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Author: Nadine Payle

SANParks SMME FUND

The South African National Parks (SANParks) launches an SMME Fund. The Fund is a dedicated interest-free loan that provides short-term purchase order finance to local SMMEs that have purchase orders from SANParks. SANParks will run its normal procurement processes, and once awarded, a purchase.

This initiative was introduced by SANParks Supplier and Enterprise Development Regional Manager during the George Supplier Indaba held on 15-16 July 2025, organised by George Municipality (Economic Development) and the Western Cape Government Department of Economic Development and Tourism (DEDAT).

The application link is http://sanlamsanparks.co.za

SMMEs are encouraged to take advantage of this opportunity and to learn more about this initiative.

Please contact Mr Fumanekile Makuyekwe at Fumanekile.Makuyekwe@sanparks.org.

GEORGE FESTIVAL 2025-5 A SIDE SOCCER TOURNAMENT

The George Festival 2025 – Culture. Art. Sport. Our community. Our celebration. promises to bring the city together in a true celebration of creativity, unity, and local pride.
Explore the full line-up of events, activities, and entertainment by accessing the programme via the link: https://tinyurl.com/yr6yd44t and follow official George Municipality and WC DCAS social media channels.

GEORGE FESTIVAL 2025- 7’S RUGBY TOURNAMENT

The George Festival 2025 – Culture. Art. Sport. Our community. Our celebration. promises to bring the city together in a true celebration of creativity, unity, and local pride.
Explore the full line-up of events, activities, and entertainment by accessing the programme via the link: https://tinyurl.com/yr6yd44t and follow official George Municipality and WC DCAS social media channels.

GEORGE FESTIVAL 2025 -INDIGENOUS GAMES

Culture. Art. Sport. Our community. Our celebration. promises to bring the city together in a true celebration of creativity, unity, and local pride.

Explore the full line-up of events, activities, and entertainment by accessing the programme via the link:
https://tinyurl.com/45dvp5d8 and follow official George Municipality and WC DCAS social media channels.

GEORGE FESTIVAL 2025_ GEORGE STREET MILE

GEORGE FESTIVAL 2025_ GEORGE STREET MILE
The George Street Mile races into town on 14 December 2025 as part of the Eden Street Mile Series and the George Festival 2025.
Expect fast-paced action, top athletes, and vibrant community spirit right in the heart of George. Don’t miss this festival sporting highlight! Enter online now on www.edenmiles.co.za

EARLY CLOSURE OF MVR, DLTC & VTS

Please note that the Motor Vehicle Registration (MVR), Driver’s Licence Testing Centre (DLTC), and Vehicle Testing Station (VTS) will close at 14:00 on Friday, 14 November 2025, due to compulsory monthly operational requirements.

Normal services will resume on Monday, 17 November 2025.

We apologise for any inconvenience and thank residents for their understanding

Making our beaches safer for you!  Prohibited substances and conduct at Municipal Beaches

George Municipality has a NO ALCOHOL policy applicable to Beaches and other public areas, which will be strictly enforced, especially during the Festive period. The George law enforcement officers will be assisted by beach monitors during the Festive season to assist with beach patrols, and the enforcement of Municipal bylaws to ensure safe beaches for everyone.

The control, searching of vehicles, and bag access at municipal beaches is implemented under “The Access to Public Premises and Access of Vehicles Act (53 1985)”. Members of the Public are warned that prohibited substances, weapons, alcohol, fireworks etc., will be confiscated and that fines can be issued. All confiscated items or goods will be handed over to the South African Police Service (SAPS) for disposal.

No dogs or other animals are allowed on the beach unless there are signs that identify any allowed times and areas.

George Municipality encourages all beachgoers to cooperate with our officials to ensure their visit to the beach is a safe and enjoyable experience. Neighbourhood Watch, Community Police Forums, George and Provincial Traffic Services, SANPARKS, National Sea Rescue Institute, Private Security Companies, the South African Police Service (SAPD), including Business Owners, also assist the Municipality in ensuring a safe festival season. Previous festive seasons have been very successful due to the excellent cooperation between all role players and members of the public.

The beach areas under the control of the George Municipality include Wilderness Main Beach, Wilderness Lagoon, Wilderness Steps, Wilderness Lientjiesklip, Victoria Bay Beach, Gwaing River Mouth Beach and Day Camp and Herold’s Bay Beach, and Tidal Pool.

For any further information on complaints, please contact the Law Enforcement office on 044 801 6350 (07h45 – 16h30) or 044 801 6300 (A/h Assistance team only for bylaw-related offences and emergencies). Law Enforcement Office - 25B Cathedral Street.

Hoofwaterlynfout – Lyonville, Uniondale

Neem asseblief kennis dat daar ’n fout gevind is op die hoofwaterlyn in Lyonville, Uniondale.

Geskatte hersteltyd (ETR): 3–4 uur.
’n Watertrok sal in die Lyonville-area rondbeweeg om tydelike verligting te bied.

Die Munisipaliteit vra om verskoning vir die ongerief en dank inwoners vir hul geduld.

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Main Waterline Failure – Lyonville, Uniondale

Please note that a main waterline failure has occurred in Lyonville, Uniondale.

Estimated time of restoration (ETR): 3–4 hours.
A water truck will be roaming the Lyonville area to provide temporary relief.

The Municipality apologises for the inconvenience and thanks residents for their patience.

George Festival 2025 – Culture, Art and Sport

Announcing Heineken Beverages as a major sponsor to the George Festival 2025!

Heineken Beverages – The global premium company joins through Windhoek Beer as a major sponsor contributing support and collaboration.

Windhoek Beer’s involvement enhances the festival atmosphere helping to create memorable experiences for attendees while celebrating George’s vibrant cultural scene.

#WesternCapeGovernmentCulturalAffairsandSport
#GardenRouteDistrictMunicipalit#

#HeinekenBeverages
#WindhoekBeer 

Major Sponsors Revealed for George Festival 2025

The George Festival 2025, hosted by George Municipality in collaboration with the Western Cape Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport, and supported by the Eden Sport Council and the Garden Route District Municipality, proudly announces its key sponsors who are helping make this year’s festival a world-class celebration of arts, sport, and culture.

Taking place from 13–16 December 2025, the festival promises four days of vibrant entertainment, sporting competitions, cultural showcases, and family-friendly activities across multiple venues, including Unity Park in York Street, the Garden Route Botanical Gardens, Thembalethu and Rosemore Sport Venues, and the Kaptein Dikkop Amphitheatre, Pacaltsdorp.

Key Sponsors and Contributions
MTN – Serving as the key sponsor, MTN, one of Africa’s leading telecommunications companies, will provide sporting gear to support local athletes and community teams. MTN’s contribution underscores its commitment to youth development, active lifestyles, and empowering communities through connectivity and participation in sport.

Heineken – The global premium beer brand joins as a major sponsor, contributing both cash sponsorship and product support. Heineken’s involvement enhances the festival atmosphere, helping to create memorable experiences for attendees, while celebrating George’s vibrant cultural scene.

SportPesa – SportPesa proudly sponsors the George Festival Home of Golf Sundowner Challenge , a highlight of the festival. Known for its dedication to sporting excellence and community upliftment, SportPesa’s support promotes healthy competition, camaraderie, and opportunities for local talent.

KnoxHydrate – As the official hydration partner, KnoxHydrate ensures that athletes, performers, and festival-goers stay refreshed throughout the festival. Their focus on health, energy, and wellness aligns with the festival’s commitment to active, vibrant, and inclusive community participation.

The George Festival 2025 offers a packed and vibrant programme:
* Saturday, 13 December
A full day of sporting activities including 5-a-Side Soccer, Indigenous Games, Touch Rugby, a Netball Social Tournament, a Tennis Tournament, a Table Tennis Tournament, and the Home of Golf Sundowner Challenge. The evening features the opening cultural showcase at Unity Park, with live performances, vendor markets, family entertainment, and the official festive lights switch-on.

* Sunday, 14 December
Sports quarterfinals and Indigenous Games celebrate heritage and tradition, along with the Eden Street Mile and the George Trails/GTR Trail Run (14km and 7km). The day concludes with a Gospel Festival

* Monday, 15 December
Family Culture Day includes a Long Table at the George Museum and a Kiddies Fun Zone at the Garden Route Botanical Gardens, featuring storytelling, art classes, dance sessions, and educational activities. The programme also includes Bowls for the Blind at the George Bowling Club and the 5km and 10km Louis Massyn Fun Run.

* Tuesday, 16 December
Semifinals and finals across all sporting codes take place, along with mind games such as chess, bridge, and dominoes, concluding with the awards ceremony. The day also features the George Trails/Hillbillies Dam Dash (MTB 35km, 20km, and 10km) at the Garden Route Dam, the Jazz Summer Festival, and the George Trails/GTR Cross Hike (6km).

MEC Recardo Mackenzie, Western Cape Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport, sincerely thanked the sponsors for their faith in the George Festival 2025. “Their invaluable contributions not only make this celebration possible but will create a lasting legacy of culture, sport, and community engagement for years to come.”

Mayor Jackie von Brandis, George Municipality, thanked the sponsors for their support, which, she said, reflects their commitment to George and its people. “Thanks to MTN, Heineken, SportPesa, and KnoxHydrate, we are able to host a festival that will be remembered for its vibrancy, inclusivity, and lasting impact on our city.”

Together, the festival organisers and sponsors are committed to delivering an exceptional event that stimulates the local economy, supports township enterprises, spotlights youth talent, and positions George as a premier destination for culture, sport, and tourism.

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

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

DCAS Social Media:
Facebook: www.facebook.com/culturalaffairssport
X: www.x.com/wcgovcas (@WCGovCas)
Instagram: www.instagram.com/wcgovcas (@WCGovCas)

George Municipality Social Media:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/george.municipality
X: https://x.com/george_mun
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/municipality_george_insta/
WhatsApp Channel: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaRHVS9HAdNXTJPKis3k

George Festival 2025 – Culture, Art and Sport

Announcing KnoxHydrate as Contributing Sponsor!

As the official hydration partner, KnoxHydrate keeps athletes, performers, and festival-goers refreshed all festival long.

Offering caffeine-free hydration, KNOX champions health and wellness, perfectly aligning with the festival’s dedication to fostering an active, vibrant, and inclusive community.