Author: Nadine Payle

George Municipality advises the public that some municipal facilities and services are temporarily unavailable due to storm-related damage.

CLOSED FACILITIES
Worker Collection Point – 12 Industrial Street – operating from 4th floor, Main Municipal Building. Damage assessments will be conducted today

REOPENED TO THE PUBLIC
• BLANCO MVR – Open to the public
• Wilderness Tourism Offices
• EPWP Database Offices

INTERMITTENT TELEPHONE/ INTERNET SERVICE
The service provider has resolved all known issues with regard to telephone system.
1) Landfill Site and Social Development Offices -currently no internet or telephone connectivity available.
2) George Library – currently no internet or telephone connectivity available.
3) Blanco Library – power outage; no public internet access
4) Touwsranten Library – antenna damaged; no public internet access
5) Waboomskraal Library – no internet connection
6) Thembalethu Library – unstable and intermittent connectivity

GENERAL CONTACT DETAILS
Switchboard: 044 801 9111 (07:45 – 16:30)
General public queries (non-emergency): gmun@george.gov.za

REPORTING MUNICIPAL ISSUES
Residents are encouraged to report non-emergency municipal-related issues via the My Smart City – George App or by emailing gmun@george.gov.za which provide a reference for your fault.

My Smart City – George App can be downloaded via the Apple App Store, Google Play Store, or via www.mysmart.city Residents may also scan the QR code printed on their municipal statement.

George Municipality thanks residents for their patience and cooperation during this challenging period.

George Municipality will continue with clean-up operations across the city following the severe weather events experienced over the past two weeks.

Municipal Street Cleansing teams will continue working throughout the weekend together with Parks and Recreation teams, who are actively cutting up and removing felled trees and storm-related debris across affected areas.

TEMPORARY WOOD CHIPPER
A temporary wood chipper has been placed at the corner of Merriman and Union Streets to assist residents with the disposal of storm-related tree branches and green waste. Residents may bring branches measuring between 6cm and 10cm in diameter for chipping instead of travelling to the landfill site.

The temporary chipping site has been established to assist with the increased volume of green waste resulting from fallen trees and storm damage across the municipality. The wood chipper will operate today from 08:00 to 16:00, Saturday 8:00 to 16:00 and Sunday 8:00 to 16:00.

SKIPS AT KEY LOCATIONS
To support the wider clean-up effort, skips will be placed at key locations across the municipality and brown refuse bags will be made available to residents where possible.

EXTENDED LANDFILL SITE OPERATING HOURS
Saturday: 07h00 – 17h00
Sunday: 07h00 – 13h00

Residents are requested to cooperate with officials on-site and to ensure that only suitable green waste is brought to the facility. No general household waste or building rubble will be accepted.

George Municipality thanks all residents, volunteers, businesses, and partner organisations for their continued support and cooperation during the disaster response period.

Issued by George Municipality – 14 May 2026 @ 09:52

George Municipality advises the public that some municipal facilities and services are temporarily unavailable due to storm-related damage.

CLOSED FACILITIES
• Worker Collection Point – 12 Industrial Street – operating from 4th floor, Main Municipal Building
• BLANCO MVR Closed

REOPENED TO THE PUBLIC
Wilderness Tourism Offices
EPWP Database Offices

INTERMITTENT TELEPHONE/ INTERNET SERVICE
Various George Municipal offices are currently experiencing intermittent telephone line service due to severe storm damage caused by the extreme high winds on 11 May. Our service provider is actively working to resolve the issues.

We have noted that some calls connect, but staff are unable to hear callers speaking. The public is kindly requested to remain patient and To please report all faults on the SmartCity by visiting www.mysmart.city

George Library – no internet or telephone lines but open to public
• George Library – antenna damaged
• Blanco Library – power outage; no public internet access
• Touwsranten Library – antenna damaged; no public internet access
• Waboomskraal Library – no internet connection
• Thembalethu Library – unstable and intermittent connectivity

GENERAL CONTACT DETAILS
Switchboard: 044 801 9111 (07:45 – 16:30)
General public queries (non-emergency): gmun@george.gov.za

REPORTING MUNICIPAL ISSUES
Residents are encouraged to report non-emergency municipal-related issues via the My Smart City – George App or by emailing gmun@george.gov.za.
The NEW My Smart City – George App can be downloaded via the Apple App Store, Google Play Store, or via www.mysmart.city. Residents may also scan the QR code printed on their municipal statement.

George Municipality thanks residents for their patience and cooperation during this challenging period.

All technical and operational departments of George Municipality remain on full activation following the severe weather events experienced across George and surrounding areas from Wednesday, 6 May to present.

Civil Engineering Services has mobilised internal teams together with ad hoc emergency contractors to respond to water outages caused by burst pipelines following fallen trees, as well as major repair work required on the Western Bypass 1000mm pipeline and other infrastructure damaged or washed away during the recent storm period, which included severe flooding last week and extreme winds this week.

The Municipality also received generous donations of gunplast sheeting from members of the public and several contractors to assist affected communities, for which we are sincerely appreciative. Special thanks are extended to WJ Civils, Entsha Henra, Babcon, Urhwebo Transand, Phambili Civils and Coastal Armature for their support during this difficult period.

The Community Services Directorate mobilised Parks and Recreation teams to assist with the clearing of fallen trees in collaboration with George Fire and Disaster Services, who responded to numerous emergency incidents throughout the storm period. Additional assistance was provided by Darryl Sauer of Gwaing Trading, who assisted with tree removal operations in Heatherlands. External service providers have also been called in to assist with the large-scale task of clearing roads and public spaces across George and surrounding areas. A significant number of reservists and neighbourhood watch members continue to assist within their respective communities with the removal of fallen trees and support operations.

Humanitarian organisations and community groups, together with Municipal Social Development, also played a valuable role in supporting residents affected by the storms. Love George, Gift of the Givers, as well as various George businesses and individuals, graciously assisted with donations and the supply of essential items to residents severely affected by the flooding and high winds experienced during the past week.

Electrical Engineering Services mobilised both High Voltage and Low Voltage internal teams, together with available service providers, to respond to the large number of electricity-related complaints and outages experienced since Monday. There is still a high volume of power outages being attended to, and we extend our appreciation to the public for their patience and understanding as municipal officials and emergency teams continue working under difficult conditions to restore services as quickly and safely as possible.

Traffic Services, Law Enforcement and Anti-Land Invasion officials were also fully mobilised to monitor road conditions, assess flooding impacts and assist where required. Refuse collection staff and EPWP workers who were unable to continue with normal duties due to weather conditions were redeployed to emergency response operations as directed by the George Disaster Joint Operations Centre (JOC).

The George Disaster JOC continues to monitor the overall situation across George and surrounding areas, including Uniondale, Haarlem and Noll.

George Municipality would like to sincerely thank all of our officials, and every organisation, business, volunteer group, reservist, neighbourhood watch member and individual who stepped forward to assist during this difficult period. The collective support received from across the community has played a significant role in helping restore services, assist affected residents and improve safety conditions as quickly as possible.

George Municipality hereby notifies residents that data collection for the compilation and maintenance of the General Valuation Roll and supplementary valuation rolls, will be implemented across the greater George area from mid-April 2026. This process includes the collection of property data and street view imagery for approximately 50 000 properties and forms a critical part of determining property values for municipal rating purposes.

The appointed service provider, DDP Property Valuers Pty (Ltd) will be conducting:
• Site visits to properties,
• Driving through neighbourhoods,
• Capturing street-facing photographs only using mobile applications and related technology,
• Residents are advised that photographs will be limited to external, street-facing views only and that No access to private homes is required unless arranged by appointment,
• Inspections may take place between 07:30 and 19:00, excluding Sundays and Public Holidays,
• Data collection will take place across multiple areas.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION REGARDING INDENTIFICATION AND VERIFICATION
• Fieldworkers will carry official identification cards at all times.
• They will not wear branded clothing, but will be able to identify themselves on request.
• An official municipal authorisation letter with relevant contact numbers will be available on request to support this process.
• Residents are encouraged to request identification if unsure and/or contact the numbers provided below.

ACCESS TO ESTATES AND COMPLEXES
Residents, body corporates, and management of security estates and gated complexes are kindly requested to cooperate and facilitate access to authorised data collection teams. This is a municipal process applicable to all properties, including those within estates. The Municipality will engage directly with estate management structures; however, cooperation at security access points is essential to ensure the successful completion of this process.

Areas to be visited include Herolds Bay, Le Grand, Residential Estates in George, Pacaltsdorp and Blanco, Langvlei Dunes, Wilderness, George, Thembalethu, Victoria Bay, Hoekwil, Uniondale and surrounding small farms.

CONTACT DETAILS FOR VERIFICATION AND/OR IDENTIFICATION PURPOSES
Municipal officials A Scheepers or J Smith on 044 801 9111 / 9109 for any queries or to verify fieldworkers 07:45 – 16:30, Monday to Friday.

George Municipality appreciates the community’s cooperation and assistance in facilitating this important process.

⚠️ Garden Route District road closure update as at 3pm
✅ TR31/5 is open.

⚠️ Central Karoo District road closure update as at 3pm
✅ TR34/2 is open.

⚠️ Overberg District road closure update as at 3pm.

Please take note of this fake message currently circulating.

Any official opportunities relating to this region will ONLY be published on this WhatsApp Channel ✅ or groups/channels of Local Municipalities in the Garden Route (Hessequa, Mossel Bay, George, Knysna, Bitou, Oudtshoorn and Kannaland).

Please verify information before sharing and help us stop the spread of false information.

Issued by Garden Route District Municipality

Residents are urged to remain cautious as flooding is still ongoing across several areas. Dams continue to spill, with the Stompdrift Dam currently at 139%, while the Meiringspoort River remains in flood as it passes through Oudtshoorn, passing Calitzdorp Hot Springs via the Olifant’s River and down to the Gourits. The route from Oudtshoorn via Calitzdorp Hot Springs to Gourits has been severely affected, with multiple farms cut off and many residents impacted.

Meiringspoort Pass is expected to remain closed for an extended period. The N9 also remains closed and is accessible only for emergency services. Road users can alternatively travel via the R341 through De Rust to Oudtshoorn. From Oudtshoorn, motorists can continue towards George via the N12, or travel along the R62 towards Calitzdorp, Ladismith and beyond.

AREAS INACCESSIBLE

The following areas remain inaccessible due to flooding and infrastructure damage:
Oudtshoorn Municipal area
– Middelplaas
– Volmoed
– Cango Bergoord
– De Oude Meul
– Moeras River
– Proefplaas
– Meiringspoort.

Kannaland Municipal area
– Paardebont (close to Van Wyksdorp)
– Middelpad at Calitzdorp Hot Springs
– Gamka-Oos

George Municipal area
– Mount Hope (past Zebra)
– De Vlugt
– Kammanassie

Bitou Municipal area
– SNK & Fisantehoek
– Wittedrift

Humanitarian assistance has been requested from Gift of the Givers, Al Imdaad and NGO’s with five-day food parcels being prepared for delivery. Air support may be utilised where possible. Authorities have attempted to reach a school group at Cango Bergoord, consisting of 64 people, but the area remains inaccessible.

CRITICAL INFRASTRUCTURE ISSUES

– The Uplands Water Works on the R340 has been severely affected. The facility supplies approximately 80% of Bitou Municipality’s water and repairs are critical.
– The Bitou Municipality currently has sufficient water in reservoirs for at least today.
– The Bitou Municipality’s Roodefontein Pump Station has also been flooded.
– Access to the Nature’s Valley Pump Station has also been compromised.
– In Uniondale, a water pipeline was washed away and water tankers provided by GRDM are currently supplying affected communities.

Only follow municipal Facebook pages and WhatsApp Channels for updates in town areas:
Garden Route District Municipality
www.facebook.com/gardenroutedistrictmunicipality

STATUS OF ROADS

Oudtshoorn Area
DR1707 – Middelplaas (closed)
MR369 – Swartberg Pass (closed)
MR401 – Uniondale Poort (closed)
MR401 – Uniondale town approaches (closed)
MR399 – Avontuur (closed)

Kannaland Area

DR1706 – Groenfontein (closed)
MR309 – Seweweekspoort (closed)

George / Knysna / Bitou Area

DR1615 – Swart Rivier (closed)
MR346 – Buffelsbaai (closed)
DR1888 – Keurboomstrand (closed)
MR390 – Kruisvallei / Uplands intersection (closed)
DR1613 – Phantom Pass (closed)
DR1602 – Kleinplaas (closed)
DR1633 – Jonkersberg (closed)
DR1604 – Haelkraal (closed)

Trunk Roads

TR33/4 – Meiringspoort (closed)
TR44/1 – Avontuur to Eastern Cape boundary (closed)
TR1/2 – Noll to Harold (closed)
TR2/12 – Nature’s Valley to N2 (closed)
TR16/10 – Murraysburg to Graaff-Reinet (closed)
TR58/1 – Molteno Pass (Beaufort West to Loxton) (closed)
TR1/2 – N9 section near Uniondale (closed)
TR33/2 – Oudtshoorn flooded section (closed)

Roads Open / Partially Open

Oudtshoorn Area

DR1640 – Montagu Pass — one lane open
George / Knysna Area
MR390 – Kruisvallei (km 0–1.44) — open
MR355 – Seven Passes Road — open after tree removal
MR351 – Barrington — open
MR394 – Keurboomstrand — open

Trunk Roads

TR34/2 – Prince Albert to Klaarstroom — open
TR31/5 – Huisrivier Pass — stop-and-go system in place

Motorists are urged to avoid unnecessary travel as conditions may change rapidly due to ongoing rainfall, flooding rivers, falling trees, and damaged road infrastructure.

Hessequa Municpality
www.facebook.com/hessequamunicipality

Mossel Bay Municipality
www.facebook.com/mosselbaymun
https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaObfDbBadmjaxmERb0d

George Municipality
www.facebook.com/george.municipality
https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaRHVS9HAdNXTJPKis3k

Knysna Municipality
www.facebook.com/knysnamunicipality
https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaddGzkKwqSX9z7fPm2V

Bitou Municipality
www.facebook.com/bitoulocalmunicipality
https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vb5xx5wGE56kaY90693M

Greater Oudtshoorn Municipality
www.facebook.com/oudtmun
https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VagZwTjHgZWmFke9An2N

Kannaland Municipality
www.facebook.com/kannaland.munisipaliteit.5

Report Provincial Road Issues via Download the Roads4U app
Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=za.gov.westerncape.roadsforyou
iOS: https://apps.apple.com/za/app/roads4u/id6752285666

𝑇ℎ𝑒 𝐺𝑅𝐷𝑀 𝐷𝑖𝑠𝑎𝑠𝑡𝑒𝑟 𝑀𝑎𝑛𝑎𝑔𝑒𝑚𝑒𝑛𝑡 𝑒𝑛𝑐𝑜𝑢𝑟𝑎𝑔𝑒𝑠 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑝𝑢𝑏𝑙𝑖𝑐 𝑡𝑜 𝑟𝑒𝑝𝑜𝑟𝑡 𝑓𝑙𝑜𝑜𝑑-𝑟𝑒𝑙𝑎𝑡𝑒𝑑 𝑖𝑛𝑐𝑖𝑑𝑒𝑛𝑡𝑠 𝑡𝑜 𝑡ℎ𝑒 24/7 𝐸𝑚𝑒𝑟𝑔𝑒𝑛𝑐𝑦 𝐶𝑎𝑙𝑙 𝐶𝑒𝑛𝑡𝑟𝑒 𝑜𝑓 𝐺𝑅𝑀, 044 805 5071 𝑜𝑟 𝑊ℎ𝑎𝑡𝑠𝐴𝑝𝑝 081 709 5193

Issued George Municipality, 7 May @ 11:30

Reports of flooding on N2 Kaaimans – please note the water has subsided already.
Motorists must please reduce speed and travel cautiously in the rain at ALL times.

Outeniqua Pass all cleared till Waboomskraal.

Herold’s Bay and Victoria Bay
Foam and high seas remain present. Not advisable to try and access.

Confirmed Road Closures
* Meiringspoort, between Beaufort West and Oudtshoorn closed
* Swartberg Pass, between Prince Albert and Oudtshoorn closed
* Uniondale Poort Open
* R62 first crossing open between Haarlem and Avontuur, waiting on details for second crossing.
* First entrance to Uniondale from George still closed.

Residents are encouraged to monitor the Municipality’s social media platforms, website, and local media for regular updates.

Emergency Contact Numbers:
George:
• Switchboard (07:45–16:30): 044 801 9111
• After-hours and emergencies: 044 801 6300
• Disaster Management (Toll-Free): 087 152 9999
• Fire Department: 044 801 6311
• Garden Route Disaster Centre: 044 805 5071
• Civil Engineering Customer Services: 044 801 9262 / 044 801 9266 (07:45–16:30) for stormwater-related complaints
• Law Enforcement: 044 801 6350 / 044 801 6389

Uniondale:
• Fire: 044 752 1225
• Switchboard and fault reporting: 044 752 1024

Issued George Municipality, 7 May @ 10.00

SAWS warning downgraded to Level 6 for Thursday 7 May, rainfall expected to dissipate and be limited to ad hoc showers,

Beach Areas
Victoria Bay and Herold’s Bay – roads are accessible. Seas and foam remain high.

Municipal Buildings/Facilities closed 7 May
Pacaltsdorp Thusong Centre
Landfill Site
Vehicle Testing Station

Water Outage
Uniondale currently running low on water supply in reservoir due to ESKOM power outage. Vehicles en-route to Uniondale to supplement Water Treatment Works.

Power Outages Still in Place
* Uniondale Eskom Outage
* Thembalethu Zone 9 and Zone 6, Tabata and Zabalaza Street Illegal Connections still present

Confirmed Road Closures
* Meiringspoort, between Beaufort West and Oudtshoorn, remains closed due to flooding and dangerous conditions.
* Swartberg Pass, between Prince Albert and Oudtshoorn, remains closed due to dangerous conditions following severe weather.
* Uniondale Poort Closed
* R62 between Haarlem and Avontuur Closed
* N9 from Kykoe, Noll’s Halt to George is open
* Road between Avontuur and Kareedouw closed.
* Outeniqua Pass – some damage but not closed, motorists are warned to proceed with caution and reduce speed at all times in wet weather.
* Access in to Haarlem closed from both sides by District Roads Engineer. Emergency Services remain on standby for evacuations/medical emergencies.

Report Provincial Road Issues via Download the Roads4U app
Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=za.gov.westerncape.roadsforyou
iOS: https://apps.apple.com/za/app/roads4u/id6752285666

Residents are encouraged to monitor the Municipality’s social media platforms, website, and local media for regular updates.

Emergency Contact Numbers:
George:
• Switchboard (07:45–16:30): 044 801 9111
• After-hours and emergencies: 044 801 6300
• Disaster Management (Toll-Free): 087 152 9999
• Fire Department: 044 801 6311
• Garden Route Disaster Centre: 044 805 5071
• Civil Engineering Customer Services: 044 801 9262 / 044 801 9266 (07:45–16:30) for stormwater-related complaints
• Law Enforcement: 044 801 6350 / 044 801 6389

Uniondale:
• Fire: 044 752 1225
• Switchboard and fault reporting: 044 752 1024

Measured Rainfall as at 8.30am, 6 May
Uniondale 136mm
Waboomskraal 117mm
Wilderness 73mm
Witfontein 76mm

Service Delivery Challenges
The public is advised that due to the inclement weather NO refuse collection will take place today.

Municipal Offices / Facilities Closed to Public
Wilderness Tourism
MVR Blanco and Hibernia Street

Power Outages Confirmed
Uniondale – power restored
Haarlem and Avontuur currently without power. (ESKOM)
Thembalethu, Zone 9 (George Municipal)

Flooding/Waterlogged – proceed with caution
George CBD – Courtenay Street, Knysna Road, Merriman Road, Wellington Street, Albert Street
Uniondale – Voortrekker Street, Hospital Street, Gray Street, Cathcart Street, Rose Street, Berkley Street, St George’s Street, Lang Street

Confirmed Road Closures
Please take note that Meiringspoort, between Beaufort West and Oudtshoorn, remains closed due to flooding and dangerous conditions.
Please take note that the Swartberg Pass, between Prince Albert and Oudtshoorn, remains closed due to dangerous conditions following severe weather.

Report Provincial Road Issues via Download the Roads4U app
Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=za.gov.westerncape.roadsforyou
iOS: https://apps.apple.com/za/app/roads4u/id6752285666

Residents are encouraged to monitor the Municipality’s social media platforms, website, and local media for regular updates.

Emergency Contact Numbers:
George:
• Switchboard (07:45–16:30): 044 801 9111
• After-hours and emergencies: 044 801 6300
• Disaster Management (Toll-Free): 087 152 9999
• Fire Department: 044 801 6311
• Garden Route Disaster Centre: 044 805 5071
• Civil Engineering Customer Services: 044 801 9262 / 044 801 9266 (07:45–16:30) for stormwater-related complaints
• Law Enforcement: 044 801 6350 / 044 801 6389

Uniondale:
• Fire: 044 752 1225
• Switchboard and fault reporting: 044 752 1024

Severe Weather Warning Remains in Effect – George Municipality on High Alert

George Municipality confirms that contingency plans remain fully activated, with all relevant services on high alert as severe weather conditions are expected from Wednesday, 6 May to Thursday, 7 May 2026.

The South African Weather Service (SAWS) has maintained its warning of an intense cut-off low-pressure system impacting parts of the Western Cape. The alert levels remain unchanged, including a Yellow Level 2 warning, as well as Orange Level 6 and Orange Level 8 warnings for significant disruptive rainfall across central and eastern regions. SAWS has advised that the cut-off low-pressure system is expected to result in widespread and disruptive rainfall (100–200 mm in places), flooding of roads, settlements and low-lying areas, damaging winds, coastal waves (5–7 m), disruptive snowfall in high-lying areas, and severe thunderstorms with hail and excessive lightning.

Municipalities in the Garden Route, Overberg, and Central Karoo are particularly at risk. Affected areas include: George, Uniondale, Haarlem, Knysna, Bitou, Mossel Bay, and Oudtshoorn.

An integrated, multi-sectoral response remains in place across all municipal directorates, including Disaster Management, Community Services, Planning and Human Settlements, Traffic Services, Civil Engineering, and Technical Services, as well as operations in Uniondale.

Additional operational updates:
• SANParks is responsible for the opening of the Touw River mouth and is on high alert to implement this measure should conditions require it.
• Municipal services continue as normal; however Refuse collection for Wednesday 6 May will focus on black bags only, subject to rainfall levels. A further notice will be issued tomorrow morning in this regard.

Residents are advised to exercise extreme caution and, where possible, avoid travelling during this period. Where necessary, loudhailing has been conducted in vulnerable areas, and residents have received SMS alerts.
Where possible, residents are encouraged to move to higher ground and seek shelter with family or friends.

The Western Cape Department of Education has pre-emptively closed schools for Wednesday and Thursday in the following circuits:
• Circuit 3 and 8 (George)
• Circuit 4 (Knysna)
• Circuits 5 and 6 (Oudtshoorn)

Safety Reminders:
• Clear gutters and drains to prevent flooding
• Do not dump waste illegally, as it blocks stormwater systems
• Report blocked or damaged stormwater infrastructure
• Ensure yard drainage systems are functioning
• Remain indoors where possible
• Avoid flooded roads, low-lying areas, and rivers
• Be ready to move to higher ground if required
• Ensure pets are safe
• Sand for sandbags can be collected at George Fire Department, Mitchell Street entrance/

Residents are encouraged to monitor official municipal platforms and local media for updates

Emergency Contact Numbers
George:
Switchboard (07:45–16:30): 044 801 9111
After-hours and emergencies: 044 801 6300
Disaster Management (Toll-Free): 087 152 9999
Fire Department: 044 801 6311
Garden Route Disaster Centre: 044 805 5071
Civil Engineering (Stormwater): 044 801 9262 / 044 801 9266
Law Enforcement: 044 801 6350 / 044 801 6389

Uniondale:
Fire: 044 752 1225
Switchboard / Faults: 044 752 1024
After-hours: 044 801 6300

Issued on behalf of Minister David Maynier, Western Cape Minister of Education on 5 May 2026

In the interests of learner and teacher safety, and after extensive consultation with the Provincial Disaster Management Centre and the South African Weather Service (SAWS), a decision has been taken to close schools in certain areas of the Eden and Central Karoo Education District on Wednesday, 6 May 2026, and Thursday, 7 May 2026.

All public ordinary and special needs schools in the following specific circuits will be closed on Wednesday, 6 May 2026, and Thursday, 7 May 2026, due to the severe rainfall warnings in these areas:

* Circuits 3 and 8 (George)

* Circuit 4 (Knysna)

* Circuits 5 and 6 (Oudtshoorn)

Our default position is always to keep schools open and only close schools in exceptional circumstances, but we are mindful of the severity of the warnings in place.

We will continuously monitor and evaluate the situation to ensure that schools can reopen as soon as possible.

All schools are expected to open on Friday, 8 May 2026. We will, however, evaluate the weather prediction for the end of the week to determine whether any individual school closures are necessary for the remainder of the week.

List of school closures on 6 and 7 May 2026. Note: Circuits 3,4,5,6 and 8 of Eden and Central Karoo District only. (Schools to reopen on 8 May 2026)

Eden and Central Karoo Circuit 3

1. Conville Primary School
2. Diepkloof VGK Primêre Skool
3. Eden Technical High School
4. George Voorbereidingskool
5. Hibernia VGK Primêre Skool
6. Hoekwil Laerskool
7. Jonga Street Secondary School
8. Karatara Laerskool
9. Klipdrift EK Primêre Skool
10. Lancewood Primêre Skool
11. M M Mateza Primary School
12. Olympia Skool
13. Outeniqua Primary School
14. Parkdene Primêre Skool (George)
15. Parkdene Sekondêr
16. Redlands Primêre Skool
17. Ruigtevlei Primêre Skool
18. Sedgefield Laerskool
19. Sedgefield Primêre Skool
20. Tabatha Primary School
21. Thembalethu Secondary School
22. Thembalethu Primary School
23. Touwsranten VGK Primêre Skool
24. Tyholora Primary School
25. Van Kervel Spesiale Skool
26. Waboomskraal VGK Primêre Skool
27. York High School

Eden and Central Karoo Circuit 4

1. Bracken Hill EK Primêre Skool
2. Chris Nissen Primary School
3. Concordia High School
4. Concordia Primêre Skool
5. Formosa Primêre Skool
6. Fraaisig Primary School
7. Harkerville EK Primêre Skool
8. Hornlee Primêre Skool
9. Knysna Hoërskool
10. Knysna Primary School
11. Knysna Satellite Office
12. Knysna Sekondêr
13. Kranshoek Primêre Skool
14. Kwanokuthula High School
15. Kwanokuthula Primary School
16. Murray High School
17. Percy Mdala High School
18. Phakamisani Primary School
19. Plettenberg Bay Primary School
20. Plettenbergbaai Sekondêr
21. Rheenendal Primêre Skool
22. Sunridge Primêre Skool
23. The Crags Primêre Skool
24. Thembelitsha Primary School
25. Wittedrift Primêre Skool
26. Wittedrift Hoërskool

Eden and Central Karoo Circuit 4

1. Aurial College
2. Bergsig Primêre Skool
3. Bridgton Sekondêr
4. Calitzdorp Hoërskool
5. Colridge Primêre Skool
6. De Jager VGK Primêre Skool
7. De Villiers Primêre Skool
8. Eljada-Kairos Skool
9. Excelsior VGK Primêre Skool
10. Fezekile Secondary School
11. Gamka-Oos Primêre Skool
12. Grootkraal UCC Primêre Skool
13. Kruisrivier-Wes UCC Primêre Skool
14. Langenhoven Gimnasium
15. Lategansvlei SSKV Primêre Skool
16. Laurus Primere Skool
17. Oudtshoorn Hoërskool
18. Oudtshoorn School of Skills
19. Rodewal UCC Primêre Skool
20. Rooiberg SSKV Primêre Skool
21. Volmoed Primêre Skool
22. Voorbedag Primêre Skool
23. Wesbank Laerskool
24. Zeekoegat VGK Primêre Skool

Eden and Central Karoo Circuit 6

1. Avontuur LB Primêre Skool
2. Bongolethu Primary School
3. Britsevlakte NGK Primêre Skool
4. De Rust Primêre Skool
5. De Rust Sekondêr
6. Dirk Boshoff Primêre Skool
7. Dysselsdorp Primêre Skool
8. Dysselsdorp Sekondêr
9. Haarlem Sekondêre Skool
10. Mooi Uitsig Primêre Skool No.2
11. Morester Sekondêr
12. P.J. Badenhorst Primêre Skool
13. Protea Hoërskool
14. Rooiheuwel VGK Primêre Skool
15. Rooirivier VGK Primêre Skool
16. Sacred Heart RK Primêre Skool
17. Saturnus Primêre Skool
18. Scheeperskraal SSKV Primêre Skool
19. St. Konrad RK Primêre Skool
20. Uniondale Hoërskool
21. Van Reede Laerskool
22. Vlakteplaas UCC Primêre Skool

Eden and Central Karoo Circuit 7

1. Blanco Laerskool
2. Carpe Diem Skool
3. Dellville Park Primary School
4. Denneoord Laerskool
5. Dieprivier VGK Primêre Skool
6. Franken VGK Primêre Skool
7. Geelhoutboom VGK Primêre Skool
8. George Sekondêr
9. George-Suid Laerskool
10. Heatherlands High School
11. Heidedal Primêre Skool
12. Herold Laerskool
13. Holy Cross Primary School (George)
14. Hoogekraal SSKV Primêre Skool
15. Imizamo Yethu Secondary School
16. Kommandantsdrift SSKV Primêre Skool
17. Kretzenshoop Primêre Skool
18. Mzoxolo Primary School
19. New Dawn Park Primêre Skool
20. Outeniqua Hoërskool
21. Pacaltsdorp Primêre Skool
22. Pacaltsdorp Sekondêr
23. Rosemoor Primêre Skool
24. St. Mary’s RK Primêre Skool (George)
25. St. Paul’s EK Primêre Skool (George)
26. Van Der Hoven Laerskool

Residents are reminded that heavy rainfall is expected this week. This may lead to localised flooding, slippery roads, poor visibility, and possible service disruptions.

Please take note of the following tips:
* Clear gutters and drains to prevent flooding
* Refrain from illegal dumping, as it can block stormwater drains, and avoid littering
* Report blocked or damaged stormwater infrastructure to the Municipality
* Ensure yard drainage systems are clear and functioning properly

Emergency Contact Numbers:
* Fire Department: 044 801 6311
* After-hours: 044 801 6300
* Disaster Management (Toll-Free): 087 152 9999
* Garden Route Disaster Centre: 044 805 5071
* Gun Plast assistance: 044 802 2026
* Civil Engineering Customer Services: 044 801 9262/6 (7:45am–4:30pm) for stormwater-related complaints
* Civil Engineering Customer Services (Uniondale/Haarlem after hours): 044 801 6300

Further updates will be communicated via the George Municipality’s official channels.

‘Gunplast’ (plastic sheeting) is provided only during inclement weather when the municipality has plastic sheeting available. Due to funding constraints, preference is given to the elderly and disabled persons residing in informal settlements (excluding persons who illegally invaded municipal land) who are living in informal housing where roofs are dilapidated. Thereafter, if more plastic is available, applicants may be assisted following an investigation into the circumstances of applicants and the condition of the structure. Backyarders residing on private property are not assisted as per the approved emergency housing policy.

The municipality emphasises that the provision of ‘Gunplast’ is a temporary relief measure during bad weather and it remains the responsibility of the applicant to seek means to repair the roof and/or structure. ‘Gunplast’ delivered in the most deserving cases. Only one piece of ‘Gunplast’ (6m x 6m) per applicant will be issued every 6 months.

Qualification criteria for assistance with Gunplast (Micron Plastic) or any similar suitable material:
Who will be assisted
• Persons residing in informal settlements in structures which, during an assessment, has been found to have serious leakages, and who are unable to assist themselves.

Who will not be assisted
• Single persons under the age of 60 with no dependants ;
• Persons residing on private property;
• Persons residing in formal houses;
• Households who have received assistance within past six months unless an assessment deems it necessary; and
• Persons who have illegally invaded land.

Requests for ‘Gunplast’ can be made in one of the following ways:
• Visit your nearest Area Office Monday to Friday, or Ward /other Councillor who will report on your behalf by completing the relevant application forms. The applicants are welcome to visit the offices of the Human Settlements Department situated on the corner of St John’s and Varing Streets. Copies of the applicant(s) ID’s are compulsory and copies of their dependant’s birth certificates/ID’s (younger than 18).
• Applicants can also email the completed application form to hemeyer@george.gov.za
• The request can be logged via the Municipal App – My Smart City via Housing Queries OR General Request with the necessary Contact Details, Names of Residents affected and Street Address.
• A ‘Gunplast’ application MUST include the applicant’s name, surname, identity number and the address (name of the informal settlement and structure number) where the ‘Gunplast’ is required.
• When a request is received, an investigation is made at the address provided and ‘Gunplast’ delivered in the most deserving cases. Only one piece of ‘Gunplast’ (6m x 6m) per applicant will be issued.
• Please note any requests sent directly to officials via Whatsapp or direct email will not be addressed.

Documentation required when applying for “gunplast”:
• ID Copies of applicants,
• Copies of minor children(s) birth certificate(s)

Enquiries:
Emergency Housing (Temporary Structures) & assistance with gunplast (micro plastic)
Harriet Meyer 044-802 2026 hemeyer@george.gov.za

AFTER HOURS
After hours telephonically report the matter to the George Joint Operations Centre (JOC) on 044 801 6316 or After Hours number 044 801 6300 or via Toll-Free Disaster Number 087 152 9999.
You will not be supplied with GUNPLAST without having completed the necessary application forms and submission through the correct channel.