Bitou Municipality

🏐😂 BITOU NETBALL LADIES SERVE A 10–4 HUMBLING!

The Bitou Netball Ladies showed the Plettenberg Bay Hospitality Team that hospitality is one thing, but surviving on the netball court is another! 😂🔥

With a convincing 10–4 victory, the ladies made sure their opponents received no complimentary goals — every single one had to be earned!

Under the watchful eye of coach Senior Inspector Sindi Mkitha, the Bitou ladies are sending a clear message to their Workers Netball League rivals: we are not here to serve refreshments; we are here to serve defeat! 😂🏐

The title race is heating up, and Bitou is bringing the fire!

Bitou Municipality — To be the best together! 💪🏐

GRADUATION | Bitou Municipality is proud to celebrate the achievements of 27 graduates from Bitou who today received their qualifications at the Garden Route District Municipality graduation ceremony held in George.

Of the 27 graduates, 22 are employed officials from various departments within Bitou Municipality and 5 are unemployed youth from Bitou communities who were selected through the municipal youth development programme.

The graduates completed qualifications in various fields including Municipal Governance, Local Government Administration, Water and Wastewater Treatment, Electrical Infrastructure, and Occupational Certificates.

These programmes are accredited and implemented in partnership with the Garden Route District Municipality, LGSETA and other relevant SETAs.

The graduation forms part of the municipality's Skills Development Strategy, which is commendable in that it aims to promote lifelong learning within Bitou communities.

BITOU MUNICIPALITY HOSTS PROVINCIAL PUBLIC PARTICIPATION FORUM

Bitou Municipality is currently hosting the 2 days Western Cape Provincial Public Participation Forum Meeting at Piesang Valley Community Hall, bringing together representatives from municipalities and stakeholders across the province for two days of engagement aimed at strengthening public participation and community involvement in local government.

Welcoming delegates on behalf of Bitou Municipal Council and the residents of Bitou, Council Speaker, Councillor Mavis Busakwe highlighted the importance of meaningful public participation in strengthening local democracy.
She emphasised that communities must not only be heard but must also have a meaningful influence on government decision-making. The Speaker further noted that the forum provides an opportunity for municipalities to share experiences, exchange best practices and strengthen the mechanisms through which residents engage with government.

The programme includes an opening address by Ms J. Stephens, Chairperson of the Western Cape Provincial Public Participation Forum, followed by the Speaker’s welcoming remarks.
Delegates are also engaging with presentations on the Western Cape Rural Development Strategic Framework, as well as an update on the new Community Work Programme (CWP) policy.

The two-day forum, taking place from 14 to 15 October 2026, provides a platform for stakeholders to discuss public participation practices, share experiences and explore ways to improve community engagement.

Through engagements of this nature, municipalities and provincial stakeholders can strengthen collaboration and promote more responsive, transparent and people-centred local government, ensuring that residents have meaningful opportunities to participate in decisions that affect their communities.

BITOU MUNICIPALITY HANDS OVER 19 TITLE DEEDS TO KURLAND BENEFICIARIES

Bitou Municipality Executive Mayor and Ward 1 Councillor, Cllr Jessica Kamkam, accompanied by Deputy Executive Mayor, Cllr Nokuzola Kolwapi, officially handed over 19 title deeds to homeowners in Kurland earlier today at Kurland Community Hall.

The handover ceremony was attended by beneficiaries and municipal representatives. The programme was opened by Mr Anthony Fourie, a Housing Officer in the Integrated Human Settlements Division, who welcomed residents and thanked them for attending before inviting the Executive Mayor to address the gathering.

In her address, Mayor Kamkam commended officials from the Integrated Human Settlements Division for their continued efforts to ensure that residents across Bitou receive their title deeds. She acknowledged that some beneficiaries had waited a considerable time for these important documents.

“A title deed is one of the most valuable possessions a person can have. It is something that will be passed on from generation to generation. When government builds a structure, we may refer to it as a house, but for many it becomes a home. Today, you are receiving something that gives you true ownership of your home,” said Mayor Kamkam.

Deputy Executive Mayor Cllr Nokuzola Kolwapi also highlighted the importance of title deeds in securing property ownership and creating opportunities for homeowners and their families.

“This is your property; no one can take it away from you. It can open many doors for you. It gives you the freedom that we were promised by our leaders, such as Nelson Mandela,” said Cllr Kolwapi.

She encouraged beneficiaries to keep their title deeds safe, emphasising the importance of protecting these valuable documents.

Mr Fourie echoed this advice, reminding beneficiaries to store their title deeds in a safe place and not to laminate the original documents. He further cautioned that replacing a lost title deed comes at a cost.

Beneficiaries who were unable to attend the handover ceremony at Kurland Community Hall are encouraged to visit the municipal housing offices and enquire with Ms Sinovuyo Krabi. They must bring all supporting documents specified in the letters they received from the Housing Office.

Bitou Municipality encourages beneficiaries to safeguard their title deeds as important legal documents confirming ownership of their properties.

NOTICE TO LEARNER LICENCE APPLICANTS

Bitou Municipality would like to inform all learner licence applicants that, due to the severe storms experienced in May 2026, the electronic learner licence testing equipment sustained water damage. As a result, all testing equipment had to be relocated to the old Standard Bank premises situated in the Melville Spar building.

During this period, learner licence tests were conducted using the previous manual system, whereby applicants completed their tests from a printed learner licence handbook.

We are pleased to announce that the electronic testing system has now been restored. Consequently, learner licence tests will once again be conducted using the tablet-based electronic system.

The tablet testing method will be implemented from today, 13 October 2026. Applicants are therefore advised to familiarise themselves with the electronic testing environment and to expect their learner licence test to be conducted on a tablet device.

Bitou Municipality appreciates the patience and understanding shown by applicants during the period of disruption and looks forward to providing a more efficient testing experience through the restored electronic system.

Issued by:
Bitou Municipality
13 October 2026

PUBLIC NOTICE | Dear Residents
Please be informed that Electrical Engineering Services will be undertaking electrical cable installations and the installation of new streetlights in Park Lane and Longships Drive, respectively, from 12 October to 30 November 2026.

During the cable installation process, residents, driveways and sidewalks will be temporarily affected, which could cause some inconvenience.

Residents are kindly requested to exercise patience and understanding throughout the duration of the project.

We apologise for any inconvenience caused and appreciate your cooperation as we work to improve the area’s electrical infrastructure and street lighting.

IN PICS | BITOU MUNICIPALITY INTENSIFIES ROAD SAFETY EFFORTS DURING TRANSPORT MONTH

As South Africa commemorates Transport Month, Bitou Municipality is strengthening its commitment to safer roads through ongoing traffic law enforcement operations aimed at protecting motorists, commuters, workers, and schoolchildren throughout the municipal area.

In one such operation conducted yesterday, 12 October 2026, the Municipality's Traffic Department carried out a targeted enforcement campaign focusing on illegal passenger transport services, permit compliance, and adherence to traffic regulations.

The operation resulted in the impoundment of four vehicles that were transporting schoolchildren and workers without the required scholar transport and/or operator permits and over R20 000 in fines handed out.

Traffic officers also arrested a scholar transport driver for allegedly driving under the influence of alcohol, while several other motorists were found to be committing traffic offences, including driving without valid driver's licences.

These enforcement actions form part of the Municipality's ongoing efforts to improve road safety and ensure that all transport operators comply with legislation designed to safeguard passengers and other road users.

The impounded vehicles are taken to the George Impounding Centre. Vehicle owners seeking the release of their vehicles are required to settle a municipal fine of R2,500 for operating without the necessary permits within the Bitou municipal area and pay the relevant impoundment fees applicable to first- or second-time offenders before the release process can be completed.

Bitou Municipality urges all scholar transport and public transport operators to ensure that they possess the necessary permits and comply fully with transport legislation. Motorists are also reminded to carry valid driver's licences at all times and to never drive under the influence of alcohol.

The Municipality will continue conducting regular traffic enforcement operations across Bitou as part of its commitment to safer roads, responsible transport services, and the protection of all road users during Transport Month and beyond.

LOOK HOW FAR YOU HAVE COME!

Dear Matriculants, don’t give up now! You have worked hard, overcome challenges and made sacrifices to get to this point.

When the days feel long and the pressure gets tough, remind yourself why you started. Stay focused, keep pushing and give these final exams your very best.

You are almost there! The finish line is in sight, and the winning posts are waiting for you!

Believe in yourself, trust your preparation and finish strong. Your future is worth every bit of the effort!

We keep you and your families in our thoughts and prayers. May God give you strength, wisdom and courage as you take on this final stretch.

YOU’VE GOT THIS! ❤️🙏

Circulated by Bitou Corporate Communications on behalf of Bitou Executive Mayor Jessica Kamkam