George Municipality confirms that power has been restored to the affected portion of Thembalethu Zone 7 and 8.
Residents are reminded that illegal connections remain a serious risk and will continue to be addressed to ensure a stable and safe power supply
Please note that a portion of July Marakeni Street and Potsolo Nyekeke Street in Lawaaikamp has been switched off to allow for emergency repairs.
The estimated time for restoration is 2 hours.
We apologise for the inconvenience
Today’s planned outage affecting Erica St, Myrtle St & Langenhoven St is cancelled.
New date: 03 July 2025
George Municipality apologises for the inconvenience
George Municipality is aware of the current low water pressure affecting areas in the George CBD.
The relevant teams are on site and attending to the issue.
The estimated time for repair is between 4 to 6 hours.
Residents and businesses are thanked for their patience and cooperation.
Further updates will be provided as necessary.
Today marks a historic milestone for George as the leading golf destination in the Garden Route. The George Tourism initiative, in partnership with the George Joint Marketing Association (GJMA)—a recently registered NPC—has launched its second major brand: Home of Golf, Africa.
For many years, golf businesses in the Garden Route have discussed the need for a unified marketing strategy. Today, that vision becomes a reality with the launch of Home of Golf, Africa. This follows the recent success of the George Trails rebrand—another private-sector-led initiative aimed at increasing regional tourism by combatting seasonality and promoting niche travel experiences.
Charl Marais, Chairman of the George Joint Marketing Association, who has been instrumental in driving this initiative behind the scenes, remarked: “It is a joyous occasion to launch such a brand.”
Leroy Ferreira, Marketing Director at Fancourt, added: “We want to position the Garden Route’s coastal belt—from Mossel Bay to Knysna—as the premier golfing destination in Africa. With George as the central hub, tourists can enjoy 12 golf courses within an hour’s radius, featuring some of the continent’s finest courses.”
Why “Home of Golf”?
The Garden Route’s coastal belt has long been admired for its awe-inspiring landscapes, nestled between majestic mountain ranges and a brilliant blue coastline. This region not only boasts the best golf courses in Africa—possibly even in the Southern Hemisphere—but also offers unmatched natural beauty. From breathtaking mountain vistas and lush valleys to rivers, forests, and unspoiled white sandy beaches, the Garden Route is a haven for eco-tourism, birdwatchers, and nature lovers alike.
Visitors can also experience malaria-free Big Five game viewing and boutique local vineyards—making this compact region a powerhouse of diverse attractions.
While golf remains the anchor, the Home of Golf initiative aims to attract both domestic and international tourists by showcasing the full spectrum of experiences the region has to offer. The goal is to drive visitor numbers and stimulate economic growth across multiple sectors of the tourism industry.
George Municipality’s Tourism Manager, Joan Shaw, concluded: “The launch of Home of Golf, Africa is a milestone that will not only grow visitor numbers, but also boost revenue for all businesses that benefit from the region’s exceptional golf offering.” Participating golf courses include Pinnacle Point, Mossel Bay Golf Club, Oubaai Golf Estate, George Golf Club, Kingswood Golf Estate, and Fancourt’s four renowned courses.
For more information, visit www.homeofgolf.africa or contact Joan Shaw at George Tourism via jshaw@george.gov.za. For additional details on related initiatives, http://www.georgetrails.org.
Wilderness Heights is currently experiencing a water outage due to low reservoir levels.
Residents are urgently requested to conserve water to assist in building up the reservoir levels.
The estimated time of water restoration is 3 hours.
We appreciate your patience and cooperation.
Please note that an unplanned power outage is currently affecting Thembalethu Zones 6 and 7.
Our electricians are onsite investigating the fault.
The estimated time of repair will be communicated once the fault has been identified.
Power will remain off until all illegal connections have been removed to ensure the safety of the community.
We appreciate your patience as we work on restoring power to the affected areas
Issued on behalf of GRDM on 20 June 2025
“GRDM’s Air Quality Management Unit regulates, amongst others, industrial emissions to maintain a healthy environment. Atmospheric Emission Licences (AEL) are issued by the GRDM team to industries operating on the Garden Route (Hessequa, Mossel Bay, George, Knysna, Bitou, Oudtshoorn and Kannaland), said Dr Johann Schoeman, GRDM Manager: District Air Quality Control.
“Local municipalities have a role to play by enforcing air quality laws, regulating small pollution sources (like fuel-burning appliances), and managing air quality nuisances outside their jurisdictions.”
Industries that require an AEL are referred to as ‘Listed Activities’, classified under Government Notice 893 of November 2013 (as amended). The law recognises industrial activities that could harm the air you breathe, impact public health, disrupt environmental and cultural heritage, and possibly impact social and economic conditions.
To make sure air quality is managed sustainably, the GRDM has an Air Quality Management Plan. It was recently unanimously adopted by the GRDM Council after extensive consultations. The document is available at tinyurl.com/4vpskzy7 or via the municipal website at www.gardenroute.gov.za.
Which activities are listed on the Garden Route?
There are 10 broad categories of listed activities, each with subcategories of industries that need licensing. GRDM has 24 Section 21 Listed Activities and three Controlled Emitters, regulated under Section 23 of the Air Quality Act.
Here’s what they include:
1. Combustion installations (Power stations and industrial boilers that burn fossil fuels for energy)
2. Petrochemical Industry where fuels are produced and stored by refining and processing crude oil, coal, gas, and biomass.
3. Coal gasification and carbonization (the process of converting coal into gas or solid carbon-based products) or tar processes in which creosote or tar is heated or distilled in any manufacturing process.
4. Metallurgy (Processing and refining metals like steel, aluminium, and iron)
5. Handling, storing, and processing minerals (crushing, screening, and transporting mined materials) The clay brick making process is also part of this category.
6. Organic chemical industry which covers the manufacturing of organic chemicals and compounds.
7. Inorganic chemical industry where specific inorganic chemicals, such as ammonia, chlorine, hydrogen cyanide, etc., are manufactured or used.
8. Treatment of Hazardous and General Waste (incineration of waste materials, including hazardous and medical waste; crematoria, etc.)
9. Pulp and paper manufacturing activities including by-product recovery such as lime recovery kilns, chemical recovery furnaces, etc.
10. Animal matter processing plants such as bone or fishmeal processing plants and tanneries.
Learn more here: https://tinyurl.com/3mabb66x
George Municipality hereby advises members of the public, event organisers, and interested parties of the procedures and requirements relating to the use of municipal beaches, public open spaces, and the Garden Route Botanical Garden for events and gatherings.
1. George Municipal Beaches
Members of the public may apply to host events on any beach within the jurisdiction of George Municipality. Bookings must be made through the Community Services: Environmental Services Office by contacting:
Ms Noluvuyo Mankayi on email at nmankayi@george.gov.za or Ms Celeste Africa at cpafrica@george.gov.za or 044 8022900. Events on beaches are subject to the payment of applicable tariffs.https://tinyurl.com/5h226wnw
Please note the following rules and conditions apply:
• No disturbance to sand dunes.
• No nuisance to the public or other beach users.
• No exclusive use of any section of the beach.
• Compliance with noise control regulations.
• No littering; all waste must be removed after the event.
• All rules displayed on regulation boards at the beaches must be adhered to.
• Large events (e.g., sporting events) that extend beyond municipal staff working hours require the organiser to arrange for their own post-event clean-up services.
2. Public Open Spaces
There is currently no tariff for the use of public open spaces. However, all users are required to:
• Request permission in advance.
• Complete and submit the Indemnity and Compliance Form, which outlines all conditions of use.
• The form includes important guidelines regarding public conduct, safety, environmental protection, and event responsibilities.
3. Garden Route Botanical Garden
Bookings for events at the Garden Route Botanical Garden must be made directly with the Garden management. The Municipality does not manage this venue.
4. Population Certificate Requirement (for Larger Events)
In terms of George Municipality’s by-laws and applicable national safety regulations, larger events—including those involving temporary structures, staging, or expected attendance above normal usage thresholds—must obtain a Population Certificate (also referred to as a Temporary Population Certificate).
This certificate is:
• Issued by the George Fire Department.
• Required to ensure the event complies with the Safety at Sports and Recreational Events Act (SASREA) and other local legislation.
• A condition for approval when applying to host events on public amenities, especially where crowd capacity, infrastructure or safety considerations are involved.
• Event organisers are urged to engage early with the relevant municipal departments to ensure all compliance requirements are met well in advance of the event.
• Contact Station Commander Santa Sternsdorf via email at ssternsdorf@george.gov.za or telephone on 044 801 6300
For further information or to make a booking, please contact the Environmental Services Office on 044 802 2900.General event queries can be directed to George, Wilderness and Uniondale Tourism, the official Tourism Bureau of George Municipality, via events@visitgeorge.co.za.
George Municipality thanks you for your cooperation in maintaining safe, clean, and accessible public spaces for all residents and visitors.
Remedial works are scheduled to take place on Mitchell Street.
Power supply has been restored to Mooikloof and DeBoff Farm.
However, due to the extent of the damage caused by the lightning, work is still being conducted in other surrounding areas of Hansmoeskraal.
The estimated time for the restoration of the remaining areas is 20 minutes.
🔥 The George Fire Department is conducting a small controlled burn in Denneoord today for fuel reduction and safety purposes.
⚠️ Residents are advised not to be alarmed if they see fire or smoke in the area.
This operation is planned and managed by fire professionals to reduce wildfire risks.
Thank you for your understanding.
George Municipality is aware that certain sections of Hansmoenskraal are still affected by ongoing issues.
Our team is actively working to resolve the problem and restore normal services.
Please be advised that at this time, the estimated time of restoration (ETR) is approximately 3 hours.
We appreciate your patience and understanding as we work to address the situation.
George, Garden Route (February 2025) – Much has been penned in local publications and posted on social media about the fabulous joint effort made by George businesses and provincial bodies to get this year’s Outeniqua (Wheel)Chair Challenge (OCC) back on track.
The event takes place on 15 March, with Carpe Diem School once again serving as race hub. Participation in the 5km fun event is free for participants from George.
One of the biggest contributions came, literally overnight, from the Southern Cape’s foremost shopping centre. Garden Route Mall general manager, Rion Olivier, explains: “Around 5am on a Friday morning I saw the previous day’s George Herald article about the OCC being postponed for lack of funds. I immediately forwarded the info to our stakeholders and CEO, saying ‘We need to jump in here’.”
“It’s a unique event, the first in South Africa to focus exclusively on athletes who are physically challenged. Having known the late OCC founder, Esther Watson, it’s an event I’m really passionate about. This year, the OCC celebrates over two decades of the community taking hands, but of course Covid has had its impact and all businesses have had to recover, which is why the 21st OCC event was at risk of not taking place. That would have been a shame.”
“We understand that sponsorships for the race were limited during this recovery period, and it took us only 24 hours to make the call. Halfway through our financial year, business is going well at Garden Route Mall, and it was a pleasure to pledge R250,000 towards this excellent cause,” says Olivier.
Presented by the Disabled Road Race Foundation, OCC25 is also supported by the Western Cape Government, George Municipality, Master Cargo, Lancewood, Safari, Garden Route District Municipality, George Herald, AlgoaFM, and iX; many of these sponsors have previously been involved, and organisers thank them as well as new backers on the OCC block.
On Saturday 15 March, the OCC will be hosted for the 21st time and once again cyclists in the starting line-up of pro races will include stars of the South African Paralympic Team, as well as racers from Ghana, Botswana, Namibia and other continental neighbours.
The only race of its kind in the country, the OCC serves as a major economic and tourism boost for George. But most importantly, it is an occasion greatly anticipated by scores of members of SA’s disabled community every year.
Race director Alewijn Dippenaar says this year’s 5km fun event will be free for local participants, and he invites young and old to join in the name of community spirit. “The professional races over 10km, 21.1km and the 42.2km marathon attract world-class athletes, and this combination of fun and pro participants makes our George event a true flagship event for SA para-cyclists.”
Entries close on 28 February and event registration takes place on 14 March from 11am to 6pm at the Carpe Diem grounds. Download entry forms at www.outeniquachairchallenge.co.za and contact Alewijn Dippenaar on 082 457 5675 or at dyndev@mweb.co.za for more information or to contribute towards OCC25!
Caption: Raphael Botsyo Nkegbe, from Ghana
George, Tuinroete (Maart 2025) – Berigte van hoe vrygewige skenkers ingespring het om hierdie jaar se Outeniqua Chair Challenge (OCC) op dreef te hou, is reeds wyd verspreid en gelees. Hoofborge soos Garden Route Mall en die Wes-Kaapse Regering is geloof vir hul ondersteuning om te verseker dat hierdie unieke George-geleentheid op 15 Maart 2025 vir die 21ste keer sal plaasvind.
Met net twee weke oor voor wedren-dag, is dit nou tyd om uit te sien na die aankoms van dosyne ernstige atlete en ewe entoesiastiese pretrenners. Oor die jare het die OCC nog altyd gespog met deelname van onder meer Paralimpiese medaljewenners Ernst van Dyk en Pieter du Preez, asook Stuart McCreadie en plaaslike held Shaun Butler.
Suid-Afrikaanse sportliefhebbers sal vanjaar weer van die land se grootste para-sterre op die wegspringlyn herken. Maar net so beduidend is die feit dat die OCC beroemde handfietsryers en rolstoelrenkampioene van ander dele van die vasteland lok – en 2025 is geen uitsondering nie. Hierdie jaar sluit dit atlete in van Ghana, Zimbabwe, Botswana en Namibië.
Raphael Botsyo Nkegbe het reeds vir Ghana in drie opeenvolgende Paralimpiese Spele verteenwoordig: Athene 2004, Beijing 2008 en Londen 2012. Dié nederige voorstaander van gestremde sport het al sewe keer aan die OCC-marathon deelgeneem, en 2025 sal dus sy agtste keer wees.
“As ‘n rolstoelrenner probeer ek om in soveel wedrenne as moontlik deel te neem, en die OCC is al jare lank een van my kalenderhoogtepunte. In 2015 het ek silwer gewen by my eerste Outeniqua Chair Challenge en toe later goud,” sê Raphael.
“Ek sien uit om weer aan die 42km-marathon deel te neem. Deo volente sal ons veilig in Suid-Afrika aankom twee dae voor die wedren, sodat ons kan aanpas by die weersomstandighede en verseker ons rystoele is gereed vir plaaslike toestande.”
Raphael is die stigter van Gogetdem Wheelchair Racing in Accra en gebruik sy klub om jong para-atlete te help ontwikkel. Vanjaar sal hy twee spanmaats van Span Ghana saambring.
“Dit is ‘n wonderlike geleentheid wat ons van die begin af aangegryp het, aangehelp deur die vriendelike mense van George – of dit nou akkommodasieverskaffers, vrywilligers of geleentheidsorganiseerders is. Ons is mal daaroor om elke jaar terug te kom om ons vlag daar te wapper, eenheid te bevorder, nuwe vriende te maak en met ou maats te skakel. Ek nooi almal in George om ons te kom aanmoedig!”
Jessie Mouton woon in Windhoek en werk as administrateur by die Namibiese Paralimpiese Komitee. Sy maak vanjaar die OCC vir die eerste keer mee, hoewel sy George reeds voorheen besoek het – en dus bekend is met die beeldskone dorp.
Sy is verantwoordelik vir vyf manlike atlete wat in verskeie kategorieë gaan deelneem. “Ons hoop om in die toekoms ook vroulike para-atlete in te sluit. Ons beplan om op 11 Maart die pad te vat, maar wag nog vir vervoerborge,” sê sy.
Wilson Nyakoko, tegniese raadgewer vir Wheelchair and Hand-cycle Racers of Zimbabwe, sê sy span werk nog aan hul begroting. “Elke atleet benodig R5,500 vir reis, verblyf en kos, asook herstelwerk aan rolstoele en handfietse.”
Indien hul geldsake uitwerk, sal ses mans en vyf vroue van Span Zimbabwe deelneem, insluitend Elford Moyo, 58; Munyaradzi Katiyo, 51; Thandiwe Ndlovu, 52; Morleen William Ali, 21; Stellah Jongwe, 22; Ratidzo Tomu, 52; Samson Muroyiwa, 37; Margret Bangajena, 48; Moleen Majoni, 46; Previous Wiri, 38; en Godknows Dziripi, 29.
Wilson sê die hele span, behalwe Godknows Dziripi, het reeds vantevore aan die OCC deelgeneem en weet dus wat om te verwag. Hulle vertrek uit Harare op 11 Maart en arriveer in George op die 13de.
Van Botswana af sal 55-jarige Thuso Rasetapa die lang busrit van Gaborone alleen aanpak. Hy arriveer op Vrydag 14 Maart en vertrek weer Sondag die 16de. Hy neem deel aan die halfmarathon en het al een keer vantevore die geleentheid bygewoon.
Wedren-direkteur Alewijn Dippenaar sê die 5km-pretren is vanjaar gratis vir plaaslike deelnemers. “Die professionele wedrenne oor 10km, 21.1km en 42.2km lok wêreldklas-atlete. Hierdie kombinasie van pret- en pro-deelnemers maak ons George-wedren ‘n onmisbare geleentheid vir Suid-Afrikaanse para-atlete.”
Caption: Louis Moffat from Botswana
OCC 2025 word aangebied deur die Disabled Road Race Foundation en ondersteun deur Master Cargo, Lancewood, Safari, Garden Route District Municipality, George Herald, AlgoaFM en iX.
Besoek www.outeniquachairchallenge.co.za vir verdere besonderhede. Vir bydraes, kontak Alewijn Dippenaar by 082 457 5675 of dyndev@mweb.co.za.
George, Garden Route (March 2025) – The story of how generous donors jumped in to keep this year’s Outeniqua Chair Challenge (OCC) on track has been widely recorded, and main sponsors such as Garden Route Mall and the Western Cape Government have been lauded for ensuring that this unique George event will take place for the 21st time on 15 March 2025.
With two weeks to go ‘til race day, it’s now time to look forward to welcoming dozens of serious athletes and scores of their fun-minded counterparts to the ‘hood. OCC veterans over the years include Paralympic medallists Ernst van Dyk and Pieter du Preez, as well as acclaimed athletes such as Stuart McCreadie and local hero Shaun Butler.
South African connoisseurs of the sport will again recognise some of its stars at the starting line. But also significant is that the OCC attracts famous hand-cyclists and wheelchair racers from other parts of the continent – and this year is no exception. Among these count athletes from Ghana, Zimbabwe, Botswana and Namibia.
Raphael Botsyo Nkegbe has represented Team Ghana at three consecutive Paralympics: Athens 2004, Beijing 2008, and London 2012. This gentle champion of disabled sport has participated in the OCC marathon on seven previous occasions, so this year will mark his eighth tour on the George track.
“As a wheelchair racer, I try competing in many events across the board and the OCC marathon has been one of my calendar highlights for many years. Starting in 2015, I won a silver medal at my first Outeniqua Wheelchair Challenge and then proceeded to win gold,” says Raphael.
“I’m looking forward to taking part in the 42km full marathon again and God willing we’ll be able to arrive safely in South Africa two days before the event. After travelling it’s good to have a day or two to adjust to the weather and ensure your chair is prepared for local conditions.”
Raphael is the founder of Gogetdem Wheelchair Racing, and through the Accra-based club aims to give back to young para-athletes keen to develop their skills. This year he will be accompanied by two fellow racers representing Team Ghana.
“It is a great event that we have embraced from the start, helped along by the friendly people of George – be they accommodation suppliers, volunteers, or event organisers. We love coming back every year to raise our flag, promote unity, make new friends and connect with old ones. I invite everyone in George to come and cheer us on!”
Jessie Mouton lives in Windhoek and volunteers as an administrator at the Namibia Paralympic Committee. It will be her first time attending the OCC, “but I have been to George before, so I know the beautiful area!”
She will be in charge of five male athletes planning to participate in various categories of this year’s race, and says they are hoping to involve female Paralympic athletes in future. “Our plan is to travel from 11 March. We still have transport challenges and await feedback from our sponsors, but we remain positive.”
Wilson Nyakoko is the technical advisor to Wheelchair and Hand-cycle Racers of Zimbabwe. “My team is still working on budget issues, since each athlete needs R5,500 for travel, accommodation and food, plus funds for the repair of wheelchairs and hand-cycles, where necessary,” he explains.
If it all works out, Wilson’s team of six male and five female athletes, all entered in either the marathon or half-marathon, will include: Elford Moyo, 58; Munyaradzi Katiyo, 51; Thandiwe Ndlovu, 52; Morleen William Ali, 21; Stellah Jongwe, 22; Ratidzo Tomu, 52; Samson Muroyiwa, 37; Margret Bangajena, 48; Moleen Majoni, 46; Previous Wiri, 38; and Godknows Dziripi, 29.
Wilson – who is self-employed and based in Chitungwiza, an hour’s drive from Harare – says except for Godknows Dziripi, all athletes representing Team Zimbabwe have participated in the OCC before, so they know what to expect and look forward to. The tourers will leave Zim on 11 March and arrive in George on the 13th.
Finally, from Botswana, racer Louis Moffat plans to compete in the OCC marathon (2BC) on Saturday 15 March.
Race director Alewijn Dippenaar says this year’s 5km fun event will be free for local participants, and he invites young and old to join in the name of community spirit. “The professional races over 10km, 21.1km and 42.2km attract world-class athletes, and this combination of fun and pro participants makes our George event a true flagship event for SA para-cyclists.”
Caption: Louis Moffat from Botswana
Presented by the Disabled Road Race Foundation, OCC 2025 is also supported by Master Cargo, Lancewood, Safari, Garden Route District Municipality, George Herald, AlgoaFM, and iX. Visit www.outeniquachairchallenge.co.za for more information and contact Alewijn Dippenaar on 082 457 5675 or at dyndev@mweb.co.za to contribute.
A power outage is currently affecting several areas in the CBD, affecting George East, Loerie Park, Denver Park, and Bergsig.
The team has been dispatched, but an Estimated Time of Restoration (ETR) is not yet available.
We apologise for the inconvenience and will provide updates as soon as possible.
