Author: Ntobeko Mangqwengqwe

In the photo: Residents, municipal officials, and partners in a Silent Walk Against Illegal Dumping

Residents, municipal officials, and campaign partners united on the streets of Thembalethu on Friday, 27 February 2026, for a Silent Walk Against Illegal Dumping. The event formed part of George Municipality’s ongoing Illegal Dumping Awareness Campaign, reinforcing a shared commitment to restoring community pride and protecting public spaces.

The walk began outside the Thembalethu Police Station at the corner of Nelson Mandela Boulevard and Nkonjane Street — an open space identified as a recurring hotspot for illegal dumping — symbolically highlighting the need for urgent and sustained action.

Sivuyile Mtila, Senior Manager: Environmental Services, introduced stakeholders and expressed appreciation for their continued partnership. Supporting organisations included Polyco (Polyolefin Responsibility Organisation NPC), Shoprite, the South African Police Service (SAPS), Henque Waste, the Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM), and the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE).

MMC for Community Services, Councillor Erika Brown, also welcomed all attendees and participants, thanking them for their commitment to keeping Thembalethu clean.

Executive Mayor Alderman Browen Johnson addressed participants before the silent walk, emphasising that maintaining clean neighbourhoods is a shared responsibility between the Municipality and residents. He called for continued cooperation and long-term behavioural change, stating: “Illegal dumping is everyone’s problem. It is not only the aesthetics of an area that are impacted. Yes, it is an eyesore, but it also affects health and the environment.”

The Executive Mayor further urged residents to take ownership of their immediate surroundings by keeping them clean and safe. He added, “Illegal dumping is not allowed. It damages our environment, threatens public health, and undermines the dignity of our community.”

Following the address, participants embarked on the Silent Walk in a visible show of unity against environmental neglect. The route proceeded along Nelson Mandela Boulevard into 26th Avenue and concluded at Makhaza Street — another identified illegal dumping hotspot — at an open space opposite the Roman Catholic Church, where clean-up activities commenced.

Participants also took photographs in a branded campaign frame displaying anti-illegal dumping messages, symbolising their collective commitment to protecting the environment.
The initiative forms part of the Municipality’s month-long campaign focused on education, enforcement, and visible action. Since the launch of the campaign, municipal cleaning teams, Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) participants, law enforcement officers, and volunteers have worked together to address illegal dumping hotspots across George.

A representative of one of the key stakeholders, Innocentia Sikweyiya, Waste Management Officer from the Garden Route District Municipality, thanked all participants for their involvement and reaffirmed the District Municipality’s commitment to supporting George Municipality in eradicating illegal dumping.
George Municipality remains committed to working alongside communities and stakeholders to combat illegal dumping and build a cleaner, healthier, and more dignified environment for all residents.

Residents are reminded to make use of designated waste disposal services and to report incidents of illegal dumping to the Municipality.

For enquiries, contact the Community Services Directorate – 044 802 2900

Delegates from the National Treasury, Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA), Development Bank of Southern Africa (DBSA), Western Cape Provincial Treasury, and George Municipality are following the 2025/26 Mid-Year Budget and Performance Assessment engagement in George.

Service delivery, financial health, governance, institutional arrangements, and budget preparation were among the key focus areas during the 2025/26 Mid-Year Budget and Performance Assessment visit by the National Treasury to George on 24 and 25 February 2026. The engagements were held in the George Municipal Council Chambers.

The National Treasury delegation was joined by representatives from the Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA), the Development Bank of Southern Africa (DBSA), and the Western Cape Provincial Treasury. The two-day programme formed part of an oversight and support initiative with the Municipality’s senior management. Day one focused on strategic discussions, while day two included site visits to selected infrastructure projects.

The session commenced with a joint welcome by the Municipality and National Treasury, outlining the purpose of the visit and reinforcing the importance of cooperative governance in ensuring sustainable municipal operations. Mr Sifiso Mabaso, Director at National Treasury and Chairperson of the engagement, said the visit forms part of National Treasury’s ongoing oversight and support programme aimed at strengthening financial management, governance, institutional capacity, and service delivery performance in local government.

Ms Julinda Gantana, Head of Department at the Western Cape Provincial Treasury, led the provincial delegation. The George Municipality delegation was led by Acting Municipal Manager, Mr. Godfrey Louw, supported by Directors and senior management.

Highlights of Discussions

Discussions focused on:
• The Municipality’s institutional arrangements and organisational capacity
• Financial performance and the proposed adjustments budget
• Financial governance and audit matters
• Service delivery performance and infrastructure implementation
• Progress on mSCOA implementation and the 2026/27 budget preparation process

The engagement concluded with a summary of key observations and recommendations to guide continued improvement and intergovernmental support. Mr. Louw, in his concluding remarks, said: “The Municipality remains committed to sound financial management, strengthened governance and improved service delivery to all communities.”

These visits form part of a nationwide programme targeting Secondary Cities, also referred to as Intermediate City Municipalities (ICMs), which play a critical role in driving regional economic development and managing urban growth outside major metropolitan areas.

In the photo: The Water Management Task Team, established in October last year, continues to meet regularly to coordinate drought response measures.

As of Monday, 16 February 2026, the Garden Route Dam has risen to 56.89%, up from 43.61% last week, following 55mm of rainfall recorded over the past seven days. The Haarlem Dam has increased to 29%, up from 20%, after 46mm of rainfall in the same period.

“The recent rain and its positive impact on both dams are very welcome,” said Executive Mayor of George, Browen Johnson. “However, we are not out of the woods yet. Weather forecasts still indicate above-normal temperatures and below-average rainfall in the months ahead.”

Mayor Johnson cautioned that while dam levels have improved, water usage remains high. “At the current consumption rate, with hot weather, evaporation, and no rainfall, the level of the dam can drop by up to 2% per week”.

Echoing this message, the Director for Civil Engineering Services, Jannie Koegelenberg, said the dam level will have to increase considerably, be maintained for a period of three months or more, as per the approved drought policy. Further, the weather predictions significantly improve before the lifting of restrictions can be reconsidered. “A short-term improvement cannot justify changing restrictions or emergency tariffs, as conditions may deteriorate again rapidly,” Koegelenberg said. “Level 2D Water Demand Management Measures and Level 3 Emergency Water Tariffs therefore remain in place.”

The recent improvement in dam levels does not revoke the Classification of a National Disaster in terms of Section 23 of the Disaster Management Act 57 of 2002, relating to drought and the possible interruption of water provision in the Eastern Cape, Western Cape, and Northern Cape. The Head of the National Disaster Management Centre, Elias Sithole, gazetted the classification of a National Disaster on 4 February 2026.

The classification remains in effect until formally revoked by the National Disaster Management Centre following reassessment. In the interim, all disaster-related measures remain applicable in accordance with the Act.

George Municipality’s Water Management Task Team, established in October last year, continues to meet three times per week to implement and oversee drought mitigation measures.

Residents, businesses, and visitors are urged to continue using water responsibly and to comply fully with Level 2D restrictions.

In the photo: Posters prominently displayed in Thembalethu Shops

The George Municipality has launched a comprehensive community outreach and awareness campaign regarding the current water situation in George, targeting various communities with a specific focus on Thembalethu.

Over the past two weeks, law enforcement officials, assisted by beach monitors, have been actively engaging communities in Thembalethu. This outreach included the distribution of water-saving pamphlets, the placement of posters at spaza shops and supermarkets, and direct engagement with residents to reinforce key water conservation and Water Demand Management messaging.

Currently, the dark red Water Demand Management posters are prominently displayed in virtually every shop and supermarket in Thembalethu. In addition, the Municipality partnered with the local taxi association to distribute and mount posters in more than 200 taxis operating in the area. Posters were also installed at ablution facilities at the town taxi rank and in Thembalethu, as well as at Thembalethu Primary School.

During these engagements, officials also received reports of water leaks within the area, which were immediately referred to the Civil Engineering Services Department for attention and repair.
The awareness campaign has since expanded to other areas. In Parkdene, 31 shops and supermarkets were covered, while seven shops were reached in Maraiskamp. This is an ongoing campaign that will continue to roll out to additional areas across the municipal area.

Meanwhile, the Government Communication and Information System (GCIS), during its pre-State of the Nation Address (SoNA) activation, assisted by distributing George Municipality’s water-saving tips leaflets alongside SoNA 2026 awareness material at the George Taxi Rank on Friday, 30 January 2026.

The GCIS team, under the leadership of Mr Jethro Grootboom, Regional Communication Coordinator for the Garden Route and Overberg Districts, will further extend this awareness campaign to Thembalethu Square Mall on 09 February 2026 at 08:30.

The George Municipality urges all residents and businesses to support these efforts by using water responsibly and adhering to the current Level 2D Water Demand Management Measures, as every drop saved contributes to securing water for the future.

In the photo: Gardenb Route Dam

George Municipality informs residents, businesses, and stakeholders that the Council, on Thursday, 29 January 2026, unanimously approved the request for a classification of the George Municipal Area as a Local Disaster Area due to severe water challenges and the current drought conditions. This request is directed at the Provincial Disaster Management Centre, where the assessment will be conducted.

The municipality is experiencing critical water shortages following prolonged below-average rainfall, which is expected to continue. The Garden Route Dam, the main water source for George, stood at 44.77% on 26 January 2026 compared to 87.87% last year, while Haarlem Dam, supplying Haarlem and Uniondale, was at 24.00% compared to 85,42% last year. Uniondale’s supply from the Kammanassie River is also severely depleted, with limited groundwater available.

The area is affected by both hydro-meteorological drought, reducing dam, river, and groundwater levels, and agricultural drought, impacting soil moisture, crops, and farming activities.
Level 2D water restrictions and Level 3 emergency tariffs are in effect to reduce consumption and support additional operational costs. A Water Management Task Team monitors dam levels and coordinates interventions.

The disaster declaration allows for stronger coordination with the Garden Route District Municipality and other government spheres, access to relief mechanisms, and implementation of short- and long-term measures to address water scarcity.

Residents are urged to use water sparingly and comply with all restrictions to preserve available resources during this critical period.

In the pohoto: Conville Swimming Pool

George Municipality will host two major swimming events in 2026 — the Eden Aquatics Gala on 24 January 2026 and the South African Masters Swimming Championships in March 2026. Both events will take place at the Conville Swimming Pool and will be conducted in strict compliance with Council-approved Level 2D Water Demand Management Measures, currently in effect across the municipal area.

To ensure responsible and reduced water use during the ongoing drought, while still accommodating sanctioned sporting events, the Municipality has amended recreational operating hours at municipal swimming pools, including Conville, Gwaing, and Uniondale.

Revised Pool Operations

Conville Swimming Pool will be closed from Tuesday, 20 January to Friday, 23 January 2026 as part of intensified Level 2D water-saving interventions.

The pool will reopen on Saturday, 24 January 2026, exclusively for the Eden Aquatics Gala.
From Sunday, 25 January 2026, Conville Swimming Pool will be open to the public on weekends only, operating:
• On Saturdays and Sundays at 09:00 – 12:00 and 13:00 – 16:00

The weekday closure results in significant water savings. On average, the pool uses approximately 60 kilolitres of water per week, with an additional estimated 120 000 litres lost through evaporation. Restricting weekday operations, therefore, contributes meaningfully to reducing non-essential water use in line with Level 2D requirements.

Uniondale and Gwaing Swimming Pools

Uniondale and Gwaing Swimming Pools have been closed from Tuesday, 20 January 2026. These facilities will reopen for weekend use only from Saturday, 24 January 2026, subject to prevailing water supply conditions.

Additional Water-Saving Measures

The Municipality has implemented further operational interventions to minimise water loss at all public swimming facilities, including: –

• The use of a manual backwash system to better control and reduce backwash water wastage;
• In Conville: Installation of on-site water storage with a current capacity of 40 000 litres, with plans underway to increase storage to at least 100 000 litres;
• Ongoing investigations into covering pools to further reduce evaporation losses;
• Public showers remain closed, and flow-restricting devices are installed at all public facilities;

“These measures reflect the Municipality’s commitment to implementing Level 2D Water Demand Management Measures consistently across all municipal operations,” the Municipality said. “Every effort is being made to reduce non-essential water use while ensuring public safety and the responsible hosting of approved events,” said Granville Campher, Sports Manager in the George Municipality.

George Municipality continues to review water usage across all facilities and will adjust operations as necessary to protect potable water supplies during the ongoing drought.

George Municipality has implemented Level 3 Emergency Water Tariffs with immediate effect, under the intensified Level 2D Water Demand Management Measures applicable to greater George, Uniondale, and Haarlem, following the continued decline of the Garden Route Dam to 43.48% and the Haarlem Dam to 30.42% as of this week. The purpose of the Level 3 Emergency Water Tariffs is to discourage excessive water use, protect limited potable water supplies, and ensure that essential water needs can be met during the ongoing drought.

WHAT ARE EMERGENCY WATER TARIFFS AND WHAT IS THEIR PURPOSE?
• Basic water needs remain protected
• Higher water use becomes significantly more expensive, encouraging water saving
• The more water you use above the recommended household usage limit of 10 kilolitres, the higher the cost per kilolitre
• These tariffs encourage immediate water-saving behaviour and help reduce pressure on the water supply. By lowering overall consumption now, the Municipality can avoid more severe restrictions or possible water interruptions in the future.
• Simply put: the less water you use, the less you pay.

KEY CHANGES UNDER LEVEL 3 EMERGENCY TARIFFS
• Domestic households are encouraged to limit consumption to a maximum of 10 kilolitres per month, which includes the first 6kl of water provided at no charge.
• Water use above 6kl is charged at increased emergency tariff rates as per applicable tariff block.
• Indigent households continue to receive their basic free water allocation, but usage over 6kl is charged at emergency rates.
• Emergency tariffs apply to all domestic households as well as businesses and industries. All non-domestic users are billed according to emergency tariff rates that increase as water consumption rises, including guest houses and bed-and-breakfast establishments, churches and church buildings, educational institutions, children’s homes, old-age homes, and crèches.

IMPORTANT TO NOTE
• Emergency tariffs apply only to consumption above the free or basic allocation of 6kl.
• Users (domestic and otherwise) who significantly exceed usage limits may be charged the highest tariff blocks, subject to increased monitoring and/or fitted with flow-restricting devices
• Continued non-compliance may result in fines or legal action in terms of municipal by-laws.

HOW WILL BILLING WORK
Level 2 emergency water tariffs (Level 2C Water Demand Management Measures), which started on 19 December 2025, will be charged for water usage included in the January 2026 billing cycle, and Level 3 emergency water tariffs (Level 2D Water Demand Management Measures), which came into effect on 5 January 2026, will be charged for the water usage from the February 2026 billing cycle going forward.

Note: 2 D Water Demand Management Measures with Level 3 Emergency Water Tariffs were implemented for Uniondale/Haarlem on 9 January 2026.

Your municipal account shows the water you used in the previous month:
• Water used during December 2025 is billed at Level 2 emergency tariff rates on the January 2026 account.
• Water used from 5 January 2026 onward will be billed at Level 3 emergency tariff rates and will reflect on the February 2026 account and future bills.

EXEMPTIONS
Households or businesses with verified medical, health, or essential operational water needs may apply for an exemption. Applications must be submitted in writing with a full detailed motivation and supporting documentation to the Deputy Director Water and Sanitation, c/o gvanniekerk@george.gov.za, with enquiries to 044 801 9354. Each application is assessed individually, based on proof submitted and historical water consumption.

Application forms for exemptions are available online:
• English: https://www.george.gov.za/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Exemption-Application-Form-_-ENGLISH.pdf
• Afrikaans: https://www.george.gov.za/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Exemption-Application-Form-_-AFRIKAANS.pdf
• IsiXhosa: https://www.george.gov.za/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Exemption-Application-Form-_-isiXhosa.pdf

TARIFF INFORMATION
Link to Tariff Document 2025/26: https://www.george.gov.za/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Tariff-Book_1-July-2025-to-30-June-2026.pdf (See page 36 of the document)

REPORT LEAKS OR MISUSE
Leaks and water-related queries: 044 801 9262 / 66 (office hours) or 044 801 6300 (after hours)
Water misuse and violations: 044 801 6350 (office hours) or 044 801 6300 (after hours)

These measures are not punitive, but necessary. Every drop saved today helps secure water for tomorrow.

Lee-Anne Meiring, Director of Community Safety and Mobility

The George Municipality is pleased to announce the appointment of Ms Lee-Anne Meiring as Director of Community Safety and Mobility, effective 1 January 2026.

In her new role, Ms Meiring will provide strategic leadership and oversight of community safety and mobility functions to ensure the safety and well-being of residents and visitors. Her portfolio includes fire and rescue services, disaster management, traffic services, law enforcement, public safety, public transport, and fleet management.

Ms Meiring holds a Master of Business Administration (MBA), as well as a Bachelor of Law, an Advanced Diploma in Education, Training and Development, and a National Diploma in Police Administration. She has also completed the Municipal Minimum Competency (MMC) qualification, a statutory requirement for senior municipal managers.

A former senior officer in the South African Police Service (SAPS), Ms Meiring brings over 18 years of experience in the community safety environment at middle and senior management levels, including five years in senior management. Before her appointment, she served as Senior Manager: Community Safety within the George Municipality.

Welcoming the appointment, Executive Mayor Browen Johnson said: “Ms Meiring’s appointment strengthens the Municipality’s commitment to creating a safe, well-managed, and resilient community. Her extensive experience in policing, municipal safety, and leadership makes her exceptionally well-suited to lead this critical directorate.”

Acting Municipal Manager, Mr Godfrey Louw added: “Ms Meiring has demonstrated strong institutional knowledge, professionalism, and a results-driven approach. We are confident that her leadership will further enhance service delivery, inter-agency coordination, and operational effectiveness across community safety and mobility services.”

Ms Meiring’s appointment reflects the Municipality’s ongoing focus on strengthening governance, improving safety outcomes, and ensuring efficient, integrated mobility and transport services for the George community.

In the photo: Lower dam levels at the Garden Route Dam serve as a reminder for all residents to use water responsibly

The Garden Route Dam has declined from 45.68% last week to 44.50% this week, with only 17 mm of rainfall recorded over the past week. This continued decline has necessitated the escalation of water demand management measures from Level 2C to Level 2D, together with the implementation of Level 3 Emergency Water Tariffs with immediate effect.

George Municipality’s confirmation and implementation of Level 3 Emergency Water Tariffs follow the conclusion of the public participation process conducted in terms of Section 4 of the Water Services By-law to Limit or Restrict the Use of Water, which closed at 12:00 on Friday, 19 December 2025. While the Municipality initially anticipated implementing Level 2 Emergency Water Tariffs following the public participation period, the further drop in dam levels to below 45% has made it necessary to implement Level 3 Emergency Water Tariffs instead.

This process stems from a Special Council resolution taken on 04 December 2025, which approved the tightening of water demand management measures to Level 2C in response to ongoing raw water supply stress caused by below-average rainfall and a rapid decline in the Garden Route Dam, which stood at 49% at the time.

During the prescribed 14-day public participation period, the Municipality received comments and objections from residents and businesses. All submissions were carefully considered, and written responses were issued. Executive Mayor Browen Johnson has noted the inputs received and approved the proposed responses and concessions where appropriate, without compromising the integrity and sustainability of the municipal water supply system.

Emergency Water Tariffs Take Effect

As approved by Council, Level 3 Emergency Water Tariffs are implemented with immediate effect and will be reflected in the January 2026 municipal billing cycle. These tariffs are aimed at discouraging excessive consumption and safeguarding limited potable water resources for essential use.

Level 2D Water Demand Management Measures

Under Level 2D, the following mandatory measures apply, in addition to all existing restrictions:
• Households are limited to 10 kilolitres per month. Consumption above this threshold will be charged at Level 3 emergency tariff rates.
• Businesses and entertainment facilities must reduce water consumption by 25%, while industries must reduce usage by 15%, measured against applicable historical averages.
• Use of hoses by carwashes is prohibited and vehicles may only be washed using buckets, unless water is supplied from own sources
• High water users will be actively monitored, and flow-restricting devices may be installed where non-compliance is identified.

Exemptions and Special Circumstances

George Municipality recognises that critical health and safety needs cannot be compromised. Households with verified medical requirements necessitating higher water use may apply for an exemption through the Deputy Director: Water Services, supported by appropriate documentation.
Similarly, businesses providing essential services — such as hospital laundry services operating under fixed-rate contracts — may apply for partial or full exemptions from usage reductions and for limited emergency tariff relief. All applications will be assessed based on substantiated proof and historical consumption data.

Application forms for exemptions are available online:
• English: https://www.george.gov.za/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Exemption-Application-Form-_-ENGLISH.pdf
• Afrikaans: https://www.george.gov.za/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Exemption-Application-Form-_-AFRIKAANS.pdf
• IsiXhosa: https://www.george.gov.za/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Exemption-Application-Form-_-isiXhosa.pdf

“These measures are not punitive but necessary,” said Acting Municipal Manager Godfrey Louw. “Every exemption granted reduces the water available tomorrow. In a water crisis, every drop truly counts.”

Residents, businesses, and visitors are urged to continue using water sparingly and to familiarise themselves with the applicable measures. Further updates will be communicated should the dam levels continue to decline.

In the photo: Danny and Georgie with team:
Danny Cat and Georgie paid a last visit to passengers at the Beach bus stops in Pacaltsdorp on Thursday morning. Left of Danny Cat is traffic education officer Siphelele Motsepe, on Georgie’s right are GO GEORGE champions Nomhle Msenge, Janel van Rooi and Bridgette Dietricks, and Tyron Jeyi, community liaison officer. Behind them is traffic education officer Eddie Felix.

The festive season pedestrian-safety campaign jointly rolled out by GO GEORGE and the Traffic Education Unit of the George Traffic Department has concluded with resounding success, reaching far more passengers than anticipated.

Over a nine‑day period starting 2 December 2025, three traffic education officers boarded buses during the morning peak and shared practical safety reminders with passengers, while GO GEORGE champions reinforced the messages at busy transfer points. The initiative aimed to engage 2 000 passengers on bus, but in the end, 2 780 people received direct safety messaging — a clear indication of the campaign’s impact.

Passengers responded warmly to the officers’ presence and appreciated the reminders about safe crossing behaviour around in‑lane bus stops, asking them to frequently repeat this kind of campaign. The mascots, Danny Cat from Traffic and Georgie from GO GEORGE, added a playful touch, drawing fans eager to snap selfies and interact with the safety ambassadors.

Traffic Chief Janine Wells praised the collaboration: “We are delighted with the enthusiastic response from passengers and the smooth teamwork between our unit and GO GEORGE. The campaign not only exceeded its target but also created memorable, positive interactions that help embed safety messages in everyday behaviour.”

According to Morné Lakay, GO GEORGE Manager, they are most pleased with the outcomes of the collaborative approach. “This campaign has laid a solid foundation for more regular campaigns in the year ahead.”

Building on this momentum, the next joint initiative will take place when schools reopen after the summer holidays. Learners will be the focus of a dedicated pedestrian-safety drive, ensuring that young road users start the year with practical knowledge and awareness to keep them safe.

PERSVERKLARING: Veldtog vir voetgangerveiligheid in die kol

Die feesseisoen-voetgangerveiligheidsveldtog wat gesamentlik deur GO GEORGE en die Verkeersopvoedingseenheid van die George Verkeersdepartement geloods is, het met groot sukses geëindig en baie meer passasiers bereik as wat verwag is.

Oor ‘n tydperk van nege dae vanaf 2 Desember 2025 het drie verkeersopvoedingsbeamptes tydens die oggendspitstyd saamgery op busse en praktiese veiligheidswenke met passasiers gedeel. GO GEORGE-passasiersdiensbeamptes het die boodskap by besige oorklimpunte versterk. Die inisiatief was daarop gemik om 2 000 passasiers op die bus te betrek, maar uiteindelik het 2 780 mense direkte veiligheidsboodskappe ontvang — ‘n duidelike aanduiding van die veldtog se impak.

Passasiers het was bly om die beamptes op die busse te sien en het die wenke oor veilige oorsteek van paaie rondom bushaltes wat in die rybaan stop, waardeer. Etlike passasiers het gevra dat hierdie soort veldtog gereeld herhaal moet word. Die gelukbringers, Daantjie Kat van Verkeer en GO GEORGE se Georgie, se speelse aanslag het heelwat passasiers gelok wat selfies wou neem en met die twee gewilde karakters wou gesels.

Verkeershoof Janine Wells het die samewerking geprys: “Ons is verheug oor die entoesiastiese reaksie van passasiers en die gladde spanwerk tussen ons eenheid en GO GEORGE. Die veldtog het nie net sy teiken oortref nie, maar het ook onvergeetlike, positiewe interaksies geskep wat help om veiligheidsboodskappe in alledaagse gedrag in te bou.”

Volgens Morné Lakay, GO GEORGE-bestuurder, is hulle baie tevrede met die uitkoms van die samewerkende benadering. “Hierdie veldtog het ‘n stewige grondslag gelê vir meer gereelde veldtogte in die komende jaar.”

Gebaseer op hierdie momentum, sal die volgende gesamentlike inisiatief plaasvind wanneer skole ná die somervakansie weer open. Leerders sal die fokus wees van ‘n toegewyde voetgangerveiligheidsveldtog, wat verseker dat jong padgebruikers die jaar begin met praktiese kennis en bewustheid om hulle veilig te hou.

Georgie en Daantjie Kat het saam met Eddie Felix die passasiers aan boord verwelkom.

In the photo: Ngcakani Street, Thembalethu

George Municipality is taking a decisive step forward in building a smart, connected, and accessible city through major road and transport infrastructure upgrades. Enabled through the Public Transport Network Grant (PTNG) administered by the National Department of Transport, this investment includes R505 million allocated in 2024/25 and a further R250 million secured for 2025/26.

The R750 million commitment is driving the expansion of the GO GEORGE bus service. The funding supports road rehabilitation, the construction of transfer locations, sidewalk upgrades to promote universal accessibility, and other associated infrastructure improvements.

ROAD REHABILITATION PROJECTS – PROGRESS UPDATE

George Municipality is committed to providing regular progress updates on the road upgrades across the city:

Pacaltsdorp
· Mission Street: 88% complete. Construction commenced on 18 October 2024, and the initial expected completion date was in June 2026, however the revised completion date is now expected to be in March 2026. Current work includes Line markings, road signs and Universal Access compliance infrastructure. Mission Street will be opened for bi-directional from 10 December 2025.
· Protea Street (Phase 1 & 2): Completed. Work commenced on 30 September 2024.
• Protea Street (Phases 3): 78% complete. Work commenced on 5 August 2025, and the scheduled revised completion date is in February 2026. Current activities include road layer works, kerbing, construction of stormwater structures and sidewalks.
• Protea Street (Phases 4): 48% complete. Work commenced on 29 September 2025 and is scheduled for completion in March 2026. Current activities include road layer works, kerbing, construction of stormwater structures and sidewalks.
· Heather, Haydn and Rose Streets: 69% complete. Construction commenced on 25 September 2024 and is expected to conclude in July 2026. Current activities includes kerbing, layerworks and stomwater structures. The road failure investigation commenced and the outcome is being determined.
• Beukes Street: 15% complete. Work commenced on 29 September 2025 and is scheduled for completion in May 2026. The contractor is currently removing concrete block pavers, box-cutting and road layerworks.
· Genesis Street: Commencement of the project is dependent on budget availability.

Thembalethu
• Ngcakani and Ncamanza Streets: 95% complete. Work commenced on 21 October 2024 and is scheduled to conclude in January 2026. Current activities include sidewalks and UA infrastructure.
• Tabata and 26th Streets: 95% complete. Construction commenced on 25 September 2024 and is scheduled to conclude in January 2026. Current activities include sidewalks and UA infrastructure.
• Tabata Street (Phase 4): The construction commencement date is scheduled to commence in January 2026, with expected completion in May 2026.

George Industria
• PW Botha Boulevard: 60% complete. Construction commenced on 26 September 2024 and is scheduled for completion in July 2026. The road is currently open for bi-directional traffic and outstanding work includes commencement of work in Phase 4, and sidewalks, kerbing, layerworks, stormwater, etc. in remaining phases.

Rosemoor
• Beer and Woltemade Streets (Phases 1 & 2): 96% complete. Construction commenced on 13 August 2024 and is expected to conclude in January 2026. Outstanding work include finishing of work and finalisation of snags.
• Beer Street (Phase 3): 50% complete. Construction commenced on 04 August 2025 and is scheduled for completion in February 2026. Current works include box-cutting, relocation of existing services, road layerworks and stormwater structures.
• O’Connell Street: 95% complete. Work commenced on 19 August 2024 and is expected to conclude in December 2025. Outstanding works include the finalisation of snags.

Heather Park
• Airway Street: Completed. Work commenced on 27 September 2025.
• Pine Street: 95% complete. Work commenced on 4 August 2025 and is expected to conclude in December 2025. Current works include road line markings and finishing of works.
• Plattner Boulevard (Phase 1): 15% complete. Construction commenced on 29 September 2025 and was scheduled for completion in March 2026. Unforeseen geotechnical conditions were encountered which effected the works and the revised completion date is scheduled for May 2026.
• Plattner Boulevard (Phase 2): Commencement of the project is dependent on budget availability.

Bo Dorp
• Wellington Street: Completed. Work commenced on 19 June 2025.

George Central
• Cradock Street: 2% complete. Work commenced on 11 November 2025 and is expected to conclude in June 2026. Current works exposing and relocation of existing services.

TRANSFER LOCATIONS – CRITICAL SUPPORT INFRASTRUCTURE FOR GO GEORGE
In addition to road upgrades, the construction of GO GEORGE Transfer Locations (TLs) is progressing. These facilities are essential for improving route connectivity and allowing commuters to transfer safely and efficiently between routes.
• Beach/Panther Transfer Location: Completed. Construction commenced in March 2025.
• NMB/Jonga Intersection Transfer Location (Phase 1): Completed. Construction commenced in February 2025.
• 26/Ncamanza/NMB Transfer Location (Phase 1): Completed. Construction commenced in February 2025.

IMPACT OF ONGOING CONSTRUCTION
George Municipality acknowledges the impact of ongoing construction on bus operations and general traffic flow, particularly in Pacaltsdorp and surrounding areas. GO GEORGE is monitoring the situation closely and implementing mitigation measures, including temporary route adjustments and the deployment of additional buses where possible.

Passengers are encouraged to stay informed about service changes and construction-related adjustments by using the official GO GEORGE communication platforms. Real-time updates on routes and timetables are available through the trip-planning tools on the website (www.gogeorge.org.za). Commuters can also follow the GO GEORGE Facebook page or subscribe to the WhatsApp Channel for instant notifications and service alerts. The WhatsApp Channel can be joined directly via this link: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VanooYO002T09OyaKM3x