Notices

Issued on behalf of Minister David Maynier, Western Cape Minister of Education on 5 May 2026

In the interests of learner and teacher safety, and after extensive consultation with the Provincial Disaster Management Centre and the South African Weather Service (SAWS), a decision has been taken to close schools in certain areas of the Eden and Central Karoo Education District on Wednesday, 6 May 2026, and Thursday, 7 May 2026.

All public ordinary and special needs schools in the following specific circuits will be closed on Wednesday, 6 May 2026, and Thursday, 7 May 2026, due to the severe rainfall warnings in these areas:

* Circuits 3 and 8 (George)

* Circuit 4 (Knysna)

* Circuits 5 and 6 (Oudtshoorn)

Our default position is always to keep schools open and only close schools in exceptional circumstances, but we are mindful of the severity of the warnings in place.

We will continuously monitor and evaluate the situation to ensure that schools can reopen as soon as possible.

All schools are expected to open on Friday, 8 May 2026. We will, however, evaluate the weather prediction for the end of the week to determine whether any individual school closures are necessary for the remainder of the week.

List of school closures on 6 and 7 May 2026. Note: Circuits 3,4,5,6 and 8 of Eden and Central Karoo District only. (Schools to reopen on 8 May 2026)

Eden and Central Karoo Circuit 3

1. Conville Primary School
2. Diepkloof VGK Primêre Skool
3. Eden Technical High School
4. George Voorbereidingskool
5. Hibernia VGK Primêre Skool
6. Hoekwil Laerskool
7. Jonga Street Secondary School
8. Karatara Laerskool
9. Klipdrift EK Primêre Skool
10. Lancewood Primêre Skool
11. M M Mateza Primary School
12. Olympia Skool
13. Outeniqua Primary School
14. Parkdene Primêre Skool (George)
15. Parkdene Sekondêr
16. Redlands Primêre Skool
17. Ruigtevlei Primêre Skool
18. Sedgefield Laerskool
19. Sedgefield Primêre Skool
20. Tabatha Primary School
21. Thembalethu Secondary School
22. Thembalethu Primary School
23. Touwsranten VGK Primêre Skool
24. Tyholora Primary School
25. Van Kervel Spesiale Skool
26. Waboomskraal VGK Primêre Skool
27. York High School

Eden and Central Karoo Circuit 4

1. Bracken Hill EK Primêre Skool
2. Chris Nissen Primary School
3. Concordia High School
4. Concordia Primêre Skool
5. Formosa Primêre Skool
6. Fraaisig Primary School
7. Harkerville EK Primêre Skool
8. Hornlee Primêre Skool
9. Knysna Hoërskool
10. Knysna Primary School
11. Knysna Satellite Office
12. Knysna Sekondêr
13. Kranshoek Primêre Skool
14. Kwanokuthula High School
15. Kwanokuthula Primary School
16. Murray High School
17. Percy Mdala High School
18. Phakamisani Primary School
19. Plettenberg Bay Primary School
20. Plettenbergbaai Sekondêr
21. Rheenendal Primêre Skool
22. Sunridge Primêre Skool
23. The Crags Primêre Skool
24. Thembelitsha Primary School
25. Wittedrift Primêre Skool
26. Wittedrift Hoërskool

Eden and Central Karoo Circuit 4

1. Aurial College
2. Bergsig Primêre Skool
3. Bridgton Sekondêr
4. Calitzdorp Hoërskool
5. Colridge Primêre Skool
6. De Jager VGK Primêre Skool
7. De Villiers Primêre Skool
8. Eljada-Kairos Skool
9. Excelsior VGK Primêre Skool
10. Fezekile Secondary School
11. Gamka-Oos Primêre Skool
12. Grootkraal UCC Primêre Skool
13. Kruisrivier-Wes UCC Primêre Skool
14. Langenhoven Gimnasium
15. Lategansvlei SSKV Primêre Skool
16. Laurus Primere Skool
17. Oudtshoorn Hoërskool
18. Oudtshoorn School of Skills
19. Rodewal UCC Primêre Skool
20. Rooiberg SSKV Primêre Skool
21. Volmoed Primêre Skool
22. Voorbedag Primêre Skool
23. Wesbank Laerskool
24. Zeekoegat VGK Primêre Skool

Eden and Central Karoo Circuit 6

1. Avontuur LB Primêre Skool
2. Bongolethu Primary School
3. Britsevlakte NGK Primêre Skool
4. De Rust Primêre Skool
5. De Rust Sekondêr
6. Dirk Boshoff Primêre Skool
7. Dysselsdorp Primêre Skool
8. Dysselsdorp Sekondêr
9. Haarlem Sekondêre Skool
10. Mooi Uitsig Primêre Skool No.2
11. Morester Sekondêr
12. P.J. Badenhorst Primêre Skool
13. Protea Hoërskool
14. Rooiheuwel VGK Primêre Skool
15. Rooirivier VGK Primêre Skool
16. Sacred Heart RK Primêre Skool
17. Saturnus Primêre Skool
18. Scheeperskraal SSKV Primêre Skool
19. St. Konrad RK Primêre Skool
20. Uniondale Hoërskool
21. Van Reede Laerskool
22. Vlakteplaas UCC Primêre Skool

Eden and Central Karoo Circuit 7

1. Blanco Laerskool
2. Carpe Diem Skool
3. Dellville Park Primary School
4. Denneoord Laerskool
5. Dieprivier VGK Primêre Skool
6. Franken VGK Primêre Skool
7. Geelhoutboom VGK Primêre Skool
8. George Sekondêr
9. George-Suid Laerskool
10. Heatherlands High School
11. Heidedal Primêre Skool
12. Herold Laerskool
13. Holy Cross Primary School (George)
14. Hoogekraal SSKV Primêre Skool
15. Imizamo Yethu Secondary School
16. Kommandantsdrift SSKV Primêre Skool
17. Kretzenshoop Primêre Skool
18. Mzoxolo Primary School
19. New Dawn Park Primêre Skool
20. Outeniqua Hoërskool
21. Pacaltsdorp Primêre Skool
22. Pacaltsdorp Sekondêr
23. Rosemoor Primêre Skool
24. St. Mary’s RK Primêre Skool (George)
25. St. Paul’s EK Primêre Skool (George)
26. Van Der Hoven Laerskool

Residents are reminded that heavy rainfall is expected this week. This may lead to localised flooding, slippery roads, poor visibility, and possible service disruptions.

Please take note of the following tips:
* Clear gutters and drains to prevent flooding
* Refrain from illegal dumping, as it can block stormwater drains, and avoid littering
* Report blocked or damaged stormwater infrastructure to the Municipality
* Ensure yard drainage systems are clear and functioning properly

Emergency Contact Numbers:
* Fire Department: 044 801 6311
* After-hours: 044 801 6300
* Disaster Management (Toll-Free): 087 152 9999
* Garden Route Disaster Centre: 044 805 5071
* Gun Plast assistance: 044 802 2026
* Civil Engineering Customer Services: 044 801 9262/6 (7:45am–4:30pm) for stormwater-related complaints
* Civil Engineering Customer Services (Uniondale/Haarlem after hours): 044 801 6300

Further updates will be communicated via the George Municipality’s official channels.

‘Gunplast’ (plastic sheeting) is provided only during inclement weather when the municipality has plastic sheeting available. Due to funding constraints, preference is given to the elderly and disabled persons residing in informal settlements (excluding persons who illegally invaded municipal land) who are living in informal housing where roofs are dilapidated. Thereafter, if more plastic is available, applicants may be assisted following an investigation into the circumstances of applicants and the condition of the structure. Backyarders residing on private property are not assisted as per the approved emergency housing policy.

The municipality emphasises that the provision of ‘Gunplast’ is a temporary relief measure during bad weather and it remains the responsibility of the applicant to seek means to repair the roof and/or structure. ‘Gunplast’ delivered in the most deserving cases. Only one piece of ‘Gunplast’ (6m x 6m) per applicant will be issued every 6 months.

Qualification criteria for assistance with Gunplast (Micron Plastic) or any similar suitable material:
Who will be assisted
• Persons residing in informal settlements in structures which, during an assessment, has been found to have serious leakages, and who are unable to assist themselves.

Who will not be assisted
• Single persons under the age of 60 with no dependants ;
• Persons residing on private property;
• Persons residing in formal houses;
• Households who have received assistance within past six months unless an assessment deems it necessary; and
• Persons who have illegally invaded land.

Requests for ‘Gunplast’ can be made in one of the following ways:
• Visit your nearest Area Office Monday to Friday, or Ward /other Councillor who will report on your behalf by completing the relevant application forms. The applicants are welcome to visit the offices of the Human Settlements Department situated on the corner of St John’s and Varing Streets. Copies of the applicant(s) ID’s are compulsory and copies of their dependant’s birth certificates/ID’s (younger than 18).
• Applicants can also email the completed application form to hemeyer@george.gov.za
• The request can be logged via the Municipal App – My Smart City via Housing Queries OR General Request with the necessary Contact Details, Names of Residents affected and Street Address.
• A ‘Gunplast’ application MUST include the applicant’s name, surname, identity number and the address (name of the informal settlement and structure number) where the ‘Gunplast’ is required.
• When a request is received, an investigation is made at the address provided and ‘Gunplast’ delivered in the most deserving cases. Only one piece of ‘Gunplast’ (6m x 6m) per applicant will be issued.
• Please note any requests sent directly to officials via Whatsapp or direct email will not be addressed.

Documentation required when applying for “gunplast”:
• ID Copies of applicants,
• Copies of minor children(s) birth certificate(s)

Enquiries:
Emergency Housing (Temporary Structures) & assistance with gunplast (micro plastic)
Harriet Meyer 044-802 2026 hemeyer@george.gov.za

AFTER HOURS
After hours telephonically report the matter to the George Joint Operations Centre (JOC) on 044 801 6316 or After Hours number 044 801 6300 or via Toll-Free Disaster Number 087 152 9999.
You will not be supplied with GUNPLAST without having completed the necessary application forms and submission through the correct channel.

Notice is hereby given that the intersection of Courtney and Church Streets will be temporarily closed on tonight, 30 April 2026, from 20:00 to 24:00, due to the ongoing upgrade and installation of a new main sewer line.

Motorists are advised that traffic will be permitted to flow in a westerly direction only. Road users travelling eastbound (towards Garden Route Mall) will be required to follow the designated detour routes, as implemented during the initial road closure.

The broader sewer infrastructure upgrade project at the intersection of Courtney and Church Streets commenced on 17 April 2026 and is expected to continue until 8 May 2026. Construction activities during this period may impact both residents and road users in the area.

George Municipality apologises for any inconvenience caused and appreciates the public’s patience and cooperation during the implementation of this essential infrastructure upgrade.

🏗️ As part of the construction activities on the N9 between Oudtshoorn and George, the contractor will be required to conduct blasting operations to remove and extract rock for construction purposes.

🗓️ Date of next blast: 5 May 2026
⛔ Nature of closure: FULL road closure
🕐 Time of closure: 14:00—17:00
🚧 Routes affected: Oudtshoorn to George / Uniondale to George

George Municipality hereby advises the public that all municipal offices will be closed on Monday, 27 April 2026 (Freedom Day) and Friday, 1 May 2026 (Workers’ Day). Offices will reopen on the next working day following each public holiday at 07:45.

 Refuse removal services will continue as per the normal schedule on both public holidays. Households and businesses are reminded to place refuse out by 07:00.

Residents are urged to take note of these arrangements and to plan accordingly. Your cooperation is appreciated.

 All emergency services will remain operational throughout the public holidays.

After-hours contact numbers:
Fire Emergency (24/7): 044 801 6311
Toll-Free Disaster Number (24/7): 087 152 9999
George Municipality After-hours Number: 044 801 6300