press-release

In the photo above proudly sharing in the Mayor’s achievement are from left MMC Environmental Services, Cllr Monique Simmers; Whip of Council Theresa Jeyi, Cllr Annatjie Janse van Rensburg (Mossel Bay) who accepted the award on behalf of George and who represents the Western Cape SALGA Women’s Commission; Executive Mayor Jackie von Brandis and MMC Finance and Strategic Services Ald Iona Kritzinger.

George Municipality is proud to announce that Executive Mayor, Alderman Jackie von Brandis, has received national recognition from the South African Local Government Association (SALGA) for Excellence in Leadership, in celebration of Women’s Month. This prestigious award, presented at the end of July, was conferred on only nine female Executive Mayors across the country. It honours exceptional women in leadership who have demonstrated sound governance and achieved clean audit outcomes within their respective municipalities.
Executive Mayor von Brandis expressed her appreciation, stating:“I would like to thank SALGA for this honour and for acknowledging the strong governance systems we have implemented to ensure George Municipality remains financially sustainable. A clean audit is the result of focused leadership, teamwork, and our commitment to transparency. I also extend my congratulations to my fellow recipients for their outstanding contributions to their communities.”

The award underscores George Municipality’s ongoing commitment to good governance, fiscal discipline, and accountable leadership. Under the guidance of the Executive Mayor, the municipality has consistently upheld its vision to deliver services in a responsible and transparent manner.
The ceremony, held as part of national Women’s Month commemorations, celebrated the achievements of outstanding women leaders in local government who continue to inspire future generations of public servants.

Other recipients of the award include the Executive Mayors of:
• Joe Gqabi District Municipality (Eastern Cape)
• Mnquma Local Municipality (Eastern Cape)
• Umzimvubu Local Municipality (Eastern Cape)
• Cape Winelands District Municipality (Western Cape)
• Breede Valley Local Municipality (Western Cape)
• Capricorn District Municipality (Limpopo)
• Umlalazi Local Municipality (KwaZulu-Natal)

George Municipality remains steadfast in its dedication to high standards of governance, financial accountability, and delivering on its mandate to the people of George.

In the photo: Elmine Vorster, Joan Shaw & Noel Shaw – covered in their picnic blanket

George’s very first public Silent Book Club has officially launched—an initiative jointly run by George Tourism and the George Library, with a simple mission: to inspire both locals and visitors to read more, even if it’s just for one hour a week.

The club had its official kickoff on 16 July 2025 and now meets every Wednesday from 13:00 to 14:00 at Unity Park. It’s the perfect midweek break—an hour to relax, recharge, and lose yourself in a book alongside fellow book lovers, all without the pressure of discussion or formalities.

Despite the cold and rainy weather on 6 August, the event drew a loyal group of readers, bundled in blankets and throws, happily snuggling up with their chosen reads. Clearly, a little bad weather is no match for the warm comfort of a good book!

New to the library or forgot your book? No problem. Each week, a curated basket of books is available, so anyone can pick up something on the spot. It’s also a great opportunity to register as a George Library member, which automatically gives you access to the Libby online library—ideal for digital reading on the go.

The best part? It’s completely free. Just show up with a book (or choose one from the basket), find a cosy spot, and read in peaceful company.

To stay connected, readers are invited to join a dedicated WhatsApp group, where upcoming book-related activities are shared—like new book launches, themed reading discussions, and special literary events.

And if you can’t make it to Unity Park on Wednesdays, don’t worry—you can even start your own Silent Book Club in your area. The organisers are happy to assist.

For more information or to get involved, contact:
• evorster@george.gov.za
• jshaw@george.gov.za
• Or call Joan at 081 412 9995

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.

Issued by George Municipality, on behalf of Western Cape Department of Public Works and Infrastructure

Background
Since November 2021, the Garden Route District Municipality area has experienced repeated flooding events in which numerous river crossings and roadway infrastructure have often been overtopped, undermined and significantly damaged. The Western Cape Department of Infrastructure (DOI) had to conduct strategic road condition and flood damage assessments to drive its response to restoring access with necessary measures. These action measures include: partial road closures, ensuring the safety of road users, and providing the necessary conditions for transport infrastructure recovery, as well as resilience and sustainability. Main Road 355 (MR355), also known as the Seven Passes Road, is an example of the measures undertaken by DOI to respond to the need for safe road infrastructure in the longer term.

Seven Passes Road (MR355)
A culvert was completely washed away at km 3.75 on the Seven Passes Road during major storm events and flooding in November 2021. DOI’s initial response was to assess the roadway for safe passage, to remove debris, and to put temporary measures in place, including traffic accommodation and public notifications under the leadership of the Oudtshoorn District Roads Engineer and Garden Route District Municipality road services. The road was reopened for a short period of time. Subsequently, further DOI assessments indicated that the extent of damage required specialist engineering services to put appropriate design solutions in place to reinstate safe travelling conditions for road users and enhance the resilience of the drainage infrastructure so that it can better withstand future flood events.

In May 2022, DOI appointed Hatch Africa (Pty) Ltd to provide these engineering professional services in close collaboration with in-house DOI staff and other resources. This appointment was for the flood damage repairs to Seven Passes Road and other divisional roads in the area (namely MR355, DR1633, DR1791, DR1639 and DR1602). During the design investigations, DOI and its partners have liaised and collaborated with Heritage Western Cape (HWC) and the Department of Environmental Affairs and Development Planning (DEADP) to ensure that the design solutions consider and incorporate the heritage and environment aspects of these historical routes. For projects of this nature, it is critical to involve these bodies to proactively manage project implementation, design solutions and environmental/heritage compliance wherever this is required.

Due to funding limitations and the widespread flood damage across the vast Western Cape government road network, it was decided to postpone the flood damage repairs on these roads. This allowed DOI and the project role-players to conduct investigations and finalise resilient and sustainable damage repair design solutions. Under our C1157.02 appointment, the design solutions and scope were approved in May 2024 to proceed with detailed design with the commissioning of specialist geotechnical surveys to inform the final design details.

The approved design solution may be summarised as follows:
• Cut slope geotechnical to improve soil stability, control erosion and enhance load-bearing capacity
• Removal of debris and vegetation from existing drainage structures
• Reinstatement and enhancement of side drains
• Upgrading and enhancement of select drainage structures for improved capacity
• Repairs and reinstatement of existing drainage structures using heritage techniques on affected walls
• Repairs to fill slope repairs and reinstatement of road layerworks and surfacing
• Repair of damaged bridge end-blocks using the same aesthetics as the original structures

DOI flood damage repairs response strategy – C1157.02
In October 2024, DOI received additional funding from the National Disaster Management Centre (Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs – COGTA) in response to widespread flood damage across the Western Cape. In response to the stringent conditions that applied to this funding, DOI embarked on a flood damage repairs response strategy across several district municipalities and more than ten construction projects. C1157.02 forms part of this broader response strategy. Our thanks go to our national government colleagues for their financial assistance and support in project implementation.

In February 2025, DOI submitted an application to HWC for approval for work to be done on DR1602 and DR1791 and we are close to finalising our application for environmental authorisation with DEADP. This process is expected to take up to 9 months, depending on the public participation process. To this end, DOI hopes that continual engagement with interested and affected parties, through publications and other means, may facilitate and assist this public participation process.

In March 2025, our geotechnical survey was established on site, following several unanticipated delays in acquiring permits and identifying details of existing services infrastructure along Seven Passes Road. The geotechnical survey was completed, and all other related investigations were closed out. In close collaboration with the appointed consultant Hatch Africa (Pty) Ltd, DOI has finalised the designs and the work has been issued to various contractors through a limited bid process – this limited bid process and the appointment of a successful contractor will follow soon.
At this stage, the cost of flood damage repair works is estimated at R53.4 million with a construction period of approximately 18 months. DOI has advertised the tender through a limited bid process at the end of March 2025, with construction anticipated to commence in early September 2025. Due to the extent of damage to the Seven Passes Road, we only expect to reinstate the full travelway and open the road in the last quarter of the 2026 calendar year.

“We note the frustrations and inconveniences caused as Seven Passes Road offered an alternative route to the national route N2 between George and the greater Wilderness area,” said Mr Tertuis Simmers, Western Cape Minister of Infrastructure. “These frustrations are further compounded by current construction works along the N2 by the South African National Roads Agency (SANRAL), especially upgrades from George to Wilderness through Kaaimans River Pass,” Minister Simmers added.

“We have received several reports of local road users still making use of Seven Passes Road by bypassing road closure temporary measures. This is an illegal act and places road users at risk while subjecting the already-damaged roads infrastructure to further traffic loading that increases the risk of catastrophic failure and further fill slope collapses. If this were to happen, this will further delay our repair efforts and delay the reopening of the route. We appeal to all road users to adhere to traffic accommodation measures as road safety is of utmost importance,” Minister Simmers concluded.

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.

The Western Cape Department of Health and Wellness encourages all parents to be on the lookout for consent forms that will be sent home for your child to receive the HPV (human papillomavirus) vaccine.

HPV is the virus that causes cervical cancer.

The vaccine does not contain any live virus or DNA from the virus so it cannot cause cancer or other HPV-related illnesses. The vaccine does not affect fertility; and it’s also not used to treat HPV infections or diseases caused by HPV, but instead to prevent the development of cancers, as outlined by the World Health Organisation.

To safeguard our children’s health, the HPV vaccination campaign was rolled out in our country in 2014 with more than 350,000 young lives protected since its inception. More than 1 200 schools are visited annually in the Western Cape to administer the vaccine, with strong support from parents and communities to safeguard their children’s futures.
As part of the HPV campaign, the National Department of Health has directed that Tetanus, Diphtheria and Pertussis (TDaP) vaccine boosters be administered to all eligible children (both boys and girls).

This campaign aims to boost protection against tetanus, diphtheria, and whooping cough by offering a TD booster to all Grade 5 learners. It helps prevent outbreaks and supports ongoing school-based vaccination. All that’s needed is a signed consent form.

Round 2: School-based vaccination – what you need to know
The second round of the school-based vaccination campaign will take place from 1 August to 30 September 2025. During this period, our school health teams will visit both public and private schools to provide the following vaccinations:
• HPV vaccine (single dose): Offered to eligible Grade 5, 6, and 7 girls in private schools, with consent.
• Catch-up HPV vaccinations: Girls who missed the HPV vaccine during the first round in February/March will have another opportunity to receive their dose, with consent, at public schools.
• Tdap booster vaccine: Administered to all boys and girls in Grade 5 across public and private schools, with consent.
We have been providing the HPV vaccine to girls in our communities for many years. Make use of this opportunity. Protect your daughter against cervical cancer”, said Tonia Aylward, school health nurse for Mossel Bay sub-district.

What about side effects?

You deserve clear answers to make the best choice for your child. Parents may have questions about safety and what to expect after vaccination. The vaccines administered at our schools and clinics are safe and have been tested. These vaccination campaigns are not new, and we welcome questions from parents and communities.

Like any vaccine, some children might have mild side effects such as some redness, swelling or pain where the injection was given, a mild fever, or feeling a bit tired. These usually go away on their own within a day or two. Serious reactions are very rare. If you’re worried about how your child reacts, please speak to your clinic or doctor.

If you’re unsure, please keep asking questions. Look at reliable sources, speak to healthcare workers in your local clinic, or check the Road to Health booklet for details on vaccines and schedules to make the right choice for your children’s future.

Our children grow fast. Let’s work together keep their protection up to date.

ENDS.

Wilderness was selected as the Western Cape finalist in kykNET’s prestigious ‘Dorp van die Jaar 2025’ (Town of the Year) competition, and George, Wilderness and Uniondale Tourism ran a parallel competition to encourage Dorp van die Jaar voting. Residents, ratepayers, and the business community united in support of Wilderness, with voting enthusiasm running high as the town vies for the national title. Winning this coveted accolade will bring significant exposure and investment to the region, including R1 million in advertising and promotional content on kykNET platforms throughout the year, as well as a R1 million cash prize from Lotto Land. The cash award will be allocated towards the repair of the Wilderness Boardwalk—an iconic pathway used and enjoyed daily by residents and visitors alike.

The public was urged to vote and help secure the title for Wilderness in the final round, which closed on 18 July 2025. To sweeten the deal, George, Wilderness and Uniondale Tourism ran their own competition to encourage voting. Once someone had voted for Wilderness in the final round of the Kwela Dorp van die Jaar competition, they could submit proof to George, Wilderness and Uniondale Tourism via an online form or on Facebook Messenger to be entered into a draw to win amazing local prizes. The winners are as follows:

PRIZE 1 WINNER: CONGRATULATIONS TO NICOLA GREEFF
Valued up to R18,200

AfriCamps at Oakhurst – 2-night stay for 5 guests including breakfast and braai basket valued at R10,000
A 2 nights’ stay for up to 5 guests staying in one AfriCamps Boutique Glamping tent at AfriCamps at Oakhurst, Wilderness. Includes one cook-your-own breakfast basket per guest and one cook-your-own braai basket per guest. The tent offers an outdoor wood-fired hot tub.

Cape Vibe Tours and Transfers 2-hour sightseeing tour of Wilderness for 6 participants valued at R2,100
Cape Vibe Tours and Transfers offers ‘ Wilderness Wonders’, a 2-hour sightseeing tour of Wilderness. They will collect you – up to six people – from your accommodation in Wilderness and take you on a leisurely drive on the back roads through the indigenous hardwood forest along Island Lake past Rondevlei and the Wilderness National Park over the Touws River, up Whites Road to the Map of Africa and coastal viewing points. Stopping to enjoy the spectacular views of coast, lakes, forest and mountains, they will relay to you the geology, flora and fauna, wildlife, people’s history and culture, giving you an in-depth local perspective of what makes Wilderness uniquely beautiful.

Acrobranch Garden Route voucher for 6 participants valued at R1,800
Win Big with Acrobranch Garden Route! They’re giving away an epic voucher for 6! Choose any course option available – 2 hours of treetop thrills, ziplines and jungle vibes! Perfect for ages 3 to adult – it’s fun the whole tribe can enjoy! Valid for one-time use until 31 July 2027 – so get ready to branch out and play!

Wilderness River Safaris Touw River Boat cruise for up to 10 people valued at R3,500
The winner of this prize brings a group of friends and family (maximum 10 people) on a scheduled eco boat cruise on the Touw River with Wilderness River Safaris, and includes the SANParks entry permit and a glass of wine each. Bring your own snacks and refreshments. Enjoy a magical cruise up and down the Touw River from the Waterside Jetty at the start of the boardwalk at Wilderness Lagoon in Waterside Road. This is arguably the best experience and ‘showcase’ of the beauty of Wilderness.

The Hussar Grill George Date Night Voucher valued at R800
A couples (2 people) Hussar Grill George Date Night voucher which includes a 3-course meal per person, bottle of their 750ml Hussar red wine, as well as R350 for extra drinks or eats. Can only be used on Tuesday evenings.

PRIZE 2 WINNER: CONGRATULATIONS TO GAIL SEAGER
Valued up to R13,850

Oakhurst Farm Cottages two-night stay in a farm cottage for two people valued at R5,500
This voucher is valid for a two night stay at Oakhurst Farm Cottages for 2 people. It includes a braai basket on arrival for two and complimentary pre-heated hot tub.

Acrobranch Garden Route voucher for 4 participants valued at R1200
Win Big with Acrobranch Garden Route! We’re giving away an epic voucher for 4! Choose any course option available – 2 hours of treetop thrills, ziplines and jungle vibes! Perfect for ages 3 to adult – it’s fun the whole tribe can enjoy! Valid for one-time use until 31 July 2027 – so get ready to branch out and play!

Hello Africa Adventures Wilderness Wonder Tour valued at R2850
Wilderness Wonder tour from Hello Africa Adventures, dinner from The Girls and dinner transfers from Wilderness Express
Whisked off for a Wilderness Wonder 4-hour tour, hosted by a local guide in a luxury vehicle, that includes a visit to Woodville Big Tree (about 300m walk in the forest, fees apply), Map of Africa, a portion of the historic 7 Passes Road, a stop at Victoria Bay and a walk along the Promenade, followed a stop at Dolphins Point on return (roadworks allowing). This tour includes a delicious cheesecake treat in the forest and is followed by a delicious dinner at The Girls restaurant Al Fresco Lounge (to the value of R500.00). The prize includes all transport costs, to and from your location within Wilderness or Wilderness East, dinner, cheesecake treat and the company of a local guide. Voucher excludes any other refreshments, drinks, activities and entrance fees. Booking is for 2 adults and is subject to availability at time of confirmation. Departure times are limited to 14h00 to allow sufficient time for touring and dinner.

The Hussar Grill George Voucher and Wine valued at R800
This R500 voucher can be redeemed at the Hussar Grill in George and includes a bottle of 1.5Ltr Hussar Red Wine.

George Backpackers Transfer from George Airport to Wilderness for 2 to 8 guests
George Backpackers are offering a George Airport transfer for 2 to 8 people to/ from Wilderness.
All prizes offered are subject to the terms and conditions of each establishment and their availability.

“Thank you to everyone who rallied together to show their support for Wilderness – an iconic town on South Africa’s Garden Route. We wait with bated breath to see which town will take the Town of the Year crown in 2025.” says Joan Shaw, Tourism Manager.

Workers in action cleaning the surroundings at the Rosemoor Home for the Aged Rotary.

George Municipality, in partnership with the Garden Route District Municipality and the Western Cape Blood Service, co-hosted a successful blood donation drive in celebration of Nelson Mandela International Day on Thursday, 18 July 2025.

Pacaltsdorp Library officials and Yeboneers  handed out snacks and 40 soft toys donations to children of Rooibootjie creche, Syferfontein and children from Reiger Park on Mandela Day as part of giving back to the community.

The blood drive was the Municipality’s main event but other officials also ploughed back by cleaning areas in the community and others knitted beanies over a period over time and donated to different organisations.

The event took place at the George Banquet Hall and invited members of the public and municipal officials to dedicate 67 minutes of their time to this life-saving cause, in the spirit of Madiba’s legacy. A total of 58 donors participated in the drive, demonstrating strong support for community health and wellbeing.

Willbedine Jordaan busy painting Siyazama creche, Thembalethu on Mandela Day.

 Executive Mayor Jackie von Brandis feeding the dogs at the SPCA George as part of Mandela Day 2025 activities.

Francois Michaels, one of the event organisers, expressed his gratitude and noted that they were pleasantly surprised by the turnout from both officials and members of the public. “With the blood donated, these donors have helped save approximately 150 lives,” he said.
The Municipality extends its sincere thanks to all who participated and helped make a meaningful difference in honour of Nelson Mandela.

See Video

George Municipality is proud to announce that Wilderness has been selected as the Western Cape finalist in kykNET’s prestigious ‘Dorp van die Jaar 2025’ (Town of the Year) competition.
Residents, ratepayers, and the business community have united in support of Wilderness, with voting enthusiasm running high as the town vies for the national title. Winning this coveted accolade will bring significant exposure and investment to the region, including R1 million in advertising and promotional content on kykNET platforms throughout the year, as well as a R1 million cash prize from Lotto Land. The cash award will be allocated towards the repair of the Wilderness Boardwalk—an iconic pathway used and enjoyed daily by residents and visitors alike.
The public is urged to continue voting and help secure the title for Wilderness before voting closes at 12:00 on Friday, 18 July 2025. To cast your vote, SMS the word “Wilderness” to 33157, up to 30 times. Each SMS costs R1.50.
Make it count – you could win too!
Once you have voted, take a screenshot and enter your proof via Facebook Messenger (see the George Tourism Facebook page for details) or by completing the online form at:
🔗 https://surveyzohopublic.com/zs/pGB17q
Let’s rally together and show our support for Wilderness – a gem of the Garden Route.

Caption: George’s strong delegation was led by Mahlatse Phosa (Director, Planning and Development), Tourism Manager Joan Shaw, Alderlady Iona Kritzinger (MMC Finance and Strategic Services) and the Municipal Manager Godfrey Louw.

George Municipality demonstrated its commitment to driving tourism and investment growth by actively participating in the Western Cape Economic Summit, held from 8–10 July 2025 at the ATKV Goudini Spa in Rawsonville. The summit, hosted by Provincial Minister of Agriculture, Economic Development and Tourism, Dr. Ivan Meyer, brought together key stakeholders to collaborate on strategies that will boost economic development across the province.

The first full day addressed the critical role of tourism in economic development, aligning with the “Growth for Jobs” (G4J) strategy. Key topics included tourism marketing, destination planning, data-driven decision-making, and the importance of strong institutional frameworks. Tourism Manager Joan Shaw featured as a panellist in the session on Destination Marketing Excellence, where she presented the George Municipality’s successful in-house tourism model. Her presentation highlighted that both in-house and outsourced models can be effective—what matters most is strong political support. Shaw also addressed strategic issues such as improved air access to George and the need for sustainable tourism funding. The contrasting—but effective—approaches of Cape Town and George drew particular interest from attendees.

Day two focused on investment attraction and facilitation. Participants took part in an Investment Facilitation Masterclass, which shared practical tools, principles, and real-world success stories to guide local governments in attracting and managing investments. The day concluded with a collaborative “World Café” workshop, where participants developed actionable strategies that will be shared across municipalities for implementation.

Reflecting on the summit, Alder lady Iona Kritzinger stated: “It’s encouraging to see George being recognized as a model for integrating tourism into local government strategy. As we move into the new term, our focus will be on identifying and promoting a pipeline of bankable projects to attract meaningful investment into George.”

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.”

In the photo: The new mechanical street sweeper truck launched at the Civil Engineering Depot. In the photograph from left to right are Cllr Jean Safers, Cllr Monique Simmers, Cllr Teresa Jeyi, Executive Mayor Jackie von Brandis, MMC Civil Engineering Services Marchell Kleynhans, Deputy Director Streets and Stormwater Lionel Daniels. Sharing in the excitement are far right the supplier of the vehicle, Dealer Principal for Shorts Nissan Grant Flattery and Managing Director for Transtech who manufactured the specialised vehicle, Chris-Henri Munro.

Video Link: https://youtu.be/R1Q_uNoV4lA?si=bqrkZfvLo72a3Q8e

George Municipality has officially launched its brand-new mechanical street sweeper truck, a powerful addition to the city’s road maintenance arsenal. The high-tech vehicle was unveiled at the Civil Engineering Services Depot this week and will begin regular cleaning operations across George immediately.

“During June 2025 a rented machine was used for a trial run and approximately 137km of road was cleaned, which equates to approximated 275km of roadside. This R4.5 million investment marks a major milestone in the city’s commitment to cleaner, safer streets and improved stormwater management.” said Executive Mayor Jackie von Brandis.

“With this acquisition, George becomes the only municipality in the Garden Route to operate mechanical street sweepers,” said Lionel Daniels, Deputy Director for Streets and Storm Water. “This innovative vehicle enhances our ability to keep our urban areas clean, reduce flood risk, and protect our natural watercourses from pollution.”

The sweeper truck is equipped with brooms on either side, a central sweeper under the chassis, a front-mounted sprayer to reduce dust, and internal suction that collects debris like leaves, gravel, and dirt into a large internal bin. Fine dust is then filtered and released through a rooftop vent. The vehicle can also spray herbicide along road edges to manage weed growth.

Ahead of the official launch, the municipality rented a similar sweeper truck to pilot operations in areas like Loerie Park, Denver Park, Bergsig, Levallia, Protea Park, and parts of George Industria. This trial period allowed teams to fine-tune logistics, determine production rates, and develop the right staff composition. A dedicated team is deployed on foot ahead of the truck to manually loosen compacted dirt, remove larger debris like rocks and tree branches, ensuring maximum cleaning effectiveness. The goal is to establish a regular cleaning schedule across George, rotating through several wards at a time for city-wide coverage.

Four drivers from Civil Engineering Services have already begun specialised training to operate the vehicle. Plans are also underway to rent a second street sweeper in the near future, with the long-term goal of owning two municipal sweepers working simultaneously to improve coverage and efficiency. Recent cleaning projects where manual labour was used, indicated that cleaning can cost approximately R1 million per Ward, making this mechanised solution both cost-effective and impactful.

“This street sweeper is more than just a vehicle—it’s a long-term investment in public health, environmental sustainability, and civic pride,” Daniels added. George Municipality thanks the public for its continued support and cooperation as we roll out this exciting new initiative to help keep George clean, green, and growing.

Jonga / Nelson Mandela Boulevard Transfer Location 

George Municipality is currently implementing large-scale road and infrastructure upgrades across the city to support the expansion of the GO GEORGE public transport service. These upgrades form part of a multi-year capital investment enabled through funding received from the Public Transport Network Grant (PTNG) administered by the National Department of Transport.

An addition R250 million has been awarded for new projects to be implemented during the 2025/26 financial year. In the 2024/25 financial year R505 million has also been allocated towards the rollout of essential public transport infrastructure. These funding supports road rehabilitation, construction of transfer locations (TLs), sidewalk upgrades to promote universal accessibility, and other associated infrastructure improvements.

Speaking during an Eden FM radio broadcast on 30 June 2025, MMC for Civil Engineering Services, Cllr Marchell Kleynhans, and Deputy Director for Roads and Stormwater, Lionel Daniels, explained that the scope and pace of current roadworks are a direct result of this funding windfall. “Our original plan was to phase projects over three years, but we received the entire amount in one go,” said Daniels. “This came with conditions—including that the funding must be spent within a specified timeframe. That is why several major routes in areas such as Pacaltsdorp are being upgraded simultaneously.”

“This is one of the largest infrastructure rollouts in George’s history,” says Cllr Marchell Kleynhans, MMC for Civil Engineering Services. “While the temporary disruption is unavoidable, the long-term impact will be safer roads, better accessibility, and improved commuting efficiency for all road users.”

ROAD REHABILITATION PROJECTS – PROGRESS UPDATE
George Municipality is committed to providing regular updates to the public on the progress of road upgrades across the city.

PACALTSDORP
• Mission Street: 39% complete | Commenced 18 October 2024 | Expected completion: June 2026
• Protea Street: 83% complete | Commenced 30 September 2024 | Expected completion: September 2025
• Heather, Haydn and Rose Streets: 28% complete | Commenced 25 September 2024 | Expected completion: July 2026

THEMBALETHU
• Ngcakani and Ncamanza Streets: 61% complete | Commenced 21 October 2024 | Expected completion: January 2026
• Tabata and 26th Streets: 61% complete | Commenced 25 September 2024 | Expected completion: March 2026

GEORGE INDUSTRIA
• PW Botha Boulevard: 35% complete | Commenced 26 September 2024 | Expected completion: July 2026

ROSEMOOR
• Beer and Woltemade Streets: 79% complete | Commenced 13 August 2024 | Expected completion: July 2025
• O’Connell Street: 81% complete | Commenced 19 August 2024 | Expected completion: July 2025

HEATHER PARK
• Airway Street: Construction complete | Practical completion achieved in March 2025 | Final Road markings completed June 2025

Ncamanza / Nelson Mandela Boulevard Transfer Location 

TRANSFER LOCATIONS – CRITICAL SUPPORT INFRASTRUCTURE FOR GO GEORGE
In addition to road upgrades, the construction of GO GEORGE Transfer Locations (TLs) is progressing. These facilities are essential for improving route connectivity and allowing commuters to transfer safely and efficiently between routes.

Current Projects:
• Beach/Panther TL: 65% complete | Commenced March 2025 | Expected completion: July 2025
• NMB/Jonga Intersection TL: 70% complete | Commenced February 2025 | Progress dependent on associated infrastructure
• 26/Ncamanza/NMB TL: Construction commenced in May 2025 | Expected completion: August 2025 (subject to bridging finance)

“In addition to the long-term benefits—like safer roads and improved accessibility—we’re also proud that these projects are creating jobs and empowering emerging contractors, especially from areas like Pacaltsdorp,” said Kleynhans. “The temporary inconvenience is unfortunate but necessary for lasting development.”

PLANNED INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECTS – 2025/26 FINANCIAL YEAR
With the recent allocation of R250 million, George Municipality will commence with the following infrastructure projects in the new financial year:
Construction on these projects is expected to begin within the next 2–3 months, with most scheduled for completion within 5–9 months.

Planned Road Upgrades:
• Beukes Street (Geelhout to Beach Road)
• Cradock Street (Hibernia to Market Street)
• Pine Street (Witfontein to Protea Street)
• Plattner Street (Airway to Victor Smith Street)
• Protea Street (Phase 3 and 4)
• Beer Street (Phase 3)
• Tabata Street (26th to Lingelethu Street)
• Genesis Street

Planned Transfer Locations and Associated Sidewalks:
• Cradock Street CBD (Transport Hub Phase 2)
• Main / School Terminus
• Protea Precinct
• York Street (Market to Hibernia)
• Courtenay / Wellington Intersection
• NMB / Vuyani Ncamazana / Main Intersection
• York / Union Intersection
• Thembalethu Roundabout (Jonga Phases 2 and 3)

Ngcakani Street Phase 3 Sidewalk Construction 

PUBLIC TRANSPORT DELAYS AND EMPLOYER COMMUNICATION
George Municipality acknowledges the impact of ongoing construction on bus operations and general traffic flow, particularly in Pacaltsdorp and surrounding areas. GO GEORGE is continuously monitoring the situation and implementing mitigation measures including temporary route changes and the deployment of additional buses where possible.

“We continue to receive numerous complaints from commuters whose travel times have been affected, and we appeal to employers to show understanding where lateness is due to factors beyond the commuter’s control,” said Kleynhans. “The first few buses in the mornings are often already full, and once they are caught in outbound peak traffic, the ripple effects can delay multiple routes.” Employers who require confirmation of service delays are encouraged to contact the GO GEORGE Call Centre. Trip slips showing boarding times are also available for verification purposes.

George Municipality remains committed to improving the quality and safety of its transport infrastructure. These upgrades are essential to the city’s development as a smart, integrated and accessible urban centre. Road users are reminded to exercise caution near construction zones, adhere to all temporary signage and plan their travel to accommodate possible delays. Regular updates will continue to be published via the Municipality’s official communication channels.

Thembekile Desha – One thing everyone experienced about him is his smile

George Municipality is mourning the loss of one of its most dedicated and respected employees, Traffic Officer Thembekile Desha, who passed away on the morning of Friday, 27 June 2025.

Traffic officer Thembekile Desha, aged 56, was the longest-serving member of the George Traffic Department, having served the city with distinction, pride, and integrity for 32 years. He joined the municipality in August 1993 and, over the decades, became a familiar and friendly face to residents and colleagues alike.

Renowned for his humility, professionalism, and unwavering commitment to public safety, Desha was not only a valued municipal employee but also a key collaborator with broader safety and security partners, including the South African Police Service, Provincial Traffic, and Law Enforcement agencies.

George Municipal Manager, Mr Godfrey Louw, expressed his heartfelt condolences: “The passing of Officer Desha is an immense loss to the George Municipality, to his colleagues in the Traffic Department, and to the broader community he served so faithfully. For over three decades, he embodied the values of public service—honour, discipline, and compassion. We salute his legacy and extend our deepest sympathies to his family, friends, and all who had the privilege of working alongside him.”

Chief Traffic Officer Janine Wells paid a moving tribute, saying: “Officer Desha was more than just a colleague—he was a mentor, a friend, and a role model to many in our department. One thing everyone experienced about him was that no matter what, he always had a smile, remained positive, and never got involved in negativity. He was known for giving supportive advice, especially to applicants who had failed their driver’s tests. With me, he was always respectful, friendly, and preferred speaking Afrikaans. He was truly an old-school, dedicated officer—and he will be sorely missed.”

Details regarding the memorial and/or funeral services will be communicated as soon as they are confirmed.

The Municipality stands in solidarity with the Desha family during this difficult time and will continue to honour his remarkable service to the City of George.

Buying bus trips in bulk with your GO GEORGE Smart card is not only more convenient – it’s also significantly cheaper. With the annual fare increase taking effect on 1 July 2025, now is the perfect time to top up and save.

From 1 July, smart card trips bought in bundles of 10 or more will cost R13.45 per trip and remain the best buy. Bundles of two to eight trips will cost R14.80 per trip, and single trips will cost R17.90. A passenger who uses the bus five days per week could save up to R196 per month by loading 10 trips or more at once instead of purchasing single trips.

Buy before tariff increase and save
Trips on the Smart card never expire, so there is no risk of losing trips, even if a person does not travel regularly. For the same reason, it is a smart move to load more trips before the tariff increase kicks in, but passengers are advised to treat their Smart Cards as cautiously as they would treat cash, since trips on a lost or stolen card cannot be refunded.

Top up in time
Passengers are advised not to wait until they have no trips left, and to always keep at least two emergency trips on their smart cards. Having to top up on their way to work or school could be frustrating when the queues are long, or when vendors experience technical problems. It would be better to top up outside of peak times, and at a time when they’re in no rush to be somewhere on time.

Top-ups can be done at any of the smart card kiosks and mobile kiosks, as well as almost 300 top-up vendors all over town. Look out for the GO GEORGE vendor signage, “TOP UP YOUR SMART CARD HERE”, or for a detailed list of all top-up vendors, visit the GO GEORGE website at www.gogeorge.org.za/fares-cards/. Alternatively, phone the Call Centre on 0800 044 044 where agents are on duty from 05:00 until 20:00, seven days a week. Enquiries can also be e-mailed to info@gogeorge.org.za.

GO GEORGE smart card top-up vendors all over town and in residential areas are clearly marked with branded signage.

Om busritte in grootmaat met jou GO GEORGE-slimkaart aan te koop, is nie net geriefliker nie – dit is ook aansienlik goedkoper. Met die jaarlikse tariefverhoging wat 1 Julie 2025 in werking tree, is dit nou die ideale tyd om jou kaart te laai en te bespaar.
Vanaf 1 Julie sal ritte wat in bundels van 10 of meer gekoop word, R13.45 per rit kos en steeds die beste waarde bied. Bundels van twee tot agt ritte sal R14.80 per rit kos, en ’n los rit sal R17.90 kos. ’n Passasier wat vyf dae per week reis, kan tot R196 per maand bespaar deur 10 of meer ritte tegelyk te laai, eerder as om elke keer ’n enkele rit aan te koop.

Koop voor tariefverhoging en spaar
Ritte op die slimkaart verval nooit nie, so daar is geen risiko om ritte te verloor nie, selfs al ry ‘n persoon nie gereeld bus nie. Om dieselfde rede is dit ‘n slim skuif om meer ritte te laai voordat die tariefverhoging inskop. Passasiers word egter aangeraai om hul slimkaarte so versigtig soos kontant te hanteer aangesien ritte op ‘n verlore of gesteelde kaart nie terugbetaal kan word nie.

Herlaai betyds
Passasiers word aangeraai om nie te wag totdat hulle geen ritte oor het nie, en om altyd ten minste twee noodritte op hul slimkaarte te hou. Om op pad werk of skool toe te herlaai, kan frustrerend wees wanneer die rye lank is, of wanneer herlaaipunte tegniese probleme ondervind. Dit sal beter wees om buite spitstye te herlaai op ‘n tyd wanneer jy nie jaag om betyds by jou bestemming te wees nie.

Jy kan by enige van die slimkaartkiosks en mobiele kiosks ritte koop, asook by amper 300 herlaaipunte regoor die stad. Wees op die uitkyk vir die “HERLAAI JOU SLIMKAART HIER”-uithangborde, besoek die GO GEORGE-webblad by www.gogeorge.org.za/fares-cards/ vir ’n volledige lys, of skakel die inbelsentrum by 0800 044 044. Agente is van 05:00 tot 20:00, sewe dae per week aan diens. Navrae kan ook per e-pos gestuur word aan info@gogeorge.org.za.

Herlaaipunte vir slimkaartritte regoor die stad en in woonbuurte word aangedui met duidelike uithangborde.

From left is Ald. Jackie von Brandis (Executive Mayor of George), Mr Gayton McKenzie (National Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture), Mr Ricardo McKenzie (Western Cape Minister of Cultural Affairs and Sport), and Ald. Andrew Stroebel (Executive Mayor of the Garden Route District Municipality)

Joy, pride, and hope filled the air during the official handover of the Rosemoor Athletics Synthetic Track, as hundreds of George residents, stakeholders, learners, educators, and government officials from national, provincial, and local spheres gathered at Rosemoor Stadium on Monday, 23 June 2025. The National Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture, Mr Gayton McKenzie, joined by the Western Cape Minister of Cultural Affairs and Sport, Mr Ricardo McKenzie, and the Executive Mayor of George, Ald. Jackie von Brandis officially handed over the new, state-of-the-art Class 2 athletics track — a world-class facility valued at just over R40 million.

Also in attendance were the Executive Mayor of the Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM), Ald. Andrew Stroebel; Dr Nomafrench Mbombo, Member of the Western Cape Provincial Parliament and former Provincial Minister of Health; Executive Deputy Mayor of George, Cllr Browen Johnson; MMC for Social Development, Libraries, Sport and Customer Care, Cllr. Melvin Roelfse, George Municipal Councillors, officials of the Western Cape Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport and the George Municipality, representatives from Athletics SWD, the Eden Sport Council, local sports organisations, and hundreds of enthusiastic citizens.

National Minister Gayton McKenzie commended George Municipality for its responsible and impactful use of public funds, calling the track ‘an investment in the future’. “Today is a great day. I must congratulate the Mayor of George on how the funds were used — exactly for what they were intended. You can see this is a R40 million facility. So, I want to congratulate the George Municipality — it’s a job well done.” Minister Mackenzi also expressed confidence that the new facility would nurture future athletic champions: “I’m telling you, out of the Garden Route we’ll see another Akani Simbine, Walaza, or Caster Semenya. There’s going to be a big star coming from here. Different athletes will rise because an investment has been made in their future. This is an investment in the future.”

Western Cape Minister of Cultural Affairs and Sport, Mr Ricardo McKenzie, also celebrated the occasion: “The feeling of having this facility is one of excitement and exhilaration. As the Western Cape Government, we believe in collaboration and infrastructure development because it creates jobs. With this track, we’ll attract more sports events to the picturesque Garden Route, and those events will generate even more job opportunities. So yes, it’s about fun — but more than that, it’s about jobs, and it’s about the journey to the Olympics and the world stage. And it all starts with a facility like this.”

Executive Mayor of George, Ald. Jackie von Brandis welcomed attendees and underscored the success of collaboration across all spheres of government: “This project is a shining example of successful collaboration between all three spheres of government and our stakeholders. The presence of such distinguished guests is a testament to what we can achieve when we work as one. We are especially excited for our children, who will benefit most from this investment. I am proud to say that this track belongs to you. It is a statement to every athlete, every student, and every dreamer in our community that George invests in its people. It is a step toward making George the premier sports destination of the Garde Route – a place where talent is nurtured, potential is unlocked, and excellence is celebrated. This track aligns perfectly with our tourism brand, Naturally George, and our positioning as a city for all reasons.”

Among the highlights of the event was the handover of athletic equipment to 10 schools from across the Garden Route District, including the Karoo region. Educators and learners were present to receive the equipment, demonstrating the municipality’s commitment to school sports development. Another highlight was the special acknowledgement of 74-year-old athletics legend Louis Massyn from George, who has completed 50 Comrades Marathons.

Adding flair and energy to the celebration were vibrant performances by the St. Mary’s Primary School majorettes, who helped create a festive and memorable atmosphere.

The Rosemoor Synthetic Athletics Track was funded through the Integrated Urban Development Grant (IUDG). The facility was completed on schedule and within the allocated budget of R40.59 million. The project was prioritised through George Municipality’s Integrated Development Plan (IDP) and informed by extensive stakeholder engagement. Athletics SWD has been involved throughout the process and is working with the Municipality to secure funding for future phases of the development.

The new tartan track meets international standards, ensuring that athlete performances are officially recognised. The upgrade is expected to elevate the quality of athletics in the region, encourage broader participation, and provide local talent with a professional platform to grow and compete.

The facility is envisioned as a hub for schools and clubs in the area and is designed to host regional, national, and even international events, supporting George’s ambition to become a prime destination for sports tourism while boosting the local economy.

Watch video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ciXPDLdZyN0

Today marks a historic milestone for George as the leading golf destination in the Garden Route. The George Tourism initiative, in partnership with the George Joint Marketing Association (GJMA)—a recently registered NPC—has launched its second major brand: Home of Golf, Africa.

For many years, golf businesses in the Garden Route have discussed the need for a unified marketing strategy. Today, that vision becomes a reality with the launch of Home of Golf, Africa. This follows the recent success of the George Trails rebrand—another private-sector-led initiative aimed at increasing regional tourism by combatting seasonality and promoting niche travel experiences.
Charl Marais, Chairman of the George Joint Marketing Association, who has been instrumental in driving this initiative behind the scenes, remarked: “It is a joyous occasion to launch such a brand.”

Leroy Ferreira, Marketing Director at Fancourt, added: “We want to position the Garden Route’s coastal belt—from Mossel Bay to Knysna—as the premier golfing destination in Africa. With George as the central hub, tourists can enjoy 12 golf courses within an hour’s radius, featuring some of the continent’s finest courses.”

Why “Home of Golf”?
The Garden Route’s coastal belt has long been admired for its awe-inspiring landscapes, nestled between majestic mountain ranges and a brilliant blue coastline. This region not only boasts the best golf courses in Africa—possibly even in the Southern Hemisphere—but also offers unmatched natural beauty. From breathtaking mountain vistas and lush valleys to rivers, forests, and unspoiled white sandy beaches, the Garden Route is a haven for eco-tourism, birdwatchers, and nature lovers alike.Visitors can also experience malaria-free Big Five game viewing and boutique local vineyards—making this compact region a powerhouse of diverse attractions.

While golf remains the anchor, the Home of Golf initiative aims to attract both domestic and international tourists by showcasing the full spectrum of experiences the region has to offer. The goal is to drive visitor numbers and stimulate economic growth across multiple sectors of the tourism industry.

George Municipality’s Tourism Manager, Joan Shaw, concluded: “The launch of Home of Golf, Africa is a milestone that will not only grow visitor numbers, but also boost revenue for all businesses that benefit from the region’s exceptional golf offering.” Participating golf courses include Pinnacle Point, Mossel Bay Golf Club, Oubaai Golf Estate, George Golf Club, Kingswood Golf Estate, and Fancourt’s four renowned courses.

For more information, visit www.homeofgolf.africa or contact Joan Shaw at George Tourism via jshaw@george.gov.za. For additional details on related initiatives, http://www.georgetrails.org.

Issued on behalf of GRDM on 20 June 2025

“GRDM’s Air Quality Management Unit regulates, amongst others, industrial emissions to maintain a healthy environment. Atmospheric Emission Licences (AEL) are issued by the GRDM team to industries operating on the Garden Route (Hessequa, Mossel Bay, George, Knysna, Bitou, Oudtshoorn and Kannaland), said Dr Johann Schoeman, GRDM Manager: District Air Quality Control.

“Local municipalities have a role to play by enforcing air quality laws, regulating small pollution sources (like fuel-burning appliances), and managing air quality nuisances outside their jurisdictions.”

Industries that require an AEL are referred to as ‘Listed Activities’, classified under Government Notice 893 of November 2013 (as amended). The law recognises industrial activities that could harm the air you breathe, impact public health, disrupt environmental and cultural heritage, and possibly impact social and economic conditions.

To make sure air quality is managed sustainably, the GRDM has an Air Quality Management Plan. It was recently unanimously adopted by the GRDM Council after extensive consultations. The document is available at tinyurl.com/4vpskzy7 or via the municipal website at www.gardenroute.gov.za.

Which activities are listed on the Garden Route?

There are 10 broad categories of listed activities, each with subcategories of industries that need licensing. GRDM has 24 Section 21 Listed Activities and three Controlled Emitters, regulated under Section 23 of the Air Quality Act.

Here’s what they include:

1. Combustion installations (Power stations and industrial boilers that burn fossil fuels for energy)
2. Petrochemical Industry where fuels are produced and stored by refining and processing crude oil, coal, gas, and biomass.
3. Coal gasification and carbonization (the process of converting coal into gas or solid carbon-based products) or tar processes in which creosote or tar is heated or distilled in any manufacturing process.
4. Metallurgy (Processing and refining metals like steel, aluminium, and iron)
5. Handling, storing, and processing minerals (crushing, screening, and transporting mined materials) The clay brick making process is also part of this category.
6. Organic chemical industry which covers the manufacturing of organic chemicals and compounds.
7. Inorganic chemical industry where specific inorganic chemicals, such as ammonia, chlorine, hydrogen cyanide, etc., are manufactured or used.
8. Treatment of Hazardous and General Waste (incineration of waste materials, including hazardous and medical waste; crematoria, etc.)
9. Pulp and paper manufacturing activities including by-product recovery such as lime recovery kilns, chemical recovery furnaces, etc.
10. Animal matter processing plants such as bone or fishmeal processing plants and tanneries.

Learn more here: https://tinyurl.com/3mabb66x