Please join us for the Ordinary Council Meeting today, 26 March 2026, at 10H00 AM.
👉 Click on the link below to access the live stream via our YouTube Account:
https://www.youtube.com/live/Pfot3u3hIik?si=hgPjyv1nPtjBxFdD
March is recognised as National Ethics Awareness Month, a time dedicated to encouraging individuals and organisations to reflect on their ethical standards and professional conduct. It provides an opportunity to promote integrity, accountability and responsible decision-making in the workplace and in public service.
For George Municipality, Ethics Awareness Month serves as a reminder of the importance of upholding the highest standards of honesty, transparency and fairness in serving our community. By strengthening an ethical culture within the organisation, the municipality reaffirms its commitment to good governance, ethical leadership and building public trust.
#FraudPrevention
#EthicalChoices
Following the recent announcement of the appointment of an EPWP Oversight Committee for George Municipality, the committee has already begun its work and is addressing misinformation currently circulating regarding EPWP wage rates and the number of projects underway in Greater George. Several inaccurate claims have been made recently on public forums regarding both the number of EPWP projects and the wages paid to workers. The facts below clarify the situation.
George Municipality currently has 107 ongoing EPWP projects. These projects are funded through two main sources:
• Integrated Grant (IG) funded projects: 17 projects in total, consisting of 15 social sector projects and 2 environmental and culture projects
• Municipal and other funding sources: 90 projects funded through a combination of municipal funding, loans, PTNG funding, and IUDG grants
The EPWP programme is designed to create temporary employment opportunities while providing workers with valuable work experience and exposure to the job market. In terms of employment created through these projects:
• 636 jobs were created in the first quarter; and
• 359 jobs were created in the second quarter
In total, George Municipality’s ongoing EPWP projects have created 995 employment opportunities for the first and second quarters, against a target of 1400 work opportunities. This represents 71% of the target for the 2025/26 financial year.
Another area where misinformation has been spread relates to EPWP wage rates. The national EPWP minimum wage rate, as revised and gazetted by the Department of Employment and Labour, is R16.62 per hour, which equates to R132.92 for an eight-hour workday. George Municipality pays significantly above the national EPWP minimum wage with the current rate for unskilled EPWP workers at R22.50 per hour, which equates to R180 for an eight-hour workday.
The daily rates applied across EPWP projects in George are:
• Unskilled: R180 per eight-hour day
• Semi-skilled: R275 per eight-hour day
• Skilled: R375 per eight-hour day
These rates are applied according to the requirements of each project and the level of skill required.
“We have noted a concerning trend of misinformation being circulated, including in some instances by individuals who should have access to the correct information. This highlights the importance of ensuring that the facts are properly considered before claims are made,” said the Chairperson of the EPWP Oversight Committee, Cllr Raybin Figland. “The spread of misinformation undermines a programme that is creating real opportunities for residents. The facts are clear: George Municipality is running over a hundred EPWP projects, creating jobs for our residents, and paying wages that exceed the national EPWP minimum rate.”
According to Executive Mayor Ald Browen Johnson: “This is exactly why we established this committee: to strengthen transparency, ensure accountability, and make sure that accurate information reaches the public. I would also like to encourage our residents, especially our youth, to register on the EPWP database to access these opportunities.”
Residents who wish to register on the EPWP database can do so by:
• Visiting the EPWP Office at the corner of St Johns Street and Varing Road
• Completing the official EPWP database application form
• Submitting the required supporting documents listed on page 3 of the application form
• Alternatively, visiting the George Municipal website: https://www.george.gov.za/extended-public-works-programme-epwp/
George Municipality remains committed to transparency, accountability, and accurate public reporting. We will continue to correct misinformation when it arises and ensure that EPWP opportunities are administered fairly, responsibly, and in line with national policy and available funding.
March is recognised as National Ethics Awareness Month, a time dedicated to encouraging individuals and organisations to reflect on their ethical standards and professional conduct.
It provides an opportunity to promote integrity, accountability and responsible decision-making in the workplace and in public service.
For George Municipality, Ethics Awareness Month serves as a reminder of the importance of upholding the highest standards of honesty, transparency and fairness in serving our community.
By strengthening an ethical culture within the organisation, the municipality reaffirms its commitment to good governance, ethical leadership and building public trust.
#EthicsAwarenessMonth
#EthicsMatters
#IntegrityFirst
#EthicalLeadership
March is recognised as National Ethics Awareness Month, a time dedicated to encouraging individuals and organisations to reflect on their ethical standards and professional conduct.
It provides an opportunity to promote integrity, accountability and responsible decision-making in the workplace and in public service.
For George Municipality, Ethics Awareness Month serves as a reminder of the importance of upholding the highest standards of honesty, transparency and fairness in serving our community.
By strengthening an ethical culture within the organisation, the municipality reaffirms its commitment to good governance, ethical leadership and building public trust.
#EthicsAwarenessMonth
#EthicsMatters
#IntegrityFirst
#EthicalLeadership
March is recognised as National Ethics Awareness Month, a time dedicated to encouraging individuals and organisations to reflect on their ethical standards and professional conduct.
It provides an opportunity to promote integrity, accountability and responsible decision-making in the workplace and in public service.
For George Municipality, Ethics Awareness Month serves as a reminder of the importance of upholding the highest standards of honesty, transparency and fairness in serving our community.
By strengthening an ethical culture within the organisation, the municipality reaffirms its commitment to good governance, ethical leadership and building public trust.
#EthicsAwarenessMonth
#EthicsMatters
#IntegrityFirst
#EthicalLeadership
Please be advised that the Economic Development Office (Worker Collection Point) at 12 Industrial Street will be closed from 15:30 PM on 11 March 2026, due to fumigation.
For any urgent enquiries during this time, please contact the alternative number: 044 801 9212.
Normal operations will resume at 07:45 AM on 12 March 2026.
We apologise for any inconvenience and appreciate your understanding.
CALL FOR ALL PERSONS REGISTERED ON THE WESTERN CAPE HOUSING DEMAND DATABASE (WCHHDB) (WAITING LIST) TO UPDATE THEIR DETAILS
The George Municipality – Human Settlements Department calls on all persons registered on the WCHHDB, including elderly persons and persons with physical disabilities, to urgently update and verify their personal details.
Updating your information is important to ensure that the housing database remains accurate and that eligible applicants can be considered when housing opportunities become available.
Who should update their details?
• All individuals currently registered on the WCHHDB.
• Elderly persons registered on the housing waiting list.
• Persons living with physical disabilities.
• Applicants whose contact details, address, or household information may have changed.
Documents to bring:
• South African ID or Smart ID Card
• Proof of current residential address
• Any previous housing registration or reference number (if available)
• Medical documentation confirming disability
Where to update your details:
Department: Human Settlements
46 Market Street, George
(Old York Hostel Building)
Office hours:
Monday – Friday: 08:00 – 16:00
Community members are encouraged to assist elderly persons and persons with disabilities in ensuring that their information is updated as soon as possible.
For more information, please contact:
Zinobia Spies at 044 – 8022003
E-mail Address: zdspies@george.gov.za
****************************************************************************************************************
OPROEP AAN ALLE PERSONE WAT OP DIE WES-KAAPSE BEHUISINGS-DATABASIS (WAGLYS) GEREGISTREER IS OM HUL BESONDERHEDE OP TE DATEER
Die George Munisipaliteit – Departement: Menslike Nedersettings doen hiermee ’n beroep op alle persone wat op die Wes-Kaapse Behuisingsdatabasis (Waglys) geregistreer is, insluitend bejaarde persone en persone met fisiese gestremdhede, om dringend hul persoonlike besonderhede te verifieer en op te dateer.
Die opdatering van u inligting is belangrik om te verseker dat die behuisingsdatabasis akkuraat bly en dat kwalifiserende aansoekers oorweeg word wanneer behuisings-geleenthede beskikbaar word.
Wie moet hul besonderhede opdateer?
• Alle persone wat tans op die Wes-Kaapse Behuisingsdatabasis geregistreer is.
• Bejaarde persone wat op die behuisingswaglys geregistreer is.
• Persone wat met fisiese gestremdhede leef.
• Aansoekers wie se kontakbesonderhede, adres of huishoudelike inligting moontlik verander het.
Dokumente wat saamgebring moet word:
• Suid-Afrikaanse ID of Slim-ID Kaart
• Bewys van huidige woonadres
• Enige vorige behuisingsregistrasie- of verwysingsnommer (indien beskikbaar)
• Mediese dokumentasie wat ’n gestremdheid bevestig
Waar om u besonderhede op te dateer:
Department: Menslike Nedersettings
46 Mark Straat, George
(Ou York Hostel Gebou)
Kantoorure:
Maandae – Vrydae vanaf 08:00 – 16:00
Gemeenskapslede word aangemoedig om bejaarde persone en persone met gestremdhede te help om seker te maak dat hul inligting so gou moontlik opgedateer word.
Vir meer inligting, kontak:
Zinobia Spies by 044 – 8022003
E-pos Adres: zdspies@george.gov.za
*********************************************************************
ISICELO KUBO BONKE ABANTU ABABHALISWE KUVIMBA WEENKCUKACHA ZEBANGO LEZINDLU LASENTSHONA KOLONI (WCHHDB) (ULUHLU LWABALINDILEYO) UKUZE KUHLAZIYWE IINKCUKACHA ZABO.
UMasipala waseGeorge – iSebe lokuHlaliswa koLuNtu lihlaba ikhwelo kubo bonke abantu ababhaliswe kwiWCHHDB, kubandakanywa abantu abadala kunye nabantu abanokukhubazeka, ukuba bahlaziye kwaye baqinisekise iinkcukacha zabo zobuqu ngokukhawuleza.
Ukuhlaziya ulwazi lwakho kubalulekile ukuqinisekisa ukuba uvimba weenkcukacha zezindlu uhlala uchanekile kwaye abafaki-zicelo abafanelekileyo banokuqwalaselwa xa amathuba ezindlu efumaneka.
Ngoobani abafanele ukuhlaziya iinkcukacha zabo?
• Bonke abantu ababhalisiweyo ngoku kwiWCHHDB.
• Abantu abadala ababhalisiweyo kuluhlu lwabalindileyo lwezindlu.
• Abantu abaphila nokukhubazeka ngokwasemzimbeni.
• Abafaki-zicelo abankcukacha zabo zoqhagamshelwano, idilesi, okanye iinkcukacha zendlu zitshintshileyo.
Amaxwebhu oza nawo:
• I-ID yaseMzantsi Afrika okanye i-Smart ID Card
• Ubungqina bedilesi yendawo yokuhlala yangoku
• Naluphi na ubhaliso lwezindlu lwangaphambili okanye inombolo yesalathiso (ukuba ikhona)
• Amaxwebhu onyango angqina ukukhubazeka
Ungazihlaziya phi iinkcukacha zakho:
ISebe: lokuHlaliswa koLuNtu
46 Market Street, eGeorge
(ISakhiwo seHostele esiDala yaseYork)
Iiyure ze- Ofisi:
NgoMvulo – ngoLwesihlanu: 08:00 – 16:00
Amalungu oluNtu ayakhuthazwa ukuba ancedise abantu abadala kunye nabantu abanokukhubazeka ekuqinisekiseni ukuba iinkcukacha zabo ziyahlaziywa ngokukhawuleza.
Malunga nolwazi oluthe vetshe, nceda uqhagamshelane no:
Zinobia Spies ku-044 – 8022003
Idilesi ye-imeyili: zdspies@george.gov.za
Residents are invited to take part in the upcoming George Municipal Public Participation meetings regarding the Electricity Cost of Supply study and resultant proposed electricity tariff structures for the 2026–2027 financial year. These sessions provide an opportunity for community members to learn more about the proposed tariffs, ask questions and share their input.
Members of the public are encouraged to attend the meeting scheduled for their ward, where municipal representatives will present information and engage directly with residents.
Clean fire burns efficiently and produces minimal smoke and harmful pollutants. This is achieved by using appropriate fuels, ensuring good airflow, and using proper fire-lighting techniques.
BEACH PANTHER TRANSFER LOCATION LAUNCH
Ready to be “unwrapped”: Bus stops, with covered bus shelters at the upgraded Beach Panther Transfer Facility in Pacaltsdorp are already in use but were officially “unwrapped” during a ceremony officiated by Minister Sileku.
On Tuesday, 24 February 2026, Western Cape Mobility Minister Isaac Sileku joined officials from GO GEORGE and the George Municipality for a series of events with the George Integrated Public Transport Network (GIPTN). The programme showcased major investment in road upgrades, commuter safety, and new digital tools to make the GO GEORGE bus service simpler and more efficient.
The first stop was in Pacaltsdorp, where the Beach Panther transfer facility was officially unveiled. The R17,6 million upgrade, funded through the Public Transport Network Grant (PTNG), has significantly improved the Beach Road area.
The new facility makes transferring between routes easier and safer for passengers. It features larger bus stops and shelters, wider median islands and paved walkways for safer pedestrian access, and dedicated cycle lanes to support non-motorised transport.
The second event took place in Thembalethu, where officials inspected progress on two major road upgrades, part of a larger R505 million grant-funded investment:
• Ngcakani Street: Phase 3 of a R68,52 million rehabilitation, now nearing completion.
• Tabata Street: Phase 4 of a R65,09 million upgrade, viewed during a drive-through and stop.
Both projects are mainly funded by the PTNG, with a 5% contribution from the George Municipality, ensuring these key bus routes are strong, safe, and durable for bus transport.
At the TRUNS transfer location in Thembalethu, GoBot, GO GEORGE’s new AI-powered chat bot, was launched. This marks two years of investment in easy-to-use, 24/7 digital tools for commuters.
Key digital upgrades make commuting easier and more convenient. GO GEORGE now offers GoBot, a 24/7 chat bot for quick trip planning, and a revamped website with an interactive stop explorer and live timetables. Smart infrastructure, including digital screens and QR-coded “pole collars” at 40 pilot stops, links passengers directly to GoBot and the website. At the same time, communication champions equipped with tablets provide in-person support, ensuring traditional assistance remains available alongside these new digital services.
The day ended with a ride on the Industrial Route (Route 10) from the Jonga terminus. Since launching in October 2024, the route has become a vital link for workers and students, connecting Thembalethu to George Industria and schools such as York High School and Eden Technical High School. Passenger numbers on this route have grown dramatically from 1 437 at launch, to a peak of 22 628 per month.
“Today was a proud moment as we saw first-hand how our investments are transforming the daily commute for the people of George. Walking through the streets of Ngcakani, Tabata, and Beach Road, and seeing the new transfer hubs and digital tools in action, reminded me that this isn’t just about infrastructure, it’s about improving the dignity and convenience of every commuter. Launching GoBot and witnessing how it complements traditional support shows that GO GEORGE is truly becoming a service with access to information around the clock and for everyone, connecting residents to jobs, schools, and other opportunities safely and efficiently,” reflected Minister Sileku.
Western Cape Mobility Minister, Isaac Sileku, flanked by Parliamentary representatives and guests, officially launched the upgraded facilities at the GO GEORGE Beach/Panther Transfer Facility in Pacaltsdorp on 24 February.
All hands on deck: Contractors are hard at work at the current Phase of the Tabata Street upgrade project in Thembalethu.
Western Cape MEC for Mobility, Minister Isaac Sileku, featured at the GO GEORGE venue at TRUNS, where he officially launched GoBot – the newest addition to the GO GEORGE bouquet of information channels. He is featured with Communication Champions, and other attendees, and props used to introduce the concept.
GO GEORGE has launched a campaign to help passengers use its growing range of digital self-help tools. While many commuters have long relied on the Call Centre, Facebook enquiries or email for assistance, there is a growing need for faster, more convenient options that passengers can access anytime. Over the past two years, the service has been investing in technology to make trip planning easier and available 24/7.
Recent upgrades include a revamped website with an interactive stop explorer and updated timetables, GoBot (the service’s dedicated chat bot) for instant answers, and digital information screens that will soon be installed at key locations.
Western Cape Mobility Minister Isaac Sileku visited the TRUNS Transfer Location on 24 February 2026 to demonstrate how these tools, including GoBot, provide commuters with real-time travel information and route planning support.
“Our goal is to build a transport system that respects the time and dignity of every commuter,” said Minister Sileku. “By putting real-time information directly into passengers’ hands through GoBot and our upgraded digital platforms, we are removing the uncertainty from public transport. Whether someone is travelling to school, work or home, they can now plan their journeys with greater confidence and reliability whenever it suits them – not only during working hours.”
GO GEORGE Manager Morné Lakay said that while the service is embracing technology, personal support remains available.
“We know that not everyone is comfortable using digital tools straight away,” said Lakay. “That is why our communication champions are providing step-by-step guidance on buses and at transfer points. We are also visiting SASSA grant sites and old age homes to ensure that senior citizens and vulnerable passengers are supported and not left behind.”
Key features of the campaign include:
• GoBot: The dedicated chat bot offering real-time schedules and easy trip planning.
• Interactive QR codes: A pilot of 40 pole collars at key stops gives passengers instant access to GoBot and timetables.
• On-the-ground training: Direct engagement at schools, Nelson Mandela University and community hubs.
Passengers are encouraged to explore these digital tools online to enjoy a more convenient and seamless travel experience.
Free Basic Water Allowance
Every residential account gets 6 kℓ of free water per month, this equates to (6kℓ x 12 months) = 72kℓ per year.
To make billing fair, and accurate the free water is now applied per day: 72 kl per year÷365.25 (average days in an entire leap cycle)≈0.197 kl per day
This means your free allowance depends on the number of days between meter readings, not just a fixed 6 kℓ per reading.
Examples
29-day reading: 29 × 0.197 kℓ ≈ 5.7 kℓ free
32-day reading: 32 × 0.197 kℓ ≈ 6.3 kℓ free
Small amounts on your bill (e.g., R2–R5) simply reflect water used above the free allowance.
✅No extra charges
✅No loss of free water
✅Billing is now accurate and fair
System Estimates Reversal
When your meter reading is estimated and an actual reading is later obtained the system will automatically reverse all estimated charges from the date of the last estimate and recalculate your water consumption using the per-day method.
In this case, the system will reverse the December and January estimates and recalculate your total consumption from 15/10/2025 to 19/01/2026.
If we estimated that you used 44 (22+22) kilolitres, but the real reading later shows you actually used 62 kilolitres between the previous and current reading dates:
Previously, this correction was done manually via back-end journals. The new system automates it, making your billing more accurate, transparent, and fair.
Additional Information:
Customers may also receive a statement that shows their water charges split between:
George Normal tariffs
George Emergency Level 2 tariffs: 19 December 2025
George Emergency Level 3 tariffs: 5 January 2026
Haarlem and Uniondale Emergency Level 3 tariffs: 9 January 2026
These charges are calculated pro-rata based on the number of days each tariff applied during the billing period.
George Municipality has launched the new George Citizen Portal, which allows residents to view, download and print their municipal statements online.
How you will receive your statement
• Monthly municipal statements will still be sent by email as PDF attachments and via SMS with a secure link on the day of billing.
The second reminder SMS will only include the amount outstanding based on the debtors ageing.
• The portal is an additional option for viewing and managing your account online. Here you can also access the more detailed version of the statement.
Important information for registration
• Statements will appear on the portal after they have been issued by email and SMS.
• Use your new municipal account number when registering. Using old account numbers will cause registration to fail. Your new account number appears on your statement.
• The ID number or registration number must match the municipality’s records, or registration will fail.
• For business accounts, select the correct identification type and enter the business registration number.
• If you are unsure of your account or identification details, please contact the municipality for assistance before registering.
How to access the portal
• Visit www.george.gov.za and click the ACCOUNTS VIEW button to access the Platinum Citizen Portal.
• A step-by-step video guide is available on the George Municipality YouTube channel:
https://tinyurl.com/3evu6dn3
Need help?
• Email: accounts@george.gov.za
• Call: 044 801 9111 (during office hours)
