Author: Ntobeko Mangqwengqwe

In the photo: Sandile Lingani of George Library engages with students from York High School and their teacher

The George Public Library proudly celebrated International Day of Women and Girls in Science on 11 February, reinforcing its commitment to promoting education and inclusivity in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) fields.

Library staff, led by Mr Sandile Lingane from the Reference Section, curated a series of engaging posters and displays showcasing the significant contributions of women throughout history in scientific discoveries and advancements. The interactive exhibit aimed to inspire young minds and challenge outdated perceptions about gender roles in science.

Students from York High, Curro, and Glenwood Schools visited the library and engaged with the displays, learning about pioneering women scientists and their groundbreaking work. “Recognizing the achievements of women in science is crucial in encouraging young girls to consider careers in STEM. These initiatives not only educate but also empower,” said Lingane.

The George Municipality continues to support educational initiatives that inspire and equip young people with the knowledge and confidence to pursue their aspirations. Events such as this reaffirm the library’s role as a dynamic hub of learning and community engagement.

For more information, contact George Municipality’s Library Services at 044 801 9288.Malibongwe Luyenge Senior Librarian with Glenwood pupil and teacher.

In the photo from left: Hadley Booysen (Peer Educator), Monica Mnyamana (Coordinator), Shafika Biel (EPWP – General Worker), Karin Stoffels (Project Co-Ordinator: Street Cleansing), Councillor Marchell Kleynhans (MMC for Parks, Refuse and Environmental Services), Henrico Gertze (EPWP General Worker and the Garden Route District Municipality’s mascot, Rocky, the Recycling Rooster), Alfonso Delarey (EPWP General Worker), Anelisa Yani (Environmental Health Practitioner), Louw-Anne Lourens (EPWP General Worker), Rivaldo Roelfse (Peer Educator) and Ceavan Booi (Peer Educator).

The George Municipality’s Cleaning Teams continue their dedicated efforts to maintain cleanliness across all wards by picking up litter, sweeping streets, and educating the public. February has been declared Illegal Dumping Month, with a special focus on eradicating illegal waste disposal.

Director of Community Services, Mr. Dawie Adonis, confirmed that cleaning teams have been deployed across George to clean various areas. “From 3 to 7 February 2025, our teams collected a total of 5,471 brown bags of refuse across multiple areas,” said Adonis. “Additionally, we transported and disposed of 3728 cubes of illegally dumped waste at the Gwaing Landfill Site during this period,” said Adonis.

“We covered Pacaltsdorp, Rosedale, Heatherlands, Groene Weide Park, Lawaaikamp, Borchards, Conville, Protea Park, Lavalia, Rosemoor, Kleinkrantz, Touwsranten, Wilderness, Wilderness Heights, Thembalethu, the Garden Route Mall routes, Saasveld Road, CBD, Bo-Dorp, the Garden Route Dam, and the Industrial Area,” Adonis added.

Ongoing Cleaning Operations

In addition to routine street-cleaning efforts, municipal teams have undertaken various operations to enhance public spaces and combat illegal dumping:
• Street sweeping & litter collection – Roads in the CBD were cleaned over the weekends, with continued cleansing efforts in residential areas and key public spaces.
• Dumpsite rehabilitation – Soil backfilling was carried out at identified dumping sites, along with beautification projects to discourage future dumping.
• Roadside maintenance – Entrances and exits to George were cleaned, and regular maintenance was conducted along the N2.
• Community spaces & beach cleaning – Litter was collected in parks and open spaces, public ablution blocks were cleaned, and coastal areas were maintained.

MMC for Parks, Refuse, and Environmental Services, Cllr Marcell Kleynhans, emphasized the importance of community involvement. “Illegal dumping is not just an eyesore—it poses serious health risks to our communities. While the municipality continues to clear recurring dumping sites, we also urge residents to take responsibility and help maintain a cleaner environment,” said Kleynhans.

As part of the ongoing awareness campaign on illegal dumping, the Garden Route District Municipality’s mascot, Rocky the Recycling Rooster, made special appearances at illegal dumping hotspots. His presence helped to engage residents, especially children, in conversations about responsible waste disposal and the importance of recycling.

Report Illegal Dumping

Residents can play a crucial role in combating illegal dumping by ensuring waste is disposed of correctly.
• Household waste should be properly bagged and placed out for collection on designated waste removal days.
• Builders’ rubble and bulk waste should be taken to the municipal refuse site on the R102 (airport road).
• Report illegal dumping to the Community Services Directorate at 044 802 2900 (for site clearance).
• For law enforcement assistance, call 044 801 6350 or email sprins@george.gov.za.

If you have information on illegal dumping—including names, vehicle registration details, or addresses—and are willing to make a statement, this will greatly assist enforcement efforts. A photograph is not required but will strengthen the case. Together, we can keep George clean!

Rosemoor Stadium – A community sports hub to transform it into a world-class venue

The highly anticipated Rosemoor Synthetic Athletics track, funded through the Integrated Urban Development Grant (IUDG), is nearing completion. The track itself has been successfully constructed on schedule and within the allocated budget of R40.59 million. Construction began in May 2024, with practical completion of the track achieved in January 2025. The official site handover is set for March 2025.

While the track is complete, finishing touches—including the crowd control fence, steel structure pavilions, and minor masonry work—will be finalized over the next six weeks, subject to supply chain timelines and weather conditions.

Meanwhile, the George Municipality is actively engaging stakeholders regarding the grand opening of the facility, ensuring an inclusive and celebratory launch for this historic milestone. In partnership with Athletics SWD, the Municipality will soon announce the official opening date and unveiling plans.

The multi-million-rand upgrade of the Rosemoor Stadium, a key community sports hub, will eventually transform it into a world-class venue with the completion of future phases, subject to the availability of adequate funding. The new Synthetic Track will be a Class 2 athletic facility in terms of World Athletics Criteria, ensuring athletes’ times and achievements are officially recognized. This significant investment is expected to elevate the region’s sports infrastructure, drive athletics development, and encourage greater participation in the sport.

Upon completion, the state-of-the-art Rosemoor Stadium will be fully equipped to host regional and national events —boosting the local economy and positioning George as a key player in sports tourism.

In the photo: Front row (from left) is Ald. Jackie von Brandis (Executive Mayor of George) and Godfrey Louw (Acting Municipal Manager).
Back row (from left): Chantel Edwards (Communication Manager), Nadine May (Social Media Officer), Debra Sauer (Communication Officer), and Ntobeko Mangwengqwe (Senior Communication Officer).

The George Municipality Communication Team has been recognized as the most active local municipality on social media in South Africa, receiving an award at the South African Local Government Association (SALGA) National Communicators’ Awards. The award was accepted by George Municipality’s Senior Communications Officer, Ntobeko Mangqwengqwe, at a ceremony in Jeffrey’s Bay on 10 February 2025.

This achievement highlights the municipality’s commitment to keeping the community informed and engaged through effective communication strategies. The team’s approach to digital engagement ensures timely and transparent communication on key municipal matters.

The Executive Mayor of George, Ald Jackie von Brandis, congratulated the George Municipality’s Communication Team for this achievement: “This is great servanthood from our team. Digital and social media are among the most effective communication tools today, allowing for fast message delivery and two-way engagement with communities. Excelling in this communication technique contributes greatly to the excellent service delivery that the George Municipality strives for. We are proud of our Communication Team—well done!”

Mangqwengqwe also delivered a presentation on crisis communication, sharing lessons from the municipality’s handling of major incidents, including the Victoria Street building collapse in 2024. He emphasized the importance of collaboration with the private sector, media, and key stakeholders in managing crises.

Additionally, Mangqwengqwe participated in a panel discussion on strengthening crisis communications and building resilience in disaster management. His contributions provided insights into the role of local government in ensuring clear and accurate information flow during emergencies.

George Municipality remains committed to high communication standards and will continue using digital platforms to serve residents efficiently. This award recognizes the team’s efforts in engaging the public and improving service delivery through transparent communication.

In the photo: The George Municipality officially launched Illegal Dumping Awareness Month in Cane Street, Rosedale

The George Municipality officially launched Illegal Dumping Awareness Month in Cane Street, Rosedale (Pacaltsdorp area) on Monday, 3 February 2025. Executive Mayor Ald Jackie von Brandis kicked off the campaign at one of the identified illegal dumping hotspots, reinforcing the Municipality’s commitment to addressing this ongoing challenge.

Throughout February, the Community Services Directorate will lead a dedicated effort to clean and rehabilitate illegal dumping sites while raising awareness of the environmental and health risks associated with illegal dumping through targeted education campaigns.

Mayor von Brandis emphasized the importance of community involvement: “We launched this campaign to drive meaningful change in our communities. To tackle this issue, we have employed Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) workers to help clean illegal dumping hotspots. However, illegal dumping drains valuable resources and funds that could have been used for community improvements. It is not a job creation opportunity—we urge residents to take ownership of their surroundings and protect these spaces, which could be transformed into parks and recreational areas for our children. Let’s all act responsibly and dispose of waste properly. I also commend the Community Services Department for leading this initiative and wish them success throughout the month.”

The Director of Community Services, Mr Dawie Adonis, announced that R16.34 million has been allocated to the campaign to ensure its sustainability. “This funding covers street cleansing, refuse removal, hiring ward-based coordinators, and running education and awareness campaigns. Our goal is to create long-term change by addressing both the behavioural and systemic factors contributing to illegal dumping.”

Welcoming attendees at the launch, MMC for Community Services, Marchell Kleynhans, stressed the importance of public involvement: “Illegal dumping is not just an environmental problem—it’s a community issue. Sustainable enforcement, coupled with community involvement, is key to the campaign’s success. We need every resident to take responsibility and work towards a cleaner George.”

The campaign will see the municipal area divided into 12 blocks, with 14 coordinators and 310 EPWP workers deployed across George communities. A comprehensive communication strategy—including news articles, radio interviews, advertisements, social media engagement, and educational material distribution—will support the initiative.

Ward 14 Councillor and MMC for Community Development, Melvin Roelse, delivered the vote of thanks, highlighting the far-reaching effects of illegal dumping:

“Illegal dumping negatively impacts public health, the environment, and the overall cleanliness of our city. We urge all residents, businesses, and community groups to join us in this crucial effort. Let’s work together to keep George clean and beautiful—say NO to illegal dumping!”

Watch Executive Mayor Jackie von Brandis during the launch: https://youtu.be/Rwx7xVh16LM