Author: Nadine Payle

CAPTION (20 SEP 2026)
A group of excited stakeholders travelled to the George Airport on Route 19 on Sunday morning to celebrate the activation of the trial route. From left are: George Cllr Given Masase (Chairperson GIPTN), Lee-Anne Meiring (George Director of Community Safety and Mobility, Ald. Browen Johnson (George Executive Mayor), Western Cape Minister of Mobility, Isaac Sileku, Branda Vorster (Manager Airport), Dirk Wessels (Western Cape MPL), Morné Lakay (GO GEORGE Manager), and Marek Houba (GIPTN Project Manager).

George Municipality and the Western Cape Government have announced the activation of a GO GEORGE trial route between the George CBD and George Airport on Sunday 20 September 2026, providing bus passengers, including anyone working at the airport, with new travel options seven days a week.

Route 19 AIRPORT will operate from 05:00 to 20:00 daily. During peak hours, buses will depart approximately every 22 minutes, with a 45 minute frequency during off peak times.

Departing from the Transport Hub in Cradock Street, the route will stop at all existing bus stops between the CBD and MediClinic, and thereafter at the AIRPORT 711 stop inside the airport grounds. The service demand and uptake will be monitored carefully with a view to continuous refinement and adjustment to passenger needs.

Early-morning trip for early birds
To accommodate staff starting work early, two early-morning routes, each running just one trip, are scheduled to depart from Parkdene and Thembalethu at 05:10 daily. These routes will not board passengers at the airport and will return to the depot directly.

According to Morné Lakay, GO GEORGE Manager, additional stops may be added as passenger demand grows. “After years of discussion with George Airport management, our aim is to get the route going with our usual infrastructure-light approach while we monitor the needs of workers and students on the route,” he said.

George Airport Manager, Brenda Vorster, said the trial route coming to life is deeply meaningful for all stakeholders at George Airport. “We have hoped for this connection for many years, knowing how much it would support the people who keep the airport running every day. A reliable public transport link makes it easier for staff to plan their transport, and we are proud to support GO GEORGE in making this goal a reality.”

George Executive Mayor, Alderman Browen Johnson, said the new route would help make mobility more accessible to residents and connect them to opportunities. “This is not just about a new bus route. It is about connecting people to opportunities, supporting our growing economy and making sure that, as George grows, our transport network grows with it,” he said.

Western Cape Minister of Mobility, Isaac Sileku, is looking forward to seeing Route 19 become a valuable link for the George community. “Good transport connectivity is important for our local economy. It helps residents get to work, supports businesses and makes it easier for residents to move around the region. We will continue working with GO GEORGE and our partners to build a public transport system that responds to the everyday needs of our communities,” he said.

For full route details and trip planning support, visit www.gogeorge.org.za or contact the GO GEORGE Call Centre at 0800 044 044 between 05:00 and 20:00 daily.

A united effort to tackle litter, promote recycling, and encourage greater community responsibility for the environment will get underway in George this week as the Municipality and its partners launch a series of clean-up and recycling activities. George Clean-Up and Recycle Week 2026, taking place from 15 to 19 September, will bring together community organisations, waste-management partners, government stakeholders and residents in a range of activities across George.

The initiative combines practical clean-up activities with recycling education, waste-picker support and initiatives aimed at demonstrating the value of separating and recycling waste.

PROGRAMME
📍Edameni, Thembalethu | 09:00–10:00
🗓️Tuesday, 15 September
Recycling and buy-back information session with the Asivikelane Campaign.

📍Blanco and Malgas River area | From 09:00
🗓️Wednesday, 16 September
Targeted river clean-up and the first community swop-shop pilot.

📍Thembalethu Mobile Buy-Back Centre and Inkcubeko Training Centre
🗓️Friday, 18 September
Waste-picker training, recycling and buy-back activities, a swop-shop pilot, environmental education and a local clean-up.

📍Thembalethu
🗓️Saturday, 19 September
Community clean-up launch.

📍Kleinkrantz Beach
🗓️Saturday, 19 September
International Coastal Clean-Up involving local soccer youth.

The activities combine environmental action with practical education and community participation. The swop-shop pilots will demonstrate how clean recyclable materials can be separated and exchanged, helping communities to understand the value of recycling.

Senior Manager for Environmental Services in the George Municipality, Mr Sivuyile Mtila, said the initiative provides an opportunity to take practical action while strengthening public awareness about responsible waste management. “Clean-up campaigns are important, but their impact goes beyond removing litter. We want to use these activities to encourage better waste practices, increase recycling awareness, and demonstrate what can be achieved when communities and partners work together. Every kilogram of recyclable material recovered is material that can be diverted from the waste stream, while every area cleaned contributes to a healthier environment.”

Executive Mayor Ald. Browen Johnson said keeping George clean is a shared responsibility that requires active participation from residents, businesses, organisations, and government. “A clean George is something we must build together. Our public spaces, rivers, beaches, and neighbourhoods belong to all of us, and we all have a role to play in protecting them. This week is an opportunity not only to clean up, but to strengthen a culture of responsibility, pride and care for our communities and environment.”

George Municipality is participating in the initiative alongside Henque Waste, Work for Liberation, Asivikelane, eWASA, Garden Route District Municipality, Western Cape Government and SANParks, Shoprite, with additional partners supporting various activities. The Municipality encourages residents to support the campaign by disposing of waste responsibly, separating recyclable materials where possible and taking pride in keeping their neighbourhoods and natural spaces clean.

WEATHER ADVISORY

As some of the activities are outdoors, the programme remains subject to weather and site safety conditions. Activities may be delayed, postponed or cancelled where conditions pose a risk to participants. Residents and participants are encouraged to check the latest official communication before travelling to an activity.

ENDS.

Mayor Ald Browen Johnson cutting Ribbon:
Executive Mayor of George, Ald Brown Johnson, cuts the ribbon to officially open the Integrated Operational Centre on 1 September 2026, marking a major milestone for the municipality’s Safer City Strategy.

George Municipality has officially opened its new Integrated Operational Centre, marking a significant milestone in strengthening public safety, operational coordination and municipal responsiveness across the city. The centre was officially opened by the Executive Mayor of George, Ald Brown Johnson, on 1 September 2026 at the facility on Mitchell Street, George.

Community Safety team:
Members of the Community Safety team gather inside the new facility, which houses the 24-hour Safer City Call Centre and CCTV Command Centre.

Addressing the attendees, which included members of the MMC for Community Safety, Cllr Danie Cronje, the Executive Mayoral Committee, councillors, senior management and municipal officials, Director of Community Safety and Mobility Lee-Anne Meiring said the Integrated Operational Centre brings together technology, information and municipal operational services to strengthen the monitoring and coordination of incidents, improve situational awareness and support the efficient deployment of resources.

Jovial Attendees outside the Integrated Operational Centre:
Municipal officials and dignitaries share a light-hearted moment outside the Integrated Operational Centre after celebrating its official opening.

“The facility houses the Safer City Call Centre, which operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week, as well as a CCTV Command Centre with cameras monitoring areas across George. The centre also supports Municipal Law Enforcement, Traffic Services and Anti-Land Invasion operations, enabling these services to work more closely together in responding to incidents,” Meiring said.

Speaking at the official opening, Mayor Johnson said the centre represents the Municipality’s commitment to smarter governance, stronger coordination and safer communities. “This centre is far more than a building equipped with technology. It is the operational heart of a modern municipality. It is where information becomes action, where incidents are monitored, coordinated and managed, and where municipal safety services come together to ensure that the right resources are dispatched to the right place at the right time,” said Mayor Johnson.

Ald Johnson said the centre is an important milestone in the implementation of George Municipality’s Safer City Strategy, as the Municipality moves beyond planning and strategies towards practical implementation and execution.

“A safer city is created through deliberate investment, visible law enforcement, responsive service delivery, informed decision-making and strong community partnerships. That is exactly what we are building here in George,” said Johnson. “One year ago, we committed to 24/7 Law Enforcement services. On 1 September 2026, we took the next step by officially launching our Integrated Operational Centre — strengthening our ability to monitor, respond and keep our communities safer, around the clock,” he added.

24-Hour Safer City Call Centre Launched

As part of the new operational arrangements, George Municipality has officially launched its 24-hour Safer City Call Centre, providing residents with direct access to municipal services at any time of the day or night.

Residents can report safety-related concerns, suspicious activities, by-law transgressions, traffic-related matters, and other incidents through the following numbers:

Safer City Call Centre:

044 801 6350
044 801 6310
044 801 6389

A dedicated Safer City WhatsApp reporting service has also been introduced on 082 423 5082, providing residents with an additional channel to communicate with the Municipality.

Mayor Johnson with Safer City Call Centre Operators:
Executive Mayor Ald Brown Johnson visits operators at work inside the newly launched 24-hour Safer City Call Centre, which provides residents with direct access to municipal services around the clock.

When submitting a complaint via WhatsApp, residents are required to provide their full name and surname, contact number, a brief description of the incident, the full address or exact location, and any relevant photographs or videos. Once all the required information has been received, the complaint will be logged and a reference number issued.

Residents are reminded that WhatsApp calls and voice notes are not accepted. Complaints must be submitted in writing via WhatsApp text. The WhatsApp service and Safer City Call Centre should not be used for emergencies requiring an immediate response.

For fire emergencies in George, residents should call 044 801 6311, available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The Toll-Free Disaster Management line, 0800 424 477, is also available 24/7 for disaster-related emergencies. For after-hours municipal emergencies in George, residents can contact 044 801 6300. In Uniondale and Haarlem, residents requiring emergency assistance should contact 044 801 9189.

The Uniondale/Haarlem Fire Service can be reached on 044 752 1225 during operating hours (07:45–16:30), while after-hours emergencies should be reported on 044 801 6300.

Traffic Operations Extended to 24 Hours

The Municipality has also introduced a new 12-hour shift system for Municipal Traffic Services, providing 24-hour traffic law-enforcement coverage across the municipal area.

The new shift system commenced at 06:00 on 1 September 2026 and is intended to strengthen road safety interventions, visible enforcement, incident response and support for broader public safety initiatives throughout the day and night.

Mayor Johnson said the extended operational capacity would contribute to improved road safety, compliance, crime prevention support and overall public safety in George.

The Integrated Operational Centre forms part of the Municipality’s broader approach to strengthening collaboration between municipal services and external stakeholders, including the South African Police Service, Provincial Traffic, Emergency Medical Services, Disaster Management, neighbourhood watches, community organisations, businesses and residents.

Acting Municipal Manager Dr Dean O’Neill thanked Council, municipal officials and all stakeholders involved in establishing the centre, saying the facility demonstrates what can be achieved when there is a shared commitment to strengthening municipal operations and public safety.

“Had Council not had the vision to establish this facility and invest in that vision, this would not have happened. We are already seeing the value of having an integrated operational platform, with several arrests having been made since the centre was established.

“I particularly appreciate the integration and cooperation with the South African Police Service, which is already yielding positive results. This demonstrates that when information, technology and the capabilities of different agencies are brought together, we are better positioned to respond to incidents and improve the safety of our communities,” said Dr O’Neill.

He said the establishment of the centre should be viewed as the beginning of a broader operational journey. “The Integrated Operational Centre is not the destination. It is the platform from which we will continue to strengthen our Safer City operations, improve coordination, and deliver a more responsive service to the residents of George,” Dr O’Neill concluded.

END

George Municipality has confirmed the arrest of a local scrap yard owner who was found in possession of stolen municipal infrastructure during a coordinated enforcement operation by the South African Police Service (SAPS) and Municipal Law Enforcement on Thursday afternoon, 3 September 2026.

During a targeted raid at the scrap metal dealership, authorities discovered and seized 10,9kg of stripped copper cables, which were confirmed to be the property of George Municipality.

The arrest forms part of an intensified enforcement campaign aimed at disrupting the illegal trade in infrastructure metals and holding businesses that create a market for stolen municipal assets accountable.

George Municipality says the financial impact of cable theft and vandalism remains severe, with repairs and replacement of damaged electrical infrastructure having cost more than R10 million in ratepayer funds.

“We are sending a clear message to both the perpetrators who damage our infrastructure and the businesses that purchase stolen materials: the municipality will not tolerate the destruction of critical infrastructure. Cable theft disrupts basic service delivery, leaves residents without power, and diverts millions of rand from essential community services,” said Lee-Anne Meiring, Director of Community Safety and Mobility at George Municipality.

Executive Mayor Alderman Browen Johnson welcomed the arrest, stating: “Our infrastructure is continuously damaged by perpetrators who then sell the stolen materials to scrapyards. Just last week, I was in Borcherds and Protea Park, where we saw the direct impact of cable theft and the damage it causes in our communities.

“The message is clear: we are cracking down on everyone involved — those who steal and those who buy stolen materials, Mayor Johnson added. “Every time our infrastructure is stolen or damaged, it comes at a cost to our residents. Instead of using our resources to upgrade communities, we are forced to spend millions repairing infrastructure that has been deliberately damaged.

“I also urge our communities to remain vigilant and report theft, vandalism and suspicious activity using our new Law Enforcement WhatsApp number. Working together, we can help protect the infrastructure that our communities depend on,” Ald Johnson said.

The suspect is expected to appear in court on charges related to possession of property believed to be essential infrastructure.

Municipal Law Enforcement and SAPS will continue conducting unannounced inspections and enforcement operations at scrap metal facilities across the region.

Help Protect Our Infrastructure

George Municipality appeals to residents to report vandalism, theft or suspicious activity through the official reporting channels below:

George Municipality Safer City Call Centre:
044 801 6350
044 801 6310
044 801 6389

WhatsApp:
082 423 5082

George Municipality officials and community safety personnel receive a briefing as part of preparations for community safety operations in George.

George Municipality is pleased to announce the appointment of Mr Ismail Patel as Senior Manager of Community Safety, effective 1 August 2026.

Community safety personnel line up during a briefing, highlighting the coordinated efforts to strengthen safety, law enforcement, and public service delivery across George.

In his new role, Mr Patel will manage the community safety functions of the George Municipality. His portfolio includes fire and rescue services, disaster management, traffic services, law enforcement and public safety.

Mr Patel holds a Bachelor of Laws (LLB), a Bachelor of Technology (BTech) in Policing, and a National Diploma in Police Administration. He has further strengthened his professional expertise through several occupational qualifications, including a Traffic Officer Diploma, a Metro Police Certificate and certification as an Examiner of Driving Licences.

With more than 35 years of experience in the law enforcement environment, Mr Patel has built an extensive career spanning operational, regulatory and strategic leadership roles. He began his law enforcement career at the age of 19 with the South African Police Service (SAPS), where he gained extensive experience in public safety, crime prevention and law enforcement.

Mr Patel brings more than 15 years of experience at middle and senior management levels, having served in leadership positions across all spheres of government. His career includes service with Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality Traffic Services, the Eastern Cape Department of Transport, the Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC), and the City of Cape Town’s Safety and Security Directorate.

Throughout his career, Mr Patel has contributed to the development and implementation of road safety, traffic law enforcement, public safety and regulatory compliance initiatives.

His combination of legal qualifications, specialised law enforcement expertise and extensive leadership experience has enabled him to drive service excellence, strengthen institutional capacity and contribute to safer communities across South Africa.

George Municipality welcomes Mr Patel to his new role and looks forward to his contribution towards strengthening community safety and service delivery across the municipal area.