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Author: Chantel Edwards

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.

Mayor visits Rosedale soup kitchens

George Executive Mayor Leon van Wyk continued his visits to municipal-supported community projects last week including the Rosedale-based soup kitchens of Tannie Dinah Witbooi (light green overalls), whose kitchen serves 180 meals to mostly school children on weekdays, and Tannie Maria Moses (white jersey) who serves meals to 85 people three times a week, and every day during hard lockdown.
If you want to support soup kitchens, please phone 044 802 2000 during working hours.

Picture above
From left are Community Development Portfolio Councillor Sean Snyman, Rosedale Ward Councillor Melvin Roelfse, George Executive Mayor Leon van Wyk and Tannie Dinah Witbooi.


From left are Community Development Portfolio Councillor Sean Snyman, George Executive Mayor Leon van Wyk, Rosedale Ward Councillor Melvin Roelfse and Tannie Maria Moses.

Mayor visits Gwaiing landfill site to view improvements in place

The Gwaiing landfill site has seen a number of improvements following ongoing issues with access control on-site and homeless people gaining access to the site and staying over, a situation which posed danger not only to themselves but also the public wanting to use the landfill site.

George Municipality introduced corrective measures to address these problems by employing  ten Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) workers to assist around the site and to address safety concerns. In order to improve access control, the point of access was changed so that every vehicle entering the landfill site, must pass through a weighbridge before they can get to the landfill site. Every vehicle entering the facility is then weighed when it enters, and when it exits.

This system enables the municipality to capture correct waste management data and complies with the Provincial Department of Environmental and Development Planning’s requirements. Municipal official, Elvis Nondala is responsible for capturing the weight of the vehicles as they come through the weighbridge.

Mayor Leon van Wyk said visiting the facility enabled him to see what the conditions are for all who use this facility. “Under the new management, we are starting to see even more improvements and we are excited to see what lies ahead,” he said. He emphasised that the Gwaiing landfill site must be rehabilitated and that a portion of the site will be closed to allow for this rehabilitation. The public will be required to dispose of builder’s rubble at an alternative location on the same premises.

Sivuyile Mtila, Senior Manager for Environmental Services emphasized that the public must only dispose of permissible waste items such as; bulky waste (awkwardly sized and heavy objects);  garden refuse (grass clippings, dead branches, bushes, weeds, plants, stones and other small materials); builder’s rubble (concrete chunks, broken bricks (clay or cement), sand, stone, soil, cement, plaster) and any waste not containing hazardous waste.

 

Responding to the disposal of household hazardous waste, the George Municipality will be hosting its first Open Day for the collection of hazardous waste on 10 September, in the parking lot opposite Outeniqua Stadium, Augusta Street. Open from 08:00  – 15:00, the public to please note all Covid-19 protocols will be observed.

f you have the following household hazardous waste, deliver in a suitable container:

  • Motor oil, oil filters, brake fluid
  • Used antifreeze
  • Paint, paint thinner, turpentine
  • Pesticides or herbicides
  • Household batteries
  • CRTs, old TVs, miscellaneous electronics
  • Tyres
  • Fluorescent tubes and Globes
  • Household medical waste (needles and old medicine and tablets)

The following items are NOT accepted:

  • Explosives
  • Ammunition
  • Radioactive Materials
  • Controlled Substances

Additional Information

  • Bring the items you wish to dispose of in a strong box preferably in their original, labelled containers.
  • Do not EVER mix products together.
  • Be prepared to leave your containers, due to permitting requirements, and the volume of people that may utilise the program.

This is your opportunity to get rid of these items at NO COST and at a convenient, nearby location.

For any enquiries, kindly contact Grace Notshokovu on 044 802 2917.

In the group photograph are workers at the landfill site are from left, Christiaan Terblanche (EPWP), Andrew Pattersen (EPWP), Pieter Jumat (Permanent worker), Patrick Smit (Permanent worker), Ronny Vice (EPWP), David Jantjies (EPWP), Wessel Robertson Manager: Cleansing (in blue jacket and black mask at the back, next to him is Mayor Leon Van Wyk (grey jacket), Dr Michele Gratz (Acting Municipal Manager), Deputy Mayor Charlotte Clarke, Charles Lubbe (Project Manager: Cleansing) and Sivuyile Mtila (Senior Manager: Environmental Services).

 

 

Female fleet manager retires from a career in a man’s world

George Municipality Fleet Manager Manon McDonald, aged 56, this month retires from a lifetime career in a ‘man’s world’. Manon is an electrical engineering technician who in later years took on municipal fleet management as part of her job in Knysna. As fleet manager in George since 2015 she has been responsible for more than 1000 vehicles and associated equipment.

Manon became an electrical engineering student because she wasn’t good at typing. “I didn’t know what to do after school and was looking at courses at the local Klerksdorp Technikon to see if there was anything I could see myself doing for a living. I had a head for administration, so a secretarial course seemed a logical choice, but I was really bad at typing, which was still a major part of office management in the 1980s,” says Manon.

The only other thing that appealed was a qualification as electrical engineering technician, mostly because she liked maths and science that were core subjects in the course. “I was the only woman in a man’s world for most of my career which was unusual for everyone, not just the men, but people got used to me being there and it became less of a thing. Sometimes the men would take the mickey out of me, but it made me stronger, more committed and more determined.”

A decision that would stand her in good stead was pushing through to obtain the advanced NQ6 electrical engineering diploma. “To this day most people will qualify with the NQ4 technician qualification and there are very few women in South Africa with NQ6. The extra two years were much tougher, especially the maths, but it facilitated key career opportunities that became very important when life threw me a few curve balls.”

Good marks and references convinced the electrical engineer at Klerksdorp Municipality to take a chance on Manon, the first female electrical technical assistant to be appointed at the local authority in 1990. Despite irregular hours, extreme weather conditions and the inherent danger of electricity Manon thrived. “I loved that the work was different every day, that much of it was outdoors and very interesting.”

Eight years later when she needed a change, a glowing reference secured Manon the principal technician post at Knysna Municipality. “I arrived in this small town, recently widowed with an 18-month-old baby and no support system at home. It is a great testament to the men in that department at the time who not only accepted a female boss but one who sometimes brought a sleeping baby to after-hours callouts. Everyone would keep an ear out for my son, Rüttger, in case he would wake up and start crying, but he was very good and seldom even stirred while we did our jobs nearby.

“Although I did not strictly have to go out on all the calls at night, it was important for me to do so at least in the beginning while I was getting to know the people and the area. I wanted them to see that I was committed and willing to do what it takes, that I wouldn’t use my child as an excuse to not do my job.”

Knysna’s vehicle fleet was the responsibility of the electrotechnical department, and its management formed part of Manon’s job. “My dad was a motor vehicle mechanic, and I spent most days after school in his workshop, so this felt like familiar territory.”

Her job included buying new vehicles, overseeing the mechanical workshop and petrol and diesel filling station, vehicle licencing, insurance and a whole lot of related administration. Fleet management meant less afterhours work than electrical, which motivated Manon to apply for a position as fleet manager at George Municipality, which she got in 2015.

The George Municipality vehicle fleet consists of more than 1000 items ranging from sedans, bakkies and trailers to roadworks equipment, graders, refuse trucks, water tankers, fire trucks and GO GEORGE busses.

“Vehicles are expensive but essential for service delivery, which makes budgeting challenging in a growing municipality with limited resources. It is frustrating for everyone when an old truck that should really be replaced is in the workshop more than on the road, but it is our reality and we make the best of the circumstances.”

In the six years she has worked here, Manon has facilitated the purchasing of 176 vehicles and trucks, many of which have specialist requirements. Among these is the municipality’s first truck tractor which pulls a 35 000-litre stainless steel water tank as a movable water source during firefighting and South Africa’s first extra-high panel van in red for the Fire Department’s new mobile control centre.

Manon also had the fuel pumps upgraded so both pumps could issue dual product (petrol and diesel), managed renovations in the office to maximise space and facilitated the purchasing of a 31 000-litre above-ground storage tank that will be completed next month.

“Running a municipality’s fleet is not just about the vehicles in the current fleet, but about overall sustainability. For instance, the department may weigh up the pros and cons of buying a recovery vehicle for heavy vehicles versus the costs of a service provider, or whether the benefits of an inhouse workshop outweigh implications such as additional staff, space and equipment costs. A fleet is also about thousands of people who drive and travel in those vehicles every day – their safety and capacity to do their work as efficiently as possible are all inherent to this job.”

No matter the job description, Manon almost always had men reporting to her and some handled this better than others. “Some were quite blatantly disrespectful and adamant that they would not come to me for anything. I made a concerted effort to not take offense or get angry, or to be snide or vengeful when they eventually had no choice but to come to me for help or support. It was important to me to not rub my power and authority in their face and hoped they would eventually realise that I could be an ally.

“I always considered myself a lady and never swore at somebody or about any situation. I instinctively knew that I couldn’t be one of the boys and didn’t think it was necessary for me to try. I am my own person, not defined by my work or my gender.”

Manon and her husband Johan intend moving to Agulhas later this year.

 

Profile by Athane Scholtz, Communications Officer, George Municipality

Covid-19 Economic Recovery Plan to become integral part of municipal planning

George Municipality Directorate Planning and Development last week presented its Risk-Aligned Economic Recovery Plan to the municipal mayoral committee.

The plan, which was compiled as a response to the short and long-term socio-economic effects of Covid-19, aligns with and informs several other George Municipality plans and strategies as well as the plans and strategies for the Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) and Western Cape government.

George Municipality Director Planning and Development Lauren Waring said while the effect of Covid-19 would not be fully understood until the pandemic had passed, various surveys locally and across the world had identified the nature of some key impacts. “Some of the hardest hit sectors such as tourism, hospitality and retail are among our city’s most important sectors. We also expect poverty indicators to rise as the full impact on the informal sector, spaza shops and SMMEs becomes more evident.

“Covid-19 has had a damaging impact on the municipality’s revenue streams and it is expected to continue for the next three to five years. In response the municipality is developing meaningful interventions to stimulate the local economy and facilitate job creation, increase household consumption, and ensure the promotion of a stable and healthy living environment.”

To do this, George Municipality will focus on reigniting the tourism sector, providing sustainable support to the informal sector, developing an online SMME portal to provide access to different business processes and government and other support, using planning and infrastructure tools to ensure spatial transformation, developing tools to optimise resources, and enhancing data and knowledge management.

The municipality also takes into consideration its own systems, procedures, and functions to address Covid-19 impacts internally in addition to its external economic response, which includes social development, finance, and ICT responses.

Financial management responses include credit control, improved debtors management, revenue enhancement, cost containment and expenditure management.

The Social Development section, in ongoing relationships with the relevant mandated provincial and national government departments and other agencies, will promote an inclusive developmental agenda that focuses on issues including early childhood development, an integrated George safety and security network, sustainable food sources, homeless people and gender-based violence.

ICT responses will look into smart systems that maximise operational efficiency via the existing ICT platform, enhanced communication and performance management systems, and research and design capabilities to promote the meeting of targets and deadlines.

Economic Development portfolio councillor Dirk Wessels said the George Municipality Economic Recovery Plan was taking into consideration that Covid-19 was an historic event that would forever change the landscape of decision-making. “While the world is facing this crisis, the reality is that there may be more pandemics and other national and international disasters. The Economic Recovery Plan we have just released is the product of significant information and resource sharing across several agencies and reflects the multipronged approach required to pursue shared solutions for the major impacts on the local and global economy, geopolitics, and our societies.”

The George Municipality Economic Recovery Plan is aligned to current and developing strategies and documents including the National Covid-19 Recovery Plan, Western Cape Business and Economic Recovery Plan, George Economic Development and Tourism, Western Cape Government Tourism Master Plan as well as the GRDM Tourism Strategy, Agricultural Master Plan, Investment Prospectus and Draft Green Energy Master Plan.

The Plan will form part of the George Municipality Integrated Economic Development Strategy that is currently being developed and will serve as a critical informant to several other municipal strategic planning processes being undertaken in the next six to 24 months, including the Integrated Development Plan (IDP), Spatial Development Framework (SDF) and Integrated Economic Growth Strategy (IEGS).

The George Municipality Economic Recovery Plan is available at https://www.george.gov.za/george-documents/policies-strategies-plans-and-guidelines/planning-and-development/

Closer look at Crocodile Farm land for possible social housing

Closer look at Crocodile Farm land for possible social housingProfessional feasibility studies into the suitability of social housing on the old Crocodile Farm property are expected to commence later this year.

George Municipality Acting Director Human Settlements Lauren Waring said the Social Housing Regulatory Authority (SHRA) had granted R500 000 towards the relevant studies. “Should the project go ahead and depending on what the studies show to be the most suitable housing type for the site, a potential 300 to 400 units could be accommodated on the old Crocodile Farm site and construction is then anticipated to commence by beginning 2023.

George is one of only seven municipalities in the country that were chosen for the first cycle of the newly launched Municipal Social Housing Support Programme (MSHSP) to receive additional support for expediting their social housing projects.

Implemented by the Social Housing Regulatory Authority (SHRA) in conjunction with the applicable provincial department and municipality, social housing is a unit-based rental programme aimed at low and middle-income households. Depending on the outcome of studies such as those imminent at the Crocodile Farm site, the housing consists of multistorey apartments on one site that is strategically situated near existing business and neighbourhoods to promote economic and social integration.

While the George Municipality remains involved, SHRA is managing the supply chain process and appointment of consultants for the studies. It should take about eight months from commencement for studies to be completed, the results of which are then given to the municipality for further action.

The George Municipality will in due course commence the municipal tender process for an accredited social housing institution to implement and manage social housing projects for the municipality from design and construction to rental and property maintenance.

The Crocodile Farm is the first of several pockets of public land across the municipal area that have been identified, in conjunction with the Western Cape Department of Human Settlements, to be potentially suitable for social housing.

Ms Waring said the municipality hosted an Affordable Housing Beneficiary Readiness open day in February 2019 as part of its mandate to facilitate social housing in its jurisdiction. More than 1200 households attended, 82.4% of whom could potentially qualify for social housing. “As many of these households may neither qualify for an ‘RDP’ house nor an approved home loan, households earning between R1501 and R15 000 per month can access quality rental accommodation at reduced rates based on their household income. In a place such as George, where rental accommodation prices have soared in proportion to a fast-growing city, social housing options are becoming essential,” said Ms Waring.

For more information about social housing visit https://www.shra.org.za/

Green fingers for a successful food garden project

George Executive Mayor Alderman Leon van Wyk visited Oom Jan Kiewiets at his vegetable garden in Conville as part of a mayoral tour of the municipal area’s community services projects. Oom Jan is one of nearly 700 participants in the municipality’s food garden project which was revived at the end of last year to help families put food on the table following the devastating socio-economic impacts of Covid-19.
The project is run by coordinators who identify possible gardeners in communities, oversee the establishment of backyard gardens, provide seeds and guide the process from soil preparation to harvest. The aim is that the gardens will become sustainable throughout the year according to the seasons and that gardeners will ultimately not only put food on the tables of their own families but also have extra to share, sell or barter with. Most gardens are currently yielding crops to feed 5 to 10 people.
Oom Jan told the mayor you needed ‘green fingers’ to make a food garden work and that he made his own compost. His neighbour is allowing him to grow food on his side of the fence in exchange for produce.
The municipality welcomes involvement and support from business, NGOs and individuals who can assist in the long-term sustainability of the project. Ongoing needs include seeds, compost, pesticides, gardening tools and rainwater tanks.
Food garden queries: Sophie Fanelo 044 802 2000

Mayoral visit highlights heroism and needs of soup kitchens

George Executive Mayor Alderman Leon van Wyk and Deputy Executive Mayor Charlotte Clarke last week visited municipality-supported nutritional centres to honour the selfless work and dedication of the volunteers that feed their communities from their homes.

There are currently 125 nutritional centres in the George municipal area run by volunteers, mostly women, who cook two to five meals a week for vulnerable people including children, the elderly and disabled. While traditionally called ‘soup kitchens’, the centres provide a variety of meals according to the ingredients provided by the municipality and donated by NGOs or private individuals.

The mayoral team’s first stop was at the Conville home of Tannie Joan Jonker who cooks and serves meals to 85 people three times a week. At the height of Covid-19 lockdown, set-ups like Tannie Joan’s supplied two meals a day for up to five days a week. “I am now teaching others my cooking skills so that they can continue helping our people long after I am gone.”

Tannie Joan said the ongoing support from the municipality was wonderful but there were needs beyond food ingredients. “Large pots, utensils, more stoves and prepaid electricity are practical ways in which people can assist.”

They also visited the Parkdene Soup Kitchen, run by superwomen Leoni Witbooi and Amelda Jonker, who feed 250 people five days a week, come rain or shine. The feisty pair starts cooking at 5am every weekday, cooking with up to six 20-litre pots on wood and electrical stoves.

This centre is one of 20 that receive additional support from the national Department of Social Development as well as donations from a local bakery, restaurant and butchery. It is also well-supported by ward councillor Bazil Petrus who has recognised the value of this service and used some of the annual ward allocation funds to buy more pots.

The third stop was in Lawaaikamp at the soup kitchen run by Emma Mehlo and her daughter Sylvia Mateza which serves more than 120 people, mostly children, on weekdays. Sylvia is a trained counsellor and sees to the emotional and mental needs of people in addition to food on the table. The pair would like to expand their service by collecting and handing out clothes and shoes, and appeals to the wider community for especially children’s clothes.

Ald Van Wyk commended the selfless work of all the people across the municipal area who hosted, cooked and served soup kitchens so faithfully in the face of many challenges, including the impacts of Covid-19 and limited resources. “The municipality’s Community Development section continues to work with whomever is available to help and donate, and will facilitate and liaise accordingly to ensure that specific needs of these facilities are being met.

People wanting to support the nutritional centres can contact 044 802 2000.

Caption
Alderman Leon van Wyk and Emma Mehlo keep an eye on the queue outside her soup kitchen in Lawaaikamp.

New CFO for George

George Municipality welcomes our new Chief Financial Officer, Mr Riaan Du Plessis who joined us on 1 August 2021.

Mr Du Plessis is a Chartered Accountant and has worked in the private sector financial services as an accountant, auditor and capital project controller(2000 – 2006). He joined the Office of the Auditor-General of South Africa in 2006 as Audit Manager, and left this year as Senior Manager. One of his working highlights was a stint overseas in the Office of the Auditor-General for New Zealand in 2008.

Riaan’s extensive qualifications include a B.Com in Accounting Sciences with Honours and a Post Graduate Diploma in Auditing and he holds membership of the South African Institute for Chartered Accountants (SAICA). He is married to Susan and they have a 9 year old son, Christo. The entire family are avid cycling enthusiasts and look  forward to enjoying the beautiful mountain bike trails in the George region.

His vision as CFO for the municipality is to establish the Financial Services Directorate as a professional, effective, and accountable partner in order to; support Council, service the needs of the public, partner effectively with service providers and create a fulfilling working environment for the officials of the municipality.

“It is a privilege for me to join George Municipality and to become a part of this experienced administration team at a time when the municipality is facing such growth. George is blessed with phenomenal natural beauty and well deserves to be included in the district named Garden Route. It is the responsibility of us all to contribute to maintaining this treasure and I am both excited and grateful to be a part of that,” he said.