Author: Debra Sauer

 George Municipality is warning residents, account holders, and job seekers to be vigilant of scammers impersonating municipal officials.

The latest scam involves an impersonator claiming to be “Darrick Smith from George Local Municipality.” The scammer threatens residents with a so-called “scheduled disconnection” due to alleged arrears on their municipal account. In one message, the scammer says: “I tried calling earlier, but your phone went to voicemail. We’re going to be at the premises in the next two hours.” The scammer operates from the number 068 010 7426.

These fraudsters:
• Claim to be “Heads of Disconnections” or Finance officials.
• Threaten immediate electricity disconnections unless instant payments are made.
• Demand money for EPWP or other job opportunities, including job interviews.
• Contact residents via WhatsApp or phone, instructing payments into private accounts.

Important to note:
• The Municipality never demands instant payment via WhatsApp/phone.
• The Municipality does not charge money for job interviews or employment.
• Officials will not visit your property to block/unblock prepaid meters or collect payments.
• Prepaid meters are only blocked in cases of:
 No/Low consumption in the past 12 months
 Legal issues or concerns on an account
 No access provided to the premises

To unblock your prepaid meter legitimately, please contact the Credit Control division on the contact details supplied below:

For Assistance, please contact:
Credit Control: 044 801 9111 | creditcontrol@george.gov.za
Human Resources: 044 801 9367 | recruitment@george.gov.za

Stay alert. Verify before you pay. Report suspicious activity immediately! George Municipality – Working together to protect our community.

Percentage storage at new raised dam wall height 57,11 %
Rainfall for the previous days: 5 mm (Measured from 27 October – 3 November 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.

George Municipality wishes to inform all dog owners that, to adhere to the Blue Flag international standards at all our beaches, it is imperative to enforce strict rules of NO DOGS ON BEACHES (SAND AREAS), which is in line with the Municipality’s By-law, Keeping of dogs, cats and animals.

Wilderness Beach, Herold’s Bay, and Victoria Bay have full Blue Flag status, and Leeintjiesklip has Pilot status for the 2025/2026 festive season. Blue Flag is an international coastal management programme that accredits beaches that meet standards of excellence in water quality, environmental management, environmental education and information, as well as safety and services. The Wildlife Environmental Society of South Africa (WESSA) implements the programme in South Africa. The Blue Flag season runs from 1 December 2025 to 28 February 2026.

Dog excrement can contaminate the water and jeopardise the Blue Flag status of our beaches – even if the dog poop is picked up. Dog owners are therefore warned to keep their dogs on a leash and off the sandy areas at the beaches. Law enforcement officers will not hesitate to act against those who do not adhere to the bylaws.

Further to this, By-Law no dog or other animal may be in any public street or public space (any open public space the public has access to which falls under the George Municipal jurisdiction, for example, beachfronts, parks, sports fields, and sidewalks) except on a leash and under control. This is unless the animal is in an area designated by the George Municipality as a free-running area.

A person is not allowed to walk a dog other than a guide dog, ON A BEACHFRONT, a public street, public place, without carrying enough plastic or paper bags or wrappers to place the excrement into, in the event of the dog defecating. Please note that dogs are allowed on the sidewalk areas (tarred, brick-paved, etc.) of beachfronts, if these conditions are adhered to.

The beach areas under the control of the George Municipality include Herold’s Bay, Gwaiing River Mouth Beach, Victoria Bay, and the Leentjiesklip and Wilderness beach areas up until the NSRI (Salina’s Restaurant). The area to the left of Salina’s Restaurant (facing the sea) falls under Sanparks. The attached map indicates the areas on Wilderness Beach where dogs MAY be walked on the beach. The George Municipal By-Law may differ from that of other municipalities. Dogs must be muzzled in the dog-friendly zone; otherwise, a fine may be imposed.

Animal owners leaving on vacation should please ensure that their animals are cared for by a reliable person or at an animal boarding facility, such as kennels or catteries. We ask dog owners to familiarise themselves with the attached map of Sanparks to see where dogs are allowed on beaches and where they are not.

Openbare Kennisgewing: Honde op strande (sandgebied) is nadelig vir Blouvlagstatus – ons versoek u samewerking!

Uitgereik deur George Munisipaliteit, 03 Novemer 2025

George Munisipaliteit wil alle honde-eienaars in kennis stel dat om aan die Blouvlag internasionale standaarde by al ons strande te voldoen, dit noodsaaklik is om streng reëls van GEEN HONDE OP STRANDE (SANDGEBIEDE) af te dwing wat in lyn is met die Munisipaliteit se Bywet, Aanhou van honde, katte en diere.

Wildernisstrand, Heroldsbaai en Victoriabaai het volle Blouvlagstatus en Leeintjiesklip het   status vir die 2025/2026 -feesseisoen. Blouvlag is ‘n internasionale kusbestuursprogram wat strande akkrediteer wat aan standaarde van uitnemendheid in watergehalte, omgewingsbestuur, omgewingsopvoeding en inligting sowel as veiligheid en dienste voldoen. In Suid-Afrika word die program deur die Wildlife Environmental Society of South Africa (WESSA) geïmplementeer. Die Blouvlagseisoen strek van  1 Desember 2025 to 28 Februarie 2026.

Honde-ontlasting kan die water besoedel en die Blouvlagstatus van ons strande in gedrang bring – selfs al word die honde-afval opgetel. Honde-eienaars word dus gewaarsku om honde aan ‘n leiband en van die sanderige gebiede by die strande af weg te hou. Wetstoepassingsbeamptes sal nie huiwer om op te tree teen diegene wat nie by die Verordening hou nie.

Ingevolge hierdie Verordening mag geen hond of ander dier in enige openbare straat of openbare ruimte wees (enige oop openbare ruimte waartoe die publiek toegang het en wat onder die George Munisipale jurisdiksie val, byvoorbeeld strandfronte, parke, sportvelde en sypaadjies) behalwe aan ‘n leiband en onder beheer. Dit is tensy die dier in ‘n gebied is wat deur die George Munisipaliteit as ‘n vrylopende gebied aangewys is.

‘n Persoon word nie toegelaat om met ‘n ander hond behalwe ‘n gidshond, OP ‘N STRAND, ‘n openbare straat, openbare plek, te loop sonder om genoeg plastiek- of papiersakke of omhulsels te dra, om die ontlasting in te plaas, in die geval die hond ontlas nie. Neem asseblief kennis dat honde op die sypaadjie-gebiede, (geteer, baksteen geplaveide ens.) van strandfronte toegelaat word, indien hierdie voorwaardes nagekom word.

Die strandgebiede onder beheer van die George-munisipaliteit sluit in Heroldsbaai, Gwaiingriviermondstrand, Victoriabaai en die Leentjiesklip- en Wildnerness-strandgebiede tot by die NSRI (Salina’s Restaurant). Die gebied links van Salina’s Restaurant (wat na die see kyk) val onder Sanparke.

Die George Munisipale Verordening kan verskil van dié van ander munisipaliteite. Snoer asseblief jou hond op ‘n menslike manier,om die hond onder beheer te hou, indien die dier as gevaarlik, boosaardig of wreed beskou word. Geen diere moet in ‘n onbewaakte en/of toe voertuig of oop bakkie in enige openbare straat of ruimte gelaat word nie. Indien hierdie verordening nie nagekom word nie, kan en sal ‘n boete van R500 en hoër opgelê word.

Diere-eienaars wat met vakansie vertrek, moet asseblief seker maak dat hulle hul diere deur ‘n betroubare persoon of by ‘n diere-instapfasiliteit soos honde-herberg of katte-herberg versorg word.

Ons vra honde-eienaars om hulself te vergewis van ‘n kaart van Sanparke wat aangeheg is, om te sien waar honde op strande toegelaat word en waar nie.

From 1 December 2025 to 31 January 2025, lifeguards will be deployed daily at the municipal blue flag beaches at Victoria Bay, Herold’s Bay, Wilderness Main Beach, and Leentjiesklip. (1 – 13 December from 9 am – 5 pm; 13 December 2025 – 31 January 2026 from 7 am-7 pm)

From 1 February to 07 April 2026, lifeguards will be on duty only on Saturdays, Sundays, public holidays, and school holidays between 9 am and 5 pm, with an option to extend the hours on good weather days at the Blue Flag beaches (Victoria Bay, Herolds Bay, Wilderness Main, and Leentjiesklip Beach). 

 Gwaing River Mouth, Wilderness Lagoon, and Steps Beaches will also have Lifeguards according to the above hours. 

 As of 8 April 2025, until 30 November 2025, there will be no lifeguards deployed at the beaches and swimming pools.    

 1. Beach Safety  

Beaches and swimming pools that fall under the George Municipality’s jurisdiction 

 Wilderness Main Beach 

Wilderness Lagoon 

Wilderness Steps 

Wilderness Lientjiesklip 

Victoria Bay Beach 

Gwaing River Mouth Beach and Day Camp  

Herold’s Bay Beach and Tidal Pool 

Conville Municipal Swimming Pool 

Uniondale Municipal Swimming Pool  

Essential phone numbers to keep close this summer 

The National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) Station 23 at Wilderness Beach supports the municipality. The NSRI can be reached on 082 990 5955. 

George Fire Department FIRE 044 803 6311
TOLL-FREE DISASTER NUMBER: 087 152 9999 

George Municipality AFTER HOURS  044 803 6300 

How can people keep themselves safe and protected on the beach and in the water? 

Learn to swim: Learning to swim is the best defence against drowning. Teach children to swim at an early age. Children who are not taught when they are very young tend to avoid swim instruction as they age, probably due to embarrassment. Swimming instruction is a crucial step in protecting children from injury or death. 

Swim near a lifeguard: statistics show that the chance of drowning at a beach without lifeguard protection is almost five times greater than drowning at a beach with lifeguards.  

Do not swim while under the influence of Alcohol or heavy sedation medication. 

Swim with a buddy: Many drownings involve single swimmers. When you swim with a buddy if one of you has a problem the other may be able to help, including signalling for assistance from others. At least have someone onshore watching you. 

Check with the lifeguards: Lifeguards work continually to identify hazards that might affect you. They can advise you on the safest place to swim, as well as places to avoid. They want you to have a safe day. Talk to them when you first arrive at the beach and ask them for their advice. 

Use sunscreen and drink water: Everyone loves a sunny day, but exposure to the sun affects your body. Without sunscreen, you can be seriously burned. The sun’s rays can also cause life-long skin damage and skin cancer. To protect yourself always choose “broad spectrum” sunscreen rated from 15 to 50 SPF, or clothing that covers your skin, and reapply sunscreen regularly throughout the day. The sun can also dehydrate you quickly. Drink lots of water and avoid alcohol, which contributes to dehydration. Lifeguards treat people for heat exhaustion and heat stroke from time to time. If you feel ill, be sure to contact a lifeguard. 

Obey Posted Signs and Flags: It sometimes seems as though there are too many signs, but the ones at the beach are intended to help keep you safe and inform you about local regulations. Read the signs when you first arrive and please follow their direction. Flags may be flown by lifeguards to advise of hazards and regulations that change from time to time. You can usually find informational signs explaining the flags’ meaning or just ask the lifeguard. ONLY Swim Between the flags. They indicate the swimming area. Do not swim if there are no Lifeguards on duty. 

Keep the Beach and Water Clean: Nobody likes to see the beach or water littered with trash. Even in places where beach cleaning services pick up trash daily, it may linger on the beach for hours, causing an unsightly mess and threatening the health of birds and animals. Broken glass also poses a great risk of injury to beach users. Do your part. Pick up after yourself and even others. Everyone will appreciate you for it. 

Learn Rip Current Safety:  80% of rescues by lifeguards at ocean beaches are caused by rip currents. These currents are formed by surf and gravity because once surf pushes water up the slope of the beach, gravity pulls it back. This can create concentrated rivers of water moving offshore. Some people mistakenly call this an undertow, but there is no undercurrent, just an offshore current. If you are caught in a rip current, don’t fight it by trying to swim directly to shore. Instead, swim parallel to shore until you feel the current relax, then swim to shore. Most rip currents are narrow and a short swim parallel to shore will bring you to safety. 

Enter Water Feet First: Serious, lifelong injuries, including paraplegia, occur every year due to diving headfirst into unknown water and striking the bottom. Bodysurfing can result in a serious neck injury when the swimmer’s neck strikes the bottom. Check for depth and obstructions before diving, then go in feet first the first time; and use caution while bodysurfing, always extending a hand ahead of you. Be careful even at the swimming pool. 

Wear a Life Jacket when on Watercrafts: Some 80% of fatalities associated with boating accidents are from drowning. Most involve people who never expected to end up in the water but fell overboard or ended up in the water when the boat sank. Children are particularly at risk and should wear life jackets whenever they are aboard boats. 

1. Public Swimming Pools  

  The lifeguards are available at the Conville and Uniondale pools from 1 December 2025 until 10 April 2026, as per the following swimming pool operating hours.  

• Monday to Friday: 09:00 – 12:00 and 13:00 – 16:00 (with 2 Lifeguards on Duty) 

• Saturdays and Sundays (Public Holidays): 09:00 – 12:00 and 13:00 – 16:00 with 2 Lifeguards on Duty and one Lifeguard on standby. 

  The following safety precautions are to be adhered to:  

• Do not dive into a pool you have never been in before 

• Listen to the lifeguards 

• Do not swim alone 

• Do not let small children swim in the big pool.  

• No diving. No pushing 

• An adult must escort children under the age of 12  

• No weapons 

• No alcohol is allowed at the swimming pools 

• Right of admission reserved.  

 The tariffs for entry into both Conville and Uniondale swimming pools are as follows: 

Non-Sporting events: 

• Entrance fee: Adult :  R 17, 00 per person 

• Children (16 years & under):   R 5, 00 per child 

 Sporting events: 

Hire of Conville Swimming Pool: 

• Galas for Adults: R1 670,00 / full day 

• Deposit R1 670, 00 (Refundable)  

• Floodlights: R 334, 00 / hour 

• Touchpads: R 4 452, 00 / day – R 557,00 per set per day 

• PLEASE NOTE: Entry fee to the Swimming Pools is VAT INCLUSIVE 

 For enquiries/bookings: Conville Swimming Pool 

Tel: 044 801 9488 

Contact persons: 

Mr J Bruinders Email: jbruinders@george.gov.za – Senior Clerk Sport Development  

Ms LY Botha Email lybotha@george.gov.za – Sport Development Officer 

For enquiries/Bookings: Uniondale Swimming Pool 

Tel: 044-8019020 / 044 7521024 (Uniondale Office) 

Percentage storage at new raised dam wall height        58,34 %

Rainfall for the previous days:                                        39 mm (Measured from 21 – 27 October 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.

Businesses are kindly requested to only put Refuse Bags out on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays and only at designated spots, not on the sidewalk.

• All refuse bags must be put out by 7 am on removal day.
• Please don’t put bags out the day or night before removal.
• Refuse bags will be collected on all public holidays, on the usual delivery day, including blue and green bags.
• Please wrap broken glass in newspaper before placing it in bags to prevent injuries to workers.

Additional Collection Application

• Should any business require an additional collection day during the Festive Season, they should please contact ftamboer@george.gov.za, ykibido@george.gov.za or jjacobs@george.gov.za well in advance.
• The additional days required, as well as the estimated number of bins to be collected must be included in the email request.
• The Cleansing Department will confirm the application and provide the relevant tariffs applicable for the additional collection.

George Municipality Environmental Services

82 Meade Street, George. Phone 044 802 2900

Black bag-related enquiries: 044 802 2900

Blue and green bag enquiries: Henque Waste, 064 905 8180 (also WhatsApp) / admin@henquewaste.co.za

The George Municipal Vehicle Testing Station (VTS) is again offering a FREE 10-Point Check for your vehicle from the 10, 11 and 12 December 2025 (09h00 -13h00).

Please bring your vehicle to the VTS situated at Hibernia Street, George, on the dates listed above. Please note that the first come, first served rule will apply.

The 10 Point inspection includes:
• Identification of vehicle
• Lights
• Equipment and Body structure
• Braking Systems
• Wheels and tyres
• Suspension and undercarriage
• Steering
• Oil leaks
• Exhaust System
• Transmission

The full inspection will take approximately 10 minutes and you will be free to go with a clean bill of health – or know that something needs to be repaired before you leave for that long drive.

Safety is our priority – make use of the opportunity to ensure you and your family travel safely this festive season.

Safety Tips
• Check that the vehicle is roadworthy before you start your journey
• Carry the necessary equipment and tools to assist you on the road in case of a breakdown
• Have enough rest before you start your journey and take a rest every 2 hours
• Adhere to all road signs and rules of the road
• Maintain a safe following distance
• Adhere to and stay within the speed limits
• Follow instructions that are given by Law enforcement or Traffic Officials
• No overloading of passengers because it affects the braking system of the vehicle
• Have the necessary contact numbers in case of emergency
• Be patient towards other road users

Please be advised that the Gwaing swimming pool will be temporarily closed from today until further notice. The closure is required to carry out essential repairs and maintenance.
Anticipated re-opening date is 7 November 2025.
During this period, all pool facilities will remain inaccessible. We request your kind cooperation and apologise for any inconvenience caused as we work to restore full functionality and safety of the facility.
For enquiries, please contact the Municipality’s Sport Development office on 044 801 9488.
Your patience and understanding are greatly appreciated.

George Municipality encourages events to take place in the destination, provided they are covered under the legal framework. It is important that any events planned for the upcoming Festive Season, which runs from 1 December 2025 to 31 January 2025, that require municipal approval as per the details below, must be applied for a minimum of thirty (30) days prior to the event taking place; and the final deadline for submission of Event Applications for this season is 14 November 2026.
Click here for GM Event Application Form

POPULATION CERTIFICATE
Please note that any event with more than 200 people attending must apply for a Population Certificate, which is obtained from the Fire Department. There is a fee applicable and a number of requirements that must be attended to well in advance.

This includes but is not limited to:
• Fire Department Population Certificate application forms and proof of payment
• All Events require SAPS Risk Categorization
• 1000 people or more, Department of Health, Western Cape medical approval
• Engineering Certificates of Compliance (COCs) for relevant structures involved – for example, tents and stages
• Electrical Certificates of Compliance for any electrical boards and generators
• Public Liability Insurance
• Medical service provider’s registrations
• Security service provider’s registrations
• Appointment letter for Safety Officer
• Permission letter from property owner

Events Safety Management Plan that addresses the following:
Contact details of role-players, emergency services and authorities
• Traffic Plan
• Parking Plan
• Public address system and backup system
• Catering setup/use
• Electricity setup/certificate of compliance for any temporary DV boards
• Waste Removal Plan
• Medical Plan
• Evacuation Plan / Emergency Procedures
• Security Plan
• Site Plan/Sketch
•
Any other documentation the Fire Department deems necessary to complete the application process.
For sporting events, the federation sanction of the game may be required.

OTHER COMPLIANCES
Please note that the land use of your venue must be compliant and certain events with higher risk categorisations will require a Joint Venue Operations Command (JOC). VOC

Please complete this CHECKLIST ( https://www.george.gov.za/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/GM-Events_Land-Use-Checklist-2023.pdf )to determine if a land use application is required in terms of the Land Use Planning By-law for George Municipality (2023). If a property may as a primary right host an event, then no land use application is required (on all properties other than residential – refer to Addendum A).

Any drone used at events must also comply with the Drone Bylaw (https://www.george.gov.za/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/GM-DRAFT-New-By-law-on-Remotely-piloted-aircraft.pdf) and obtain Municipal permission.

HEALTH INSPECTIONS
Most events which have food vendors will have inspections by the Garden Route District Municipality Health Inspector.

ONLINE FILM AND EVENT PERMIT APPLICATIONS
https://westerncape.collaboratoronline.com

Please contact Santa Sternsdorf, Station Commander at George Fire Department on 044 801 6300 or ssternsdorf@george.gov.za

 Restaurants, bars, and cafés are invited to gear up for a summer of al fresco dining.  George Municipality is offering free ‘pavement permits’ to hospitality businesses, providing restaurants with additional floor space to place their tables.

Businesses can apply free of charge for a licence to seat customers outside until 16 January 2026.  The municipality aims to boost the hospitality industry by taking advantage of the warmer weather and supporting business recovery by creating a festive atmosphere in the city while offering greater patron capacities.

“We hope to see hospitality businesses take us up on this offer to create a vibrant summer atmosphere through December and January.  It’s an opportunity to develop fun, innovative outdoor spaces to maximise peak influxes,” says Mahlatse Phosa, Director of Planning and Development.

The available space on the pavement and other factors are considered when deciding applications.  Establishments must adhere to all trading and land use approvals.

For enquiries, please contact Luvo Bomvana, Manager: Economic Development via email: Lbomvana@george.gov.za

Find the application form here https://www.george.gov.za/george-document/summer-al-fresco-pavement-permit-application-form-2025/

Establishments must adhere to all trading and land use approvals. Applications will be accepted until 15 November 2025.

Percentage storage at new raised dam wall height 60,03 %
Rainfall for the previous days: 11.5 mm (Measured from 14 – 20 October 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 George Municipality appeals to residents to refrain from the deliberate burning of waste skips across the municipal area. This practice has been observed in various neighbourhoods and poses a serious threat to public safety, the environment, and municipal infrastructure.
Burning waste is illegal and releases harmful toxins into the air, endangering the health of residents and contributing to environmental degradation. In addition, it increases the risk of uncontrolled fires that could spread to nearby properties, creating potential danger for both people and animals.

Waste skips are provided by the municipality to reduce illegal dumping and maintain the cleanliness and environmental integrity of our neighbourhoods. However, the recent burning incidents are causing significant damage to these skips, compromising their condition and limiting their lifespan.

Section 24 of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa guarantees everyone the right to live in an environment that is not harmful to their health or wellbeing and obliges us all to protect the environment for the benefit of present and future generations. Now more than ever, our collective actions play a vital role in ensuring a sustainable and healthy future for all.

Safer Waste Disposal Alternatives:
* Municipal Waste Collection: Please make use of the official George Municipality waste collection services according to your area’s schedule.
* Recycling: Participate in recycling initiatives – it’s one of the most environmentally friendly ways to manage waste.
* Composting: Compost organic materials such as kitchen scraps and garden waste. Residents can apply for a free home composting bin at 82 Meade Street or online via the George Municipality website.
* Hazardous Waste Open Days: Keep an eye on the George Municipality’s website and social media pages for announcements about hazardous waste disposal days.

For further enquiries, please contact the Environmental Services office at 044 802 2900.
For fire-related emergencies, please contact the George Municipality Fire Department at 044 801 6311.

The George Municipality’s Emergency Services team is hard at work preparing for the upcoming summer season. The Water Rescue Unit, consisting of skippers, swimmers and divers, recently conducted intensive beach launch training with sea vessels under the supervision of Fire Station Commander, Johan Crouse, at Wilderness Beach.
The purpose of the exercises was to practise launching in shallow water and performing surf rescue manoeuvres, ensuring that staff members are well-versed in safely mounting and dismounting vehicles, navigating through waves, and operating effectively in challenging conditions. Despite the windy weather and rough sea, the team intentionally trained under these circumstances to strengthen their skills and confidence for real-life rescue scenarios.
Seven staff members participated in the session, which also served to test the operational readiness of the rescue vessels and equipment. Regular training ensures that both personnel and machinery are in excellent condition ahead of the busy summer period, when quick and coordinated response is vital.
The team utilised jetRIBs during the training — specialised rescue vessels that combine the speed and manoeuvrability of a jet ski with the stability and buoyancy of a rigid-hulled inflatable boat (commonly referred to as a “rubber duck”). The swimmers and divers play a crucial support role during rescue operations, while the skippers are responsible for operating the vessels.
The Water Rescue Unit aims to conduct training exercises at least once a week, depending on weather, sea conditions and operational demands.

In the photo: Members of the George Municipality Water Rescue Unit during training. From left: Station Commander Johan Crouse, Fire Fighter Nico Rossouw, Fire Fighter Jandre Bernardo, Fire Fighter Bethwell Grootboom, and Fire Fighter Wilton Oktober.
Not in picture: Divisional Commander Johan Brand and Junior Fire Fighter Shaun Platt.

Video: Some of the Water Rescue Unit members test the jetRIBs.

As summer approaches, the George Municipality reminds all residents to maintain their gardens and trees to ensure sidewalks and public spaces remain safe, accessible, and pedestrian-friendly.
In accordance with the George Municipality Tree Management Policy, residents are advised of the following responsibilities and regulations:

Tree Maintenance and Safety
Property owners must trim or prune any trees or plants that extend over property boundaries onto sidewalks, streets, or public spaces.
Vegetation must not obstruct street signs, streetlights, intersections, or pedestrian pathways, including access for prams, wheelchairs, and mobility devices.
Overhanging branches or encroaching plants that make sidewalks difficult to navigate must be trimmed back to ensure safe passage.
Planting Trees on Sidewalks and Municipal Land
Residents may plant trees on sidewalks or street boundaries, but only with written approval from the Director for Community Services or their delegated authority.
Once planted on municipal land, trees become municipal property, but maintenance—including pruning and root management—remains the responsibility of the property owner.
Unauthorized planting or pruning of trees on municipal land is prohibited and may result in fines or removal of the tree.
Tree Removal and Pruning Restrictions
No person may prune or remove a tree on municipal land without prior written approval.

Trees may only be pruned for sound arboricultural reasons, such as:
• Obstruction of pedestrian or vehicle movement
• Damage to structures
• Interference with traffic sight lines or solar devices
• Complaints based on leaf shedding, shade, view obstruction, or nuisance from birds/insects are not valid reasons for pruning or removal.

Protected and Champion Trees
Trees listed as Champion Trees or protected under the National Forests Act may not be pruned or removed without a license from the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and Environment.
These trees are protected due to their age, size, cultural, historic, or ecological value.

Emergency Situations
In emergencies (e.g., fallen trees posing danger), the Municipal Parks and Recreation Department may intervene, including on private property, with authorization from the Director: Community Services and in coordination with Disaster Risk Management.

The Municipality promotes tree awareness and education, including participation in greening initiatives and heritage tree protection. Residents are encouraged to engage with the Parks and Recreation Department for guidance on tree planting, species selection, and maintenance best practices.

For tree-related queries, planting permissions, or maintenance concerns, please contact 044 802 2900. Let’s work together to keep George’s streets safe, green, and accessible for all!