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 George Municipality launches Illegal Dumping Awareness Month, February 2026

In the photo above, Cllr Erika Brown, MMC for Environmental Services, Mayor Browen Johnson and Anneline April, Senior Supervisor: Street Cleansing work together to clean up some of the garden refuse dumped in Sierrissie Street.

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George Municipality officially launched its annual Illegal Dumping Awareness Month campaign on Friday, 6 February 2026, at Sierrissie Street in New Dawn Park (Pacaltsdorp area) and at Croton Valley in the same area. The launch took place at two of the identified illegal dumping hotspots, highlighting the Municipality’s continued commitment to addressing illegal dumping across the city.

Executive Mayor Ald Browen Johnson led the launch and emphasised that illegal dumping remains a serious concern affecting communities, public health and the environment.
“Illegal dumping affects all of us. It is a health risk, it endangers children who play in these areas, and it places a significant financial burden on the Municipality,” said Mayor Johnson. “During the month of February, we are calling on communities not to support illegal dumping, to stop it, and to report it when it occurs.”

Throughout February, the Community Services Directorate will lead a focused programme of clean-up and rehabilitation of illegal dumping sites, supported by health and environmental education campaigns aimed at encouraging responsible waste disposal and long-term behavioural change.
Planned activities for Illegal Dumping Awareness Month include:
• 09 – 13 February: Clean-up activities and health education awareness
• 16 – 20 February: River clean-up operations at Blanco River and Kat River
• 23 – 27 February: Clean-up activities and health education awareness
• 27 February: Silent walk against illegal dumping in Thembalethu, starting at the Thembalethu Police Station

According to Sivuyile Mtila, Acting Director: Community Services, an amount of R16.34 million has been has been allocated to support the campaign for a year. “This funding covers street cleansing, refuse removal, the appointment of ward-based coordinators, and the implementation of education and awareness initiatives. Our objective is to ensure sustainability by addressing both behavioural and systemic causes of illegal dumping,” said Mtila.

Mayor Johnson also visited another illegal dumping site in Sierrissie Street, New Dawn Park, where he highlighted that much of the waste being dumped illegally consists of garden refuse.
“The Municipality provides green bags and collects them in this area. There is therefore no reason for garden waste to be dumped illegally,” he said.

Residents were reminded that members of the public can report illegal dumping to the Municipality. On successful conviction, a reward of R2 500 may be paid to the whistle-blower.
“This is Illegal Dumping Awareness Month, and we want the message to be loud and clear: stop illegal dumping. We urge the community of George to work with us to keep our city clean and green,” said Mayor Johnson.

The Mayor also expressed his appreciation to the Croton Valley community, who joined the launch to show their support and commitment to standing against illegal dumping.
George Municipality encourages all residents to play an active role in protecting their environment by disposing of waste responsibly and reporting illegal dumping incidents through the official municipal channels. Please report the perpetrators here: 044 801 6350 or email sprins@george.gov.za

Photos:


George Municipality workers pick up litter in Cordon Valley, New Dawn Park.


Ald Browen Johnson, Executive Mayor of George and Cllr Erika Brown, MMC for Environmental Services with residents from Croton Valley at the launch.


Mayor Browen Johnson, Cllr Erika Brown, MMC for Environmental Services and Sivuyile Mtila, Acting Director: Community Services at a illegal dumping site in Sierrissie Street, New Dawn Park.


Mayor Browen Johnson and Anneline April, Senior Supervisor: Street Cleansing work together to clean up some of the garden refuse dumped in Sierrissie Street.