25 February 2026 was a significant day for South Africans. While the Minister of Finance, Enoch Godongwana, delivered the national budget speech, Western Cape Premier Alan Winde presented the 2026 State of the Province Address (SOPA) in the Garden Route.

Alderman Archie Klaas, Executive Mayor of the Overstrand Municipality, was amongst the attendees at the historic Conville Community Hall in George.

In the Premier’s ‘This is our Western Cape’ speech, the Overberg district, of which Overstrand is a part, was also mentioned, highlighting the region’s growing role in driving progress at the tip of Africa.

Economic growth, job creation and strategic priorities for 2026 were central to the address, while recognising the ongoing challenges that remain.

South Africans continue to face difficult times: rising living costs, strained infrastructure, limited employment opportunities and the impacts of crime, gangsterism, and gender-based violence. The Premier emphasised that, now more than ever, all spheres of government must work together to create opportunities, build resilience, and secure a brighter future for communities across the province.