Notice Archive

George Municipality would like to sincerely thank residents and the broader community for their patience, understanding, and support following the recent storm surge and its impact on the town.

A special word of appreciation is extended to all residents, volunteers, community organisations, and stakeholders who came out on Saturday, 16 May, to assist with the clean-up efforts across the town. Your willingness to give your time and contribute towards restoring our community reflects a strong spirit of unity and civic responsibility, and your efforts are greatly valued and appreciated.
Municipal teams are continuing with the removal of hazardous and overhanging trees, as well as the clearing of storm-related debris across affected areas. The Municipality would like to assure the public that all areas where municipal trees have fallen will be attended to. Tree removal operations will continue according to the scheduled programme, subject to weather conditions and operational considerations.

Ongoing Clean-up Operations and Waste Disposal Appeal
The Municipality further appeals to residents to refrain from disposing of garden refuse and other waste on municipal pavements and in public spaces. Residents are encouraged to continue making use of the designated landfill facilities and to follow the established waste disposal procedures to assist in maintaining a clean and safe environment for all.
George Municipality thanks all residents for their ongoing cooperation and support as restoration efforts continue.

The table below outlines the planned programme for the removal of trees and storm-related debris across the affected areas.

Issued by George Municipality, 22 May 2026

George Municipality warns residents, account holders, and job seekers to remain vigilant against scammers impersonating municipal officials.

Residents are currently receiving fraudulent SMS messages stating that their municipal account is in arrears and that they have 14 days to make payment to avoid disconnection. These messages provide a so-called “Fake Account Number” or alternative reference number and instruct residents to make payment into private or unknown bank accounts.

George Municipality does not send SMS messages with alternative or “Fake Account Numbers” for payment, does not demand payment via SMS, WhatsApp or phone, and does not disconnect electricity meters or water supply for accounts in arrears.

Residents should also remain aware that other scam tactics continue to circulate. These fraudsters:
* Claim to be “Heads of Disconnections” or Finance officials.
* Threaten immediate electricity or water disconnections unless instant payments are made.
* Contact residents via SMS, WhatsApp or phone, instructing payments into private accounts.
* Demand money for EPWP or other job opportunities, including job interviews.

Important to note:
* The Municipality never demands instant payment via WhatsApp, SMS or phone.
* The Municipality will 𝗡𝗘𝗩𝗘𝗥 request payments via e-wallet or any informal payment method.
* The Municipality does not send SMS messages with alternative or “Fake Account Numbers” for payment.
* The Municipality does not charge money for job interviews or employment.
* Officials will not visit your property to block/unblock prepaid meters or collect payments.
* Bank account details for the Municipality are reflected on your official municipal statement. No other bank details are valid for George Municipality.
* If you receive any suspicious calls, SMS messages, or requests for payment or personal information related to municipal accounts, please report the matter immediately to the South African Police Service (SAPS) and/or via the Municipal Fraud Hotline 0860 044 044.

For Assistance, please contact:
Account access or billing (Monday to Friday, 07:45 – 16:30)
044 801 9111 or accounts@george.gov.za (please quote your municipal account number).
Human Resources: 044 801 9367 | recruitment@george.gov.za

Stay alert. Verify before you pay. Report suspicious activity immediately! George Municipality – Working together to protect our community.

Due to the current wet conditions and overcapacity at the landfill site, the facility will be temporarily closed for four hours today for safety reasons.

This temporary closure will allow the bulldozer to clear the area and create safe access for both residents and vehicles.

The site will reopen at 12:00 pm.

We kindly request that residents return after 12:00 pm to help ensure:

* Safe access to the site
* Prevention of vehicles becoming stuck in the mud
* Safe operating conditions for all users and staff

We apologise for the inconvenience and appreciate your understanding and cooperation.

George Municipality advises the public that some municipal services are still temporarily unavailable due to storm-related damage.

REOPENED TO THE PUBLIC
• Worker Collection Point – 12 Industrial Street
• BLANCO MVR – Open to the public
• Wilderness Tourism Offices
• EPWP Database Offices

INTERMITTENT TELEPHONE/ INTERNET SERVICE
The service provider is attending to all issues to ensure connectivity and telephone access to the following departments:

1. Social Development Offices – Telephone lines are active.
2. Landfill Site Transfer Station – Telephone lines are active.
3. Pacaltsdorp Library – No internet access. Telephone lines remain down.
4. George Library – No internet or telephone connectivity available.
5. Blanco Library – No internet access.
6. Touwsranten Library – Intermittent internet access.
7. Waboomskraal Library – No internet connection.
8. Haarlem – No internet connection.
9. Thembalethu Library – Internet connectivity restored; telephone lines remain down.

GENERAL CONTACT DETAILS
Switchboard: 044 801 9111 (07:45 – 16:30)
General public queries (non-emergency): gmun@george.gov.za

REPORTING MUNICIPAL ISSUES
Residents are encouraged to report non-emergency municipal-related issues via the My Smart City – George App or by emailing gmun@george.gov.za which provide a reference for your fault.

My Smart City – George App can be downloaded via the Apple App Store, Google Play Store, or via www.mysmart.city. Residents may also scan the QR code printed on their municipal statement.

George Municipality thanks residents for their patience and cooperation during this challenging period.

The Land Use Development and Regulatory Compliance Department exists to protect the public by making sure that buildings and land uses are safe and lawful in terms of national standards and code. Enforcement is not punitive but serves as a warning to owners and developers that their activities may present a risk to residents, their homes and municipal services and demands measure to safeguard against such risks. This can be achieved partly by ensuring compliance with national legislation and municipal by-laws, which apply equally to all property, whether private or public.

The process ensures that owners take measures to ensure that buildings are structurally sound and safe to occupy, that they comply with norms and standards, and that people do not damage services such as water, sewer and electricity lines. Unauthorised building can cause damage to a person’s own property, their neighbour’s property, and critical municipal infrastructure.

How enforcement works
Enforcement takes place in three main ways:
• Complaints received from members of the public
• Routine area inspections and surveys
• Monitoring compliance with approved building plans and land use approvals

When a contravention is detected, the matter is registered and assigned to a case officer for investigation which starts with a desktop investigation to confirm whether authorizations are in place and assess the potential risks based on digital data at their disposal.

If needed, an inspection is conducted. Inspections are conducted lawfully in terms of section 15(1) of the National Building Regulations and Building Standards Act, which authorises officials to enter land or buildings at reasonable times to assess compliance. It is preferred that the owners are present during the inspection to engage about possible means to rectify the issue.

What happens if there is non-compliance?
If non-compliance is identified:
• The owner is informed; and
• A formal notice is issued explaining the contravention and the steps that can be taken to rectify.

The notice usually gives the owner options, which may include:
• Submitting the required application
• Removing the unlawful structure
• Stopping the unauthorised activity

The municipality does not impose penalties immediately. Several notices (typically up to three) are issued to give property owners reasonable opportunity to respond and make use of the available options. Property owners are encouraged to contact the department for guidance and assistance in resolving the matter.
Where an owner is clearly taking steps to rectify the issue, the municipality is open to granting an extension of time to comply, provided the activity does not pose a risk to life, property or essential services.

Fines, legal action and misinformation
Legal action is considered only as a last resort, after repeated failure to cooperate and remedy non-compliance. Litigation is not preferred, as it can be costly and time-consuming for both the municipality and the property owner.

If attempts to secure voluntary compliance are unsuccessful, a section 56 notice (which would include a fine and/or a requirement to appear in court) may be issued in terms of the Criminal Procedure Act. This still provides the individual with a further opportunity to make representations to the court.

It is also important to correct misinformation. Contrary to statements circulating on social media, the municipality does not impose a blanket fine of R6 000 for structures such as tool sheds. Any fines or penalties are determined through the proper legal process and depend on the facts and circumstances of each case.

Why compliance benefits everyone
The municipality has a legal and ethical duty to ensure that development is safe, orderly and lawful, for the benefit of all residents. Unchecked and unsafe building work can overload services, damage infrastructure, increase the risk of fires or structural failure, and incur costs that must ultimately be carried by law-abiding ratepayers.

Enforcement of bylaws is therefore a key element of good governance. It protects the rights and interests of all affected parties and is applied fairly and consistently, with multiple opportunities given to property owners to comply. It is not an instrument of “oppression”, but a regulated system designed to uphold the law, protect public safety and infrastructure, and allow residents the opportunity to regularise any non-compliance.

Residents are encouraged to contact the Land Use Development and Regulatory Compliance Department directly at 044 801 9171 for assistance, clarification or support in regularising any structures or land use activities.
Report suspected activities to mhwelman@george.gov.za, smoshani@george.gov.za or use the MySmartCity app to log a complaint by downloading the app on www.mysmart.city

Please be advised that an unplanned power outage has occurred in the Hoekwil area after a resident cut down a tree which fell onto the main power line.

Technical teams are attending to the matter and work is underway to restore power as soon as possible.

Residents are kindly reminded to exercise extreme caution when cutting or trimming trees near electrical infrastructure.

SERIOUS DANGER OF CUTTING TREES NEAR POWER LINES
Cutting or trimming trees and shrubs near power lines is extremely dangerous and can lead to extended power outages for your area, fires, and serious safety risks for you and your neighbors.

Do not take any chances. Before starting any tree work or hiring a tree cutting service, always check for overhead electrical lines.

If power lines are in the vicinity of your planned work and could be affected, contact George Municipality Electrotechnical Services immediately during office hours at the numbers below.
An official will come out to inspect the area and determine if it’s safe to proceed. If the tree cutting is considered too risky, the municipality will arrange to shut down the electricity and handle the tree removal safely.

Please contact us at least 48 hours prior. Your call will be logged, and you will receive a reference number.

If you notice any trees or vegetation on municipal property that could pose a risk to electrical lines, report it right away. Provide your name, contact information, and the location of the potential hazard.

Your safety and the safety of others is our top priority. Thank you for taking this matter seriously and for your cooperation.

Contact Information:
Office hours: 044 801 9222 or 044 803 9222
After-hours emergencies: 044 801 6300

George Municipality advises the public that some municipal facilities and services are temporarily unavailable due to storm-related damage.

CLOSED FACILITIES
• Worker Collection Point – 12 Industrial Street – operating from 4th floor, Main Municipal Building.

REOPENED TO THE PUBLIC
• BLANCO MVR – Open to the public
• Wilderness Tourism Offices
• EPWP Database Offices

INTERMITTENT TELEPHONE/ INTERNET SERVICE
The service provider has resolved all known issues with regard to telephone system.
1) Landfill Site and Social Development Offices -currently no internet or telephone connectivity available.
2. Pacaltsdorp Library – No Internet Access.
3. George Library – No internet or telephone connectivity available.
4. Blanco Library – No internet
5. Touwsranten Library –Intermittent Internet Access
6. Waboomskraal Library – No internet connection.
7. Haarlem Internet – No internet connection.
8. Thembalethu Library – Internet connectivity restored. Telephone lines remain down.

GENERAL CONTACT DETAILS
Switchboard: 044 801 9111 (07:45 – 16:30)
General public queries (non-emergency): gmun@george.gov.za

REPORTING MUNICIPAL ISSUES
Residents are encouraged to report non-emergency municipal-related issues via the My Smart City – George App or by emailing gmun@george.gov.za which provide a reference for your fault.

My Smart City – George App can be downloaded via the Apple App Store, Google Play Store, or via www.mysmart.city. Residents may also scan the QR code printed on their municipal statement.

George Municipality thanks residents for their patience and cooperation during this challenging period.