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
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
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 TownCllr. 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.”
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.
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 gojimimi finestone | mimi@gojipr.net | +27 84 583 3144
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 NPCSA 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, GeorgeStarted 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
Vertel ons wat gebeur in jou woonbuurt!
Tell us what is happening in your area!
AfrikaansAlmal het ‘n storie om te vertel! Vertel ons wat in jou woonbuurt, jou voorstad of dorp gebeur. Al die lief en leed, geboortes, sterftes, huwelike, doop – enigiets. Dit maak nie saak wie jy is en waar jy vandaan kom nie – net jy kan JOU storie vertel.Ons as gemeenskap vertel nie meer stories aan ons kinders nie; ons laat toe dat hulle ander stories op hul selfone lees. In die proses gaan ons plaaslike stories verlore.Ons is altyd op soek na vrywillige, vryskut- en gasskrywers wat insigte, opinies en inhoud kan deel – so goed nagevors soos dit goed geskryf is (mmm… nou ja, amper – al wat ons regtig wil hê, is dat jy jou storie deel). Rapporteer oor gebeure, vertel ons wat in jou buurt gebeur.Het jy wenke, truuks en insigte wat jy met ons lesers wil deel? Vertel dit asseblief vir ons.Voltooi die vorm hieronder nadat jy die riglyne onderaan die vorm gelees het.Of stuur jou storie per e-pos aan ons by mystory@gardenroute.news.EnglishEverybody has a story to tell! Tell us what’s happening in your neighborhood, suburb, or town – the joys and sorrows, births, deaths, weddings, christenings – anything. It doesn’t matter who you are or where you’re from – only you can tell YOUR story.As a community, we don’t tell our stories to our children anymore; we let them read others’ stories on their cellphones. In the process, our local stories are being lost.We’re always on the lookout for volunteer, freelance, and guest writers who can share insights, opinions, and content – as well researched as it is well written (well, almost – all we really want is for you to tell your story). Report on events, share what’s happening in your neighborhood.Got tips, tricks, and insights you’d like to share with our readers? Please, tell us.Complete the form below after reading the guidelines listed underneath the form.Or send your story to us via email at mystory@gardenroute.news.Rules are simple:
Story must be uplifting and not divisive.
No party politics, no racism.
Tell your story of your community. Tell people of George what is happening in your neighborhood.
Verify your information.
Our editors will read it and help you to improve on your writing skills.
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The Garden Route, South Africa’s southwestern coastal jewel, is experiencing an economic climate defined by resilience, creativity, and underlying challenges. Anchored by towns such as George, Knysna, Plettenberg Bay, and Mossel Bay, the region’s economy thrives on tourism, agriculture, and a touch of industry.The Pulse of Tourism
Tourism is the economic heartbeat here. World-renowned for its natural beauty—from Knysna’s lagoon to Mossel Bay’s Cape St Blaize Lighthouse—the Garden Route draws in thousands of visitors each year. High-end restaurants, adventure experiences, and iconic events like the Knysna Oyster Festival and the recent MUT trail running competition in George keep the cash flow moving. Posts on social media even paint Knysna as a lively hub, shedding its “retirement town” image with family tourism and outdoor adventures.Mossel Bay’s Industrial Potential
Mossel Bay stands out with a more industrial flavor. Historically home to South Africa’s largest gas facility and PetroSA’s refinery, the area’s economic hopes are pinned on potential revival—though recent reports suggest the anticipated Gazprombank deal has hit delays. Agriculture continues to be a pillar of the local economy, with Mossel Bay’s farming heritage, including historical ostrich feather exports, adding to its economic mix.George and Plettenberg Bay: Gateways and Getaways
George, as the Garden Route’s logistical hub with its airport and infrastructure, connects the region to broader markets and events, including major international gatherings like May 2025’s MUT trail run. Meanwhile, Plettenberg Bay focuses on high-end coastal tourism, with luxury villas and nature reserves offering a premium visitor experience.Challenges: Power Cuts, Water Issues, and Systemic Frustrations
Despite the region’s natural appeal, challenges persist. National economic struggles—32% unemployment and sluggish growth at 0.6% in 2024—cast a shadow. Local businesses also grapple with load-shedding, water shortages, and frustrations with infrastructure and corruption. Seasonal tourism spikes mean some businesses face feast-or-famine cycles.Resilience and Optimism
Still, there’s a palpable optimism. The Garden Route’s unique combination of natural beauty, adventure opportunities, and entrepreneurial spirit positions it for potential growth. Business owners with the vision and resilience to adapt and innovate may find lucrative opportunities ahead.In short, the Garden Route’s economic climate is one of cautious hope—resilient but stretched, with a natural allure that could power future growth.
Issued by George Municipality, 26 May 2025George Municipality reminds members of the public that while it is permissible to use third-party vendors to manage and pay traffic fines, the responsibility for ensuring that the fine is fully settled lies with the offender.IMPORTANT:If you choose to use a third-party platform to pay your traffic fine, it is your responsibility to ensure that the payment has been successfully processed and received by the Municipality. Always request and retain a valid proof of payment (receipt) issued by the Municipality or its official service provider.A recent incident highlighted a case where a motorist claimed to have paid a fine through a third-party website at a reduced rate. However, the payment was not transferred to the Municipality via our official service provider or directly into our bank account. As a result, the fine remains outstanding in our system, despite the motorist having paid the vendor.This notice is intended to equip residents with the correct information and is not meant to discourage the use of reputable third-party vendors. We simply urge residents to follow up on any payment made through such platforms to confirm that the Municipality has received the funds.How and Where Can You Pay Your Traffic Fine Directly?To reduce the risk of payment issues, consider using one of the following direct methods:1. In Person:George Municipality Main Building71 York Street, DormehlsdriftTel: 044 801 9111
George Traffic Department33 Mission Street, PacaltsdorpTel: 044 878 24002. Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT):
Account Holder: George Municipality
Bank: First National Bank
Account Type: Public Sector Cheque
Account Number: 628 6962 3168
Branch Code: 210554
Reference: Your notice number (very important)
For any questions or to verify a payment, please contact the George Traffic Department or visit your nearest municipal office.Municipal Court: 044 801 9400Court Hours: 7.45 to 9am Court Administration: 9 am to 4 pm Court SittingClosed: 1 pm – 1.45 pmPublic Prosecutor Traffic Matters: mhopewell@george.gov.za Queries on fines and representations: clindt@george.gov.za – 044 878 2400George Municipality – Committed to Transparent and Accountable Service Delivery.
Issued by George Municipality, 23 May 2025George Municipality’s Executive Mayor, Alderman Jackie von Brandis, and Municipal Manager, Mr Godfrey Louw, officially welcomed Ms Louise Stevens, the newly appointed Chairperson of the George Municipal Audit Committee, during an introductory meeting held on 22 May 2025.Ms Stevens was appointed as Chairperson of the Audit Committee on 24 April 2025. The meeting provided an opportunity for the new Chairperson to engage with the Executive Mayor, the Municipal Manager, the Internal Audit team, and the directors of the municipality. The discussions focused on key challenges and opportunities facing the Municipality and explored ways in which the Audit Committee can offer strategic oversight and guidance.Ms Stevens brings over two decades of extensive internal auditing experience to the role. She is a Certified Internal Auditor (CIA), holds a Certification in Control Self-Assessment (CCSA) and is certified in Risk Management Assurance (CRMA) through the Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA). She currently also serves as Chairperson of the Audit Committee at Cape Agulhas Municipality and as a member of the Audit Committee for the Western Cape Provincial Government (Jobs Cluster).Alderman von Brandis expressed her confidence in Ms Stevens’ leadership and expertise: “We are honoured to welcome Ms Stevens to the George Municipality. Her depth of knowledge and impressive track record in governance and internal audit will add immense value to our oversight structures. We look forward to working closely with her and the committee to strengthen our accountability and service delivery,” said Ald von Brandis.Ms Stevens expressed her appreciation for the warm welcome and her commitment to contributing meaningfully to the Municipality’s governance: “It is a privilege to take up this role and engage with such a dynamic and committed leadership team. The Audit Committee plays a vital role in ensuring transparency, accountability, and the efficient use of public resources. I look forward to supporting the Municipality in achieving its strategic goals and serving the people of George with integrity,” said Ms Stevens.The George Municipal Audit Committee is an independent advisory body established in terms of Section 166(1) of the Municipal Finance Management Act (MFMA), No. 56 of 2003. The Committee performs a range of oversight responsibilities as stipulated in the MFMA, the Local Government: Municipal Systems Amendment Act (2011), the Municipal Structures Amendment Act (2021), and in accordance with its charter as approved by the Council.In addition, the Audit Committee also acts as the Municipality’s Performance Management Audit Committee in terms of Regulation 14(2) of the Local Government: Municipal Planning and Performance Management Regulations, 2001.The George Municipality Internal Audit team is celebrating International Internal Audit Awareness Month during May with a series of activities aimed at promoting the value of internal auditing and strengthening a culture of good governance. Jean-Pierre Rossouw, the George Municipality’s Chief Audit Executive, noted that the meeting with the new Audit Committee Chairperson aligns perfectly with the campaign’s objectives.“This engagement is a fitting highlight in our Internal Audit Month programme. It highlights the importance of strong partnerships and sound oversight structures in achieving transparent and accountable governance,” said Rossouw.Ms Stevens echoed these sentiments and reflected on the significance of the month: “May is a time to celebrate internal auditors around the world—They play a vital role in ensuring transparency, accountability, and effective governance within organisations. From the perspective of the Audit Committee, their contribution is especially critical. Audit Committees rely heavily on the internal audit function to identify emerging risks, provide objective insights, and support informed decision-making. Together, organisations and their Audit Committees can highlight and reinforce the value of internal audit in driving continuous improvement and strengthening organisational integrity.”
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.
Today, SA for HOPE supports:
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 
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.
Today, SA for HOPE supports:
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 
