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Author: Chantel Edwards

Road Safety Awareness Campaign

George Municipal Traffic Department participated in Operation Borcherds, Conville, Parkdene and Lawaaikamp on Friday 1ast October with the team stationed outside Conville Clinic.

Executive Mayor Leon Van Wyk visited the team on the day and spent some time reviewing the technology at the department’s disposal. The new mobile traffic vehicle is fully equipped with Automatic Number Plate Recognition cameras (ANPR)  which can view an oncoming vehicle, and indicate whether there are any outstanding traffic fines linked to the licence plate. The fines can be printed inside the mobile bus. If the fine is a warrant of arrest, payment is immediately payable, either on the bus or the individual can be escorted to the Traffic Department. For any other fines, the driver is notified of the fine and cautioned to pay before due date.

“This vehicle allows our traffic officials to issue drivers with notices of their outstanding fines. Outstanding fines are always a cause of great concern for Council, as well as the municipality due to the expenditure on traffic policing. We know that fines for misconduct by road users are issued, but some of them just simply do not get paid. It is important that drivers adhere to road rules and pay fines when notified to avoid the process of a summons that will follow due to non-payment”,  said Ald Van Wyk.

 

The Mayor was impressed by the devices available to test drivers who might be under the influence of alcohol. Mr. Ruben Lakata, Assistant Director, Road Safety Management, Department of Transport and Public Works explained step for step how the disposable breathalyzer’s must be used and the meaning of the different colours that will display for example, yellow shows no alcohol present and green shows alcohol present.

“ It was a very proud moment for me as the Executive Mayor of our municipality to see our traffic officials at work and to witness the technology in action. With the Covid-19 Alert level having been changed to level one, and a number of relaxations having been affected, that does not mean that we should ignore the rules and regulations of the road. We want our drivers to keep safe, as well as drive safe.”

During a light-hearted moment Ald Van Wyk tested goggles that simulate the effects of drunk driving noting that it’s very sobering  on viewing the video of himself afterwards, to see how poor your judgement becomes when under the influence.

Daantjie Kat was on hand to hand out colouring books, crayons, reflective bands and more to local children to raise awareness around traffic safety. In the main photograph Mayor Van Wyk and Daantjie Kat (in the middle) and George Traffic Services officials hand over pamphlets, crayons and colour in books to children from left,  Shireen Jordaan (9),  Patriano Davids (6), Joshua Hofmeester  (9), Melenicia Hess (9), Haylene Jordaan (4) and Jay lee-anne Davids (8).

 

 

Thembalethu substation construction to commence

George Municipality held a sod-turning ceremony last week to signal the beginning of construction of a 66/11 kV 40 MVA electrical substation in Thembalethu, one of the largest of its kind in the Southern Cape and a major bulk infrastructure milestone for the city.

George Executive Mayor Leon van Wyk said the new substation would alleviate load on the substations that were currently supplying Thembalethu and therefore served as an important catalyst for investment funding from both the state and business.

“George Municipality is a key growth area for many investors, but it requires certain very expensive bulk infrastructure to support the growth. The allocation of supportive funding from the national Department of Mineral Resources and Energy to build this substation signals trust in the local authority to facilitate growth and service delivery. In turn, the municipality can provide the kind of infrastructure required for outside manufacturers and business to invest and for housing supportive facilities to be developed across the municipal area,” said Mr Van Wyk.

Municipality Director Electrotechnical Services Bongani Mandla said the completed Thembalethu substation would be one of the largest 66/11 kV substations in the Southern Cape. “It will provide power to Thembalethu and other suburbs east of the N2 that are currently supplied from substations across the highway. The overall impact on the city’s grid will be adequate capacity for a growing city and more reliable supply to especially the eastern areas,” said Mr Mandla.

Construction on the Thembalethu 66kV substation commences this month (October 2021) and will run across three financial years. The first phase, costing about R30-million, is funded two thirds by the municipality and the rest by the Integrated National Electrification Programme grant (INEP) of the national Department of Mineral Resources and Energy. The entire project is costed at an estimated R58 million.

The substation’s construction consists mostly of the manufacturing, supply and installation of 11 kV and 66 kV equipment, two new 66/11 kV 20MVA power transformers and ancillary protection and control equipment.

The first phase of the substation, which will include the commissioning of the 66 kV yard, first power transformer and 11 kV switchgear, is expected to be completed in the first quarter of 2023.

Caption
At the sod turning ceremony of the new Thembalethu 66 kV substation, back from left to right: Deon Esterhuysen (George Municipality), Chris Spies (George Municipality), Alwyn Huisamen (VE Reticulation), Electrotechnical Services Portfolio Councillor Nosicelo Mbete, Jurgens Bosman (VE Reticulation), Executive Mayor Alderman Leon van Wyk, Joubert Theart (Zutari) and Danie de Vries (BDE Consulting), and front from left are George Municipality Electrotechnical Services Director Bongani Mandla and Kevin Grunewald (BDE Consulting).

Burgemeestersbrief/mayor’s letter 7 October 2021

BURGEMEESTERSBRIEF, 7 OKTOBER 2021 (please see English below this text)
Tydens voorbereidings vir die 2021-22 konsepbegroting het dit duidelik geword dat George se behoeftes vir grootmaat-infrastruktuur die beskikbare kapitaalbefondsing sou oorskry.

Samesprekings is toe tussen myself as burgemeester, die munisipale bestuurder, die hoof finansiële beampte en senior lede van die Direktoraat Siviele Ingenieursdienste se personeel gehou. Daar is toe besluit om Nasionale Tesourie te nader om hulle advies en hulp te win om addisionele befondsing te bekom om die nodige uitbreidings aan die infrastruktuur aan te pak. Hierdie gesprek het George se groei oor die afgelope dekade in ag geneem. Die konstruksiebedryf se projekte (insluitend die op regeringsbefondsde behuising) in hierdie tydperk het druk op die beskikbare watersuiweringswerke en rioolsuiweringswerke se kapasiteit geplaas.

Na hierdie gesprekke gehou is, is daar aanbeveel dat die munisipaliteit vir ‘n infrastruktuur-befondsingsfasiliteit aansoek doen wat gewoonlik net toeganklik sou wees vir die groot metropolitaanse stede.

Na aanleiding hiervan is ‘n komplekse befondsingsaansoek vir R1102m met behulp van kundige adviseurs saamgestel met die klem op grootmaatwaterinfrastruktuur. Die aansoek behels opgraderings om die waterwerke se daaglikse suiweringskapasiteit te vehoog van 40Ml tot 60Ml. Tesame met ander verwante werke beloop hierdie opgraderings ‘n bedrag van R924m. Die verdere konstruksie vir projekte in Thembalethu en Pacaltsdorp behels R178m oor ‘n tydperk van vier tot vyf jaar. Hierdie aansoek word as die “miljaard-rand aansoek” beskryf.

Tesame met hierdie aansoek, is navorsing op ander projekte ook gedoen en met voornemende befondsers bespreek.

Die beoordeling van hierdie miljaard-rand aansoek is reeds vir die afgelope maande aan die gang. Die munisipaliteit is onlangs versoek om toe te sien dat beplanning in diepte gedoen word en dat die voorsieningskanaalprosesse in plek gesit word om die projekte te begin. Terwyl die besluit eers oor ‘n maand of twee bekend gemaak sal word, is daar kennis gegee dat ‘n toekenning van R81m binnekort oorbetaal gaan word. Hierdie toekenning word beskou as die aanvanklike befondsing vir die projek.

Tydens die bespreking oor die aansoek is daar beklemtoon dat George ekonomiese groei moet bevorder. Die 50% vehoging in beskikbare watersuiweringskapasiteit tesame met soortgelyke verhogings by die rioolsuiweringsaanlegte sal groei in konstruksie-aktiwiteite vir die volgende dekade aanmoedig.

Die vordering wat tot dusver gemaak is om infrastruktuurkapasiteit te verhoog sal toesien dat die kapitaalbegroting van die munisipaliteit heroorweeg moet word om voorsiening te maak vir verdere spandering op elektrisiteit, paaie, stormwater en ander belangrike infrastruktuur. Ons glo dat hierdie spandering op infrastruktuur, nuwe beleggings in George sal bevorder asook addisionele werkverskaffing verseker. Tans is ons alreeds bewus van beleggings wat in die landbou, hospitaal en administrasie bedrywe gemaak gaan word. Hierdie werksgeleenthede is van kritiese belang vir ons inwoners.

Alderman Leon van Wyk
Uitvoerende Burgemeester van George

***

MAYOR’S NEWSLETTER: 4 OCTOBER 2021
In March 2021 during preparations for our draft budget for 2021-22, it became apparent that George’s needs for capital infrastructure exceeded the capital funding sources available to the municipality.

In the engagements between myself as mayor with the municipal manager, the chief financial officer and senior staff from Civil Engineering Services Directorate, we decided to approach National Treasury to seek their advice and assistance to secure additional funding to undertake essential infrastructure expansions required in George. The ensuing discussion focussed on the growth that has taken place in George over the past decade and how additional construction activity (including on subsidised housing) had placed pressure on the existing available water treatment and waste-water treatment capacity.

Flowing from this constructive meeting, we were advised to apply for an infrastructure financing facility normally reserved for the big metropolitan cities.

This led to the development of a sophisticated funding application focussing on water infrastructure to the value of R1102m that was compiled with the assistance of specialist advisers. The application proposed upgrades to the water treatment works from a daily treatment capacity of 40Ml to 60 Ml along with associated plant upgrades for R924m and the construction of additional water infrastructure for Thembalethu and Pacaltsdorp amounting to R178m over a 4-5 year period. This application has been termed the “billion rand application”.

In addition to this application, project proposals for other infrastructure have also been prepared and discussed with prospective funders.

In the meantime, this billion-rand application for grant funding has progressed to the stage where the municipality has been requested to ensure that detailed planning and supply chain processes are put in place to commence implementation of the project. While the outcome is expected to be announced in the next month or two, there has been notification that a grant allocation of R81m will be made available soon. This allocation is seen as funding for the initial start-up phases of the project.

In the application submission the importance of George pursuing a path of economic growth was stressed. A 50% increase in available water treatment capacity along with similar increases envisaged for the waste-water treatment plants, will cater for growth in construction activity over the next decade.

The progress that has been made to increase infrastructure capacity will ensure that capital budgets for the municipality can be re-examined to cater for spending on electricity, roads, stormwater and other essential infrastructure. We believe that this infrastructure spending will drive investment into George and lead to additional job creation. In this regard we are already aware of investments taking place in agriculture, hospitals and in the business processing outsourcing sectors to critically provide employment opportunities for our citizens.

Alderman Leon van Wyk
Executive Mayor of George

Meulen River cleanup Thembalethu

The George Municipality cleansing team and the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) conducted a clean-up at Meul River, Thembalethu recently which is located near Tyhaliti Close.
The purpose of this clean-up was to show community members that illegal dumping should become something of the past and that it affects everyone in the community in terms of health . Besides the obvious health risks, it has become a bad habit for residents as it attracts snakes and rats and more. While the group were cleaning, they found three snakes in the rubble. This could have very serious consequences for children, as most of them like to play in these dumping locations.
The campaign was undertaken by 36 individuals from different departments.

Caption:Information on illegal dumping and its consequences were distributed in areas near the cleanup.

VACCINATION WEEKEND Garden Route

The Vooma Vaccination Weekend is on our doorstep, taking place from 1 to 3 October nationally.  The aim of this vaccination drive is to vaccinate 70% of adults by the end of the year – that’s 17 million more people. If we achieve that, projections are that we will save at least 20 000 lives.

The Garden Route has administered 256 879 vaccines to date.  The percentage of the Garden Route population over 18 years who have received at least one dose vaccine stands at 41% . If you are 18 or older, don’t wait any longer! Go and get vaccinated at a site near you. The vaccination is free to everyone living in South Africa, whether you are a South African or from another country.

VOOMA weekend sites:

Sub-District Site Operating Hours

2 Oct 2021

Operating Hours

3 Oct 2021

George Harry Comay TB Hospital 08h00 – 16h00 08h00 – 16h00
Hessequa Riversdale Civic Centre 08h00 – 16h00 08h00 – 16h00
Hessequa Heidelberg Duivenhoks Hall 08h00 – 14h00  
Hessequa Albertinia Theronsville Hall 08h00 – 14h00  
Hessequa Witsand de Duine Hall 08h00 – 14h00  
Kannaland Ladismith Town Hall 08h00 – 16h00  
Kannaland Calitzdorp DRC Church Hall   08h00 – 16h00
Knysna Knysna CDC 08h00 – 16h00  
Mossel Bay Alma CDC 08h00 – 16h00  
Mossel Bay D’Almeida CDC   08h00 – 16h00
Oudtshoorn Bongolethu Clinic 08h00 – 16h00 08h00 – 16h00
Bitou Plettenberg Bay Clinic   08h00 – 16h00

 

COVID cases
The district is still showing a decrease in the total number of new cases over the last 7 days compared to 7 – 14 days ago. George Regional Hospital is also experiencing decreased pressure in wards as well as the critical care unit. Today there are 26 COVID patients in the COVID ward and 10 patients in the critical care unit. Harry Comay Hospital, a step-down facility for George Hospital has 7 COVID-19 patients. All district hospitals have decreased pressure except for Oudtshoorn Hospital, which although less busy, still has a high number of COVID inpatients.

 

New mobile incident command unit can meet a crisis where it’s at

George Fire and Rescue has taken delivery of a state-of-the-art mobile incident command unit that will be used to manage administration and support on the scene of a crisis, disaster or rescue situation.

“The custom-built minibus is effectively a mini crisis command centre that can collect and distribute real-time data that will empower decisionmakers and roleplayers that are not on the scene to respond appropriately to a given situation,” said Chief Fire Officer Neels Barnard.

“The diverse circumstances of the George municipal area often result in extraordinary emergency situations that range from mountain, cliffside and sea rescues and recoveries to runaway fires, floods, wind damage and more. Most of these happen far from crisis centre hubs, which require constant scene-to-management feedback and updates which in turn draws essential emergency workers off site and away from the important work of saving lives and property.

“The Type-3 mobile command unit is equipped with technology that bridges the gap so that emergency personnel can stay on site and get on with their work, while providing online, real-time information and footage to decisionmakers that support and finance the work on the ground. The communications capacity also means the ability to synchronise multi-agency situations that require communication to Joint Operations Centres, government roleplayers and other stakeholders almost anywhere in the world.”

The unit can be set up almost anywhere in a short timeframe. It is the first of its kind in the country with a super-high roof to allow for standing room and additional above-counter space. The technology onboard includes two computerised workstations, radio frequency transceivers and internet access, an electric generator and solar panels, and a fixed camera with live footage capability to allow remote monitoring.

It can operate in an environment with little or no basic facilities, including no electrical service and phone lines, and has own power generation capacity to operate independently for at least three days.

The back section of the vehicle incorporates a Type-3 hazardous materials response unit with a mobile decontamination unit, hazardous materials suits and equipment for detecting chemicals, harmful gasses and radiation.

The vehicle was financed with Western Cape grant funding and kitted out using municipal funds. “We are grateful that provincial government and Council recognise the diverse challenges of firefighting in the George Municipality and surrounds. We continue to see the significant difference it makes in the field where lives and properties are saved every day,” said Mr Barnard.

In the main photograph, Western Cape Deputy Director Disaster Manager Rowena Page officially handed over the municipality’s new mobile incident command centre to George Chief Fire Officer Neels Barnard and Executive Alderman Mayor Leon van Wyk last week.

George Executive Mayor Leon van Wyk (left) fist bumps Brandon Woolley of Ramcom, the company that fitted the vehicle for its advanced requirement.

George alternative energy system used as training example for others

George Municipality’s metering and billing system for alternative energy sources is being used in national training as a good example for other municipalities in the country to follow.

Electrotechnical Services Director Bongani Mandla said installation of alternative energy sources, also known as small scale embedded generation (SSEG) systems, had steadily increased in the region over the past few years. “The need had arisen for a system that could take on metered energy and possibly compensate consumers with financial credit for excess energy fed back into the municipal electricity grid.

“George Municipality’s electrotechnical measurements section has over the past few years successfully implemented bidirectional metering and time-of-use tariffs at registered SSEG sites, mostly solar energy plants, in the George municipal area.”

George is one of very few B-type municipalities in the country to have implemented such a metering and billing system successfully, which is now being used in a national SSEG training course on the national SSEG Municipal Resource Portal as an example to other municipalities on how to introduce such systems into their distribution networks. The Resource Portal is backed by Sustainable Energy Africa, CSIR, GIZ and SALGA, which makes the achievement even more commendable.

Mr Mandla commended the measurements section and in particular senior engineering technician Adam Willems and manager measurements Derek Baxter, for their dedication to implement this system.

“We are proud to be at the forefront in implementing a new system that enhances service delivery and contributes to long-term sustainability and responsible resource management. We believe it is important for municipalities to allow SSEG customers onto their system and hope our example will inspire others to follow,” said Mr Mandla.

More information about the registration of SSEGs and related information is available on the municipal website at https://www.george.gov.za/electro-technical/

In the photograph: The dedication of senior engineering technician Adam Willems (left) and manager measurements Derek Baxter (right) was key to the successful implementation of the SSEG system, under the management of deputy director engineering services Kobus Wilken.

Operation Thembalethu

The Department of Community Services supported by other directorates recently undertook a number of projects in and around Thembalethu recently.

Planting of trees
The municipality is focusing on the cleaning and greening of the environment, and Thembalethu has been a focus point since the beginning of August into September 2021 when Arbor Month is celebrated. Thembalethu was picked due to the illegal dumping taking place in the area.  A team from the George Municipality’s Environmental department planted trees at the Inkubeko Youth and Science Centre in Thembalethu. There were 3 trees planted, namely Celtis africana, Trimeria grandifolia, Tarchonanthus camphoratus. There were additional trees left at the site for the employees to plant. All the trees were donated by Precious Tree Project and other donors.

Library hosts painting demonstration

Thembalethu Library hosted several artists including Anthony Noble, Ernest Ntseke and Bob Bulelani who held painting demonstrations with the theme of Illegal dumping. Several displays with regards to this subject matter (Illegal dumping) were set up for all to see, at the entrance of the library.

 

 

The importance of recycling was also covered and depicted. During National Book Week which took place from 6-10 September 2021, pupils at the different schools were invited to either write a poem or essay about illegal dumping. All poems and essays will be exhibited inside the library.

 

 

Thembalethu Sports Grounds
The Sport Development section is mandated to create an enabling environment for the delivering of sport services in George. As part of their continuous effort to ensure that a favourable environment exist the team launched an intensive effort to clean up the entrance to the Thembalethu Sports Grounds to ensure a welcoming environment.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Soccer opportunities
After engagement with the local football association, an initiative was launched that will assist in providing more opportunities for the youth to partake in soccer and enter into the sport. In collaboration with the Directorate Civil Engineering Services, three mini-soccer courts were painted on the paved area at the Thembalethu Sport grounds. These courts will go a long way in assisting the facilitation of soccer development programmes, as well as holiday programmes aimed at the youth.

Weeds and removal of trees
The Tree and Cemeteries team focused on the eradication and herbicide application for weeds all along the main roads in Thembalethu, as well as on sidewalks and municipal open spaces.

Several problem trees were removed including four in Nelson Mandela Boulvevard, a dead oak tree at the T Junction, two trees at the Thembalethu Thusong Centre and a pine tree in Ncamanza Street. Trees were trimmed on Ncamanza and Tshefu Street to improve street visibility.

Illegal Dumping clearing of Nelson Mandela Boulevard

This project commenced in late August with Nelson Mandela Boulevard as the starting point. The purpose of this project was to target the Illegal Dumping sites, through clearing them to try and prevent or reduce ongoing dumping there. Unfortunately, Thembalethu is the biggest hotspot for Illegal Dumping in the George area. Information flyers on the dangers of illegal dumping were also handed out from door to door to remind residents of why they should report; and or prevent illegal dumping in their communities.

George Traffic Department road safety outreach
The Traffic Department recently focused on Road safety in Thembalethu with the aim to educate drivers on sharing the road with one another, not to speed and to be tolerant on the road. Officers distributed road safety educational pamphlets to educate pedestrians on safe walking and the proper method of crossing roads. The road safety mascot, Danny Cat, also visited schools Tyholora and Thembalethu Primary Schools where officers spoke about road safety and used the opportunity to explain the importance of sanitising your hands.

Public Notice: Integrated Development Plan, Budget Preparation and Municipal Spatial Development Framework Process for 2022 -2027

GEORGE MUNICIPALITY
PUBLIC NOTICE: INTEGRATED DEVELOPMENT PLAN, BUDGET PREPARATION AND MUNICIPAL SPATIAL DEVELOPMENT FRAMEWORK PROCESS FOR 2022-2027

 Notice is hereby given that the 2022/2027Integrated Development Plan (IDP)/Budget and Spatial Development Framework Time Schedule has been adopted in terms of Section 21 of the Local Government Municipal Finance Management  Act (Act 56 of 2003) by the George Municipality Municipal Council, at a Council meeting held on 25 August 2021 and is available on the Municipal website www.george.gov.za

Notice is given in terms of Regulation 15(1) (a) of the Local Government: Municipal Planning and Performance Management Regulations, 2001, Sections 28(3) and 29 of the Local Government: Municipal Systems Act 32 of 2000, Section 20 of the Spatial Planning and Land Use Act 16 of 2013, Section 11 of the Western Cape Land Use Planning Act 13 of 2014 and Section 3(2)(a) of the George Municipality By-Law on Municipal Land Use Planning, 2015.

George Municipality will soon embark on a process to formulate the new five-year Integrated Development Plan (IDP) and related multi-year budgets. The Municipality further intends to compile the 2022 Municipal Spatial Development Framework (MSDF). To ensure an inclusive process from the onset, George Municipality invites interested groups, sectors, experts, government departments, and the local community to submit comments or input on the draft IDP, Budget and Municipal Spatial Development Framework (MSDF) Process Plan.

 

Section 29 of the MSA

The process followed by a municipality to draft its Integrated Development Plan, including its consideration and adoption of the draft plan, must –

(a) be in accordance with a predetermined programme specifying timeframes for the different steps; (b) through appropriate mechanisms, processes and procedures established in terms of Chapter 4 allow for—

(i) the local community to be consulted on its development needs and priorities.
(ii) the local community to participate in the drafting of the IDP; and
(iii) organs of state, including traditional authorities, and other role players to be identified and consulted on the drafting of the integrated development plan;

(c) provide for the identification of all plans and planning requirements binding on the municipality in terms of national and provincial legislation; and
(d) be consistent with any other matters that may be prescribed by regulation.

The MSDF is one of the core components of a municipal Integrated Development Plan (IDP) and gives physical effect to the vision, goals, and objectives of the municipal IDP. The final amended MSDF will be approved in terms of the Local Government: Municipal Systems Act 32 of 2000 and will serve as a guide to decision making which relates to land development. The MSDF will be developed in terms of Section 7 of the George By-Law on Municipal Land Use Planning, 2015.

Detailed copies of the draft IDP, Budget and Municipal Spatial Development Framework (MSDF) Process Plan will be available at Municipal offices during office hours from the date of the publication of this notice, as well as on the municipality’s website. Written public comments are invited from the public per Section of28 (2) of the Local Government Municipal Systems Act 32 of 2000 and comments will be accepted up until 24 September 2021.

 

Please forward your comments and inputs to:

The Manager IDP:  K.J Haarhoff (044 801 9025) Email: khaarhoff@george.gov.za
Budget: Leon Wallace (044 801 9036) Email: lewallace@george.gov.za and
MSDF: Lynette Groenewald ( 044 8019436)  E-mail: lgroenewald@george.gov.za

George Municipality, Private Bag X 321, George, 3200, or alternatively you may deliver a copy to the Municipal Offices, York Street.

 Dr. M. Gratz, Municipal Manager (Acting)

Wilderness now serviced by its own fire station

Wilderness area is now being served by its own satellite fire station, which was officially opened on Friday, 17 September 2021.

Situated near the Caltex The Waves circle on the N2, the new station was built to serve the diverse fire and rescue needs of the area east of the Kaaimans River Bridge, which had until recently been addressed from the main fire station in the George CBD 14km away.

George Chief Fire Officer Neels Barnard said a satellite station in Wilderness had been a long-term goal of the department to cover the area’s fire and rescue risks more effectively. “We now have quick and easy access to the N2 for vehicle accidents and hazardous materials spills, the Wilderness beach and lakes for water incidents and rescues as well as significant fire risks such as fuel stations, hotels, dense vegetation and agricultural land.”

The Wilderness station is also the first in the Southern Cape to be a double-storey facility with a fireman’s pole.

The 440sqm station comprises 348sqm bottom-floor space for vehicles and equipment and 92sqm above for staff quarters. It has three spaces for specialised vehicles including a major fire appliance, 4×4 off-road firefighting vehicle and a jetski, quadbike and rubber duck. The facility is manned around the clock by four firefighters.

“There are many advantages of having a fire station in an expanding and diverse community such as Wilderness and surrounds, including the much faster response times to road accidents and fires. Its location next to the Wilderness police station is ideal as there are several overlapping services and administration between the SAPS and municipal emergency services during and after an incident.

“The department is grateful to its Municipal Council for recognising the diverse fire and rescue needs that exist in the area and for supporting an ongoing programme to equip the Fire and Rescue department with specialised gear and facilities to continue protecting land and property.

“We also thank donors Peter Grindlay and Mikaila Hendrikz of Dotsure and Jenny Harding of Delightful Gardens for their contributions towards the interior design and beautifying of the Wilderness Fire Station,” said Mr Barnard.

At the official opening George Executive Mayor Alderman Leon van Wyk commended Mr Barnard and his department for their pursuit of excellence. “I am very proud of their hard work – their persistence in continuance expansion of capacity will pay off for decades to come,” said Ald van Wyk.

Wilderness is the municipality’s third satellite station in addition to Thembalethu and Uniondale.

Caption
In front of the shiny new Wilderness fire station from left are Platoon Commander Santa Sternsdorf, Platoon Commander Shane Fisher, George Station Commander Johann Crouse, Chief Fire Officer Neels Barnard, George Executive Mayor Alderman Leon van Wyk, Deputy Executive Mayor Charlotte Clarke and Wilderness Ward Councillor Marlene Barnardt.

Mayor visits Johanna’s neat little food garden

George Executive Mayor Leon van Wyk and Wilderness ward councillor Marlene Barnardt visited the vegetable garden of Johanna Harmse (middle) in Touwsranten, one of more than 70 municipality-supported food gardens in the area. Initiated by the municipal Economic Development section in November last year and now run by Community Development, the gardens aim to feed at least a family but in some cases have the potential for additional income and supply to soup kitchens. Gardeners in the Touwsranten area are participating in a Best Garden Competition organised by Francine Ruben and Shelley Epstein (not pictured) of the Hoekwil and Wilderness Ratepayers Associations respectively.

Responsible tourism paves the way to a better world

We all can make a difference!

National Tourism Month has reached its halfway point, and celebrations are full steam ahead country wide. If ever there was the perfect time to go on a much-deserved local break, it’s right now. The devasting COVID-19 pandemic has made, and continues to have a distressing impact on the South African tourism industry. However, living with more relaxed lockdown restrictions, the vaccination process under way, preventive protocols firmly in place, and many touristic ventures offering huge discounts, it’s safe to assume that very few people would say no to the opportunity to hit the road and do their bit to support the crippled domestic tourism trade.

The annual Tourism Month was inspired by World Tourism Day, a much-anticipated yearly event on the global calendar since 1980. This noteworthy day was called into being to make people aware of the important role that tourism plays in a society – having an enormous economic impact, creating jobs for many and helping to preserve and promote cultural and natural heritages.

South Africa is world-famous for its widely diverse range of cultures, destinations, sights and activities, and Tourism Month points the lens at all those treats. Propelled by the national Department of Tourism, this project is clear proof that local is indeed lekker and that something special awaits just around the corner.

This year, the Western Cape celebrates Tourism Month by focussing on relevant themes during each week of September. Currently in Week 3, the topic of responsible tourism is emphasised.  Responsible tourism, in a nutshell, is aimed at supporting existing resources and experiences in the quest to create better places for people to live in and better places to visit. It prompts all parties, such as tour operators, authorities, communities and tourists, to take responsibility in making tourism more sustainable by preserving local culture through respect, education, and monetary support.

With that definition as backdrop, here’s a compendium of just some of the gems that the George Municipal area offers in terms of responsible tourism:

The George Museum is a great starting point to get some insight into the region’s rich history and its unique culture. Most everything is covered, from the town’s origins nearly 250 years ago as a Dutch East Indian Company outpost, to the fascinating timber industry that played such an important role in the development of the whole territory.

Our area is known as an outdoor paradise and boasts a vast number of trails aimed at the exploits of energetic people – be it mountain biking, hiking or running. George Trails is a project that was initiated by a non-profit organisation called Green Sport which seeks to promote nature-related sport. This organisation develops trail infrastructure and, in the process, helps cities and towns to develop and promote their local trails as a sustainable tourism product that creates jobs.

The Buff and Fellow Eco Game Farm is not only a working buffalo farm, but also a great country escape. Guests can help themselves to fresh eggs from the chicken coop, or organic veggies from the veg patch before getting out there in nature to canoe, fish, hike or embark on a game drive.

The Outeniqua Nature Reserve covers a vast area of 38 000 hectares with many hiking, mountain biking and birding trails. Bird watchers will delight in the abundance of winged fauna species found in the various forest, mountain and fynbos zones. History enthusiasts will be equally thrilled by the interesting rock paintings scattered throughout the area depicting animals, hunters and honeycombs.

Garden Route Birds of Prey was founded in 2018 as a rehab centre for injured raptors and a refuge for those hapless ones which cannot be released. These birds now have a second chance on life by being used for educational purposes during the centre’s regular interactive flying shows. The organisation’s mission is to involve the youth by making use of volunteers and teaching them about the different birds of prey. These volunteers are equipped with a range of skills and knowledge allowing them to have a positive impact on their community.

There are plenty of opportunities to get involved and help making the world a better place, even when on a break. Come explore the George, Wilderness and Uniondale area which eagerly anticipates your visit. COVID-19 protocols are securely in place to ensure a memorable adventure. Learn more about our particular slice of Eden by visiting the George, Wilderness and Uniondale Tourism website at www.visitgeorge.co.za

Golden Valley 133 EHP  – Mayor shares in joy of residents

In the photograph from left are Portfolio Cllr for Human Settlements Raybin Figland, Ward 1 Cllr Jean Safer, Ms Suzette Arendse (recipient), Mr. Frans Van Rooyen (recipient), Executive Mayor Leon Van Wyk and CEO of LGE Waste Lorenze Gelderblom.

Executive Mayor Leon Van Wyk shared in the joy of 14 residents receiving their new homes at the latest Golden Valley 133 EHP handover on Wednesday 8 September in Blanco, imploring them as new owners to look after their most valuable asset. Title deeds for the new homes valued at R170 000 each were handed over to the residents. A total of 34 houses have been completed of Phase 1, which consists of the building of 133 top structures (actual houses) to qualifying beneficiaries. Only those  houses where the  electricity connections were fully finished were handed over.

The next handover will include 24 top structures that are in the final stage of completion with the balance of the 133 units in different stages of construction. Cllr Raybin Figland reminded the beneficiaries that the title deeds received made them the legal owners of the houses. LGE Waste CEO Lorenze Gelderblom personally handed over blue recycling and green garden waste bags to the new residents and explained what can go into each. Ward councillor for Blanco, Jean Safers noted that the municipality is trying to reduce the number of  informal settlements in this area. He asked residents to keep their areas clean and to get to know their neighbours. “Let us move forward as a community, we need prayer here and let us be neighbourly with each other and mostly, let us be proud homeowners.”

Project Background:  Beneficiaries had all been pre-identified with the subsidies approved by the Western Cape Provincial Department of Human Settlements. The Golden Valley housing project will accommodate all residents of the informal areas in Blanco, although not all will receive top structures. Qualifying families where the participants are older than 35 years, and whose monthly income is less than R3 500, receive top structures.  Other residents of the informal area who do not meet the latter criteria receive a serviced erf. A serviced erf contains sewerage services with a toilet, a water connection and electricity connection. The contractor, Marnol, has been appointed by the Provincial Department of Human Settlements to complete the project.  It is envisaged that the projected completion date of the project will be November 2021. 

 

Ward 1 Cllr Jean Safers, Portfolio Cllr for Human Settlements Raybin Figland and Executive Mayor Leon Van Wyk snips the ribbon at the home of David and Katrina Kettledas, Mrs Kettledas ( seen in photo) was overwhelmed with joy.  “Thank you, thank you Mayor, I waited 25 years for this home, we will look after it.”

 

 

 

 

 

Portfolio Cllr for Human Settlements Raybin Figland  and Executive Mayor Leon Van Wyk hands over Michele Visagie’s title deed for her house worth R170 000.

Short Term Urgent Electrification projects addressed

George Municipality as with many other municipalities is constantly faced with enormous challenges regarding the electrificaiton of new approved housing projects such as Erf 325, Golden Valley, Thembalethu UISP where these housing projects are implemented by the Western Cape Provincial Department of Human Settlements. The financial responsibility for the supply of services such as water, electricity falls to the George Municipality and we are reliant on grant funding to implement. There is currently not sufficient grant funding for the existing approved housing projects.

The immense growth in illegal informal housing in areas such as Allbrick and surrounding areas of Thembalethu, as well as Moeggeploeg and Moeggehuur in Pacaltsdorp has increased the funding deficit, as well as increased damaged to the overall electrical infrastructure due to ongoing illegal connections. The Electrotechnical Department in an effort to formalize the provision of electrical services to informal settlements has recommended the establishment of a  multi-disciplinary task team to draft the minimum criteria that will be adhered to for the electrification of informal areas in the future.

The Moeggehuur Electrification forms part of the three Short Term Urgent Electrification projects that were prioritized accordingly by Council (March 2021)  in terms of the R800 000 available budget for the 2020/21 Financial year.   “Moeggehuur” or Erf 2732 Bluegum Street in Pacaltsdorp was illegally invaded in February 2019. 58 households have been electrified with beneficiaries over 60 and/or disabled addressed first.  The cost per structure for electrification is between R10 000 – R13 000.

Executive Mayor Leon Van Wyk visited the site last week to meet with the  Consultants, appointed contractors, as well as the Electrotechnical Directorate employees to understand the progress on the project, to review the challenges being experienced as well as to walk part of the area to see the condition of the network installed.

The electrotechnical team together with contractor have been working together with community to resolve any challenge encountered, to ensure the newly connected homes  In the photograph from the left are Executive Mayor Leon Van Wyk; Portfolio Councillor for Electrotechnical Services Nosicelo Mbete; Specialized Electrician: George Electrotechnical Services Deshni Charles; VE Reticulation Project Manager, Riaan Naude and Acting Senior Manager: Electrical Services, Eddie Nqumse.

Mandela Village  – pipe installation addresses safety issues

Following excessive rain and flooding in August 2021, a dam wall or “informal road” which collapsed in the informal settlement Mandela Village, has been made safe with the installation of  two 600 mm diameter pipes side-by-side. The area has been backfilled  with imported material to “road height” and on the higher side, gabions (a basket or container filled with earth, stones, or other material) and rheno mattress (galvanized steel wire mesh compartmented basket with a rectangular mattress shape ) have been installed to serve as an inlet structure in an attempt to ensure that the dam wall does not flood away again.

The Mandela Village Informal Settlement is an invaded portion of land in Thembalethu which was a mining site, but now houses 1070 illegal informal structures.  With the onset of the invasion, more than five years ago, the inhabitants were informed of the dangers of occupying that particular piece of land, specifically the fact that the land was not stable and was prone to flooding.

Lionel Daniels, Acting Director: Civil Engineering Services, indicated that the road is not a formal road, but an earth embankment which was historically used by a mining company to serve a dual purpose – as access to the mine/quarry and a dam wall. It is not included on the George Roads Masterplan. The collapse was due to the heavy rains as well as damage caused by severe littering.   It must be noted that this road is, and is therefore not budgeted for. Acting Municipal Manager, Dr Michele Gratz visited the area shortly after the collapse  and  a decision was taken to clear the debris and address the immediate safety issues.

Executive Mayor, Leon Van Wyk visited the site following the repair with Acting Director for Civil Engineering Services, Lionel Daniels; Manager: Maintenance Contracts, Fred Nortje and the Deputy Mayor Charlotte Clarke “This area remains unsafe for habitation and resolving the problem is not easy.  Building pipes for water to flow through this area is not a permanent solution and more discussions will have to take place to see how we can fully resolve this, “ said Ald Van Wyk.

 

Parks and Recreation goes ‘greener’

George Municipality Small Plant Operator Marshall Pedro shows off one of the department Parks and Recreation’s new lithium Ion battery-powered pole pruners that have recently been purchased as part of the municipality’s ongoing pursuit of sustainable solutions across all sections and operations.
The four new pruners are not only more cost effective, lighter and easier to handle, but also reduces noise and vibrations and emit no petrol fumes. This means less impact on the operator and the environment.
The department intends buying battery-operated hedge trimmers next and will continue to investigate other sustainable landscaping devices as they become available.

Bulk facility for motor dealers and runners  

Covid Regulations, various lockdowns and general pandemic problems, have played havoc with deadlines for Motor Vehicle Licence Renewals. George Municipality is constantly reviewing and attempting to streamline and simplify the process in order to reduce queues and continue safeguarding the public and our officials.

A new bulk facility has been opened specifically for motor dealers and runners who come in with vehicle licences to renew and the registration of new vehicles. Previously such bulk renewals have been handled after hours and on weekends by the main office. Industry members have been directly informed about this facility which will operate on the same basis as the public MVR offices located in Hibernia Street.

Executive Mayor, Leon Van Wyk last week officially opened the new facility. Here he is seen with from left Deputy Mayor Charlotte Clarke, Hester Engelbrecht (Principal Clerk), Suretha Pick (Superintendent), Executive Mayor Van Wyk, Mayley Van Wyk ( Principal Clerk) and Mr Peter Botha who is a runner for the Que Guy.

Arranging for a separate bulk facility reduces the pressure on the Hibernia street offices, however we continue to encourage the public to consider Online Renewal  of vehicle licenses instead of in-person renewals as Covid-19 protocols that must be implemented,  significantly impact on the amount of people that can be served in a day. All of the details for online renewal can be found here https://www.george.gov.za/vehicle-lisensing/

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 and the documentation must be original – this is, among other things, a measure against fraudulent registration of vehicles.

George MVR Offices are  located in Hibernia Street and are open to the public weekdays 8am-3pm, except Wednesdays when closed at 2pm due to compulsory training. Access control is from the gate at the street. 044 801 9312

 

Mayor visits new Thembalethu homeowner

New homeowner Andile Fani and George Executive Mayor Alderman Leon van Wyk share a joke at the official handover of the last batch of houses in Phase One of the George Municipality Upgrading of Informal Settlements Programme (UISP) in Thembalethu this week.
Executive Deputy Mayor Charlotte Clarke is on the left.
One of the larger housing projects in the municipal area, the UISP in Thembalethu is an award-winning project started in February 2017. Phase One involved the establishment of 1746 serviced sites including 700 housing opportunities, which has now come to fruition.
New phases of this project will become available as funds are released via the Western Cape Department of Human Settlements.

From left are Beneficiary Liaison Committee (BLC) chairman Clifford Madlokazi, Human Settlements Portfolio Councillor Raybin Figland, Deputy Executive Mayor Charlotte Clarke, new homeowner Andile Fani and Executive Mayor Leon van Wyk.

Main building is now solar powered

George Municipality’s main building will now mostly be powered by solar following the activation of the recently installed 300kW solar-power plant in the municipal parking lot.

Funded by the national Department of Energy and facilitated by the municipality’s Electrotechnical directorate, the solar plant consists of 692 photovoltaic (PV) panels installed on top of the roofs of the parking bays – not only generating enough power to electrify the main building and civic centre but also providing shade and protection for municipal vehicles.

Solar power that the municipality does not use goes back into the city’s grid, which is then ‘credited’ against the municipality’s Eskom account according to a special tariff. During the night and on cloudy days, the municipality uses the accumulated ‘credit’ and pays for electricity thereafter. It is expected to produce 500 000kWh of energy per year and should pay itself off within seven years.

George Municipality also earns ‘green points’ for meeting carbon emission reduction targets.
The total savings in carbon dioxide emissions generated from the new solar-plant will be about 9027 tonnes of CO2 over the plant’s 25-year lifetime.

George Acting Municipal Manager Dr Michele Gratz said the municipality was proud to be among the first local authorities in the Western Cape to generate electricity for its own buildings. “This kind of project ultimately benefits the people of George because it saves money, promotes innovation and good environmental practices.

“We thank national government for supporting us in the pursuit of energy saving across as many platforms as possible. The municipality continues to investigate various types of alternative energy sources to provide sustainable solutions for the city,” said Dr Gratz.

Caption
George Municipality Electrotechnical Services portfolio councillor Nosicelo Mbete, project champion Thabo Yiga (intern), Executive Mayor Alderman Leon van Wyk and Electrotechnical Services director Bongani Mandla.