Author: Ntobeko Mangqwengqwe

In the photo: Sandile Lingani of George Library engages with students from York High School and their teacher

The George Public Library proudly celebrated International Day of Women and Girls in Science on 11 February, reinforcing its commitment to promoting education and inclusivity in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) fields.

Library staff, led by Mr Sandile Lingane from the Reference Section, curated a series of engaging posters and displays showcasing the significant contributions of women throughout history in scientific discoveries and advancements. The interactive exhibit aimed to inspire young minds and challenge outdated perceptions about gender roles in science.

Students from York High, Curro, and Glenwood Schools visited the library and engaged with the displays, learning about pioneering women scientists and their groundbreaking work. “Recognizing the achievements of women in science is crucial in encouraging young girls to consider careers in STEM. These initiatives not only educate but also empower,” said Lingane.

The George Municipality continues to support educational initiatives that inspire and equip young people with the knowledge and confidence to pursue their aspirations. Events such as this reaffirm the library’s role as a dynamic hub of learning and community engagement.

For more information, contact George Municipality’s Library Services at 044 801 9288.Malibongwe Luyenge Senior Librarian with Glenwood pupil and teacher.

In the photo from left: Hadley Booysen (Peer Educator), Monica Mnyamana (Coordinator), Shafika Biel (EPWP – General Worker), Karin Stoffels (Project Co-Ordinator: Street Cleansing), Councillor Marchell Kleynhans (MMC for Parks, Refuse and Environmental Services), Henrico Gertze (EPWP General Worker and the Garden Route District Municipality’s mascot, Rocky, the Recycling Rooster), Alfonso Delarey (EPWP General Worker), Anelisa Yani (Environmental Health Practitioner), Louw-Anne Lourens (EPWP General Worker), Rivaldo Roelfse (Peer Educator) and Ceavan Booi (Peer Educator).

The George Municipality’s Cleaning Teams continue their dedicated efforts to maintain cleanliness across all wards by picking up litter, sweeping streets, and educating the public. February has been declared Illegal Dumping Month, with a special focus on eradicating illegal waste disposal.

Director of Community Services, Mr. Dawie Adonis, confirmed that cleaning teams have been deployed across George to clean various areas. “From 3 to 7 February 2025, our teams collected a total of 5,471 brown bags of refuse across multiple areas,” said Adonis. “Additionally, we transported and disposed of 3728 cubes of illegally dumped waste at the Gwaing Landfill Site during this period,” said Adonis.

“We covered Pacaltsdorp, Rosedale, Heatherlands, Groene Weide Park, Lawaaikamp, Borchards, Conville, Protea Park, Lavalia, Rosemoor, Kleinkrantz, Touwsranten, Wilderness, Wilderness Heights, Thembalethu, the Garden Route Mall routes, Saasveld Road, CBD, Bo-Dorp, the Garden Route Dam, and the Industrial Area,” Adonis added.

Ongoing Cleaning Operations

In addition to routine street-cleaning efforts, municipal teams have undertaken various operations to enhance public spaces and combat illegal dumping:
• Street sweeping & litter collection – Roads in the CBD were cleaned over the weekends, with continued cleansing efforts in residential areas and key public spaces.
• Dumpsite rehabilitation – Soil backfilling was carried out at identified dumping sites, along with beautification projects to discourage future dumping.
• Roadside maintenance – Entrances and exits to George were cleaned, and regular maintenance was conducted along the N2.
• Community spaces & beach cleaning – Litter was collected in parks and open spaces, public ablution blocks were cleaned, and coastal areas were maintained.

MMC for Parks, Refuse, and Environmental Services, Cllr Marcell Kleynhans, emphasized the importance of community involvement. “Illegal dumping is not just an eyesore—it poses serious health risks to our communities. While the municipality continues to clear recurring dumping sites, we also urge residents to take responsibility and help maintain a cleaner environment,” said Kleynhans.

As part of the ongoing awareness campaign on illegal dumping, the Garden Route District Municipality’s mascot, Rocky the Recycling Rooster, made special appearances at illegal dumping hotspots. His presence helped to engage residents, especially children, in conversations about responsible waste disposal and the importance of recycling.

Report Illegal Dumping

Residents can play a crucial role in combating illegal dumping by ensuring waste is disposed of correctly.
• Household waste should be properly bagged and placed out for collection on designated waste removal days.
• Builders’ rubble and bulk waste should be taken to the municipal refuse site on the R102 (airport road).
• Report illegal dumping to the Community Services Directorate at 044 802 2900 (for site clearance).
• For law enforcement assistance, call 044 801 6350 or email sprins@george.gov.za.

If you have information on illegal dumping—including names, vehicle registration details, or addresses—and are willing to make a statement, this will greatly assist enforcement efforts. A photograph is not required but will strengthen the case. Together, we can keep George clean!

Rosemoor Stadium – A community sports hub to transform it into a world-class venue

The highly anticipated Rosemoor Synthetic Athletics track, funded through the Integrated Urban Development Grant (IUDG), is nearing completion. The track itself has been successfully constructed on schedule and within the allocated budget of R40.59 million. Construction began in May 2024, with practical completion of the track achieved in January 2025. The official site handover is set for March 2025.

While the track is complete, finishing touches—including the crowd control fence, steel structure pavilions, and minor masonry work—will be finalized over the next six weeks, subject to supply chain timelines and weather conditions.

Meanwhile, the George Municipality is actively engaging stakeholders regarding the grand opening of the facility, ensuring an inclusive and celebratory launch for this historic milestone. In partnership with Athletics SWD, the Municipality will soon announce the official opening date and unveiling plans.

The multi-million-rand upgrade of the Rosemoor Stadium, a key community sports hub, will eventually transform it into a world-class venue with the completion of future phases, subject to the availability of adequate funding. The new Synthetic Track will be a Class 2 athletic facility in terms of World Athletics Criteria, ensuring athletes’ times and achievements are officially recognized. This significant investment is expected to elevate the region’s sports infrastructure, drive athletics development, and encourage greater participation in the sport.

Upon completion, the state-of-the-art Rosemoor Stadium will be fully equipped to host regional and national events —boosting the local economy and positioning George as a key player in sports tourism.

In the photo: Front row (from left) is Ald. Jackie von Brandis (Executive Mayor of George) and Godfrey Louw (Acting Municipal Manager).
Back row (from left): Chantel Edwards (Communication Manager), Nadine May (Social Media Officer), Debra Sauer (Communication Officer), and Ntobeko Mangwengqwe (Senior Communication Officer).

The George Municipality Communication Team has been recognized as the most active local municipality on social media in South Africa, receiving an award at the South African Local Government Association (SALGA) National Communicators’ Awards. The award was accepted by George Municipality’s Senior Communications Officer, Ntobeko Mangqwengqwe, at a ceremony in Jeffrey’s Bay on 10 February 2025.

This achievement highlights the municipality’s commitment to keeping the community informed and engaged through effective communication strategies. The team’s approach to digital engagement ensures timely and transparent communication on key municipal matters.

The Executive Mayor of George, Ald Jackie von Brandis, congratulated the George Municipality’s Communication Team for this achievement: “This is great servanthood from our team. Digital and social media are among the most effective communication tools today, allowing for fast message delivery and two-way engagement with communities. Excelling in this communication technique contributes greatly to the excellent service delivery that the George Municipality strives for. We are proud of our Communication Team—well done!”

Mangqwengqwe also delivered a presentation on crisis communication, sharing lessons from the municipality’s handling of major incidents, including the Victoria Street building collapse in 2024. He emphasized the importance of collaboration with the private sector, media, and key stakeholders in managing crises.

Additionally, Mangqwengqwe participated in a panel discussion on strengthening crisis communications and building resilience in disaster management. His contributions provided insights into the role of local government in ensuring clear and accurate information flow during emergencies.

George Municipality remains committed to high communication standards and will continue using digital platforms to serve residents efficiently. This award recognizes the team’s efforts in engaging the public and improving service delivery through transparent communication.

In the photo: The George Municipality officially launched Illegal Dumping Awareness Month in Cane Street, Rosedale

The George Municipality officially launched Illegal Dumping Awareness Month in Cane Street, Rosedale (Pacaltsdorp area) on Monday, 3 February 2025. Executive Mayor Ald Jackie von Brandis kicked off the campaign at one of the identified illegal dumping hotspots, reinforcing the Municipality’s commitment to addressing this ongoing challenge.

Throughout February, the Community Services Directorate will lead a dedicated effort to clean and rehabilitate illegal dumping sites while raising awareness of the environmental and health risks associated with illegal dumping through targeted education campaigns.

Mayor von Brandis emphasized the importance of community involvement: “We launched this campaign to drive meaningful change in our communities. To tackle this issue, we have employed Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) workers to help clean illegal dumping hotspots. However, illegal dumping drains valuable resources and funds that could have been used for community improvements. It is not a job creation opportunity—we urge residents to take ownership of their surroundings and protect these spaces, which could be transformed into parks and recreational areas for our children. Let’s all act responsibly and dispose of waste properly. I also commend the Community Services Department for leading this initiative and wish them success throughout the month.”

The Director of Community Services, Mr Dawie Adonis, announced that R16.34 million has been allocated to the campaign to ensure its sustainability. “This funding covers street cleansing, refuse removal, hiring ward-based coordinators, and running education and awareness campaigns. Our goal is to create long-term change by addressing both the behavioural and systemic factors contributing to illegal dumping.”

Welcoming attendees at the launch, MMC for Community Services, Marchell Kleynhans, stressed the importance of public involvement: “Illegal dumping is not just an environmental problem—it’s a community issue. Sustainable enforcement, coupled with community involvement, is key to the campaign’s success. We need every resident to take responsibility and work towards a cleaner George.”

The campaign will see the municipal area divided into 12 blocks, with 14 coordinators and 310 EPWP workers deployed across George communities. A comprehensive communication strategy—including news articles, radio interviews, advertisements, social media engagement, and educational material distribution—will support the initiative.

Ward 14 Councillor and MMC for Community Development, Melvin Roelse, delivered the vote of thanks, highlighting the far-reaching effects of illegal dumping:

“Illegal dumping negatively impacts public health, the environment, and the overall cleanliness of our city. We urge all residents, businesses, and community groups to join us in this crucial effort. Let’s work together to keep George clean and beautiful—say NO to illegal dumping!”

Watch Executive Mayor Jackie von Brandis during the launch: https://youtu.be/Rwx7xVh16LM

In the photo, George, Wilderness, and Uniondale Tourism interns Viwe Zokufa and Benicia Bergstedt running a tourism info activation at Redberry Farm in December 2024.

George experienced a festive season filled with vibrant events, strong visitor engagement, and remarkable revenue growth in the tourism sector. Extended operating hours, strategic activations, and collaborative partnerships ensured a seamless experience for both domestic and international tourists.

Joan Shaw, Tourism Manager at George, Wilderness and Uniondale Tourism, remarked, “This festive season exceeded our expectations, reflecting the unwavering appeal of our region and the dedicated efforts of our tourism teams and partners. From bustling markets to full visitor activations, George and its surrounds once again proved to be a premier destination.”

Enhanced Visitor Engagement
To meet the increased demand, the George, Wilderness, and Uniondale Visitor Information Centres extended operating hours during the festive season, providing in-person assistance, maps, brochures, and digital resources. Key statistics include 272 enquiries recorded across centres, with top interest categories about activities and attractions, accommodation, as well as picking up maps and brochures. Promotional materials like the “60+ Things to Do” brochures and maps were distributed widely at accommodations and attractions. A permanent display has also been implemented at the Outeniqua Powervan check-in point, reinforcing the region’s offerings.

Dynamic Activations Across the Region
Tourism activations ran every Saturday at the Outeniqua Family Market (14 December–11 January) and at major events such as the WeBuyCars George Tens, as well as popular attraction Redberry Farm. Visitors had access to brochures, maps, and interactive activities, including a ‘win and spin’ prize wheel.

A Season of Events
The festive calendar was packed with highlights, including:
• Christmas Markets: Boerevintage Market, The Market at the Transnet Transport Museum, and the Outeniqua Christmas Market at the George Museum.
• Holiday Events: Carols by Candlelight at Redberry Farm and the Garden Route Botanical Garden, as well as Uncle George’s Kids’ Christmas Parties and Heartbeat Gospel Sunday.
• Live Music: Performances at Bush Lapa and Fancourt featured top South African artists, including Bok van Blerk and Matthew Mole.
• Sports Events: WeBuyCars George Tens, Finovo Jakkalberry Extreme Gravel/MTB Race, Fancourt 10km Run, Redberry Farm Charity Trail Run, and December Discing.

Occupancy and Revenue Performance
Metrics were gleaned from aggregated data on leading Online Travel Agent (OTA) platforms. This information excludes direct bookings, tourism trade bookings, as well as bookings made on other popular OTA channels not included in the dataset. It, therefore, provides a ‘yardstick’ of what took place at the destination.

Occupancy rates from 11 December 2024 to 12 January 2025 averaged 71%, peaking at 88% on 28 December. Occupancies started climbing from 13 December, with 80% highs from December 24th until January 2nd. From January 12th, occupancies tapered off, dropping to the 40%’s. The ADR shows strong rate performance, increasing by R621,63. The biggest number of check-ins took place in week 50 (1,516 check-ins) and 51 (1,424 check-ins) of the year for 2024, and week 1 of 2025 also showed strong performance (1,403 check-ins).

Festive season key figures include:
• Average occupancy: 71% (1% decrease from the previous season)
• Average daily rate: R2,537.70 (32% increase from the previous season)
• 0-21 Day booking window: The 0–21-day window is a significant number of bookings, illustrating an opportunity for accommodation to capitalise on last minute bookers.
o December: 41%
o January (up until 20 January 2025): 54%

While some January averages are still pending on the aggregated statistics platform, December metrics offer valuable insights:
• December revenue: R51.7 million (28% growth year-on-year)
• Average length of stay: 3.5 days (dropping by half a day from 2023)
• Number of check-ins: 6,086 (897 more than the previous year). The only Garden Route town to exceed George’s number of check-ins was Knysna, with 7,146. Following on George’s heels, Plettenberg Bay had 4,926, Mossel Bay 3,946 and Oudtshoorn 3,030.
• Visitor Insights: Domestic tourists dominated (56%), with a strong international presence (44%). Top source markets included:
o South Africa: Cape Town (41%), Johannesburg (19%)
o International: Germany (15%), UK (7%), USA (6%)

Local Tourism Sector Highlights Mixed Performance
A survey of 18 restaurants revealed that 11 performed better than the previous year, with all Wilderness establishments reporting growth. In contrast, George restaurants faced challenges, citing more conservative customer spending, particularly on wine and liquor. Several new restaurants also opened in the George area in December.

Activity and tour operators fared well overall, with 11 out of 14 reporting improved results. The Outeniqua Powervan saw an unprecedented demand, requiring additional trips to accommodate early bookings. The Wilderness section of the Garden Route National Park also had a standout season, with visitor numbers expected to surpass pre-pandemic levels. However, some operators observed tighter budgets among visitors, affecting additional revenue streams.

For more information on George and its greater area, go to: 🌐 visitgeorge.co.za
📱 facebook.com/tourismgeorge
📸 instagram.com/georgetourism_official
🎥 youtube.com/@georgewildernessuniondaleza