The George Municipality reminds all residents to follow responsible waste practices to help maintain clean and safe neighbourhoods.
Refuse must only be placed outside on the morning of the scheduled collection day (by 07:00) and not the night before. Early placement of refuse contributes significantly to bags being torn open, litter being spread in public spaces, and increased activity by waste pickers.
The Municipality is aware of increased complaints regarding waste pickers in residential areas, including the tearing open of refuse bags, littering, and incidents of intimidation or confrontation. Such behaviour is unacceptable and raises legitimate public health and safety concerns. At the same time, the matter requires a balanced, lawful, and sustainable response.
Law enforcement continues to support waste management efforts through ongoing high-visibility patrols in identified areas, with dedicated shifts deployed from the early hours. However, resource constraints require teams to balance responses to service complaints with proactive patrols addressing bin rummaging and related issues.
The Municipality continues to promote recycling and waste minimisation initiatives and encourages residents to separate waste at source and make use of available services.
The George Municipality remains committed to improving waste management services and working with communities to find practical, locally appropriate solutions.
Enquiries and Reporting:
Refuse Removal and Solid Waste: 044 802 2900 / 044 802 2911
Law Enforcement: 044 801 6350 / 044 801 6389
The George Municipality wishes to inform the public about the upcoming refurbishment of the Transfer Station. Construction is expected to begin at the end of March or the beginning of April 2026.
To prepare for the refurbishment and ensure the safety of both staff and residents, the municipality will implement temporary changes to the disposal of domestic waste during the construction period.
Residents are requested to take note of the following important information:
Project Start:
Refurbishment works are scheduled to commence at the end of March and or the beginning of April 2026.
Waste Diversion:
All domestic waste will temporarily be disposed of at an alternative area within the same vicinity of the Transfer Station.
Traffic Advisory:
Due to the high volume of domestic waste being diverted to the alternative site, residents should expect possible traffic congestion near the facility.
Safety & Vigilance:
Residents are urged to exercise extreme caution and remain vigilant when navigating the temporary disposal area to ensure the safety of staff and other users.
Call for Patience:
The municipality kindly requests the public’s patience and cooperation during this period. These upgrades are essential to improve the long-term reliability and efficiency of our waste management system.
For enquiries, please contact the Projects, Solid Waste & Shared Services Office’s Nombuyiselo Majola at 044 803 9297 ext. 1860
It is with great sadness that George Municipality has learnt of the passing of Mr. Milton Nobakada, who served in the Corporate Services Directorate, Building Maintenance Section, as a handyman. Mr. Nobakada passed away on Friday, 13 March 2026, at the age of 52.
Mr. Nobakada dedicated 21 years of service to George Municipality, working within the Facilities Maintenance Division. Over more than two decades, he played a vital role in maintaining municipal buildings, contributing significantly to ensuring safe and well-maintained facilities.
His commitment, reliability, and warm presence left a lasting impression on his colleagues and the broader George community.
On behalf of George Municipality, Acting Municipal Manager, Mr Bevan Ellman, extended heartfelt condolences: “We are deeply saddened by the loss of Mr Nobakade. His dedication and contribution will forever remain in our hearts. Our deepest sympathy and prayers are with his family and friends during this difficult time.”
Funeral arrangements will be communicated once confirmed by the family.
In the photo: Cllr Donovan Gultig is next to a water-saving tap fitted with an aerator that can reduce water use by up to 50% or more
As South Africa observes National Water Week 2026 from 16 to 20 March, George Municipality highlights its ongoing commitment to intensifying water-saving interventions as the city remains under pressure due to prolonged below-average rainfall and ongoing drought conditions.
In recent weeks, the Civil Engineering Services Directorate has installed aerators on more than 50 bathroom taps across municipal offices as part of the Municipality’s Internal Water Savings Campaign. Additional flow restrictors are planned for installation in other municipal buildings.
Departments assisting with the installation of aerators in their respective facilities include the Fire Services Department, Community Services, Electrotechnical Services, Community Safety, and Mobility.
The devices reduce water flow to between 0.6 litres and 3 litres per minute, significantly lowering water consumption at each tap. Officials and visitors are requested not to tamper with the devices, as they form part of the Municipality’s broader water conservation efforts.
The MMC for Civil Engineering Services, Cllr Donovan Gultig, said: “This is one of the many practical steps the Municipality is taking to reduce internal water consumption. These flow restrictors can reduce water use at taps by up to 50% or more. Every drop truly counts.”
“We encourage businesses, institutions, and households across the George municipal area to implement similar water-saving measures wherever possible,” MMC Gultig added.
Weekly Water Statistics (as of Monday, 16 March 2026)
• Garden Route Dam: 55,89%
• Current daily demand: 38.7 ML (target: 36 ML per day)
• Rainfall recorded this week: 0 mm
• Estimated water supply remaining approximately 22 weeks, subject to rainfall patterns and consumption trends
• Haarlem Dam: 20,21%
• Rainfall recorded this week: 0 mm
Executive Mayor Browen Johnson emphasised the importance of water conservation during National Water Week. “National Water Week reminds us that water is a precious and limited resource. While George continues to experience water shortages, it is encouraging to see how residents, businesses, and visitors have responded to our call to save water. I would like to sincerely thank our community and local businesses for the meaningful role they have played in helping us reduce water consumption and protect our supply.
He further emphasised that sustained improvement is still required: “Although we welcome occasional improvements in dam levels, the situation remains fragile. We must maintain disciplined water use to protect our remaining supply. I urge every resident, business and institution to continue complying with Level 2D Water Demand Management Measures. Responsible water use today safeguards our community tomorrow.”
Level 2D Water Demand Management Measures and Level 3 Emergency Water Tariffs remain in place.
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
The Silent Walk symbolically highlights the need for urgent and sustained actionMunicipality expressed appreciation to stakeholders for their continued partnershipSilent Walk in a visible show of unity against environmental neglectMayor Browen Johnson urged residents to take ownership of their immediate surroundings
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.
Delegates from the National Treasury and partner institutions during a site visit to one of George Municipality’s Civil Engineering Services infrastructure projects as part of the 2025/26 Mid-Year Budget and Performance Assessment.Senior management of George Municipality engages with the National Treasury delegation during Session 4 on Service Delivery at the George Municipal Council Chambers as part of the 2025/26 Mid-Year Budget and Performance Assessment.Technical officials from George Municipality brief the National Treasury delegation on progress, implementation challenges, and project timelines during a Civil Engineering Services site inspection.
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.
The Water Management Task Team meets three times per week to implement and monitor water conservation interventions.
George Municipality has published a comprehensive Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) document as part of its ongoing Water Conservation Campaign.
The FAQ provides clear information on the current water situation, Level 2D Water Demand Management Measures, Level 3 Emergency Water Tariffs, groundwater initiatives, infrastructure limitations, development controls, rainwater tank compliance, and what residents can do to help protect water resources.
The document aims to address common public concerns and improve understanding of the measures currently in place to safeguard George’s water supply.
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.
From left: Jethro Grootboom (GCIS Regional Communication Coordinator for the Garden Route and Overberg Districts, Daniella Laws (George Municipality Law Enforcement officer), and Bulumko Kula from GCISLaw enforcement officials engaging communitiesOngoing outreach – Officials putting up postersBulumko Kula, GCIS and Verona Jantjies, Municipality
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.
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.
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.
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