Author: Debra Sauer

Expanded partnership unites George, Wilderness and Uniondale Tourism, Mossel Bay Tourism, Visit Knysna, and Garden Route & Klein Karoo Tourism under a single destination brand celebrating South Africa’s premier golf coastline.

GEORGE, SOUTH AFRICA – 12 November 2025 – The Garden Route’s drive to position itself as The Home of Golf in Africa has gained major momentum with the addition of new regional tourism partners.

The initiative, originally championed by George, Wilderness and Uniondale Tourism through the George Joint Marketing Association (GJMA), now officially includes Mossel Bay Tourism, Visit Knysna, and Garden Route & Klein Karoo Tourism, solidifying a united front to promote one of the world’s most scenic golfing regions, marking a significant milestone in regional collaboration.

“This expanded partnership transforms Home of Golf Africa from a local initiative into a regional force,” says Charl Marais, Chairperson of Home of Golf Africa. “By bringing together our neighbouring tourism offices, we’re amplifying the region’s visibility on a global stage – from Mossel Bay’s dramatic cliffs to Knysna’s lagoon fairways, the Garden Route now speaks with one powerful voice.”

A GOLF DESTINATION WITHOUT EQUAL

The Garden Route’s golfing appeal lies in a concentration of excellence found nowhere else in Africa. Within just two hours’ drive, golfers can experience 12 world-class courses – seven of which rank among South Africa’s Top 30, and each a masterpiece of design, diversity, and scenery.

The Links at Fancourt, currently rated No.1 in South Africa, leads this prestigious collection, joined by The Links Experience, Montagu and Outeniqua courses at Fancourt, Kingswood Golf Estate, Oubaai, George Golf Club, Pinnacle Point Estate, Simola Golf and Country Estate, Pezula Championship Golf Course, Knysna Golf Club, and Mossel Bay Golf Club.

These courses carry the signatures of golfing legends, from Gary Player, Jack Nicklaus, Peter Matkovich, and Darren Clarke among them, and have hosted international tournaments such as the Presidents Cup, NTT Dimension Data Pro-Am, and SA Open events.

SCENERY THAT RIVALS ANY FAIRWAY ON EARTH

Every course along the Garden Route tells a story through its setting. From Pinnacle Point’s dramatic clifftop holes overlooking the Indian Ocean to George Golf Club’s classic parkland design framed by the Outeniqua Mountains, the region delivers a sensory experience beyond the game itself.

Knysna’s lagoon-side courses, Oubaai’s coastal cliffs, and Simola’s forested ridges create a diversity of landscapes that few golf destinations in the world can rival. This combination of ocean air, mountain vistas, and indigenous forest transforms every round into a journey and every swing into a memory.

DESIGNED FOR GOLFERS, BUILT FOR TRAVELLERS

The Garden Route’s allure extends far beyond the greens. It offers a complete lifestyle experience where golf meets adventure, relaxation, and discovery.

Players can enjoy Big Five safaris, wine tasting, culinary experiences or outdoor adventures within the entire Garden Route and Klein Karoo region. With its mild year-round climate, the region provides ideal playing conditions 365 days a year, making it a dream destination for international golfers escaping northern winters or extreme heat.

A POWERFUL PARTNERSHIP FOR GLOBAL REACH

The Home of Golf Africa brings together 12 exceptional golf courses along one of the world’s most breathtaking coastlines. The collective effort ensures consistent international branding, shared marketing investment, and a stronger voice in attracting global tour operators, media, and travellers to South Africa’s southern coast.

Partner Courses Include:

• Mossel Bay: Pinnacle Point Estate, Mossel Bay Golf Club
• George: The Links, Montagu, Outeniqua, and The Links Experience at Fancourt, George Golf Club, Kingswood Golf Estate, Oubaai Golf Estate
• Knysna: Simola Golf & Country Estate, Pezula Championship Golf Course, Knysna Golf Club

“This collaboration is more than symbolic; it’s a practical, strategic step to elevate the Garden Route’s standing in the global golf tourism arena,” adds Joan Shaw, Tourism Manager for George. “Together, we’re creating opportunities for growth, visibility, and community development across the region.”

A CONTINENTAL BENCHMARK FOR GOLF TOURISM

With its blend of championship golf, spectacular scenery, and five-star hospitality, the Garden Route’s Home of Golf Africa brand sets a new standard for golf tourism on the continent.

The region has already earned worldwide acclaim:

• The Links at Fancourt is ranked #1 in South Africa and among the Top 100 courses in the world (Golf Digest).
• Pinnacle Point Estate is hailed by Golfscape and Global Golfer as one of the Top 10 Most Scenic Courses on Earth.
• Simola and Pezula are consistently featured among South Africa’s Top 30 courses.
• Fancourt Hotel & Estate is the multiple winner of Africa’s Best Golf Hotel at the World Golf Awards.

ABOUT HOME OF GOLF AFRICA

Home of Golf Africa was established by the George Joint Marketing Association (GJMA) NPC with the mission to connect golf lovers around the world to South Africa’s most iconic fairways, hidden gems, and welcoming communities.

The initiative promotes the growth, sustainability, and accessibility of the sport throughout the Garden Route while driving economic and tourism development in the region.

In the photo above are at the forum front from left, Asathi Ngejane (Chief Risk Officer; George Municipality), Lauren James (Chief Risk Officer;GRDM), Jean-Pierre Rossouw (Chief Audit Executive; George Municipality), Pamela Lufele (Chief Audit Executive; GRDM), Elizmari Sieberhagen (Chief Risk Officer;Oudtshoorn Municipality).
Standing at back from left are Henry Laufs (Risk & Performance Management; Mossel Bay Municipality), Cheslin Coetzee (Risk Management;Bitou Municipality), Jan Oosthuizen (Chief Audit Executive;Hessequa Municipality), Carlos Koeberg (Chief Audit Executive;Bitou Municipality), Andriëtte Badenhorst (Representing Mossel Bay Municipality Internal Audit), Astrid Louw (Chief Audit Executive;Knysna Municipality) and Phillip Nel (Chief Audit Executive;Oudtshoorn Municipality). Also in attendance via MS Teams was Cedric Herrendoerfer from the Western Cape Provincial Treasury.

Strengthening collaboration and promoting best practices in municipal governance took centre stage at the recent Garden Route District Chief Audit Executive (CAE) and Chief Risk Officer (CRO) Forum, hosted by George Municipality. The forum brought together senior audit and risk management officials from across the district to share insights, tackle common challenges, and drive continuous improvement within local government.
The combined CAE and CRO Forum plays a vital role in enhancing accountability, transparency, and service delivery through the advancement of internal audit and risk management functions. It serves as a platform for municipalities to collaborate, exchange knowledge, and align with professional standards and best practices in the sector.

The event was held on 6 November 2025 at the George Municipal Offices, 46 on Market Street (Old York Hostel). Attendees included representatives from the Western Cape Provincial Treasury, as well as Internal Audit and Risk Management teams from municipalities across the Garden Route District.
The Forum has evolved into an influential voice for local government CAEs and CROs, representing their interests at leading professional bodies such as the Institute of Internal Auditors South Africa (IIASA), the Public Sector Audit Committee Forum (PSACF), the Institute of Risk Management South Africa (IRMSA), and at both provincial and national levels.

Key topics discussed included updates on the Auditor-General’s audits, district training initiatives, progress reports from task teams, Municipal Standard Chart of Accounts (mSCOA) business modules related to municipal systems, and reviews of Quality Assurance and Improvement Programmes for Internal Audit Functions. The day featured lively discussions and valuable knowledge sharing, underscoring the Forum’s role as a catalyst for learning and professional growth.
Jean-Pierre Rossouw, Chief Audit Executive from George Municipality extended the organisation’s sincere appreciation to its Internal Audit team for their commitment and hard work in successfully hosting this significant event.

George Festival 2025 – Culture. Art. Sport. Our community. Our celebration.

The George Joint Marketing Association (GJMA) NPC is proud to join the George Festival 2025, contributing a vibrant mix of sport, outdoor adventure and family-friendly activities that highlight the natural beauty and dynamic spirit of the Garden Route. Through its well-loved brands, Home of Golf Africa and George Trails, GJMA will offer a series of experiences designed to uplift the festival’s sports, arts and cultural focus while encouraging community participation.

Home of Golf Africa – Sundowner Golf Experience
In partnership with George Golf Club and Kingswood Golf Estate and proudly supported by Sport Pesa, Home of Golf Africa will host the Sundowner Golf Experience on 13 December 2025. Participants can enjoy an unforgettable round of golf set against the spectacular Outeniqua Mountain sunset, blending sport, scenery and social connection.
Bookings are essential at www.homeofgolf.africa

George Trails – Outdoor Adventures for All
In collaboration with GTR and Hillbillies, George Trails presents three outdoor activities that invite festivalgoers to explore the region’s landscapes and active lifestyle:

• Trail Run – 14 December: A refreshing morning run suitable for all fitness levels.
  • Hike to the Cross with Live Music – 16 December: A guided hike to one of George’s iconic viewpoints, concluding with live local music.
  • MTB Ride Around the Garden Route Dam – 16 December: A thrilling mountain biking outing surrounded by the renowned Garden Route scenery.
  Bookings are essential at www.georgetrails.org.za

These offerings form part of the broader George Festival 2025 programme, celebrating community, wellness and pride in place. Whether you’re a sports enthusiast, nature lover or simply exploring the festival with family and friends, GJMA’s activities promise memorable moments and a warm George welcome.

Further updates and the full festival programme, including venues and times, will be shared via the George Municipal Website: https://tinyurl.com/5e5u8hhm, as well as on the official George Municipality and WC DCAS social media platforms.

George Festival 2025 – Culture. Art. Sport. Our community. Our celebration.

In the photo above, courtesy towards a passenger with a disability contributes to a culture of respect on board the bus.

Hoflikheid teenoor ‘n passasier met ‘n gestremdheid dra by tot ‘n kultuur van respek op die bus.

November marks Disability Rights Awareness Month, and GO GEORGE is once again highlighting the importance of inclusive public transport. This year’s focus is on fostering a respectful mindset among passengers and promoting universal access, ensuring that everyone, regardless of ability, can travel with dignity.

GO GEORGE’s accessible features empower all residents to reach work, school, healthcare and social opportunities.

“But true inclusion goes beyond infrastructure – it requires a shift in how we treat one another,” says GO GEORGE Manager Morné Lakay. “Facilities alone aren’t enough. We’re working to build a culture of respect and support on board. Once we see passengers willingly offer priority seats to those with special needs, we’ll know we’re making progress.”

Red-backed priority seats are clearly marked and offer extra legroom on both the larger buses and the minibus fleet. These are reserved for passengers with disabilities, older persons, pregnant women, and others who may need them.

Understanding universal access

Universal access means that everyone—regardless of age, ability, gender, or background – should benefit equally from public services. It’s a cornerstone of disability inclusion and a legal requirement under South African law and international commitments.

People with disabilities may face physical, sensory, intellectual or psychosocial barriers that limit their full participation in society. GO GEORGE is committed to removing at least some of these barriers, both through design and public education.

Anyone who feels unsure about using the bus service is invited to call the GO GEORGE Call Centre on 0800 044 044 for personalised support and guidance.

Maand vir Bewustheid van Regte van Mense met Gestremdhede

GO GEORGE moedig goeie gesindheid aan vir inklusiewe vervoer

November is die Maand vir Bewustheid van Regte van Mense met Gestremdhede, en GO GEORGE plaas weer die kollig op inklusiewe openbare vervoer. Vanjaar se fokus is op die bevordering van respek onder passasiers en ‘n begrip van universele toeganklikheid om te verseker dat almal, ongeag hul vermoë, met waardigheid kan reis.

GO GEORGE se toeganklike kenmerke stel inwoners in staat om by werk, skool, gesondheidsorg en sosiale geleenthede uit te kom.

“Maar ware insluiting gaan verder as infrastruktuur – dit verg ’n verandering in hoe ons mekaar behandel. Fasiliteite alleen is nie genoeg nie,” sê GO GEORGE-bestuurder Morné Lakay. “Ons werk daaraan om ’n kultuur van respek en ondersteuning op die busse te vestig. Wanneer passasiers spontaan hul prioriteitsitplekke begin aanbied aan iemand met spesiale behoeftes, sal ons weet ons is op die regte pad.”

Rooi-rug prioriteitsitplekke is duidelik gemerk en bied ekstra beenruimte op beide die groter busse en die minibusvloot. Hierdie sitplekke is uitgehou vir passasiers met gestremdhede, bejaardes, swanger vroue en ander wat dit nodig het.

Wat beteken universele toegang?

Universele toegang beteken dat elke persoon – ongeag ouderdom, vermoë, geslag of agtergrond – gelyke toegang tot openbare dienste moet hê. Dit is ’n kernbeginsel van insluiting en ’n wetlike vereiste ingevolge Suid-Afrikaanse wetgewing en internasionale ooreenkomste.

Mense met gestremdhede mag fisiese, sensoriese, intellektuele of psigososiale hindernisse ervaar wat hul volle deelname aan die samelewing beperk. GO GEORGE is daartoe verbind om ten minste sommige van hierdie hindernisse te verwyder – deur ontwerp én deur openbare opvoeding.

Enigiemand met ’n gestremdheid wat onseker voel oor die gebruik van die busdiens, is welkom om die GO GEORGE-inbelsentrum te skakel by 0800 044 044 vir persoonlike ondersteuning en leiding.