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Author: Nadine Payle

Low Water Pressure in CBD Area

Please note that due to scheduled water network testing, residents and businesses in Mid Town may experience low water pressure between 09:00 and 11:00 today.

George Municipality apologises for the inconvenience caused and thanks you for your understanding.

Unplanned Water Outage – Genesis Street, Rosedale

George Municipality is aware of an unplanned water outage affecting Genesis Street in Rosedale.

Municipal teams are currently on site attending to the repair of the water pipe.

Estimated Time of Repair is 4–6 hours
A water tanker has been dispatched to Genesis Street to assist affected residents.

The Municipality apologises for the inconvenience and appreciates your patience.

UPDATE: Pipe Burst – Denneoord

Municipal teams have completed repairs to the burst pipe in Denneoord.

Water supply is being restored, but residents are requested to allow time for the network to stabilise.

We thank residents for their patience and apologise for the inconvenience caused.

UPDATE: Pipe Burst – Denneoord

Municipal teams are still attending to the burst pipe in Denneoord. A water truck remains dispatched to the area to assist affected residents.

The new estimated time of repair is set for 5pm.

We apologise for the inconvenience and thank residents for their continued patience

Pipe Burst in Denneoord

Please note that a pipe burst has occurred at the corner of Outeniqua and Loop Street in Denneoord. This has affected the water supply to parts of the Denneoord area.

The estimated time of repair will be 4-6 hours.
More information will be shared as it becomes available.

The Municipality apologises for the inconvenience and thanks residents for their patience.

Power Restored – Portion of Thembalethu Zone 7 & 8

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

Emergency Power Outage – Lawaaikamp

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

Low Water Pressure – George CBD

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.

Historic “Home of Golf, Africa” Launch for the Garden Route, South Africa

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.

Public Notice: Unplanned Water Outage – Wilderness Heights

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.

Unplanned Power Outage – Thembalethu Zone 6 & 7

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

What You Need to Know About Emission Licensing and the GRDM

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

Guidelines for the Use of Beaches, Public Open Spaces and Botanical Gardens for Events

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.

Updated Public Notice: Power Outage in Hansmoeskraal

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.

Controlled Fire Burn in Denneoord

🔥 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.