The George Municipality successfully hosted an Events Compliance and Support Workshop on Friday 17 February, providing event organisers with essential insights into legal and compliance matters relevant to event planning and execution.
According to Melanie Martins, George Tourism Officer and organiser of the event, “this year’s Annual Events Support Conference saw strong participation, with 56 stakeholders from various event organisations and sports clubs in attendance. She said the workshop featured discussions on key topics affecting event management and compliance, with contributions from multiple municipal departments.”
Emergency Services emphasised the importance of event compliance and safety measures. Town Planning provided guidance on land-use rights for hosting events, while Parks and Gardens explained the process of obtaining permission to use municipal open spaces and beaches. Building Control clarified outdoor advertising regulations and their relevance to event promotions. The Electrotechnical Directorate covered electrical requirements and safe electricity installations for events. Environmental Services highlighted the importance of noise exemption applications and noise control.
Tourism discussed event promotion, the application processes for the 2025/2026 fiscal year, and guidelines for event posters and billboards. The Sport department provided information on municipal sports facilities and rental procedures, while Auxiliary Services explained municipal venue rental procedures. Traffic Services outlined the application process for traffic management services at events. Additionally, Legal and Compliance provided essential insights into legal requirements when partnering with George Municipality for events in 2025/2026.
The workshop also focused on event funding, marketing, and general support, equipping organisers with a comprehensive understanding of the requirements and procedures necessary for securing municipal support. The session served as a valuable platform for fostering collaboration between various stakeholders.
Key Takeaways and Reminders
Event organisers are reminded that applications for George Municipal event support and funding, administered by George, Wilderness, and Uniondale Tourism, will close on 6 March 2025. This year, all applications must be submitted online.
In addition to municipal support, Wesgro, the promotion and development agency of the Western Cape, is also offering event support, with applications closing on 7 March 2025.
Wesgro has opened applications for its Leisure Tourism Event Partnerships, running from 17 February to 7 March 2025. This initiative allows Wesgro to collaborate with niche and smaller leisure events across the Western Cape, promoting the region’s diverse tourism experiences while driving economic impact, job creation, and combating seasonality. The focus will be on events that highlight Culture and Heritage, Active Adventure, Sustainability, Gastronomy, and Halal Tourism. Applications must be submitted online, and organisers seeking more information can contact eventsdmo@wesgro.co.za.
All event-related stakeholders are encouraged to register on the Events Database by requesting to be added via events@visitgeorge.co.za. Those who were unable to attend the workshop and require guidance on compliance or support are encouraged to reach out to George, Wilderness, and Uniondale Tourism via the same email.
A significant highlight of the conference was the announcement that George recorded the highest number of accommodation check-ins among all Garden Route towns in 2024, based on top online travel agency (OTA) statistics. This figure does not include direct or trade bookings, and it underscores the central role that events played in driving tourism growth in the region.
For more information or assistance, event organisers are encouraged to reach out via events@visitgeorge.co.za.
Photo: Presenters and stakeholders at the Events Compliance and Support Workshop are in front from left, Xolani Henge (Acting Manager: Auxiliary Services in Corporate Directorate), Santa Sternsdorf (Station Commander: Fire and Disaster Management), Melanie Martins (George Tourism Officer and Coordinator of the workshop), Cllr Marlene Barnardt (MMC for Planning and Development including Tourism), Sharon House (Senior Tourism Officer), Fuzisa Nomlala (Plan Examiner: Building Control) and Heloine Crowley (Tourism Officer). At the back are Johannes Labuschagne (Plan Examiner: Building Control), Eddie Koeberg (Plan Examiner: Building Control), Fickerie Toyer (Manager: Building Control), Edward Nqumse (Electrotechnical Directorate) and Leveinia Botha (Sport Department).
