Author: Ntobeko Mangqwengqwe

In the photo: George Municipal Law Enforcement officials visits top water users as part of the city’s intensified Water Saving Programme to promote compliance and reduce excessive consumption.

To ensure continuous access to drinking water for all residents, George Municipality has intensified its Water Saving Programme by identifying and engaging with the city’s top 300 highest water users.

As part of this initiative, Law Enforcement officials have already visited the top 100 users to encourage compliance with water restrictions and promote responsible water use. The proactive campaign aims to curb excessive consumption and safeguard the city’s limited water resources amid ongoing pressure on supply.

According to Lee-Anne Meiring, Senior Manager: Community Safety, the visits have generated mixed reactions from residents. “Some members of the public were not pleased when Law Enforcement officials arrived at their properties,” said Meiring. “However, these visits are not punitive — they are intended to assist households in identifying possible leaks, understanding their usage patterns, and ultimately reducing water consumption.”

As of 28 October 2025, the Garden Route Dam is 58.34% full, with 39 millimetres of rainfall recorded between 21 and 27 October. This reflects a continued decline in storage levels despite recent showers and highlights the urgent need for all residents to conserve water.

This intensified action forms part of the broader implementation of the Water Management Task Team’s strategy, announced earlier this month, which coordinates George Municipality’s water-saving interventions across departments. The Task Team continues to focus on reducing excessive consumption, repairing leaks, and increasing public awareness of water conservation.

George Municipality continues to urge all residents, businesses (including construction companies), schools, and sports facilities to carefully review their water usage and make a conscious effort to reduce wastage and unnecessary consumption.

Meanwhile, the Finance Directorate has implemented a notification system whereby, with each billing cycle, consumers with high water usage receive an email from George Accounts alerting them to excessive consumption and the possibility of a leak. In addition, follow-up phone calls are made to residential consumers using more than 15 kilolitres (kℓ) per household per month to raise awareness and help identify potential leaks or faulty meters contributing to high usage.

Common reasons given for high consumption include:

• Guests over the festive season.
• More than four people living in a household.
• Multiple households on one property.
• Irrigation systems in use.
• Possible estimated readings.

Residents are encouraged to submit their own water-meter readings via email to meterreadings@george.gov.za, including the account holder’s name, contact details, and GRG account number. Account-related enquiries can be directed to accounts@george.gov.za.
The Municipality has also contacted industrial high-water users to request reductions in consumption.

Executive Mayor Alderman Jackie von Brandis reiterated her call for residents and businesses to work together to safeguard the city’s water supply. “Every drop counts,” said Mayor von Brandis. “Water conservation is not just a municipal responsibility — it’s a shared commitment between residents, businesses, and the Municipality. Together, we can make a real difference in protecting our most precious resource.”

George Municipality thanks all consumers who have made a conscious effort to save drinking water and reminds the public that Level 2B Water Restrictions remain in place. Adhering to these measures is critical to avoid further tightening of restrictions as dam levels continue to decline.

Watch the official launch 🎬 https://youtu.be/5IBKUklY8_0

Proudly launching the official George Festival 2025 logo — a vibrant symbol of our city’s energy, creativity, and unity — are (from left) Joan Shaw (George Tourism Manager), Mayor Jackie von Brandis, Chief Whip Teresa Jeyi, Western Cape MEC for Cultural Affairs and Sport Recardo Mackenzie, MMC for Social Development Melvin Roelfse, and Khanyisile Fortuin (Social Development).

The George Festival 2025, hosted by George Municipality in partnership with the Western Cape Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport takes place from 13 to 16 December. Across venues including Unity Park, Thembalethu, the Kaptein Dikkop Amphitheatre, and the Garden Route Botanical Garden, enjoy music, art, sport, family fun, and community celebration.

Wherever you see this logo, it’s part of our festival — a showcase of George’s creativity, unity, and vibrant community spirit.

#GeorgeFestival2025 #ExploreGeorge #CultureArtSport #GeorgeMunicipality #GardenRoute #WesternCape

This Is Your Moment

As October 2025 reaches its end, you stand at one of life’s most significant crossroads. The final exams that are set to start soon are not just tests of what you have learned – they are the launchpad for the future you have been dreaming of.

For over a decade, you have been preparing for this moment. Every early morning, every challenging assignment, every moment of doubt that you have pushed through has been building to this very moment. And here is our message to you: YOU ARE READY.

These exams are a gateway to finding your path, to broadening your horizons so that you can actively shape the future you want to lead. Whether you dream of becoming a doctor, an engineer, and artist, an entrepreneur, or something you haven’t even discovered yet – it all starts with the effort that you put in over these next few weeks.

Doubt may creep in – denounce it, fear may whisper – silence it. Replace it with what you know to be true, and that is the fact that you have put in the work, that you are able. You are equipped with what is needed to do great and you have everything that you need to succeed.

Theodore Roosevelt famously said, “Believe you can, and you are halfway there.” The beauty behind this saying is that once you believe in something, you merely need to put in the effort to achieve it.

Every answer you write, every problem you solve, every essay you so masterfully craft is a brick in the foundation of your future. Remember, this is not about perfection; it is about giving it your absolute best – everything you’ve got! It’s about showing up for yourself in a way that no one else can, day after day, exam after exam, with determination and focus.

Our rapidly changing world needs its young, its next generation – innovative thinkers, problem solvers, leaders who are not afraid to dream big and work hard. Your generation will play a role in shaping our tomorrow but tomorrow begins with the choices you make today.

As you ready for these exams ahead, remember to:

• Rest well. A tired mind cannot perform at its best. Sleep is not a luxury; it’s a necessity.
• Stay calm. When anxiety creeps in, breathe deeply and remind yourself: “I am prepared. I am capable.”
• Read carefully. Rushing leads to mistakes. Take your time to understand each question.
• Trust yourself. Don’t second-guess unnecessarily.
• Keep perspective. These exams are important, but they don’t define your worth or limit your potential.

Behind you stands an entire community – parents who have sacrificed, teachers who have invested countless hours, friends who have studied alongside you, and a municipality that believe in your potential. We are all in your corner, cheering you on every step of the way.

When the pressure feels overwhelming, remember thousands of students before you have sat where you are sitting and have gone on to achieve remarkable things. You are part of that legacy, and you will add your own unique chapter to it.

The future doesn’t belong to those who wait for the perfect moment—it belongs to those who seize the moment they are in. This is yours. Own it. Embrace it. Conquer it.

Walk into that exam room with your head held high. You have earned your place there. Now show the world—and yourself—what you are truly capable of achieving.

George Municipality stands proudly behind every single one of you. We cannot wait to celebrate your success and watch as you step into the bright future that awaits.

Go forth with courage, confidence, and determination. Make yourself proud.
All our best wishes for outstanding success!

Jackie
The future belongs to you— claim it!
#MatricClass2025 #YourMomentIsNow #FutureLeaders #Matric2025 #DreamBig #YouAreReady #ClassOf2025 #ExamSuccess

Dit Is Jou Oomblik

Soos Oktober 2025 tot ‘n einde kom, staan jy by een van die lewe se mees betekenisvolle kruispaaie. Die finale eksamens wat binnekort begin, is nie net toetse van wat jy geleer het nie – dit is die begun van die toekoms waarvan jy gedroom het.

Vir meer as ‘n dekade lank het jy voorberei vir hierdie oomblik. Elke vroeë oggend, elke uitdagende taak, elke oomblik van twyfel wat jy oorkom het, het opgebou tot hierdie presiese oomblik. En hier is ons boodskap aan jou: JY IS GEREED.

Hierdie eksamens is ‘n toegangspoort om jou pad te vind, om jou horisonne te verbreed sodat jy die toekoms kan vorm wat jy wil volg. Of jy droom om ‘n dokter, ingenieur, kunstenaar, entrepreneur, of iets wat jy nog nie eens ontdek het nie te word – dit alles begin met die harde werk wat jy oor die volgende paar weke insit.

Twyfel mag insluip – verwerp dit. Vrees mag fluister – maak dit stil. Vervang dit met wat jy weet waar is, en dit is die feit dat jy die werk ingesit het, dat jy in staat is. Jy is toegerus met wat nodig is om groot dinge te beruik, en jy het alles wat jy nodig het om suksesvol te wees.

Theodore Roosevelt het beroemd gesê, “Glo jy kan, en jy is halfpad daar.” Die betekenis agter hierdie gesegde is dat sodra jy in iets glo, hoef jy slegs die werk in te sit om dit te bereik.

Elke antwoord wat jy skryf, elke probleem wat jy oplos, elke opstel wat jy so meesterlik saamstel, is ‘n baksteen in die fondament van jou toekoms. Onthou, dit gaan nie oor perfeksie nie; dit gaan oor jou absolute beste te gee – alles wat jy het! Dit gaan oor om vir jouself op te daag op ‘n manier wat niemand anders kan nie, dag na dag, eksamen na eksamen, met vasberadenheid en fokus.

Ons vinnig veranderende wêreld het sy jeug nodig, sy volgende generasie – innoverende denkers, probleemoplossers, leiers wat nie bang is om groot te droom en hard te werk nie. Jou generasie sal ‘n rol speel in die vorming van ons môre, maar môre begin met die keuses wat jy vandag maak.

Terwyl jy jouself voorberei vir hierdie eksamens wat voorlê, onthou om:

* Goed te rus. ‘n Moeë verstand kan nie op sy beste presteer nie. Slaap is nie ‘n luuksheid nie; dit is ‘n noodsaaklikheid.
* Kalm te bly. Wanneer angs insluip, asem diep en herinner jouself: “Ek is voorbereid. Ek is bekwaam.”
* Versigtig te lees. Gejaagdheid lei tot foute. Neem jou tyd om elke vraag te verstaan.
* Jouself te vertrou. Moenie onnodig twyfel nie.
* Perspektief te behou. Hierdie eksamens is belangrik, maar hulle definieer nie jou waarde of beperk jou potensiaal nie.

Agter jou staan ‘n hele gemeenskap – ouers wat opgeoffer het, onderwysers wat ontelbare ure belê het, vriende wat saam met jou gestudeer het, en ‘n munisipaliteit wat in jou potensiaal glo. Ons is almal in jou hoek en moedig jou aan met elke stap van die pad.

Wanneer die druk oorweldigend voel, onthou: duisende studente voor jou het gesit waar jy nou sit en het voortgegaan om merkwaardige dinge te bereik. Jy is deel van daardie nalatenskap, en jy sal jou eie unieke hoofstuk daaraan toevoeg.

Die toekoms behoort nie aan diegene wat wag vir die perfekte oomblik nie—dit behoort aan diegene wat die oomblik gryp waarin hulle is. Hierdie een is joune. Besit dit. Omhels dit. Oorwin dit.

Loop daardie eksamenlokaal binne met jou kop hoog. Jy het jou plek daar verdien. Wys nou die wêreld—en jouself—waartoe jy werklik in staat is.

George Munisipaliteit staan trots agter elkeen van julle. Ons kan nie wag om julle sukses te vier en te kyk hoe julle die blink toekoms binnestap nie.

Gaan voort met moed, selfvertroue en vasberadenheid. Maak jouself trots.

Al ons beste wense vir jul sukses!

Jackie

Die toekoms behoort aan jou—eis dit!

#MatriekKlas2025 #JouOomblikIsNou #ToekomsLeiers #GeorgeTrots #Matriek2025 #DroomGroot #JyIsGereed #KlasVan2025 #EksamenSukses #GloInJouself

In the photo: 2025 Scholar Patrol Champions — New Dawn Park Primary School celebrates their victory alongside George Traffic Department officials and representatives from the Western Cape Department of Mobility at the George Junior Traffic Training and Road Safety Centre.

The George Traffic Department, in partnership with the Western Cape Department of Mobility (Road Safety Management), proudly hosted the 2025 Scholar Patrol Championship at the George Junior Traffic Training and Road Safety Centre on Friday, 17 October 2025, as part of Transport Month.

The annual event offers learners participating in the Scholar Patrol Programme an opportunity to showcase their knowledge and skills in road safety. It also highlights the importance of road safety education and the vital role of scholar patrols in safeguarding young pedestrians.

This year’s championship saw enthusiastic participation from several primary schools within the George municipal area, namely Hoekwil Primary School, Conville Primary School, Life Academy Pri-mary School, Heidedal Primary School, MM Mateza Primary School, Mzoxolo Primary School, and Pacaltsdorp Primary School.

After a day of spirited competition, New Dawn Park Primary School emerged as the overall winner, followed by Pacaltsdorp Primary School in second place and Conville Primary School in third.

Delivering the keynote address and officially opening the competition, Cllr Brendon Adams, the MMC for Community Safety and Mobility in George Municipality, commended the learners and educators for their continued commitment to creating safer school environments. “It is encourag-ing to see how our young scholars take ownership of road safety. Their dedication shows that when communities and schools work together, we can save lives,” said Cllr Adams.

The programme featured several speakers. Mr Lulamile Lakata, Assistant Director: Road Safety Management at the Western Cape Department of Mobility, welcomed the guests, while his col-league Ms Sewela Makgalo, Assistant Director, provided an overview of the project. Mr Fraklin Lamini, Coordinator: Safe Schools, addressed learners on the importance of discipline, teamwork, and safety awareness.

Following the speeches, teams participated in a practical assessment where judges evaluated squad discipline, signalling accuracy, teamwork, and adherence to road safety protocols. After an impressive display of skill and precision, New Dawn Park Primary was declared the 2025 champion.

Officials from the George Traffic Department and the Western Cape Department of Mobility jointly awarded gold, silver, and bronze medals to the winning schools. All other participating schools re-ceived certificates of appreciation for their dedication and contribution to road safety in their communities.

Mr Eddie Felix, a Traffic Officer responsible for Road Safety at the George Traffic Department, ex-pressed pride in the success of the event: “The Scholar Patrol Programme remains one of the most impactful youth road safety initiatives. We thank all schools for their participation and dedication. New Dawn Park Primary demonstrated great teamwork and discipline — qualities that make them true road safety ambassadors.”

Ms Sewela Makgalo from the Department of Mobility echoed this sentiment, noting that the Scholar Patrol Programme remains a cornerstone of child pedestrian safety in the province. “The knowledge and habits learned through this programme stay with children for life and contribute to safer communities,” she said.

Watch video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GqG4o9VAv_0

Garden Route Dam’s dropping water levels highlight the urgent need for water conservation across George

The Garden Route Dam storage level currently stands at 61.88%, reflecting a steady decline due to limited rainfall in recent months. Only 4mm of rain was recorded between 7 and 13 October, highlighting the need for all residents and businesses in George to conserve water and strictly adhere to existing water restrictions.

In response, George Municipality has established a Water Management Task Team to strengthen the city’s Water-Saving Programme, focusing on drought response, infrastructure planning, and public awareness. The team includes representatives from Civil Engineering Services, Community Safety and Mobility, Planning and Development, Communication, Community Services, Technical Engineering Services, Finance, and Corporate Services.

At a recent meeting, the Task Team reviewed the current water situation and key actions, including enforcing water restrictions, promoting responsible use, and ensuring municipal facilities lead by example. Discussions also covered private sector compliance, leak management, infrastructure upgrades, and collaboration on catchment management to secure a sustainable water supply for all residents.

Executive Mayor Alderman Jackie von Brandis said the Municipality is taking proactive steps to manage the situation. “We are entering a period of increasing water stress, and every drop counts,” she said. “This is a collective responsibility — the Municipality, residents, and businesses must all play their part to protect our most precious resource. Our focus is on sustainability, not only for today but for future generations.”

Director of Civil Engineering Services, Mr. Jannie Koegelenberg, who leads the Water Management Task Team, highlighted coordinated efforts across departments. “We are monitoring the top 100 high consumers, checking for leaks, enforcing water restrictions, and increasing awareness efforts,” he said. “We urge all residents, businesses, schools, and sports facilities to review their water use and reduce wastage wherever possible.”

Water Restrictions Reminder: Level 2B in Effect
Residents are reminded that Level 2B Water Restrictions remain in effect. Key measures include:
• No mechanical or automatic irrigation or sprinkler systems.
• Handheld buckets may be used at any time for watering gardens.
• Handheld garden hoses may only be used within designated time frames:
 September–April: 18:00–20:00
 May–August: 17:00–19:00
 Retirement facilities: 16:00–18:00 (year-round)
• Even-numbered households: Mondays and Thursdays
• Uneven-numbered households: Tuesdays and Fridays
• No washing of vehicles with hosepipes, except at formal car washes
• No filling of swimming pools or cleaning outside surfaces using potable water

Exemption Applications
Residents or businesses seeking exemption from specific restrictions may apply in writing. Forms are available from the Civil Engineering Services Directorate, Old Town Hall, corner of Market and York Streets, or by contacting Ms. G. van Niekerk at 044 801 9354 or gvanniekerk@george.gov.za.

Reporting Water Restriction Violations and Penalties
Contraventions can be reported to gmun@george.gov.za, 044 801 6350 (07:45–16:30), or 044 801 6300 (after hours, standby for bylaw emergencies). Investigations are conducted by George Municipal Law Enforcement.

Any person who contravenes the restrictions is guilty of an offence and, upon conviction, may face a fine as published in the annual tariffs list or up to six months’ imprisonment. Repeat offenders will incur double fines.

Reporting Water Leaks
All water leaks should be reported to the Civil Engineering Directorate at 044 801 9262/66 (office hours) or 044 801 6300 (after hours).

In the photo: Surveyor Ranwin James talking to Aletta Joseph from Blanco about GO GEORGE during last year’s survey. Surveyors will be wearing GO GEORGE-branded identification cards showing the person’s photo and ID number.

The annual GO GEORGE passenger satisfaction survey will kick off on 13 October with easily identifiable surveyors approaching people for input. An appeal is made to the George community to take 15 minutes out when they are approached and to assist with the valuable feedback only obtainable from those who use the bus service or are in some way impacted by its operations.

This annual survey under the joint auspices of the Western Cape Department of Mobility and the Municipality of George aims to determine and measure the overall socio-economic impact of the implementation of the GO GEORGE bus service in George. The results will be compared with previous results for benchmarking and planning purposes.

The overall impact will be measured in three main areas, namely macro-economic, transport-economic and socio-economic impact. Several surveys will be carried out over a one-month period, starting on 13 October 2025 and ending on 13 November.

Surveyors will be wearing GO GEORGE-branded identification cards showing the person’s photo and ID number.

For more information or enquiries, the GO GEORGE Call Centre can be phoned on 0800 044 044.

George Municipality, SANParks Working for the Coast, and GRDM interns united for National River Clean-Up Day at Gwaing River Mouth, collecting around 25 kg of waste.

The 17th of September 2025 marked National River Clean-Up Day, observed as part of Clean-Up & Recycle Week. This initiative encourages communities to clear litter from rivers, streams, and waterways.

According to Ms Nosidima Vumindaba, Manager for Parks and Recreation at George Municipality, the Municipality, together with a team from SANParks Working for the Coast, commemorated the day on 22 September by clearing the Gwaing River Mouth, where approximately 25 kg of plastic and paper waste was collected.

On 20 September, the world observed International Coastal Clean-Up Day under the theme #SeaTheChange, highlighting collective action against ocean pollution and the climate crisis, including the growing challenge of plastic foam.

“We observed this day on 25 September with SANParks Working for the Coast and interns from the Garden Route District Municipality’s Environmental Section. The clean-up took place at Kleinkrantz Beach and Leentjiesklip Beach, where about 15 kg of recyclable waste was collected,” said Ms Vumindaba.

Both clean-up events were supported by the Western Cape Department of Environmental Affairs and Development Planning, which provided goodie bags for participants.