LATEST ARTICLES

Outeniqua Skougenootskap bedank George Munisipaliteit en George Toerisme vir hul groot borgskap

Herman Pienaar
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Outeniqua Skougenootskap bedank George Munisipaliteit en George Toerisme vir hul groot borgskap
Die Outeniqua Skougenootskap wil hiermee sy opregte dank en waardering uitspreek teenoor die George Munisipaliteit en George Toerisme vir hul ruim finansiële borgskap aan die George Landbouskou 2025. Hierdie bydrae maak dit moontlik om die skoujaar se program verder uit te brei en nuwe, opwindende items by die skou te voeg. Die 2025 Landbouskou beloof om een van die mees gevarieerde en gesinsvriendelike skoue nog te wees, met iets vir elke lid van die gemeenskap. Vanjaar se hoogtepunte sluit onder meer in:
  • Erfenisplaas waar besoekers plaasdiere kan ontmoet, koeie en bokke melk, en selfs donkiekar-ritte geniet.
  • Besigheids-aflos wat plaaslike ondernemings op ’n prettige manier teen mekaar laat meeding.
  • ’n Manne-ontbyt saam met die welbekende ekonoom Dawie Roodt.
  • ’n Vroue-oggend met die gewilde koskenner Carmen Niehaus.
  • Die Boran Beestelersvereniging se indrukwekkende vertoning van beeste.
Benewens die nuwe toevoegings, keer die gewilde “ou staatmakers” ook terug:
  • Skaapkompetisies, jeugskou, pluimvee-afdeling, perde, die honde-uitstalling en -kompetisie, asook die gewilde Oval Track.
  • Verskeie stalletjies – van plaaslike produkte tot heerlike kosstalletjies – wat die ware skousfeer skep.
Sport en vermaak kry ook groot aandag met items soos:
  • Die gewilde Kragman-kompetisie
  • Toutrek
  • Skaak
  • Titan Fightnight
  • ’n Uitdagende 4×4 baan vir motor-entoesiaste.
“Ons is uiters dankbaar vir die ondersteuning van die George Munisipaliteit en George Toerisme,” sê Corné Botha, President van die Outeniqua Skougenootskap. “Hul belegging in die skou is ’n belegging in die gemeenskap van George – dit bring mense bymekaar, ondersteun landbou en toerisme, en skep ’n platform vir plaaslike talent, sport en kultuur.” Die George Landbouskou 2025 beloof ’n onvergeetlike ervaring vir oud en jonk.About George Nestled in the heart of South Africa’s Western Cape, George is the vibrant hub of the spectacular Garden Route. Stretching from Herold’s Bay to Wilderness and Uniondale, George boasts breathtaking natural beauty, from sparkling oceans and majestic mountains to lush forests and rolling farmlands. It’s a haven for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers alike. Renowned for its world-class golf courses, golden beaches, rich history, and thriving arts and culture scene, George offers unforgettable dining experiences, exhilarating trails, and adventure-filled activities. Discover all that George has to offer at visitgeorge.co.za. George, naturally.

Access Control at the Gwaing Landfill and Waste Transfer Station

Herman Pienaar
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Access Control at the Gwaing Landfill and Waste Transfer Station
Issued by George Municipality, 26 August 2025 As of 01 September 2025, all landfill site and Waste Transfer Station users will gain access via the newly installed weighbridge. The second gate will be permanently closed. Landfill site users are requested to be patient during this transition.For any enquiries, please feel free to contact Ms Nombuyiselo Majola, who is based at the Waste Transfer Station on 044 803 9287/9297 or nmajola@george.gov.za

Strongman Competition Returns to Thrill at George Agricultural Show

Herman Pienaar
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Strongman Competition Returns to Thrill at George Agricultural Show

The George Agricultural Show is set to host an exciting new highlight this year – the Development Strongman Competition – taking place on Saturday, 30 August, at 3:00 pm.

The event promises to be a crowd-puller, combining strength, determination, and plenty of fun as competitors put their muscles to the test. Both seasoned strongmen and enthusiastic novices are welcome to take part, making it an inclusive competition for anyone brave enough to step up to the challenge.

“It’s all about having fun, supporting each other, and for a few moments, temporarily defying gravity by lifting heavy things,” the organisers said with a smile.

The best part? There’s no entry fee to compete – participants simply need their valid entry ticket to the George Agricultural Show.

Adding to the prestige of the event, the competition will be overseen by main judge Shane Jensen, a respected and experienced strongman in his own right.

Spectators can expect an afternoon filled with camaraderie, entertainment, and some jaw-dropping displays of raw power. Whether you’re cheering from the stands or testing your own limits in the arena, the Strongman Competition is sure to be one of the most memorable events of this year’s show.

Don’t miss it – Saturday, 30 August, at 3pm. See you there!

Building collapse: Victims Assistance

Herman Pienaar
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Building collapse: Victims Assistance
Families of the 62 victims of the George building collapse are deeply touched by the generosity and kindness of donors who responded to Minister Dean Macpherson’s public appeal for financial support.Since the horrendous disaster of 6 May 2024, severely traumatised families are still struggling to access support from the Department of Employment & Labour and the Department of Social Development.Rotary and Love George have been assisting survivors and families who are falling through the cracks.Unlike other major disasters, the 28 survivors and families of the 34 deceased are still reeling from the shock and disbelief of the devastating collapse of the newly constructed five story apartment complex in a matter of seconds.Minister Macpherson’s release of the Council for the Built Environment report exposed a litany of poor oversight and a severe dereliction of duty.Families who were robbed of breadwinners, are now struggling to pay for rental, medical costs and living expenses.In order to survive, many dependents are looking for employment as gardeners, cleaners or drivers.  If you are able to help, please WhatsApp 082 577 2452.If you want to assist financially, please visit our payment page for details. https://lovegardenroute.org/donate/

Accountability: The Superpower That Can Change Your Life

Herman Pienaar
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Accountability: The Superpower That Can Change Your Life
In an age where finger-pointing often dominates headlines and social media feeds, it’s time to reclaim a forgotten truth: your life is your responsibility—no one else’s.Yes, life is unfair. Some people are born into privilege while others face steep uphill battles from the start. But no matter where you begin, what ultimately shapes your future isn’t your parents, your past, your race, or your luck. It’s you—your choices, your mindset, your actions.We all carry pain. We all have reasons to be bitter, to coast, to lash out, to give up. But blaming others doesn’t move you forward—it chains you to the very things you say are holding you back.Today, choose something different. Choose accountability.Call yourself out—gently, but honestly. Pick one excuse you keep using, one lie you tell yourself, one lazy habit you know is hurting your progress. Own it. Don’t explain it away. Don’t dress it up as someone else’s fault. Just look it in the eye and say, “This stops now.”It’s not about shame—it’s about power. When you take responsibility, you take control. That’s the real superpower most people never activate. Accountability doesn’t mean you won’t fail again. It means you won’t hide behind stories when you do.Change doesn’t come from complaining. It comes from confronting. From deciding. From doing.You don’t need to be perfect. You just need to be responsible—for your growth, your direction, your future.So today, ditch the blame. Choose power. Choose progress.Choose accountability.— Got a perspective to share? Email us at editor@gardenroute.news

George Municipality Hosts Engaging National Youth Day Dialogue

George Municipality Media
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George Municipality Hosts Engaging National Youth Day Dialogue
Issued by George Municipality, 17 June 2025The George Municipality successfully hosted its National Youth Day dialogue at the City Hall on Monday, June 16, 2025, bringing together young people for insightful discussions on empowerment, belonging, and future-forward initiatives.
Bridging the divide, presented by Mr Herman Pienaar, focusing on interesting ways in which culture differs/how to connect and learn from each other.
The dialogue featured a diverse range of speakers who addressed critical issues facing today’s youth:
  • Siyamthanda Johns, also representing the G20 working group for youth development, delivered an impactful address on peer empowerment, mentorship, and intergenerational wisdom. He encouraged attendees to identify meaningful connections within their lives and communities.
  • Megan Cunningham led a session on developing self-awareness, prompting participants to explore their common struggles and shared strengths.
  • Dr Zilla North presented the vital themes of resilience, belonging, and meaningful connections. Her session aimed to guide young people in discovering what would bring them the greatest sense of purpose and belonging across the entire George municipal area.
  • Herman Pienaar presented “Bridging the Divide,” an engaging discussion on cultural differences and innovative ways to foster connection and mutual learning among diverse groups.
The dialogue concluded with Jethro Grootboom, GCIS’s regional communications coordinator, unpacking South Africa’s G20 Presidency. He highlighted the theme: “Solidarity – supporting each other for the good of humanity, equality – we all are equal partners in moving South Africa, Africa and the world forward, and Sustainability – food security through household food gardens, trade skills for renewable energy investments, and waste management to move away from dumping waste.”The event underscored the George Municipality’s commitment to empowering its youth and fostering a future of collaboration and progress.#GovZAUpdates #gcis #GearUp4Greatness #YouthDay2025 #GovUpdates #16June2025 #YoungMonth2025 #YouthEmpowerment

George Municipality Officials Enhance Enforcement Powers

George Municipality Media
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George Municipality Officials Enhance Enforcement Powers
Issued by George Municipality, 17 June 2025Twenty-two (22) officials from George Municipality’s Law Enforcement and Traffic Services have completed a comprehensive Peace Officer and Traffic Warden course. The six-week training programme, presented by the City of Cape Town, concluded with a small completion parade held yesterday, June 12, at the Rosemore Community Hall, where officials were congratulated on their achievements.This vital training empowers the officials to be appointed in terms of the latest Government Gazette, granting them significant additional powers of enforcement. Of the 22 officials, four were recently appointed as traffic wardens, with the remainder coming from the Law Enforcement department. This initiative underscores George Municipality’s commitment to enhancing public safety and effective law enforcement within the community.
The trainees completed a six-week training programme, presented by the City of Cape Town
Cllr. Brendon Adams, Mayoral Committee Member (MMC) for Community Safety and Mobility, praised the officials’ commitment and the value of the training: “Congratulations to our officials who have completed this essential training. Your dedication and willingness to grow professionally are commendable. These new enforcement powers will greatly enhance our capacity to serve and protect the residents of George. I am proud of each one of you and the strides we are making to build a safer city for all.”

CANSA Relay For Life kom vir die eerste keer na Pacaltsdorp: Gemeenskap word uitgenooi om saam te staan teen kanker

Herman Pienaar
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CANSA Relay For Life kom vir die eerste keer na Pacaltsdorp: Gemeenskap word uitgenooi om saam te staan teen kanker

Die bekende CANSA Relay For Life vind vanjaar op 27 tot 28 September 2025 plaas op die Pacaltsdorp Sportgronde, van 18:00 tot 06:00 – en dit is die eerste keer dat hierdie betekenisvolle geleentheid in Pacaltsdorp aangebied word.

Die gemeenskap van George en omliggende dorpe word hartlik uitgenooi om deel te neem aan hierdie spesiale nag van hoop, herinnering en ondersteuning vir almal wat deur kanker geraak is.

Die Relay For Life is ’n jaarlikse fondsinisiatief van CANSA (Kankervereniging van Suid-Afrika) wat nie net fondse insamel nie, maar ook hoop bring aan oorlewendes, hul gesinne, en dié wat geliefdes aan kanker verloor het. Dit is ’n fees van lewe – ’n aand van solidariteit, optredes, stories, en die simboliese loop om die baan wat hoop uitstraal in die donker.

Sluit aan – as groep of individu

Besighede, kerke, skole, organisasies en individue word aangemoedig om in te skryf.

  • Groepinskrywings (10 persone): R500

  • Individuele inskrywings: R50

Kos, kuns en kultuur

Talle kos- en handwerkstalletjies sal die aand nog meer kleurvol maak. Applikasies vir stalletjies is reeds oop. Belangstellendes kan die CANSA-kantoor of die persone op die advertensie kontak vir die nodige vorms.

Kunstenaars gesoek

Die organiseerders nooi ook plaaslike kunstenaars – sangers, dansers, digters of enigiemand met ’n talent – uit om op vrywillige basis op te tree gedurende die Relay. Dit is ’n wonderlike geleentheid om die gemeenskap met jou kuns te inspireer.

Vir enige navrae, inskrywings of applikasies, kontak gerus: Soraya de Reuck – 083 617 8325
of die CANSA-kantoor in George.

Kom stap saam, vier die lewe, en wys jou ondersteuning. Laat ons saam as een gemeenskap hande vat teen kanker.

Inskrywingsvorms: CANSA RFL Survivor and Caregiver Registration TEAM Entry Form -Cansa Relay

#RelayForLifePacaltsdorp2025
#SaamTeenKanker
#CANSAGeorge

OCC-voorstaanders vereer vir hul bydrae om Chair Challenge ‘25 weer te laat rol!

George Municipality Media
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OCC-voorstaanders vereer vir hul bydrae om Chair Challenge ‘25 weer te laat rol!
George, Tuinroete (Junie 2025) – Wanneer die uitsonderlike geleentheidsorganiseerder Alewijn Dippenaar die mikrofoon opneem, weet sy gehoor hulle kan uitsien na iets besonders. Só was dit weer op Maandagoggend 2 Junie toe besighede en individue verantwoordelik  vir die vanjaar se Outeniqua Chair Challenge (OCC) by The Apprentice byeengekom het vir ’n onvergeetlike ‘Breakfast of Champions’.Onder die gaste was die meerderheid van borge wat saamgespan en bygedra het met fondse, produkte en dienste om te verseker dat OCC ‘25 op 15 Maart 2025 vir die 21ste keer kon plaasvind. Verteenwoordigers van plaaslike, streek- en provinsiale regeringsliggame wat ’n sleutelrol in die geleentheid se volgehoue sukses speel, was ook teenwoordig om stories en huldeblyke te deel.Onder die sprekers van die dag het George-raadslid Melvin Roelfse dit dalk die treffendste opgesom deur te sê dat die impak van die OCC onmoontlik in ’n paar sinne vasgevang kan word. “Die OCC vier die oorwinning oor teenspoed, en die geleentheid se impak op ons dorp, land en selfs wêreldwyd is amper onmeetbaar.“As munisipaliteit probeer ons George meer toeganklik maak vir alle inwoners – byvoorbeeld deur aanpassings by verkeersligte en biblioteke – maar niks kom naby die impak van die OCC nie. Ek bedank Alewijn en sy span vir hul ware begrip van gestremde persone se behoeftes,” het Roelfse gesê.Dippenaar het die Tuinroete-distriksmunisipaliteit, onder leiding van uitvoerende burgemeester Andrew Stroebel, bedank vir hul deurlopende ondersteuning. Ander Wes-Kaapse regeringsliggame wat betrokke was, sluit in DECAS (Departement van Kultuursake en Sport) en die Premier se Departement.Desmond Speelman, voorsitter van die Eden Sportraad, het daarop gewys dat “die geleentheid nie in isolasie plaasvind nie,” en hierdie sentiment is beaam deur Juan Neethling van DECAS, wat nog goed onthou hoe die oorlede OCC-stigter Esther Watson vir die eerste keer in 2002 die idee van ’n rolstoelresies in George kom voorstel het. “Vandag is daar 40 groot geleenthede wat ons moet oorweeg, maar die OCC is altyd eerste om befondsing te verkry,” het hy gesê.Raadslid Marais Kruger van die Tuinroete-distriksmunisipaliteit het ook herinneringe gedeel aan daardie vroeë OCC-jare, toe hy nog ’n jongeling was en sy pa by George-munisipaliteit gewerk het. “Pa het altyd verduidelik hoe belangrik vrywilligers is, en die impak wat die geleentheid op die dorp se ekonomie en toerisme het.”Verteenwoordigers van die OCC se hoofbesigheidsborge – Garden Route Mall, Master Cargo, Lancewood, Safari, Carpe Diem Skool en iX – het almal die verhoog betree om hul lojaliteit teenoor die saak te bevestig. ’n Algemene tema was die gevoel van “gemeenskap en samewerking” wat deur die geleentheid gekweek word. Buiten die hoofborge, moet genoem word dat meer as 60 ander ondernemings die OCC op verskeie maniere ondersteun.Dippenaar het hulde gebring aan hierdie besighede en onderstreep dat hulle jaarliks oorval word met versoeke vir befondsing. “Maar asseblief, hou aan om ons bo-aan julle lys te plaas! Buiten finansiële ondersteuning, is dit altyd spesiaal om spanne van groot én klein borge langs die roetes te sien staan en OCC-deelnemers aan te moedig.”Hy het onthou dat hulle ná die terugslag van die Covid-pandemie nuwe idees moes uitdink om besighede te betrek. “Ons het die Africa Skills-span onder direkteur Elsie Harmse gevra om 20 kaskarre te bou. Aanvanklik het slegs ’n paar spanne deelgeneem, maar vanjaar het 18 besighede ingeskryf en altesaam R100,000 vir die OCC ingesamel deur hul deelname.”Dippenaar het ook hulde gebring aan die mediagroepe wat die geleentheid ondersteun het, en gesê dat – anders as normaal – hulle eerder saamwerk as meeding: “Die SABC-span het gesorg dat ons nasionale uitsaaityd kry; Algoa FM het ’n wye gehoor in die Oos- en Wes-Kaap bereik, en Eden FM het ons plaaslike luisteraars ingelig.”’n Sleutelfiguur in die bewusmaking van die befondsingsnood vir OCC ’25 was Ilse Schoonraad, hoofredakteur van Group Editors-publikasies, en skrywer van die George Herald se voorbladartikel wat die geleentheid vir 2025 bevorder het. “Die OCC bring die beste in mense na vore en is ’n integrale deel van ons dorp – ons kon dit nie laat sterf nie,” het sy gesê.Schoonraad se ‘OCC SOS’-artikel is vroeg daardie Januarie-oggend raakgesien deur die span van Garden Route Mall, en hulle het onmiddellik met Dippenaar in verbinding getree om hul steun aan te bied. Op Maandag het GRM bemarkingsbestuurder, Tumi Masango, hul besluit gemotiveer: “Dit gaan nie oor die geld nie; die OCC bevorder inklusiwiteit en sal vir jare ons ondersteuning geniet,” het sy gesê.Die geleentheid het ook gedien as huldeblyk aan die afgestorwe Esther Watson, en haar man Laurence het opgemerk dat, hoewel sy liefdevol bekend was as ‘Die Generaal’ as gevolg van haar vurige kampvegterskap vir die resies, “het sy haarself altyd omring met lieflike mense wat ’n verskil maak. Wanneer ek vandag hier om my kyk, is dit steeds die geval,” het hy gesê.Deurgaans het George-inwoner Shaun Butler – voorsitter van die Disabled Road-race Foundation, ster-atleet, en een van die hoofkarakters in die boek Only Good Things: celebrating 100 feel-good SA stories of 2024 – die OCC-kampioene na die verhoog verwelkom. Die opheffende publikasie was deel van van die borge se pryspakkies.Na die oorhandiging van gedenkplakkate, boeke en geskenkpakkies, het Dippenaar die laaste woord gehad toe hy verduidelik het waarom elke gas ook ’n spekboom ontvang het. “Spekbome is bekend daarvoor dat hulle giftige stowwe uit die lug haal en dit as suiwer suurstof teruggee. Dit simboliseer wat die OCC doen vir ons nasionale en kontinentale gestremde gemeenskap.”Na die amptelike verrigtinge afgehandel is, kon gaste die luukse ‘Ontbyt van Kampioene’, voorberei deur Johannes en sy Apprentice-span, geniet – en die spesiale samekoms gebruik om herinneringe oor Outeniqua Chair Challenge ’25 op te haal en uit te sien na die grootste rolstoelresies in Afrika se blink toekoms.Press release on behalf of the Disabled Road-race Foundation: interface by goji mimi finestone |  mimi@gojipr.net  |  +27 84 583 3144
mimi finestone
+27 84 583 3144 | www.gojipr.net

“The Wind Still Blows, and So We Keep Going”

Herman Pienaar
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“The Wind Still Blows, and So We Keep Going”
By Pieter du Plessis, Founder & Director of SA for HOPE NPCEverybody has a story, they say. Well, here’s mine. It’s not always pretty, but it’s honest.I was born in Gauteng, but my roots stretch deep into the dust of Ellisras, where I spent my childhood on the family farm whenever possible. That’s where I first learned the value of hard work, the strength of community, and the quiet pride that comes from helping your neighbour without expecting anything in return.In 1996, I moved to George, and like so many others, I came looking for a new start. What I found was something more – a place that embraced me. Once the Outeniqua Mountains wrap around you, you don’t leave the same person. George becomes a part of your identity, your rhythm, your purpose. This place – its people, its nature, its hidden history – captured me completely.But life doesn’t follow a straight road.At a point in my life, I lost everything. No home. No car. No income. I was broken in every sense. It’s a frightening thing to wake up with no direction, no purpose, and no certainty of tomorrow. But in that place – rock bottom – I found two things: the unshakable love of family, and a calling. Before you can help others, you have to know how it feels to be knocked down. Only then can you reach out to someone with empathy, not charity.
Before you can help others, you have to know how it feels to be knocked down.
From that place of rebuilding, First I was involved with another organization, but then I helped co-found SA for HOPE NPC, a local George-based non-profit organisation that has been serving rural and farming communities. With two co-directors and a growing network of volunteers, our work began with drought relief, delivering water, food, and livestock feed to areas where the land had turned to dust. But we quickly saw the need was far greater.Today, SA for HOPE supports:
  • Farmers and their farm worker
  • Farm schools – supplying stationery, food, and uniforms
  • Old age homes – delivering hygiene products, adult nappies, and emotional support
  • Struggling families – with monthly food parcels and essentials
  • Emergency aid – in response to natural disasters, fires, or job losses
  • Community upliftment – where we can, how we can
We go where others often don’t – to small towns and farm towns that don’t make the news. Because that’s where some of the strongest, kindest people are quietly surviving, needing just a little help to hold on.But my commitment to George didn’t stop there.I also launched The Market @ Transnet Transport Museum in George – not just as a way to generate income and support local entrepreneurs, but to create job opportunities, upskill individuals, and build a better economy, even if it starts small. We believe every sale, every stall, and every customer makes a difference.And this market serves another mission – to showcase the Transport Museum, a place rich with both South African and local George history. Surprisingly, many locals haven’t even stepped inside. That needs to change. Because heritage matters. Preserving the stories of where we come from helps anchor us in where we’re going. If we can get more families, children, and visitors to walk through those museum doors, we’re not just running a market – we’re helping look after our heritage.Through all of this, I’ve come to believe one thing deeply: It is always better to give than to receive. When you give, you heal something inside yourself. You rise with the people you help. You become part of something bigger. So, if you’re reading this – from your home in George, or one of the farming towns we serve – remember that you have something to offer. A story. A skill. A helping hand. And if you’ve got your own story to tell, please tell it. Let your children hear it. Let your community remember it. Because our stories matter. Because where there’s hope, there’s always a way forward.________________________________________ About SA for HOPE NPC SA for HOPE NPC is a George-based humanitarian organisation co-founded by Pieter du Plessis. For over 12 years, it has focused on drought relief, community upliftment, and emergency aid in small, rural, and often forgotten communities across South Africa. Their work restores dignity, one act of kindness at a time. About The Market @ Transnet Transport Museum, George Started by Pieter du Plessis, this growing local market creates job opportunities, supports small businesses, and brings renewed attention to the historic Transport Museum – a cornerstone of George’s legacy.Hope4Sa – Facebook Group  WebsiteE-Mail: info@saforhope.co.za  Contact: +27 76 844 6435 
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