Author: Ntobeko Mangqwengqwe

In the photo: Metro Grounds Housing Project a mix of double- and single-storey homes, Photo Ruwacon

Reaffirming its commitment to sustainable housing and dignified living environments, the George Municipality continues to roll out key human settlements’ projects across the city. Through its Hu-man Settlements Department, the Municipality is driving integrated development, service provision, and inclusive community participation across several areas.

Erf 325 Syferfontein – Pacaltsdorp
One of the flagship projects, Erf 325 Syferfontein in Pacaltsdorp, commenced in 2019 in partnership with the Provincial Department of Infrastructure (DOI). The project is being implemented in phases, with the first phase involving the construction of 217 Breaking New Ground (BNG) housing units.

Due to delays between 2019 and 2025, some units were vandalised before they could be handed over to beneficiaries. These units are now being repaired, and the full handover of the 217 units is planned for September 2025.

In January 2025, work resumed to service the remaining 207 sites and begin top structure construction. This included 38 units for Military Veterans, 32 units for persons with disabilities, and 181 BNG units. The appointed contractor, Simply Do Construction (Pty) Ltd, has made strong progress:
• 30 of the 38 military veteran units have been completed.
• 80% of the 32 disabled-friendly units are finished.
• The remaining BNG units (25 single-storey and 124 double-storey) are under construction and expected to be completed by June 2026.

Metro Grounds Housing Project – Industria
The Metro Grounds Housing Project features a mix of double- and single-storey homes, designed as part of an integrated human settlements model. The project includes residential units, social amenities, business zones, and open spaces.

Deputy Director of Human Settlements, Simnikiwe Mbekushe, said the project includes 632 approved housing opportunities, divided into three phases:
• Phases 1 and 2, Three Hundred and Six (306) units are complete and in the de-snagging stage; the units are to be handed over by September 2025.
• Phase 3 is expected to be completed by mid-October 2025.

To date, 130 houses in Phase 1 have been completed and handed over. “We’re especially proud of the economic investment this project has made in our local economy,” said Mbekushe. “We appointed four local subcontractors and created 33 job opportunities, including 22 men and 11 women.”

The Municipality also ensured 22 units were specifically designed for beneficiaries with disabilities, further reinforcing its commitment to inclusive housing.

Golden Valley Project – Blanco
The Golden Valley Project in Blanco comprises 136 units constructed through the Enhanced People’s Housing Process (EPHP), where beneficiaries selected their own contractors. An additional 15 serviced erven were allocated to residents who did not qualify for government housing subsidies.

“Here too, we prioritised local economic development,” said Mbekushe. “Seven local subcontractors were appointed, and 45 job opportunities were created.” The project was successfully completed in 2022, overcoming terrain and infrastructure challenges.

Moeggehuur Informal Settlement – Pacaltsdorp
The Municipality is in the process of acquiring provincial land currently occupied by 58 families, most of whom do not qualify for subsidised housing due to income thresholds. While the acquisition is pending, basic services such as ablution facilities and water standpipes have been provided.

The Municipality plans to implement an Upgrading of Informal Settlements Programme (UISP) and manage non-qualifiers in line with its Human Settlements policies.

Erf 325 Rosedale Informal Settlement
Illegal occupation has affected 500 sites originally earmarked for formal housing beneficiaries. The area now faces overcrowding and encroachment on environmentally sensitive zones, including sewerage infrastructure. While some beneficiaries have been relocated, 158 unlawful occupants remain.

The Municipality intends to acquire alternative land for relocation and revive the original housing development plan.

Commitment to Dignified and Inclusive Housing
Executive Mayor Alderlady Jackie von Brandis reaffirmed the Municipality’s commitment to delivering integrated human settlements that prioritise dignity, access, and opportunity. “We continue to pursue partnerships across all spheres of government to fast-track housing delivery, formalise informal settlements, and improve the quality of life for our people,” said von Brandis. “The progress made reflects our shared vision for an inclusive and liveable George.” It also underpins the Strategic Objective in the IDP, which relates to safe, clean and green environments.

In the photo from left: Johannes Jacobs (Superintendent Refuse Removal and Ablution, George Municipality), Mr Bevan Ellman (Director of Corporate Services, George Municipality), Arthur Clarke (SALGA Labour Relations and Dispute Resolution Advisor), Nosidima Vumindaba (Manager of Parks and Recreation, George Municipality), Zola Dayimani (Labour Relations Manager, George Municipality), Mr Andrew Madisha (SALGA Labour Relations and Dispute Resolution Advisor) and Frank Tamboer (Manager: Refuse Removal & Ablutions, George Municipality).

Dozens of senior officials, supervisors, and managers from George Municipality and the Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) attended a Chairpersons and Initiators Training Workshop on Disciplinary Procedures and the Collective Agreement. The two-day training, held on 31 July and 1 August 2025 at the GRDM Council Chambers, was facilitated by the South African Local Government Association (SALGA).

George Municipality’s Director of Corporate Services, Mr Bevan Ellman, officially welcomed attendees and encouraged them to engage fully in the programme. “This workshop is the result of ongoing discussions at the senior management level about the importance of having properly trained initiators and chairpersons,” said Ellman.

“A key part of our responsibility as managers is to manage people. As we move into more senior roles, our work is increasingly achieved through others. While everyone has both strengths and shortcomings, discipline is not just about punishment—it’s not always about dismissing someone. Misconduct varies in severity, from being late for work to serious offences such as fraud. This course aims to provide the necessary perspective and tools to handle such situations constructively. Thank you for being here, and I hope you find the training valuable and engaging.”

Mr Andrew Madisha and Mr Arthur Clarke, SALGA Labour Relations and Dispute Resolution Advisors, facilitated the workshop. The programme covered key topics, including:
• The Disciplinary Procedure
• The Role of the Employer Representative / Initiator
• The Role of the Presiding Officer / Chairperson
• The Disciplinary Procedure Collective Agreement

The training was organised by Mr Zola Dayimani, George Municipality’s Labour Relations Manager. He explained that the purpose of the workshop was to equip supervisors, managers, and presiding officers with the skills to handle and manage disciplinary matters effectively, in line with the SALGBC Disciplinary Procedure Collective Agreement.

In the phhoto from left: Ms Thokozile Magagula (Member of Portfolio Committee on Human Settlements), Mr Mammoga Seabi (Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Human Settlements), Mr Mahlatse Phosa (Director of Planning and Development, George Municipality), Ms Motebele Kegakilwe (Member of Portfolio Committee on Human Settlements), Cllr Jean Safers (MMC for Human Settlements, George Municipality), Ald Jackie von Brandis (Executive Mayor of George, Elandre Lamini (Moeggehuur Residents Chairperson), Cameron Dugmore (Member of National Assembly), Cllr Theresa Jeyi (Whip of Council, George Municipality), Mr Nathan Adriaanse (Director: Stakeholder and Public Information Western Cape Department of Infrastructure), Cllr Monique Simmers (MMC for Community Services –  Refuse, Environment and Parks, George Municipality), Mr Conrad James Poole (Member of Portfolio Committee on Human Settlements) and Cllr Melvin Roelfse (MMC for Social Development – Libraries, Sport & Customer Care, George Municipality).

George Municipality’s Human Settlements projects came under the national spotlight last week when the Portfolio Committee on Human Settlements in the National Assembly conducted an oversight visit to the Garden Route from 24 to 25 July 2025.

Day one of the visit, Thursday, 24 July, included a multi-stakeholder meeting held at the Knysna Council Chambers. This session brought together the National and Provincial Departments of Human Settlements, the MEC for Human Settlements, and representatives from the George, Mossel Bay, and Knysna municipalities. Discussions focused on the implementation of the Human Settlements Development Grant, the Informal Settlements Upgrading Partnership Grant (ISUPG), and other key human settlements programmes. George Municipality presented its current and planned housing initiatives.

On the second day, Friday, 25 July, the Portfolio Committee conducted site visits to three human settlements projects in the George municipal area:

• Moeggehuur Informal Settlement in Pacaltsdorp – An area currently occupied by backyard dwellers where land ownership challenges have delayed formal housing development.
• The Military Veterans Housing Project – A dedicated housing initiative aimed at providing quality homes for qualifying military veterans.
• The Breaking New Ground (BNG) development at Metro Grounds – A large-scale integrated housing project delivering over 600 units, including amenities and inclusive community allocation.

The delegation also visited the site of the Victoria Street building collapse, which remains under investigation.

The Portfolio Committee’s visit formed part of its constitutional oversight function, as Parliament is responsible for the appropriation of public funds. The Committee plays a key role in reviewing and approving budget allocations to provinces and accredited municipalities, ensuring that these funds are spent efficiently, effectively, and in line with their intended purpose.

Committee members expressed overall satisfaction with George Municipality’s progress in deliver-ing housing opportunities. However, concerns were raised about delays in specific projects — par-ticularly the acquisition of land from the Western Cape Government for the Moeggehuur devel-opment.

“Our oversight visit ensures that the funds allocated to provinces and accredited municipalities are used effectively for housing delivery. We are generally impressed with George Municipality’s pro-gress, especially the quality of the Military Veterans Housing Project. However, concerns remain about the delays in formalising the longstanding informal settlement,” said Mr Mammoga Seabi, Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Human Settlements.

Cameron Dugmore, a Member of the National Assembly who grew up in George, also welcomed the visible progress at the Metro Grounds BNG project: “It’s meaningful to see development on land that the people of Borcherds fought so hard to secure. With 50% of the beneficiaries from Borcherds and others also included, the project promotes community ownership. It’s encouraging to see cooperation across all spheres of government.”

Executive Mayor of George, Alderman Jackie von Brandis, thanked the Portfolio Committee for its visit and positive engagement: “It was a privilege to host the National Assembly’s Portfolio on Human Settlements and showcase the work being done by George Municipality. Through collaboration with all spheres of government, the successes we can achieve are immeasurable. Together, we can create more op-portunities for those we serve. I am honoured that the Committee had the opportunity to witness what is possible when collaborative effort, transparent governance, and responsible oversight come together.”

Mayor von Brandis was accompanied by the Mayoral Committee Member for Human Settlements, Councillor Jean Saffers, who also thanked the delegation for their visit. Also in attendance were members of the George Municipal Council, officials from the George Municipality, and representa-tives from the Western Cape Department of Human Settlements.

Issued by George Municipality in partnership with the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment & SMART (Stranding Marine Animal Rescue Team)
11 July 2025

The George Municipality, in collaboration with the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE), would like to inform beachgoers that a seal, affectionately known as Columbo, has been resting at Victoria Bay for a few weeks now. To ensure the safety of both the public and the animal, visitors are strongly urged to observe the following guidelines and exercise caution and respect in Columbo’s presence.

About Columbo
Columbo is an immature male Southern elephant seal, currently around 4 to 5 years old and estimated to weigh approximately 500 kilograms. He can be identified by a white spot on his left eye and a green tag on his hind flippers marked “0196”.

Columbo was first recorded on the South African coast in November 2023 near Pinnacle Point, Mossel Bay, where he remained ashore for a month to moult. Since then, he has returned to Victoria Bay on three occasions, with the most recent haul-out beginning on 3 June 2025 — his longest stay to date (37 days and counting).

During his current stay, Columbo has developed noticeable behaviours, such as “fighting” with rocks, which has caused his teeth to wear down and led to the formation of an integumentary shield (a thickened patch of skin) on his chest.

Columbo is monitored during the day by volunteers from the Stranding Marine Animal Rescue Team (SMART), while a nearby security guard keeps a casual watch at night. However, the seal remains vulnerable to harmful human interactions, including people attempting to disturb or provoke him, sometimes for social media content. One recent incident involved a possibly intoxicated individual deliberately provoking Columbo, leading to a chase and aggressive behaviour towards this individual and endangering volunteers and other beach users.

Why Columbo Has Not Been Moved
Following several expert consultations — including marine biologists, veterinarians, and state officials — it was agreed that the best course of action is to leave Columbo undisturbed at Victoria Bay. Attempts to move or chase him into the ocean were considered risky, both to humans and the animal, and could cause distress or injury. Euthanasia is not justified in this case, as Columbo is not ill or suffering.

Dos and Don’ts Around Columbo
To protect both Columbo and members of the public, please strictly adhere to the following:

✅ DO:
• Stay at least 20 metres away from the seal at all times. If the seal reacts to your presence, you are too close.
• Keep dogs on a leash and well away from the seal.
• Report any suspicious or harmful behaviour toward the animal to the relevant authorities or SMART volunteers on site.

❌ DON’T:
• Do not approach, touch, or feed the seal.
• Do not throw water, sand, or objects at the seal.
• Do not attempt to get close for selfies or videos — this can agitate the animal and result in injury.
• Do not allow children or pets to interact with or get close to the seal.
• Do not attempt to scare or chase him into the water — he is here by choice.

Please note: Southern elephant seals are protected by law under NEMBA’s Threatened or Protected Species Regulations of 2017. Any harassment or interference is a prosecutable offence.

We appeal to all residents and visitors to treat Columbo with kindness and respect, and to help ensure that Victoria Bay remains a safe space for both people and wildlife.

Enquiries: For more interesting facts on Columbo and general enquiries, please contact the Volunteers at Stranded Marine Animal Rescue Team (S.M.A.R.T) on their hotline: +27 72 227 4715.

In the photo: George Municipality’s Communications Manager, Chantèl Edwards, and Tambo FM founder and CEO, Olwethu Ndabankulu

George Municipality has been awarded the title of Most Engaging Local Municipality by Tambo FM. The award was handed over on Friday, 11 July, at the Tambo FM studios in Mossel Bay
by station founder and CEO Olwethu Ndabankulu and accepted by George Municipality Communications Manager Chantèl Edwards.

Tambo FM recently celebrated its 5th anniversary at the Mossel Bay Casino, during which the station honoured various organisations and individuals across different categories for their meaningful contributions throughout its journey.

Tambo FM, a dynamic and fast-growing black-owned radio station with a listenership of over 284,000, recognised George Municipality for its commitment to clear, consistent, and community-focused communication.

“This recognition reflects the hard work of our communications team and our commitment to building trust with the people of George,” said Edwards. “We are honoured to receive this award and remain dedicated to keeping our communities well-informed, engaged, and connected.”