George Municipality Rolls Out Waste Skips to Combat Illegal Dumping
In the photo from from left: Sivuyile Mtila (Senior Manager for Environmental Services at George Mu-nicipality), Cllr Monique Simmers (MMC for Refuse, Environmental and Parks), Ald. Jackie von Brandis (Executive Mayor of George), Cllr Therasa Jeyi (Ward 16 & Chief Whip of Council) and Dawie Adonis (Director of Community Services at George Municipality).
As part of its commitment to keeping George clean and free from illegal dumping, the George Municipality has officially launched a citywide rollout of waste skips across various wards. The launch, held on Friday, 28 March 2025, marked the installation of three skips at New Dawn Park Primary School (Ward 16), Main Road in Rosedale (Ward 14) and Chrystal Avenue, Blanco (Ward 1). This initiative follows the successful Illegal Dumping Awareness Campaign in February, during which the municipality declared the month as Illegal Dumping Awareness Month.
The launch was attended by Executive Mayor Ald. Jackie von Brandis, along with MMC for Re-fuse, Environmental and Parks, Cllr Monique Simmers, and three ward councillors: Cllr The-rasa Jeyi (Ward 16 & Chief Whip of Council, Cllr Melvin Roelfse (Ward 14 & MMC for Communi-ty Services – Community Services – Social Development, Sport, Libraries & Customer Care) and Cllr Jean Safers (Ward 1 & MMC for Human Settlements).
Mayor von Brandis commended the Community Services team for their efforts in maintaining a cleaner city. She announced that 34 skips are currently being (will be deployed across) de-ployed across George, with plans to install (with plans to procure) additional skips in the next financial year.
She also acknowledged the Municipal Infrastructure Support Agent (MISA)—a national gov-ernment entity under the Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA)—for contributing five (5) of the 34 skips. MISA plays a critical role in enhancing mu-nicipal infrastructure for improved service delivery as part of the Back-to-Basics Strategy.
In her opening address, Chief Whip Cllr Jeyi expressed her excitement about the initiative:
“I’m delighted to see this project come to life. These skips will provide a legal and accessible way for residents to dispose of waste, keeping our wards clean and free of illegal dumping.” MMC Monique Simmers emphasised the community’s role in maintaining the cleanliness of their surroundings: “These skips are in the communities for the benefit of the communities. We urge all residents to use them responsibly,” she said.
About the Waste Skips
Refuse skips—also known as skip bins —are large containers designed for temporary waste storage and efficient removal of various types of waste, including household waste, construc-tion debris and commercial refuse
The Director of Community Services at George Municipality, Dawie Adonis, provided insight into the skip project, emphasizing its role in promoting responsible waste disposal and main-taining cleaner neighbourhoods. He highlighted that the placement of skips in strategic loca-tions would offer residents a convenient and legal alternative to illegal dumping, ultimately improving the overall hygiene and aesthetics of the city.
Senior Manager for Environmental Services, Sivuyile Mtila, reassured residents that regular black, blue, and green bag waste collection services will continue as usual. He clarified that the skips are not a replacement for this service but an additional measure to combat illegal dumping.
Mayor von Brandis urged residents to take care of the skips: “We request the community to make proper use of these skips by disposing of waste inside them, not outside—to ensure their effectiveness in keeping our city clean.” This initiative forms part of the municipality’s ongoing efforts to improve waste management and maintain a clean, healthy environment for all residents.
