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Author: Nadine Payle

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.

 

Early Closure of Motor Vehicle Registration (MVR) Offices

Please be advised that the Drive-through Motor Vehicle and Registration Offices in Blanco, will close at 13:00 tomorrow, 12 December 2025, due to operational requirements.

The Hibernia office will close normal time @15:00

We apologise for any inconvenience caused and appreciate your understanding.

 

Temporary Road Surface Disruption – Beukes Street

The George Municipality wishes to inform residents and motorists that the asphalt plant supplying material for ongoing work in Beukes Street experienced an unexpected breakdown. As a result, asphalt patching will only be completed on Thursday, 11 December 2025.

Milling and removal of the existing road surface had already taken place prior to the breakdown. Motorists are therefore requested to proceed with caution, as several patch areas will remain open overnight. Temporary warning signage has been installed for public safety.

We apologise for any inconvenience as a result of this and thank the public for their patience.

PW Botha Boulevard Reopens Fully for Two-Way Traffic During Builders’ Holiday

PW Botha Boulevard is completely open for two-way traffic as of 10h00 this morning, for the duration of the annual builders’ holiday (Friday, 12 December 2025, until Monday, 12 January 2026) and will remain the responsibility of the Contractor.

All stop/go’s and traffic accommodation has been removed except the median island at Abattoir Road intersection which is secure and will be maintained throughout this period.

Regular inspections will be done by the Contractor during this period and as the need arises, maintenance will be done.

2025/26 Fire Season launched with Strengthened Ground, Aerial and Water-Rescue Readiness

Drone footage taken by Station Commander Santa Sternsdorff shows off the scale of the fire and aviation equipment available to the George Fire and Disaster Management Department.

George Fire and Disaster Management Department officially launched the 2025/26 Fire Season on Friday, 5 December, at the Denneoord Air Base, highlighting the city’s heightened state of readiness for protecting the region during the high-risk summer period. The demonstration of firefighting resources included the 35 000-litre water tanker, several fire engines, 4×4 skid units, two Jet-RIBs, and a rubber ducks, command vehicles and a Rescue vehicle, with the total fleet valued at approximately R60 million.

Kishugu Aviation, one of Southern Africa’s leading providers of specialised aerial firefighting services, showcased their aerial fleet, including two Huey helicopters, a fixed-wing bomber, and two spotter planes. The impressive display brought together firefighters, aviation support crews, and disaster management officials committed to safeguarding the region.

Executive Mayor Ald Browen Johnson said that the start of fire season is a moment that demands both reflection and resolve. “Every summer, our firefighters stand on the frontline of danger. You are the men and women who stand between disaster and safety — between fear and calm, between loss and preservation. As we mark the readiness of our teams to face the season ahead, I want to acknowledge the incredible heroes among us. Because of what you do — the risks you take and the skills you bring — we can face this season with confidence.”

The Mayor thanked Kishugu Aviation for its longstanding partnership with George Municipality noting that the aerial firefighting capability stationed at Denneoord remains one of the municipality’s most critical tools in rapid wildfire response.
“These aircraft, alongside our ground crews, make the difference between a small, controllable fire and a major disaster. George is fortunate to have some of the best-trained teams in the country.”

MMC for Community Safety and Mobility, Ald Daniel Cronje emphasised that preventing fires is as important as fighting them. “Almost all major wildfires begin with human behaviour — whether accidental, careless, or deliberate. We urge residents to follow all fire restrictions, report smoke immediately, and avoid any open flames. With stricter water demand management measures in place and ongoing dry conditions, the margin for error is extremely small.” Alderman Cronje further thanked George Fire Services for their commitment to excellence, their passion for protecting others, and their determination to remain prepared for any eventuality. “This is what good governance looks like in action, and it is this level of preparedness that sets George apart as a leader in municipal safety and emergency response.”

Chief Fire Officer Neels Barnard reassured the public that George Fire Services is fully prepared for emergencies on land or sea. The George Water Rescue Unit recently completed intensive beach-launch training with sea vessels at Wilderness Beach under the supervision of Fire Station Commander Johan Crouse. We now have 9 fully trained skippers ready to operate rescue vessels and provide essential support to the NSRI during sea rescue operations.”

Photographs by Dedrei Cloete

Fireworks Reminder
As the festive season approaches, residents are reminded that fireworks significantly increase the risk of wildfires. Fireworks may only be discharged in designated areas and never near vegetation, in residential suburbs, or on beaches. No designated area was approved for this season. Offenders may face fines or prosecution. Illegal fireworks should be reported immediately to law enforcement.

The George Municipality urges the public to report any signs of smoke or fire immediately by calling 044 801 6311 or 044 801 6300 after hours.

Official Launch: Attending the Fire Season launch from left are Matthew Carter, Kushigu Aviation Chief Pilot, Station Commander Santa Sternsdorff, Chief Fire Officer Neels Barnard, Executive Mayor Ald Browen Johnson, Divisional Commander Johan Brand, Deputy Mayor Ald Gert Van Niekerk and MMC Community Safety and Mobility, Ald Daniel Cronje.

Asset Assist Programme for MSMEs- Call for Applications

The Department of Small Business Development (DSBD) is re-launching the Asset Assist Programme which was previously implemented through the Small Enterprise Development and Finance Agency (SEDFA).

Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME’s) are hereby invited to submit applications for assistance with machinery, equipment, working capital and acquisition of raw material from a maximum grant of R250 000. Only up to 20% of the grant applied for, may be used for raw materials and stock.

All qualifying MSMEs including those who applied in the previous Call for Applications but did not get the financial support are invited to re-apply.

How to apply:
Apply online at: https://systemsnew.sefa.org.za/SMMEPortal

Closing date:09 January 2026, at 23:59.

For enquiries email: servicedesk@sedfa.org.za

COUNTDOWN TO GEORGE FESTIVAL 2025 – JUST 9 DAYS TO GO!

With just nine days to go, excitement is building as George gears up for the vibrant George Festival 2025, set to bring an unforgettable mix of culture, music, and sport to the city. This year’s festival will unfold across multiple venues, with cultural and musical showcases at Unity Park and the Kaptein Dikkop Amphitheatre in Pacaltsdorp, while an extensive line-up of sporting events will energise communities in Thembalethu, Rosemore, and Unity Park.

Festival-goers can look forward to major highlights over four days, including the Annual Lights Festival, the Gospel Festival, the Jazz Festival, and a Multicultural Day of sport and entertainment with the sports finals being played at Unity Park on 16 December. Apart from the promise of thrilling sporting action, crowds will be entertained with live music, family activities, and festival vibes for a truly unforgettable day.

Residents and visitors are encouraged to familiarise themselves with road closures scheduled for 13, 14, and 16 December as they plan their festival routes. The updated festival programme is now available and can be explored here: https://www.george.gov.za/planning-development/local-economic-development/tourism/george-festival-2025-culture-sport-art/

A FESTIVAL POWERED BY PARTNERSHIP
The George Festival 2025 is the result of dedicated collaboration between government, business, and community organisations. The festival proudly acknowledges the invaluable contributions of its lead sponsors and partners:
• MTN – Key festival sponsor championing youth participation and community sport
• Heineken Beverages – Enhancing the festival atmosphere through financial and product support
• SportPesa – Sponsor of the Home of Golf Sundowner Challenge and supporter of sporting excellence
• Knox Hydrate – Official hydration partner for athletes and festivalgoers
Additional supporting partners include:
SCAVA, ATKV, MTB Hillbillies, George Trails (GTR), Home of Golf Africa, George Joint Marketing Association (GJMA) NPC, George Naturally, ASWD, Outeniqua Harriers, Rocket and the Garden Route Botanical Garden Trust, alongside collaboration with the Eden Sport Council, George Museum and the Garden Route District Municipality.

FOUR UNFORGETTABLE DAYS AWAIT
From 13 to 16 December, the George Festival 2025 will transform the city into a vibrant landscape of entertainment, culture, music, and sport. Activities will be hosted across Unity Park, the Garden Route Botanical Gardens, Thembalethu, Rosemoor, Pacaltsdorp, and the George Museum.
Saturday, 13 December
A full day of sport starting with the George Parkrun, Home of Golf Sundowner Challenge — including 5-a-side soccer, Indigenous Games, 7’s Rugby, Netball, and Table Tennis — followed by the much-loved Annual Lights Festival at Unity Park, with live music, markets, and family fun.
Sunday, 14 December
The popular George Street Mile, the George Trails/GTR Trail Run (14km and 7km), ongoing community sport, and the uplifting Gospel Festival at Unity Park.

Monday, 15 December
A cultural showcase at the Long Table Literary and Arts Experience at the George Museum; a Kiddies Fun Zone at the Botanical Gardens; Bowls for the Blind; and the Louis Massyn ROCKET 10KM and 5KM Fun Run.

Tuesday, 16 December
Finals across all sporting codes; Chess, Dominoes, and Scrabble at Unity Park; Live music, stalls and performances at Unity Park, the thrilling George Trails/MTB Hillbillies Dam Dash (55km, 20km, 10km); the GTR Cross Hike (6km); and the Jazz Summer Festival at the Kaptein Dikkop Amphitheatre in Pacaltsdorp.