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.

In the photo above: Mike Denison, Senior Manager:Coastal Programmes WESSA, Morgan Griffiths, Senior Manager: Advocacy, Membership and Governance Wessa, Nosidima Vumindaba: Manager Parks and Recreation,George Municipality, Buhle Mkentane: Superintendent Parks and Recreation, George Municipality, Sisanda Velembo: Superintendent Parks and Recreation, George Municipality and far right is Cindy-Lee Cloete: Wessa CEO with the sought-after Blue Flag outside the Royal St Andrews hotel in Port Alfred.

George Municipality is proud to announce that four of its beaches have once again received recognition under the WESSA Blue Flag Programme for the 2025/26 season, while Gwaing Beach has been awarded WESSA Green Coast status — highlighting George’s ongoing commitment to coastal excellence, environmental education and sustainable tourism.

The awards ceremony took place at the Royal St Andrews hotel hosted by Ndlambe Municipality in Port Alfred last week.

The full Blue Flag beaches for the 2025/26 season are Wilderness Beach, Herold’s Bay Beach, and Victoria Bay, with Leentjiesklip Beach continuing as a pilot Blue Flag site. The Blue Flag season for George Municipality runs from 1 December 2025 to 28 February 2026.

The addition of Gwaing Beach to WESSA’s Green Coast network further cements George’s leadership in responsible coastal stewardship. The Green Coast Programme recognises natural, less-developed coastal areas that protect biodiversity, promote nature-based tourism, and encourage community participation in managing and conserving coastal ecosystems.

The Blue Flag is an internationally recognised eco-label awarded annually to beaches, marinas, and tourism boats that meet global standards of excellence in water quality, environmental management, safety and environmental education.

To qualify, beaches undergo strict monitoring and testing. Bathing water is sampled regularly for E. coli and Enterococci to ensure that it meets health and safety standards. Water testing takes place before the start of the season and every 14 days thereafter, with results published on the George Municipality website. The Blue Flag is only hoisted when the beach is fully compliant, ensuring safe swimming conditions for all visitors.

George Municipality’s Blue Flag beaches are managed according to international best practices — ensuring clean, accessible and well-maintained facilities, lifeguards on duty, emergency response systems, and alcohol-free public areas. The Municipality continues to enhance universal access to its beaches, enabling all residents and visitors, including persons with disabilities, to enjoy the coastline.

Photo:

Nosidima Vumindaba: Manager Parks and Recreation,George Municipality, Mike Denison, Senior Manager:Coastal Programmes WESSA, Buhle Mkentane: Superintendent Parks and Recreation, George Municipality, Sisanda Velembo: Superintendent Parks and Recreation, George Municipality with the Green Coast status flag for Gwaing beach.

In the photo above, Hendrik Ingo, Ashley Ruiters, Elizabeth Manyana and Suzette Fortuin from Ward 6 at the public participation session at Conville.

George Municipality recently hosted a series of public participation sessions as part of the annual review of the 2025/2026 Integrated Development Plan (IDP). The sessions provided Ward Councillors and Ward Committee members with a platform to update and discuss progress on ward priorities across all 28 wards in the municipal area.

During the engagements, councillors and committee members were presented with their individual ward priorities and given the opportunity to reflect on the progress of each. Service delivery departments also delivered short presentations outlining their activities, achievements, and challenges within the respective wards. A key focus was to provide feedback on the implementation of the ten capital and ten operational priorities per ward, as identified by communities and outlined in the IDP.

“These engagements aimed to report back on priorities raised during the first round of public participation,” explained Ronél Valla, who chaired the meetings alongside Dr Kosie Haarhoff, both from the Directorate: IDP, Strategic Growth and Development. Valla noted that the sessions were successful and that valuable feedback was received from Ward Committee members and councillors.
The sessions took place from 21–31 October in Thembalethu, Pacaltsdorp, Conville, and the George Banquet Hall.

The primary objective of the municipality is to keep communities informed about developments, initiatives, and the roles of sector departments whose responsibilities may fall outside the mandate of George Municipality. The powers and functions of local government are defined in the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996, and the Local Government: Municipal Structures Act (Act 117 of 1998). The implementation of these functions varies across sectors and is often influenced by provincial discretion with regard to delegated responsibilities.

Deputy Director of Strategic Growth and Development, Dr Kosie Haarhoff, highlighted the importance of regular feedback in maintaining positive relationships between government and the public. “Citizen-centric governance is important because it leads to more sustainable and equitable development by ensuring that government services and policies prioritise the needs and aspirations of the people they serve. When government is responsive to the needs of citizens and makes services accessible, it builds a stronger bond of trust,” said Dr Haarhoff.

“In South Africa, increasing community protests and unrest have often been fuelled by a lack of timely feedback and meaningful participation in decision-making,” Dr Haarhoff remarked. “By providing bi-quarterly updates to Ward Councillors and Committees on the status of IDP projects, the Municipality enhances democratic participation and promotes more informed public discourse.”
He added that when updates are not provided, it can create a sense of neglect among citizens. “Regular feedback reassures communities that their concerns are being addressed and strengthens their involvement in governance.”

These public participation sessions provided an important opportunity for Ward Councillors, Committee members, and residents to contribute to the planning and decision-making processes that shape the Municipality’s development. By fostering transparent and accountable governance, the Municipality aims to strengthen community engagement, address service delivery concerns, and ensure that municipal projects continue to align with community needs.

For more information, or to get involved in future engagements, residents are encouraged to contact their Ward Councillor or the IDP Office on 044 801 9074.

Photos:

Rudy Booysen from Ward 8 asks a question at the Conville public participation meeting, while Ronél Valla from IDP, Strategic Growth and Development looks on.

Patrick Moolman, Vida Josephs, Alida Paul and Mary-Jane Boezak from Ward 20 at the meeting.

Officials from George Municipality from different Directorates at the meeting.

Edward Nqumse from Electrical Engineering Services addresses the meeting, while Dr Kosie Haarhoff and Ronél Valla from IDP, Strategic Growth and Development looks on.

Burgemeester Jackie von Brandis hierbo, Rdl Jean Safers, onderwysers, leerders van Kretzenshoop Primêre Skool by die viering van die Nasionale Kinderdag.

Op 1 November 2025 het George Munisipaliteit, in samewerking met die Departement van Maatskaplike Ontwikkeling, Departement van Onderwys, Kidstop, SUFF en SAPD, BADISA ’n suksesvolle geleentheid by Kretzenshoop Primêre Skool aangebied om Nasionale Kinderdag te vier. Die geleentheid het families bymekaar gebring vir ’n vreugdevolle viering met die fokus op speel en die belangrike band tussen ouer en kind.

George se Uitvoerende Burgemeester, Rdd Jackie von Brandis, het die geleentheid bygewoon en dit beskryf as “’n ware bemoediging vir die hart.” Sy het John F. Kennedy aangehaal met die woorde: “Kinders is die wêreld se waardevolste hulpbron en die beste hoop vir die toekoms.” Die burgemeester het beklemtoon dat dit waar is, maar het die bywoners herinner dat “ons toekoms ook vandag is — ons moet vandag vir ons kinders sorg, hulle beskerm en saam met hulle die lewe geniet.” Sy het gesinne aangemoedig om, ondanks die gejaag van die lewe, tyd te maak om stil te staan, met mekaar te kommunikeer en saam die lewe te vier.
“Ons vier vandag samehorigheid,” het sy gesê. “Baie dankie aan al die belanghebbendes en aan al die ouers en kinders wat opgedaag het, en die reënbytjie trotseer het.”

Kinders en ouers het in sportiewe drag deelgeneem aan ’n verskeidenheid inheemse speletjies, insluitende lepel- en eierresies, kruiwaresies, musikale stoele en meer. Al was die weer nie optimaal nie, kon niks die borrelende gees van die deelnemers demp nie. Hierdie aktiwiteite was ontwerp om die band tussen ouers en kinders te versterk en sodoende sterker gesinseenhede te bevorder – wat noodsaaklik is vir die bou van lewendige en sterk gemeenskappe.

George brandweer het ook ‘n demonstrasie by die geleentheid kom aanbied en die bywoners ingelig oor hoe om moontlike brande te hanteer.

Volgens Asavela Mandongana, Koördineerder: Gemeenskapsprojekte by George Munisipaliteit, was die speletjies spesifiek daarop gemik om ouers en kinders deur gesamentlike speletjies nader aan mekaar te bring. Die geleentheid is op die sportveld van Kretzenshoop Primêre Skool aangebied, waar al die deelnemers ook middagete en geskenkpakkies ontvang het om huis toe te neem. Benewens versnaperinge in die pakkies, het ouers nuttige ouerskapwenke ontvang.

Foto’s:

Burgemeester Jackie von Brandis, Rdl Jean Safers en ander belanghebbendes kyk toe terwyl Aldrin Arendse, die programaanbieder van die dag aan die woord is. Aldrin (13) is ‘n graad 7 leerder by Kretzenshoop Primêre Skool.

Lede van George Brandweer, Wilton Oktober en Garth Claassen demonstreer hoe om ‘n brand met ‘n brandblusser te blus by die geleentheid.