🎉 Four Clean Audits In A Row!
George Municipality celebrates four consecutive clean audits – a testament to sound governance, accountability, and compliance. 🌟
👏 Thank you to the team for upholding excellence in service to our community.
In the photo from left to right: Cllr Marchell Kleynhans (MMC for Community Services), Alderman Jackie von Brandis (Executive Mayor of George), Mr Godfrey Louw (Acting Municipal Manager) and Cllr Marlene Barnardt (MMC for Planning and Development)
The George Municipality officially launched its Blue Flag summer season today, 2 December 2024, at Victoria Bay Beach. The occasion was marked by the hoisting of the Blue Flag by Executive Mayor Alderman Jackie von Brandis, accompanied by MMC for Planning and Development Cllr Marlene Barnardt, MMC for Community Services Cllr Marchell Kleynhans, and Acting Municipal Manager Mr. Godfrey Louw.
Speaking at the event, Mayor von Brandis said: “Three of our beaches have achieved full Blue Flag status: Victoria Bay, Herold’s Bay, and Wilderness Beach. Leentjiesklip Beach continues to hold pilot Blue Flag status. We are thrilled to welcome visitors to our stunning beaches. George truly offers the ultimate destination for the summer season.”
Celebrating Environmental Excellence
The 2024–2025 Blue Flag season, which began on 1 December, celebrates South Africa’s dedication to sustainable coastal tourism and environmental excellence. George Municipality’s achievement of Blue Flag status for three beaches highlights its commitment to environmental stewardship and visitor safety.
The municipality joined 13 others at the official launch ceremony held at the V&A Waterfront in Cape Town. Across South Africa, 48 beaches, four marinas, and seven sustainable tourism boats were awarded Blue Flag status this season.
About the Blue Flag Programme
Managed in South Africa by WESSA (Wildlife and Environment Society of South Africa) since 2001 and internationally by the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE), the Blue Flag Programme is a globally recognised eco-label awarded to beaches, marinas, and tourism boats that meet 33 rigorous criteria. These include water quality, environmental education, accessibility, safety, security and visitor facilities.
“Achieving Blue Flag status is no small feat,” said WESSA CEO Cindy-Lee Cloete. “This accolade celebrates the commitment of municipalities, marinas, and tourism boat operators to environmental sustainability, visitor safety and caring for our marine environments and the people who enjoy these spaces. Through our Blue Flag and Green Coast Programmes, we collaborate closely with partners to tackle critical coastal management challenges and promote sustainable tourism.”
What Visitors Can Expect
The Blue Flag beach season runs from 1 December 2024 to 31 January 2025. Visitors can enjoy well-maintained facilities, clean ablutions, and enhanced safety measures, including lifeguards and first-aid equipment. Lifeguards will be on duty at Blue Flag beaches daily:
• 1–13 December 2024: 9 am–5 pm
• 14 December 2024–31 January 2025: 7 am–7 pm
Visitors to Blue Flag beaches can look forward to well-maintained amenities, clean ablutions, educational displays, and proactive safety measures, including trained lifeguards and first-aid equipment. Beaches are also tested regularly for water quality by independent laboratories, with results made publicly available on noticeboards and on WESSA’s website.
Strict regulations ensure the cleanliness and safety of these beaches. Dogs and other pets are prohibited on Blue Flag Beaches to minimise pollution and risks to visitors, with fines imposed for non-compliance. Our beaches may lose their Blue Flag accreditation should the municipality fail to uphold the required high standards for our beachgoers.
Accountability and standards
WESSA conducts frequent inspections of Blue Flag sites to ensure adherence to the programme’s stringent criteria. Sites failing to meet these standards risk temporary or permanent withdrawal of Blue Flag status, a measure aimed at maintaining the programme’s integrity. Visitors are asked to comply with the beach signs, and the directions of the lifeguards and security, and are encouraged to report any concerns to the beach manager or WESSA, whose contact details are displayed on-site.
Economic and Environmental Impact
Mayor von Brandis highlighted the programme’s dual impact: “The Blue Flag recognition not only boosts our appeal to local and international visitors but also drives significant economic benefits for the region. Our investment in this programme reflects our dedication to visitor safety, environmental conservation, and sustainable tourism.”
During the launch, the Mayor met visitors, including Izzy Rodrigues from France, who said: “I thoroughly enjoy South Africa, and Victoria Bay is breathtakingly beautiful, clean, and peaceful. I wish I could stay longer.”
George, proud recipient of the Green Coast Award
The George Municipality is also proud to have received the Green Coast Award for Gwaiing Beach and River. This prestigious award recognizes sustainable management practices at this biodiverse site. Launched in 2017, the Green Coast Award is presented to coastal areas with exceptional biodiversity, emphasizing community involvement in the stewardship of these natural environments. These awards further solidify George Municipality’s reputation as a premier eco-friendly tourism destination along South Africa’s coastline.
For more information on the Blue Flag Programme and a full list of award-winning sites, please visit https://www.wessa.org.za/blue-flag/
NOTES TO THE EDITOR:
About Blue Flag:
The iconic Blue Flag is one of the world’s most recognised voluntary eco-labels awarded to beaches, marinas, and sustainable boating tourism operators. To qualify for the Blue Flag, a series of stringent environmental, educational, safety, and accessibility criteria must be met and maintained. With over 5000 sites in over 50 countries around the world, Blue Flag is actively contributing to sustainable development goals. Blue Flag also campaigns against disparity, inequality, unemployment, health threats, depletion of natural resources, environmental threats, pollution and general environmental degradation. In South Africa, Blue Flag has been operational since 2001 and has proud municipal, marina and tourism boat partners in 18 coastal municipalities around the country. Blue Flag is voluntary, which shows a very strong commitment to environmental sustainability from those municipalities, marinas and tourism boat operators that are awarded annually. All properties and companies that apply for the Blue Flag award are assessed by a South African National Jury as well as by the Blue Flag International Jury in Europe.
Please be advised that the Motor Vehicle Registration (MVR) offices in Hibernia and Blanco will close early at 12:00 on Friday, 6 December 2024, for a year-end function. We apologise for any inconvenience caused and thank you for your understanding.
Issued by George Municipality, 28 November 2024 @13:03
Motorists are advised to exercise caution when approaching Kaaimans Pass on the N2 due to a motor vehicle accident on the Pass. One lane has been closed, and traffic is being regulated.
We appreciate your patience and cooperation. Further updates will be provided as they become available.
All businesses mentioned below or who conduct businesses as below must apply for a business licence:
1. Sale or supply of meals or perishable foodstuffs
The carrying on of business by the sale or supply to consumers of –
• any foodstuff in the form of meals for consumption on or off the business premises; or
• any perishable foodstuffs.
2. Health Establishments
The carrying on of business by
• providing Turkish baths, saunas or other health baths;
• providing massage or infrared treatment;
• making the services of an escort, whether male or female, available to any other person.
3. Entertainment
The carrying on of business by
• keeping three or more mechanical, electronic, or electrical contrivances, instruments, apparatus or devices which are designed or used for the purpose of the playing of any game or for the purpose of recreation or amusement, and the operation which involves the payment of any valuable consideration, either by the insertion of a coin, token coin or disc therein or in an appliance attached thereto or in any other manner;
keeping three or more snooker or billiard tables;
keeping or conducting a night club or discotheque;
keeping or conducting a cinema or theatre.
4. Hawking in meals or perishable foodstuffs
The carrying on of business, whether as principal, employee or agent, by selling any foodstuff in the form of meals or any perishable foodstuff
• which is conveyed from place to place, whether by vehicle or otherwise;
• on a public road or at any other place accessible to the public; or
• in, on or from a movable structure or stationery vehicle; unless the business is conveyed by a licence for a business referred to in item 1 of this Schedule
HOW TO APPLY FOR A BUSINESS LICENCE?
An application form must be completed, which can be obtained at the George Municipality, Department for Environmental Services situated at 82 Meade Street, George and at the Municipal Offices in Uniondale.
The application fee for a Business licence and an Entertainment licence is R 74,20. The fee for a hawkers’ licence is R 30,36. Please note that the application fee is not refundable.
The following documents must be submitted with the application:
1. Fully completed and signed application form and proof of payment.
2. Copy of certified ID or passport.
3. Copy of certified certificate of acceptability (COA).
4. Copy of the municipal account where the business is operated.
5. Site plan indicating where the premises are located. The site plan must indicate details of the type of structure or the building from which business is conducted.
6. Proof of ownership or permission to utilise business premises.
7. Business registration with the CIPC.
The processing of the application will take up to thirty (30) working days before an outcome will be available. Note that the Municipality may refuse the application.
OTHER REQUIREMENTS APPLICABLE TO SHOPS
A. Building Plan Requirements
The structure from which a shop is operated must have an approved building plan. House shops must be operated from structures that comply with the requirements for human occupancy in terms of the National Building Regulations and Building Standards Act, 1977.
A building plan application must consist of at least the following:
• Site Plan
• Floor Layout
• Section
• Elevations
• Fire Protection Plan
The building plans must clearly indicate the structure’s intended use, including all relevant services such as electrical, plumbing, water reticulation, ventilation, sanitaryware etc. The application must be compiled by a registered competent person and submitted on the Collaborator Portal. The application will be circulated to relevant municipal departments and other authorities for comments and compliance verification with applicable laws and regulations.
B. Minor works/Temporary structures/Buildings
Temporary buildings/structures means, any structure or erection or part of structure or erection which is intended to be used only for a temporary purpose for a definite period and which is made of temporary and quickly removable building material other than material of a permanent nature. These structures are multi-purpose, portable structures that offer protection under all weather conditions.
These include:
1. Containers
2. Wendy House-type structures
3. Mobile units
4. Or any similar structures/buildings.
The applicable fees are determined as per the approved tariffs:
1. New structures calculated at R29 per square meter, subject to minimum fee R424.00.
2. Change to existing buildings at R23.00 per R850.00 of the estimated cost, subject to minimum fee R424.00.
3. Minor building works at R424.00.
C. Inspection Requirements
If the building plan application is approved, three compulsory inspections must be conducted before applying for an Occupation Certificate:
1. Commencement/Open Trench Inspection
2. Open Drainage Inspection
3. Completion Inspection
These inspections must be scheduled two days in advance of the desired inspection date.
D. Requirements for Occupation Certificate
To apply for an Occupation Certificate, the following compliance certificates are required:
• Electrical Compliance Certificate
• Plumbing Compliance Certificate
• Certificate of Acceptability for Food Premises (if applicable, to be obtained from Garden Route District Municipality)
• Gas Certificate (if applicable)
• Glazing Certificate of Conformance (if safety glass is used)
• Fire Safety Certificate (if applicable)
• SANS Form 4 Engineer Certificate (if applicable)
• SANS Form 4 Architect Certificate (if applicable)
• In order to comply a building plan application must be submitted for consideration.
E. Zoning Requirements applicable to House Shops / Spaza Shops
i. In terms of the George Integrated Zoning Scheme By-Law, 2023 Zoning Scheme house shops are permitted as a consent use on properties zone Single Residential Zone I and III, and a house shop of 6 square metres or less is permitted on a property zoned Single Residential Zone III as a primary right, meaning that a land use application is not required.
ii. The George Municipality: Town Planning Policy on House Shops and Other Residential Based Retail Concerns (House Shop policy) was adopted by the George Council on 25 August 2021 and provides details regarding the allowance of house shops and other retail or services type businesses in residential areas.
iii. The Municipality issued guidelines for the submission of House shop applications which have been simplified to assist property owner with the process of legalising the business operated from their property. The guidelines contain the following details:
a. Documents required to be submitted with the application and include:
• A simplified site layout plan illustrating, inter alia, the structures on site and respective uses (dwelling house vs house shop);
b. Public participation to be followed;
c. A simplified application form and motivation memorandum (one document) which can be filled in by hand or be made available electronically.
iv. An application fee will be payable on submission of the application. The processing of the application will take up to 60 days before an outcome is provided.
v. The guidelines and application form are available on the Municipaliy’s website or at the Planning front desk on the 5th Floor of the Main Building. The complete application can be submitted by hand at the Planning help desk at 71 York Street or e-mailed to town.planning.applications@george.gov.za; (Note that this applies only to house shops/spaza shops. All other land use applications must be submitted electronically via the portal).
vi. The application must be submitted by the landowner or be accompanied by a sufficient power of attorney be provided by the landowner.
Should the property owner, receive a land use approval for the house shop from planning, the owner must still ensure that the required Building Plan approvals and Business Licence are obtained.
The Health Certificate and the Certificate of Acceptability, which is also required, are issued by the Garden Route District Municipality.
Kindly note that we have reviewed the extended hours from last year and submitted slightly adjusted hours for this year. The Saturday hours have moved later to accommodate the morning market in Wilderness, after which there were several enquiries last year.
The George office opens at normal hours, as before.
THE WILDERNESS OFFICE WILL BE OPEN AS FOLLOWS:
Operating Hours: 15 December 2024 – 4 January 2025
Monday – Friday 08:00 – 17:30
Saturdays 15:00 – 17:00
Public Holidays 09:00 – 13:00
Closed on 25 December 2024 & 1 January 2025
Thank you for your continued support, and we look forward to assisting you this festive season.
The George and Wilderness Tourism Offices will close at 13:00 on Thursday, 28 November 2024, to accommodate a pre-season team-building and year-end function.
Operating hours for Thursday, 28 November 2024:
• Open from 08:45 to 13:00
• Regular operations will resume on Friday, 29 November 2024.
Additionally, the Wilderness Tourism Office will operate with extended hours during the high season. We appreciate your understanding.
The Environmental Services offices located at 82 Meade Street will close early today, 26 November 2024, at 15:45 to allow for pest control services. Notices have also been displayed on the premises.
We apologise for any inconvenience caused and thank you for your understanding.
The lifeguards are available at the Conville and Uniondale pools from 1 December 2024 until 21 April 2025, as per the following swimming pool operating hours.
• Monday to Friday: 13:00 – 16:00 (with 2 Lifeguards on Duty)
• Saturdays and Sundays (Public Holidays): 09:00 – 12:00 and 13:00 – 16:00 with 2 Lifeguards on Duty and one Lifeguard on standby.
The following safety precautions are to be adhered to:
• Do not dive into a pool you have never been in before
• Listen to the lifeguards
• Do not swim alone
• Do not let small children swim in the big pool.
• No diving. No pushing
• An adult must escort children under the age of 12 (Please note that the small pool at Conville is closed for repairs)
• No weapons
• No alcohol is allowed at the swimming pools
• Right of admission reserved.
The tariffs for entry into both Conville and Uniondale swimming pools are as follows:
Non-Sporting events:
• Entrance fee: Adult (Including children 16years and above): R 16, 00 per person
• Children (15 years & under): R 5, 00 per child
• Swimming tuition: per person: R 11, 00 (Both adult and children)
Sporting events:
Hire of Conville Swimming Pool:
• Galas for Adults: R1 590,00 / full day
• R 848, 00 / half day
• Deposit R1 590, 00 (Refundable)
• Floodlights: R 318, 00 / hour
• Touchpads: R 4 240, 00 / day – R 530,00 per set per day
• PLEASE NOTE: Entry fee to the Swimming Pools is VAT INCLUSIVE
For enquiries/bookings: Conville Swimming Pool
Tel: 044 801 9488
Contact persons:
Mr J Bruinders Email: jbruinders@george.gov.za – Senior Clerk Sport Development
Mr O Twala Email: otwale@george.gov.za – Senior Clerk Sport Development
Ms LY Botha Email lybotha@george.gov.za – Sport Development Officer
For enquiries/Bookings: Uniondale Swimming Pool
Tel: 044-8019020 / 044 7521024 (Uniondale Office)
Issued by George Municipality, 24 November 2024 @10:19
An unplanned power outage occurred in Zone 6, Thembalethu earlier this morning. The power outage has been restored.
George Municipality is pleased to announce the successful completion of the Token Identifier (TID) Rollover across all areas within the George Municipal precinct, including Uniondale, Haarlem, Wilderness, and surrounding areas.
Reports indicate that even areas serviced by Eskom have largely completed the TID rollover process. However, a few meters with irregularities, such as outdated meters or instances of tampering, have been identified. These will be addressed on a case-by-case basis.
With the 24 November 2024 deadline for all prepaid users in South Africa to switch to Key Revision Number (KRN 2) approaching, the Municipality assures residents that nearly all users in the George, Municipal area have been successfully updated. The remaining exceptions are limited to the identified irregularities, which are being managed.
The Municipality commends the officials and stakeholders involved such as Ontec and Eskom in this rollout for their dedication to the campaign, which included a robust communication strategy launched in 2022. Their meticulous planning and execution ensured the prompt completion of this important initiative. A special thanks is extended to the residents of George for their cooperation throughout the process.
Should residents encounter issues with purchasing electricity after 24 November 2024, they are encouraged to contact the Municipality or Ontec for prompt assistance.
Enquiries:
George Municipality: 044 801 9222
Ontec: 044 873 5474
The public meeting regarding the progress of the construction of the Rosemoor Synthetic Athletic Track and associated works has been cancelled until further notice.
The meeting was originally scheduled for Wednesday, 20 November 2024, at the Rosemoor Civic Centre and was intended for residents of Wards 5, 6, and 17.
We apologise for any inconvenience caused and will provide an update as soon as a new date is confirmed.
DESCRIPTION:
The Contractor will cut into the pipes feeding the Garden Route dam raw water pump stations to install cross-connection pipework supply lines inside the tunnel.
CONSTRUCTION PERIOD:
19 – 20 November 2024
SERVICE DISRUPTION:
The potable water supply to George Municipality’s residents should not be disrupted while the construction work is carried out during the period above. Further communication will follow should circumstances change.
TRAFFIC IMPACT:
No impact on traffic.
ACCESS TO SITE:
Access to the construction site will be strictly controlled. In accordance with the Occupational Health and Safety Act, no members of the public will be allowed in the construction area.
PROJECT ENQUIRIES: Mr Andre Scheepers – 044 801 9492 (Technical)
The George Municipality apologises for any inconvenience and appeals to the public to be patient and exercise caution throughout the construction period. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.
Stay safe around water this festive season by following these practical drowning prevention strategies:
• Learn life-saving skills, including the basics of swimming and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).
• Know who to call in an emergency.
• Fence ponds, pools and water storage: Install a four-sided isolation fence at least 1.2m high with a self-closing and self-latching gate to control access to bodies of water.
• Be on the lookout. Drownings happen quickly and quietly. Never leave children to supervise each other. A responsible adult must always watch out for children near a pool, Jacuzzi, or natural body of water.
• Stay within arm’s length of children under four around water.
• Don’t drink or be distracted by work, phone calls, technology, or anything else that may absorb your attention when watching children.
• Fit a pool net immediately after swimming and replace it every time.
• Don’t rely on armbands, floating toys, inner tubes, or devices to keep children safe.
• Teach children to swim, but never leave them unsupervised around water.
• Consider installing alarms. Various water alarms, such as a floating pool alarm or external security beams, can be installed to add to the precautions of fencing and supervision.
• Beware of drains. Children must be kept away from pool or Jacuzzi drains as hair or limbs could become trapped in the suction.
• Toilets, bathtubs, water features, fish tanks, pet water bowls and buckets. Children can drown wherever there is access to water, and a baby can drown in just 2.5cm of water.
EMERGENCY NUMBERS:
• George Fire and Rescue: 044 801 6311
• Toll-Free Disaster Number: 087 152 9999
• NSRI (National Sea Rescue Institute): 082 990 5955 | 087 094 9774
Stay alert and make water safety a priority to prevent drowning tragedies.
UPDATE: PUBLIC NOTICE – Pipe Burst on Kaaimans Blvd, Kraaibosch Manor
Issued by George Municipality, 15 November 2024 @20:20
A pipe burst has occurred at 24 Kaaimans Blvd in Kraaibosch Manor. To assist affected residents, a water tanker will now roam the affected area. Please note that a standpipe, as previously communicated, will no longer be provided.
The estimated time for repair remains 6 hours.
We apologize for the inconvenience and appreciate your patience as our team works to resolve the issue.
***
Issued by George Municipality, 15 November 2024 @20:05
A pipe burst has occurred at 24 Kaaimans Blvd in Kraaibosch Manor. To assist affected residents, a standpipe will be installed on one of the fire hydrants within the estate. The exact location of the standpipe will be communicated shortly.
The estimated time for repair is 6 hours.
We apologise for the inconvenience and appreciate your patience while the repairs are being carried out.
EMERGENCY POWER OUTAGE: Portion of Tamsui Industrial – Abattoir Rd and Lotte Mart Power Trade
The George Municipality has temporarily closed the Garden Route Dam, including access for hikers and bikers, to accommodate filming for a television production.
The closure is in effect on Friday, 15 November 2024, and Saturday, 16 November 2024. The dam will reopen to the public on Sunday, 17 November 2024.
We apologise for any inconvenience caused and appreciate your understanding.
Issued by George Municipality, 13 November 2024 @13:30
The Uncedo Taxi Association’s march has concluded without any incidents. The association presented their petition to the Municipality and Provincial Traffic authorities before dispersing peacefully. Traffic flow has now returned to normal.
Thank you to the law enforcement agencies for their role in monitoring the march, and to the public for their patience and cooperation.
PLANNED POWER OUTAGE: Portion of Bergsig – Stander, Kingsley Close, Lamprecht, Tarentaal and Woodfield Close
Issued by George Municipality, 13 Nov 2024
