Notices

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.

George Fire and Rescue Services will conduct controlled burns above Denneoord on Wednesday and Thursday this week, weather permitting.

The burns form part of the Kat River Alien Vegetation Management Project, aimed at reducing fuel loads such as dead leaves, branches, and other debris to help prevent the rapid spread of wildfires. Removing invasive alien vegetation also supports water security by improving water flow and storage in the Garden Route Dam.

Control burns are carefully scheduled based on favourable weather conditions to ensure safety and effectiveness. The Municipality thanks residents for their understanding and cooperation during this important environmental management activity.

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

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