Notices

URGENT PUBLIC NOTICE: CYBERCRIME ALERT – Beware of WhatsApp Scams Involving Prepaid Meter Disconnections

George Municipality warns all ratepayers and municipal account holders to be vigilant of scammers impersonating municipal officials. A recent case involves an individual claiming to be “Sibusiso Khumalo from Garden Route District Municipality”, falsely stating that he is conducting electricity disconnections due to outstanding municipal accounts. (See attached screenshots.)

This follows earlier incidents involving scammers using other names, such as Rodwell Khumalo and Kenny Ngene, both of whom falsely claimed to be the “Head of Disconnections”—a title that does not exist within George Municipality or the Garden Route District Municipality.

These scammers contact residents via WhatsApp or phone, claiming a disconnection is imminent and demanding large payments into private bank accounts.

Please Note:
• George Municipality does not send officials to properties to block/unblock prepaid meters or to collect payments.
• The Municipality will never request large payments via WhatsApp or phone calls.
• Prepaid meters are only blocked after repeated SMS notifications to your registered number and only if your municipal account is in arrears.

How to Unblock a Prepaid Meter Legitimately:
1. Settle your municipal account in full
2. Make an official payment arrangement
3. Apply for an Indigent Subsidy if your household qualifies (e.g. receiving two or more SASSA grants)

For Assistance:
Contact the Credit Control section during office hours at
Tel: 044 801 9111
Email: creditcontrol@george.gov.za

Stay alert. Share this message. Don’t become a victim of cybercrime.

PLANNED POWER

Issued on behalf of The Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (the DTIC)

NOTICE TO EXPORTERS
INVITATION TO PARTICIPATE IN ANUGA 2025 – COLOGNE, GERMANY
04 – 08 OCTOBER 2025

The Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (the DTIC) invites South African exporters to apply for participation in the South African National Pavilion at the ANUGA International Food Products Exhibition, taking place from 04 – 08 October 2025 in Cologne, Germany.

ANUGA is one of the world’s leading trade fairs for food and beverages, providing an excellent platform to showcase South African products, promote innovation, and explore international trade opportunities.

Financial Assistance Offered (to qualifying firms):
• Exhibition space and booth rental
• Freight forwarding for display materials
• Air travel assistance (up to R20,000 for SMMEs and BOEs only)
• Daily subsistence allowance (R3,500/day for SMMEs and BOEs only)

Product Focus Areas Include:
Processed foods, non-alcoholic beverages, preserved foods, spices, soups, frozen products, approved meat exports, health and organic products, sweets, seafood, and gourmet food items.

Important Information:
• Deadline for application submission: 09 June 2025 at 16:00
• Submission method: E-mail only (no hand-delivered or couriered applications will be accepted)
• Required documentation: Completed EMIA application form and supporting documents, including a valid B-BBEE certificate (maximum Level 8) or sworn affidavit for entities with turnover < R10 million

Applications and enquiries should be directed to:
• Mr Mayanda Gawula (EMIA Applications)
Tel: 012 394-1616 | Email: MGawula@thedtic.gov.za
• Ms Hloniphile Nkiwane (Export Promotion)
Tel: 012 394-3496 | Email: HNkiwane@thedtic.gov.za

For more information and to download application forms, visit:
🔗 www.thedtic.gov.za
🔗 www.anuga.com
National Pavilion application forms and guidelines can be downloaded via the DTIC website: http://www.thedtic.gov.za/sectors-and-services-2/1-4-2-trade-and-export/export-marketing-and-investment-assistance-emia/group-offerings/