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Author: Nadine Payle

George Municipality Strengthens Water Innovation Through International Engineering Exchange

Delegates from the Water Research Commission Young Engineers Changemakers Programme during their visit to TÜV SÜD in Singapore.

George Municipality is strengthening its approach to sustainable water and sanitation services through international collaboration and skills development, as the country marks National Water Week.

Esethu Nyamankulu, a Senior Process Controller at Water Treatment Works who is also a chemical engineering technologist by profession in the George Municipality’s Civil Engineering Services Directorate, was selected as one of eight young municipal engineers from across South Africa to participate in the Young Engineers Changemakers Programme (YECP), facilitated by the Water Research Commission.

As part of the programme’s international exchange phase, Nyamankulu participated in a study tour in Singapore from 16 to 20 March 2026, with engagements hosted by institutions including TÜV SÜD and the NUS Environmental Research Institute.

The programme is designed to build municipal capacity for innovation in the water sector, equipping engineers with the skills and knowledge required to support sustainable, resilient, and future-ready municipalities. Key focus areas included improving access to safe drinking water, reducing water losses, addressing ageing infrastructure, and advancing water and wastewater treatment and reuse technologies.

The international engagement also explored standards-driven approaches, including ISO 30500, highlighting how innovation, technology, and data can support the implementation of safe and scalable sanitation systems.

Nyamankulu’s selection followed a competitive process recognising innovation, teamwork, and technical excellence demonstrated throughout the programme.

Reflecting on the experience, Nyamankulu said the exposure to global best practice offered valuable insights for local application: “The exposure to advanced membrane technologies and water reuse systems showed how municipalities can improve water security and sustainability. Singapore’s ability to treat domestic wastewater to potable standards highlights the value of integrating technology with water conservation strategies,” he said. “In George, this can support diversifying water sources beyond the Garden Route Dam and building on existing infrastructure like the UF plant at the Outeniqua Wastewater Treatment Works.”

He added that exposure to circular economy practices further broadened the Municipality’s approach to sustainability: “Exposure to circular economy practices and waste-to-resource technologies demonstrated how municipalities can address landfill constraints and improve resource recovery. Singapore’s approach to converting municipal solid waste into reusable materials offers practical solutions to reduce landfill pressure. In George, this can support extending landfill lifespan while creating value from waste.”

The knowledge gained through this engagement will contribute to George Municipality’s ongoing water and sanitation initiatives, including its water campaign focused on responsible use, infrastructure reliability, and long-term sustainability. Exposure to global best practices supports the Municipality’s efforts to enhance efficiency, reduce water losses, and strengthen service delivery.

Congratulating Nyamankulu, Director of Civil Engineering Services, Jannie Koegelenberg, said: “George Municipality congratulates Nyamankulu on this achievement and recognises the value of investing in technical expertise to benefit local communities. Further insights from the programme will be incorporated into municipal operations and planning processes.”

Esethu Nyamankulu, Senior Process Controller at George Municipality, is engaging with advanced water treatment and membrane filtration technology during the Young Engineers Changemakers Programme study tour in Singapore.

South African municipal engineers participate in an interactive knowledge exchange on water sustainability, innovation, and resource management during the international programme in Singapore.

Research, Development, and Innovation Incentives Guide

The Research, Development, and Innovation Incentives Guide for Western Cape Businesses is a comprehensive document compiled by the Western Cape Government’s Department of Economic Development and Tourism. This booklet is a valuable resource for organizations seeking financial or strategic support for R&D and innovation initiatives, highlighting both government and private sector opportunities across diverse sectors. It supports the broader goals of the Growth for Jobs Strategy, where technology and innovation are key enablers of economic competitiveness and job creation.

Why Use This Guide?
• Save time by accessing verified, up-to-date incentive programmes in one place.
• Explore opportunities for R&D, commercialisation, and innovation funding.
• Identify incentives that match your business stage – from startup to scaling to international growth.
• Connect with government, private sector, and development agencies offering support.

Who Should Use It?
• Entrepreneurs and startups developing new technologies or services.
• Established businesses looking to expand operations or enter new markets.
• Researchers and innovators seeking funding to take ideas from lab to market.
• Investors and corporates exploring partnerships with small businesses.

How to access the Guide?
Herewith the link: https://www.westerncape.gov.za/edat/research-development-and-innovation-incentives-guide

Ethics and Fraud Connection

March is recognised as National Ethics Awareness Month, a time dedicated to encouraging individuals and organisations to reflect on their ethical standards and professional conduct. It provides an opportunity to promote integrity, accountability and responsible decision-making in the workplace and in public service.

For George Municipality, Ethics Awareness Month serves as a reminder of the importance of upholding the highest standards of honesty, transparency and fairness in serving our community. By strengthening an ethical culture within the organisation, the municipality reaffirms its commitment to good governance, ethical leadership and building public trust.

#FraudPrevention
#EthicalChoices

EPWP Projects and Employment in George Municipality

Following the recent announcement of the appointment of an EPWP Oversight Committee for George Municipality, the committee has already begun its work and is addressing misinformation currently circulating regarding EPWP wage rates and the number of projects underway in Greater George. Several inaccurate claims have been made recently on public forums regarding both the number of EPWP projects and the wages paid to workers. The facts below clarify the situation.

George Municipality currently has 107 ongoing EPWP projects. These projects are funded through two main sources:
• Integrated Grant (IG) funded projects: 17 projects in total, consisting of 15 social sector projects and 2 environmental and culture projects
• Municipal and other funding sources: 90 projects funded through a combination of municipal funding, loans, PTNG funding, and IUDG grants

The EPWP programme is designed to create temporary employment opportunities while providing workers with valuable work experience and exposure to the job market. In terms of employment created through these projects:
• 636 jobs were created in the first quarter; and
• 359 jobs were created in the second quarter
In total, George Municipality’s ongoing EPWP projects have created 995 employment opportunities for the first and second quarters, against a target of 1400 work opportunities. This represents 71% of the target for the 2025/26 financial year.

Another area where misinformation has been spread relates to EPWP wage rates. The national EPWP minimum wage rate, as revised and gazetted by the Department of Employment and Labour, is R16.62 per hour, which equates to R132.92 for an eight-hour workday. George Municipality pays significantly above the national EPWP minimum wage with the current rate for unskilled EPWP workers at R22.50 per hour, which equates to R180 for an eight-hour workday.

The daily rates applied across EPWP projects in George are:
• Unskilled: R180 per eight-hour day
• Semi-skilled: R275 per eight-hour day
• Skilled: R375 per eight-hour day
These rates are applied according to the requirements of each project and the level of skill required.

“We have noted a concerning trend of misinformation being circulated, including in some instances by individuals who should have access to the correct information. This highlights the importance of ensuring that the facts are properly considered before claims are made,” said the Chairperson of the EPWP Oversight Committee, Cllr Raybin Figland. “The spread of misinformation undermines a programme that is creating real opportunities for residents. The facts are clear: George Municipality is running over a hundred EPWP projects, creating jobs for our residents, and paying wages that exceed the national EPWP minimum rate.”

According to Executive Mayor Ald Browen Johnson: “This is exactly why we established this committee: to strengthen transparency, ensure accountability, and make sure that accurate information reaches the public. I would also like to encourage our residents, especially our youth, to register on the EPWP database to access these opportunities.”

Residents who wish to register on the EPWP database can do so by:
• Visiting the EPWP Office at the corner of St Johns Street and Varing Road
• Completing the official EPWP database application form
• Submitting the required supporting documents listed on page 3 of the application form
• Alternatively, visiting the George Municipal website: https://www.george.gov.za/extended-public-works-programme-epwp/

George Municipality remains committed to transparency, accountability, and accurate public reporting. We will continue to correct misinformation when it arises and ensure that EPWP opportunities are administered fairly, responsibly, and in line with national policy and available funding.

Ethics Awareness Month- Why Ethics Matter?

March is recognised as National Ethics Awareness Month, a time dedicated to encouraging individuals and organisations to reflect on their ethical standards and professional conduct.

It provides an opportunity to promote integrity, accountability and responsible decision-making in the workplace and in public service.

For George Municipality, Ethics Awareness Month serves as a reminder of the importance of upholding the highest standards of honesty, transparency and fairness in serving our community.

By strengthening an ethical culture within the organisation, the municipality reaffirms its commitment to good governance, ethical leadership and building public trust.

#EthicsAwarenessMonth
#EthicsMatters
#IntegrityFirst
#EthicalLeadership

Ethics Awareness Month- Why Ethics Matter? ⚖

March is recognised as National Ethics Awareness Month, a time dedicated to encouraging individuals and organisations to reflect on their ethical standards and professional conduct.

It provides an opportunity to promote integrity, accountability and responsible decision-making in the workplace and in public service.

For George Municipality, Ethics Awareness Month serves as a reminder of the importance of upholding the highest standards of honesty, transparency and fairness in serving our community.

By strengthening an ethical culture within the organisation, the municipality reaffirms its commitment to good governance, ethical leadership and building public trust.

#EthicsAwarenessMonth
#EthicsMatters
#IntegrityFirst
#EthicalLeadership

Ethics Awareness Month- What Are Ethics? ⚖

March is recognised as National Ethics Awareness Month, a time dedicated to encouraging individuals and organisations to reflect on their ethical standards and professional conduct.

It provides an opportunity to promote integrity, accountability and responsible decision-making in the workplace and in public service.

For George Municipality, Ethics Awareness Month serves as a reminder of the importance of upholding the highest standards of honesty, transparency and fairness in serving our community.

By strengthening an ethical culture within the organisation, the municipality reaffirms its commitment to good governance, ethical leadership and building public trust.

#EthicsAwarenessMonth
#EthicsMatters
#IntegrityFirst
#EthicalLeadership

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT (WORKER COLLECTION POINT) OFFICE CLOSURE

Please be advised that the Economic Development Office (Worker Collection Point) at 12 Industrial Street will be closed from 15:30 PM on 11 March 2026, due to fumigation.

For any urgent enquiries during this time, please contact the alternative number: 044 801 9212.
Normal operations will resume at 07:45 AM on 12 March 2026.

We apologise for any inconvenience and appreciate your understanding.

CALL FOR ALL PERSONS REGISTERED ON THE WESTERN CAPE HOUSING DEMAND DATABASE (WCHHDB) (WAITING LIST) TO UPDATE THEIR DETAILS

CALL FOR ALL PERSONS REGISTERED ON THE WESTERN CAPE HOUSING DEMAND DATABASE (WCHHDB) (WAITING LIST) TO UPDATE THEIR DETAILS
The George Municipality – Human Settlements Department calls on all persons registered on the WCHHDB, including elderly persons and persons with physical disabilities, to urgently update and verify their personal details.

Updating your information is important to ensure that the housing database remains accurate and that eligible applicants can be considered when housing opportunities become available.

Who should update their details?

• All individuals currently registered on the WCHHDB.
• Elderly persons registered on the housing waiting list.
• Persons living with physical disabilities.
• Applicants whose contact details, address, or household information may have changed.

Documents to bring:

• South African ID or Smart ID Card
• Proof of current residential address
• Any previous housing registration or reference number (if available)
• Medical documentation confirming disability

Where to update your details:

Department: Human Settlements
46 Market Street, George
(Old York Hostel Building)

Office hours:

Monday – Friday: 08:00 – 16:00

Community members are encouraged to assist elderly persons and persons with disabilities in ensuring that their information is updated as soon as possible.

For more information, please contact:

Zinobia Spies at 044 – 8022003
E-mail Address: zdspies@george.gov.za

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OPROEP AAN ALLE PERSONE WAT OP DIE WES-KAAPSE BEHUISINGS-DATABASIS (WAGLYS) GEREGISTREER IS OM HUL BESONDERHEDE OP TE DATEER

Die George Munisipaliteit – Departement: Menslike Nedersettings doen hiermee ’n beroep op alle persone wat op die Wes-Kaapse Behuisingsdatabasis (Waglys) geregistreer is, insluitend bejaarde persone en persone met fisiese gestremdhede, om dringend hul persoonlike besonderhede te verifieer en op te dateer.

Die opdatering van u inligting is belangrik om te verseker dat die behuisingsdatabasis akkuraat bly en dat kwalifiserende aansoekers oorweeg word wanneer behuisings-geleenthede beskikbaar word.

Wie moet hul besonderhede opdateer?

• Alle persone wat tans op die Wes-Kaapse Behuisingsdatabasis geregistreer is.
• Bejaarde persone wat op die behuisingswaglys geregistreer is.
• Persone wat met fisiese gestremdhede leef.
• Aansoekers wie se kontakbesonderhede, adres of huishoudelike inligting moontlik verander het.

Dokumente wat saamgebring moet word:

• Suid-Afrikaanse ID of Slim-ID Kaart
• Bewys van huidige woonadres
• Enige vorige behuisingsregistrasie- of verwysingsnommer (indien beskikbaar)
• Mediese dokumentasie wat ’n gestremdheid bevestig

Waar om u besonderhede op te dateer:

Department: Menslike Nedersettings
46 Mark Straat, George
(Ou York Hostel Gebou)

Kantoorure:

Maandae – Vrydae vanaf 08:00 – 16:00

Gemeenskapslede word aangemoedig om bejaarde persone en persone met gestremdhede te help om seker te maak dat hul inligting so gou moontlik opgedateer word.

Vir meer inligting, kontak:

Zinobia Spies by 044 – 8022003
E-pos Adres: zdspies@george.gov.za

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ISICELO KUBO BONKE ABANTU ABABHALISWE KUVIMBA WEENKCUKACHA ZEBANGO LEZINDLU LASENTSHONA KOLONI (WCHHDB) (ULUHLU LWABALINDILEYO) UKUZE KUHLAZIYWE IINKCUKACHA ZABO.

UMasipala waseGeorge – iSebe lokuHlaliswa koLuNtu lihlaba ikhwelo kubo bonke abantu ababhaliswe kwiWCHHDB, kubandakanywa abantu abadala kunye nabantu abanokukhubazeka, ukuba bahlaziye kwaye baqinisekise iinkcukacha zabo zobuqu ngokukhawuleza.

Ukuhlaziya ulwazi lwakho kubalulekile ukuqinisekisa ukuba uvimba weenkcukacha zezindlu uhlala uchanekile kwaye abafaki-zicelo abafanelekileyo banokuqwalaselwa xa amathuba ezindlu efumaneka.

Ngoobani abafanele ukuhlaziya iinkcukacha zabo?

• Bonke abantu ababhalisiweyo ngoku kwiWCHHDB.
• Abantu abadala ababhalisiweyo kuluhlu lwabalindileyo lwezindlu.
• Abantu abaphila nokukhubazeka ngokwasemzimbeni.
• Abafaki-zicelo abankcukacha zabo zoqhagamshelwano, idilesi, okanye iinkcukacha zendlu zitshintshileyo.

Amaxwebhu oza nawo:

• I-ID yaseMzantsi Afrika okanye i-Smart ID Card
• Ubungqina bedilesi yendawo yokuhlala yangoku
• Naluphi na ubhaliso lwezindlu lwangaphambili okanye inombolo yesalathiso (ukuba ikhona)
• Amaxwebhu onyango angqina ukukhubazeka

Ungazihlaziya phi iinkcukacha zakho:

ISebe: lokuHlaliswa koLuNtu
46 Market Street, eGeorge
(ISakhiwo seHostele esiDala yaseYork)

Iiyure ze- Ofisi:

NgoMvulo – ngoLwesihlanu: 08:00 – 16:00

Amalungu oluNtu ayakhuthazwa ukuba ancedise abantu abadala kunye nabantu abanokukhubazeka ekuqinisekiseni ukuba iinkcukacha zabo ziyahlaziywa ngokukhawuleza.

Malunga nolwazi oluthe vetshe, nceda uqhagamshelane no:

Zinobia Spies ku-044 – 8022003
Idilesi ye-imeyili: zdspies@george.gov.za

Electricity Cost of Supply Study and Proposed Electricity Tariff Structures 2026–2027

Residents are invited to take part in the upcoming George Municipal Public Participation meetings regarding the Electricity Cost of Supply study and resultant proposed electricity tariff structures for the 2026–2027 financial year. These sessions provide an opportunity for community members to learn more about the proposed tariffs, ask questions and share their input.

Members of the public are encouraged to attend the meeting scheduled for their ward, where municipal representatives will present information and engage directly with residents.

Cleaner Fires, Healthier Communities

Clean fire burns efficiently and produces minimal smoke and harmful pollutants. This is achieved by using appropriate fuels, ensuring good airflow, and using proper fire-lighting techniques.

Improving commuter connectivity and digital services in George

BEACH PANTHER TRANSFER LOCATION LAUNCH

Ready to be “unwrapped”: Bus stops, with covered bus shelters at the upgraded Beach Panther Transfer Facility in Pacaltsdorp are already in use but were officially “unwrapped” during a ceremony officiated by Minister Sileku.

On Tuesday, 24 February 2026, Western Cape Mobility Minister Isaac Sileku joined officials from GO GEORGE and the George Municipality for a series of events with the George Integrated Public Transport Network (GIPTN). The programme showcased major investment in road upgrades, commuter safety, and new digital tools to make the GO GEORGE bus service simpler and more efficient.

The first stop was in Pacaltsdorp, where the Beach Panther transfer facility was officially unveiled. The R17,6 million upgrade, funded through the Public Transport Network Grant (PTNG), has significantly improved the Beach Road area.
The new facility makes transferring between routes easier and safer for passengers. It features larger bus stops and shelters, wider median islands and paved walkways for safer pedestrian access, and dedicated cycle lanes to support non-motorised transport.

The second event took place in Thembalethu, where officials inspected progress on two major road upgrades, part of a larger R505 million grant-funded investment:
• Ngcakani Street: Phase 3 of a R68,52 million rehabilitation, now nearing completion.
• Tabata Street: Phase 4 of a R65,09 million upgrade, viewed during a drive-through and stop.

Both projects are mainly funded by the PTNG, with a 5% contribution from the George Municipality, ensuring these key bus routes are strong, safe, and durable for bus transport.

At the TRUNS transfer location in Thembalethu, GoBot, GO GEORGE’s new AI-powered chat bot, was launched. This marks two years of investment in easy-to-use, 24/7 digital tools for commuters.
Key digital upgrades make commuting easier and more convenient. GO GEORGE now offers GoBot, a 24/7 chat bot for quick trip planning, and a revamped website with an interactive stop explorer and live timetables. Smart infrastructure, including digital screens and QR-coded “pole collars” at 40 pilot stops, links passengers directly to GoBot and the website. At the same time, communication champions equipped with tablets provide in-person support, ensuring traditional assistance remains available alongside these new digital services.

The day ended with a ride on the Industrial Route (Route 10) from the Jonga terminus. Since launching in October 2024, the route has become a vital link for workers and students, connecting Thembalethu to George Industria and schools such as York High School and Eden Technical High School. Passenger numbers on this route have grown dramatically from 1 437 at launch, to a peak of 22 628 per month.

“Today was a proud moment as we saw first-hand how our investments are transforming the daily commute for the people of George. Walking through the streets of Ngcakani, Tabata, and Beach Road, and seeing the new transfer hubs and digital tools in action, reminded me that this isn’t just about infrastructure, it’s about improving the dignity and convenience of every commuter. Launching GoBot and witnessing how it complements traditional support shows that GO GEORGE is truly becoming a service with access to information around the clock and for everyone, connecting residents to jobs, schools, and other opportunities safely and efficiently,” reflected Minister Sileku.


Western Cape Mobility Minister, Isaac Sileku, flanked by Parliamentary representatives and guests, officially launched the upgraded facilities at the GO GEORGE Beach/Panther Transfer Facility in Pacaltsdorp on 24 February.


All hands on deck: Contractors are hard at work at the current Phase of the Tabata Street upgrade project in Thembalethu.