Author: Chantel Edwards
Youth-Led YearBeyond Programme Brings Reading Initiative to George Libraries
The YearBeyond Library Programme officially launched across several George municipal libraries on 30 March 2026, bringing renewed energy to community reading initiatives and youth development. The programme is currently active at George Library, Pacaltsdorp Library, Blanco Library, Thembalethu Library, and Uniondale Library, where unemployed youth-known as “YeBoneers”-have been placed to support daily library operations and promote a culture of reading.
YearBeyond is a Western Cape initiative aimed at empowering young people while strengthening community services. Within libraries, YeBoneers assist with a range of activities, including encouraging reading habits, coordinating exhibitions and activations, supporting administrative functions, and providing digital and ICT assistance to library users.
As part of their efforts to inspire a love for reading, the YeBoneers at George Library launched the #WednesdayWeRead initiative on 1 April 2026. This national campaign encourages South Africans to pause once a week-every Wednesday-to read for at least 30 minutes, whether it be a book, poem, magazine, or newspaper. The first session took place at the Botanical Garden, where YeBoneers were joined by George Library Manager, Rachel Williams and facilitator Malibongwe Luyenge. Also in attendance was Dr Kamika Bell from Delaware, USA, (standing left of Rachel Williams) who had presented a leadership and empowerment workshop at the George Museum the day before.
The #WednesdayWeRead sessions will continue weekly at George Library from 12:00 to 14:00, inviting the community to take time out of their day to reconnect with reading and learning.
GM PUBLIC SAFETY NOTICE: BLOU DAM (WITFONTEIN QUARRY)
George Municipality would like to caution the public regarding swimming at Blou Dam (Witfontein Quarry). With the April school holidays currently underway, residents and visitors may be tempted to visit the area for recreational purposes.
Recent monitoring indicates that water levels in the quarry may fluctuate, creating unsafe and unpredictable conditions for swimming, diving, or jumping from the surrounding cliffs. Lower or changing water levels significantly increase the risk of serious injury, particularly when entering the water from height, with no certainty about what submerged hazards may be present.
Members of the public are therefore strongly advised not to swim or jump into the water at this location.
Please note that Blou Dam is not located on Municipal land. However, George Municipality remains concerned about the potential risks and does not support recreational use of the site. The Municipality is engaging with the responsible authority, the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure, regarding these safety concerns.
National Ethics Awareness Month Concludes
March is recognised as National Ethics Awareness Month, a time dedicated to encouraging individuals and organisations to reflect on their ethical standards and professional conduct.
It provides an opportunity to promote integrity, accountability and responsible decision-making in the workplace and in public service.
For George Municipality, Ethics Awareness Month serves as a reminder of the importance of upholding the highest standards of honesty, transparency and fairness in serving our community.
By strengthening an ethical culture within the organisation, the municipality reaffirms its commitment to good governance, ethical leadership and building public trust.
#NationalEthicsAwarenessMonth
#IntegrityMatters
#DoingtheRightThing
Ethics Awareness_Tone at the Top
March is recognised as National Ethics Awareness Month, a time dedicated to encouraging individuals and organisations to reflect on their ethical standards and professional conduct.
It provides an opportunity to promote integrity, accountability and responsible decision-making in the workplace and in public service.
For George Municipality, Ethics Awareness Month serves as a reminder of the importance of upholding the highest standards of honesty, transparency and fairness in serving our community.
By strengthening an ethical culture within the organisation, the municipality reaffirms its commitment to good governance, ethical leadership and building public trust.
#ethicalleadership
PUBLIC NOTICE: EASTER WEEKEND – PAYMENT PROCESSING SCHEDULING INFORMATION
George Municipality would like to inform all residents that the municipal offices will close at 12pm on Thursday 2 April and are closed over the Easter Long Weekend, reopening on Tuesday 7 April. Due to banking constraints, no statements are issued on public holidays or Sundays. As a result, receipting and allocation of payments will not be updated during this period.
Important Notice to Residents with Arrear Accounts:
Residents with outstanding (arrear) accounts are strongly encouraged to make payments in advance to ensure that accounts are updated timeously and to avoid any potential auxiliary deductions or interruptions to electricity services.Please note that Payments made from Thursday, 2 April 2026 up to and including Monday, 6 April 2026 will only reflect on the municipal system on Tuesday, 7 April 2026
We apologise for any inconvenience caused and thank you for your understanding and cooperation.
Account Only Enquiries 044 801 9111 or accounts@george.gov.za (Always have your municipal account number ready)
PUBLIC NOTICE: INPUT INVITED ON HOMELESSNESS IN GEORGE
George Municipality invites residents and community members to participate in a short survey aimed at strengthening the management of homelessness across the greater George area. We are seeking constructive input and collaborative solutions to inform practical, coordinated interventions. Your feedback will play an important role in guiding planning, resource allocation, and the development of targeted programmes.
The surveys take approximately 3 minutes to complete, and responses are requested by 26 April 2026.
Community Members https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/PNZKN8G
This survey allows community members to share constructive ideas and contribute to collective solutions, helping guide interventions that respond to real needs and strengthen overall community well-being.
For any queries, please contact Asavela Mandongana on 044 802 2000 or email amandongana@george.gov.za
George Municipality encourages all stakeholders to participate and be part of a collective effort to address homelessness in a meaningful and impactful way.
GM Mayoral Speeches for Ordinary Council 26 March 2026
https://www.george.gov.za/george-doc-categories/documents/council/speeches-of-the-executive-mayor/
Please find via above link the Mayoral Speeches made today in the Ordinary Council 26 March 2026 by Executive Mayor Browen Johnson, on the Draft Budget 2026/27; the Draft 5th Generation Review of the Integrated Development Plan (IDP) for the 2026/2027 financial year and the Oversight Report on the 2024/2025 Draft Annual Report of the George Municipality.
