Notices

Please be advised that the Gwaing swimming pool will be temporarily closed from today until further notice. The closure is required to carry out essential repairs and maintenance.
Anticipated re-opening date is 7 November 2025.
During this period, all pool facilities will remain inaccessible. We request your kind cooperation and apologise for any inconvenience caused as we work to restore full functionality and safety of the facility.
For enquiries, please contact the Municipality’s Sport Development office on 044 801 9488.
Your patience and understanding are greatly appreciated.

George Municipality encourages events to take place in the destination, provided they are covered under the legal framework. It is important that any events planned for the upcoming Festive Season, which runs from 1 December 2025 to 31 January 2025, that require municipal approval as per the details below, must be applied for a minimum of thirty (30) days prior to the event taking place; and the final deadline for submission of Event Applications for this season is 14 November 2026.
Click here for GM Event Application Form

POPULATION CERTIFICATE
Please note that any event with more than 200 people attending must apply for a Population Certificate, which is obtained from the Fire Department. There is a fee applicable and a number of requirements that must be attended to well in advance.

This includes but is not limited to:
• Fire Department Population Certificate application forms and proof of payment
• All Events require SAPS Risk Categorization
• 1000 people or more, Department of Health, Western Cape medical approval
• Engineering Certificates of Compliance (COCs) for relevant structures involved – for example, tents and stages
• Electrical Certificates of Compliance for any electrical boards and generators
• Public Liability Insurance
• Medical service provider’s registrations
• Security service provider’s registrations
• Appointment letter for Safety Officer
• Permission letter from property owner

Events Safety Management Plan that addresses the following:
Contact details of role-players, emergency services and authorities
• Traffic Plan
• Parking Plan
• Public address system and backup system
• Catering setup/use
• Electricity setup/certificate of compliance for any temporary DV boards
• Waste Removal Plan
• Medical Plan
• Evacuation Plan / Emergency Procedures
• Security Plan
• Site Plan/Sketch
•
Any other documentation the Fire Department deems necessary to complete the application process.
For sporting events, the federation sanction of the game may be required.

OTHER COMPLIANCES
Please note that the land use of your venue must be compliant and certain events with higher risk categorisations will require a Joint Venue Operations Command (JOC). VOC

Please complete this CHECKLIST ( https://www.george.gov.za/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/GM-Events_Land-Use-Checklist-2023.pdf )to determine if a land use application is required in terms of the Land Use Planning By-law for George Municipality (2023). If a property may as a primary right host an event, then no land use application is required (on all properties other than residential – refer to Addendum A).

Any drone used at events must also comply with the Drone Bylaw (https://www.george.gov.za/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/GM-DRAFT-New-By-law-on-Remotely-piloted-aircraft.pdf) and obtain Municipal permission.

HEALTH INSPECTIONS
Most events which have food vendors will have inspections by the Garden Route District Municipality Health Inspector.

ONLINE FILM AND EVENT PERMIT APPLICATIONS
https://westerncape.collaboratoronline.com

Please contact Santa Sternsdorf, Station Commander at George Fire Department on 044 801 6300 or ssternsdorf@george.gov.za

Please note that the Wilderness Office will be closed from this afternoon, Wednesday 22 October until 28 October 2025, due to ongoing renovations.

Normal operations will resume on Wednesday, 29 October 2025.

We apologise for any inconvenience caused and thank you for your understanding.

The George Landfill Site is temporarily closed due to a mechanical breakdown of the bulldozer. As a result, dumping operations are currently unavailable.

An update will be issued once repairs have been completed and normal operations resume.

We apologise for the inconvenience and appreciate the public’s understanding.

 Restaurants, bars, and cafés are invited to gear up for a summer of al fresco dining.  George Municipality is offering free ‘pavement permits’ to hospitality businesses, providing restaurants with additional floor space to place their tables.

Businesses can apply free of charge for a licence to seat customers outside until 16 January 2026.  The municipality aims to boost the hospitality industry by taking advantage of the warmer weather and supporting business recovery by creating a festive atmosphere in the city while offering greater patron capacities.

“We hope to see hospitality businesses take us up on this offer to create a vibrant summer atmosphere through December and January.  It’s an opportunity to develop fun, innovative outdoor spaces to maximise peak influxes,” says Mahlatse Phosa, Director of Planning and Development.

The available space on the pavement and other factors are considered when deciding applications.  Establishments must adhere to all trading and land use approvals.

For enquiries, please contact Luvo Bomvana, Manager: Economic Development via email: Lbomvana@george.gov.za

Find the application form here https://www.george.gov.za/george-document/summer-al-fresco-pavement-permit-application-form-2025/

Establishments must adhere to all trading and land use approvals. Applications will be accepted until 15 November 2025.

Percentage storage at new raised dam wall height 60,03 %
Rainfall for the previous days: 11.5 mm (Measured from 14 – 20 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.

Follow this link to read the November 2025 Edition of the George Municipal Newspaper https://www.george.gov.za/george-document/gm-newspaper-november-2025/

The George Municipality appeals to residents to refrain from the deliberate burning of waste skips across the municipal area. This practice has been observed in various neighbourhoods and poses a serious threat to public safety, the environment, and municipal infrastructure.
Burning waste is illegal and releases harmful toxins into the air, endangering the health of residents and contributing to environmental degradation. In addition, it increases the risk of uncontrolled fires that could spread to nearby properties, creating potential danger for both people and animals.

Waste skips are provided by the municipality to reduce illegal dumping and maintain the cleanliness and environmental integrity of our neighbourhoods. However, the recent burning incidents are causing significant damage to these skips, compromising their condition and limiting their lifespan.

Section 24 of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa guarantees everyone the right to live in an environment that is not harmful to their health or wellbeing and obliges us all to protect the environment for the benefit of present and future generations. Now more than ever, our collective actions play a vital role in ensuring a sustainable and healthy future for all.

Safer Waste Disposal Alternatives:
* Municipal Waste Collection: Please make use of the official George Municipality waste collection services according to your area’s schedule.
* Recycling: Participate in recycling initiatives – it’s one of the most environmentally friendly ways to manage waste.
* Composting: Compost organic materials such as kitchen scraps and garden waste. Residents can apply for a free home composting bin at 82 Meade Street or online via the George Municipality website.
* Hazardous Waste Open Days: Keep an eye on the George Municipality’s website and social media pages for announcements about hazardous waste disposal days.

For further enquiries, please contact the Environmental Services office at 044 802 2900.
For fire-related emergencies, please contact the George Municipality Fire Department at 044 801 6311.