Author: Nadine Payle

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.

Ahead of the festival’s return, stakeholders, officials, sponsors, sporting bodies and cultural organisations came together to build excitement and strengthen collaboration for an even bigger celebration.

The George Festival 2026 is set to return in December with an expanded programme, additional sporting codes and greater use of George’s natural assets, including its beaches and other natural spaces. Western Cape Minister of Cultural Affairs and Sport Ricardo Mackenzie and Executive Mayor of George Ald Browen Johnson announced this year’s festival at a soft launch held at the George Museum on Wednesday afternoon, 19 August 2026. The event brought together stakeholders, officials, sponsors, sporting and cultural organisations ahead of the festival’s return.

Western Cape Minister of Cultural Affairs and Sport Ricardo Mackenzie

Minister Mackenzie highlighted the importance of the George Festival in bringing communities together through sport, culture and recreation, while creating opportunities for local economic development. He said the festival aligns with the Department’s vision of building a socially inclusive, creative, active and connected Western Cape.

“Our commitment is to create inclusive spaces that nurture personal growth, community cohesion and economic opportunity. The George Festival reflects this vision, bringing people together through sport, culture and recreation while creating opportunities for communities and local businesses. It contributes to building a socially inclusive, creative, active and connected Western Cape,” said Minister Mackenzie.

Looking ahead to December, Minister Mackenzie highlighted the opportunity to make greater use of what George already has to offer, including its beaches and natural spaces, with beach sports and additional activities forming part of the expanded 2026 programme. He strongly encouraged residents and visitors to make use of George’s bus services to travel to and from Festival activities, where possible, as activities take place across different parts of George.

Working together to bring sport, culture and recreation closer to communities – representatives from the Western Cape Government and George Municipality at the soft launch of the George Festival 2026.

Executive Mayor of George Ald Browen Johnson echoed the Minister’s sentiments and reaffirmed the Municipality’s ambition to build on the success of last year’s inaugural festival. “Last year, we promised something big was coming to George, and we delivered. This year we promise even bigger and better,” said Mayor Johnson. He also confirmed the expansion of the festival’s sporting programme, reinforcing the festival’s role in bringing communities together through sport, culture, tourism and entertainment.

A festival with something for everyone

The 2026 George Festival will offer a diverse programme aimed at bringing people of all ages and interests together through sport, music and entertainment. The programme will feature a range of sporting codes and cultural events, including:
• 10s Rugby
• Soccer
• Track and Field Athletics
• Vlakkie Cricket
• Beach Volleyball
• Table Tennis
• Netball
• Sport for People with Disabilities
• 10 km Road Race
• Gospel Music Festival
• Jazz Music Festival

The broad programme reflects the festival’s ambition to create an inclusive platform where communities can participate, compete, celebrate and connect. With activities taking place across different parts of George, the festival will also encourage residents and visitors to explore the city and make use of its sporting, cultural and natural spaces.

Cllr Melvin Roelfse, MMC for Social Development, Libraries, Sport and Customer Care, welcomed the support of returning sponsors and the interest from potential new partners, noting the growing interest in the festival following the success of last year’s event.

The festival’s commitment to inclusivity was also highlighted, with disability sport included in the 2026 programme. Cllr Roelfse reflected on his and Mayor Johnson’s experience of participating in blind bowls, highlighting the festival’s inclusive approach to sport and community participation.

The festival also promises significant economic benefits for local businesses. Ald Iona Kritzinger, MMC for Financial and Strategic Services, IDP, Performance Management, Economic Development and Tourism, highlighted the festival’s contribution to tourism and local economic development.
“Every visitor in George adds to our economic development,” said Ald Kritzinger.

More information about the George Festival 2026, including further details on dates, venues and participating organisations, will be shared in due course.

Mayor Johnson concluded the launch with a message that captured the spirit of the festival: “As jy nie hier is nie, waar is jy?!” meaning, “If you’re not here, where are you?”

ENDS

Ribbon-Cutting Moment: Cutting the ribbon to officially open the George Rental Housing Information Office (RHIO) at the Municipality’s Planning and Development Building are (from left) Ald Gert van Niekerk (Executive Deputy Mayor of George), Western Cape Minister of Infrastructure Tertius Simmers, Executive Mayor of George Ald Browen Johnson, and Chairperson of the Western Cape Rental Housing Tribunal Mr Clynton Poole.

In an effort to promote fair rental practices and strengthen relationships between tenants and landlords, Western Cape Minister of Infrastructure, Tertius Simmers, officially launched the George Rental Housing Information Office (RHIO) on Monday, 17 August 2026. The office brings information, advice and support on rental housing matters closer to tenants and landlords in George.

Delivering the keynote address, Minister Simmers highlighted the importance of making rental housing services accessible to communities and the Western Cape Government’s approach of working with municipalities to establish offices that bring services closer to residents. “We can boast to say, as the Western Cape, we are the only province with multiple rental housing satellite offices within the various districts. This project shows that the two spheres of government, local government and provincial government, can work together to empower people,” said Minister Simmers.

The dignitaries: Key dignitaries seated at the official launch of the George Rental Housing Information Office in the George Municipality’s Banquet Hall include (from left) Chairperson of the Western Cape Rental Housing Tribunal Mr Clynton Poole, Western Cape Minister of Infrastructure Tertius Simmers, Executive Mayor of George Ald Browen Johnson, Executive Mayor of the Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) Ald Marais Kruger, and Executive Deputy Mayor of George Ald Gert van Niekerk.

“With this satellite office opened here, one does not have to travel to a major city to protect their rights and resolve disputes. George is one of the Western Cape’s important and fastest-growing economic centres. With this growth comes increasing demand for rental housing options, thereby making this office a necessary asset for the people of George,” said Minister Simmers.

Executive Mayor of George, Ald Browen Johnson, welcomed the establishment of the office in George and highlighted the importance of accessible government services. “This is an initiative that speaks directly to the most fundamental needs of our communities: a safe, secure, and dignified place we call home. This office is therefore of critical importance, as it brings much-needed information and guidance closer to the people. It also represents the essence of government accessibility. Having services is not adequate if there is no accessibility,” said Mayor Johnson.

Chairperson of the Western Cape Rental Housing Tribunal, Mr Clynton Poole, explained the purpose of the Rental Housing Information Office and the important role it will play in assisting residents with rental housing matters. Poole said the RHIO provides an important point of access for tenants and landlords seeking information and advice regarding their rights and obligations in relation to rental housing. “The establishment of the office is also aimed at raising public awareness of available rental housing services and strengthening collaboration between government and stakeholders in the housing and property sector,” said Poole. Attendees: Municipal and provincial officials, property sector representatives, community members, and stakeholders gather in the George Municipality’s Banquet Hall for the launch of the new Rental Housing Information Office.

Executive Mayor of the Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM), Ald Marais Kruger, expressed his support for the initiative and welcomed the establishment of a service that brings rental housing information closer to communities. “Rental of property is a reality for many people in George. Tenants must honour their responsibilities, while landlords must act fairly and responsibly. Respect, communication and understanding can prevent many disputes. As Garden Route District Municipality, we welcome initiatives such as these that strengthen cooperation and relationships between the district, local municipalities, and the Provincial Government,” said Mayor Kruger.

Following the formal programme at the George Municipality’s Banquet Hall, the delegation proceeded to the Municipality’s Planning and Development Building, where the RHIO is housed, for the official opening and ribbon-cutting ceremony.

The launch brought together municipal and provincial government officials, councillors, representatives from the property and housing sector, community representatives, other stakeholders and residents of George.

Stakeholders: Executive Mayor of George, Ald Browen Johnson, delivers an address during the formal programme for the launch of the George Rental Housing Information Office, highlighting the importance of accessible government services.

The establishment of the George RHIO provides an opportunity to raise awareness of rental housing services and encourage stronger cooperation between tenants, landlords and other stakeholders.

ENDS.

Law enforcement and road safety officials prepare for the joint operational roadblock in George on 14 August 2026.

A joint operational roadblock was held in George on Friday, 14 August 2026, as part of ongoing efforts to promote road safety, ensure compliance with traffic legislation and strengthen law enforcement.Traffic officials conduct vehicle inspections during the joint operational roadblock held in George on 14 August 2026.

The operation was arranged by George Municipality and brought together officials from the Municipality’s Community Safety and Mobility Department, the South African Police Service (SAPS), Immigration and Western Cape Provincial Road Safety and Education.

The two-hour operation, conducted between 10:00 and 12:00, resulted in 168 cases being recorded, with fines amounting to R98 500.

As part of the operation, one vehicle was impounded for having no permit, while one unroadworthy vehicle was issued with a notice to discontinue operation. Two arrests were also made in respect of undocumented persons. Immigration, SAPS, and traffic officials work together during the joint roadblock in George.

George Municipality commends all participating law enforcement and road safety role players for their continued cooperation and commitment to ensuring safer roads and promoting compliance across the city.

Joint operations such as these form part of ongoing efforts to improve road safety, strengthen enforcement, and ensure that motorists and other road users comply with the law.

Western Cape Provincial Traffic officials conduct inspections during the joint roadblock in George.

Ends.

Easily identifiable surveyors like Siphiwo Mathys (right) will be approaching GO GEORGE passengers from 26 August to 23 September 2026. Here Siphiwo explains to Mesuli Makasi from Thembalethu what kind of information the survey collects.

The annual, independent GO GEORGE passenger satisfaction survey will kick off on Wednesday 26 August with easily identifiable surveyors approaching GO GEORGE passengers for input until 23 September 2026.

An appeal is made to passengers to take 15 minutes when they are approached, and to assist with the valuable feedback only obtainable from those who use the bus service or are in some way impacted by its operations.

Socio-economic impact and passenger satisfaction measured

This annual survey under the joint auspices of the Western Cape Department of Mobility and the Municipality of George aims to determine and measure the overall socio-economic impact of the GO GEORGE bus service in George. The results will be compared with previous results for benchmarking and planning purposes.

The aim of the passenger satisfaction survey is to determine the impact of the bus service on the George community, individual users and households, as well as evaluate key performance areas of the service, such as reliability, safety, affordability and accessibility.

According to GO GEORGE Manager, Mornè Lakay, GO GEORGE seeks to provide the George community with a professional, scheduled, safe and reliable public transport service. “This study is an important tool for measuring our efficiency and effectiveness, and for assessing the extent to which we are achieving our vision of a network that cost-effectively connects communities to opportunities, promotes socio-economic integration, and provides safe and reliable transport.”

Surveyors will be wearing GO GEORGE-branded identification cards showing the person’s photo and staff number.

For more information or enquiries, the GO GEORGE Call Centre can be phoned on 0800 044 044.

**********************************************************

GO GEORGE-opname meet passasierstevredenheid

Die jaarlikse, onafhanklike GO GEORGE-passasiersbevredigingsopname skop Woensdag 26 Augustus af, met maklik identifiseerbare opnemers wat tot 23 September 2026 passasiers nader vir hul insette.

’n Beroep word op passasiers gedoen om 15 minute te neem wanneer hulle genader word, en te help met die waardevolle terugvoer wat slegs verkry kan word van diegene wat die busdiens gebruik of op een of ander manier deur die werking daarvan geraak word.

Sosio-ekonomiese impak en passasierstevredenheid

Hierdie jaarlikse opname, onder die gesamentlike vaandel van die Wes-Kaapse Departement van Mobiliteit en die Munisipaliteit van George, het ten doel om die algehele sosio-ekonomiese impak van die GO GEORGE-busdiens in George te bepaal en te meet. Die resultate sal met vorige jare vergelyk word vir normstelling en beplanningsdoeleindes.

Die doel van die passasierstevredenheidsopname is om die impak van die busdiens op die George-gemeenskap, individuele gebruikers en huishoudings te bepaal, asook om sleutelprestasiegebiede van die diens soos betroubaarheid, veiligheid, bekostigbaarheid en toeganklikheid te evalueer.

Volgens GO GEORGE-bestuurder, Morné Lakay, streef GO GEORGE daarna om die George-gemeenskap van ’n professionele, geskeduleerde, veilige en betroubare openbare vervoerdiens te voorsien. “Hierdie studie is ’n belangrike instrument om ons doeltreffendheid en effektiwiteit te meet, en om te bepaal in watter mate ons ons visie bereik van ’n netwerk wat gemeenskappe kostedoeltreffend met geleenthede verbind, sosio-ekonomiese integrasie bevorder, en veilige en betroubare vervoer bied.”

Opnemers sal GO GEORGE-gemerkte identifikasiekaarte met die persoon se foto en personeelnommer dra.

Vir meer inligting of navrae kan die GO GEORGE-inbelsentrum gebel word by 0800 044 044.

ONDERSKRIF:
Maklik identifiseerbare opnemers soos Siphiwo Mathys (regs) sal van 26 Augustus tot 23 September 2026 GO GEORGE-passasiers nader. Hier verduidelik Siphiwo aan Mesuli Makasi van Thembalethu watter soort inligting deur die opname ingesamel word.

George Municipality has appointed Dr Dean O’Neill as Acting Municipal Manager, following a decision by the George Municipal Council and consultation with the MEC for Local Government. He has been seconded from Overstrand Municipality and commenced his duties today, 11 August 2026, for a period of three months.

Executive Mayor of George, Ald Browen Johnson, welcomed Dr O’Neill to the Municipality and said his experience in local government would contribute to administrative stability and continuity during this period. “On behalf of the George Municipality, I welcome Dr O’Neill to our municipality and the City of George. We look forward to working alongside Dr O’Niel to ensure continuity and stability, all while benefiting from his extensive experience in local government and his leadership during this period,” said Mayor Johnson.

Dr O’Neill has extensive local government experience, having served in various senior management positions since 1996. He has served as Municipal Manager at Matzikama Municipality, Cape Agulhas Municipality and, most recently, Overstrand Municipality, where he has served since November 2020.

He holds a Doctoral Degree in Public Administration and is an Accredited Municipal Manager with the Institute for Local Government Management (ILGM). He also serves as Chairperson of the Western Cape Municipal Managers’ Forum.

Dr O’Neill said he looks forward to working with the Municipality’s leadership, management and staff. “I regard teamwork as key to achieving our common goals. Every individual’s contribution, no matter how small it may seem, is important. I believe in focusing on the positive things that bring us together as a community and building on those strengths,” said Dr O’Neill.

The secondment is for an initial period of three months, with the option to extend the arrangement for a further three months if required. Dr O’Neill will return to Overstrand Municipality at the conclusion of his assignment in George, subject to any extension that may be agreed upon.

Representatives from the South African National Blood Service with HR officials from Garden Route District Municipality and George Municipality supporting the initiative and contributing to making the day a success.

For the second consecutive year, George Municipality hosted a blood donation awareness campaign in partnership with the Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM). The campaign took place on 16 July at the George Banquet Hall in the lead-up to the international celebration of Mandela Day.

Officials from both municipalities, as well as members of the public, donated blood as their contribution to the 67 Minutes of Service to the Community. The initiative aims to highlight the importance of blood donation and encourage residents to help save lives.

Francois Michaels, HR Officer: Employee Wellness at George Municipality, said that, as with last year, the purpose of the campaign is to give back to the community. “Last year the campaign was a great success, which is why we decided to host it again. Donating blood is one of the simplest ways to make a meaningful difference, and every donation has the potential to save lives.”

Calvin Scheepers, Assistant HR Manager at the Garden Route District Municipality, said the partnership with George Municipality was renewed because the need for blood is constant. “The need for blood never stops, which is why we were pleased to partner with George Municipality once again. Every unit of blood donated has the potential to save lives, and the excellent support we received last year inspired us to repeat the campaign.”

This year 45 donors turned up to donate blood despite the cold winter weather, making a valuable contribution to the community. Upon arrival, donors were treated to a warm cup of coffee. As part of the South African National Blood Service (SANBS) Bring a Buddy campaign, existing blood donors who brought along a first-time donor were also surprised with a reusable electric hot water bottle.

The attendance and support for blood donations this year have been excellent, and we are sincerely grateful to all the donors from various sectors who came forward to make their valuable contribution,” added Michaels
George Municipality and the Garden Route District Municipality thank every donor for their generosity and willingness to help save lives.

Community Services’ Senior Clerk: Administrative Support for George Municipality, Eleanore Corner showing compassion in action through her blood donation contribution.

Monalisa Klanisi from the HR Department at Garden Route District Municipality also joined the blood donation drive.

Ronald Christians a private citizen, proudly took the opportunity to donate blood and help save lives.

Video link
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A1C0fCpYLXA