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Author: Debra Sauer

Public Notice: Delay in Refuse Removal

The George Municipality regrets to inform residents that refuse removal is delayed for today, 2 Octoberr 2025 due to unforeseen circumstances.
Refuse collection will however continue today and the public is asked to keep their refuse out.
Affected Areas:
Thursday: Farm areas in Geelhoutboom, Waboomskraal and Reiger Park.

For further information, please contact:
George Municipality Environmental Services
82 Meade Street, George
Phone: 044 802 2900
We apologise for the inconvenience caused and appreciate your understanding.

GARDEN ROUTE DAM LEVEL – 29 September 2025

Percentage storage at new raised dam wall height        65,70 %

Rainfall for the previous days:                                          27.5 mm (Measured from 23 – 29 September 2025)

 

Please see the link to 2B water restrictions implemented as of 1 May 2024: http://tinyurl.com/3439h4n7

The cooperation of all users of municipal water is essential and is greatly appreciated.

Green Bag collection delays

 

Please be advised that due to unforeseen circumstances, green bag collection in the Blanco area could not be completed today. Green bag collection for Blanco will take place tomorrow, Tuesday, 30 September 2025.
Additionally, green bag collection in areas scheduled for Monday—including Riverlea, Heather Park, Heatherlands, Glen Barrie, Kraaibosch, Groenkloof, Blue Mountain Village, Herold’s Bay, Victoria Bay, and Rondevlei area (George side)—will run late today.
Residents and businesses in all affected areas are requested to keep their green bags and other refuse out for collection.
The George Municipality apologises for any inconvenience caused and thanks the public for their patience and cooperation.

Upgrading of Eden Sewage Pumpstation – Week/Weekend work

Planned construction activities for the UPGRADING OF THE EDEN SEWAGE PUMPSTATION will take place on weekdays between 07:00 and 18:00 and also weekends: Saturdays, 4, 11, 18 and 25 October 2025 between 07:00 and 13:00.
The construction activities extend from the Eden Sewage Pumpstation to Dikkop Street and Pikkewyn Street.

SERVICE DISRUPTION:
Minor operational interruptions can be expected during the construction works. Advance notifications of any planned temporary disruptions and their effects will be shared via the George Municipality’s social media platforms.

TRAFFIC IMPACT:
Residents, road users, and pedestrians are requested to exercise caution during the construction period. Please adhere to the instructions of flag persons, temporary construction works and road signage.

ACCESS TO SITE:
Access to the construction site will be strictly controlled. In terms of the Occupational Health and Safety Act, no members of the public will be allowed in the construction area.

PROJECT ENQUIRIES:
• Mr Danie Brandt – 083 555 1290 (Engineer)
• Mr Kosie Smit – 044 801 9496 (George Municipality)
• Ms Shaldene Davids – 074 899 4420 (Community Liaison Officer)

The George Municipality apologises for any inconvenience caused and appeals to the public to be patient and exercise caution throughout the construction period. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.

ORDINARY COUNCIL MEETING @09H00

Please join us for the Ordinary Council Meeting today, 25 September 2025, at 09H00 AM.

Click on the link below to access the live stream via our YouTube Account

George Municipality hosts LGBTQIA+ summit to advance healthcare, legal recognition and safety

At the LGBTQIA+ summit in George are from left,Social Workers, Megan Wolhuter and Siyanda Mtshotana from the Department of Social Development and Khanyisile Fortuin form George Municipality Community Development LGBTQIA+ helpdesk.

George Municipality hosted its second annual LGBTQIA+ Summit, a full-day event that brought together civil society, government departments, and community members to reflect on progress and challenges faced by the LGBTQIA+ community.
The programme featured keynote addresses from a trans activist and government officials, followed by breakout sessions focused on gender-affirming healthcare access, legal gender recognition, and gender-based violence and safety. Delegates reported back on their discussions before taking part in a plenary session with government stakeholders and civil society partners. The summit ended with the collaborative drafting of a feedback statement, “How Far Are We?”, which was presented at the George Pride Imbizo on Saturday. Dr Juliana van Jaarsveld, Clinical Manager, Mosel Bay Sub District, Department of Health gave a progress report on identifying community needs, acceptable patient care through inclusivity and destigmatisation as well as training being done in the form of gender affirming workshops and more.
Executive Mayor Ald Jackie von Brandis highlighted that the summit grew from the Municipality’s LGBTQIA+ Help Desk, created to provide a platform for dialogue and solutions to community challenges. “Pararades and celebrations have its place, but it is important that we move beyond to tackle the issues impacting daily lives. This summit is about finding solutions together,” said Von Brandis. She thanked Kanyisile Fortuin from George Municipality’s Community Development section for her commitment to driving this work.
Fortuin added that the summit brought together the departments of Health, Home Affairs, Social Development, Education, SAPS, Gender Dynamics, Legally Youth, and other key partners to address pressing issues. In the public health sector trans people are on waiting lists of up to 25–30 years for gender-affirming surgeries. Fortuin said up until now there is a need for the department of Home Affairs to address delays of up to three years for gender marker and name changes, which prevent many from travelling, accessing services, or fully participating in society.
The summit focused on breaking down systemic barriers, improving access to healthcare and legal recognition, and ensuring that every resident can live with dignity and authenticity, Fortuin said.
Cllr Melvin Roelofse, MMC for Community Development, Libraries, Sport and Customer Services, closed the event, encouraging participants to continue working together.

Photos:

Ndivhuho Jasmine Malimagovha, trans-activisit and local student addresses the summit on Friday at George Civic Centre Banquet Hall.

Leah Claasen from Gender Dynamics addresses the summit.

Mayor Jackie von Brandis at the summit.

Training session empowers reading facilitators and peer educators

George Municipality, together with the Sommernet Ons ATKV branch, recently hosted a hands-on training session at Eagle’s Nest aimed at giving reading facilitators and peer educators practical workplace skills and inspiration for their professional journey.
The session was led by André Hendricks from ATKV and Angeline Naidoo, a member of the Sommernet Ons branch.
Hendricks encouraged participants to take ownership of their work ethic under the theme Work Ethic: Show Up – Step Up – Own Up. He reminded the group that they can either “make it happen or let it happen,” sparking an energetic discussion about accountability and commitment.
Naidoo’s session focused on building workplace skills aligned with Quality Council for Trades and Occupations (QCTO) outcomes. She helped participants understand organisational policies, values, and expectations, giving them a solid starting point for future growth.
The training was coordinated by the Municipality’s Youth Development Office with support from the EPWP Office as part of their mission to uplift the youth the area.

Photos:


Some of the youngsters and coordinators at the training sessions to give reading facilitators and peer educators practical workplace skills.


Jason Jansen (EPWP: George Municipality), Jonel Kerspuy (Youth Coordinator: Community Development, George Municipality), Siviwe Mdelo (EPWP Coordinator, George Municipality) and Andre Hendricks (ATKV Kopskuif).

GARDEN ROUTE DAM LEVEL – 22 September 2025

Percentage storage at new raised dam wall height 67,61 %
Rainfall for the previous days: 12 mm (Measured from 16 – 22 September 2025)

Please see the link to 2B water restrictions implemented as of 1 May 2024: http://tinyurl.com/3439h4n7
The cooperation of all users of municipal water is essential and is greatly appreciated.

Municipal offices closed for upcoming public holiday

George Municipality hereby advises the public that all municipal offices will be closed on Wednesday, 24 September 2025 in observance of the public holiday. Refuse removal will continue as per the normal schedule on this day. Households and businesses must put out their refuse by 07h00 in the morning.

Residents are urged to take note of these closures and to plan their business accordingly. Your cooperation in this matter is greatly appreciated.

Refuse collection will proceed as per the normal schedule on Wednesday, 24 September 2025.
Areas with Wednesday collection include Camphersdrift, Fernridge, Denneoord, Bo-Dorp, Blommekloof, Tweerivieren, Hoogekraal, Hoekwil and Touwsranten farm areas.
Business refuse removal take place on Monday, Wednesday and Friday as per normal.
George Municipality Environmental Services, 82 Meade Street, George. Telephone 044 802 2900 (black, green, and blue bag enquiries).

Building rubble, garden waste and other materials not suitable for bags can be dropped off at the municipal refuse site on the R102 (airport road).
Operating hours: Monday to Friday 07:00–18:00, Saturday 07:00–15:00 and on all public holidays (except 25 December) from 07:00–15:00.

After-Hours Contact Numbers
Fire Emergency (24/7): 044 801 6311
Toll-Free Disaster Number (24/7): 087 152 9999
George Municipality After Hours Number: 044 801 6300

York Street Traffic Circle (Unity Park): Landscaping and Planting Work

The George Municipality’s Parks and Recreation Department would like to inform residents that landscaping work is underway at the York Street traffic circle (Unity Park). This includes the removal of existing plants, site preparation, and the redesign and planting of new vegetation. Site preparation has already commenced, and the remaining work is expected to continue over the next week. Residents and road users are advised that there is no anticipated disruption to traffic flow during this period.
We appreciate your understanding as we enhance the aesthetics and greenery of this public space. For further information, please contact the Parks and Recreation Department at 044 802 2900.

GARDEN ROUTE DAM LEVEL – 15 September 2025

Percentage storage at new raised dam wall height        69,88 %

Rainfall for the previous days:                                          4.5 mm (Measured from 9 – 15 September 2025)

Please see the link to 2B water restrictions implemented as of 1 May 2024: http://tinyurl.com/3439h4n7

The cooperation of all users of municipal water is essential and is greatly appreciated.

Temporary closure of Civil Engineering Services offices due to fumigation

George Municipality hereby advises the public that the Old Town Hall building will be closed for fumigation on Wednesday, 17 September 2025 from 15:00.

The Civil Engineering Services offices located in this building will therefore be closed during this time.

Normal operations will resume on Thursday, 18 September 2025 at 07:45.

The Municipality apologises for any inconvenience caused and thanks the public for their understanding.

George Municipality Supply Chain Management offices closed during lunchtime

 

Please note that the George Municipality Supply Chain Management Offices, Main Building, 71 York Street, George (entrance behind City Hall, access via Victoria Street) will be closed daily during lunch from 13:00 to 13:45, Monday to Friday. The SCM offices are now situated on the 5th floor.
Kindly take this into consideration when planning your visit.

Neem asseblief kennis dat die George Munisipale Voorsieningslynbestuurskantore, Hoofgebou, Yorkstraat 71, George (ingang agter die Stadsaal, toegang via Victoriastraat) daagliks gesluit sal wees tydens etenstyd van 13:00 tot 13:45, Maandag tot Vrydag. Die Voorsieningslynbestuurskantore is nou op die 5de vloer geleë.
Neem dit asseblief in ag wanneer u u besoek beplan.

Enquiries / Navrae:
☎ 044 801 9134
📧 scm@george.gov.za

Public Notice: Application for free home composting bins

George Municipality is offering free home compost bins to permanent residents within the George Municipal area.

Composting is a simple, eco-friendly way to reduce the amount of food and organic waste sent to landfill sites. It also helps create nutrient-rich humus that replenishes soil, promotes healthier plant growth, and supports a thriving garden.

Composting offers many benefits, including reducing household waste, extending the lifespan of municipal landfill sites by diverting organic matter, improving soil health, promoting stronger plant growth, helping to lower greenhouse gas emissions, and providing a meaningful way to connect with nature.

To qualify for a free compost bin, applicants must be permanent residents of the George Municipal area and must submit proof of residence with their application form. Applicants should also generate suitable organic material such as raw vegetable and fruit peels, eggshells and grass cuttings. Please note that certain items do not qualify as organic material. These include meat or meat products, oils, fats or grease, diseased plant material, sawdust or woodchips from treated wood, dog or cat faeces, weeds with seeds, dairy products, coal ash, cooked foods, nappies and used tissues, as well as glossy or coloured paper.

Application forms can be downloaded from the George Municipality website at https://www.george.gov.za/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Home-Compost-Project-form.pdf. Completed forms, together with proof of residence, must be emailed to gesau@george.gov.za or kvstoffels@george.gov.za. Alternatively, application forms may be collected from the George Environmental Services Municipal Offices at 82 Meade Street, George.

For more information about the programme, please contact us on 044 802 2900.

For more information on composting, follow the link: https://www.george.gov.za/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/Home-Composting-Guideline.pdf.

Some of the compost bins at Jonga High School, Thembalethu. Jonga is one of the High Schools in George that is actively involved in the composting programme.

George Municipality and Ministers delivers keys and title deeds in three-day housing blitz to 112

At the handover of homes at Metro Grounds.

George Municipality, in partnership with the Western Cape Government and the National Department of Human Settlements, celebrated a historic milestone last week with the handover of 112 houses across different projects in George, including the first-ever dedicated housing for military veterans.

The three-day housing blitz ran from Wednesday, 3 September to Friday, 5 September 2025, transforming lives by providing families with the dignity of their own homes. At the Metro Grounds Housing Project, 15 houses with title deeds were handed over on Wednesday. The following day, a further 31 families received their houses, though their title deeds will follow later. On Friday, 37 more houses were handed over at Metro Grounds, of which 33 included title deeds. That same day in Pacaltsdorp, at Erf 325 East Syferfontein, 30 military veterans received the keys to their new homes, with six of them receiving title deeds immediately.

In total, 112 houses were handed over during the week, along with 54 title deeds. For the families, many of whom have waited decades, the moment represented far more than receiving four walls and a roof – it was the fulfilment of long-held dreams, the restoration of dignity, and the foundation of a safer and brighter future.

The Metro Grounds Housing Project is planned for 632 Breaking New Ground (BNG) units, of which 213 have now been handed over to date. A further 419 top structures are still outstanding. At the Military Veterans Project in Syferfontein, Pacaltsdorp, a total of 38 units are planned, with 30 now handed over. This marked the very first handover of houses specifically dedicated to veterans in George, leaving only eight units still outstanding.

Beneficiaries at Metro Grounds include residents from informal settlements, backyard dwellers, and individuals on the Western Cape Housing Demand Database. For the military veterans, the recipients were selected from the official Military Veterans Database and the same database.

Speaking at the ceremony on Friday, Deputy Minister of Human Settlements, Hon. Tandi Mahambehlala, said: “Today, we have a good story to tell. These homes are not just houses – they are a symbol of restored dignity, hope, and a foundation for a better life.”

Western Cape MEC for Infrastructure, Minister Tertuis Simmers, also encouraged the veterans, reminding them that they now have legal ownership and that their homes are secured with title deeds.

George Municipality further reminded beneficiaries that they are not only receiving houses but also becoming part of building stronger and more stable communities. Families were guided on the responsibilities of homeownership, protecting their properties, and contributing to the wellbeing of their neighbourhoods.

To those residents who are still waiting, the Municipality extends appreciation for their patience. Just as the 112 families celebrated this past week, more handovers will follow, and every qualifying resident will one day share in the dignity and joy of homeownership.

 

At one of the handovers at Metro grounds are from left: Cllr Rita Gregory from George Council, MEC for Infrastructure in the Western Cape, Minister Tertuis Simmers, Deputy Minister of Human Settlements in National Goverment, Minister Tandi Mahambehlala, Executive Mayor of George, Ald Jackie von Brandis, Cllr Jean Safers, MMC for Human Settlements, Mahlatse Phosa, Director: Planning and Development and Cllr Siphelo Manxele.

 Abraham Marin, a military veteran, receives his title deed from the dignatories at the handover at the Syferfontein Project, Pacaltsdorp. He is congratulated by MEC for Infrastructure in the Western Cape, Minister Tertuis Simmers, Deputy Minister of Human Settlements in National Goverment, Minister Tandi Mahambehlala, Executive Mayor of George, Ald Jackie von Brandis and Cllr Jean Safers, MMC for Human Settlements.

George Councillors and Mayor Jackie von Brandis congratulating beneficiaries receiving their new home at Metro Grounds.

Mayor Jackie von Brandis hands over the title deed to Cedricka Gorden at Metro Grounds. With them are from left, Chief Whip of George Council, Cllr Theresa Jeyi, Cllr Jean Safers, MMC for Human Settlements and Cllr Thandiswa Qatana.

MEC for Infrastructure in the Western Cape, Minister Tertuis Simmers and Deputy Minister of Human Settlements in National Goverment, Minister Tandi Mahambehlala planted a tree to beautify the area at Syferfontein Housing Project in Pacaltsdorp, when handing over houses to beneficiaries.  Executive Mayor of George, Ald Jackie von Brandis and Cllr Jean Safers, MMC for Human Settlements look on.

 Mayor Jackie von Brandis delivers a speech while handing over homes at Metro Grounds last week.