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Author: Debra Sauer

GO GEORGE annual fare adjustment announced

The George Municipality has announced the annual adjustment to GO GEORGE bus fares, effective 1 July 2025. This yearly increase aligns with municipal tariff adjustments and remains focused on affordability. Thanks to government subsidies and the free transfer option within one hour, GO GEORGE continues to be one of the most budget-friendly transport choices in the city.

Maximize your savings with smart card bundles
Passengers will see a 70c increase per trip when purchasing bundles of 10 trips or more, bringing the price to R13.45 per trip. Bundles of two to eight trips will cost R14.80 per trip, reflecting a 65c increase.
To encourage cost-effective travel, single trips loaded onto the Smart card will increase by 90c, reaching R17.90 per trip. GO GEORGE urges passengers to take advantage of multi-trip bundles, as they offer the best savings and help avoid the hassle of frequent top-ups.
For example, passengers commuting to work or school five days a week will save R196 per month by opting for bundles of 10 trips or more instead of purchasing individual trips.

Smart card perks for first-time buyers
A GO GEORGE smart card will cost R41, with first-time buyers receiving two free trips upon presenting valid identification. Cards bought without identification or replacements also cost R41, but do not include free trips.
GO GEORGE sells smart cards at a reduced rate and not at their actual cost to the municipality, ensuring accessibility while not profiting from card sales.

Trips never expire – plan ahead and save
Trips loaded onto a smart card never expire, meaning any trips purchased before the tariff increase remain valid. Passengers who wish to save on upcoming fares can stock up on trips before 1 July but should keep their cards safe—lost or stolen trips cannot be transferred to a new card.
Make the most of your existing smart card
Passengers are encouraged to top up their current smart cards rather than purchasing new ones unnecessarily. Like bank cards, smart cards expire five years after issuing, making it more cost-effective to use an existing card instead of buying a new one.

Stay informed
For the latest updates on fares and an up-to-date list of top-up vendors, contact the GO GEORGE Call Centre at 0800 044 044, follow the GO GEORGE Facebook page, or visit www.gogeorge.org.za/fares-cards.

CAPTION:
Smart Cards can be topped at Smart Card Kiosks or any of almost 300 top-up vendors all over town. The latest list of vendors is available at www.gogeorge.org.za/fares-cards.

 

GO GEORGE se jaarlikse tariefaanpassing aangekondig

Die George Munisipaliteit het die jaarlikse aanpassing van GO GEORGE-tariewe wat op 1 Julie 2025 in werking tree, aangekondig. Hierdie jaarlikse verhoging stem ooreen met munisipale tariefaanpassings en bly gefokus op bekostigbaarheid. Danksy regeringsubsidies en die gratis oorklimopsie binne een uur, bly GO GEORGE een van die mees bekostigbare vervoeropsies in die stad.

Spaar met slimkaartbundels
Passasiers sal ‘n verhoging van 70c per rit sien wanneer hulle bundels van 10 ritte of meer koop, wat die prys op R13.45 per rit te staan bring. Bundels van twee tot agt ritte sal R14.80 per rit kos, wat ‘n 65c verhoging beteken.
Om kostedoeltreffende vervoer aan te moedig, sal enkelritte wat op die Slimkaart gelaai word, met 90c verhoog en voortaan R17.90 per rit wees. GO GEORGE moedig passasiers aan om voordeel te trek uit multiritbundels aangesien dit die beste besparings bied en help om die ongemak van gereelde herlaai te vermy. Passasiers wat byvoorbeeld vyf dae per week werk of skool toe pendel, sal R196 per maand spaar deur bundels van 10 ritte of meer te koop in plaas daarvan om individuele ritte te koop.

Slimkaartvoordele vir eerste kopers
‘n GO GEORGE-slimkaart sal R41 kos, met eerste kopers wat twee gratis ritte ontvang wanneer hulle geldige identifikasie toon. Kaartjies wat sonder identifikasie of as vervangings gekoop word, kos ook R41, maar sluit nie gratis ritte in nie.
GO GEORGE verkoop slimkaarte teen ‘n verminderde koste en nie teen die werklike koste waarteen die munisipaliteit dit aankoop nie, wat toeganklikheid verseker sonder om wins uit kaartverkope te maak.

Ritte verval nooit – beplan vooruit en spaar
Ritte wat op ‘n slimkaart gelaai word, verval nooit, wat beteken dat enige ritte wat voor die tariefverhoging gekoop is, steeds geldig bly. Passasiers wat wil bespaar op toekomstige tariewe, kan vooraf ritte koop voor 1 Julie, maar moet hul kaartjies veilig hou—verlore of gesteelde ritte kan nie na ‘n nuwe kaart oorgedra word nie.

Maak die beste van jou bestaande slimkaart
Passasiers word aangemoedig om hul huidige slimkaart te herlaai eerder as om onnodig nuwe kaarte te koop. Soos bankkaarte, verval slimkaarte vyf jaar na uitreiking, wat dit meer kostedoeltreffend maak om ‘n bestaande kaart te gebruik as om ‘n nuwe een te koop.

Bly ingelig
Vir die nuutste bywerkings oor tariewe en ‘n lys van herlaaipunte, kontak die GO GEORGE-inbelsentrum by 0800 044 044, volg die GO GEORGE Facebook-blad, of besoek www.gogeorge.org.za/fares-cards.

ONDERSKRIF
Slimkaarte kan herlaai word by Slimkaart-kiosks of enige van die byna 300 herlaai-verskaffers regoor die dorp. Die jongste lys van verskaffers is beskikbaar by www.gogeorge.org.za/fares-cards.

Young leaders, big Impact – Junior Mayor leads heartfelt donation project

In the photo above Estelle Fredericks, Auxiliary Social Worker and Coordinator of Project Hope (left) with Matthew Taylor, Xanéy Janse van Rensburg, Mia Mengel, Jonel Kerspuy , Coordinator of the George Municipality Youth Office and Mastoerah Davids with some of the collected clothing.

With compassion as their compass, Junior Mayor Mia Mengel and 1800 fellow learners turned kindness into action—collecting clothing to warm hearts and lives. Through the George Junior City Council (JCC) outreach, communities in need, including fire-affected families, feel the power of youth-driven hope.
Mia Mengel, who is also a learner of Outeniqua High School, was part of a team of learners who coordinated a food donation and collection project. Approximately 1800 learners from across George donated clothing items, with the purpose of helping those in need. The JCC adopted this programme with the purpose of improving the quality of lives of citizens in need. The collected items will be distributed to Carpe Diem School, as per their need, and warm winter clothing are being donated during the Project Hope winter drive of the George Municipality, as well as to those families that the Municipality assists and families affected by fire incidents.

George Junior City Council members with the collected items from clockwise from left, Anouk van Coller, Xanéy Janse van Rensburg, Mia Mengel (George Junior City Council Mayor), Matthew Taylor and Mastoerah Davids.

Goue gees en gesonde liggame: Bejaardes geniet Golden Games/Active Ageing Games in Pacaltsdorp

Kyk video hier: https://youtu.be/I2VbsPcT4vY

In die foto hierbo: Aan spits van sake by die plaaslike Golden Games/Active Ageing Spele in Pacaltsdorp verlede week is voor van links, Kol. Lionel Kennedy (George SAPD), Ejustley Boshoff, (Koördineerder: Geslag, Gestremdhede en Bejaardes by George Munisipaliteit), Blanche Benjamin, voorsitter van die plaaslike Ouer Persone Forum, Rdl Sean Snyman, Speaker van George Stadsraad, hoofspreker en deelnemer, Nozipho Stone van die Geslag, Gestremdhede en Bejaardes afdeling by George Munisipaliteit, Rohan Aylward van Avbob, Johannah Joshua, voorsitter van die Wes-Kaapse Ouer Persone Forum, Kapt. Malcolm Richards, stasiebevelvoerder van Pacaltsdorp polisiestasie, Brig. Belinda Pather van die SAPD en Mario Alaart van die Hoogekraal Buurtwag.

Die plaaslike forum van die Active Ageing Games, ook bekend as die Golden Games plaaslik, het verlede week weer die gees van gesondheid, gemeenskap en aktiewe ouderdom gevier tydens ’n suksesvolle sportdag wat op die Pacaltsdorp sportterrein aangebied is.

Die geleentheid, wat ongeveer 320 mense gelok het, insluitend senior burgerklubs, tegniese beamptes en koördineerders is feestelik geopen deur kapt. Malcolm Richards, stasiebevelvoerder van die Pacaltsdorp-polisiekantoor, en adv. Marilyn Oliphant, voorsitter van die plaaslike Gemeenskapspolisiëringsforum asook Johannah Joshua van die Wes-Kaapse Ouer Persone Forum. Kapt. Richards het in sy verwelkomingsboodskap beklemtoon dat die polisiekantoor se deure altyd oop is en dat gemeenskapsveiligheid ’n prioriteit bly.

Ejustley Boshoff, koördineerder vir die Geslag, Gestremdhede en Bejaardes subafdeling by die Gemeenskapsontwikkelingafdeling van die George Munisipaliteit, wat ook as hoofborg van die geleentheid opgetree het, het die waarde van fisieke aktiwiteit beklemtoon: “Om aktief te bly het groot voordele vir sowel die liggaam as die gees. Ons bejaardes sien elke jaar met groot opgewondenheid uit na hierdie geleentheid en neem met soveel entoesiasme deel.”

Die George Munisipaliteit werk nou saam met verskeie rolspelers om die jaarlikse byeenkoms moontlik te maak, insluitend plaaslike dienssentrums, die Plaaslike en Wes-Kaapse Ouer Persone Forums, die Suid-Afrikaanse Polisiediens, die logistieke organiseringskomitee en Avbob asook nog organisasies.
Die dag se verrigtinge is geestelik geanker deur ds. Johan Louw, wat die geleentheid met ’n skriflesing en gebed geopen het. Rdl. Sean Snyman, Speaker van die George Stadsraad, het die toeskouers toegespreek en hul bydraes tot die gemeenskap geloof. “Ek is self ’n trotse senior burger. Ons het ’n leeftyd van kennis en ervaring om met die jonger geslag te deel,” het hy gesê.

Snyman het ook aktief aan die sport deelgeneem en vertel hoe hy oor die jare van skepties oor oefening gegroei het tot iemand wat nou gereeld parkruns voltooi en selfs 21 km-hardloopwedlope aanpak. “Jy kan nie ’n voorbeeld wees as jy net aan die kantlyn staan nie,” het hy bygevoeg.
Blanche Benjamin, voorsitter van die plaaslike Ouer Persone Forum, het haar waardering uitgespreek teenoor alle vennote en ondersteuners van die dag, insluitend George Munisipaliteit, die SAPD, die Gemeenskapspolisiëringsforum, buurtwagte, die Departement van Gesondheid, Blue Ribbon, die Pacaltsdorp Sake-vereniging, tegniese beamptes en ’n nuwe klub in George, Just Breathe (wat deel vorm van Outeniqua Harriers), asook Johannah Joshua van die Wes-Kaapse Ouer Persone Forum.

Verskeie klubs en dienssentrums het deelgeneem, waaronder Sonskynhoekie (Blanco), Golden Jewels (Pacaltsdorp), Old Heroes (Herold), Top Red (Haarlem), Sunshine (Parkdene en Rosemoor Dienssentrum), CCDP (Pacaltsdorp) en Meals on Wheels.
Die sportaktiwiteite het ’n verskeidenheid veld- en baanitems ingesluit: van vinnige stap, rugbybal gooi en jukskei tot doelskiet, eendstap, bal aangee en aflos.

Altesaam 60 van die deelnemers is gekies om George te verteenwoordig tydens die streekkompetisie wat op 21 Augustus in Oudtshoorn plaasvind.
Boshoff het belangstellende bejaardes aangemoedig om by hul naaste dienssentrums aan te sluit om in aanmerking te kom vir deelname aan toekomstige geleenthede.

 

Van die eerste atlete wys hul staal in die vinnige stap afdeling.

Van die eerste atlete wys hul staal in die vinnige stap afdeling.


Die goue bejaardes wys wat steek in hulle toe hulle litte losmaak voor die veldnommers begin het.

Die goue bejaardes wys wat steek in hulle toe hulle litte losmaak voor die veldnommers begin het.

Die goue bejaardes wys wat steek in hulle toe hulle litte losmaak voor die veldnommers begin het.

Die goue bejaardes wys wat steek in hulle toe hulle litte losmaak voor die veldnommers begin het.

Die goue bejaardes wys wat steek in hulle toe hulle litte losmaak voor die veldnommers begin het.

Die goue bejaardes wys wat steek in hulle toe hulle litte losmaak voor die veldnommers begin het.

Die goue bejaardes wys wat steek in hulle toe hulle litte losmaak voor die veldnommers begin het.

Die goue bejaardes wys wat steek in hulle toe hulle litte losmaak voor die veldnommers begin het.

Christa Alaart het haar in feestelike luim by die Spele.


Wilma Lamont op haar vinnige staptog gedurende die Spele. Kapt. Malcolm Richards help met water aandra.


George Cherry stap dat die stof so staan.


Tom Willems stap dat dit klap.

GARDEN ROUTE DAM LEVEL – 3 June 2025

Percentage storage at new raised dam wall height 90,92%
Rainfall for the previous days: 15 mm (Measured from 20 May – 2 June 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.

The Small, Micro and Medium Enterprises (SMMEs) are invited to apply for the SEED (Socio-Economic and Enterprise Development (SEED) Programme

The Small, Micro and Medium Enterprises (SMMEs) are invited to apply for the SEED (Socio-Economic and Enterprise Development (SEED) Programme, powered by Kamva Capital and Projects and MTN.

The Socio-Economic and Enterprise Development (SEED) program is an approach that helps SMME Entrepreneurs improve their business and financial capability through the Consumer Financial Education (CFE) Programme.

This programme is designed for entrepreneurs to optimise and grow their businesses by empowering them with critical skills such as :
• Access information and resources
• Access to funding and market opportunities
• Access to Business Development Support
• Improved Financial Management Skills

How to apply:
To submit your online application, scan the QR code on the advert. Alternatively, kindly bring the documents as listed on the advert to Lawaaikamp Community Hall on the 3rd of June 20205 (13:00), you will be assisted to complete the application on site.

For Inquiries, please contact:
info@kamvacapital.com or 021 555 1420
nnobebe@george.gov.za or 044 801 9212

George Tourism Office Temporary Closure

Please note that the George Tourism Office will be closed to the public on Monday, 26 May and Tuesday, 27 May 2025 due to roof renovations following the fire in June last year. Scaffolding and site work currently pose a safety risk.

Phones and the desk will remain operational for enquiries. The office will reopen on Thursday, 29 May 2025.

We apologise for the inconvenience and thank you for your understanding.

George municipality hosts groundbreaking LGBTQI work session to combat hate crimes

The George Municipality LGBTQI Help Desk, in collaboration with Social Health and Empowerment (SHE), Legally You, Phakamani Makhosikazi, and Community in Blue and Smoking and Alcohol Harms Alleviation and Rehabilitation Association (SAHARA), hosted a pivotal work session aimed at ending hate crimes against LGBTQI individuals.
The session, held at Thembalethu Thusong Centre, drew a diverse and engaged audience, including parents of LGBTQI individuals, elderly groups, people living with disabilities, and youth. This inclusive participation highlighted the growing community resolve to stand against discrimination and violence based on sexual orientation and gender identity.
“This session was a powerful step in ensuring that every individual in our municipality’s jurisdiction feels safe, seen, and supported,” said Khanyisile Fortuin, Special Projects Coordinator at George Municipality. “Through education, dialogue, and action, we are building a stronger, more inclusive George.”
The session focused on equipping attendees with tools to document human rights violations effectively. Bernelee Wonderlik, Social Worker at Social Health and Empowerment (SHE), led an interactive session on the process of lodging cases, empowering victims and allies alike with crucial knowledge.
The programme also addressed critical issues such as Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF), with Adv. Marilyn Olifant-Scheepers offering expert insights into legal frameworks and support mechanisms. Pumlani Relese of SAHARA facilitated an impactful SOGIE (sexual orientation, gender identity, and expression) workshop to deepen understanding and dismantle stereotypes.
“This initiative is not just about conversation—it’s about action,” said Pumlani Relese. “Education and engagement are essential to change hearts, policies, and outcomes.”
Closing the event, Fortuin emphasised the forthcoming implementation of a comprehensive LGBTQI safety plan. This plan aims to identify crime hotspots and ensure that LGBTQI safety is an integral part of the broader George Community Safety Plan.
For more information or assistance from the LGBTQI help desk please phone 044 802 2000 for the Community Development Department or email Khanyisile Fortuin at jfortuin@george.gov.za

Photos:

Adv Marilyn Olifant-Scheepers addressing the attendees at the LGBTQI work session.
Khanyisile Fortuin, Special Projects Coordinator at George Municipality, and Cllr Thandiswa Qatana addressing the group at the Thembalethu Thusong Centre.

Public Notice: Diesel vehicle emission testing

The Environmental Health Department of George Municipality is currently conducting regular emission testing on diesel vehicles within the George area. These efforts are part of an ongoing initiative to reduce air pollution and raise public awareness. Informative pamphlets are also distributed during these projects.

Diesel emissions and their impact
Main pollutants:
• Particulate Matter (PM): Fine particles that can enter the lungs and cause respiratory problems
• Nitrogen Oxides (NOx): Contribute to ground-level ozone, harming crops and worsening conditions such as asthma
• Carbon Monoxide (CO): A toxic gas that may lead to headaches, dizziness, and nausea
• Carbon Dioxide (CO₂): A greenhouse gas that contributes to global climate change
• Unburned Hydrocarbons (HC): Can lead to smog formation and health issues

Health impacts:
• Respiratory conditions such as asthma and chronic lung disease
• Cardiovascular disease
• Lung cancer
• Neurological effects, including reduced cognitive function

Environmental impacts:
• Ground-level ozone formation, which damages crops and vegetation
• Acid rain that harms soil, lakes, and streams
• Climate change resulting in rising temperatures and extreme weather

Get involved
The Environmental Health Department is dedicated to preventing air pollution in our town. Residents can contribute by taking the following actions:
• Report excessive smoke from diesel vehicles with CAW registration numbers by emailing tabotha@george.gov.za or calling 044 802 2900
• Schedule a free emission test for your business or personal diesel vehicle by contacting our office.

PUBLIC NOTICE: Electricity Tariff Structure and Capacity Selection

George Municipality reminds all consumers that the implementation of the approved electricity tariff structure has been ongoing since 1 July 2022, which is in line with the National Energy Regulator of South Africa (NERSA)
approved cost of supply study for George.

IMPORTANT:
Consumers who have not selected a power capacity and have been assigned one by the Municipality will be charged based on the actual installed capacity of their meter as recorded on the municipal
system. This is normally 60 Amps and may result in higher monthly charges.

Consumers still have the opportunity to select their preferred capacity. One change is allowed per financial year.

To request an amp change application form, please email: accounts@george.gov.za. Submit the completed form to the same address for processing.

Belangrike Kennisgewing: Elektrisiteitstariefstruktuur en Kapasiteitkeuse

Die George Munisipaliteit herinner alle verbruikers daaraan dat die implementering van die goedgekeurde elektrisiteits tarief struktuur reeds sedert 1 Julie 2022 aan die plek is, in ooreenstemming met die Nasionale Energie Reguleerder van Suid-Afrika (NERSA) se goedgekeurde koste-van-voorsiening-studie vir George.

BELANGRIK
Verbruikers wat nog nie ’n elektriese kapasiteit gekies het nie en aan wie een deur die Munisipaliteit toegeken is, sal gehef word op grond van die werklike geïnstalleerde kapasiteit van hul meter soos op die munisipale stelsel aangeteken. Dit is gewoonlik 60 ampère en kan lei tot hoër maandelikse kostes.
Verbruikers het steeds die geleentheid om hul voorkeur kapasiteit te kies. Een verandering per finansiële jaar word toegelaat.

Om ’n aansoekvorm vir ’n verandering in ampère aan te vra, stuur ’n e-pos na: accounts@george.gov.za . Stuur die voltooide vorm na dieselfde adres vir verwerking.

GARDEN ROUTE DAM LEVEL – 20 May 2025

Percentage storage at new raised dam wall height 93,90%
Rainfall for the previous days: 0,1mm (Measured from 13 -19 May 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.

EMERGENCY PUBLIC NOTICE: Sewer Contamination – Gwaing River

The public is hereby urgently informed of sewer contamination in the Gwaing River, originating from the Proefplaas Sewer Pump Station located near the R102 and affecting areas downstream.

As a precautionary measure, all individuals are instructed to immediately cease any extraction of water from the Gwaing River and to avoid all contact with the water body, including swimming, fishing, and any other water-related activities.

The municipality is actively implementing measures to mitigate potential health and environmental risks. Further updates will be communicated as the situation develops.

We urge the public to take this warning seriously and cooperate fully to ensure public safety.

Fuel the Future: Join the 2025 George Tourism Conference to Ignite Growth and Collaboration George, South Africa

 

George, South Africa – George, Wilderness and Uniondale Tourism warmly invites local tourism stakeholders to attend the 2025 Fuel the Future Tourism Conference – a flagship industry event designed to foster collaboration between public and private sector leaders, and to shape bold strategies for advancing regional tourism.

This year’s theme, Fuel the Future, centres on strategic collaboration as the catalyst for unlocking the region’s economic potential. The programme offers a forward-looking agenda that includes:

  • Insights into Global and Local Tourism Trends – Performance updates and reinvention strategies
  • Tourism Office Updates – Strategic priorities, key initiatives, and operational focus areas
  • Spotlight on Local Tourism Offerings – Showcasing the Garden Route’s unique product diversity and partnership potential
  • Success Stories in Collaboration – Demonstrating the power of united efforts across the tourism value chain
  • Prize Giveaways – Adding a touch of celebration to a day of purposeful engagement

Participants will have the opportunity to engage directly with George, Wilderness and Uniondale Tourism, local municipal representatives, and fellow industry stakeholders. It’s a valuable platform to share insights, explore new partnerships, and align on strategic growth opportunities for the upcoming fiscal cycle.

Attendees will also enjoy the exceptional setting of the newly renovated Town Lodge George, now the official hospitality partner—symbolising the region’s investment momentum and readiness to host high-level tourism dialogue.

 Event Details

Date: Wednesday, 28 May 2025
Time: 09:00 to 14:00
Venue: Town Lodge George | Official hospitality partner

RSVP by 20 May 2025 at: https://zurl.co/OBaxU

Please note: Due to limited space, RSVPs will be reviewed and confirmed via email to ensure balanced representation across tourism sectors. Only 60 seats are available.

Enquiries:

Lindi Harley

George, Wilderness and Uniondale Tourism

marketing@visitgeorge.co.za

Delayed refuse removal due to vehicle breakdowns

Please note that refuse collection services are currently running behind schedule due to unexpected vehicle breakdowns.

Collections will still be completed later today, although delays are expected.

Green bag collection in George South and Pacaltsdorp will be carried out tomorrow, 16 May 2025.

We apologise for the inconvenience and thank residents for their patience and understanding.

For further enquiries, please contact the George Municipality on 044 801 6300.

Temporary closure of Vehicle Testing Station

Please note that the Vehicle Testing Station will be temporarily closed today, 15 May, from 09:30 to 11:00 due to essential repair work.
We appreciate the community’s patience and understanding.
For further enquiries, please contact 044 801 9312.

GARDEN ROUTE DAM LEVEL – 12 May 2025

Percentage storage at new raised dam wall height 95,30%
Rainfall for the previous days:                                       0 mm (Measured from 6 -12 May 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.