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.
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:
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.
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.
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.
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.
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:
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
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.
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.
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.
Percentage storage at new raised dam wall height 95,38%
Rainfall for the previous days: 23.5mm (Measured from 30 April – 5 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.
Please be advised that due to damage to fibre infrastructure, internet connectivity at the Pacaltsdorp Traffic Department is currently unavailable.
The following sections are affected:
As a result, the following services are temporarily inaccessible:
We apologise for any inconvenience caused and appreciate your patience while the matter is being resolved.
For more information please contact the Traffic Department on 044 878 2400.
George Municipality would like to inform all residents that refuse and green bag collection services will continue as per the normal schedule on all upcoming public holidays falling on weekdays during April, May, and June 2025.
📆 Affected Public Holidays:
Residents are kindly requested to place their bins and green bags out by 07:00 on their regular collection days to ensure timeous service.
🏢 Municipal Office Closures:
All George Municipality administrative offices will be closed on the above-mentioned public holidays. Regular office operations will resume on the following working day.
🚨 Emergency Services:
All essential and emergency services will remain fully operational during this period.
📞 After-Hours & Emergency Contact Numbers:
We thank all residents for their cooperation and wish you a safe and peaceful holiday season.
