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Author: Nadine Payle

Sizzling Summer Events in George – Your Ultimate Festive Season Guide!

Get ready for an exciting lineup of events this December and early January:

•Fancourt 10km Run/Walk:
Join the Fancourt 10km Run/Walk for a fun and challenging experience today, 20th Dec ! 🏃🏻‍♀️

•Redberry Farm Charity Trail:
Join the 5km/9km Redberry Farm Trail Run on 21 December for stunning views of the Outeniqua Mountains and scenic fields.

•Boerevintage Gift Market: Shop for unique gifts at Redberry Farm 🛍️

•Bush Lapa Music Festival: Dance the night away with live performances in Herolds Bay from December 6th 🎶

•Fancourt Summer Music Concerts and Wine Festival:
Celebrate summer with live music and fine wine at Fancourt from December 15th 🎷🍷

•Christmas Markets at the Museums:
Find handcrafted treasures and festive treats at the museums in George, happening throughout December🎄🛍️

For more details and a full events calendar, visit https://www.visitgeorge.co.za/event.

Stay updated by following George, Wilderness and Uniondale Tourism on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.

Let’s make this festive season unforgettable! 🎉✨

Explore George’s Spectacular Beaches!

From surfing at iconic Victoria Bay to family fun at Herold’s Bay, and various tranquil escapes, George offers a beach for every preference! 🌴

🏖️ Victoria Bay:
Ideal for surfing, suntanning, and selfies. Famous for its right-hand point break and the picturesque “Moon Gate.”

🏖️ Herold’s Bay:
A family favourite with warm tidal pools, surf lessons, and local snack vendors.

🏖️ Kaaimans:
A secluded haven featuring a tidal estuary perfect for paddling and fishing(with a permit). Access requires a short hike; remember to bring all necessities.

🏖️ Leentjiesklip:
Great for sunbathing, fishing(with a permit), and whale watching. Enjoy beach braais and observe paragliders launching from Dolphin’s Point.

🏖️ Kleinkrantz:
Ideal for dog lovers and those seeking solitude. Expansive sand dunes lead to endless stretches of beach, perfect for long walks.

🏖️ Wilderness Main Beach:
A family-friendly spot with calm river mouth waters for kids, easy access near Salina’s Beach Restaurant, and a safe environment for relaxation.

🏖️ Gwaiing River Mouth:
A local gem with a serene river mouth suitable for fishing (with a permit) and family outings. Offers excellent picnic spots and scenic views.

Lifeguards:
Lifeguards are on duty at Victoria Bay, Herold’s Bay, Wilderness Main Beach, Gwaing River Mouth and Leentjiesklip from 9 am–5 pm until 13 December, with extended hours from 7 am–7 pm until 31 January.

Coastal Awards:
Wilderness Main Beach, Herold’s Bay, and Victoria Bay have full Blue Flag status. Leentjiesklip continues as a Pilot Blue Flag Beach and Gwaing has been recognized with the Green Coast Award.

💻 Learn more about the beaches in George: https://visitgeorge.co.za/the-best-beaches-around-george/

George Tourism:
044 801 9295
124 York Street www.visitgeorge.co.za

Wilderness Tourism: 044 877 0045
198 George Road www.visitgeorge.co.za

Uniondale Tourism: 044 518 0030
Virtual assistance only www.visitgeorge.co.za

Unplanned Water Outage in Groeneweide Park

We are aware of a water outage in Groeneweide Park that occurred due to a pipe burst.

Municipal teams are currently on-site working to repair the damage.

In the meantime, a water tanker has been dispatched and will be roaming throughout Groeneweide Park to provide water.
The ETR : 3 -4 hours.

We apologise for any inconvenience caused and appreciate your understanding as we work to resolve the issue.

Hello, George visitors and residents!

Discover the best of George with 60 THINGS TO DO! Whether you’re exploring scenic attractions, staying safe while you play – especially on the beaches and mountains – or connecting with local services, we’ve got you covered

☀️ 𝐄𝐱𝐩𝐥𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐓𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐢𝐬𝐦 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐄𝐯𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬: https://zurl.co/PRIm
🗺️ 𝐆𝐞𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐕𝐢𝐬𝐢𝐭𝐨𝐫 𝐆𝐮𝐢𝐝𝐞: https://zurl.co/gLqX
🌊 𝐒𝐚𝐟𝐞𝐭𝐲 𝐓𝐢𝐩𝐬 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐎𝐮𝐭𝐝𝐨𝐨𝐫 𝐅𝐮𝐧: https://zurl.co/tcCx
📲 𝐌𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐜𝐢𝐩𝐚𝐥 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐬 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐒𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐢𝐜𝐞𝐬: https://zurl.co/Yxzh
✨ Let’s make your summer experience in George unforgettable in the best way!
#CityofGeorge #GeorgeNaturally #GeorgeSouthAfrica

Unplanned Power Outage in Herold’s Bay

Please be advised that there is an unplanned power outage in Herold’s Bay. Electricians are currently on-site investigating a suspected cable fault.

The estimated time of restoration (ETR) will be provided once the fault has been identified.

We apologise for the inconvenience and appreciate your patience while the necessary repairs are made.
Thank you for your understanding.

ENFORCEMENT OF SPEEDING IN RESIDENTIAL AREAS

The George Municipality is committed to addressing concerns about speeding in residential areas and ensuring the safety of all road users. Speeding poses a significant risk to our community, particularly in neighbourhood streets where children, pedestrians, cyclists, and public transport users are most vulnerable. Residential streets in a number of areas are shared with GO GEORGE buses, adding to the complexity of implementing speed calming measures. The presence of public transport routes on these roads necessitates unobstructed traffic flow for efficient service delivery.

Therefore, speed humps or bumps cannot be installed on these routes as per the Municipality’s policy on Class 1 to 4 roads, which aligns with the National Road Traffic Act, 1996 (Act 93 of 1996) and the National Road Traffic Signs Regulations, 2000.

Speed calming requests are evaluated on a case-by-case basis in accordance with the Municipality’s speed calming warrants, considering factors such as:
• Daily traffic volumes.
• Average vehicle speeds.
• Intersection spacing.
• Road classification.
• Existing speed calming measures.

While some residents request rubber or iron bumps as seen in private developments, these are not authorized for use on public roads under national regulations.

Driver behaviour remains a significant factor in speeding concerns and while physical barriers are not always feasible, targeted interventions by Municipal Traffic officers will be implemented to address the issue. The traffic department will conduct surveys and determine whether the specific area meets the criteria as per the guidelines to conduct speed enforcement.

Residents are reminded that adherence to posted speed limits is mandatory. Violations will result in fines or penalties as per the National Road Traffic Act and persistent offenders may face additional legal consequences. The Municipality encourages residents to drive responsibly and respect speed limits, report areas of concern to the George Municipality Traffic Department for investigation and participate in educational programs to foster safer driving habits.

The George Municipality is dedicated to balancing road safety and access needs while addressing concerns about speeding, particularly in residential areas impacted by public transport routes. We thank residents for their cooperation in creating safer neighbourhoods for all. For inquiries or to report speeding concerns, please contact the George Municipality Traffic Department at 044 878 2400.

OPENBARE KENNISGEWING: WATERKWALITEIT HERINNERING – HAARLEM-GEBIED

George Munisipaliteit wil graag inwoners van die Haarlem-gemeenskap herinner dat die probleem met die bruingekleurde water steeds aangespreek word. Pogings word aangewend om die situasie so vinnig as moontlik op te los.

‘n Watertenk sal steeds deur die betrokke area beweeg om skoon water aan inwoners te voorsien.

Vir veiligheid, moet inwoners asseblief voortgaan om die water te kook voordat dit verbruik word. Water kan steeds vir alle ander nie-drinkbare doeleindes gebruik word.

Ons bedank u vir u volgehoue geduld terwyl ons werk om die waterkwaliteit te herstel.

*********
WATER QUALITY REMINDER – HAARLEM AREA

George Municipality would like to remind residents of the Haarlem area that the brown-colored water issue is still being addressed. Efforts are underway to resolve the situation as quickly as possible.

A water truck continues to circulate throughout the affected area, providing clean water for residents.

For safety, please continue to boil water before consumption. Water can still be used for all other non-consumption purposes.

We thank you for your continued patience and understanding as we work to restore water quality.

ENATIS SYSTEMS BACK ONLINE


George Municipality is pleased to inform the public that the ENatis system is now back online. As a result, the Driving Licence Centre and Motor Vehicle Registration services are fully operational and available to the public.

Thank you for your patience.

Watertoevoer vir Inwoners van Haarlem en Uniondale

Die watertenk wat tans in Haarlem gestasioneer is, is op pad na Uniondale.

Ons is bewus daarvan dat Klipstraat en De Kella Sirkel in Uniondale lae waterdruk ervaar en dat sommige areas sonder water is.
Die watertenk sal deur hierdie areas beweeg en vir beide Klipstraat en De Kella Sirkel hulp verskaf.

Ons wil alle inwoners van Haarlem verseker dat die watertoevoer herstel is.

Let asseblief daarop dat die water aanvanklik verkleur kan wees, maar die kleur sal oor tyd verbeter.

Dankie vir u geduld.

******
Water Supply Update for Haarlem and Uniondale Residents

The water truck currently stationed in Haarlem is en route to Uniondale. We are aware that Klip Street and De Kella Sirkel in Uniondale are experiencing low water pressure and some areas are without water. The water truck will roam through these areas, providing relief to both Klip Street and De Kella Sirkel.

We would like to assure all residents of Haarlem that water supply has been restored. Please note, the water may appear discolored initially, but the color will subside over time.

Thank you for your patience and understanding.

Water Quality Update- Haarlem Area

George Municipality is aware of the brown-colored water currently affecting the Haarlem area and is implementing measures to address the issue

A water truck will be circulating throughout the affected area to provide clean water.

While the situation is being addressed, we advise that water be boiled before consumption for safety.

Water can still be used for all other purposes.

Thank you for your understanding and patience as we work to resolve this matter.

📣🌞 Summer Holiday Fun with George, Wilderness & Uniondale Tourism! 🌴🏖️

Make the most of your summer with helpful info and exciting activations from our Visitor Information Centres (VICs)!

📍 Wilderness VIC
198 George Road, Wilderness
Hours:
🕒 Weekdays: 08:00 – 17:30
🕒 Saturdays: 15:00 – 17:00
🕒 Public Holidays: 09:00 – 13:00 (Closed on Christmas & New Year’s Day)

📍 George VIC
124 York Street, George
Hours:
🕒 Weekdays: 08:30 – 16:30
🕒 Closed weekends & public holidays

Tourism Activations
✨ Visit our gazebo at the Outeniqua Family Market (Saturdays, 14 Dec–11 Jan). Grab maps, scan QR codes for the latest info, and try the Win & Spin wheel for a chance to win fun prizes.

🏝️ Look out for us at Beaches & Redberry Farm!
Our team will also be hosting fun tourism info activations at top spots across the area. Don’t miss out!

📲 Get more info about local attractions, events and Christmas lunches from visitgeorge.co.za
Let’s make this summer unforgettable! 🌞✨

GO GEORGE schedules during holiday season

Workers at shopping centres who work later hours during December welcome the delayed trips at the end of their work day.

All GO GEORGE services will continue throughout the holidays, with special provision for shoppers and employees at the Garden Route Mall and Eden Meander shopping centres where extended business hours will be implemented.

Later buses to accommodate longer business hours
On weekdays, the following changes will apply from 13 to 31 Dec 2024:
Departing from the Garden Route Mall:
Route 12 to Pacaltsdorp: 19:00 trip to depart 19:20; 19:30 trip to depart 19:40
Route 16 to Parkdene: 19:08 trip to depart 19:20; 19:33 trip to depart 19:40
Route 53 via Rosemoor to CBD: 19:00 trip to depart 19:20
Route 7 to CBD: 19:10 trip to depart 19:21; 19:40 trip to depart 19:51

Departing from the CBD:
Route 2 to Blanco: 19:30 trip to depart 19:40

Public holidays
Buses will be running according to the Saturday schedule on 16 December. The Sunday schedule will be followed on Christmas Day, 25 December, 26 December and on 1 January.

Anyone needing assistance with trip planning can phone the GO GEORGE Call Centre on 0800 044 044 – the agents take calls from 05:00 until 20:00, seven days a week, throughout the holiday season as well.

**********************************************************************************

GO GEORGE-skedules gedurende vakansieseisoen
Alle GO GEORGE-dienste sal regdeur die vakansie voortgaan, met spesiale voorsiening vir kliënte en werknemers by die Garden Route Mall en Eden Meander-winkelsentrums waar verlengde besigheidsure geïmplementeer sal word.

Later busse vir langer besigheidsure
Op weeksdae, van 13 tot 31 Desember 2024, sal die volgende veranderings geld:

Vertrekpunt by Garden Route Mall:
Roete 12 na Pacaltsdorp: 19:00 rit vertrek 19:20; 19:30 rit vertrek 19:40
Roete 16 na Parkdene: 19:08 rit vertrek 19:20; 19:33 rit vertrek 19:40
Roete 53 via Rosemoor na middedorp: 19:00 rit vertrek 19:20
Roete 7 na middedorp: 19:10 rit vertrek 19:21; 19:40 rit vertrek 19:51

Vertrek uit middedorp:
Roete 2 na Blanco: 19:30 rit vertrek 19:40

Openbare vakansiedae
Busse sal op 16 Desember die Saterdagskedule volg terwyl die Sondagskedule op Kersdag, 25 Desember sal geld, asook op 26 Desember en 1 Januarie.

Enigiemand wat hulp benodig met ritbeplanning is welkom om die GO GEORGE-inbelsentrum by 0800 044 044 te skakel – die agente neem oproepe van 05:00 tot 20:00, sewe dae per week, regdeur die vakansieseisoen.

Werkers by winkelsentrums wat later ure werk gedurende Desember verwelkom die later busritte aan die einde van hul werksdag

Natis System Offline

The Natis system is currently offline in Blanco. It is a national issue affecting offices operating on the Vodacom network.

George Municipality apologises for this inconvenience.

Further updates, will be posted on our social media platforms as soon as they become available.

🌄 𝐇𝐞𝐥𝐥𝐨, 𝐆𝐞𝐨𝐫𝐠𝐞 𝐯𝐢𝐬𝐢𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬-Visitors Guide!

Discover the best of George with these helpful links!

Whether you’re exploring scenic attractions, staying safe while you play – especially on the beaches and mountains – or connecting with local services, we’ve got you covered:

🗺️ 𝐆𝐞𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐕𝐢𝐬𝐢𝐭𝐨𝐫 𝐆𝐮𝐢𝐝𝐞: https://zurl.co/gLqX

✨ Let’s make your summer experience in George unforgettable in the best way!
#CityofGeorge #GeorgeNaturally #GeorgeSouthAfrica

 

UPDATE: Emergency Phone Line Back On

We are pleased to announce that phones are now fully operational again.

Please continue to use our after-hours number on 044 801 6300.

George Municipality thanks you for your patience!

Hello George Visitors and Residents

Discover the best of George with these helpful links!

Whether you’re exploring scenic attractions, staying safe while you play – especially on the beaches and mountains – or connecting with local services, we’ve got you covered:

📲 𝐌𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐜𝐢𝐩𝐚𝐥 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐬 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐒𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐢𝐜𝐞𝐬: 👉https://zurl.co/Yxzh

✨ Let’s make your summer experience in George unforgettable in the best way!

#CityofGeorge #GeorgeNaturally #GeorgeSouthAfrica

George Fire Department Honoured at National Fire Indaba

Seen at the event are Neels Barnard, George Fire Chief; Ald Jackie von Brandis; Dawie Adonis, Community Services Director; and Santa Sternsdorff, George Station Commander. Photograph by Deidre Cloete

Neels Barnard, George Fire Chief and Disaster Manager for George Municipality, received a Certificate of Recognition on Friday, 6 December 2024, at the National Fire Indaba on behalf of the department.

The certificate was presented by the Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, Mr. Velenkosini Hlabisa, alongside Mayor Jackie von Brandis who commended the George Fire Services in her opening speech, saying: “Your dedication to safeguarding lives and property stands as a beacon of hope and strength for our community. You are the unsung heroes who step forward when others must step back, and we are deeply proud of your service.”

Santa Sternsdorff, Station Commander, presenting the George Fire Department’s rescue and recovery efforts during the Victoria Street Building Collapse.

This accolade honours the George Fire Brigade’s outstanding hands-on commitment and service in humanitarian efforts, including search, rescue, and recovery operations for the victims of the “Victoria Street Building Collapse” in George in May 2024. Several stakeholders who assisted during the building collapse event were also recognised at the ceremony, which concluded the successful two-day Indaba hosted in George.

In addition, Santa Sternsdorff, Station Commander, delivered a sterling presentation at the National Fire Indaba, detailing the department’s rescue and recovery efforts during the Victoria Street Building Collapse.

Executive Mayor Jackie von Brandis and Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, Mr. Velenkosini Hlabisa, presenting George Fire Chief Neels Barnard with a Certificate of Recognition.

Her insights highlighted the team’s technical expertise, coordination, and resilience in managing one of the most challenging disasters the municipality has faced. She received a standing ovation following her presentation on 5 December 2024.

For more on the event, visit CoGTA’s LinkedIn post: https://tinyurl.com/4jmsz8ef

N2 Garden Route open to traffic this festive season

Cape Town, 6 December 2024 – Work on several periodic maintenance and construction projects currently underway on the N2 Garden Route will cease on Friday, 13 December 2024 to ensure that roads are open and traffic free flowing during the festive season break, the South African National Roads Agency SOC Limited (SANRAL) has announced.

In Plettenberg Bay, the traffic circle at the Beacon Way Intersection on the N2 is fully open to traffic in both directions. The remaining ancillary works not impeding traffic flow, will be completed in the new year.

The work on the N2 between Kraaibosch and Touw River is well on track and traffic will be free flowing both in Kaaimans Pass and on the N2. Road users travelling from George to Victoria Bay must take note of the change in lane configuration. The posted speed between Kraaibosch and Touw River will be 60km/h.

Periodic maintenance on the N2 between Mossel Bay and Dekriet is at an advanced stage and is earmarked for completion early in 2025. No Stop/Go closures will be in place during the holidays.

Between Swellendam and Riversdale traffic will be accommodated via Stop/Go operations. Waiting time will be kept to a minimum, taking into account the increased traffic volumes.

Three Stop/Go traffic accommodation points are currently in place on the N2 between Botrivier and Caledon, where periodic maintenance is being done. These will be removed on Friday, 13 December. In Houwhoek Pass, the full road width will be open to two-way traffic during the year-end construction shutdown period. A 3km section of the R43 from the Kleinmond interchange on the N2 (Exit 90 to Kleinmond & Hermanus), will however remain closed during the festive break. Traffic will be accommodated via the Botrivier interchange on the N2 (Exit 92) which is a mere 2km away from the closure.

“Every effort will be made to ensure increased road safety as well as improved mobility during the holidays. The N2 Garden Route is a particularly busy route for holiday travellers and freight operators and SANRAL will be working with all road traffic authorities to support and assist road users on their travels this holiday. The road is a shared space, and road safety is a shared responsibility. Working together, we can make the road safer for everyone, including pedestrians,” said Randall Cable, SANRAL’s Western Region Manager.