George Rental Housing Information Office brings rental support closer to residents

Ribbon-Cutting Moment: Cutting the ribbon to officially open the George Rental Housing Information Office (RHIO) at the Municipality’s Planning and Development Building are (from left) Ald Gert van Niekerk (Executive Deputy Mayor of George), Western Cape Minister of Infrastructure Tertius Simmers, Executive Mayor of George Ald Browen Johnson, and Chairperson of the Western Cape Rental Housing Tribunal Mr Clynton Poole.

In an effort to promote fair rental practices and strengthen relationships between tenants and landlords, Western Cape Minister of Infrastructure, Tertius Simmers, officially launched the George Rental Housing Information Office (RHIO) on Monday, 17 August 2026. The office brings information, advice and support on rental housing matters closer to tenants and landlords in George.

Delivering the keynote address, Minister Simmers highlighted the importance of making rental housing services accessible to communities and the Western Cape Government’s approach of working with municipalities to establish offices that bring services closer to residents. “We can boast to say, as the Western Cape, we are the only province with multiple rental housing satellite offices within the various districts. This project shows that the two spheres of government, local government and provincial government, can work together to empower people,” said Minister Simmers.

The dignitaries: Key dignitaries seated at the official launch of the George Rental Housing Information Office in the George Municipality’s Banquet Hall include (from left) Chairperson of the Western Cape Rental Housing Tribunal Mr Clynton Poole, Western Cape Minister of Infrastructure Tertius Simmers, Executive Mayor of George Ald Browen Johnson, Executive Mayor of the Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) Ald Marais Kruger, and Executive Deputy Mayor of George Ald Gert van Niekerk.

“With this satellite office opened here, one does not have to travel to a major city to protect their rights and resolve disputes. George is one of the Western Cape’s important and fastest-growing economic centres. With this growth comes increasing demand for rental housing options, thereby making this office a necessary asset for the people of George,” said Minister Simmers.

Executive Mayor of George, Ald Browen Johnson, welcomed the establishment of the office in George and highlighted the importance of accessible government services. “This is an initiative that speaks directly to the most fundamental needs of our communities: a safe, secure, and dignified place we call home. This office is therefore of critical importance, as it brings much-needed information and guidance closer to the people. It also represents the essence of government accessibility. Having services is not adequate if there is no accessibility,” said Mayor Johnson.

Chairperson of the Western Cape Rental Housing Tribunal, Mr Clynton Poole, explained the purpose of the Rental Housing Information Office and the important role it will play in assisting residents with rental housing matters. Poole said the RHIO provides an important point of access for tenants and landlords seeking information and advice regarding their rights and obligations in relation to rental housing. “The establishment of the office is also aimed at raising public awareness of available rental housing services and strengthening collaboration between government and stakeholders in the housing and property sector,” said Poole. Attendees: Municipal and provincial officials, property sector representatives, community members, and stakeholders gather in the George Municipality’s Banquet Hall for the launch of the new Rental Housing Information Office.

Executive Mayor of the Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM), Ald Marais Kruger, expressed his support for the initiative and welcomed the establishment of a service that brings rental housing information closer to communities. “Rental of property is a reality for many people in George. Tenants must honour their responsibilities, while landlords must act fairly and responsibly. Respect, communication and understanding can prevent many disputes. As Garden Route District Municipality, we welcome initiatives such as these that strengthen cooperation and relationships between the district, local municipalities, and the Provincial Government,” said Mayor Kruger.

Following the formal programme at the George Municipality’s Banquet Hall, the delegation proceeded to the Municipality’s Planning and Development Building, where the RHIO is housed, for the official opening and ribbon-cutting ceremony.

The launch brought together municipal and provincial government officials, councillors, representatives from the property and housing sector, community representatives, other stakeholders and residents of George.

Stakeholders: Executive Mayor of George, Ald Browen Johnson, delivers an address during the formal programme for the launch of the George Rental Housing Information Office, highlighting the importance of accessible government services.

The establishment of the George RHIO provides an opportunity to raise awareness of rental housing services and encourage stronger cooperation between tenants, landlords and other stakeholders.

ENDS.