GEORGE COUNCIL APPROVES LEASE OF COMMONAGE LAND FOR PACALTSDORP RIDING COMMUNITY
The George Council has approved a proposal to lease a portion of commonage land, situated along Olympic Drive and behind Europe, to the Pacaltsdorp Riding Community (PRC) for a period of three years. The decision was taken at the Ordinary Council meeting held today, 27 February 2025.
The PRC is a non-governmental organisation (NGO) established on 15 October 2018 in response to the growing need for an organised horse-riding club within the Pacaltsdorp community. With an increasing number of horses owned by local residents, the PRC aims to provide a structured environment where these animals can be properly managed and cared for.
The organisation recognises the positive impact that horses have on both young and old members of the community. Pacaltsdorp residents have limited access to constructive recreational activities, leaving many youth vulnerable to social challenges such as drug abuse, gangsterism, and teenage pregnancy.
The PRC seeks to address this by offering a safe and engaging equestrian environment.
The key objectives of the PRC include managing and sheltering stray horses, organising horse-riding activities in a secure setting, providing facilities for feeding, grooming, and training horses for participation in official events sanctioned by the South African Horse Federation (SAHF), promoting participation in equestrian activities, developing and enhancing skills in equestrian sport and making such expertise accessible to members, and contributing to the overall development of equestrian sport in South Africa.
Additionally, the PRC is committed to coordinating horses and horse clubs within Pacaltsdorp and surrounding areas, addressing concerns from and within the community regarding horses, collaborating with authorities on horse-related complaints, identifying horses for impoundment when necessary, providing temporary shelter for lost horses, and educating members and the broader community on animal welfare.
The leased property has been earmarked for future housing projects, and as such, the lease period is subject to specific restrictions. During the three-year tenure, the PRC will have the opportunity to identify alternative land that may serve as a permanent home for its facilities.
The George Municipality remains committed to fostering community development initiatives that promote social upliftment and recreational opportunities for residents.
Caption BBS Bhutan (2025) Stray horses, another challenge for the farmers. BBS Bhutan. Available at: https://www.bbs.bt/117382/ (Accessed: 27 February 2025)