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Author: Nadine Payle

Municipal Support for Backyard Dwellers

Photograph for illustration purposes only.

George Municipality recognises that backyard dwellings provide important and affordable accommodation for many residents. The Municipality is taking practical steps to ensure an enabling environment and improve living conditions for backyard households, while ensuring safety and compliance with national legislation.

Backyard housing is formally recognised in the Municipality’s long-term planning framework since 2023, and a Backyard Housing Strategy was adopted by MAYCO in February 2025. This strategy enables backyard dwellings to receive their own prepaid electricity meters subject to certain conditions. Having a direct electricity supply improves safety, reduces fire risks linked to illegal connections, allows residents to manage and budget their electricity use, and enables qualifying indigent households to access free basic electricity directly from the Municipality. A direct electricity connection also allows backyard dwellers to install security systems, purchase electricity independently of the main house, and benefit from a guaranteed safe installation certified through a Certificate of Compliance (CoC).

In areas with high indigent levels, backyard dwellings are common. Rezoning to Single Residential Zone III allows compliant structures to be approved through a building plan only, without further land-use applications.Property owners may construct a second dwelling of up to 175m² without additional land-use approval and may apply to develop small rental units, subject to approval.

Provision of standardised building plans for all backyard dwellings is not practical as each property has unique characteristics to which the structure must adapt. National law requires that building plans are prepared and submitted by registered architects or draftspersons. The Municipality is also legally prohibited from preparing plans for private properties due to conflict-of-interest rules. The Municipality is working to make it easier and more affordable for residents to build safe, legal backyard dwellings. We have already updated our land use planning rules to better support this and plan to work with the Western Cape Department of Infrastructure to develop adaptable, cost effective standard building plans. These pro forma plans would help property owners save money and speed up the building plan approval process.

The Thembalethu Overlay Zone is being implemented as a pilot project that makes it easier and cheaper for property owners to formalise development. It allows flats and small rental units to be approved without a rezoning application, helping properties move from informal to formal structures at a lower cost.
Public participation has been concluded, and the overlay zone will be tabled to Council for adoption. Together, Single Residential Zone III and the Overlay Zone recognise existing informal housing and make it easier to develop more formal homes and rental units more quickly

In addition, the Emergency Housing Policy and Housing Allocation Policy have been reviewed to better support backyard households in need. Community registration drives and housing outreach programmes are conducted throughout the year and will be expanded to additional areas.

George Municipality remains committed to improving living conditions in a responsible and sustainable manner and will continue working with the Western Cape Department of Infrastructure and local communities as these measures are expanded. The safety and dignity of our communities are among the highest priorities, and the implementation of interventions will not be done haphazardly, but with due regard for the sustainability of the solutions.

GEORGE MUNICIPALITY INTERNAL AUDIT LAUNCHES “INTERNAL AUDIT AWARENESS – EVERY MONTH” CAMPAIGN

George Municipality’s Internal Audit Department is proud to announce the launch of a year-long Internal Audit Awareness Campaign, reinforcing the message that assurance, governance, and risk management are not once-off events, but continuous responsibilities.

Globally, the Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA) designates May as Internal Audit Awareness Month, during which internal auditors are encouraged to promote awareness of the profession and its value. While George Municipality fully supports and will continue to acknowledge this global initiative, the Internal Audit Department has resolved to extend awareness beyond a single month.

“While Internal Audit Awareness Month is celebrated globally in May, the Internal Audit Department of George Municipality believes that awareness should not be limited to one month but should be continuous throughout the year.”

The campaign, titled “Internal Audit Awareness – Every Month”, aims to embed a clearer understanding of Internal Audit’s role across all directorates, emphasising that Internal Audit is:

• An independent and objective assurance and advisory function.
• A partner in strengthening governance, risk management, and internal controls; and
• A contributor to service delivery improvement and accountability.

Through monthly themed engagements, information sharing, and practical interactions, the Internal Audit Department will highlight how Internal Audit adds value, supports management, and assists Council and Audit Committee in fulfilling their oversight responsibilities.

This initiative aligns with:
• The Global Internal Audit Standards (GIAS);
• The Municipal Finance Management Act (MFMA);
• King Code principles on governance; and
• The municipality’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and continuous improvement.

Internal Audit kicked off the Awareness Campaign with one-on-one engagement with all Municipal Directors. The purpose of the sessions was to engage with the Directors on key priorities, risks, and governance matters for the year ahead, and to identify areas where Internal Audit can provide assurance or advisory support.

George Municipality invites management, employees, and stakeholders to actively participate in this campaign and engage with Internal Audit throughout the year—not only in May, but every month.

See below video link
https://youtu.be/iVVFVQDq8NI

GARDEN ROUTE DAM LEVEL AND HAARLEM DAM LEVEL

Garden Route Dam Level
Percentage storage at new raised dam wall height 44.77%

Rainfall for the previous days: 3.5 mm (Measured from 20 – 26 January 2026)

Haarlem Dam Level
Percentage storage 24,00 %

Rainfall for the previous days: 1.5 mm (Measured from 20 – 26 January 2026)

Please see the link to 2D water demand management measures being implemented currently: http://tinyurl.com/3439h4n7

The cooperation of all users of municipal water is essential and is greatly appreciated.

UPDATE 3: Public Notice – Municipal Billing for January 2026

George Municipality would like to confirm that a re-issue of the municipal statements for January accounts will take place as of today, 26 January 2026, which includes SMS and Email notifications to all residents. We apologize for server and technical issues experienced this weekend with the first run, and assure the public that our Financial Services directorate continues to work towards modernising municipal systems, improving efficiency, and ensuring more reliable billing and customer services.

SMS
In addition to the emailed statement, customers will receive an SMS containing a secure link to view and download their monthly account statement.Password information will be included in the text of the SMS.

EMAIL
The download link has been removed and only a password protected PDF version of the shortened statement will be included. Your password to open the PDF is your new account number.
CITIZEN PORTAL to view Accounts
As an alternative, you can also view and download your account/s via the Citizen Portal. To access and register on the portal follow the link https://citizenportal.co.za/ or via the link on the municipal website https://www.george.gov.za/ – navigate to the “view account” button. For assistance with registration and navigation of the portal, watch the video guide available here: 👉 https://tinyurl.com/3evu6dn3
PAYMENT
If paying via EFT – kindly use the new account number as reference for example: GRGxxxxx [remove 0’s] Ensure you include the GRG portion and replace xxxxx with your account number. Kindly send proof of payment to payments@george.gov.za with the correct reference as above. Bank Account details for the Municipality are reflected on your statement. No other bank details are valid for George Municipality.
TAKE NOTE:
If you have already received, downloaded and paid your January 2026 municipal account, please ignore the second SMS and email run due to take place from today.
Payments are due by 23 February 2026.
Should you have any queries regarding account access or billing, please contact our offices during office hours (Monday to Friday, 07:45 – 16:30) in person, via 044 801 9111 or accounts@george.gov.za_The municipality will 𝗡𝗘𝗩𝗘𝗥 request payments via e-wallet or any informal payment method.

🎉 𝐂𝐀𝐋𝐋 𝐅𝐎𝐑 𝐄𝐕𝐄𝐍𝐓𝐒 | 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔–𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟕

George is home to great events — naturally! 🌿🏃‍♀️🎶

With exceptional natural surroundings, solid infrastructure, and easy air & road access, George, Wilderness and Uniondale are ideal hosts for lifestyle, business, and sporting events.

𝐄𝐯𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐨𝐫𝐠𝐚𝐧𝐢𝐬𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐢𝐧𝐯𝐢𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐨 𝐚𝐩𝐩𝐥𝐲 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐟𝐮𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐩𝐬 for events taking place between:
📅 01 July 2026 – 30 June 2027
🔗 𝐀𝐩𝐩𝐥𝐲 𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞: https://zurl.co/hE3Pb

⏳ Don’t miss the opportunity to bring your event to one of South Africa’s leading event destinations.

George, Wilderness and Uniondale Deliver Strong Festive Season 2025/26 – Tourism Analysis

George, Wilderness and Uniondale enjoyed a successful 2025/26 festive season, with high visitor satisfaction, stable accommodation performance, improved restaurant trade and growing airlift reinforcing the destination’s appeal to both domestic and international travellers. Insights gathered from visitors and tourism stakeholders across the peak holiday period paint a positive picture of a destination that continues to deliver memorable experiences, underpinned by natural beauty, outdoor activities and a welcoming tourism community.

Exceptional Visitor Satisfaction and Global Reach
George, Wilderness and Uniondale Tourism conducted in-person visitor information activations at key tourism hotspots from 13 December to 10 January, including Redberry Farm, Victoria Bay, Wilderness Beach, the Outeniqua Family Market and the Garden Route National Park. Tourism staff engaged with more than 1,300 visitor interactions through activations and Visitor Information Centres during this period.

Visitor surveys conducted during the activations revealed exceptionally strong satisfaction levels. Of the 582 respondents:
• 88% rated their visit as “excellent”
• 12% rated it as “good”
• 99.8% indicated they would recommend the destination to other travellers
Visitors cited natural scenery (86%), outdoor activities (80%), and safety and cleanliness (56%) as key reasons for choosing the destination. Leisure travel dominated, with 97% visiting for holiday purposes.
The destination attracted a diverse international market, with visitors from 26 countries, including the United Kingdom and Netherlands, alongside strong domestic travel.

“The overwhelmingly positive feedback from visitors speaks volumes about the quality of our destination and the dedication of our tourism community,” says Tourism Manager Joan Shaw. “From tourism businesses and frontline staff to our natural and public spaces, this season showed what is possible when everyone works together.”

Accommodation occupancy across guesthouses, B&Bs, self-catering units and similar accommodation types averaged 70% during the school holiday period, in line with the previous year, according to select online travel agent information. Peak demand was particularly strong, with occupancy reaching 87% on 27 and 31 December, before tapering off in line with the reopening of schools. December 2025 booking data reflected R69.1 million in revenue, representing an increase of approximately R2.3 million year-on-year.

Domestic travellers accounted for just over half of bookings, while international visitors made up a significant portion, led by Germany, the United Kingdom and the Netherlands. The average length of stay was 3.5 days, with a notable share of bookings made within a short reservation window, highlighting the effectiveness of last-minute travel decisions and marketing. Direct feedback from hotels and boutique hotels across George indicated similar trends. During the height of the festive period, average hotel occupancy reached 89%, with several properties fully booked.

The hospitality sector reported a notably strong season. Fifteen out of eighteen popular restaurants surveyed indicated improved performance compared to the previous festive season. Popular attractions continued to draw visitors, with the Powervan George transporting 3,099 passengers during the festive period. The Wilderness section of the Garden Route National Park recorded 27,981 day visitors in December, reflecting steady demand for nature-based experiences. A diverse festive events calendar including the inaugural George Festival hosted in collaboration with the Western Cape Government, further contributed to destination vibrancy, with more than 26 events taking place across December and early January, spanning music, sport, markets and family-friendly activities.

George Airport recorded 96,000 passengers in December 2025, reflecting 3% growth year-on-year. The airport closed the year with a record 911,000 two-way passengers, representing an 11% increase compared to 2024, reinforcing George’s accessibility and growth potential.

“All indicators point to a strong and resilient destination,” says Shaw. “We continue to warmly welcome international visitors through late summer and look forward to seeing domestic travellers return for the Easter break. Thank you to everyone who chose George, Wilderness and Uniondale this festive season.”

SUSPENSION OF GREEN BAG COLLECTION

Due to the current inclement weather conditions, municipal teams are unable to access the Landfill Site safely.

As a result, all Green Bag collection operations have been suspended for today.

The service is expected to resume tomorrow, weather permitting.

George Municipality apologises for the inconvenience caused and thanks residents for their understanding and cooperation.

Every drop saved today protects our water tomorrow.


💧 As we close the year and enter the peak summer season, Level 2C Water Demand Management Measures remain in place in George.
Every drop saved today protects our water tomorrow.

🚰 Let’s carry water-wise habits into the new year — at home, work and while hosting visitors.

💦 Report leaks or water misuse:
📞 044 801 9262 / 66 (office hours) | 044 801 6300 (after hours)
🚨 Violations: 044 801 6350 (office hours) | 044 801 6300 (a/h)
#GeorgeMunicipality #WaterDemandManagement #EveryDropCounts

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💧 Terwyl ons die jaar afsluit, bly Vlak 2C Waterverbruiksbestuursmaatreëls van krag in George.
Elke druppel wat vandag gespaar word, beskerm môre se water.

🚰 Neem waterwys gewoontes saam die nuwe jaar in.

💦 Rapporteer lekkasies of misbruik:
📞 044 801 9262 / 66 | 044 801 6300 (na-ure)
🚨 Oortredings: 044 801 6350 | 044 801 6300

#GeorgeMunisipaliteit #Waterbestuur #ElkeDruppelTel

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💧 Njengoko unyaka usiya esiphelweni, amanqanaba e-2C aqhubeka nokusebenza eGeorge.
Ithontsi ngalinye esiligcinayo namhlanje likhusela ikamva.

🚰 Masingenise unyaka omtsha sisebenzisa amanzi ngobulumko.

💦 Xela ukuvuza okanye ukusetyenziswa gwenxa:
📞 044 801 9262 / 66 | 044 801 6300
🚨 Ukophula imithetho: 044 801 6350 | 044 801 6300
#UMasipalaWaseGeorge #GcinaAmanzi #AmathontsiAbalulekile

Gardens & Irrigation

🌿 Gardens may only be watered using buckets or watering cans.
🚫 No hoses or irrigation systems allowed.

💦 Report leaks or water misuse:
📞 044 801 9262 / 66 (office hours) | 044 801 6300 (after hours)
🚨 Violations: 044 801 6350 (office hours) | 044 801 6300 (a/h)

#GeorgeMunicipality #WaterDemandManagement #EveryDropCounts

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🌿 Tuine mag slegs met emmers of gieters natgemaak word.
💦 Rapporteer lekkasies of misbruik:
📞 044 801 9262 / 66 | 044 801 6300 (na-ure)
🚨 Oortredings: 044 801 6350 | 044 801 6300

#GeorgeMunisipaliteit #Waterbestuur #ElkeDruppelTel

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🌿 Igadi mayinkcenkceshelwe kuphela ngeebhakethi okanye iijagi.
💦 Xela ukuvuza okanye ukusetyenziswa gwenxa:
📞 044 801 9262 / 66 | 044 801 6300
🚨 Ukophula imithetho: 044 801 6350 | 044 801 6300

#UMasipalaWaseGeorge #GcinaAmanzi #AmathontsiAbalulekile

GARDEN ROUTE DAM LEVEL

Percentage storage at new raised dam wall height: 45,68 %

Rainfall for the previous days:                                    16.1 mm
(Measured from 22 – 29 December 2025)

Please see the link to 2C water restrictions implemented as of 4 December 2025: http://tinyurl.com/3439h4n7

The cooperation of all users of municipal water is essential and is greatly appreciated.

Level 2C Water Demand Management Measures are in effect in George and surrounds.

Dam levels are under pressure — every drop counts.
🚰 Households, businesses, and visitors must reduce water use now to protect supply during the peak season.

💦 Report leaks or water misuse:
📞 044 801 9262 / 66 (office hours) | 044 801 6300 (after hours)
🚨 Violations: 044 801 6350 (office hours) | 044 801 6300 (a/h)
#GeorgeMunicipality #WaterDemandManagement #EveryDropCounts

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💧 Vlak 2C Waterverbruiksbestuursmaatreëls is in werking in George en omgewing.

Damvlakke is onder druk — elke druppel tel.
🚰 Huishoudings, besighede en besoekers moet waterverbruik dringend verminder.

💦 Rapporteer lekkasies of misbruik:
📞 044 801 9262 / 66 | 044 801 6300 (na-ure)
🚨 Oortredings: 044 801 6350 | 044 801 6300
#GeorgeMunisipaliteit #Waterbestuur #ElkeDruppelTel

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💧 Amanqanaba e-2C oLawulo lokuSetyenziswa kwaManzi ayasebenza eGeorge.

Amanzi edama aphantsi koxinzelelo — ithontsi ngalinye libalulekile.
🚰 Amakhaya, amashishini nabakhenkethi kufuneka banciphise ukusetyenziswa kwamanzi.

💦 Xela ukuvuza okanye ukusetyenziswa gwenxa:
📞 044 801 9262 / 66 | 044 801 6300
🚨 Ukophula imithetho: 044 801 6350 | 044 801 6300
#UMasipalaWaseGeorge #GcinaAmanzi #AmathontsiAbalulekile

Looking for adventure, culture, good food, or a place to unwind? 🌊🌿✨

Get everything you need to explore George, Wilderness and Uniondale on our official tourism website:
👉 visitgeorge.co.za

From exciting things to do and upcoming events that might just tickle your interest, to a wide range of accommodation, restaurants, and hidden local gems – it’s all waiting for you in one place.

But hey… if you don’t have time to browse everything just yet, here are 70 things to get you started off 😉

So long, happy exploring, and we’ll see you out there!

Issuing of Temporary Driving Licences

The Driving Licence Testing Centre (DLTC) has noted an increase in late applications for the renewal of driving licence cards. Members of the public are advised that when applying for a new driving licence card and the issuing of a temporary driving licence, the same legal requirements apply, including eye testing. Vision standards differ according to the code of the driving licence applied for.

In many cases, where applicants do not meet the prescribed vision standards, the driving licence code may need to be downgraded. Such applications must be submitted to the Mobility Department and the Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) for approval. Please note that both entities are closed for the festive season and will only resume operations on 05 January 2026. As a result, a temporary driving licence may not be issued, and the affected individual will not be permitted to operate a motor vehicle, as this would constitute driving without a valid licence.

In terms of Section 15(1)(f)(vi) of the National Road Traffic Act, Act 93 of 1996, a person is disqualified from obtaining or holding a learner’s or driving licence if he or she suffers from defective vision as determined in accordance with prescribed standards. This is further supported by Regulation 102, which deals with defective vision disqualifying a person from holding or obtaining a licence.

With regard to licence card validity, Regulation 108(5)(a) provides that a driving licence card expires five years from the date it was ordered from the Card Production Facility. Regulation 108(6)(a) further states that if a person applies for a new driving licence card on or before the expiry date, and the licence has not been suspended or cancelled, the existing card remains valid for up to three months after expiry, pending the issuing of the new card.

Drivers may continue to use their expired driving licence card during this period only if they are in possession of:
The expired driving licence card, and proof of application (receipt) for the new driving licence card.

Motorists are urged to apply for renewal well in advance of the expiry date of their driving licence cards to avoid inconvenience, delays, or the risk of being unable to legally operate a motor vehicle

Bruin Water – Proteaville, Haarlem

George Munisipaliteit is bewus van die bruin/verkleurde water wat voorkom in die Proteaville-gebied van Haarlem. Dit is weens die water vlak in Reservoir 1 wat tot ’n lae vlak gedaal het.

Die reservoir se watervlak styg geleidelik, waarna die watergehalte sal verbeter soos die vlakke stabiliseer.

Inwoners word versoek om water vir drinkdoeleindes te kook tot verdere kennisgewing.

George Munisipaliteit vra om verskoning vir die ongerief en bedank inwoners vir hul geduld.

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PUBLIC NOTICE: Brown Water – Proteaville, Haarlem

George Municipality is aware of reports of brown/discoloured water in the Proteaville area of Haarlem. This is due to the water level in Reservoir 1 having dropped to a low level.

The reservoir level is gradually rising, and water quality is expected to improve as levels stabilise.

Residents are advised to boil water for drinking purposes until further notice.

George Municipality apologises for the inconvenience caused and thanks residents for their patience.

No gratuity or money in lieu of services

George Municipality has been made aware of refuse workers asking members of the public for donations. Please note that no municipal official may ask for a gratuity or any money in lieu of services rendered.

We request that the GM Number on the vehicle is provided to our Community Services Directorate when reporting any such requests to 044 802 2900.