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Author: Nadine Payle

George Raises Blue Flag to Launch a Safe and Enjoyable Summer Season

Executive Mayor Browen Johnson (centre), flanked by Nosidima Vumindaba, Manager: Parks and Recreation (left), and Cllr Erika Brown, MMC for Community Services (Refuse, Environmental and Parks), together with the George lifeguard team and law enforcement officers at the launch of the 2025/26 Blue Flag summer season at Herold’s Bay.

The George Municipality officially launched its Blue Flag summer season on 1 December 2025 at Herold’s Bay Beach, one of the municipality’s fully accredited Blue Flag beaches. The day also marked the deployment of over 60 lifeguards across George’s beaches and public swimming pools for the festive season.

Executive Mayor Alderman Browen Johnson hoisted the Blue Flag to signal the official start of the season, joined by Executive Deputy Mayor Ald Gert van Niekerk, Cllr Erika Brown (MMC for Community Services: Refuse, Environmental and Parks), Municipal Manager Godfrey Louw, councillors, senior officials, and the 2025/26 lifeguard team.

George proudly maintains three full-status Blue Flag beaches — Wilderness, Herold’s Bay, and Victoria Bay. In addition, Leentjiesklip Beach retains its status as a pilot Blue Flag site. The Blue Flag season runs from 1 December 2025 to 28 February 2026.

Speaking at the launch, Mayor Johnson said: “Victoria Bay, Herold’s Bay, and Wilderness Beach have once again achieved full Blue Flag status, while Leentjiesklip continues as a valued pilot site. We are thrilled to welcome visitors to our beautiful coastline — George truly is the ultimate summer destination.”

Highlighting the impact of the programme, Mayor Johnson added: “The Blue Flag recognition not only enhances George’s appeal to visitors but also strengthens the local economy. Our continued commitment to this programme reflects our promise of safety, environmental conservation, and sustainable tourism.”

“Visitors can look forward to clean, well-maintained facilities, visible safety personnel, and high water-quality standards monitored by independent laboratories,” Mayor Johnson said.

About the Blue Flag Programme
The internationally recognised Blue Flag Programme is managed in South Africa by WESSA (Wildlife and Environment Society of South Africa) on behalf of the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE). Sites must meet 33 stringent criteria covering:
• Water quality
• Environmental education
• Accessibility
• Safety and security
• Visitor facilities

WESSA CEO Cindy-Lee Cloete emphasised the importance of the programme: “Our Blue Flag and Green Coast programmes are more than symbols; they’re a promise. Each flag represents South Africa’s commitment to environmental stewardship.”

WESSA conducts regular inspections throughout the season to ensure compliance. Failure to maintain standards may result in the temporary or permanent withdrawal of Blue Flag status.
Visitors are urged to comply with beach signage, follow directions from lifeguards and security personnel, and report concerns to the beach manager or WESSA (details displayed on site).

Lifeguard Deployment
Lifeguards will be stationed at Victoria Bay, Herold’s Bay, Wilderness Main Beach, and Leentjiesklip as follows:

1–13 December 2025:
* Daily from 09:00–17:00

14 December 2025 – 28 February 2026:
* Daily from 07:00–19:00

1 March – 7 April 2026:
* Weekends, public holidays, and school holidays only, from 09:00–17:00
* Hours may be extended during good weather at Blue Flag sites.

Additional lifeguard sites (December–January):
* Gwaing River Mouth
* Wilderness Lagoon
* Steps Beach

From 8 April to 30 November 2026, no lifeguards will be on duty at beaches or swimming pools.
Strict Blue Flag regulations apply. Dogs and other pets are not permitted on Blue Flag beaches. Non-compliance may result in fines, and repeated violations could jeopardise Blue Flag status.

George Receives Green Coast Award
George Municipality is also proud to announce that Gwaing Beach has received the Green Coast Award, recognising excellence in sustainable coastal management and community-led stewardship. This award further strengthens George’s reputation as a leading eco-friendly tourism destination along South Africa’s coastline.

For more information on the Blue Flag Programme and the full list of accredited sites, visit:
https://www.wessa.org.za/blue-flag/

Ends.

 

George • Wilderness • Uniondale – Your Ultimate Tourism Events Calendar

From vibrant local markets to outdoor adventures 🚴‍♀️, there’s something for every traveller, local and visitor alike!

📍 George Tourism | Wilderness Tourism | Uniondale Tourism

🔥 Don’t miss out on what’s happening in your town!

Download the full calendar here:🔗
https://tinyurl.com/32jpna4k

#GeorgeTourism #WildernessWonder #UniondaleAdventures #GardenRouteEvents #ExploreGeorge

GEORGE FESTIVAL 2025 – SCAVA Art & Craft Exhibition and Christmas Market

13–20 December | George Museum, Courtenay Street | Free Entry
As part of the George Festival 2025, the SCAVA Art and Craft Exhibition and Christmas Market brings together local artists and makers for a week of handmade art, festive gifts and creative expression.
Pop in at the George Museum to enjoy this vibrant showcase and support local talent.

Annual Lights Festival: GERELDO LEWIS

The Annual Lights Festival opens the George Festival on the Saturday 13th December at 14h00 – 22h00.
With a full programme and something for everyone, all residents are invited to attend – GERELDO LEWIS will perform at 18H30 @ Unity Park.

Explore the full line-up of events, activities, and entertainment by accessing the programme via the link: https://www.george.gov.za/planning-development/local-economic-development/tourism/george-festival-2025-culture-sport-art/

GEORGE FESTIVAL 2025

The Gospel Festival promises a day of worship and song on Sunday 14th December from14h00 – 20h00.
With a full programme and something for everyone, all residents are invited to attend – Beverley Fisher will perform at 19h10 for the evening programme @ Unity Park.

Explore the full line-up of events, activities, and entertainment by accessing the programme via the link: https://tinyurl.com/yx5bdbcs

No Fireworks Allowed in George and Surrounds

George Municipality reminds the public that, due to the high fire risk, the setting off and possession of fireworks, firecrackers, flares, paper lanterns, and other such paraphernalia in the George municipal area is not allowed.

Strict Fireworks Legislation
George has strict firework legislation, and according to the Bylaw on Community Safety, Section 58(13), no person may discharge fireworks outside a designated Fireworks Area. No fireworks area has been designated in George. If someone is caught discharging a firework, a flare, or lighting a Chinese lantern, an immediate fine of R1000 is applicable, as well as a potential charge of arson.

Confiscation Notices
Law Enforcement Services, together with other Role players, would start with the compliance campaign by conducting continuous inspections at shops in all areas. Confiscation notices and Fines will be issued to non-compliant shops, and confiscated fireworks will be handed over to the SAPS Explosives unit for disposal.

Marine Flares
Setting off marine rocket flares for fun is hugely dangerous and irresponsible. NSRI is compelled to log and investigate every incident in case it is a real emergency, which, of course, takes up their time and valuable resources and, more seriously, could detract from genuine flare sightings. It is also hugely dangerous for those setting off the flares, which, as they are quite costly, we suspect are also probably out of date. Marine guidance notes explain that all old flares need to be disposed of correctly.
Rocket flares degrade with time, and there have been cases where the rocket propellant separates from the parachute, and you are left with an uncontrolled flare, which then comes back down and hits the person who has fired it off.

Enforcement
George Municipality will firmly enforce the applicable by-laws, and Law Enforcement officials will be deployed at various areas and beaches throughout the season to attend to fireworks complaints.

Pets and fireworks
This will hopefully assist in reducing the noise levels and allow people (and their pets) to plan for “noisy” periods, thus allowing for a quieter, safer environment for all concerned. For some pets, especially dogs and cats with particularly noise-sensitive ears, the sound of fireworks can cause intense fear responses. Some pets will go to extremes to hide, others get startled and run away, and general anxiety caused by unexpected loud sounds can have long-lasting effects on animals.

Other impacts of fireworks- did you know?
Bees become so disorientated that they don’t go back to their hives.
Birds have panic attacks at night, causing mass deaths.
Fish and other animals perish after ingesting fireworks debris.
Companion animals have anxiety and panic attacks.

Fireworks can also trigger post-traumatic stress Disorder in people.
Please report the illegal setting off of fireworks to 044 801 6350 or after hours at 044 801 6300.
Please report the illegal trade in fireworks to 044 801 6350 or after hours at 044 801 6300.

FIRE EMERGENCIES: 044 801 6311
TOLL FREE DISASTER NUMBER: 087 152 9999

*****************************************************************************************************
GEEN VUURWERKE WORD IN GEORGE EN OMGEWING TOEGELAAT NIE

George Munisipaliteit herinner die publiek daaraan dat weens die hoë brandrisiko, die afvuur, en besit van vuurwerke, klappers, fakkels, papierlanterns en ander sulke toebehore in die George munisipale gebied nie toegelaat word nie.

Streng vuurwerkwetgewing
George het streng vuurwerkwetgewing en volgens die Verordening op Gemeenskapsveiligheid, Artikel 58 (13) mag geen persoon vuurwerke buite ‘n aangewese Vuurwerkgebied afvuur nie. Daar is geen vuurwerkgebied in George beskikbaar gestel nie en sou iemand gevang word wat ‘n vuurwerk, ‘n fakkel of ‘n Chinese lantern aansteek, is ‘n onmiddellike boete van R1000 van toepassing asook ‘n moontlike klag van brandstigting.

Beslagleggingskennisgewings
Wetstoepassingsdienste sal saam met ander rolspelers met die nakomingsveldtog begin deur deurlopende inspeksies by winkels in alle gebiede te doen. Beslagleggingskennisgewings en boetes sal uitgereik word aan winkels wat nie aan die vereistes voldoen nie en gekonfiskeerde vuurwerke sal aan die SAPD se plofstofeenheid oorhandig word vir vernietiging.

Mariene vuurpylfakkels
Dit is uiters gevaarlik en onverantwoordelik om mariene vuurpylfakkels vir die pret te laat afgaan. NSRI is verplig om elke voorval aan te teken en te ondersoek ingeval dit ‘n werklike noodgeval is, wat natuurlik hul tyd en waardevolle hulpbronne in beslag neem en nog ernstiger, afbreuk kan doen aan werklike fakkelwaarnemings. Dit is ook uiters gevaarlik vir diegene wat die fakkels afvuur aangesien dit redelik duur is en waarskynlik verouderd. Luidens Mariene handleidingnotas moet alle ou fakkels korrek vernietig word. Vuurpylfakkels versleg mettertyd en daar was al gevalle waar die vuurpyldryfmiddel van die valskerm skei en jy sit met ‘n onbeheerde fakkel wat dan terugkom en die persoon wat dit afgevuur het, tref.

Handhawing
George Munisipaliteit sal die toepaslike verordeninge streng toepas en Wetstoepassingsbeamptes sal deur die seisoen by verskeie gebiede en strande ontplooi word om aandag te gee aan vuurwerkklagtes.

Troeteldiere en vuurwerke
Hierdie sal hopelik help om die geraasvlakke te verminder en mense (en hul troeteldiere) in staat stel om te beplan vir “geraas” periodes en sodoende ‘n stiller, veiliger omgewing vir alle betrokkenes, moontlik te maak. Vir sommige troeteldiere, veral honde en katte met besonder geraas-sensitiewe ore, kan die geluid van vuurwerke intense vreesreaksies veroorsaak. Sommige troeteldiere gaan tot uiterstes om weg te kruip, ander skrik en hardloop weg, en algemene angs wat deur onverwagte harde geluide veroorsaak word, kan langdurige uitwerking op diere hê.

Ander impakte van vuurwerke – het jy geweet?
Bye raak so gedisoriënteerd dat hulle nie teruggaan na hul korwe nie.
Voëls ondergaan paniekaanvalle in die nag wat massa-vrektes veroorsaak.
Visse en ander diere vergaan nadat hulle vuurwerkrommel ingeneem het.
Geselskapsdiere het angs- en paniekaanvalle.
Vuurwerke kan ook posttraumatiese stresversteuring by mense veroorsaak.
Rapporteer asseblief die onwettige afvuur van vuurwerke by 044 801 6350 of na-ure by 044 801 6300.
Meld asseblief die onwettige handel in vuurwerke by 044 801 6350 of na-ure by 044 801 6300 aan.

BRANDNOODGEVALLE: 044 801 6311
TOLVRYE RAMPNOMMER: 087 152 9999

Appointment Director: Community Safety and Mobility.

The Executive Mayor of George, Browen Johnson strongly condemns the recent inflammatory headlines and irresponsible social media commentary surrounding the appointment process for the position of Director: Community Safety and Mobility.At the Special Council continuation meeting on 24 November, Council considered and approved the recommendation for the appointment. In line with standard practice, the appointment can only be made public once the preferred candidate has formally accepted the offer, subject to the concurrence of the MEC for Local Government.

The Municipality confirms that a comprehensive, transparent, and duly compliant recruitment and selection process was undertaken in accordance with the Local Government: Regulations on Appointment and Conditions of Employment of Senior Managers. This process included the formal advertisement of the post, longlisting and shortlisting of candidates, requisite screening, and a structured competency-based assessment process.

The candidate identified as the preferred appointee satisfies all statutory qualification and competency requirements and was unanimously recommended by the duly constituted Selection Panel.

Ald Johnson is further concerned about the circulation of leaked, dated correspondence that referenced an acting appointment on social media. This confidential letter dates back several months.  All matters raised in that correspondence were clarified through the formal recruitment and screening procedures. The use of outdated and misleading information to cast doubt on the integrity of the process or the competence of the recommended candidate is unfounded and irresponsible.

“ I urge the public and media to avoid spreading misinformation and to respect the established governance procedures that ensure skilled and capable professionals are appointed to serve the people of George,” said Ald Johnson.

GEORGE FESTIVAL 2025: WIMPEE, GOSPEL ARTIST

The Gospel Festival promises a day of worship and song on Sunday 14th December from14h00 – 20h00.

With a full programme and something for everyone, all residents are invited to attend – WIMPEE will perform at 18H40 @ Unity Park.

Explore the full line-up of events, activities, and entertainment by accessing the programme via the link: https://tinyurl.com/yx5bdbcs

GEORGE FESTIVAL 2025: ZINTHLE LANGA, GOSPEL ARTIST

The Gospel Festival promises a day of worship and song on Sunday 14th December from14h00 – 20h00.
With a full programme and something for everyone, all residents are invited to attend – Zinthle Langa will perform at 18h55 for the evening programme @ Unity Park.

Explore the full line-up of events, activities, and entertainment by accessing the programme via the link: https://tinyurl.com/yx5bdbcs

GEORGE FESTIVAL 2025: TBC GOSPEL ARTISTS

The Gospel Festival promises a day of worship and song on Sunday 14th December from14h00 – 20h00.

With a full programme and something for everyone, all residents are invited to attend – T.B.C. will perform at 18h25 for the evening programme @ Unity Park.

Explore the full line-up of events, activities, and entertainment by accessing the programme via the link: https://tinyurl.com/yx5bdbcs

UPDATE 31: WILDERNESS WATER OUTAGE

George Municipality is aware of the ongoing water supply issues affecting Wilderness, Kleinkrantz, Hoekwil, and the surrounding areas. We thank everyone who alerted us this morning to which streets/areas remain without water.

The main supply line was reactivated yesterday afternoon, but the network continues not to fill as expected and water pressure remains too low. Water is flowing from Akela Reservoir to the Ebb and Flow Water Works, but is not reaching the Ebb and Flow reservoir which then gravity feeds to other reservoirs.

Teams have worked through last night and today to systematically move through the system, remove airlocks, and scour sections of the pipeline to check for blockages or any other causes of reduced pressure.

A water tanker will continue to roam through Kleinkrantz, the 35 000 litre water tanker is stationed at Kleinkrantz Resort and another tanker is stationed at Waves Garage, Wilderness East.

Verified Information Channels
WhatsApp Channel: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaRHVS9HAdNXTJPKis3k
George Municipal App: https://www.mysmart.city
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/george.municipality

GEORGE FESTIVAL 2025- PEROGATIVES

The Annual Lights Festival opens the George Festival on the Saturday 13th December at 14h00 – 22h00.
With a full programme and something for everyone, all residents are invited to attend – PEROGATIVES will perform at 20h00 for the evening programme @ Unity Park.

Explore the full line-up of events, activities, and entertainment by accessing the programme via the link: https://tinyurl.com/yx5bdbcs

GEORGE FESTIVAL 2025- KEZIA SWARTZ

The Annual Lights Festival opens the George Festival on the Saturday 13th December at 14h00 – 22h00.

With a full programme and something for everyone, all residents are invited to attend – Kezia Swarts will appear on stage at 18h45, Unity Park.

Explore the full line-up of events, activities, and entertainment by accessing the programme via the link: https://tinyurl.com/yx5bdbcs

GEORGE FESTIVAL 2025 – EMMANUEL WESSO

The Annual Lights Festival opens the George Festival on the Saturday 13th December at 14h00 – 22h00.
With a full programme and something for everyone, all residents are invited to attend – Emmanuel Wesso will appear on stage at 19h15 at Unity Park.

Explore the full line-up of events, activities, and entertainment by accessing the programme via the link: https://tinyurl.com/yx5bdbcs

GEORGE FESTIVAL 2025: NETBALL TOURNAMENT

The George Festival 2025 – Culture. Art. Sport. Our community. Our celebration. promises to bring the city together in a true celebration of creativity, unity, and local pride.

Explore the full line-up of events, activities, and entertainment by accessing the programme via the link: https://tinyurl.com/yx5bdbcs
and follow official George Municipality and WC DCAS social media channels.

SANParks SMME FUND

The South African National Parks (SANParks) launches an SMME Fund. The Fund is a dedicated interest-free loan that provides short-term purchase order finance to local SMMEs that have purchase orders from SANParks. SANParks will run its normal procurement processes, and once awarded, a purchase.

This initiative was introduced by SANParks Supplier and Enterprise Development Regional Manager during the George Supplier Indaba held on 15-16 July 2025, organised by George Municipality (Economic Development) and the Western Cape Government Department of Economic Development and Tourism (DEDAT).

The application link is http://sanlamsanparks.co.za

SMMEs are encouraged to take advantage of this opportunity and to learn more about this initiative.

Please contact Mr Fumanekile Makuyekwe at Fumanekile.Makuyekwe@sanparks.org.

GEORGE FESTIVAL 2025-5 A SIDE SOCCER TOURNAMENT

The George Festival 2025 – Culture. Art. Sport. Our community. Our celebration. promises to bring the city together in a true celebration of creativity, unity, and local pride.
Explore the full line-up of events, activities, and entertainment by accessing the programme via the link: https://tinyurl.com/yr6yd44t and follow official George Municipality and WC DCAS social media channels.

GEORGE FESTIVAL 2025- 7’S RUGBY TOURNAMENT

The George Festival 2025 – Culture. Art. Sport. Our community. Our celebration. promises to bring the city together in a true celebration of creativity, unity, and local pride.
Explore the full line-up of events, activities, and entertainment by accessing the programme via the link: https://tinyurl.com/yr6yd44t and follow official George Municipality and WC DCAS social media channels.