photos:
Mayor Browen Johnson takes a group selfie with the officials at Environmental Services.
The brand new refuse compactor trucks and cage trucks delivered.
Sivuyile Mtila, Acting Director: Community Services, Milton Ngqavu, Supervisor Driver and Mayor Browen Johnson have a lighthearted moment at the handover of the trucks. Ngqavu (61) plans on retiring at the end of the month.
Cllr Erika Brown, MMC for Environmental Services, Sivuyile Mtila, Acting Director: Community Services, Mayor Browen Johnson and Frank Tamboer, Manager: Refuse Removal, Collections & Minimization at the handover of the trucks.