Author: Nadine Payle
UPDATE 3: Public Notice – Municipal Billing for January 2026
George Municipality would like to confirm that a re-issue of the municipal statements for January accounts will take place as of today, 26 January 2026, which includes SMS and Email notifications to all residents. We apologize for server and technical issues experienced this weekend with the first run, and assure the public that our Financial Services directorate continues to work towards modernising municipal systems, improving efficiency, and ensuring more reliable billing and customer services.
SMS
In addition to the emailed statement, customers will receive an SMS containing a secure link to view and download their monthly account statement.Password information will be included in the text of the SMS.
EMAIL
The download link has been removed and only a password protected PDF version of the shortened statement will be included. Your password to open the PDF is your new account number.
CITIZEN PORTAL to view Accounts
As an alternative, you can also view and download your account/s via the Citizen Portal. To access and register on the portal follow the link https://citizenportal.co.za/ or via the link on the municipal website https://www.george.gov.za/ – navigate to the “view account” button. For assistance with registration and navigation of the portal, watch the video guide available here: 👉 https://tinyurl.com/3evu6dn3
PAYMENT
If paying via EFT – kindly use the new account number as reference for example: GRGxxxxx [remove 0’s] Ensure you include the GRG portion and replace xxxxx with your account number. Kindly send proof of payment to payments@george.gov.za with the correct reference as above. Bank Account details for the Municipality are reflected on your statement. No other bank details are valid for George Municipality.
TAKE NOTE:
If you have already received, downloaded and paid your January 2026 municipal account, please ignore the second SMS and email run due to take place from today.
Payments are due by 23 February 2026.
Should you have any queries regarding account access or billing, please contact our offices during office hours (Monday to Friday, 07:45 – 16:30) in person, via 044 801 9111 or accounts@george.gov.za_The municipality will 𝗡𝗘𝗩𝗘𝗥 request payments via e-wallet or any informal payment method.
🎉 𝐂𝐀𝐋𝐋 𝐅𝐎𝐑 𝐄𝐕𝐄𝐍𝐓𝐒 | 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔–𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟕
George is home to great events — naturally! 🌿🏃♀️🎶
With exceptional natural surroundings, solid infrastructure, and easy air & road access, George, Wilderness and Uniondale are ideal hosts for lifestyle, business, and sporting events.
𝐄𝐯𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐨𝐫𝐠𝐚𝐧𝐢𝐬𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐢𝐧𝐯𝐢𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐨 𝐚𝐩𝐩𝐥𝐲 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐟𝐮𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐩𝐬 for events taking place between:
📅 01 July 2026 – 30 June 2027
🔗 𝐀𝐩𝐩𝐥𝐲 𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞: https://zurl.co/hE3Pb
⏳ Don’t miss the opportunity to bring your event to one of South Africa’s leading event destinations.
George, Wilderness and Uniondale Deliver Strong Festive Season 2025/26 – Tourism Analysis
George, Wilderness and Uniondale enjoyed a successful 2025/26 festive season, with high visitor satisfaction, stable accommodation performance, improved restaurant trade and growing airlift reinforcing the destination’s appeal to both domestic and international travellers. Insights gathered from visitors and tourism stakeholders across the peak holiday period paint a positive picture of a destination that continues to deliver memorable experiences, underpinned by natural beauty, outdoor activities and a welcoming tourism community.
Exceptional Visitor Satisfaction and Global Reach
George, Wilderness and Uniondale Tourism conducted in-person visitor information activations at key tourism hotspots from 13 December to 10 January, including Redberry Farm, Victoria Bay, Wilderness Beach, the Outeniqua Family Market and the Garden Route National Park. Tourism staff engaged with more than 1,300 visitor interactions through activations and Visitor Information Centres during this period.
Visitor surveys conducted during the activations revealed exceptionally strong satisfaction levels. Of the 582 respondents:
• 88% rated their visit as “excellent”
• 12% rated it as “good”
• 99.8% indicated they would recommend the destination to other travellers
Visitors cited natural scenery (86%), outdoor activities (80%), and safety and cleanliness (56%) as key reasons for choosing the destination. Leisure travel dominated, with 97% visiting for holiday purposes.
The destination attracted a diverse international market, with visitors from 26 countries, including the United Kingdom and Netherlands, alongside strong domestic travel.
“The overwhelmingly positive feedback from visitors speaks volumes about the quality of our destination and the dedication of our tourism community,” says Tourism Manager Joan Shaw. “From tourism businesses and frontline staff to our natural and public spaces, this season showed what is possible when everyone works together.”
Accommodation occupancy across guesthouses, B&Bs, self-catering units and similar accommodation types averaged 70% during the school holiday period, in line with the previous year, according to select online travel agent information. Peak demand was particularly strong, with occupancy reaching 87% on 27 and 31 December, before tapering off in line with the reopening of schools. December 2025 booking data reflected R69.1 million in revenue, representing an increase of approximately R2.3 million year-on-year.
Domestic travellers accounted for just over half of bookings, while international visitors made up a significant portion, led by Germany, the United Kingdom and the Netherlands. The average length of stay was 3.5 days, with a notable share of bookings made within a short reservation window, highlighting the effectiveness of last-minute travel decisions and marketing. Direct feedback from hotels and boutique hotels across George indicated similar trends. During the height of the festive period, average hotel occupancy reached 89%, with several properties fully booked.
The hospitality sector reported a notably strong season. Fifteen out of eighteen popular restaurants surveyed indicated improved performance compared to the previous festive season. Popular attractions continued to draw visitors, with the Powervan George transporting 3,099 passengers during the festive period. The Wilderness section of the Garden Route National Park recorded 27,981 day visitors in December, reflecting steady demand for nature-based experiences. A diverse festive events calendar including the inaugural George Festival hosted in collaboration with the Western Cape Government, further contributed to destination vibrancy, with more than 26 events taking place across December and early January, spanning music, sport, markets and family-friendly activities.
George Airport recorded 96,000 passengers in December 2025, reflecting 3% growth year-on-year. The airport closed the year with a record 911,000 two-way passengers, representing an 11% increase compared to 2024, reinforcing George’s accessibility and growth potential.
“All indicators point to a strong and resilient destination,” says Shaw. “We continue to warmly welcome international visitors through late summer and look forward to seeing domestic travellers return for the Easter break. Thank you to everyone who chose George, Wilderness and Uniondale this festive season.”
SUSPENSION OF GREEN BAG COLLECTION
Due to the current inclement weather conditions, municipal teams are unable to access the Landfill Site safely.
As a result, all Green Bag collection operations have been suspended for today.
The service is expected to resume tomorrow, weather permitting.
George Municipality apologises for the inconvenience caused and thanks residents for their understanding and cooperation.
Every drop saved today protects our water tomorrow.
💧 As we close the year and enter the peak summer season, Level 2C Water Demand Management Measures remain in place in George.
Every drop saved today protects our water tomorrow.
🚰 Let’s carry water-wise habits into the new year — at home, work and while hosting visitors.
💦 Report leaks or water misuse:
📞 044 801 9262 / 66 (office hours) | 044 801 6300 (after hours)
🚨 Violations: 044 801 6350 (office hours) | 044 801 6300 (a/h)
#GeorgeMunicipality #WaterDemandManagement #EveryDropCounts
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💧 Terwyl ons die jaar afsluit, bly Vlak 2C Waterverbruiksbestuursmaatreëls van krag in George.
Elke druppel wat vandag gespaar word, beskerm môre se water.
🚰 Neem waterwys gewoontes saam die nuwe jaar in.
💦 Rapporteer lekkasies of misbruik:
📞 044 801 9262 / 66 | 044 801 6300 (na-ure)
🚨 Oortredings: 044 801 6350 | 044 801 6300
#GeorgeMunisipaliteit #Waterbestuur #ElkeDruppelTel
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💧 Njengoko unyaka usiya esiphelweni, amanqanaba e-2C aqhubeka nokusebenza eGeorge.
Ithontsi ngalinye esiligcinayo namhlanje likhusela ikamva.
🚰 Masingenise unyaka omtsha sisebenzisa amanzi ngobulumko.
💦 Xela ukuvuza okanye ukusetyenziswa gwenxa:
📞 044 801 9262 / 66 | 044 801 6300
🚨 Ukophula imithetho: 044 801 6350 | 044 801 6300
#UMasipalaWaseGeorge #GcinaAmanzi #AmathontsiAbalulekile
Gardens & Irrigation
🌿 Gardens may only be watered using buckets or watering cans.
🚫 No hoses or irrigation systems allowed.
💦 Report leaks or water misuse:
📞 044 801 9262 / 66 (office hours) | 044 801 6300 (after hours)
🚨 Violations: 044 801 6350 (office hours) | 044 801 6300 (a/h)
#GeorgeMunicipality #WaterDemandManagement #EveryDropCounts
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🌿 Tuine mag slegs met emmers of gieters natgemaak word.
💦 Rapporteer lekkasies of misbruik:
📞 044 801 9262 / 66 | 044 801 6300 (na-ure)
🚨 Oortredings: 044 801 6350 | 044 801 6300
#GeorgeMunisipaliteit #Waterbestuur #ElkeDruppelTel
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🌿 Igadi mayinkcenkceshelwe kuphela ngeebhakethi okanye iijagi.
💦 Xela ukuvuza okanye ukusetyenziswa gwenxa:
📞 044 801 9262 / 66 | 044 801 6300
🚨 Ukophula imithetho: 044 801 6350 | 044 801 6300
#UMasipalaWaseGeorge #GcinaAmanzi #AmathontsiAbalulekile
GARDEN ROUTE DAM LEVEL
Percentage storage at new raised dam wall height: 45,68 %
Rainfall for the previous days: 16.1 mm
(Measured from 22 – 29 December 2025)
Please see the link to 2C water restrictions implemented as of 4 December 2025: http://tinyurl.com/3439h4n7
The cooperation of all users of municipal water is essential and is greatly appreciated.
Level 2C Water Demand Management Measures are in effect in George and surrounds.
Dam levels are under pressure — every drop counts.
🚰 Households, businesses, and visitors must reduce water use now to protect supply during the peak season.
💦 Report leaks or water misuse:
📞 044 801 9262 / 66 (office hours) | 044 801 6300 (after hours)
🚨 Violations: 044 801 6350 (office hours) | 044 801 6300 (a/h)
#GeorgeMunicipality #WaterDemandManagement #EveryDropCounts
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💧 Vlak 2C Waterverbruiksbestuursmaatreëls is in werking in George en omgewing.
Damvlakke is onder druk — elke druppel tel.
🚰 Huishoudings, besighede en besoekers moet waterverbruik dringend verminder.
💦 Rapporteer lekkasies of misbruik:
📞 044 801 9262 / 66 | 044 801 6300 (na-ure)
🚨 Oortredings: 044 801 6350 | 044 801 6300
#GeorgeMunisipaliteit #Waterbestuur #ElkeDruppelTel
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💧 Amanqanaba e-2C oLawulo lokuSetyenziswa kwaManzi ayasebenza eGeorge.
Amanzi edama aphantsi koxinzelelo — ithontsi ngalinye libalulekile.
🚰 Amakhaya, amashishini nabakhenkethi kufuneka banciphise ukusetyenziswa kwamanzi.
💦 Xela ukuvuza okanye ukusetyenziswa gwenxa:
📞 044 801 9262 / 66 | 044 801 6300
🚨 Ukophula imithetho: 044 801 6350 | 044 801 6300
#UMasipalaWaseGeorge #GcinaAmanzi #AmathontsiAbalulekile
Looking for adventure, culture, good food, or a place to unwind? 🌊🌿✨
Get everything you need to explore George, Wilderness and Uniondale on our official tourism website:
👉 visitgeorge.co.za
From exciting things to do and upcoming events that might just tickle your interest, to a wide range of accommodation, restaurants, and hidden local gems – it’s all waiting for you in one place.
But hey… if you don’t have time to browse everything just yet, here are 70 things to get you started off 😉
So long, happy exploring, and we’ll see you out there!
Issuing of Temporary Driving Licences
The Driving Licence Testing Centre (DLTC) has noted an increase in late applications for the renewal of driving licence cards. Members of the public are advised that when applying for a new driving licence card and the issuing of a temporary driving licence, the same legal requirements apply, including eye testing. Vision standards differ according to the code of the driving licence applied for.
In many cases, where applicants do not meet the prescribed vision standards, the driving licence code may need to be downgraded. Such applications must be submitted to the Mobility Department and the Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) for approval. Please note that both entities are closed for the festive season and will only resume operations on 05 January 2026. As a result, a temporary driving licence may not be issued, and the affected individual will not be permitted to operate a motor vehicle, as this would constitute driving without a valid licence.
In terms of Section 15(1)(f)(vi) of the National Road Traffic Act, Act 93 of 1996, a person is disqualified from obtaining or holding a learner’s or driving licence if he or she suffers from defective vision as determined in accordance with prescribed standards. This is further supported by Regulation 102, which deals with defective vision disqualifying a person from holding or obtaining a licence.
With regard to licence card validity, Regulation 108(5)(a) provides that a driving licence card expires five years from the date it was ordered from the Card Production Facility. Regulation 108(6)(a) further states that if a person applies for a new driving licence card on or before the expiry date, and the licence has not been suspended or cancelled, the existing card remains valid for up to three months after expiry, pending the issuing of the new card.
Drivers may continue to use their expired driving licence card during this period only if they are in possession of:
The expired driving licence card, and proof of application (receipt) for the new driving licence card.
Motorists are urged to apply for renewal well in advance of the expiry date of their driving licence cards to avoid inconvenience, delays, or the risk of being unable to legally operate a motor vehicle
Bruin Water – Proteaville, Haarlem
George Munisipaliteit is bewus van die bruin/verkleurde water wat voorkom in die Proteaville-gebied van Haarlem. Dit is weens die water vlak in Reservoir 1 wat tot ’n lae vlak gedaal het.
Die reservoir se watervlak styg geleidelik, waarna die watergehalte sal verbeter soos die vlakke stabiliseer.
Inwoners word versoek om water vir drinkdoeleindes te kook tot verdere kennisgewing.
George Munisipaliteit vra om verskoning vir die ongerief en bedank inwoners vir hul geduld.
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PUBLIC NOTICE: Brown Water – Proteaville, Haarlem
George Municipality is aware of reports of brown/discoloured water in the Proteaville area of Haarlem. This is due to the water level in Reservoir 1 having dropped to a low level.
The reservoir level is gradually rising, and water quality is expected to improve as levels stabilise.
Residents are advised to boil water for drinking purposes until further notice.
George Municipality apologises for the inconvenience caused and thanks residents for their patience.
No gratuity or money in lieu of services
George Municipality has been made aware of refuse workers asking members of the public for donations. Please note that no municipal official may ask for a gratuity or any money in lieu of services rendered.
We request that the GM Number on the vehicle is provided to our Community Services Directorate when reporting any such requests to 044 802 2900.
Early Closure of Motor Vehicle Registration (MVR) Offices
Please be advised that the Drive-through Motor Vehicle and Registration Offices in Blanco, will close at 13:00 tomorrow, 12 December 2025, due to operational requirements.
The Hibernia office will close normal time @15:00
We apologise for any inconvenience caused and appreciate your understanding.
Temporary Road Surface Disruption – Beukes Street
The George Municipality wishes to inform residents and motorists that the asphalt plant supplying material for ongoing work in Beukes Street experienced an unexpected breakdown. As a result, asphalt patching will only be completed on Thursday, 11 December 2025.
Milling and removal of the existing road surface had already taken place prior to the breakdown. Motorists are therefore requested to proceed with caution, as several patch areas will remain open overnight. Temporary warning signage has been installed for public safety.
We apologise for any inconvenience as a result of this and thank the public for their patience.
