George Municipality Launches Illegal Dumping Awareness Month
In the photo: The George Municipality officially launched Illegal Dumping Awareness Month in Cane Street, Rosedale
The George Municipality officially launched Illegal Dumping Awareness Month in Cane Street, Rosedale (Pacaltsdorp area) on Monday, 3 February 2025. Executive Mayor Ald Jackie von Brandis kicked off the campaign at one of the identified illegal dumping hotspots, reinforcing the Municipality’s commitment to addressing this ongoing challenge.
Throughout February, the Community Services Directorate will lead a dedicated effort to clean and rehabilitate illegal dumping sites while raising awareness of the environmental and health risks associated with illegal dumping through targeted education campaigns.
Mayor von Brandis emphasized the importance of community involvement: “We launched this campaign to drive meaningful change in our communities. To tackle this issue, we have employed Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) workers to help clean illegal dumping hotspots. However, illegal dumping drains valuable resources and funds that could have been used for community improvements. It is not a job creation opportunity—we urge residents to take ownership of their surroundings and protect these spaces, which could be transformed into parks and recreational areas for our children. Let’s all act responsibly and dispose of waste properly. I also commend the Community Services Department for leading this initiative and wish them success throughout the month.”
The Director of Community Services, Mr Dawie Adonis, announced that R16.34 million has been allocated to the campaign to ensure its sustainability. “This funding covers street cleansing, refuse removal, hiring ward-based coordinators, and running education and awareness campaigns. Our goal is to create long-term change by addressing both the behavioural and systemic factors contributing to illegal dumping.”
Welcoming attendees at the launch, MMC for Community Services, Marchell Kleynhans, stressed the importance of public involvement: “Illegal dumping is not just an environmental problem—it’s a community issue. Sustainable enforcement, coupled with community involvement, is key to the campaign’s success. We need every resident to take responsibility and work towards a cleaner George.”
The campaign will see the municipal area divided into 12 blocks, with 14 coordinators and 310 EPWP workers deployed across George communities. A comprehensive communication strategy—including news articles, radio interviews, advertisements, social media engagement, and educational material distribution—will support the initiative.
Ward 14 Councillor and MMC for Community Development, Melvin Roelse, delivered the vote of thanks, highlighting the far-reaching effects of illegal dumping:
“Illegal dumping negatively impacts public health, the environment, and the overall cleanliness of our city. We urge all residents, businesses, and community groups to join us in this crucial effort. Let’s work together to keep George clean and beautiful—say NO to illegal dumping!”
Watch Executive Mayor Jackie von Brandis during the launch: https://youtu.be/Rwx7xVh16LM
