Notice Archive

The George Municipality’s Emergency Services team is hard at work preparing for the upcoming summer season. The Water Rescue Unit, consisting of skippers, swimmers and divers, recently conducted intensive beach launch training with sea vessels under the supervision of Fire Station Commander, Johan Crouse, at Wilderness Beach.
The purpose of the exercises was to practise launching in shallow water and performing surf rescue manoeuvres, ensuring that staff members are well-versed in safely mounting and dismounting vehicles, navigating through waves, and operating effectively in challenging conditions. Despite the windy weather and rough sea, the team intentionally trained under these circumstances to strengthen their skills and confidence for real-life rescue scenarios.
Seven staff members participated in the session, which also served to test the operational readiness of the rescue vessels and equipment. Regular training ensures that both personnel and machinery are in excellent condition ahead of the busy summer period, when quick and coordinated response is vital.
The team utilised jetRIBs during the training — specialised rescue vessels that combine the speed and manoeuvrability of a jet ski with the stability and buoyancy of a rigid-hulled inflatable boat (commonly referred to as a “rubber duck”). The swimmers and divers play a crucial support role during rescue operations, while the skippers are responsible for operating the vessels.
The Water Rescue Unit aims to conduct training exercises at least once a week, depending on weather, sea conditions and operational demands.

In the photo: Members of the George Municipality Water Rescue Unit during training. From left: Station Commander Johan Crouse, Fire Fighter Nico Rossouw, Fire Fighter Jandre Bernardo, Fire Fighter Bethwell Grootboom, and Fire Fighter Wilton Oktober.
Not in picture: Divisional Commander Johan Brand and Junior Fire Fighter Shaun Platt.

Video: Some of the Water Rescue Unit members test the jetRIBs.

Kindly note that the internet and telephone lines are currently down at George Library.

We thank you for your understanding and patience while services are being restored.

Please note that the Motor Vehicle Registration (MVR), Driver’s Licence Testing Centre (DLTC), and Vehicle Testing Station (VTS) will close at 14:00 on Friday, 17 October 2025, due to compulsory monthly operational requirements.

Normal services will resume on Monday, 20 October 2025.

We apologise for any inconvenience and thank residents for their understanding

As summer approaches, the George Municipality reminds all residents to maintain their gardens and trees to ensure sidewalks and public spaces remain safe, accessible, and pedestrian-friendly.
In accordance with the George Municipality Tree Management Policy, residents are advised of the following responsibilities and regulations:

Tree Maintenance and Safety
Property owners must trim or prune any trees or plants that extend over property boundaries onto sidewalks, streets, or public spaces.
Vegetation must not obstruct street signs, streetlights, intersections, or pedestrian pathways, including access for prams, wheelchairs, and mobility devices.
Overhanging branches or encroaching plants that make sidewalks difficult to navigate must be trimmed back to ensure safe passage.
Planting Trees on Sidewalks and Municipal Land
Residents may plant trees on sidewalks or street boundaries, but only with written approval from the Director for Community Services or their delegated authority.
Once planted on municipal land, trees become municipal property, but maintenance—including pruning and root management—remains the responsibility of the property owner.
Unauthorized planting or pruning of trees on municipal land is prohibited and may result in fines or removal of the tree.
Tree Removal and Pruning Restrictions
No person may prune or remove a tree on municipal land without prior written approval.

Trees may only be pruned for sound arboricultural reasons, such as:
• Obstruction of pedestrian or vehicle movement
• Damage to structures
• Interference with traffic sight lines or solar devices
• Complaints based on leaf shedding, shade, view obstruction, or nuisance from birds/insects are not valid reasons for pruning or removal.

Protected and Champion Trees
Trees listed as Champion Trees or protected under the National Forests Act may not be pruned or removed without a license from the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and Environment.
These trees are protected due to their age, size, cultural, historic, or ecological value.

Emergency Situations
In emergencies (e.g., fallen trees posing danger), the Municipal Parks and Recreation Department may intervene, including on private property, with authorization from the Director: Community Services and in coordination with Disaster Risk Management.

The Municipality promotes tree awareness and education, including participation in greening initiatives and heritage tree protection. Residents are encouraged to engage with the Parks and Recreation Department for guidance on tree planting, species selection, and maintenance best practices.

For tree-related queries, planting permissions, or maintenance concerns, please contact 044 802 2900. Let’s work together to keep George’s streets safe, green, and accessible for all!

George Municipality’s Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) continues to manage projects in line with the Integrated Grant and Business Plans, creating valuable work opportunities for residents. Some of these opportunities are funded directly by the Municipality.

Residents are encouraged to ensure that they are registered on the EPWP Database to be considered for available work opportunities. It is equally important to keep personal and contact details up to date, as the EPWP Office and service directorates often experience challenges contacting applicants due to outdated information.

If your details have changed, please visit the EPWP Office to update your information on the system.

Registration and Update Address:
📍 Corner of St John’s and Varing Street, Community Development and EPWP Unit Offices, George.

EPWP Contact Information:
For inquiries, to verify job-related communications, or to report suspicious activity, please contact the EPWP Office:
📞 Shaneeze Kiewietz – 044 802 2036 | email: shkiewietz@george.gov.za
📞 Anneen Barkhuisen – 044 802 2036 | email: abarkhuizen@george.gov.za
📞 Kaylinn Hurling – 044 802 2036 | email:  khurling@george.gov.za
📞 Charlton van Wyk – 044 802 2011 | email:  chvanwyk@george.gov.za
📞 Jason Jansen – 044 802 2012 | email:  jdjansen@george.gov.za
📞 Siviwe Mdelo – 044 801 9212 | email:  smdelo@george.gov.za

Residents are urged to stay alert and report any suspicious activity related to job offers or recruitment to help prevent fraudulent activities.

Download the EPWP Unemployed Database Form:
🔗 http://tinyurl.com/y35sxrnc

#CityOfGeorge
#CityOfOpportunities

The George Municipality hereby informs the public that black refuse bags are available for purchase at the following municipal offices during working hours (07:45 – 16:30) at a cost per packet of R20 (20 bags per packet).
• 82 Meade Street, George
• 71 York Street (Main Building)

Members of the public who wish to collect black and green refuse bags from the Refuse Removal Department may do so at the following address:

Refuse / Cleansing Depot
Nywerheid Street, George
Coordinates: -33.9782509, 22.4641197

Please follow the directional signage from the Electro Building, located at the corner of Brick Street and Nywerheid Street. Only one pack of each will be handed over in a quarter.

For any enquiries, kindly contact the Refuse Department during office hours on 044 802 2900.

Percentage storage at new raised dam wall height 61,88 %
Rainfall for the previous days: 4 mm (Measured from 7 – 13 October 2025)

Please see the link to 2B water restrictions implemented as of 1 May 2024: http://tinyurl.com/3439h4n7
The cooperation of all users of municipal water is essential and is greatly appreciated.