Media Statement: Garden Route Dam Cleanup following Filming Activities

George Municipality acknowledges community concerns regarding the Garden Route Dam following recent filming activities. We urge residents to review the detailed information below and allow the cleanup and restoration process to conclude as planned. Claims that no cleanup has taken place are incorrect. No indigenous vegetation removal has taken place, and the Municipality confirms again that existing trails were used for access (construction, operation as well as decommissioning).

The production team, led by Red Pepper Productions and its CEO Cecil Barry—a self-professed environmentalist —has undertaken this project with a strong commitment to environmental responsibility. It is important to note that heavy rains prior to filming brought flotsam, jetsam, and litter into the dam several times. The production team actively cleaned these materials throughout the preproduction, filming, and postproduction phases. Currently, local workers remain on site to assist with further cleanup efforts around the construction areas, contributing to both environmental care and local economic development.

The rafts used during filming were made with white plastic floaters. After filming ended, 13 floaters were initially reported missing following a count. In response, the production team hired a service provider who used an electric boat to thoroughly search the full dam perimeter. All 13 floaters were successfully retrieved, along with residual wood chips, logs linked to filming activities. This process also resulted in the collection and proper disposal of three black bags of litter collected which was not generated by the production crew.

In addition, a George-based small business specializing in vegetation management was engaged to address black wattle infestations around the filming site. The contractor, an expert in indigenous and non-indigenous plant species, has ensured that this work enhances the ecological balance of the area. Further wattle removal and rehabilitation, including the planting of indigenous vegetation, will be carried out in the relevant areas utilized for the production..

George Municipality and Red Pepper Productions understand the environmental significance of the Garden Route Dam as a vital community resource. Both parties remain committed to preserving and restoring this natural gem.

The municipality is, however, concerned about uninformed criticism directed at both the production company and the municipality. Filming activities, along with the ongoing cleanup efforts, demonstrate a continued commitment to meeting the strict environmental conditions outlined in the permits, which include monitoring by a professional environmental practitioner. These conditions were fully adhered to before, during, and after filming.

We respectfully request the public’s patience while the planned cleanup and restoration efforts are completed. It is worth noting that constructing the filming infrastructure took over three months, and a thorough cleanup cannot be accomplished in a single day. George Municipality will conduct a final inspection to ensure compliance with all environmental standards before declaring the project complete.

Further updates will be provided as progress continues.