In the photo: A street sweeper truck in action around Loerie Park
Residents may have recently noticed a street sweeper truck cleaning the street channels around Loerie Park, Denver Park, Bergsig, Levallia, Protea Park and parts of George Industria. This is part of George Municipality’s preparations for the delivery of its own street sweeper vehicle, expected between the end of June and mid-July 2025.
“To get in-service training for municipal teams, the Civil Engineering Services Department has hired a similar machine as a trial run to determine production rates, staff composition and iron out operational challenges ahead of the arrival of our own sweeper truck,” said Lionel Daniels, Deputy Director for Streets and Storm Watern in the Civil Engineering Services Department.
“The sweeper truck is a road maintenance asset designed to sweep roads, collect debris into an internal bin, and later dispose of the waste at designated sites. It features water nozzles that can dampen streets to reduce dust during cleaning. Additionally, it has the capability to spray herbicide to prevent weed growth along street channels,” Daniels added.
A street sweeper truck is vital for maintaining urban cleanliness, improving road safety, and enhancing the overall visual appeal of our communities. By efficiently removing debris, leaves, and litter from streets, these vehicles help promote a healthier, more hygienic environment for all residents and will have a positive impact on the stormwater network.
George Municipality looks forward to putting its new sweeper truck to work and thanks the community for its continued support in keeping our city clean.
A street sweeper truck in Kosmos Street, Protea ParkMunicipal teams getting ready
It is with deep sadness that the George Municipality announces the passing of one of its valued employees, Mr Cornelius Esau, who passed away on Thursday, 29 May 2025.
Mr Esau served the Municipality with dedication and pride as a General Assistant in the Refuse Removal, Collection and Minimisation Section of the Community Services Directorate. He will be fondly remembered for his commitment to his duties—particularly his role in delivering refuse collection bags—as well as his warm personality, friendliness, and collegial spirit.
A memorial service in his honour will be held on Wednesday, 4 June 2025, at 13:00 at the Civic Hall on Ballot Street, Parkdene (next to the Parkdene Clinic).
George Municipal Manager, Mr Godfrey Louw, extended his heartfelt condolences: “On behalf of the Municipality, I offer our deepest sympathies to the family, friends and colleagues of Mr Esau. His passing is a profound loss to our workforce. Mr Esau was known for his reliability, humility, and willingness to serve. He will be greatly missed.”
The George Municipality mourns the loss of a loyal team member and stands in solidarity with his family and colleagues during this difficult time.
Mr Esau’s burial will take place on Saturday, 7 June 2025. The proceedings will begin at 09:00 am at his home, 48 Apollo Street, Parkdene, and at 10:00 am at the AGS Church in Parkdene, located at the corner of Setler and Parish Streets.
In the photo: Joan Shaw, Tourism Manager of George, Wilderness and Uniondale Tourism, hosted the day’s program for the Fuel the Future Tourism Conference
George, South Africa — Fuel the Future Tourism Conference, hosted by George, Wilderness and Uniondale Tourism, energised the Town Lodge George on Wednesday, 28 May 2025. This flagship gathering united tourism stakeholders from across the region to reflect on progress, share trends and insights, and celebrate the partnerships shaping the future of the destination.
The day featured robust discussions, strategic presentations and inspirational storytelling from across the sector, reinforcing George Municipality’s ongoing commitment to data-driven, inclusive, and sustainable tourism development.
Strategic Collaboration in Action
One of the key highlights was the update from Charl Marais, Chairperson of the newly formed George Joint Marketing Association (GJMA) – an outcome of the George Tourism Advisory Committee. Marais highlighted the significant achievements of this partnership, including the rollout of the George Trails project and the region’s pioneering efforts to position itself as the Home of Golf in Africa. Several top courses are already on board, reinforcing the area’s potential to drive niche tourism through world-class golf experiences. Engagement underscored the region’s strong reputation as a golfing destination.
Marketing and Branding: A Unified Voice for the Destination
Senior Tourism Officer, Sharon House, presented key updates on destination marketing, including brand rollouts, campaign visibility, and advertising. Recent campaigns have elevated the George, Wilderness and Uniondale identity through strong visuals, key placements and integrated digital outreach. Marketing milestones included the launch of the George, naturally brand and rollout, in-destination awareness through the Garden Route Mall ETA Expo and billboard placement at the Garden Route Mall and George Airport, trade Shows such as World Travel Market Africa in Cape Town, International Golf Travel Market in Portugal, and Africa’s Travel Indaba in Durban, targeted digital advertising yielding 200,000+ targeted YouTube views, and a centralised social media approach that grew Facebook and Instagram reach to over 3.2 million.
Tourism Manager, Joan Shaw, host of the event, shared updates about the newly funded tourism road signage at key attractions, tourism office building renovations and upgrades, the events compliance and support workshop, and the tourism office microstructure.
Community-Driven Excellence
Leon Brits of the Wilderness Ratepayers and Residents Association (WRRA) delivered a passionate update on Wilderness’s journey to becoming a finalist in the national Dorp van die Jaar competition. He encouraged local tourism stakeholders to support the final voting phase set to launch in July. The nomination is a testament to what can be achieved through community collaboration and civic pride.
Data, Film and Market Expansion
Tourism Officer Ricardo Classen presented a compelling look at tourism metrics, visitor patterns, and global trends during “Data-Driven Destinations,” offering practical insights to inform decision-making for the year ahead. Classen highlighted a steady 42% international visitor share, and George’s performance in occupancy and check-in metrics.
The event also spotlighted the emerging film sector with Joan Shaw introducing recent productions filmed in the region. Trailers for Die Brug and Tuiskoms demonstrated how the area’s natural beauty and infrastructure were showcased on these kykNET and Netflix shows.
Emerging markets were addressed in a panel featuring Fayrouz Holliday-October from the Halaal Tourism Association of South Africa and Madeleine Hetem from Tamrich Tours, with a focus on the increasing influx of Middle Eastern travellers in the winter months. Their insights on service readiness and product adaptation for the Halaal market were well received by the industry audience.
Infrastructure and Event Momentum
Marclen Stallenberg from George Airport shared news of the upcoming expansion which will significantly increase capacity and elevate the visitor experience. Zandile Meneses of Headstrong Productions also introduced the audience to the Karoo to Coast Mountain Bike Challenge’s new Wine and Wheels Expo, contributing to the region’s growing calendar of destination events.
Recognition and Engagement
In celebration of local partnerships, tourism businesses generously contributed a range of experiential prizes that were distributed throughout the programme. These included accommodation and experience vouchers offering a lively and engaging element to the day. Contributions came from Acrobranch, the Garden Route National Park, Libertas Guest Farm, George Golf Club, Wide Open Spaces, Die Beloofde Land, Karoo to Coast, and others.
Hospitality in the Spotlight
Town Lodge George, the official hospitality partner, fully sponsored the conference venue and catering, revealing its stunning new look following a major renovation. Guests were treated to a guided walkthrough and a lunch at the refreshed onsite restaurant, which is also open to the public and expected to become a popular local dining option.
A Unified Vision Forward
Feedback from attendees was positive, with many noting the value of the networking, knowledge-sharing, and regional collaboration on display.
“Wow! What a great conference. I made a lot of notes and met some interesting contacts,” commented Zandile Meneses of Karoo to Coast. “Totally agree—thank you all for your commitment and support,” said Zelma Oosthuyse from Karoo Serenity.
Reflecting on the day, Joan Shaw, Tourism Manager at George Municipality, commented: “Fuel the Future is more than a theme – it’s a mindset. Our role is to support tourism businesses, unlock growth opportunities, and ensure that George, Wilderness and Uniondale remain competitive, inclusive and inspiring destinations. This conference is about reconnecting, sharing knowledge, and reinforcing our collective ambition to build a tourism economy that benefits everyone.”
The presence of Cllr Browen Johnson, Deputy Executive Mayor of George, further underscored the Municipality’s commitment to championing tourism growth, strengthening public-private partnerships, and driving long-term investment into the destination.
The 2025 Fuel the Future conference has reinforced George, Wilderness and Uniondale Tourism’s reputation for progressive tourism leadership. With data, collaboration, and community at the heart, the region is clearly poised for continued growth and international recognition.
Contact:
George, Wilderness and Uniondale Tourism
Email: marketing@visitgeorge.co.za
Website: www.visitgeorge.co.za
The audience consisted of various tourism representatives from George Municipality, with some travelling up to 1.5 hours, especially from Uniondale.Audience attendees networking and engaging during a short break
George Executive Mayor Alderman Jackie von Brandis, Chief Financial Officer, Riaan Du Plessis and Mayoral Committee Member for Financial Services, Alderman Iona Kritzinger, recently took part in an in-depth interview with Ilse Schoonraad at the George Herald’s online studio.
They spoke about the challenges the municipality faces when preparing the annual budget — especially balancing quality service delivery with the impact of South Africa’s tough economic climate. The municipality encourages residents to watch the interview to better understand the decisions behind the budget and how it affects service delivery.
George Municipality reminds members of the public that while it is permissible to use third-party vendors to manage and pay traffic fines, the responsibility for ensuring that the fine is fully settled lies with the offender.
IMPORTANT:
If you choose to use a third-party platform to pay your traffic fine, it is your responsibility to ensure that the payment has been successfully processed and received by the Municipality. Always request and retain a valid proof of payment (receipt) issued by the Municipality or its official service provider.
A recent incident highlighted a case where a motorist claimed to have paid a fine through a third-party website at a reduced rate. However, the payment was not transferred to the Municipality via our official service provider or directly into our bank account. As a result, the fine remains outstanding in our system, despite the motorist having paid the vendor.
This notice is intended to equip residents with the correct information and is not meant to discourage the use of reputable third-party vendors. We simply urge residents to follow up on any payment made through such platforms to confirm that the Municipality has received the funds.
How and Where Can You Pay Your Traffic Fine Directly?
To reduce the risk of payment issues, consider using one of the following direct methods:
1. In Person:
George Municipality Main Building
71 York Street, Dormehlsdrift
Tel: 044 801 9111
George Traffic Department
33 Mission Street, Pacaltsdorp
Tel: 044 878 2400
2. Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT):
• Account Holder: George Municipality
• Bank: First National Bank
• Account Type: Public Sector Cheque
• Account Number: 628 6962 3168
• Branch Code: 210554
• Reference: Your notice number (very important)
For any questions or to verify a payment, please contact the George Traffic Department or visit your nearest municipal office.
Municipal Court: 044 801 9400 Court Hours: 7.45 to 9am Court Administration: 9 am to 4 pm Court Sitting Closed: 1 pm – 1.45 pm Public Prosecutor Traffic Matters: mhopewell@george.gov.za Queries on fines and representations: clindt@george.gov.za – 044 878 2400
George Municipality – Committed to Transparent and Accountable Service Delivery.
In the photo from left to right: Ms Louise Stevens (Chairperson of the Audit Committee), Alderman Jackie von Brandis (Executive Mayor of George) and Jean-Pierre Rossouw, (Chief Audit Executive, George Municipality)
George Municipality’s Executive Mayor, Alderman Jackie von Brandis, and Municipal Manager, Mr Godfrey Louw, officially welcomed Ms Louise Stevens, the newly appointed Chairperson of the George Municipal Audit Committee, during an introductory meeting held on 22 May 2025.
Ms Stevens was appointed as Chairperson of the Audit Committee on 24 April 2025. The meeting provided an opportunity for the new Chairperson to engage with the Executive Mayor, the Municipal Manager, the Internal Audit team, and the directors of the municipality. The discussions focused on key challenges and opportunities facing the Municipality and explored ways in which the Audit Committee can offer strategic oversight and guidance.
Ms Stevens brings over two decades of extensive internal auditing experience to the role. She is a Certified Internal Auditor (CIA), holds a Certification in Control Self-Assessment (CCSA) and is certified in Risk Management Assurance (CRMA) through the Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA). She currently also serves as Chairperson of the Audit Committee at Cape Agulhas Municipality and as a member of the Audit Committee for the Western Cape Provincial Government (Jobs Cluster).
Alderman von Brandis expressed her confidence in Ms Stevens’ leadership and expertise: “We are honoured to welcome Ms Stevens to the George Municipality. Her depth of knowledge and impressive track record in governance and internal audit will add immense value to our oversight structures. We look forward to working closely with her and the committee to strengthen our accountability and service delivery,” said Ald von Brandis.
Ms Stevens expressed her appreciation for the warm welcome and her commitment to contributing meaningfully to the Municipality’s governance: “It is a privilege to take up this role and engage with such a dynamic and committed leadership team. The Audit Committee plays a vital role in ensuring transparency, accountability, and the efficient use of public resources. I look forward to supporting the Municipality in achieving its strategic goals and serving the people of George with integrity,” said Ms Stevens.
The George Municipal Audit Committee is an independent advisory body established in terms of Section 166(1) of the Municipal Finance Management Act (MFMA), No. 56 of 2003. The Committee performs a range of oversight responsibilities as stipulated in the MFMA, the Local Government: Municipal Systems Amendment Act (2011), the Municipal Structures Amendment Act (2021), and in accordance with its charter as approved by the Council.
In addition, the Audit Committee also acts as the Municipality’s Performance Management Audit Committee in terms of Regulation 14(2) of the Local Government: Municipal Planning and Performance Management Regulations, 2001.
The George Municipality Internal Audit team is celebrating International Internal Audit Awareness Month during May with a series of activities aimed at promoting the value of internal auditing and strengthening a culture of good governance. Jean-Pierre Rossouw, the George Municipality’s Chief Audit Executive, noted that the meeting with the new Audit Committee Chairperson aligns perfectly with the campaign’s objectives.
“This engagement is a fitting highlight in our Internal Audit Month programme. It highlights the importance of strong partnerships and sound oversight structures in achieving transparent and accountable governance,” said Rossouw.
Ms Stevens echoed these sentiments and reflected on the significance of the month: “May is a time to celebrate internal auditors around the world—They play a vital role in ensuring transparency, accountability, and effective governance within organisations. From the perspective of the Audit Committee, their contribution is especially critical. Audit Committees rely heavily on the internal audit function to identify emerging risks, provide objective insights, and support informed decision-making. Together, organisations and their Audit Committees can highlight and reinforce the value of internal audit in driving continuous improvement and strengthening organisational integrity.”
From left to right: Fron row: Ms Louise Stevens (Chairperson of the Audit Committee), Alderman Jackie von Brandis (Executive Mayor of George) and Jean-Pierre Rossouw, (Chief Audit Executive, George Municipality) Back Row: Zimasa Bulo (Senior Internal Audit, George Municipality) and Heybré Ellis (Manager of Internal Audit, George Municipality)
Notice to Small Scale Farmers Within the George Municipality to Register on our Small-Scale Farmer’s Database.
The George Municipality acknowledges the relevance and contribution of small farmers to the socio-economic growth of the area. The farming sector provides a means of generating local agriculture opportunities for people and bringing income and job opportunities into the communities.
To this effect, George Municipality hereby invites small farmers of George to apply to register on the municipal database.
The following must be attached to the application:
• Complete Application Form;
• Certified copy of ID;
• Proof of residence;
In the photo: George Firefighters proudly assisted at the Wings of Hope Cancer Support Event
On Saturday, 17 May 2025, our brave George Firefighters proudly supported the Wings of Hope Cancer Support event — honouring survivors and standing with their families in strength and hope. 💪💜
📺 Watch the highlight video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x06fJcH0zTc
#GeorgeMunicipality #WingsOfHope #CancerAwareness #CommunitySupport #GeorgeFirefighters
In the photo: Municipal Internal Audit Team with 3rd year accounting students and lecturer at Nelson Mandela University
In celebration of Internal Audit Awareness Month, George Municipality’s Internal Audit Unit embraced a fresh approach to raise awareness about the profession and its role in promoting good governance. With a vision to become a leading municipal audit unit in the Garden Route—and ultimately across the country—the team used this opportunity to educate, inspire, and engage the next generation of auditors.
As part of the campaign, the Internal Audit team visited third-year accounting students at Nelson Mandela University’s George Campus. The objective was to share professional insights, foster greater awareness of internal auditing, and inspire future professionals.
“This initiative was a teaching and learning opportunity for both the students and us. We aimed to share real-world experiences, outline industry expectations, and offer encouragement about the wide-ranging opportunities within the internal audit profession,” said Zimasa Bulo, Senior Internal Auditor at George Municipality.
Key topics covered during the session included:
• The importance and impact of internal auditing in organisations
• The definition, purpose, and scope of internal auditing
• Fundamental concepts such as risk management, control, and governance
• Career paths and roles in internal auditing
• IIASA Siyakhula Student Membership opportunities
Student Feedback:
Reacting to the George Municipality’s visit, third-year accounting student Josh Loubser said:
“The internal auditing team from George Municipality brought a fresh perspective and insight into the world of auditing. We had the opportunity to learn more about the academic and professional pathways to becoming an internal auditor, and the vital role the profession plays in enhancing operational efficiency.”
Loubser added: “My key takeaway is that internal auditing allows one to apply critical thinking and a passion for excellence to bring about meaningful change within organisations.”
The visit left a strong impression. “We believe a seed has been planted among these future professionals,” Bulo said. “Not only did we share knowledge, but we also gained renewed energy and fresh insights from the students.”
Looking ahead, the Internal Audit Unit plans to expand its outreach to high school learners, raising early awareness of internal auditing as a relevant, impactful, and sustainable career path.
From left: Heybre Ellis (Manager of Internal Audit), Josh Loubser- (3rd year Accounting Student at NMU) and JP Rossouw (Chief Audit Executive)In the front row: Front Row from left: Ymke Vreken (lecturer in the School of Accounting), Nompumelelo Abenta (horticulture worker), Xolisile Sotushe (Internal Audit Intern – George Municipality), Bongiwe Mgwali (Principal Clerk: Internal Audit, George Municipality) and Charlene Cupido (Administrator for the Business and Economic Science Faculty) Second row: From left: Zimala Bulo (Senior Internal Auditor, George Municipality), Kloper Madunda (Internal Auditor), Ewayne le Roux (lecturer in the School of Accounting), Josh Loubser (NMU Accounting Student), Jean-Pierre Rossouw (Chief Audit Executive, George Municipality), Natache Martins (Internal Audit Intern, George Municipality) and Heybré Ellis (Manager: Internal Audit, George Municipality).
Front Row from left: Ymke Vreken (lecturer in the School of Accounting), Nompumelelo Abenta (horticulture worker), Xolisile Sotushe (Internal Audit Intern, George Municipality) and Charlene Cupido (Administrator for the Business and Economic Science Faculty). Second row:From left: Zimala Bulo (Senior Internal Auditor, George Municipality), Kloper Madunda (Internal Auditor), Ewayne le Roux (lecturer in the School of Accounting), Josh Loubser (NMU Accounting Student), Jean-Pierre Rossouw (Chief Audit Executive, George Municipality), Natache Martins (Internal Audit Intern, George Municipality) and Heybré Ellis (Manager: Internal Audit, George Municipality).
A planned construction activity of the UPGRADING OF MEUL SEWAGE PUMP STATION is scheduled to take place tonight, the 19th of May 2025 from 22H00 to 23H00.
SERVICE DISRUPTION:
The contractor will be doing a switch over to a temporal bypass at Meul sewage pump station inlet works. EDEN Sewage pump station and Kraaibosch Sewage pump station might be switched off for a short period when doing the switchover.
TRAFFIC IMPACT:
None.
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.
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.
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Front Row from left: Ymke Vreken (lecturer in the School of Accounting), Nompumelelo Abenta (horticulture worker), Xolisile Sotushe (Internal Audit Intern, George Municipality) and Charlene Cupido (Administrator for the Business and Economic Science Faculty). Second row:From left: Zimala Bulo (Senior Internal Auditor, George Municipality), Kloper Madunda (Internal Auditor), Ewayne le Roux (lecturer in the School of Accounting), Josh Loubser (NMU Accounting Student), Jean-Pierre Rossouw (Chief Audit Executive, George Municipality), Natache Martins (Internal Audit Intern, George Municipality) and Heybré Ellis (Manager: Internal Audit, George Municipality).