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Author: Nadine Payle

🌄 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.

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:
🌊 𝐒𝐚𝐟𝐞𝐭𝐲 𝐓𝐢𝐩𝐬 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐎𝐮𝐭𝐝𝐨𝐨𝐫 𝐅𝐮𝐧: https://zurl.co/tcCx

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

#CityofGeorge #GeorgeNaturally #GeorgeSouthAfrica

 

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:
☀️ 𝐄𝐱𝐩𝐥𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐓𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐢𝐬𝐦 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐄𝐯𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬: https://zurl.co/PRIm

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

#CityofGeorge #GeorgeNaturally #GeorgeSouthAfrica

Unplanned Water Outage in Rooirivier Rif

George Municipality is aware of water outages in Rooirivier Riff following a pipe burst in King George on the evening of 4 December 2024.

Municipal teams were on site this morning to restore water.

Customers who are still without water are requested to call 044 801 9296/9266 with their addresses.

George Municipality apologises for the inconvenience and thanks customers for their cooperation.

Making our beaches safer for you! Prohibited substances and conduct at Municipal Beaches

George Municipality has a NO ALCOHOL policy applicable to Beaches and other public areas, which will be strictly enforced especially during the Festive period. The George law enforcement officers will be assisted by beach monitors during the Festive season to assist with beach patrols, and the enforcement of Municipal bylaws to ensure safe beaches for everyone.

The control, searching of vehicles and bag access at municipal beaches is implemented under “The Access to Public Premises and Access of Vehicles Act (53 1985)”. Members of the Public are warned that prohibited substances, weapons, alcohol, fireworks etc. will be confiscated and that fines can be issued. All confiscated items or goods will be handed over to the South African Police Service (SAPS) for disposal.

No dogs or other animals are allowed on the beach unless there are signs, which identify any allowed times and areas.

George Municipality encourages all beachgoers to cooperate with our officials to ensure their visit to the beach is a safe and enjoyable experience. Neighbourhood Watch, Community Police Forums, George and Provincial Traffic Services, SANPARKS, National Sea Rescue Institute, Private Security Companies, the South African Police Service (SAPD) including Business Owners also assist the Municipality in ensuring a safe festival season. Previous festive seasons have been very successful due to the excellent cooperation between all role players and members of the public.

The beach areas under the control of the George Municipality include Wilderness Main Beach, Wilderness Lagoon, Wilderness Steps, Wilderness Lientjiesklip, Victoria Bay Beach, Gwaing River Mouth Beach and Day Camp and Herold’s Bay Beach and Tidal Pool.

For any further information on complaints please contact the Law Enforcement office on 044 801 6350 (07h45 – 16h30) or 044 801 6300 (A/h Assistance team only for bylaw-related offences and emergencies). The public can also send e-mails to sprins@george.gov.za with complaints of related matters. Law Enforcement Office – 25B Cathedral Street.

Unplanned Water Outage in Parkdene


George Municipality is aware of the current water outage in Parkdene.
The water supply and pressure issues in the affected Parkdene area are due to a valve failure that occurred during cross-connection work in Parkdene.

The Contractor and the Municipality are currently investigating the issue to determine the reason for the failure.
Residents should note that this could be a lengthy operation.

A water tanker will be roaming the area to supply residents with water.
An update on the estimated time of repairs will be issued as soon as more information becomes available.
George Municipality apologises for the inconvenience and thanks residents for their patience

GO GEORGE celebrates a decade of moving the community forward

Colourful posters have been put up at transfer points and kiosks all over town to remind passengers of the huge milestone: 10 years of service to the people of George!

As the sun rises on December 8, 2024, GO GEORGE marks a milestone moment – 10 years of proudly serving the people of George with safe, reliable, and affordable public transport. This decade of dedication, supported by the National Department of Transport, Western Cape Provincial Government and George Municipality, is a testament to what is possible when communities and authorities work together to improve lives.

Reflecting on the journey, it’s clear that GO GEORGE has become more than just a bus service. It has transformed into a lifeline for thousands of residents who rely on it daily to commute to work, schools, healthcare facilities, and more. From its humble beginnings, launching three routes with 12 buses in 2014, the service has expanded significantly, now transporting almost 20 000 passengers per weekday with a fleet of 133 buses, over a network of 33 routes and 465 km.

Klaas Loff (78) from Pacaltsdorp has been using the GO GEORGE service from the very beginning. He was the lucky recipient of a GO GEORGE birthday goodie bag on one the birthday buses on Monday. GO GEORGE communication champions are creating excitement on different routes every day this week.

Milestones that moved GO GEORGE forward
Over the past decade, GO GEORGE has celebrated numerous achievements, each contributing to its reputation as a model public transport system in South Africa. Key highlights include:
Passenger-centred innovations: The introduction of accessible buses and infrastructure for passengers with disabilities, continuous service enhancements based on community feedback, and user-friendly trip planning features using cutting-edge technology.

Sustainability in motion: Initiatives to minimise the environmental impact, including a modern fleet designed to reduce emissions.
Economic impact: Creation of hundreds of jobs within the system and through infrastructure upgrades, as well as indirect opportunities through improved access to education and employment.

Rising above challenges
The past decade has not been without hurdles. The early years were marked by intensive negotiations to integrate informal operators into the system, a process that required patience, collaboration, and resilience.

2017 and 2018 saw the bus service being deployed instantly to help evacuate people from threatened areas during the devastating fires in Knysna and George respectively – some of the most rewarding experiences in the existence of the GO GEORGE service with staff being on standby day and night and saying “yes, I’ll go” without thinking twice.

Tshaka Thanduxolo was one of the drivers taking the buses to the streets of George on 8 December 2014. Tshaka was awarded the title of George Link Driver of the Year on Monday, after a challenging track competition between 99 participants last week. Tshaka is one of 19 drivers who has been with the company since the beginning.

In 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic tested the system’s adaptability, prompting swift adjustments to prioritise health and safety while maintaining essential services. GO GEORGE lost several staff members to the pandemic – brave champions who will never be forgotten.

Not forgetting the shocking incidents that occurred in March 2023 when criminals hurled two petrol bombs into a GO GEORGE bus, injuring some passengers and causing severe trauma to all involved, as well as August 2015 when violent protest action saw five GO GEORGE buses set alight. Despite these challenges, GO GEORGE has emerged stronger, thanks to unwavering support from all stakeholders and the community it serves.

Looking ahead
As GO GEORGE embarks on its second decade, the vision remains clear: to continue improving mobility for all, deepening its impact on the community, and driving regional development. Plans are in place to extend routes, embrace cutting-edge technology, and further integrate green initiatives.

“We are incredibly proud to celebrate 10 years of serving this vibrant community,” says Morné Lakay, GO GEORGE Manager. “This milestone belongs to every passenger, staff member, and partner who has been part of our journey. Together, we’ve shown what a community-focused public transport system can achieve.”

Join the celebration
The anniversary festivities for the public will include lots of fun on special birthday buses during the week running up to the birthday, an outdoor radio broadcast at the Transport Hub in the CBD on Saturday, 7 December, and photo opportunities with the GO GEORGE mascots, Georgie and Smartie at the George Lights Festival later that afternoon.

A decade of progress, connection, and growth will be celebrated. With GO GEORGE, the journey never stops!

For more information, phone the GO GEORGE Call Centre on 0800 044 044, visit www.gogeorge.org.za, send an email to info@gogeorge.org.za, or follow the GO GEORGE Facebook page.

Jeanette Constance form Pacaltsdorp was on the right bus at the right moment to receive a GO GEORGE birthday goodie bag. She’s been a passenger since the roll-out of the first routes. GO GEORGE communication champions are creating excitement on different routes every day this week.

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GO GEORGE vier ‘n dekade van diens aan gemeenskap

Wanneer die son op 8 Desember 2024 opkom, breek ‘n mylpaaloomblik vir GO GEORGE aan – 10 jaar van trotse verskaffing van veilige, betroubare en bekostigbare openbare vervoer aan die inwoners van George. Hierdie dekade van toewyding, ondersteun deur die Nasionale Departement van Vervoer, Wes-Kaap Provinsiale Regering en George Munisipaliteit, is ‘n bewys van wat moontlik is wanneer gemeenskappe en owerhede saamwerk om lewens te verbeter.

Wanneer teruggedink word aan die reis tot hier, is dit duidelik dat GO GEORGE meer as net ‘n busdiens geword het. Dit het verander in ‘n reddingsboei vir duisende inwoners wat daagliks daarop staatmaak om na werk, skole, gesondheidsorgfasiliteite en ander bestemmings te pendel. Sedert sy nederige begin met die bekendstelling van drie roetes met 12 busse in 2014, het die diens aansienlik uitgebrei en vervoer nou byna 20 000 passasiers per weeksdag met ‘n vloot van 133 busse, oor ‘n netwerk van 33 roetes en 465 km.

Mylpale van vordering
Oor die afgelope dekade het GO GEORGE talle prestasies gevier wat elkeen bygedra het tot sy reputasie as ‘n model-openbarevervoerstelsel in Suid-Afrika. Belangrike hoogtepunte sluit in:
Passasiersgesentreerde innovering: Die bekendstelling van toeganklike busse en infrastruktuur vir passasiers met gestremdhede, deurlopende diensverbeterings gebaseer op gemeenskapsterugvoer, en gebruikersvriendelike ritbeplanningsfunksies met behulp van die nuutste tegnologie.

Volhoubaarheid: Inisiatiewe om die omgewingsimpak te verminder, insluitend ‘n moderne vloot wat ontwerp is om skadelike gasuitlatings te verminder.

Ekonomiese impak: Skepping van honderde werksgeleenthede binne die stelsel en deur infrastruktuuropgraderings, sowel as indirekte geleenthede deur verbeterde toegang tot onderwys en indiensneming.
Styg uit bo uitdagings.

Die afgelope dekade was nie sonder struikelblokke nie. Die vroeë jare is gekenmerk deur intensiewe onderhandelinge om informele operateurs in die stelsel te integreer, ‘n proses wat geduld, samewerking en veerkragtigheid vereis het.

In 2017 en 2018 is die busdiens onmiddellik ontplooi om mense uit bedreigde gebiede te help ontruim tydens die verwoestende brande in onderskeidelik Knysna en George – van die mees bevredigende ervarings in die bestaan van die GO GEORGE-diens met personeel wat dag en nag op bystand was en gesê het “ja, ek sal gaan” sonder om twee keer te dink.

In 2020 het die COVID-19-pandemie die stelsel se aanpasbaarheid getoets met vinnige aanpassings om gesondheid en veiligheid te prioritiseer terwyl noodsaaklike dienste steeds gehandhaaf word. GO GEORGE het verskeie personeellede aan die pandemie afgestaan – dapper kampioene wat nooit vergeet sal word nie.

Daar was ook twee skokkende voorvalle: in Maart 2023 het misdadigers twee petrolbomme in ‘n GO GEORGE-bus gegooi wat etlike passasiers beseer het en ernstige trauma vir alle betrokkenes veroorsaak het, en in Augustus 2015 is vyf GO GEORGE-busse aan die brand gesteek tydens gewelddadige protesaksie.

Ten spyte van hierdie uitdagings het GO GEORGE sterker na vore getree danksy die onwrikbare ondersteuning van alle belanghebbendes en die gemeenskap wat dit bedien.

Die pad vorentoe

Terwyl GO GEORGE sy tweede dekade aanpak, bly die visie duidelik: om voort te gaan om mobiliteit vir almal te verbeter, die impak daarvan op die gemeenskap te verdiep en streeksontwikkeling te dryf. Planne is in plek om roetes uit te brei en die nuutste tegnologie en groen inisiatiewe verder te integreer.

“Ons is ongelooflik trots om 10 jaar van diens aan hierdie lewendige gemeenskap te vier,” sê Morné Lakay, GO GEORGE-bestuurder. “Hierdie mylpaal behoort aan elke passasier, personeellid en vennoot wat deel was van ons reis. Saam het ons gewys wat ‘n gemeenskapsgerigte openbare vervoerstelsel kan bereik.”

Sluit aan by die viering
Die herdenkingsfeeste vir die publiek sal gedurende die week voor die verjaardag baie pret op spesiale verjaardagbusse insluit, ‘n buitelugradio-uitsending by die vervoerkern (Transport Hub) in die middedorp op Saterdag, 7 Desember, en fotogeleenthede saam met die GO GEORGE-gelukbringers, Georgie en Smartie by die George-liggiesfees later die middag.

‘n Dekade van vooruitgang, verbintenis en groei sal gevier word. Met GO GEORGE hou die reis nooit op nie!

Vir meer inligting, skakel die GO GEORGE-inbelsentrum by 0800 044 044, besoek www.gogeorge.org.za, stuur ‘n e-pos aan info@gogeorge.org.za, of volg die GO GEORGE Facebook-bladsy.


Klaas Loff (78) van Pacaltsdorp gebruik al van die begin af die GO GEORGE-diens. Hy was Maandag die gelukkige ontvanger van ‘n GO GEORGE-verjaardagspakkie op een van die verjaardagbusse. GO GEORGE-passasiersdiensbeamptes skep hierdie week elke dag opwinding op verskillende roetes.

Tshaka Thanduxolo was een van die bestuurders wat op 8 Desember 2014 die busse aan George se strate bekendgestel het. Tshaka is Maandag bekroon met die titel George Link Drywer van die Jaar ná ‘n uitdagende baankompetisie tussen 99 deelnemers verlede week. Tshaka is een van 19 bestuurders wat van die begin af by die maatskappy is.


Jeanette Constance van Pacaltsdorp was op die regte oomblik op die regte bus om ‘n GO GEORGE-verjaardagpakkie te ontvang. Sy is ‘n passasier sedert die bekendstelling van die eerste roetes. GO GEORGE-passasiersdiensbeamptes skep hierdie week elke dag opwinding op verskillende roetes.

Kleurvolle plakkate is by oorklimpunte en kiosks regoor die dorp opgerig om passasiers te herinner aan die groot mylpaal: 10 jaar van diens

Onbeplande Wateronderbreking in Uniondale

Daar is ‘n probleem met die Uniondale Waterbehandelingsaanleg.

Inwoners mag lae waterdruk of geen water ervaar nie, aangesien die reservoirvlakke laag is.

Ons munisipale span is ontplooi om die probleem te ondersoek.”
Inwoners word versoek om water spaarsamig te gebruik.

George Munisipaliteit bedank inwoners vir hul geduld en samewerking.

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Unplanned Water Outage in Uniondale

There is an issue with the Uniondale Water Treatment Works.

Residents may experience low water pressure or no water, as the reservoir levels are low.

Municipal teams are on-site investigating the problem.

Residents are urged to use water sparingly.

George Municipality thanks residents for their patience and cooperation

Please Report Unsafe Food Practices

If you witness any unsafe food handling or hygiene practices, please report it.

Unsafe food practices can lead to serious health risks, but with your help, we can create a safer environment for everyone.

MEDIA ADVISORY: MINISTER HLABISA TO LEAD SOUTH AFRICA’S FIRE SERVICES TRANSFORMATION INDABA IN GEORGE

To All Journalists
28 November 2024

The Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA), Mr. Velenkosini Hlabisa, will lead the Fire Services Indaba, an important event focused on repositioning fire services in South Africa. The event will take place from 5–6 December 2024 in George, Western Cape, under the theme “ Repositioning Fire Services in South Africa.”

This year’s theme emphasizes a transformative shift in fire services—moving from reactive, response-driven methods to a forward-looking, fire risk reduction approach. The Indaba will spotlight proactive and predictive mechanisms for delivering fire services more effectively.

Given that fire risk reduction is a collective responsibility across all sectors of society, the Indaba will bring together a diverse group of participants, including the Premier of the Western Cape, Deputy Ministers, MECs, Traditional Leaders, Mayors, Councillors, Businesses, Practitioners, and Civil Society Organizations.

The Fire Services Challenge in South Africa
South Africa continues to grapple with a complex set of fire hazards. These challenges are exacerbated by:
* Rapid urbanization;
* The exponential growth of informal settlements;
* Increasing wildland-urban interfaces; and
* The impact of climate change.

The Fire Services Indaba aims to build informed, alert, and self-reliant communities while fostering collaborative solutions to reduce fire risks and vulnerabilities.

Objectives of the Indaba
The annual Indaba serves as a crucial platform for stakeholders to:
* Share progress, challenges, and best practices;
* Propose actionable solutions; and
* Develop recommendations to mitigate fire risks and losses nationwide.
The discussions will reinforce the importance of integrating fire safety and prevention into national and local government strategies while leveraging partnerships across sectors.

Members of the media are invited to cover the proceedings of the Fire Services Indaba scheduled as follows:

Day 1: Practitioners Session
Date: 5 December 2024
Time: 08:30
Venue: Protea Hotel, George, Western Cape

Day 2: Ministerial Session
Date: 6 December 2024
Time : 08:30
Venue: Protea Hotel, George, Western Cape

For Media Enquiries, Contact:

Ms. Pearl Maseko-Binqose
Media Liaison Officer for the Minister of CoGTA
+27 (82) 772 1709

Mr. Legadima Leso
COGTA Head of Communications
+27 (66) 479 9904

Issued on behalf of the Ministry of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs

Rolls-Royce and Bentley crown a Best of British theme for the 2025 George Old Car Show on February 8

George, Garden Route (Nov 2024) – If ever a title of “Royalty” were to be applied to a motorcar, that sobriquet would have to rest with Rolls-Royce. Since the first model, a Silver Ghost, was produced in 1907, the magnificent British machine was proclaimed as “the best car in the world“ and by and large Rolls-Royce products over the past century could stake a legitimate claim to that title.

Pierre Malherbe’s 1936 Bentley.
At the 28th George Old Car Show on February 8, 2025, Rolls-Royce and the equally exalted upper-crust British marque, Bentley, will be show-cased as the headline act in a special commemoration for British cars. A demarcated area on Field D at the show venue will comprise the large number of treasured classic Rolls-Royce and Bentley models owned by collectors hailing from many parts of the country.

Rolls-Royce has had a presence in South Africa going way back to 1910, when the first Silver Ghost model was imported here as the official car for the Governor-General of South Africa, Lord Herbert Gladstone. Since then, many Rolls-Royces were imported privately, until after World War Two when the Grosvenor Group were appointed as official Rolls and Bentley agents for South Africa.

The ever-green Mini Cooper, parked next to an MGA.

If Rolls-Royce is considered the monarch, then Bentley can be perceived as the extended, swashbuckling, adventurous branch of “Britain’s Royal Motoring Family.” Bentley was established in 1921 and gained world-wide sporting acclaim for victories in the Le Mans 24-Hour race in 1924, 1927, 1928, 1929 and 1930. Driven largely by upper-class British playboys, the company founded by W.O Bentley was acquired in a take-over by Rolls-Royce in the 1930s, and for decades afterwards, Bentleys were seen as the sporting variants of the more staid Rolls-Royce models.

The most popular British car in the 1920s and 1930s, the Austin Seven.

“While Rolls-Royce and Bentley are jewels in the British crown, we will be celebrating all British marques in our 2025 show on February 8,” says Waldo Scribante, chairman of the organising club, the Southern Cape Old Car Club. “A large number of our members own British classics, and we felt the time was ripe to give these cars their turn under the spotlight. In addition to our members’ cars, there are strong groups of British car enthusiast all along our coast line, and these will deservedly be a huge feature of the coming year’s show.”

Recently SCOCC member Pierre Malherbe completed a 1 200 km tour in his immaculate 1936 Bentley 4¼ Litre four door saloon, with tasty Park Ward coachwork. “The car performed perfectly for the duration of the Erfenis Tour to Tulbagh and back, cruising at 80 to 90 km/h,” said Pierre. In 2024 his yellow and burgundy Bentley was one of the star attractions on the main field near the stage, and this year he is looking forward to sharing lawn-space with some of the exotic Bentleys and Rolls-Royces on the D field at the Eden Technical College grounds in George.

The librarian’s choice in the 1960s, the British Morris Traveller.

In 2025 it will be a one-day show
The other big news for the 2025 event on Saturday, February 8 is that it will be a one-day show. In previous renditions the George Old Car Show has been a two-day event, held over Saturday and Sunday, but over the years attendance on the Sunday has dwindled, in terms of both spectators and especially car exhibitors.

“The reason for the fall-off of cars on the Sunday has been that over the years many of our exhibitors have driven long distances to attend the show,” explained Scribante. “These enthusiasts more often than not had to retrieve their cars early on Sunday morning and head home for a long return journey. Consequently, on the Sunday, big gaps were left on the fields, so that by mid-day on the Sunday only a small portion of classics remained.

“More and more, we felt this was not fair for spectators who had planned to attend the show only on the Sunday, as they were effectively seeing only half a show, or less. So for 2025, with something of a heavy-heart, we are running the George Old Car Show as a one-day event. To compensate for this, we are running the Saturday show an hour longer than before. So the show times for spectators will be from 9am to 6pm.

Other British brands
Apart from the ultra-exclusive marques, British cars sold very well in South Africa, and it is recorded that Austin was registered here as a make as far back as 1912. During the 1920s the diminutive Austin 7 was a top-seller as a city car, and in the 1950s the Austin Cambridge was very popular. The advent of the Mini in 1959 saw the Austin brand gain many new followers, as early Minis were marketed either as Morris or Austin variants of the same cars, bar a few trim differences.

The Morris Minor that preceded the Mini remains a mainstay on the classic car circuit today, the most popular versions being the Minor 1000 with useable performance, excellent road holding and sturdy construction. British Fords were huge sellers in this country in the 1960s, notably the Anglia and the Cortina models, and the Cortinas was amongst the top five sellers here for its entire model duration, ranging from late 1962 to 1983.

British sports cars have long been a favourite here amongst collectors, and the most famous marque is probably the MG. The MG was produced from the 1930s to beyond 2000 in various guises. The most popular models are the early TC with wire-spoked wheels from the 1940s, the TDs with steel wheels from the 1950s and the MGA with sleeker bodywork from the late 1950s to the ‘60s. The MGB that followed the A is probably one of the most popular classics of all in South Africa, with massive club support for these very usable cars from the 1960s and ‘70s.

More up-market cars from Britain include the highly desirable Jaguar E-Types, as well as the earlier XK models. The remarkably well-priced E-Type was perhaps the most desirable car in the world when it was launched with its sexy streamlined shape in 1961, and various versions will be on show on February 8. Back in 1961, the Jaguar E-Type was rated with a top speed of 240 km/h which was astounding for its day.

Less main-stream than the Jaguar are the Aston Martin, always a very expensive up-market car, and the quirky Morgan. The Morgan was hand-built with a wooden frame for its sleek body and low production numbers saw waiting lists of up to five years for these very retro-looking classics.

Decidedly un-retro, but rather cutting-edge in style and performance, is the British Lotus sports car. Produced by F1 racing car personality Colin Chapman in England, the Lotus first appeared as a kit car, but later evolved through delightful variants such as the Elite and the Elan. Screen idol Roger Moore famously drove a submarine version of a Lotus Esprit in the 1977 James Bond film, The Spy who Loved Me.

As an interesting aside, the British Royal family did not use Rolls-Royces as their official vehicles in the early part of the 20th century, preferring Daimlers. During the Royal Tour of South Africa in 1947, a fleet of five Daimlers was used for the tour. Daimler was eventually absorbed by the Jaguar company in the 1960s. Both Rolls-Royce and Bentley are still producing cars today and both marques are on sale in South Africa. In a complicated deal in the late-1990s BMW took over the Rolls-Royce brand, while VW-Audi took ownership of the Bentley nameplate.

Classic cars from all regions will be there in abundance
It should be noted that that up to 1 000 cars are being catered for at next February’s bumper event, and, as usual, a huge variety of vintage vehicles and classics with origins from Europe, America and Japan will be on display, as well as classic and vintage motorcycles, tractors, trucks, modern supercars, and more regular modern cars.

For those out-of-town car exhibitors who might want to extend their stay in the Southern Cape region, the SCOCC is considering organising a post-show tour to explore the scenery in the Overberg Strand region, starting at the show grounds at 11am and extending over a few days. The traditional Vet Tour for Vintage motor cars and motorcycles built before 1930 will also be held in the days leading up to show arriving in George on Friday, February 7, 2025.

The motorcycle display has become more and popular each year, and this year the organisers are planning to have twice as many classic and vintage motorcycles as there were last year.

All-in-all, a wonderful 28th rendition of the George Old Car Show is being planned for early 2025. Waldo Scribante has stressed that pre-booking of tickets will once again be encouraged through iTickets, at a price of R125 for adults, R100 for pensioners, and children accompanied by adults admitted free of charge.

Parkdene and Conville Power Outage

 

 

George Municipality is aware of an unplanned power outage that occurred in the Parkdene and Conville areas due to cable damage caused by a contractor.

Our electricians are currently investigating the fault. An estimated time of restoration (ETR) will be communicated.

Sluiting van Uniondale Bestuurslisensie Toetsentrum vir 2024

Neem asseblief kennis dat die Uniondale-bestuurslisensie-toetssentrum vanaf 2 Desember 2024 vir besigheid gesluit sal wees en op 15 Januarie 2025 heropen.

Vir enige navrae, kontak asseblief die George-bestuurslisensie-toetssentrum by 044 878 2400.

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Closure of Uniondale Driving Licence Testing Centre for 2024

Please be advised that the Uniondale Driving Licence Testing Centre will be closed for business from 2 December 2024 and will reopen on 15 January 2025.

For any queries, please contact the George Driving Licence Testing Centre at 044 878 2400.

CLOSURE OF GEORGE MUNICIPALITY’S VEHICLE TESTING STATION

Please be advised that the Vehicle Testing Station of the George Municipality is currently closed until further notice due to a technical malfunction with the brake roller system.
As a result, no roadworthiness tests will be conducted at this time.

Our office remains in communication with the service provider and is optimistic for a swift resolution.
Updates regarding the progress will be communicated as soon as they are available.

We sincerely apologise for any inconvenience this may cause as we strive to enhance our service delivery.