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Month: January 2021

Council Updates – Ordinary Council, 28 January 2021

1. Permanent Director appointments
Council approved that the posts for Director Electrotechnical Services; Director Community Services and Director Planning and Development be advertised and filled as permanent positions. The municipal manager has been mandated to administer the process of appointing a service provider to facilitate the selection process with selection panels in place for each position already. The appointments will be handled in accordance with the Regulations on the Appointment and Conditions of Employment of Senior Managers, 2014. The longer-term position will not only assist with attracting good quality candidates but also allow the selected person to establish themselves and develop a long-term vision and strategy for their Directorate enhancing stability within the George Municipality.

2. South Cape College
Council has approved the sale of Erf 464, George, approximately 23ha in extent, situated next to the R102, old airport road, opposite Groeneweide Park and the George Show Grounds for the erection of a new Campus in George for South Cape College. The TVET college advised that budget has been allocated and will be in the region of R280 million over a 24 month period and will be implemented in their coming budget cycle which commences in April 2021.

3. Pilot Project: Electricity Wheeling
Our Electro-technical department has been investigating several opportunities to adapt and mitigate the risk of a changing electricity sector in South Africa and on Thursday Council approved the first step of a process that could lead to George Municipality being one of the first municipalities in South Africa to explore the options of wheeling and electricity trading. This pilot project will be used by the George Municipality to develop and explore the technical aspects and address the currently unknown regulatory process of wheeling and electricity trading within a municipal environment.

4. Old Crocodile Farm
The site is earmarked for future social housing development and Council has supported the request to proceed with precinct planning for the immediate precinct and commence with clean up of the property, which includes the demolition of the buildings and dams, to prepare it for construction once the project can be implemented.

5. Glenwood Golf Course
Inputs received from a former public participation process have been tabled before Council and it was resolved to first conduct a cost benefit analysis and strategy for future disposal of municipal land to determine opportunities for usage prior to any decision being made.

6. Credit control and debt collection measures taken in response to Covid-19 pandemic
George Municipality undertook a number of measures during the lockdown period which included that all pre-paid meters were unblocked from the 24th March 2020 and no credit control actions were taken against defaulters. No interest was levied during the lockdown period and domestic consumers whose circumstances changed, were given the opportunity to apply for indigent relief.

Council yesterday dealt with a number of credit control measures put in place to assist Businesses, Guest Houses and Domestic Households. These include that no interest would be levied on arrear accounts until 30 September 2020; that due to the fact that no collection mechanisms applied for the first three months of lockdown i.e. April – June 2020, that the opportunity be granted to make payment arrangements on these arrears over a longer period of time; and that debt relief can be applied for in terms of an approved application form. Council further resolved that all requests for relief be considered on an ad-hoc basis after taking into consideration the merits of the request received. Citizens are requested to liaise with the municipality credit control department regarding any arrear accounts on 044 801 9111 providing the necessary contact information and nature of the request.

7. Appointment Professional Engineers
Council approved measures whereby the Municipal Manager could appoint professional engineers on a short term basis to project manage capital expenditure that needs to be undertaken on upgrades to key infrastructure.

Chantèl Edwards-Klose
Manager: Communications & IGR
Office of the Municipal Manager

Update Municipal Services during Covid-19

Latest update: 14 January 2021 (current Level 3 amended)
George Municipality hereby confirms that it is open for business, services are being rendered and administration buildings are open except for halls and venues, sport facilities and libraries.

While in-person services are rendered where required, we appeal to the public to consider doing transactions and business online, per telephone or via email to avoid coming to the municipality in person and helping to reduce the risk of spreading the virus.

During the Covid-19 crisis period, certain staff may be working from home or on rotation, which means contact details and office hours of some services may differ from usual operations. Please see below for more details per directorate.

Please note access to all municipal buildings by members of the public, when open, is subject to Covid-19 protocols which include registration, temperature-checking, sanitising of hands and always wearing a face mask.

Depending on the size of foyers and reception areas, the number of people allowed into a specific department or section may differ and you will be advised accordingly upon arrival. We kindly request the public to be patient and to allow for extra waiting time.

GENERAL
Depending on the requirements of a specific department, staff are working on rotation or from home, and access by the public may be limited. Please phone or email as far as possible as per details below.
Switchboard: 044 801 9111
All after-hours George Municipality emergencies: 044 801 6300
Garden Route District Municipality Disaster Management emergencies: 044 805 5071 (all hours)

PROTECTION SERVICES
Protection Services administration offices (Cathedral Street entrance) are closed to the public and staff until further notice. Staff render services remotely and can be contacted via numbers below.
Fire emergencies only: 044 801 6311 (all hours)
Law Enforcement: 044 801 6350/89
Anti-Land Invasion: 044 801 6310
GIPTN PTOO: 044 801 6345
All after-hours emergencies: 044 801 6300

Traffic Department Offices, Driving and Learners Licences:
Mission Street, Pacaltsdorp 044 878 2400
Open to the public Monday to Friday 8am-3pm unless otherwise announced as per Covid-19 measures.

The department is open for new appointments for driving and learner’s licences as per usual rules (see Driving and Learners Licence section under Protection Services at www.george.gov.za for details).

Pick-up times for newly issued driving licences from the Pacaltsdorp offices: Monday to Friday 8am to 3pm, except if your confirmation SMS indicates a Saturday collection opportunity. Please bring your ID document and show the pick-up confirmation SMS to the official at the entrance.

Please note that learner’s licences, driving licences, temporary driving licences and professional driving permits which expired from 26 March 2020 up until 31 December 2020 are deemed valid and validity is extended for a further grace period ending 31 August 2021.

If your driving or learners’ licence test was cancelled during lockdown or because of offices being closed due to Covid-19 measures, you will receive an SMS with a new date and time. Please phone 044 878 2400 if you have not received an SMS within 20 days from your previous appointment.

Traffic fines
To pay your traffic fines online, use the account details below and use the traffic fine number printed on the fine as reference.
Bank: First National Bank (FNB)
Account Name: George Municipality
Account Type: Public Sector Cheque Account
Account Number: 62869623168
Branch Code: 210554
Swift Code: FIRNZAJJ

Vehicle Testing Station
Hibernia Street (next to train station) 044 801 9312
Open to public Monday to Friday 8am-3pm, access control from gate at the street.

Motor Vehicle Registration and Licencing
Hibernia Street (next to train station) 044 801 9310/1
Open to public weekdays 8am-3pm, except Wednesdays 9am-2pm due to compulsory training, or if otherwise indicated as per Covid-19 measures. Access control from gate at the street.
Please consider online renewal of vehicle licences as per details below, instead of in-person renewals, as Covid-19 regulations significantly impacts on the amount of people that can be served in a day. Bulk transactions are being handled after-hours. Pregnant women, the elderly and disabled can pre-arrange preferential treatment by calling 044 801 9310.

While VEHICLE LICENCE RENEWALS CAN be done online, the REGISTRATION OF VEHICLES CANNOT be done online as RICA requirements stipulate that the owner of the vehicle must physically appear in front of the official – this is, among other things, a measure against fraudulent registration of vehicles.

You don’t have to go to the Vehicle Licence Centre to renew your vehicle licence – do it online.
ONLINE ELECTRONIC PAYMENT OF VEHICLE LICENCE RENEWALS
The customer starts by registering a profile online at https://online.natis.gov.za/#/ or download the RTMC mobile application for Android from Google PlayStore.
Choose between registering as an individual or business.
The following information will be required:
1. Individual: initial, name, surname, ID number, driving licence number, contact details via mobile phone or email.
2. Organisation: name of business, ID number of proxy, driving licence number of proxy, contact details via mobile phone or email.
3. A one-time pin will be sent to your email or mobile phone number, which you must enter online.
4. Go to the ‘View motor vehicle renewals’ section and verify the information.
5. Access and/or download your electronic motor vehicle licence RENEWAL NOTICE (also known as a MVL2 notice).
6. The amount for the renewal of your vehicle will be on the notice.
7. Pay this amount into the George Municipality FNB bank account (details below) and use the relevant vehicle licence number as a reference, eg. CAW ###### / Private number ##### WP
8. FNB Account number: George Municipality, Public Sector Cheque Account 62869623150 (Branch Code 210554). Email the proof of payment to msbrits@george.gov.za or rharmse@george.gov.za AND mjulyan@george.gov.za
9. Keep a copy of your proof of payment in the relevant car until you receive your licence disk but keep your expired disk on your window in the meantime.
10. Once payment reflects on the municipality’s bank statement, the vehicle licence will be processed, and you will be contacted to arrange collection. Please do not collect unless pre-arranged and notified via SMS.

CIVIL ENGINEERING SERVICES
Services continue as usual but public access to administration offices (old City Hall) and Customer Services (corner York and Progress Streets) is limited to protect staff.
Urgent appointments that cannot be dealt with via online meetings on MS Teams or other electronic means will be attended to by prior arrangement. Please phone 044 801 9354 or 044 801 9277 to obtain relevant email address.
Report water leaks and burst pipes, sewerage blockages, leaks and spillages and urgent road and stormwater issues to:
044 801 9262/6 (7.45am-4.30pm)
044 801 6300 (after hours)
Estimated response times are 24-48 hours from recorded time of complaint at the above numbers.

ELECTROTECHNICAL SERVICES
Services continue as usual and the administration offices are open to the public weekdays 7.45-4.30pm.
Two people are allowed in the foyer at any given time and members of the public will be allowed into offices following screening at the security desk.
Planned maintenance continues and essential repairs for which planned outages are required will be communicated.
Please report power outages, broken street lights and faulty traffic lights to:
044 801 9222 (7.45am-4.30pm)
044 801 9202
044 801 6300 (after hours)
Estimated response times from recorded time of complaint at above numbers:
Low voltage electricity – within 24 hours.
High voltage electricity faults – can be longer than 24 hours depending on type of fault.
Street lights – three to four weeks.
Pre-paid electricity queries to Itron/Ontec: 044 873 5474 (8am-4pm).

COMMUNITY SERVICES
Community Services Administration, 82 Meade Street, is open to the public on weekdays 7.45am-4.30pm unless otherwise indicated as per temporary Covid-19 measures.
One person is allowed in the foyer at any given time, but no public allowed into the administration offices for any reason. Please contact the specific person via telephone or email as listed below to arrage for online meetings if necessary.

Reception/all departments: 044 802 2900 ccunningham@george.gov.za or ykibido@george.gov.za
Office of the Director: 044 802 2904 and imlubbe@george.gov.za
Parks and Recreation complaints: 044 802 2921 and bmbondweni@george.gov.za
Uncollected BLACK bags 044 802 2900/20/27 or ymali@george.gov.za / jstuurman@george.gov.za
Uncollected GREEN and BLUE bags: 044 802 2900/ mabotha@george.gov.za / jstuurman@george.gov.za
Environmental Health: anontshikiza@george.gov.za / tabotha@george.gov.za
Transfer Station: edraghoender@george.gov.za

Landfill Site and Transfer Station, Airport Road, open to public weekdays 7am-6pm and Saturdays 7am-1pm. Covid-19 protocols in place, bring your own pen to sign in for extra safety. edraghoender@george.gov.za

Street cleaning crews continue to operate in and around the CBD and entrance roads to the city at selected hours, seven days a week.

Public toilets at the CBD taxi rank and Doneraile Square open every day, toilets at Shoprite open on weekends.

Please report illegal dump sites to 044 802 2900 or aapril@george.gov.za or kvstoffels@george.gov.za. The municipality appeals to communities to remain safe and to not dump waste, which is illegal and can be hazardous to their health.

Attendance of funerals is limited to 50 persons or less provided that no more than 50 percent of the capacity of a venue is being used. Attendees must observe a distance of at least 1.5m, wear face masks and adhere to all health protocols. Night vigils and ‘after-tears’ are not allowed.

Visitation to cemeteries by small groups are allowed at weekends provided that all Covid-19 protocols are observed.

Municipal sport fields and public swimming pools are closed for all activities, practices and games. Enquiries Gerald de Villiers on gdevilliers@george.gov.za or 044 801 9488.
This measure does not apply to municipal sport facilities rented out to clubs and sports bodies, such as tennis and squash courts. Please contact relevant clubs in this regard.

Community Development offices behind the Main Building are open on weekdays 7.45am-4.30pm. Contact 044 802 2000 or ejcorner@george.gov.za

The municipality continues to support 129 municipal soup kitchens. Strict social distancing and hygienic practices apply. Emergency essential social services enquiries 072 693 3488.

The Extended Public Works Programme (EPWP) unit is open to the public by appointment only, weekdays 7.45am-4.30pm. Contact 044 802 2010 or gesau@george.gov.za to arrange appointments or phone 072 070 7234 for emergencies only.

All libraries remain closed for now. Loan periods for library materials are automatically extended and no fines will be charged for times when libraries are closed. George Main Library has a postbox-type slot next to the back entrance should you want to return books while the library is closed. Enquiries to Rachel Williams on 044 801 9292 or rwilliams@george.gov.za

CORPORATE SERVICES
Records are open to the public weekdays 8am-4pm unless otherwise announced as per temporary Covid-19 measures.
Central Records Main Building: 044 801 9286/9431/9125/9178 and emergencies only Cynthia Boltman 072 1780 327.
Building Plan Records (corner York and Progress Streets) 044 801 9367 and emergencies only Mia Mackenzie 083 475 6722.
Area offices are open to the public on weekdays 8am-3pm and contactable by phone until 4.30pm as per below list unless otherwise announced as per temporary Covid-19 measures. After-hours emergencies to 044 801 6300.
Covid-19 protocols are in place and thresholds apply as to how many people are allowed into each applicable building.
Services available at area offices and service points include reporting essential services faults such as water and electricity problems, all other municipal complaints, account inquiries, indigent applications, housing waiting list enquiries, property valuation roll queries and general inquiries.
Blanco: 044 803 9275
Conville: 044 803 9261
Pacaltsdorp: 044 803 9286
Protea Park: 044 801 9111 ask for extension 2796 (Tuesday, Thursday)
New Dawn Park: 044 801 9111 ask for extension 2797
Rosedale: 044 803 9295
Rosemoor: 044 801 9379 (Monday, Wednesday, Friday)
Touwsranten/Wilderness/Kleinkrantz: 044 803 9280
Thembalethu: 044 801 9448

Thusong Centres reception are open weekdays 8am-3pm, but other departments’ tenants are open as per their usual individual office hours.
Waboomskraal Thusong Centre: 044 886 0040
Thembalethu Thusong Centre: 044 801 9448
After hours emergencies: 044 801 6300

Community halls and venues are closed to the public. Enquiries to Rozendra Thysse on 044 8019111/5 or rsthysse@george.gov.za and Alwyn Joseph 044 801 9005.
Acting Superintendent Halls: 060 823 3607 (on rotation with Maintenance)
Acting Superintendent Maintenance: 083 418 4588 (on rotation with Halls)

Human Resources offices are closed to the public unless otherwise arranged, HR functions continue. Enquiries to HRAdmin@george.gov.za

HUMAN SETTLEMENTS
Human Settlements administration offices are open to the public weekdays 7.45am-4pm. Covid-19 protocols are in place and only two people are allowed into the foyer at any given time.
For basic services (water and sanitation in informal areas) queries and complaints in informal settlements please contact 044 802 2003.
For assistance with emergency structures following disaster (fire, flooding etc) please phone 044 802 2029.
Queries and complaints for water leakages and sewerage complaints (indigent cases) can be reported at the office on above times, but preferably by phone on 044 801 9210/9994/9453 or pshelane@george.gov.za or ddlouw@george.gov.za

Existing Housing Offices
Existing Housing offices are open to the public weekdays 7.45am-4pm.
Covid-19 protocols are in place and only two people are allowed into the foyer at any given time.
Enquiries: 044 801 9113 or 044 801 9078

New Housing
New Housing Department (St Johns Street) offices are open to the public weekdays 7.45am-4pm.
Covid-19 protocols are in place and only two people are allowed into the foyer at any given time.
Please note only the person making the enquiry will be allowed access.
There may be a waiting period and/or the person can leave their contact details and enquiry on the form provided at the security point where after an official will make contact.
Enquiries: 044 802 2003

PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT
Please note Town Planning, Building Control and Property Management offices are closed until further notice but officials can still be contacted by phone or email or can arrange a virtual Zoom or Microsoft Teams appointment with the relevant official to discuss any matters.
Town Planning General enquiries: 044 801 9477
Property Transfer Certificates: Marina Welman mhwelman@george.gov.za / 044 801 9171
Zoning Certificates: Lorraine Malangeni lxmalangeni@george.gov.za / 044 801 9477
Zoning Rectifications: Jeanne Fourie jfourie@george.gov.za / 044 801 9138 and Ilané Huyser ihuyser@george.gov.za / 044 801 9550
Illegal Land Use Complaints: Robin Hector rlhector@george.gov.za / 044 801 9475 and Mawethu Bonga mbonga@george.gov.za / 044 801 9520

Land use applications
Land use applications can be submitted as per instruction sheets on website. See ‘Covid 19 Level 1 Land Use Applications Submission Guidelines – Oct 2020’ and ‘Public Participation Instructions Covid 19 Level 1 – Oct 2020’ on the link https://www.george.gov.za/george-documents/land-use-applications/land-use-submissions/
Enquiries land use applications as below:
Erven ending with an even number (i.e. 0, 2, 4, 6, 8): Primrose Nako 044 801 9416 pnako@george.gov.za
Erven ending with an odd number (i.e. 1, 3, 5, 7, 9): Marissa Arries 044 801 9473 marries@george.gov.za
Farm/portion numbers: Marina Welman 044 801 9171 mhwelman@george.gov.za

Building Control
Building plans can be submitted online. See https://www.george.gov.za/planning-development/building-control/ for more information.
Building Control General Enquiries 044 801 9370
Request for existing building plans (Registration Department):
Phindiswa Lingani: 044 801 9370 pmlingani@george.gov.za
Sinazo Moshani: 044 801 9019 smoshani@george.gov.za
Musa Dyakop: 044 801 9166 mdyakop@george.gov.za
Status on building plan approvals: Vasti Laws: 044 801 9509 vnlaws@george.gov.za
Andrea Griessel: 044 801 9502 agriessel@george.gov.za
Please contact Building Inspectors directly during office hours:
James Vollenhoven: 076 823 0412
Fuzisa Siguba: 083 949 8651
Illegal activity: Nolan Noemdoe 083 757 3717

Property Management
Donald Gelderbloem: Manager Property Management 044 801 9073 dmgelderbloem@george.gov.za
Leasing of properties: Josephine Mpembe 044 801 9190 jmpembe@george.gov.za
Sale of properties: René Hendricks 044 801 9472 rehendricks@george.gov.za
General enquiries: Monique Isaks 044 801 9375 misaks@george.gov.za

Economic Development
Cathedral Square office is open to the public 9am-4pm, strict protocols apply.
Business queries: Joan Shaw 081 412 9995
Other queries: 044 801 2820 bduplessis@george.gov.za

IDP Office
Closed to the public but contactable during office hours.
Ronel le Fleur: 044 801 9075 / 071 870 7887 rlefleur@george.gov.za

Ward committee operations
Closed to the public but contactable during office hours.
Paulina Saaiman: 044 801 9074 / 060 579 6829 pasaaiman@george.gov.za

George Tourism
Open to the public weekdays 8.30am-4.30pm, strict protocols apply.
044 801 9295 info@visitgeorge.co.za
Wilderness Tourism
Open to the public weekdays 8.30am-4.30pm, strict protocols apply.
044 877 0045 info@visitgeorge.co.za

FINANCE
The Finance Hall in the Main Building is open to the public weekdays from 8am-3.30pm.
Covid-19 protocols are in place and only six people are allowed inside the Finance Hall at any given time.
Estimated waiting time is 20 minutes depending on the type of queries of the customers ahead of you in the queue.
While electronic payments are recommended (see details below), the Finance Hall is open for account payments in addition to municipal account queries, opening of accounts, new connections, duplicate accounts, arrangements on arrears, indigent applications etc.
Printed municipal accounts are being issued every month. If you have not received your account by the due date of the 15th of each month, please contact us to forward an email copy or pay your monthly average amount. Online accounts via email have not been affected by lockdown. If you want to receive your account via email please mail a request to accounts@george.gov.za.

Ratepayers are requested to use one of the below-mentioned methods to make payments.
Accounts can be paid via electronic transfer (EFT – see details below), via pay@ mobile applications (see details below) and at Pick n Pay, Checkers, Shoprite, USave and SPAR.
Please take your most recent available account statement with you so that the shop can access the bar code that connects your payment to your GRG account number.

Meter readings
A new service provider, Electro Cuts, has commenced services for George Municipality on 1 January 2021 and will pick up the reading service as it applies from 17 December 2020.
Consumers who have in the past sent water meter readings to Ikapa, must please note the change in email address for this purpose to meterreadings@george.gov.za. Online submissions of water meter readings are welcomed and can be provided via the above email address by the 5th of each month along with the accountholder’s name, contact details and GRG account number.

Bank Details for electronic payment (please note bank details changed 1 December 2020)
The old account is being phased out so please amend as soon as possible. For now it is still active and payments made so far will have been received.
If you have a debit order on your account, details will automatically be updated. If you have created an account for online banking, please delete the old account and create a new one with the details as below.
First National Bank (FNB)
Account Type: Public Sector Cheque Account
Account Name: George Municipality
Account Number: 62869623150
Branch Code: 210554
Swift Code: FIRNZAJJ
Reference: your GRG account number
Proof of payment to be sent to payments@george.gov.za

pay@ mobile applications
Download Masterpass, Snapscan or Zapper application on your mobile phone and complete your profile.
Load your credit or debit card.
To pay the account, open ‘Wallet’ inside the App you have downloaded and scan the QR code (the black square with the little squares inside it on the bottom right of your account).
Enter the amount you are going to pay and complete the transaction.
The App will confirm your successful, secure transaction.
You can also use the following link for payment of your account:
https://payat.io/qr/11413
Click on the link and enter the Pay@ reference number (number starting with 11413) which appears on your account. Your customer information will appear with payment options to choose from.

Prepaid electricity purchases
www.prepaid24.co.za
https://home.ontec.co.za
www.ipay.co.za
The electricity token is automatically sent to the client via SMS or email.
Mobile apps belonging to banks also have a pre-paid electricity purchase function.
For prepaid enquiries please contact 044 873 5474.

General enquiries to accounts@george.gov.za or 044 801 9111.
Please provide your GRG account number with all enquiries.
Please note that limited assistance is available as personnel may be working offline.

Credit Control enquiries: 044 801 9111

MUNICIPAL COURT
The George Municipal Court is open to the public on weekdays 7.45am-4.30pm unless otherwise indicated due to temporary Covid-19 measures.
Please note the office of the Clerk of the Court is closed every day 1pm-1.45pm for representations and other transactions.
Enquiries: 044 801 9400

UNIONDALE
Offices are open to the public on weekdays 8am-4.30pm unless otherwise indicated due to temporary Covid-19 measures.
Fire: 044 752 1225
Switchboard and fault reporting: 044 752 1024
Tourism: 044 752 1076
Haarlem: 044 763 1013
After hours: 044 801 6300

Garden Route Health platform update

25 January 2021

 

The Garden Route District has shown a 43% decline in new COVID-19 cases the past 7 days compared to 7-14 days previously as well as a decline in hospitalisations.

 

“We are optimistic about the decline in numbers but remain vigilant in order to contain any cluster outbreaks through responding as early as possible. We have to maintain our momentum of surveillance and monitoring as a Department but also rely on the community to keep up with the protective behaviours (wearing a mask at all times in public, avoiding crowded spaces, avoiding spaces with poor ventilation and maintaining social distancing) that has brought about the gains which we now see”, said District Director of Health Mr Zee Brickles.

 

Sub-district Total Active Recovered Died
Hessequa 1 806 239 1 483 84
Mossel Bay 7 041 347 6 498 196
George 11 322 549 10 400 373
Knysna 4 680 163 4 363 154
Bitou 2 624 119 2 402 103
Kannaland 768 109 631 28
Oudtshoorn 3 687 286 3 179 222
TOTAL 31 928 1 812 28 956 1 160

 

 

Increasing our protection through vaccination

                                                                      

It is estimated that 1 000 000 vaccines will be made available for all frontline workers in South Africa in January, including those in the public and private sector, care workers, community health workers, etc. A further 500 000 vaccines will be made available in South Africa in February.

 

The roll-out will be executed in a phased approach, with the first phase targeting healthcare workers. The second phase will target essential workers, people in congregate settings, persons older than 60 years, and persons older than 18 years with comorbidities. The third phase is envisioned to target people older than 18 years who has not been vaccinated during the first two phases.

 

Western Cape Government will play a stewardship role. Administration of these vaccines forms part of the vaccine roll-out strategy. The Department is working on this strategy, including the logistics thereof, with the input of private sector roleplayers. More engagements on the finer details of this plan will be made available once finalised. This is a massive operation that requires a multi-sectoral approach and the support of public, private and all parts of civil society.

 

Western Cape Government App has 3 900 downloads

WESTERN CAPE GOVERNMENT APP HAS 3 900 DOWNLOADS

 

25 January 2021

 

Western Cape Minister of Human Settlements, Tertuis Simmers says the number of downloads of the WCG App, demonstrates how residents from this province have taken to adopting technology to access services in the public sector.

 

Since the launch of the WCG App, https://www.westerncape.gov.za/assets/departments/human-settlements/flyers/hs-wcg-app-eng.pdf in March 2020, there have been 3 900 downloads and 429 housing applications.

 

This App ensures our citizens can easily access information on government housing assistance, register for the first time or update their details on the Housing Demand Database (HDD).

 

Amongst others, this means residents are no longer required to visit their local housing office to be assisted, instead assistance is but a few clicks away. Further to this, it also ensures protection against the spread of covid-19, as residents have complete remote access.

 

Minister Simmers said: “This app shows our commitment to one of our key drivers, which is the radical implementation of innovative solutions for our citizens. Utilising technology optimally, allows us to offer more options to our residents, while also ensuring a significant push towards getting our people into houses.

 

I’d like to encourage more residents to download our WCG app, as it is available on both the Android and iOS platforms. The registration process is also straightforward and easy to follow.

 

As the Western Cape Government, we remain committed to accelerating human settlement delivery, while promoting social inclusion through the development of integrated, resilient, safe, and sustainable human settlements in an open opportunity society.”

Festive season over – only 7 black bags per household will be collected

The public must please note as from the 11th of January 2021 the service with regards to the removal of black refuse bags returns to only 7 black bags allowed.

During the season between 1 December 2020 and 11 January 2021 the Municipality collected all black bags as a courtesy to consumers. Now we revert back to only 7 black bags per week per household.

Blue and green bag pick-up services continue inhouse this week with the help of temporarily reallocated staff while distribution of replacement blue and green bags is expected to commence next week (25 January 2021). If you are using black bags at the moment for your recycling and garden waste, please help us by identifying black bags containing recyclable and green waste with blue or green string, stickers or papers.

 

Black bags continue to be distributed once a quarter, with the next pack of 26 black bags to be delivered towards the end of March 2021.

We remind citizens that bags must be placed outside on the curb by 7am on collection day.

 

The Community Services Administration, 82 Meade Street, is open to the public on weekdays 7.45am-4.30pm unless otherwise indicated as per temporary Covid-19 measures.

One person is allowed in the foyer at any given time, but no public allowed into the administration offices for any reason. Please contact the specific person via telephone or email as listed below to arrange for online meetings if necessary.

Reception/all departments: 044 802 2900 ccunningham@george.gov.za or ykibido@george.gov.za

Office of the Director: 044 802 2904 and imlubbe@george.gov.za

Parks and Recreation complaints: 044 802 2921 and bmbondweni@george.gov.za

Uncollected BLACK bags 044 802 2900/20/27 or ymali@george.gov.za / jstuurman@george.gov.za

Uncollected GREEN and BLUE bags: 044 802 2900/ mabotha@george.gov.za / jstuurman@george.gov.za

Environmental Health: anontshikiza@george.gov.za / tabotha@george.gov.za

Transfer Station: edraghoender@george.gov.za

Landfill Site and Transfer Station, Airport Road, open to public weekdays 7am-6pm and Saturdays 7am-1pm. Covid-19 protocols in place, bring your own pen to sign in for extra safety. edraghoender@george.gov.za

Please report illegal dump sites to 044 802 2900 or aapril@george.gov.za or kvstoffels@george.gov.za. The municipality appeals to communities to remain safe and to not dump waste, which is illegal and can be hazardous to their health.

Municipality mourns former mayor Marius Swart

George Municipality mourns the death of former mayor Marius Swart, who died yesterday (17 January 2021) aged 79.

George Executive Mayor Alderman Leon van Wyk said the municipality was saddened to hear of the passing of Mr Swart who had been mayor of George from December 2000 to April 2004. “Mr Swart served George with excellence as mayor and was an outstanding representative of our city and the southern Cape while serving as a member of Parliament years later. Many current and former officials and councillors have fond memories of serving with him, and his charismatic presence will be remembered fondly.

“The George Municipality Council and Administration extend our deepest condolences to his family and friends and share in the grief of their loss.”

The George Municipality’s flag will be flown half-mast in front of the municipal offices in York Street in remembrance.

Update blue and green bags – 18 January 2021

Blue and green bag pick-up services continue inhouse this week with the help of temporarily reallocated staff while distribution of replacement blue and green bags is expected to commence next week (25 January 2021).

George Acting Director Community Services Allen Paulse said the municipality was separating waste as much as possible, even in cases where black bags were currently being used because residents had run out of green and blue bags. “We have noticed that people continue to separate their waste into garden waste and recycling albeit in black bags. Where it is possible to quickly distinguish, workers are leaving such bags behind for the blue and green trucks to pick up – the latter then pick up everything that is left behind to recycle and compost as much of the loads as possible. Citizens can help by identifying black bags containing recyclable and green waste with blue or green string, stickers or papers.

“We expect receipt of blue and green bags sometime this week and plan to distribute two green and two blue bags per household in participating neighbourhoods on refuse collection days from Monday,” said Mr Paulse.

Black bags continue to be distributed once a quarter, with the next pack of 26 black bags to be delivered towards the end of March 2021.

In the meantime the tender process for the appointment of a service provider for the collection and replacement of blue and green bags is underway and we hope to make an appointment as soon as possible.

We remind citizens that bags must be placed outside on the curb by 7am on collection day.

We thank the many households that have continued to participate in the recycling and composting projects, for buying their own bags, and for wanting to reduce waste with us.

The municipality remains committed to waste reduction.

Municipality mourns former mayor Melford Notshokovu

George Municipality mourns the death of former mayor Melford D. Notshokovu, who died on Friday (8 January 2021).

George Executive Mayor Alderman Leon van Wyk said it was with deep sorrow that he had heard of the passing of Mr Notshokovu who had been mayor of George during the late 1990s. “Mr Notshokovu’s leadership had been instrumental in the transitioning of the integrated municipality it is today and we honour his contribution to our city and the municipality.

“The George Municipality Council and Administration extend our deepest condolences to his family and friends and share in the grief of their loss.”

The George Municipality’s flag will be flown half-mast in front of the municipal offices in York Street in remembrance.

Update blue and green bags

George Municipality hereby confirms that the tender process for the appointment of a service provider for the collection and replacement of blue and green bags is underway and we hope to make an appointment as soon as possible.

In the meantime, the municipality has been trying to provide the service in addition to its own schedule, which we acknowledge has had mixed success due to factors such as unprotected strikes, diminished availability of staff due to Covid-19, limited overtime budget to address backlogs and increased workload associated with three types of bags on top of the summer holiday workload.

We will continue to do our best in current circumstances with the resources available to us and have temporarily reallocated staff from other facilities such as the halls, which are presently closed due to Covid-19, to assist with the collection of blue and green bags.

The municipality apologises and shares citizens’ frustration with inconsistencies in the delivery of the service. We hope to address this relatively soon including the distribution of replacement green and blue bags for participating households.

We thank the many households that have continued to participate in the recycling and composting projects, for buying their own bags, and for wanting to reduce waste with us.

The municipality remains committed to waste reduction.

Dr Michele Gratz
Acting Municipal Manager
George Municipality

Safety warning around dam as alien clearing starts

Alien vegetation clearing above the Garden Route Dam is expected to commence next week (11 January 2020) and public access to certain areas will be restricted for safety reasons.

George Acting Municipal Manager Michele Gratz said the long-awaited project was funded by the Cape Agency for Sustainable Integrated Development in Rural Areas (Casidra) and would see the clearing of alien vegetation such as blue gum, pine and wattle around the edges above the dam and upstream rivers. “While essentially aimed at improving water flow and run-off into the catchment area of the dam for water security, the reduction of biofuel also decreases fire risk for nearby residences and plantations,” said Dr Gratz.

“However, while the contractors are on site, we appeal to the public to stay clear of areas that are marked as restricted due to the presence of heavy vehicles and dangerous equipment including woodchippers, chain saws and cutters – not to mention falling trees, snakes and other wildlife disturbed by the temporary commotion.”

The contractor should be on site next week and clearing is expected to take place until February or March, depending on circumstances. Public access to the dam will be restricted depending on where the teams are working and on the kind of equipment and vehicles they are using. Access control will be applied at the main gate to the dam, the dam wall or access roads, whichever is most appropriate. Signage will be applied accordingly.

The first section to be cleared will be the upper edge of the dam, from the dam wall and up the Swart River towards Pepsi Pools and up to the first service road above the dam. As this is a popular cycling and hiking area, an urgent appeal is made to outdoor enthusiasts to stay clear of all plantation and forest terrain, tracks and roads in this vicinity. “While it may be temporarily inconvenient for regular users of the terrain to find alternative outdoor space for a while, the long-term benefits of less invasive species in their natural playground will reap its own rewards.

“While signage will be placed at as many points of access as possible, the area is not fenced, and the municipality will rely on citizens to help spread the word and to warn and discourage people from accessing the area. Ongoing messaging on several municipal communication channels will also take place.

“The municipality thanks residents and visitors for their support and patience during this project. It will be a temporary inconvenience but will provide longer term water security in a changing climatic environment,” said Dr Gratz.

Caption
The area in purple will be cleared of alien vegetation.
(Note the image is for mapping purposes only and not a representation of the current vegetation in the clearing area).

Mayor welcomes new acting MM

George Executive Mayor Alderman Leon van Wyk (middle) welcomed the municipality’s Acting Municipal Manager Dr Michele Gratz (right) and Acting Director Community Services Allan Paulse with elbow bumps on their first day of work today (4 January 2021). The new acting MM is meeting with all directors and relevant senior management this week, which will include assessing the financial effects of Covid-19 on the municipality’s budget and resultant changes required in the municipality’s adjustment budget expected to be tabled later this month (January). Improvement of service delivery will also be high on the agenda.

George Municipal Buildings Remain Closed to the public until further notice

 

George Municipality Acting Municipal Manager, Dr Michelle Gratz today confirmed that the main and other external municipal buildings will remain closed to the public until further notice, due to continued Covid-19 safety measures. Dr Gratz noted that all essential services continue to be rendered and officials will continue to work remotely. The situation will be reviewed later this week and the public will be updated accordingly. We thank everyone for their patience and understanding in this regard.

All municipal buildings REMAIN closed to the public and staff until further notice – other than to those personnel rendering essential services, financial services and provincial agency services with the EXCEPTION of the following:

  • Payment hall situated on the ground floor of the main building, York Street.
  • Payment hall situated in Uniondale
  • Motor Vehicle Registration (Hibernia Street)
  • Vehicle Testing Station (Hibernia Street)
  • Drivers Licensing (Pacaltsdorp)
  • The Municipal Court
  • George Tourism Office
  • Landfill Site
  • Transfer Station

Note: Updates will be issued should there be an amendment to the list of offices remaining open to the public, due to Covid related measures implemented.

All after-hours George Municipality emergencies: 044 801 6300
Garden Route Disaster Management emergencies: 044 805 5071 (all hours)


UPDATE MUNICIPAL SERVICES DURING COVID-19: 3 JANUARY 2021

GENERAL
All administration offices remain closed to the public until further notice. Please phone or email as far as possible as per details below.

Switchboard: 044 801 9111
All after-hours George Municipality emergencies: 044 801 6300
Garden Route Disaster Management emergencies: 044 805 5071 (all hours)

PROTECTION SERVICES
Protection Services Administration Offices remain closed to the public.

Fire emergencies only: 044 801 6311 (all hours)
Law Enforcement: 044 801 6350/89
Anti-Land Invasion: 044 801 6310
GIPTN PTOO: 044 801 6345
All after-hours emergencies: 044 801 6300

Traffic Department Offices, Driving and Learners Licences:
Mission Street, Pacaltsdorp 044 878 2400
Open to the public Monday to Friday 8am-3pm unless otherwise announced as per Covid-19 measures.

The department is open for new appointments for driving and learner’s licences as per usual rules (see Driving and Learners Licence section on website for details).
Pick-up times for newly issued driving licences from the Pacaltsdorp offices: Monday to Friday 8am to 3pm, except if your confirmation SMS indicates a Saturday collection opportunity. Please bring your ID document and show the SMS to the official at the entrance.

Please note that learner’s licences, driving licences, temporary driving licences and professional driving permits which expired from 26 March 2020 up until 31 December 2020 are deemed valid and validity is extended for a further grace period ending 31 August 2021.

If your driving or learners’ licence test was cancelled during lockdown or because of offices being closed due to Covid-19 measures, you will receive an SMS with a new date and time. Please phone 044 878 2400 if you have not received an SMS within 20 days from your previous appointment.

Traffic fines
To pay your traffic fines online, use the account details below and use the traffic fine number printed on the fine as reference.
Bank: First National Bank (FNB)
Account Name: George Municipality
Account Type: Public Sector Cheque Account
Account Number: 62869623168
Branch Code: 210554
Swift Code: FIRNZAJJ

Vehicle Testing Station
Hibernia Street (next to train station) 044 801 9312
Open to public Monday to Friday 8am-3pm, access control from gate at the street, unless otherwise indicated due to temporary Covid-19 measures.

 Motor Vehicle Registration and Licencing
Hibernia Street (next to train station) 044 801 9310 or 044 801 9311
Open to public weekdays 8am-3pm, except Wednesdays closed at 2pm due to compulsory training, or if otherwise indicated as per Covid-19 measures. Access control from gate at the street.

Please consider online renewal of vehicle licences as per details below instead of in-person renewals – as Covid-19 regulations significantly impacts on the amount of people that can be served in a day. Bulk transactions are being handled after-hours. Pregnant women, the elderly and disabled can pre-arrange preferential treatment by calling 044 801 9310.

You don’t have to go to the Vehicle Licence Centre to renew your licence – do it online.

ONLINE ELECTRONIC PAYMENT OF VEHICLE LICENCE RENEWALS
The customer starts by registering a profile online at https://online.natis.gov.za/#/ or download the RTMC mobile application for Android from Google PlayStore.

Choose between registering as an individual or business.

The following information will be required:
1. Individual: initial, name, surname, ID number, driving licence number, contact details via mobile phone or email.
2. Organisation: name of business, ID number of proxy, driving licence number of proxy, contact details via mobile phone or email.
3. A one-time pin will be sent to your email or mobile phone number, which you must enter online.
4. Go to the ‘View motor vehicle renewals’ section and verify the information.
5. Access and/or download your electronic motor vehicle licence RENEWAL NOTICE (also known as a MVL2 notice).
6. The amount for the renewal of your vehicle will be on the notice.
7. Pay this amount into the George Municipality FNB bank account (details below) and use the relevant vehicle licence number as a reference, eg. CAW ###### / Private number ##### WP
8. FNB Account number: George Municipality, Public Sector Cheque Account 62869623150 (Branch Code 210554). Email the proof of payment to msbrits@george.gov.za or rharmse@george.gov.za AND mjulyan@george.gov.za
9. Keep a copy of your proof of payment in the relevant car until you receive your licence disk but keep your expired disk on your window in the meantime.
10. Once payment reflects on the municipality’s bank statement, the vehicle licence will be processed, and you will be contacted to arrange collection. Please do not collect unless pre-arranged and notified via SMS.

 

CIVIL ENGINEERING SERVICES
Administration offices (old City Hall) and Customer Services (corner York and Progress Streets) remain closed to the public.
Appointments to be arranged  via online meetings on MS Teams or other electronic means. Please phone 044 801 9354 or 044 801 9262 to obtain relevant email address.
Report water leaks and burst pipes, sewerage blockages, leaks and spillages and urgent road and stormwater issues to:
044 801 9262/6 (7.45am-4.30pm)
044 801 6300 (after hours)
Estimated response times are 24-48 hours from recorded time of complaint at the above numbers.

 

ELECTROTECHNICAL SERVICES
Administration offices remain closed  to the public.
Planned maintenance has resumed and essential repairs for which planned outages are required will be communicated.
Please report power outages, broken street lights and faulty traffic lights to:
044 801 9222 (7.45am-4.30pm)
044 801 9202
044 801 6300 (after hours)
Estimated response times from recorded time of complaint at above numbers:
Low voltage electricity – within 24 hours
High voltage electricity faults – can be longer than 24 hours depending on type of fault
Street lights – three to four weeks
Pre-paid electricity queries to Itron/Ontec: 044 873 5474 (8am-4pm)

 

COMMUNITY SERVICES
Community Services Administration Offices, 82 Meade Street, remain closed to the public.

Reception/all departments: 044 802 2900 ccunningham@george.gov.za or ykibido@george.gov.za
Office of the Director: 044 802 2904 and imlubbe@george.gov.za
Parks and Recreation complaints: 044 802 2921 and bmbondweni@george.gov.za
Uncollected BLACK bags 044 802 2900/20/27 or ymali@george.gov.za / jstuurman@george.gov.za
Uncollected GREEN and BLUE bags: 044 802 2900/ mabotha@george.gov.za / jstuurman@george.gov.za
Environmental Health: anontshikiza@george.gov.za / tabotha@george.gov.za
Transfer Station: edraghoender@george.gov.za

 

Refuse removal general

For the summer holiday season (1 December – 8 January 2021) households may put out more than the usual seven black bags, four green and an unlimited number of blue bags.
Additional tied bundles of branches are allowed if they are shorter than a metre in length and can be picked up by one person.

BLUE bags are for non-soiled recyclable materials, including plastic, paper, card board, glass etc.
GREEN bags are for green waste, including organic kitchen waste such as fruit and vegetable peels, as well as garden waste, including grass cuttings, leaves etc. No soil is allowed in green bags.
BLACK bags are for ‘wet’ waste, things that cannot be recycled.

All refuse bags must be put out by 7am on removal day.
Please don’t put bags out the day or night before removal.
Please wrap broken glass in newspaper before placing in bags to prevent injuries to workers.
A pack of 26 black bags are distributed to households quarterly.
Black and green bags are collected together by our refuse trucks, and blue bags are collected separately, on the same day.
Participating households will receive two blue and two green replacement bags when available.

 

REFUSE REMOVAL DAYS
MONDAY: Blanco, Riverlea, Heatherpark, Heatherlands, Glen Barrie, Kraaibosch, Groenkloof, Blue Mountain Village, Herold’s Bay, Victoria Bay, Rondevlei area (George side)
TUESDAY: Levallia, Rosemoor, Conville, Protea Park, Parkdene, Ballotsview, Borchards, Lawaaikamp, Thembalethu, Wilderness, Constantia Kloof, Kleinkrantz
WEDNESDAY: Camphersdrift, Fernridge, Denneoord, Bo-Dorp, Blommekloof, Tweerivieren, Hoogekraal, Hoekwil, Touwsranten farm areas
THURSDAY: Wilderness Heights, Dormehlsdrift, George South, Le Grand, Bos en Dal, Groeneweidepark, Sinksabrug, Herold, Geelhoutboom, Eselsjacht, Hansmoeskraal, Jonkershoek, Rooirivierrif, Pacaltsdorp, Rosedale, Waboomskraal, Touwsranten village
FRIDAY: Glenwood, Loerie Park, Eden George, Genevafontein, Denver Park, Bergsig, Eastern Extension
BUSINESSES: Monday, Wednesday and Friday

 

Landfill Site and Transfer Station, Airport Road, open to public weekdays 7am-6pm and Saturdays 7am-1pm. Covid-19 protocols in place, bring your own pen to sign in for extra safety. edraghoender@george.gov.za

Street cleaning crews continue to operate in and around the CBD and entrance roads to the city at selected hours, seven days a week.

Public toilets at the CBD taxi rank and Doneraile Square open every day, toilets at Shoprite open on weekends.

Please report illegal dump sites to 044 802 2900 or aapril@george.gov.za or kvstoffels@george.gov.za. The municipality appeals to communities to remain safe and to not dump illegal waste, which can be hazardous to their health.

Attendance of funerals is limited to 50 persons or less provided that no more than 50 percent of the capacity of the venue is used. Time limit of 2 hours as per national regulations. Attendees must observe a distance of at least 1.5m, wear face masks and adhere to all health protocols. Night vigils, post events, “after tears” are allowed.  Visitation to cemeteries by small groups are allowed at weekends provided that all Covid-19 protocols are observed.

Municipal sport fields and public swimming pools are closed for all activities, practices and games and are expected to remain closed throughout the summer holiday season.
Persons who have booked sport facilities must please contact Gerald de Villiers on gdevilliers@george.gov.za or 044 801 9488.
This measure does not apply to municipal sport facilities, such as tennis and squash courts, rented out to clubs and sports bodies. Please contact relevant clubs in this regard.

Community Development offices behind the Main Building remain closed to the public. Contact 044 802 2000 or ejcorner@george.gov.za

The municipality continues to support +_130  municipal soup kitchens. Strict social distancing and hygienic practices apply. Emergency essential social services enquiries 072 693 3488.

The Extended Public Works Programme (EPWP) Unit remains closed to the public. Contact 044 802 2010 or gesau@george.gov.za  or phone 072 070 7234 for emergencies only.

Libraries
All libraries remain closed to the public.

Enquiries: 044 8019292

 

CORPORATE SERVICES
All administrative offices remain closed to the public.

Central Records Main Building:  044 8019280 and emergencies only Cynthia Boltman 072 1780 327.

Building Plan Records (corner York and Progress Streets) 044 8019367 and emergencies only Mia Mackenzie 083 475 6722.


Area offices remain closed to the public but staff are contactable by phone during office hours (7.45am-4.30pm). After-hours emergencies to 044 801 6300.

Blanco: 044 803 9275
Conville: 044 803 9261
Pacaltsdorp: 044 803 9286
Protea Park: 044 801 9111 ask for extension 2796 (Tuesday, Thursday)
New Dawn Park: 044 801 9111 ask for extension 2797
Rosedale: 044 803 9295
Rosemoor: 044 801 9379 (Monday, Wednesday, Friday)
Touwsranten/Wilderness/Kleinkrantz: 044 803 9280
Thembalethu: 044 801 9448

Thusong Centres remain closed to the public, but other departments’ tenants are open as per their usual individual office hours.

Waboomskraal Thusong Centre: 044 886 0040
Thembalethu Thusong Centre: 044 801 9448
After hours emergencies: 044 801 6300

Community halls and venues remain closed to the public. If you have made a booking, please contact Rozendra Thysse on rsthysse@george.gov.za 044 8019111/5.

Acting Superintendent Halls: 060 823 3607 (on rotation with Maintenance)

Acting Superintendent Maintenance: 083 418 4588 (on rotation with Halls)

 

HUMAN SETTLEMENTS
Human Settlements administration offices remain closed  to the public.

For basic services (water and sanitation in informal areas) queries and complaints in informal settlements please contact 044 802 2003.
For assistance with emergency structures following disaster (fire, flooding etc) please phone 044 802 2029.
Queries and complaints for water leakages and sewerage complaints (indigent cases) can be reported at the office on above times, but preferably by phone on 044 801 9210/9994/9453 or pshelane@george.gov.za or ddlouw@george.gov.za

Existing Housing Offices
Existing Housing offices remain closed to the public.
Enquiries: 044 801 9113 or 044 801 9078

New Housing
New Housing Department (St Johns Street) offices remain closed to the public.
Enquiries: 044 802 2003

 

PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT
Please note Town Planning, Building Control and  Property Management offices remain closed  to the public.

Officials can be contacted by phone or email or can arrange a virtual Zoom or Microsoft Teams appointment with the relevant official to discuss any matters.

Town Planning General enquiries: 044 801 9477
Property Transfer Certificates: Marina Welman mhwelman@george.gov.za / 044 801 9171
Zoning Certificates: Lorraine Malangeni lxmalangeni@george.gov.za / 044 801 9477
Zoning Rectifications: Jeanne Fourie jfourie@george.gov.za / 044 801 9138 and Ilané Huyser ihuyser@george.gov.za / 044 801 9550
Illegal Land Use Complaints: Robin Hector rlhector@george.gov.za / 044 801 9475 and Mawethu Bonga mbonga@george.gov.za / 044 801 9520

Online land use applications
Land use applications can be submitted online. See https://www.george.gov.za/town-planning/ for more details.
Enquiries land use applications:
Erven ending with an even number (i.e. 0, 2, 4, 6, 8): Primrose Nako 044 801 9416 pnako@george.gov.za
Erven ending with an odd number (i.e. 1, 3, 5, 7, 9): Marissa Arries 044 801 9473 marries@george.gov.za
Farm/portion numbers: Marina Welman 044 801 9171 mhwelman@george.gov.za

 

Building Control
Building plans can be submitted online. See https://www.george.gov.za/planning-development/building-control/ for more information.

Building Control General Enquiries 044 801 9370
Request for existing building plans (Registration Department):
Phindiswa Lingani: 044 801 9370 pmlingani@george.gov.za
Sinazo Moshani: 044 801 9019 smoshani@george.gov.za
Musa Dyakop: 044 801 9166 mdyakop@george.gov.za
Status on building plan approvals: Vasti Laws: 044 801 9509 vnlaws@george.gov.za
Andrea Griessel: 044 801 9502 agriessel@george.gov.za

Please contact Building Inspectors directly during office hours:
James Vollenhoven: 076 823 0412

Fuzisa Siguba: 083 949 8651

Illegal activity: Nolan Noemdoe 083 757 3717

Property Management
Donald Gelderbloem: Manager Property Management 044 801 9073 dmgelderbloem@george.gov.za
Leasing of properties: Josephine Mpembe 044 801 9190 jmpembe@george.gov.za
Sale of properties: René Hendricks 044 801 9472 rehendricks@george.gov.za
General enquiries: Monique Isaks 044 801 9375 misaks@george.gov.za

Economic Development
Offices remain closed to the public.
Business queries: 044 801 9146
Other queries: 044 801 2820 / 073 621 0099 bduplessis@george.gov.za

IDP Office
Offices remain closed to the public.
Ronel Le Fleur: 044 801 9075 / 071 870 7887 rlefleur@george.gov.za

Ward committee operations
Offices remain closed to the public.
Paulina Saaiman: 044 801 9074 / 060 579 6829 pasaaiman@george.gov.za

George Tourism Office
Open to the public, unless otherwise indicated due to temporary Covid-19 measures.
044 801 9295 info@visitgeorge.co.za

Wilderness Tourism Office
Open to the public, unless otherwise indicated due to temporary Covid-19 measures.
044 801 9295 info@visitgeorge.co.za

 

FINANCE
The Finance Hall in the Main Building is OPEN to the public, weekdays from 8am – 3.30pm unless otherwise indicated due to temporary Covid-19 measures.
Covid-19 protocols are in place and only six persons are allowed inside the Finance Hall at any given time.
Estimated waiting time of 20 minutes, depending on the type of queries for the customers ahead of you in the queue.

While electronic payments are recommended (see details below), the Finance Hall is open for account payments in addition to municipal account queries, opening of accounts, new connections, duplicate accounts, arrangements on arrears, indigent applications etc.

Printed municipal accounts are being issued every month. If you have not received your account by the due date of the 15th of each month, please contact us to forward an email copy or pay the monthly average amount. Online accounts via email have not been affected by lockdown. If you want to receive your account via email, please mail a request to accounts@george.gov.za

Ratepayers are requested to use one of the below-mentioned methods to make payments.
Accounts can be paid via electronic transfer (EFT – see details below), via pay@ mobile applications (see details below) and at Pick n Pay, Checkers, Shoprite, USave and SPAR.
Please take your most recent available account statement with you so that the shop can access the bar code that connects your payment to your GRG account number.

 

Meter readings
A new service provider, Electro Cuts, will commence its services for George Municipality on 1 January 2021 and will pick up the reading service as it applies from 17 December 2020.

Consumers who have in the past sent water meter readings to Ikapa, must please note the change in email address for this purpose to meterreadings@george.gov.za
Online submissions of water meter readings are welcomed and can be provided via the above-email address by the 5th of each month along with the accountholder’s name, contact details and GRG account number.

 

Bank Details for electronic payment (please note bank details changed 1 December 2020)
First National Bank (FNB)
Account Type: Public Sector Cheque Account
Account Name: George Municipality
Account Number: 62869623150
Branch Code: 210554
Swift Code: FIRNZAJJ
Reference: your GRG account number
Proof of payment to be sent to payments@george.gov.za

 

pay@ mobile applications
Download Masterpass, Snapscan or Zapper application on your mobile phone and complete your profile.
Load your credit or debit card.
To pay the account, open ‘Wallet’ inside the App you have downloaded and scan the QR code (the black square with the little squares inside it on the bottom right of your account).
Enter the amount you are going to pay and complete the transaction.
The App will confirm your successful, secure transaction.

You can also use the following link for payment of your account:
https://payat.io/qr/11413
Click on the link and enter the Pay@ reference number (number starting with 11413) which appears on your account. Your customer information will appear with payment options to choose from.

Prepaid electricity purchases
www.prepaid24.co.za
https://home.ontec.co.za
www.ipay.co.za
The electricity token is automatically sent to the client via SMS or email.
Mobile apps belonging to banks also have a pre-paid electricity purchase function.
For prepaid enquiries please contact 044 873 5474.

General enquiries to accounts@george.gov.za or 044 801 9111.
Please provide your GRG account number with all enquiries.
Please note that limited assistance is available as personnel may be working offline.

Credit Control enquiries: 084 769 5635

 

MUNICIPAL COURT
The George Municipal Court is open to the public on weekdays 7.45am-4.30pm unless otherwise indicated due to temporary Covid-19 measures.
Enquiries: 044 801 9400

UNIONDALE
Cashier Hall is open to the public on weekdays 8am-4.30pm unless otherwise indicated due to temporary Covid-19 measures.

Fire: 044 752 1225
Switchboard and fault reporting: 044 752 1024
Tourism: 044 752 1076
Haarlem: 044 763 1013
After hours: 044 801 6300