Author: Chantel Edwards

Issued George Municipality, 8 April 2025

The George Municipality takes note of recent media reports and statements made by the Minister of Human Settlements regarding the National Home Builders Registration Council (NHBRC) investigative report into the Victoria Street building collapse on 6 May 2024. It needs to be noted that the comment by the minister refers specifically to procedures of the NHBRC. The George Municipality did not receive a copy of the report under discussion and cannot comment on the contents thereof. The investigation is in the hands of the SAPS.

George Municipality acknowledges the public interest in this matter and wishes to clarify the municipal role regarding the approval process for the development on Erf 15098 George, as well as it’s cooperation with relevant authorities during the investigation process.

As part of the 2023/24 audit, the Auditor-General of South Africa conducted a high-level review of the Municipality’s Building Control functions—specifically plan approvals, compliance inspections, and the issuing of occupation certificates. The building plans for Erf 15098 George were included in this audit. No significant findings were identified, and no corrective actions were recommended.

The initial pre-application for the rezoning of Erf 15098 was submitted on 3 September 2020 followed by a revised pre-application submission, received on 23 November 2020, proposing a five-storey block of flats with a rooftop deck.  The rezoning application was submitted on 20 April 2021 and approval was granted on 01 October 2021.  A site development plan was submitted on 21 April 2022 and approved on 25 May 2022, whereby it was confirmed that all the planning requirements applicable to the proposed development was addressed in the proposed layout. The building plan, consisting of a basement, ground floor parking, and four residential floors (a total of five storeys), was submitted on 12 July 2022 and approved on 6 July 2023 after being deferred for corrections and additional information.  This building plan corresponded with the approved site development plan.

In accordance with Section A22, the engineer informed the Municipality on 29 June 2023 that they intend to commence with construction on 3 July 2023. The Municipality advised that the plans were not yet approved.  Further enquiry was made on 6 July 2023 upon which it was confirmed that the plans were approved.  The Municipality does not have evidence alluding that the construction commenced prior to approval of the building plan. Note that the National Building Regulations does not demand of the Municipality to verify that the owner has registered their project with the NHBRC prior to commencement.  Compliance with the Housing Consumers Protection Measures Act is the responsibility of the developer and is enforced by the NHBRC.

Although the Municipality has not received the NHBRC’s full report, it has been noted in public statements that construction commenced without the required NHBRC enrolment certificate, and that the building was registered with the NHBRC as a single-storey structure. This process—registration, enrolment, and inspection—is carried out exclusively by the NHBRC in collaboration with the developer and their appointed professional team. Municipal building inspectors are not involved in this process.  The only building plan application submitted with the Municipality was for a 5-storey development.

It is important to clarify the distinction in responsibilities: municipal inspectors are responsible for compliance with National Building Regulation and local building control bylaws, zoning laws, and other municipal bylaws, while NHBRC inspectors oversee compliance with national home-building standards and enforce regulations under the Housing Consumers Protection Measures Act.

The George Municipality was approached by the Western Cape Provincial Government, SAPS and ECSA during the week of the incident and provided the required documentation on the day of their visits to our offices.  The NHBRC requested a meeting to be held on 30 July 2024, towards gathering information in support of their internal investigation and the Municipality fully cooperated by providing all requested information and support during this meeting.  The Municipality is not aware of any attempts by the NHBRC to meet or engage prior to this date and any claims suggesting a lack of cooperation are strongly refuted.

The Municipality reiterates that it is not involved in any on-site construction inspections, which are carried out by the developer’s appointed professionals, and in the case of residential developments, overseen by the NHBRC. The municipality acted in accordance with its standard protocols and the scale and massing of the building is not out of the ordinary for today’s norms and standards, where we live in an era where building of 30 storey and more are designed.  The fact remains that an engineer must design and oversee the execution of the design and the NHBRC is the oversight for the duration of the construction project.

George Municipality remains committed to transparency, accountability, and collaboration with all oversight bodies to ensure public safety and regulatory compliance.

National Treasury delegation visiting Thembalethu East Reservoir.

George Municipality has hosted several high-profile oversight visits in recent months, showcasing significant progress on its bulk water and sewer infrastructure upgrades. These visits included Western Cape Minister of Finance Deirdre Baartman in November 2024, Western Cape MEC for Infrastructure Tertius Simmers in January 2025, the Deputy Director-General (DDG) of the Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) National, the Head of DWS Western Cape, as well as representatives from DWS and municipalities in Mpumalanga in February 2025. Most recently, a delegation from National Treasury visited at the end of February 2025 for a mid-year budget and performance assessment.

From the left, Executive Mayor Jackie von Brandis, previous MMC for Civil Engineering Services and now Deputy Mayor, Browen Johnson and WC MEC for Infrastructure Tertius Simmers,  visiting the Thembalethu West Reservoir and Tower upgrade in January 2025.

The National Treasury delegation—including officials from the Presidency’s Monitoring and Evaluation Unit and the Western Cape Provincial Treasury—was welcomed by MMC for Finance, Councillor Marais Kruger, and senior municipal officials, including Acting Municipal Manager Mr. Godfrey Louw. The visit included an extensive review of municipal services, covering financials, electricity, waste management, water, and sanitation services.

The delegation conducted site visits to key infrastructure projects, including the existing 20 Ml/d Water Treatment Works in Denneoord, which has undergone significant upgrades, along with the construction of a new 20 Ml/d module, a residual handling facility, and an upgraded clear water rising main. The Thembalethu East Reservoir, Tower, and Pump Station, a crucial component in ensuring reliable water supply to the growing community and the Glenwood Power Sub-station, which is part of George’s broader energy infrastructure improvement strategy, were also visited.

Now in the third quarter of the 2024/25 financial year, the R1.115 billion Budget Facility for Infrastructure Funding (BFI) grant—along with a R300 million municipal contribution—continues to drive major upgrades to George’s bulk water and sewer systems. Secured from National Treasury in 2021/22, the project remains on track for completion by December 2025. The project consists of 12 components, many of which are being implemented in multiple phases to ensure long-term service sustainability. These upgrades will strengthen potable water security, support economic and social growth, and reduce pollution in critical water sources.

Component 1 and 2
The 20 Mℓ/day (20 million litres per day) extension to the New Water Treatment Works (New WTW) and the new WTW Residuals Treatment facility will significantly enhance the purified water treatment capacity of the Municipality to a total daily production capacity of 60 Mℓ/d.
Status: The civil engineering works contract, valued at R284 million, is scheduled for completion by May 2025. The construction and installation of the mechanical, electrical, and instrumentation (MEI) works, valued at R217 million, is 90% complete and scheduled for completion by May 2025. Pre-commissioning testing is underway through trial operational sessions to ensure purified water meets required standards before supply to residents. Full production of the 20 million litres per day of purified water is expected by mid-March 2025.

Component 3
The upgrade of three sewer pumpstations—Eden, Meul, and Schaapkop—will improve the long-term capacity and reliability of the aged pump stations.
Status: The first phase of construction has been completed at the Meul and Eden Pump Stations. The sewer pipeline construction for Phase 2 at the Meul Pumpstation has been completed. The contractor responsible for the Mechanical and Electrical works is finalizing workshop drawings and manufacturing equipment.  At the Eden Pumpstation, bulk earthworks and emergency tank concrete works are under construction, and the Mechanical and Electrical works contract has been awarded.  At the Schaapkop Pumpstation, bulk earthworks and retaining walls are progressing well, and a pipe bridge across the river is under construction.

Component 4
The upgrading of the Garden Route Dam Outlet and Supply project includes replacing the existing 600 mm diameter raw water pipeline with an 800 mm diameter stainless steel pipeline and a 900 mm diameter HDPE pipe, ensuring a higher flowrate for future raw water needs. It also includes upgrading a section of the pump pipeline to improve flow and reduce the risk of failures.
Status: The new supply pipe has been in full operation since November 2024. The estimated completion date for the entire project is May 2025.

Component 5 – COMPLETED
Two 1250 kVA generators have been installed at the Garden Route Dam raw water pumpstation.

Component 6
An additional 40 million litre (40 Mℓ) raw water storage and balancing dam is under construction, along with a 340m-long 800mm diameter raw water outlet pipeline and a 1000mm diameter raw water pump main extension.
Status: Construction began in May 2024 after all statutory approvals. Progress is currently at 55%, with final excavation, shaping, and pipe laying underway. Completion is expected by October 2025.

Component 7 – COMPLETED
The refurbishment of the Old Water Treatment Works at 9th Avenue Denneoord has been completed.

Component 8
The refurbishment of the Kaaimans River Pumpstation included installing six new robust pumps, a strainer system, and electrical control equipment.
Status: Construction is 99% complete. The pumpstation has been fully operational since September 2024, significantly enhancing raw water storage at the Garden Route Dam. The final stage involves upgrading the access road, with full completion expected by March 2025.

Component 9
The new 14.5 Mℓ Pacaltsdorp West Reservoir and Pumpstation will address emergency and balancing potable water storage needs.
Status: Construction is 50% complete, with estimated completion in November 2025.

Component 10
The new 3 Mℓ Pacaltsdorp East Reservoir, 300 kl Tower, and Pumpstation will improve potable water storage in Pacaltsdorp East.
Status: Construction is 56% complete, with an estimated completion date of July 2025.

Thembalethu West Reservoir, aerial photograph

Component 11
A new pumpstation and control valves at Thembalethu West Reservoir and Tower, along with an upgraded bulk supply pipeline, will enhance potable water security.
Status: Construction progress is at 82% and 99% for respective contracts, with full completion expected in June 2025.

Component 12
A new 8 Mℓ Thembalethu East Reservoir, 1000 kl Tower, and Pumpstation will be constructed to enhance potable water supply security.
Status: Construction is 55% complete, with an estimated completion date in September 2025.

George Municipality remains committed to sustainable infrastructure development, transparent governance, and fiscal responsibility. With over 294,942 residents from 85,931 households across 28 wards, including key coastal areas such as Kleinkrantz, Wilderness, Victoria Bay, Herold’s Bay, and Gwaing (according to STATSSA 2022 data), the municipality continues to prioritize long-term planning and investment in critical engineering resources.

George, Wilderness and Uniondale Tourism interns, Sesonasipho Bavuma (left) and Sinawo Feni (middle) along with WRRA representative, Ashley Overberg. Photo Credit: Garden Route Mall 

George, Wilderness, and Uniondale Tourism proudly partnered with the ETA Expo, held at the Garden Route Mall from 27 February to 2 March. This dynamic event provided an excellent platform for local tourism businesses to exhibit their offerings, giving visitors an immersive glimpse into the unique attractions and activities available in the region.

Among the participating exhibitors were:

• Garden Route Botanical Garden – A lush sanctuary of indigenous flora, offering forested walks, educational programs, and conservation experiences.
• Wilderness River Safaris – A tranquil boat tour showcasing the breathtaking waterways and birdlife of the Wilderness lakes system.
• Garden Route National Park (Wilderness Section) – A haven for outdoor enthusiasts, featuring hiking trails, canoeing, and rich biodiversity.
• Side Street Adventures – Offering thrilling outdoor e-bike tours, walking Wilderness village tours and other exciting adventures.
• Vibe Surf School – Teaching locals and tourists alike how to ride the waves along the pristine coastline.
• Eden Adventures – Specialising in kloofing, canoe trips, and adventure activities within the region’s stunning landscapes.
• Herold Meander – A scenic escape featuring farm stays, indigenous flowers, honeybush tea, gin and other amazing products, situated within the beauty of the Outeniqua Mountains.
• Outeniqua Nature Reserve – A paradise for hikers, offering trails that lead to spectacular mountain views and waterfalls.
• Outeniqua Powervan – A historic rail journey through the Outeniqua Mountains, offering breathtaking panoramic views.
• Garden Route Birds of Prey Rehabilitation Centre – A dedicated wildlife conservation initiative focused on the rehabilitation and education of raptors.
• Dine with a Local – A unique cultural experience that connects visitors with local hosts for authentic South African home-based dining and engagement.
• Transnet Transport Museum – Home to a fascinating collection of vintage trains, cars, and historical memorabilia, bringing transport history to life.

Other George-based experiences that participated in the overall expo included Sara Siân Art Gallery & Studio, showcasing original artwork inspired by the region; Hawthorn Boutique Hotel, offering luxury accommodations and a fine dining experience; Let’s Fly Paragliding, providing tandem flights and paragliding training with breathtaking views; Southern Cape Golf Union, promoting the growth and development of golf in the region; and Southern Cape Golf Academy, offering professional coaching and training programs for golfers of all skill levels.

Exhibitors featured captivating displays, including real-life surfboards, a five-meter canoe, e-bikes, lifelike representations of the region’s iconic species and historical train museum exhibits, making the event an interactive and visually engaging experience.  An entertainment area featured various artists and performers, such as the Rhythmical Seeds Dance School and Janine Fourie Music, as well as a large LED screen with tourism related videos.  “We are delighted to share that the expo attracted over 81,000 visitors to the mall, marking a 12% increase in foot traffic compared to 2024,” said Tumi Masango, Marketing Manager of the Garden Route Mall.

Interactive Engagements and Exciting Prizes

The George, Wilderness, and Uniondale Tourism office played a pivotal role in distributing maps, brochures, and digital tourism information to visitors, ensuring they left with valuable insights about the region. Visitors also had the chance to win incredible prizes, including free accommodation at the Ebb and Flow Rest Camp, as well as free day visitor entries including canoe hire, Outeniqua Powervan tickets and a stunning bouquet of Proteas from Herold Meander.  Additionally, the Wilderness Ratepayers Association utilised the expo to create awareness of voting in the kykNET Kwêla Dorp van die Jaar competition.

Joan Shaw, Tourism Manager of George, Wilderness, and Uniondale Tourism, highlighted the event’s importance in showcasing the region’s diverse tourism experiences to the local community. “We sincerely thank the Garden Route Mall for hosting this expo and providing a platform to support tourism in George. It was a wonderful opportunity for residents to rediscover and appreciate the incredible experiences available right on their doorstep. From adventure and nature to heritage and culture, we encourage locals to explore, engage, and support our vibrant tourism offerings. Make memories! And right now, you can show your support by voting for Wilderness in ‘Dorp van die Jaar’. Simply send ‘WILDERNESS’ via SMS to 33157 (R1.50 per SMS).”

A highlight reel from the event can be viewed here: ETA Expo Video.

The George Municipality urges all operators within the George Municipal precinct to complete their registration before the new deadline.
For detailed information on how to apply for a business licence and the specific requirements for spaza shops, please visit the following link:
👉 Licensing Information for Spaza Shops and Food Premises

MEDIA RELEASE -Issued by GCIS on behalf of the NATJOINTS, 12 February 2025

On 18 December 2024, President Cyril Ramaphosa decided to extend the registration period deadline for all Spaza Shops and other food handling outlets to 28 February 2025. In this regard and as from today, Wednesday, 12 February 2025, Spaza Shop owners and other food handling facilities are left with exactly thirteen (13) days to register their businesses.

The registration is open on business days only and excludes public holidays and weekends. Business owners who are eligible to register for this purpose are urged to visit their registration centres in their respective municipalities. The list of the registration centres and centre managers is attached as Annexure A.

The end of the registration period, on the 28 February 2025, does not in any way suggest that the foodborne illness challenges have been fully addressed as more work still needs to be done to ensure that this sector is fully regulated and that it adheres to applicable legislation and health regulations.

A lot still needs to be done in the value chain of business registration and compliance processes. This includes a sustained campaign on multi-disciplinary enforcement interventions, continued awareness campaigns, support and training for business owners, regular sustainable nationwide cleanup campaigns to deal with the challenges of waste management across the country.

THE LEGAL REQUIREMENTS AND IMPORTANCE OF REGISTRATION
It is worth mentioning once again that business owners must adhere to all the applicable legal requirements relating to the registration and ownership of a business in South Africa – compliance is not a once off matter upon registration but rather continuous throughout the life cycle of the business. In addition to the requirements prescribed in the Businesses Act 71 of 1971, and municipal by-laws related to conducting a business, business owners must comply with the requirements of the Immigration Act, 2002 (Act No. 13 of 2002) (Immigration Act) as administered by the Department of Home Affairs.

During the initial period of the registration cycle, it has come to our attention that there are concerning incidents of fronting by illegal foreign nationals and in most instances aided by local business owners, landlords and ordinary members of the public.

It must be emphasised that this practice is a punishable criminal offence in terms of section 42 of the Immigration Act. Section 42 of the Immigration Act prohibits anyone, South African or foreigners from aiding, assisting and abetting illegal foreigners in any way, including registering a business on their behalf.

Foreigners who are legally in the country either through a valid asylum, visa or permanent resident status are also obliged to abide by the terms and conditions of their status in terms of the Immigration Act.

Government will continue to monitor this phenomenon as the deadline for registration looms and anyone who is found to be in contravention of the legal requirements will be subjected to the full might of the law this may include the possibility of closure of business.

MULTI-DISCIPLINARY ENFORCEMENT INTERVENTIONS AND COMPLIANCE WITH HEALTH REGULATIONS
Eligible business owners must take note that registration alone does not mean that a business is eligible to trade. To obtain a licence or a permit to trade in food handling, business owners must also comply with all health regulations and municipal by-laws related to conducting such a business.

As mentioned previously, there will be zero tolerance for non-compliance with health, environmental and food handling regulations and other requirements, even as we allow time for others to first register their applications and secondly have their final business licenses issued.

The message is therefore clear and simple, where a business does not comply with health, environmental and food handling regulations and other requirements, they will not be allowed to trade. This will apply for both registered and non-registered businesses.

The previous period has proven that our multi-disciplinary response to the food-borne illness outbreak has helped us to curb the immediate threat and has strengthened our focus on addressing the challenges and gaps in the legal and regulatory framework environment. Fostering a whole of society approach, we can build a safer, healthier, environmentally friendlier and more equitable food ecosystem for all South Africans.

These multi-disciplinary enforcement interventions will continue to be undertaken by our Law Enforcement Agencies and Environmental Health Inspectors on both registered and unregistered establishments in terms of the existing legal and regulatory framework. These interventions help ensure that areas where such businesses are conducted are free from the use of harmful, hazardous and  dangerous pesticides including other banned chemicals.

SUSTAINABLE NATIONAL CLEANUP CAMPAIGN
As part of government’s response to curb foodborne illnesses, the President also announced a National Cleanup Campaign initiative which would ensure that waste is managed in a safe and secure manner. It has been observed that poor waste management practices create conditions for infestation of rodents, cockroaches and other illness carrying pests which necessitate the increased   use of harmful restricted or banned chemicals and pesticides.

In his statement, the President made a clarion call to all the municipalities to improve their capacity to deliver waste management services and ensure waste collection service is provided to all households.

This call extends to all South Africans to play their part in ensuring that we properly dispose of waste and foster a culture of cleanliness in our neighbourhoods.  Everyone can play their part by working together to clear litter and rubble that threatens our efforts to build a healthy South Africa.

Since this announcement, stakeholders in the waste collection business from both government and private sector have been collaborating to develop sustainable national cleanup campaigns and eco system. The program is aimed at fixing the regulatory environment in waste collection services but also to foster a culture of behavioural change in as far as environmental health and cleanliness is concerned.

Various municipalities and members of the public have since engaged in localized clean-up campaigns thus raising awareness about the challenges of illegal dumping and littering in our various communities.

In the coming weeks, the President will personally participate in a National Cleanup Campaign initiative to be announced shortly. He has made a commitment to make this a regular, consistent and sustainable national cleanup program as opposed to a once off event.

TRAINING AND SUPPORT INITIATIVES TO SMALL BUSINESS OWNERS
In the previous registration period, it has also been observed that some of the Spaza Shop owners and food handlers did not have adequate information and knowledge regarding issues of compliance with health and safety requirements for running a business.

This is also true regarding compliance with municipal by-laws and other requirements regarding the registration of their business establishments. In this regard, government has put together a training and support program to assist all eligible owners to comply with these requirements.

The Department of Small Business Development, in partnership with other government entities in the business development and support environment, have been conducting training sessions to empower   small businesses with knowledge and information required in the sector. This program will continue beyond the deadline of the 28 February 2025 to ensure that business owners comply with the legal and regulatory requirements. You can contact Sedfa at +086 010 3703 or 012 748 9600 for more details of training taking place in your area or support offered to small business.

As government continues to implement the interventions that were announced by the President, to deal with the challenges of foodborne illnesses, it is important to emphasize the food handling and safety awareness messages both in the households and at the school environment.

Harmful restricted or banned chemicals and pesticides like Terbufos and Aldicarb (Galephirimi) are strictly prohibited in the household environment.   Parents, schools and care givers must ensure that our children are kept safe and healthy from contaminated food products.

The government wishes to thank all those who have taken the time to register their businesses and urge those who are still to register to do so urgently as this is an important step in ensuring that these businesses uphold dignity, protect the human lives of the public they serve in which they derive their livelihoods from.

REGISTER YOUR BUSINESS. BE A RESPONSIBLE CITIZEN. ⁠