George Municipality Welcomes Michael J. Rhode as New Director for Electrotechnical Services

George Municipality has recently announced the appointment of Michael J. Rhode as its new Director for Electrotechnical Services, effective from January 1, 2025. This strategic move is expected to herald a new era of enhanced electrical service delivery and infrastructure development within the municipality.

Michael Rhode, a seasoned professional with over two decades of experience, has a rich background in electrical distribution and energy engineering operations. His career spans several high-responsibility roles across various municipalities in the Western Cape, including his latest position as the Director of Technical Services at Knysna Municipality, a role he held from June 2013 to December 2024.

Under his leadership in Knysna, Rhode was tasked with the oversight of multiple municipal services such as water, sewerage, roads, stormwater, traffic, and facilities engineering. Notably, he played a pivotal role during the critical periods following the devastating Knysna fires, showcasing his capability in managing crisis situations effectively.

Before his tenure in Knysna, Rhode also contributed his expertise to the City of Cape Town, Drakenstein, Stellenbosch, and Bitou municipalities. His earlier stint in George Municipality as the Director of Electrical Engineering Services from 2003 to 2007 means that Rhode is returning to familiar territory, with a wealth of additional experience.

Michael Rhode is a Stellenbosch University alum, where he earned his B. Eng (Elec) degree. His educational background, combined with his extensive practical experience, equips him uniquely to drive George Municipality’s goals in developing its electrotechnical infrastructure and improving service delivery.

During his previous roles, Rhode dealt with complex challenges such as infrastructure failures, including significant water supply interruptions and electrical system breakdowns. These situations demanded robust leadership and strategic planning to mitigate impacts on the community and ensure continuity of essential services.

The municipality of George anticipates that Rhode's comprehensive understanding of the technical and managerial aspects of municipal service delivery will make him a driving force behind improving both the efficiency and effectiveness of their Electrotechnical Services Department.

As George Municipality embarks on this new chapter, stakeholders express optimism that Rhode’s leadership will contribute significantly to enhancing the quality of life for its residents and uplifting the overall community standard by ensuring reliable, efficient electrotechnical services.