Author: Chantel Edwards

Issued by George Municipality, on behalf of the Office of the Executive Mayor, 27 February 2026

The Executive Mayor, on behalf of Council, would like to clarify the George Municipality’s position following recent misleading and inaccurate public statements and comments about the court case concerning the Municipal Manager.

For the sake of accuracy, at this stage, the Court has not made any ruling on the case or on legal costs. These matters will be decided when the case is heard on the scheduled dates. The matter is accordingly sub judice which means that because the matter is currently before the Court, the Municipality cannot comment further on the details.

Council also reminds all Councillors to follow the Code of Conduct and to communicate responsibly. We call on both Councillors and members of the public to avoid sharing incorrect or misleading information, and to allow the legal process to run its course without interference. George Municipality remains committed to the rule of law and will respect and abide by the Court’s final decision.

MEDIAVERKLARING: Uitvoerende Burgemeester Verduidelik Raad se Standpunt oor Hangende Hofverrigtinge met betrekking tot die Munisipale Bestuurder
Uitgereik deur die George Munisipaliteit, namens die Kantoor van die Uitvoerende Burgemeester, 27 Februarie 2026

Die Uitvoerende Burgemeester, namens die Raad, wil graag die George Munisipaliteit se standpunt verduidelik na aanleiding van onlangse misleidende en onakkurate openbare verklarings en kommentaar oor die hofsaak rakende die Munisipale Bestuurder.

Ter wille van akkuraatheid het die Hof op hierdie stadium geen uitspraak oor die saak of oor regskoste gelewer nie. Hierdie sake sal beslis word wanneer die hofsaak op die geskeduleerde datums aangehoor word. Die saak is gevolglik sub judice, wat beteken dat aangesien die saak tans voor die Hof dien, die Munisipaliteit nie verder kommentaar oor die besonderhede kan lewer nie.

Die Raad herinner ook alle Raadslede om die Gedragskode te volg en verantwoordelik te kommunikeer. Ons doen ’n beroep op Raadslede en lede van die publiek om te verhoed dat verkeerde of misleidende inligting gedeel word, en om die regsproses sonder inmenging te laat verloop. George Munisipaliteit bly verbind tot die oppergesag van die reg en sal die Hof se finale beslissing respekteer en nakom.

George Municipality has extended the implementation of Level 2D Water Demand Management Measures and Level 3 Emergency Water Tariffs to Uniondale and Haarlem with immediate effect from today, 9 January 2026, following critically low raw water availability in both areas as a result of ongoing below-average rainfall. The Haarlem Dam was at 30,45% on 7 January 2026. While these towns were initially excluded from earlier restriction measures, current water supply conditions now require immediate intervention to protect potable water availability and ensure continuity of essential services.

Haarlem Water Supply Situation
The Haarlem Dam, which supplies raw water to the Haarlem Water Treatment Works, has reached critically low levels. Inflows to the treatment works have dropped significantly, resulting in insufficient potable water to meet current demand. This constitutes an emergency situation requiring urgent water demand management measures.

Uniondale Water Supply Situation
Uniondale’s primary source of supply is the Kammanassie River, which is also dependent on rainfall within the same severely impacted catchment. In addition, the Haarlem–Uniondale raw water pipeline, which can normally provide backup supply to Uniondale during periods of shortage, is no longer available due to the low level of the Haarlem Dam. Uniondale is therefore equally vulnerable and subject to the same restrictions.

The implementation of these measures is undertaken in terms of the George Municipality’s Water Services By-law to Limit or Restrict the Use of Water, which allows for immediate restrictions in emergency situations where sufficient water is not available.

With immediate effect, Level 2D Water Demand Management Measures and Level 3 Emergency Water Tariffs, as currently applicable in George, now also apply to Uniondale and Haarlem, including but not limited to:

• Each household shall be limited to a maximum of 10 kL per month;
• Other users, businesses, and the entertainment industries shall reduce consumption by 25% of the average use over a similar six-month period. Failure to comply will result in a fine as published in the annual tariffs list;
• Industries shall reduce consumption by 15% of the average use over a similar six-month period. Failure to comply will result in a fine as published in the annual tariffs list;
• The irrigation or watering of sports fields with potable water is prohibited;
• The filling of any and all swimming pools with potable water is prohibited;
• The use of hoses by private individuals or car wash businesses is prohibited, and vehicles may only be washed using buckets, unless water is supplied from an alternative source other than municipal potable water. This applies to all commercial entities;
• No hosing of structures, roofs, or any other objects is permissible using municipal water;
• Flow-reducing devices shall be installed where the above limits are exceeded. Except for registered indigent households, offenders will be charged for the cost of installation;
• The Municipality will monitor consumers and identify those who do not comply with the restrictions;
• Gardens may only be watered using watering cans or buckets, at any time of day, unless own water and not municipal potable water is used;
• Any person who contravenes these restrictions is guilty of an offence and, upon conviction, is liable to a fine as published in the annual tariffs list or to imprisonment for a period of up to six months;
• Secondary offenders will be liable to an additional fine as published in the annual tariffs list;
• No municipal potable water may be used for construction purposes. Contractors may submit an application to the Directorate: Civil Engineering Services if an alternative non-municipal supply is not available;
• On properties where use is made of own water, such as from a borehole or rainwater tank, a clear notice with the words “OWN WATER” must be displayed on the property.

The Garden Route District Municipality’s Disaster Management Centre has convened a multi-stakeholder task team, including neighbouring affected towns and the Department of Local Government, to coordinate drought response measures across the region.

“These actions are necessary to stabilise water supply systems and protect communities from more severe disruptions,” said Acting Municipal Manager Bevan Ellman. “Uniondale and Haarlem are now facing the same water scarcity pressures as George, and water must be managed carefully across the entire municipal area.”

Residents and businesses in Uniondale and Haarlem are urged to comply fully with the restrictions and to use water sparingly. Further updates will be communicated should conditions change.

“Hierdie stappe is noodsaaklik om watervoorsieningstelsels te stabiliseer en gemeenskappe teen ernstiger ontwrigtings te beskerm,” het die Waarnemende Munisipale Bestuurder, Bevan Ellman, gesê. “Uniondale en Haarlem ervaar nou dieselfde waterskaarste-druk as George, en water moet versigtig oor die hele munisipale gebied bestuur word.”

Inwoners en besighede in Uniondale en Haarlem word dringend versoek om volledig aan die beperkings te voldoen en water spaarsamig te gebruik. Verdere opdaterings sal gekommunikeer word indien toestande verander.

Extensive planning, strong inter-agency cooperation and coordinated internal operations contributed to a safe and successful 2025/26 festive season in George, with municipal services responding effectively to high visitor numbers and peak holiday activity. The George Municipality once again worked closely with Provincial Traffic, NSRI, SAPS, Community Policing Forums and forensic services, while internal directorates operated in a coordinated manner throughout the festive period to ensure public safety, coastal management, traffic control and emergency response readiness.

Acting Municipal Manager, Mr Godfrey Louw, thanked all officials and partners for their dedication “The success of the festive season reflects solid planning, teamwork and the commitment shown by municipal staff and our partners under demanding conditions.”

The Executive Mayor praised the collective effort saying, “Despite exceptionally busy periods, the 2025/26 festive season was managed with minimal incidents. This is a clear reflection of effective planning, collaboration and responsible behaviour by both residents and visitors. We extend our gratitude to everyone who contributed to making this a successful festive season for George.”

Reporting period: 1 December 2025 – 5 January 2026

Beaches & Public Facilities
Blue Flag Beaches

George’s internationally recognised Blue Flag beaches, including Wilderness Beach ,Herold’s Bay Beach and Victoria Bay, Leentjiesklip Beach (pilot blue flag beach) and Gwaing River Mouth and Beach  (Green Coast), operated under heightened safety, environmental and operational standards throughout the festive period, supported by lifeguards and emergency services.

Beachgoers (including SANParks Lagoon, Wilderness Main, Leentjiesklip, Herold’s Bay, Victoria Bay, Gwaing River Mouth and Beach,  Conville Public Swimming Pool and Gwaing Day Camp Swimming Pool)  – Total Visitor Volumes
Total recorded beachgoers (13 December 2025 – 5 January 2026): ±214 407 visitors

Figures reflect monitored beaches and facilities only. Visitor numbers for early December are not included, and actual festive-period totals are therefore higher.Peak Day Comparisons

New Year’s Day peak:

• 1 January 2025: 42 578
• 1 January 2026: 29 049

NSRI Beach Activities
Beach Visitors per day                   +-720 – 800
Swimmers per day                          +_ 240 – 320
Average Preventions                      +_ 28 per day
(including rip current warnings, hazard prevention and water safety guidance)

Emergency Services
Fire, Rescue & Medical Response

Social Services
27 households assisted with hampers, blankets, mattresses and toiletries
3 Pauper Burials

Law Enforcement
Alcohol Control & Compliance

• Alcohol confiscated:
  • December 2025: 206 litres
  • January 2026 (to 5 Jan): 116 litres
• Arrests: 1

Strict enforcement of the festive-season alcohol regulations, together with the prohibition of fireworks, contributed to reduced public disturbances, injuries and fire-related incidents.

Traffic Management
Traffic operations were conducted in collaboration with Provincial Traffic and SAPS, with targeted enforcement, roadblocks and visibility in high-traffic corridors and coastal access routes.

Planning & Development
Building Control

Housing & Land Use Management

GO GEORGE Public Transport
Passenger Trips – December Comparison

 Public Enquiries

• Call Centre enquiries (5 weeks): 893
• Email enquiries: 63

On Tuesday 6 January 2026, George Fire and Disaster Services deployed our 35,000-litre water tanker and a skid unit to assist Mossel Bay Fire and Rescue with firefighting operations. The tanker provides essential water supply, while the skid unit supports suppression efforts in difficult terrain.

Officials deployed include Platoon Commander Henry Ciko and Firefighters Nico Rossouw, Joseph Fortuin and Laurent Saaiman.

George Fire and Disaster Services has withdrawn as of 7:30am but remain available for any further assistance as required.

Acting Municipal Manager Bevan Ellman thanked the fire officials for their assistance to Mossel Bay and sent a message of support to all residents of Mossel Bay affected by the devastating blaze.

As families gear up for the start of the 2026 academic year, many parents are already bracing themselves for the familiar rush of school day transport. For learners who rely on the GO GEORGE bus service, a little preparation now sets them up for a smooth return to routine. A GO GEORGE Smart Card is essential for travelling on the system. Parents are encouraged to get cards sorted early, load enough trips before school starts, and keep an eye on balances throughout the term.
The Smart Card works just like cash: if it’s lost, the trips loaded onto it cannot be refunded or transferred, so it should be handled with care.

Smart Cards are available at kiosks located at the Transport Hub in Cradock Street, Blanco Triangle, Garden Route Mall, and Nelson Mandela Boulevard in Thembalethu. Two mobile kiosks will also rotate between Protea Road in Pacaltsdorp, New Dawn Park Primary School, the Eve bus stop in Rosedale, Cheap Foods in Nelson Mandela Boulevard near Parkdene, and the Jonga circle in Thembalethu. For the exact location of a mobile kiosk at any given time, scroll down on https://www.gogeorge.org.za/fares-cards, or phone the GO GEORGE Call Centre on 0800 044 044.

School route maps and on the ground support
During the first few weeks of the term, GO GEORGE communication champions will be stationed at bus stops near high schools especially. They’ll be sharing details of school specific route maps and help learners understand the different travel options available to them.
Each school has its own customised map showing the best routes to and from school. These can also be downloaded from the GO GEORGE website at www.gogeorge.org.za/school-routes.

Digital tools to help learners plan
The GO GEORGE website offers interactive timetables and a stop explorer tool, making it easy for passengers to plan their own trips.

Passenger education on the use of the newly introduced GO GEORGE chat bot will also kick off later this month. The user-friendly GoBot offers quick answers and guidance online, in addition to the existing information resources.

Learners are encouraged to chat with the champions about the best boarding times, routes and transfer points. In many cases, there are alternative options that help avoid the busiest peak time buses.

To stay on top of urgent alerts that affect the bus service, learners and parents are invited to subscribe to the GO GEORGE WhatsApp channel.
GO GEORGE welcomes opportunities to speak directly with learners and staff. Schools can request an on site visit by calling 0800 044 044 or emailing info@gogeorge.org.za.