Author: Ntobeko Mangqwengqwe

Outeniqua Mountains

George Tourism, in partnership with the George Joint Marketing Association NPC (GJMA), is proud to celebrate the success of the George Trails initiative in formalising and uniting the local trail community.

George Trails serves as an umbrella brand to market and promote the region’s exceptional trail network, with key trail clubs now on board as ambassadors. Notably, George Trails would like to pay tribute to both the Hillbillies Mountain bike club, with 30 years of trail development and maintenance experience, and George Trail Running (GTR), focused on running and hiking routes, who continue to play a vital role in the efforts of the greater trail community. The 40-year-old Berg en Dal Voetslaanklub (Mountain &and Valley Hiking Club), has also joined as an ambassador.

The initiative extends beyond land-based trails, with paddling and canoeing represented by Juan Botes from Chain Gang Events. Event organizers such as Dryland, MUT, and Chain Gang also serve as ambassadors and form part of the George Trails management committee.

The next phase of the George Trails initiative aims to secure commercial partnerships to enhance signage, safety, and security for all trail users. Businesses interested in supporting this initiative are encouraged to email info@georgetrails.org.za or visit the George Trails website under the Community/Partnership Opportunities section.

Joan Shaw, Tourism Manager at George Municipality, said: “The dedicated efforts of our trail sports clubs over the years have created an incredible trail network. By working together with George Tourism and the George Joint Marketing Association, we are strengthening the branding of George Trails as one of the region’s premier attractions, ensuring long-term benefits for the greater community.”

GO GEORGE SCHEDULES ON UPCOMING PUBLIC HOLIDAYS

With Human Rights Day coming up on Friday 21 March 2025, GO GEORGE passengers need to take note that the Saturday bus schedules will be followed on this public holiday.
For any enquiries or assistance with trip planning, phone the GO GEORGE Call Centre on 0800 044 044, or visit the GO GEORGE website, www.gogeorge.org.za, for interactive and user-friendly trip planning features.

GO GEORGE-SKEDULES OP KOMENDE VAKANSIEDAE

Met Menseregtedag wat voorlê op Vrydag 21 Maart 2025, vestig GO GEORGE passasiers se aandag daarop dat die Saterdagskedules op hierdie openbare vakansiedag gevolg sal word.
Vir enige navrae of hulp met ritbeplanning, skakel die GO GEORGE-inbelkantoor by 0800 044 044, of besoek die GO GEORGE-webblad, www.gogeorge.org.za, vir interaktiewe, gebruikersvriendelike ritbeplanningsfunksies.

In the photo from left is Cllr Marchell Kleynhans (MMC for Parks, Refuse and Environmental Services), Ald Jackie von Brandis (Executive Mayor of George), Rocky the Recycling Rooster (Garden Route District Municipality mascot), Jean Safers (Ward 1 Councillors and MMC for Human Settlements), Karin Stoffels (Project Coordinator: Street Cleansing), Anelisa Yani (Acting Manager: Cleansing and Environmental Health) and Gavin Esau (Project Coordinator- Community Services).

The George Municipality’s Illegal Dumping Awareness Campaign officially concluded on Wednesday, 26 February 2025, with great success. Executive Mayor Alderman Jackie von Brandis expressed appreciation to all who contributed to the month-long initiative aimed at combating illegal dumping across George. The campaign’s closing event took place in Blanco, where Mayor von Brandis personally thanked municipal workers, law enforcement officers, and community volunteers for their dedication.

Impressive Cleanup Results
During February, the Community Services Department collected over 20,000 bags of illegally dumped waste, totalling more than 115 cubic tons. This is equivalent to 385 tipper truckloads of refuse removed from open spaces and transported to the municipal dumping site. In total, tipper trucks moved 1,315 cubic meters of waste throughout the campaign.

“Thank you to everyone who took part in this effort. We began in Rosedale and Pacaltsdorp, and today we stand here reflecting on the incredible impact we have made together,” said Mayor von Brandis. Addressing Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) volunteers and municipal cleaning teams, she added: “Your hard work has been noticed. Residents have approached us to say they see the difference—George is looking cleaner, and that’s because of your dedication.”

Law Enforcement Crackdown on Dumping Offenders
In addition to cleanup efforts, municipal law enforcement officers issued 56 fines for illegal dumping in February, amounting to R56,000 in penalties. Mayor von Brandis commended the law enforcement team for their efforts in holding offenders accountable. “We’ve seen a significant increase in fines issued this month. People are beginning to understand that illegal dumping has consequences. If you dump illegally, we will hold you responsible,” she said.

Community Education and Awareness
The Environmental Services team conducted educational campaigns throughout February, informing residents about the dangers of illegal dumping and its health risks. “Thank you to everyone involved in educating the community. We must change mindsets—illegal dumping is not acceptable, and we need to protect our environment for future generations,” said Mayor von Brandis.

A special word of gratitude was also extended to the Garden Route District Municipality for providing their mascot, Rocky the Recycling Rooster, to assist in awareness efforts. Rocky visited key illegal dumping hotspots, engaging children and residents in discussions about proper waste disposal and recycling.

Ongoing Commitment to a Cleaner George
MMC for Parks, Refuse, and Environmental Services, Councillor Marcell Kleynhans, urged residents to maintain the momentum even after the campaign’s conclusion. “Keeping George clean is a shared responsibility. We encourage all citizens to continue looking after their neighbourhoods. This campaign may have ended, but our efforts to combat illegal dumping will continue,” he said.

Report Illegal Dumping
Residents are urged to report illegal dumping:
📞 For site clearance, contact the Community Services Directorate at 044 802 2900.
📞 For law enforcement action, call 044 801 6350 or email sprins@george.gov.za.
Together, we can keep George clean and waste-free!

In the photo: Meulen River. Images by Zutari
The George Municipality is taking proactive steps to protect its watercourses and critical infrastructure through the development of River Management Plans (RMPs). The RMPs are being developed to guide the Municipality’s actions to ensure the sustainable management of its most vulnerable river systems.

The RMPs have two objectives:
3. To facilitate efficient maintenance of existing infrastructure along the watercourses; and
4. To improve the ecological functioning of the waercourses and enhance the ecosystem services benefits that the watercourses provide through targeted interventions.

The RMPs are being developed for the Gwaing, Schaapkop and Meulen Rivers, with plans to expand to other rivers in the future. An important component of the RMPs is the Maintenance Management Plan (MMP), which is a regulatory document established to comply with Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Regulations of 2014, as amended. The MMPs document the actions the George Municipality will adhere to when undertaking maintenance of existing infrastructure in the watercourses to mitigate negative environmental impacts.

Acting Director of Human Settlements, Planning and Development in the George Municipality, Delia Power, highlighted the importance of these plans in managing municipal infrastructure, such as roads, bridges, and stormwater systems, which are located within these watercourses.

“The Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) regulations require extensive assessments, which can be time-consuming and costly and can delay the maintenance and replacement of municipal infrastructure in these watercourses. The RMPs provide a structured framework that allows the municipality to undertake specific maintenance activities without the need for a full EIA in respect of applicable listed activities,” said Power.

She further explained that holistic RMMPs will help maintain and improve the condition of the subject rivers by reducing negative environmental impacts, preserving ecosystem services, and preventing further degradation.

Infrastructure and Implementation
The successful implementation of the RMPs will require interdepartmental collaboration within the Municipality. The following responsibilities have been identified for each Directorate:
• Civil Engineering Services: Planning and maintenance of municipal infrastructure within the watercourses.
• Human Settlements, Planning and Development: Provide support to technical departments to ensure compliance with the MMPs. Undertake project preparation and implementation of river health improvement projects. Secure river buffer zones from incompatible development and act on transgressions.
• Community Services: Implement invasive species management. Maintain open spaces and support ecosystem restoration efforts.

Environmental Officer Lauren Josias confirmed that applications for the adoption of RMMPs in the three watercourses have been submitted to the Competent Authority, with a public participation process set to begin soon. “Internal workshops will also be conducted with key departments, and efforts are underway to coordinate responsibilities, identify priority areas, and explore potential funding sources for implementation,” Josias said.

The George Municipality remains committed to proactively managing its watercourses while balancing infrastructure and environmental needs. “The River Maintenance Management Plans will ensure that George remains proactive in protecting its rivers to ensure the continued and improved provision of ecosystem services in a changing landscape and climate,” said Josias.