Author: Nadine Payle

The Thembalethu community welcomed the GO GEORGE bus service with open arms when the previous two routes to this area were rolled out. A third route to the Garden Route Mall is set to be activated on Sunday 17 May 2026. Featured here are the GO GEORGE transfer facilities at the Mall and Jonga, with direct travel between the two destinations becoming a reality with the latest addition – Route 11: Thembalethu – Garden Route Mall on 17 May.

According to a joint announcement by the Western Cape MEC of Mobility, Minister Isaac Sileku, and George Executive Mayor, Alderman Browen Johnson, another bus route to Thembalethu will be activated by GO GEORGE on Sunday 17 May 2026.

Route 11: Thembalethu – Garden Route Mall will be the third route servicing the residents of Thembalethu. R18A rolled out in November 2023 and connects Thembalethu with Blanco while the second route, Route 10: Thembalethu – George Industria, started running in October 2024.

According to Minister Sileku, the GO GEORGE network is typical of what can be achieved in public transport development if all partners work together. “I am looking forward to experience the new route and to meet some of the commuters who will benefit from the additional public transport options that the direct link to the mall offers,” he said.

Mayor Johnson noted that the expansion of the service marks a further step in extending public transport to Thembalethu. “The full implementation of the GO GEORGE bus services to our residents in Thembalethu has remained a priority, despite initial delays experienced due to the congestion caused by the N2 bridge construction. As a Municipality, we remain committed to ensuring that the service becomes fully operational and accessible to all who intend to use it,” he said.

Community engagement
The GO GEORGE communication team members will be engaging with Thembalethu residents travelling to and from the Mall, explaining the new route to current and future bus users. Any businesses or institutions who would like the team to visit their staff to share route information are welcome to reach out to GO GEORGE with such a request. Contact GO GEORGE by phoning the Call Centre on 0800 044 044; send an email to info@gogeorge.org.za or like the GO GEORGE Facebook page to stay up to date with developments.

The GO GEORGE website, https://www.gogeorge.org.za/, offers valuable information on how to use the system as well as user-friendly features to plan a trip. GoBot, the GO GEORGE chatbot, is the newest addition to the GO GEORGE bouquet of information channels, accessible through the hovering chatbot icon (bottom right) on the GO GEORGE website.

At the signing are from the back, Juanee November (Assistant HR Officer); Micheal Eksteen (Acting Deputy Director HR); Nompumelelo Jende (Acting Training Manager); Nondumiso Mbi (Assistant HR Officer) In the front row are from left Ziyanda Bless (Chairperson SAMWU George); Bevan Ellman (Acting Municipal Manager and Director Corporate Services) and Gertrude Potts (Chairperson IMATU George).

George Municipality successfully concluded the signing of its Workplace Skills Plan (WSP) on 28 April 2026 in the Council Chambers, with union representatives present. The signing marks a key milestone in the Municipality’s commitment to employee development and inclusive labour processes.

The Workplace Skills Plan (WSP) is a strategic document that identifies an organisation’s current and future skills needs and outlines the education, training, and development interventions planned for the forthcoming financial year. It serves as a critical tool for aligning employee development with organisational objectives, improving workforce capability, and ensuring compliance with the requirements of the Skills Development Act and the relevant Sector Education and Training Authority (SETA). In the municipal environment, the WSP is informed by the Integrated Development Plan (IDP), organisational priorities, skills audits, and Personal Development Plans (PDPs), thereby ensuring that training interventions are relevant, targeted, and responsive to both individual and institutional needs.

Acting Municipal Manager and Director: Corporate Services, Bevan Ellman, emphasised the importance of responsible accountability in the workplace, particularly in relation to organised labour. He commended the constructive engagement between unions and management, noting that the strong collaborative relationship within the Municipality continues to support good governance and effective service delivery.

Acting Training Manager, Mpumi Jende extended her sincere appreciation to all stakeholders, organised labour representatives, management, and the entire team for their invaluable contributions, commitment, and hard work throughout the Workplace Skills Plan process. “Your collaboration, dedication, and shared vision have been instrumental in achieving the successful signing and endorsement of the WSP. Together, we continue to invest in our employees’ growth and development, ensuring that learning opportunities are accessible to all and that no one is left behind as we build a skilled, capable, and empowered workforce”, she said,
“IMATU George expresses its sincere appreciation to the HR officials in the Training Section for their dedication and collaborative approach in ensuring the successful completion and submission of the WSP,” said Gerty Potts, Chairperson of IMATU George, who also extended special appreciation to officials Mpumi Jende, Juaneé November, and Nondumiso Mbi.

Seen at the launch in Thembalethu are from left, Cllr Eric Mdaka, Ward 12 Councillor, Ntombizanele Bila-Mupariwa, Provincial Head: of Western Cape at the Department of Water and Sanitation, Ald Gert van Niekerk (Deputy Mayor) and Cllr Thembinkosi Lento Ward 9 Councillor.

George Municipality’s ongoing investment in bulk water infrastructure was recently highlighted during the official handover of new facilities in Thembalethu, where national and provincial stakeholders underscored the project’s importance for long-term water security and community development. The state-of-the-art reservoir, pump station and reservoir tower—delivered as part of Phase 12 of the Budget Facility for Infrastructure (BFI) programme—form part of a broader R1.4 billion investment aimed at ensuring a reliable and sustainable supply of potable water to meet both current demand and future growth.

The handover, led by the Department of Water and Sanitation, emphasised not only the technical advancements achieved, but also the socio-economic benefits of the project, including local job creation, skills development and improved service delivery. A significant portion of the investment has been directed towards Thembalethu, with upgrades to bulk pipelines, storage capacity and treatment systems contributing to improved water quality, reduced pollution risks and enhanced resilience of the municipal water network.

Speaking at the handover in Thembalethu East, Western Cape DWS Head Ntombizanele Bila-Mupariwa noted that the project will serve as a catalyst for socio-economic development in George. “Beyond enhancing water security, the project will improve drinking water quality and contribute to the reduction of pollution in key watercourses,” she said. Bila-Mupariwa called on residents to take collective responsibility in safeguarding the infrastructure, emphasising the importance of preventing vandalism to ensure its long-term sustainability.

George Municipality achieved a significant milestone by spending 100% of the R1,115 billion Budget Facility for Infrastructure (BFI) grant by end June 2025 and to date has spent 73% of the Municipality’s contribution of R300 million. The projects are successfully delivering bulk water and sanitation services to the residents of George, with only minor final finishing works remaining and scheduled to be completed by June 2026. Improving the security of George’s current and future water and sanitation needs, the R1,415 billion investment has been channelled into 12 major components of bulk water and sewer infrastructure, many implemented in phases to ensure long-term sustainability. These upgrades are strengthening potable water security, reducing pollution risks, and supporting continued social and economic growth in George.

Key progress includes:
• New Water Treatment Works: Civil works have been completed and the mechanical, electrical and instrumentation works are 99% complete, with only final finishing outstanding. Purified water from the new 20 Mℓ per day modules has been supplying residents since May 2025. Maintenance and upgrades have also been completed on the existing modules and the Old Water Treatment Works. The Residuals Treatment Works is currently being commissioned. This expansion increases the Municipality’s total treatment capacity to 60 Mℓ/day.

• Raw Water Balancing Dam (40 Mℓ): Now operational, this additional storage facility—together with associated pipelines—is 99% complete. Combined with the two existing 30 Mℓ dams, total raw water storage now stands at 100 Mℓ, significantly improving supply security to the treatment works.

• Sewer Pumpstation Upgrades: Upgrades to the Eden, Meul, and Schaapkop pumpstations are already improving reliability and reducing the risk of sewage spillages. Final work at Schaapkop is expected within the next four months.

• Garden Route Dam Outlet and Supply Upgrade: Completed in June 2025, increasing flow capacity and reducing system risks through upgraded pipelines.

• Pacaltsdorp Reservoirs: The West Reservoir (14.5 Mℓ) and pumpstation are fully operational, while the East Reservoir is 90% complete with final mechanical and electrical work outstanding.

• Thembalethu Reservoirs: The newly commissioned Thembalethu East 8 Mℓ reservoir, 1 Mℓ tower and pumpstation have been delivering potable water since February 2026. The West Reservoir system is currently in final commissioning.

• Other Completed Projects: Include the Garden Route Dam generators, refurbishment of the Old Water Treatment Works at 9th Avenue, and the Kaaimans River pumpstation.

Serving more than 294,942 residents across 85,931 households in 28 wards, George Municipality remains committed to sustainable infrastructure, transparent governance, and future-focused planning. Achieving 100% expenditure on such a significant grant demonstrates the Municipality’s ability to manage major projects responsibly while securing essential services for generations to come.

What this means for George residents:
* Stronger potable water security: The new Water Treatment Works has been delivering clean drinking water since May 2025.
* Improved sanitation: Upgraded sewer pumpstations are reducing pollution risks and protecting community health.
* Increased storage capacity: New reservoirs in Pacaltsdorp and Thembalethu enhance resilience during outages.
* Future-proof infrastructure: Expanded raw water storage and upgraded pipelines ensure long-term supply reliability.

Caption 1: Traffic officials use activities to demonstrate the importance of responsible road usage.

George Municipality held its annual Wellness Day, providing officials from various departments with the opportunity to focus on their overall wellbeing.

The event took place on 15 April 2026 at the Banquet Hall, where employees accessed a variety of support services aimed at promoting physical, mental and financial wellbeing.

Stakeholders from the health fitness, finance and housing assistance sectors were present to offer guidance and resources aimed at improving both physical, mental and financial wellness.

Haily Oktober, HR Manager: Occupational Health and Safety and Employee Wellness, explained that this year’s theme, “Prevention is Better than Cure: Small Steps Today, Healthier Lives Tomorrow,” encourages officials to make simple, sustainable lifestyle changes that support long-term health.

A new addition to this year’s programme was a health walk, promoting accessible physical activity. Officials benefitted from practical fitness guidance, with a focus on exercises that can be done at home without the need for a gym.

Adding to the day’s lively atmosphere, officials participated in light physical challenges, including guided squats and push-up competitions, encouraging team spirit and participation.
Francois Michaels, Employee Wellness Officer, highlighted the importance of accessible services.
He noted that the Municipality partnered with the Department of Health to provide screenings such as blood pressure testing and HIV screening. Officials were also able to access support services and, on a voluntary basis, update personal information where required.

To further enhance the offering, two dietitians and a physiotherapist were available to provide professional advice and personalised wellness guidance.
The event reflects the Municipality’s ongoing commitment to supporting employee wellbeing, recognising that a healthy and supported workforce is essential for effective and sustainable service delivery.

• HR Department extends outreach through Uniondale Exhibition
In addition to its internal wellness initiatives, the Human Resource Department extended its outreach through a successful HR exhibition in Uniondale recently. The purpose of the exhibition was to bring HR services closer to officials, creating a platform for direct engagement with HR.

The exhibition provided officials with the opportunity to ask questions, gain clarity on policies and procedures, and access information about the support services available to them. This initiative forms part of the Municipality’s broader effort to strengthen communication between HR and employees, contributing to a more informed, supported and productive workforce.

Each HR section hosted a dedicated stall, allowing attendees to interact with HR officials without the need for prior appointments. The Traffic Department also participated by offering road safety demonstrations, adding further value to the exhibition.

A range of HR services was presented, including guidance on employee benefits and the importance of updating beneficiary forms. HR provided essential information on occupational health and safety, as well as support through the Employee Assistance Programme. The Performance Management System was explained, including processes related to performance evaluations and probation processes. Officials also received guidance on training and development opportunities, with a focus on Personal Development Plans and Skills Audit forms.

Labour Relations officials provided clarity and information on various processes and procedures, while the Recruitment and Selection team offered insight into the new online application process and the documentation required for job applications.

Event coordinator Chrystal Spies, together with HR officials, noted the success of the exhibition in improving awareness of available services. The department expressed its appreciation to all participants and visitors, encouraging officials to remain engaged with HR for updates on future events and initiatives.

Video link

Caption 2: HR officials conversing with Uniondale officials

Caption 3: Two Municipal officials are listening intently whilst Chantal Louw explains HR Processes.

Sharon House, George Tourism Marketing Official and Joan Shaw, George Tourism Manager at WTM 2026 in CTICC.

World Travel Market (WTM) Africa kicked off with a bang in Cape Town yesterday( 13 April 2026) in the Cape Town International Convention Centre.

George Tourism’s Joan Shaw and Marketer Sharon House, on a platform with other towns and products from the Garden Route, joined the ranks of almost 800 exhibitors at WTM, hosting pre-arranged appointments with trade professionals from more than 100 countries.

The meetings present a significant opportunity for tourism marketing and industry relationship building.

In addition to the meetings and networking, both delegates attending interesting industry talks on subjects such as Film & Tourism, being found on AI, Sports Tourism, destination greening and more. These talks assist in keeping up with trends and easy ways to slot into existing programmes to reach destination objectives. It also assists in finding interesting topics and speakers for George Tourism’s stakeholder conference in May 2026.

Tourism Minister, Particia De Lille opened the event on 13 April 2026, and the event continues with an interesting programme through to Wednesday, 15 April 2026. The Garden Route and Klein Karoo district continues to be well represented, not just on the GR&KK stand, but there are also many individual products from the area, flying the flag of the area, and attracting new and return trade to grow the economy.

Tourism Manager, Joan Shaw said “Domestic Trade shows are one of the most cost-effective ways to catch up with both the local and international trade, by bringing together almost 10 000 industry professionals under one roof for 3 days.

The interesting programme also assists us to keep abreast of trends and technology, so that we can adapt our destination strategies accordingly.”

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.