Author: Nadine Payle

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.

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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

Front: Johan Mundey, a resident at the Rosemore Old Age Home:
Back: from left to right: Xolisile Sotushe (Internal Audit), Berna-Lee Nkasaai (Office of the Mayor), Annie Potts (Administrative Support at Rosemore Old age home), Liyema Mzamo (Office of the Municipal Manager), and Klopper Mabunda (Internal Audit).

The Office of the Municipal Manager and the Office of the Executive Mayor dedicated their 67 Minutes for Mandela Day on Friday, 17 July 2026, to an outreach initiative at Rosemore Old Age Home.
With the aim of addressing one of the home’s greatest needs, the team donated a variety of toiletries and other essential items.

The donation was made in response to the needs identified by the home.
Annie Potts an Administrative Support Officer at Rosemore Old Age Home, received the donation with expression of her heartfelt gratitude for the care, generosity, and support shown to the residents.

The residents of Rosemore Old Age Home are a valued and important part of our community. May this initiative inspire us all to make a positive difference in the lives of the elderly, not only on Mandela Day, but throughout the year.

Picture 2:
From Left to Right: Klopper Mabunda (Internal Audit), Liyema Mzamo (Office of the Municipal Manager), Charne Flores (Office of the Mayor), Daphne October (Office of the Chief Whip), Elvira Coetzee (Office of the Executive Mayor), Bianca Potts (Councillor’s Office), Xolisile Sotushe (Internal Audit), and Sarida Stoffels (Councillor’s Office)

From left to right: Councillor Nathanial Edwards, Mr Dave Weldon (Chairperson of the George Night Shelter), Ms Rina Smith (Manager of the George Night Shelter), Ms Denise Human (Ward 18 Committee Member), Ms Wida Titus (Kitchen Chef), Cllr Donovan Gultig, and Ms Lizzie Petersen (Kitchen Chef).

The George Night Shelter recently received a donation of R10,000 from the Ward 18 Committee allocation fund. The funds were used to purchase 13 stainless steel cooking pots, which will make a contribution to the daily preparation of meals for the many homeless people supported by the shelter. Ward Councillor Donovan Gultig was present to officially hand over the donation to the George Night Shelter.

“It is truly an honour to be part of a Municipality that supports its community and makes a positive difference in the lives of people experiencing homelessness,” said Councillor D Gultig. The George Night Shelter expressed its sincere gratitude and appreciation to the George Municipality for this generous and thoughtful donation.

George Municipality remains committed to supporting projects that make a tangible difference in the lives of the people in our communities.