Author: Chantel Edwards

Pacaltsdorp librarian Anita August retires after 42 years’ service

Pacaltsdorp’s long-time ‘library lady’ Anita August recently retired after serving her community for 42 years.

The petite 61-year-old senior library assistant has been an integral part of the lives of library users for generations and was one of the longest serving employees at the George Municipality.

An interview with Anita was published in the municipality’s staff newspaper MunIndaba in March 2020, in which she relayed some interesting experiences (see below).

In the 41 years Anita August has worked at the Pacaltsdorp library, none have been stranger than the three years since the clinic next door has been seeing psychiatric patients. And, while it may not be in her original job description, the petite 60-year-old senior library assistant takes the strange behaviour of regular visitors in her stride. “A library is here to serve its community, so all kinds of people are likely to wonder in.”

Like the day a man threatened her with a pair of scissors and demanded library membership. “I grabbed the heavy stapler on my desk, swung it around, and shouted that I would call law enforcement. It must have been a strange sight to behold and I think he was so surprised at my vehement response, he backed off!” said Anita with a smile.

Anita originally hoped to become a nurse, but her family had been teachers and it was expected of her to follow suit. After a year at the teachers’ college in Oudtshoorn, she was convinced teaching was not her calling and she returned home to Pacaltsdorp discouraged and frustrated.

But sitting at home was not her style either, so she walked into the local library in October 1978 asking for a job and got it. “I love reading and books, love being in the community, love knowing all the people who come in. It doesn’t feel like I have been here for four decades…maybe because I enjoy it so.”

While the physical space around her has changed relatively little in her time at the library, Anita has been around for significant milestones including the incorporation of Pacaltsdorp into George Municipality, computerisation of the library catalogue and the internet. “The library has changed from being a quiet place where people came for printed materials to a vibrant centre that empowers people through access to the internet and computer facilities. I have also become a bit of a policeman, having to monitor especially what people search for on the internet.

“There is a part of me that is sad that less people are into books, but I accept that the world is changing. It makes our children and community outreach programmes so much more important. The schools programme is my favourite because I can share my love of books, encourage reading and show kids how to get the most out of the library.

“As a branch library we are also part of a wider community of libraries that serve the outer areas of George and we meet regularly to address our unique needs. There is a special bond between us, a unique unity and understanding that I enjoy and appreciate.”

While colleagues and library users cannot imagine Pacaltsdorp library without her, Anita is looking forward to retirement. “It has been wonderful to be so intricately part of a community and serving my own people, but I am starting to look forward to having time for myself and my family.”

Anita has two daughters, Annabel da Silva and Angelique August, and two grandchildren, Tamsyn and Angelo.

George Libraries Manager Rachel Williams thanked Anita for her service and wished her a rewarding retirement. “Anita has literally been part of the lives, education and enrichment of generations of local people and her contribution is immeasurable. While we will miss her dearly, we wish her the wonderful rest she deserves.”

Weevils released as part of multi-faceted Kariba Weed management plan.

George Municipality is seeing excellent results following the release of 1500 weevils as part of a multi-faceted plan to sustainably manage Kariba Weed infestation in the Garden Route Dam.

“The municipality is fully aware of the presence of Kariba Weed in the dam, as well as the causes for it, and is working alongside experts in the field to manage the problem holistically,” said George Municipality Superintendent Parks and Recreation Priscilla Burgoyne.

Weevils of the species Cyrtobagous salviniae were released mid-February 2021 at the Kat River inlet into the dam and near the dam wall where most of the Kariba Weed grows. Upon follow-up investigation, studies confirmed a 91% infection uptake and a significant reduction in the amount of dead plant material is expected once the weevils have established.

The weevils reproduce constantly and is expected to stay and reproduce as long as it has Kariba Weed to feed on. The larvae do the most damage as they bore into the stem of the plant and disrupt the vascular system, hollowing it out. The adults eat away at the growing tip which stops growth.

“We are grateful to be working with specialists in the Aquatic Weeds Programme at the Rhodes University Centre for Biological Control, which is currently undertaking studies in the Garden Route Dam. During a visit to the infection sites, the unit indicated that the infestation was not currently a concern as the surface coverage was proportionally small compared to overall size of the dam and could be effectively addressed with a few interventions.

“The Parks and Recreation section is developing a management plan with the assistance of aquatic specialist Dr Jackie Dabrowski and will comprise biological control, manual removal and spraying when necessary. We hope to combine funding with other relevant municipal departments to implement practical sustainable solutions that will address the issue as long as it is necessary.

“The municipality assures the public that this matter is well in hand, is being addressed by learned experts in their fields, and that there is no current threat of oxygen depletion or eutrophication as has been suggested by non-expert members of the public citing ‘Wikipedia’ as their source of reference,” said Ms Burgoyne.

The municipality has already reported on the upgrades of the Eden Pump Station, situated in the Kat River above the main Kariba Weed site, in the 2020-2021 financial year. This project was prioritised because of its proximity to the Garden Route Dam, although sewage is in any case always chemically treated to neutralise the impact of possible spillage.

When a spillage occurs anywhere, it is cleaned and chemically treated as soon as possible. The George Municipality has a scheduled water sampling programme and results are submitted to the Department: Water and Sanitation, who are the custodians of all water sources and courses, as is required in terms of legislation.

Contamination in the Kat River is also attributed to its proximity to built-up areas and it is inevitable that debris, garden and household effluent and other pollution from human habitation are flushed into the water course.

Caption
Roleplayers pay a follow-up visit to the site in the Kat River where weevils had successfully were released as a biological control measure for Kariba Weed. From left are Hershon Amill of service provider A-Turf, Matthew Paper of the Centre for Biological Control at Rhodes University, aquatic specialist Dr Jackie Dabrowski of Confluent Environmental and George Municipality superintendent Parks and Recreation Priscilla Burgoyne.

Municipal Services during Covid-19 updated 11 February

Latest update: 11 February 2021 (current Level 3 amended)
George Municipality hereby confirms that it is open for business, services are being rendered and administration buildings are open except for halls, venues and sport facilities.

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

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

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

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

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

PROTECTION SERVICES
Protection Services administration offices are closed to the public.
Fire emergencies only: 044 801 6311 (all hours)
General fire department enquiries: 044 801 6300
Law Enforcement: 044 801 6350/89
Anti-Land Invasion: 044 801 6310
GIPTN PTOO: 044 801 6345
All after-hours emergencies: 044 801 6300

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Motor Vehicle Registration and Licencing
Please note the email addresses for proof of payment of online payments have been changed.
Hibernia Street (next to train station) 044 801 9310
Open to the public weekdays 8am-3pm, except Wednesdays when closed at 2pm due to compulsory training, or if otherwise indicated as per Covid-19 measures.
Access control is from the gate at the street, when necessary.

Please consider ONLINE RENEWAL of vehicle licenses as per details below instead of in-person renewals at the vehicle licencing centre as Covid-19 regulations significantly impacts on the amount of people that can be served in a day.
Bulk transactions are being handled separately or after hours when required.
Pregnant women, the elderly and disabled can pre-arrange preferential treatment by calling 044 801 9310.

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

ONLINE ELECTRONIC PAYMENT OF VEHICLE LICENCE RENEWALS
1. The customer starts by registering a profile online at https://online.natis.gov.za/#/ or download the RTMC mobile application for Android from Google PlayStore.
2. Choose between registering as an individual or business.
The following information will be required:
Individual: initial, name, surname, ID number, driving license number, contact details via mobile phone or email.
Organisation: name of business, ID number of proxy, driving license number of proxy, contact details via mobile phone or email.
3. A one-time pin will be sent to your email or mobile phone number, which you must enter online.
4. Go to the ‘View motor vehicle renewals’ section and verify the information of the vehicle for which you are renewing the licence.
5. Access and/or download your electronic motor vehicle license RENEWAL NOTICE (also known as a MVL2 notice).
6. If your licence disk is valid but near expiry or if it has expired but is still in the 21-day grace period after expiry, the amount for the renewal of your vehicle will be on the notice.
7. If your license has already expired beyond the grace period, it will not indicate an amount on the system and clients must please phone the George Motor Vehicle Licensing office at 044 801 9310 to confirm the amount due.
8. Pay the amount due into the George Municipality, FNB Public Sector Cheque Account, Number 62869623150 (Branch Code 210554). Use the relevant vehicle license number as a reference such as CAW ###### / Private number ##### WP.
9. Email the proof of payment to payments@george.gov.za and mvr@george.gov.za. Please note the forementioned email addresses are no-reply addresses and are set up for proof of payments only and cannot be used for enquiries. Please phone 044 801 9310 for enquiries.
10. Keep a copy of your proof of payment in the relevant car until you receive your license disk but keep your expired disk on your window in the meantime. Traffic law requires officials to still issue you with a ticket for displaying an invalid disk, but you can appeal the fine and submit the proof of payment as part of your request to have the fine cancelled (details for the appeal process is on the back of the fine).
11. Once payment reflects on the municipality’s bank statement, the vehicle license will be processed, and you will be contacted to arrange collection. Please do not collect unless pre-arranged and notified via telephone – you won’t have to queue in the transaction lines when you collect.
If you want the licence posted to you, please give the person who phones you the address to which you require it posted.
Licences that have not been collected within two weeks from the notification phone call, will be posted to the address listed on the NaTIS system – onus is on the vehicle owner to ensure the correct address is logged on the national system.
The turnaround time for online license renewals is about two weeks.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

All libraries reopened on 8 February 2021 with all protocols in place. Opening hours remain reduced and admittance to the George Main Library remains by appointment only while the community libraries will be access-restricted based on the amount of people inside the library according to the size of the facility.
A new service is available in which patrons can select books via the online library portal (see details below) and email a list of materials they want to loan. Librarians will make up piles of available materials and arrange a time for collection. You can also phone your librarian to inquire about a book-by-phone service.
Library services remain limited as follows:
Issue and return of books.
Ten books per library member for lending period of a month at a time.
Admittance to adults and children older than 12.
Children’s section is closed to children, but adults can take out books on behalf of children.
Research and reference services arranged by phone and/or email.
Internet services – preference given to pre-booked patrons, maximum two people at any given time.
Study area limited in compliance with regulations.
Wearing of masks and sanitising of hands are compulsory.
Your temperature will be taken before entering the library area, no admittance if it is 37.5C and higher.

Library materials handed in will be quarantined for 72 hours as per national and Western Cape safety standards and plastic covered materials wiped with sanitiser before being made available for loan.

Avontuur Library: 044 752 3351 avontuurbiblioteek@gmail.com – Monday 12pm-3pm, Tuesday 11am-2pm, Wednesday and Thursday 10am-1pm.
Blanco Library: 044 870 7047 gmblancobib@gmail.com – Monday to Friday 9am-4pm
Conville Library: 044 801 9320 Jrhode1@george.gov.za – Monday 9am-4pm
George Library: 044 801 9288 mluyenge@george.gov.za – Monday to Friday 9am-4pm, Saturday 9am-12pm
Haarlem Library: 044 763 1023 shonisemichels@yahoo.com – Monday, Thursday and Friday 2pm-5pm, Tuesday and Wednesday 2pm-5pm
Noll Library: 044 745 1014 dieprivierprim@gmail.com – Monday and Wednesday 12pm-3pm, Saturday 9am-12pm
Pacaltsdorp Library: 044 803 9340 pacsbib@george.org.za – Monday to Friday 9am-4.30pm
Thembalethu Library: 044 803 9260 xakortman@george.gov.za – Monday to Friday 9am-4.30pm
Touwsranten Library: 044 803 9285 touwsbib@george.org.za – Monday to Friday 9am-4pm
Uniondale Library: 044 752 1024 fortuinelton@yahoo.com – Monday to Friday 10am-4.30pm
Waboomskraal Library: angiefigeland@gmail.com – Monday to Friday 10am-2pm

George Municipality library portal link: wc.slims.gov.za/desktop/desktopwcgeplge
You can search online according to author, title, subjects, keyword, publisher or ISBN number.
Type in your library number on your card to check your library materials status including due date and opportunity to renew your books yourself.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Meter readings
Online submissions of water meter readings are welcomed and can be provided via the below email address along with the accountholder’s name, contact details and GRG account number.
Please note that meter readings are done per area at different times of the month and it is important that your meter reading email is submitted around the same time as your area’s reading time. Please check the date of the previous reading at the bottom of your account to determine your meter reading slot.
A new service provider, Electro Cuts, has commenced water meter reading services for George Municipality on 1 January 2021.
Consumers who have in the past sent water meter readings via email to the previous service provider, Ikapa, must please note the change in email address for this purpose to meterreadings@george.gov.za.
Enquiries: accounts@george.gov.za

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

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

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

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

Credit Control enquiries: 044 801 9111

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

UNIONDALE/HAARLEM
Offices are open to the public on weekdays 7.45am-4.30pm (not open over lunch 1pm-1.45pm) unless otherwise indicated due to temporary Covid-19 measures.
Fire: 044 752 1225
Switchboard and fault reporting: 044 752 1024
Tourism: 044 752 1076
Haarlem: 044 763 1013
After hours: 044 801 6300

New blue and green bag service provider starts Monday

Following seven frustrating months without a recycling contractor, a new service provider, LGE Waste, will start with the collection of green and blue bags on Monday 1 March 2021.

George Acting Director Community Services Allen Paulse said the municipality was relieved to make an appointment after the previous service provider Interwaste had closed its regional offices in George and ended its contract with the municipality in July last year.

“The municipality has been trying to provide the service in addition to its own schedule since September 2020, which we acknowledge has had mixed success due to factors such as unprotected strikes, diminished availability of staff due to Covid-19, limited overtime budget to address backlogs and increased workload associated with three types of bags instead of just black bags.

“We look forward to working with LGE Waste and believe that together we can work towards sustainable, integrated waste management for the entire municipal area,” said Mr Paulse.

The new service provider takes up the service as per the previous schedule and will be collecting green and blue bags from Monday (1 March 2021) from all areas that have a recent history of recycling. These include most suburbs of George – incorporating more recent participating areas Ballotsview, Borcherds, Conville, New Dawn Park, Delville Park, Pacaltsdorp, Parkdene, Protea Park, Rosemore and Sea View – as well as the outer areas of Wilderness, Kleinkrantz, Hoekwil, Victoria Bay and Herolds Bay.

Two green and two blue replacement bags will be issued to every household in the above-mentioned areas this coming week and thereafter to households in exchange for bags placed out.

Implementation in Harlem and Uniondale is currently being investigated to ensure the most effective service, details of which will be announced to the affected communities as soon as arrangements have been finalised.

Service to Lawaaikamp and Thembalethu will, for now, be handled on request via the ward councillor or office numbers as listed below. The municipality and service provider hope to commence awareness campaigns in these areas as soon as Covid-19 restrictions allow, with the intent to roll out a more extensive service as more households participate.

Residents can put out four green bags and unlimited number of blue bags together with up to seven black bags on their scheduled removal day. Blue and green bags will be collected on the same day as black bags, but by different vehicles.

“While we expect the switch-over to go relatively smoothly from the first round, we appeal to residents to remain patient a little while longer should there be any hiccups. We thank residents who have kept the faith with us in these challenging times and hope that others will join our efforts as the service gains momentum once again,” said Mr Paulse.

Households or businesses that are actively recycling and require additional green or blue bags, can collect from George Municipality Environmental Services or LGE Waste (details below).

ENQUIRIES:
Green and blue bags:
LGE Waste
Physical address: 10 Extension Road, Pacaltsdorp Industrial Area. Phone: 044 878 0688 Email: lgewaste@gmail.com
Black bags:
George Municipality Environmental Services
Physical address: 82 Meade Street, George. Phone 044 802 2900

Four-year housing project nearly complete

Building is underway for the last 37 houses of a 700-unit housing project that commenced in Thembalethu in February 2017.

George Municipality Director Human Settlements Charles Lubbe said Phase One of the Upgrading of Informal Settlements Programme (UISP) was coming to a close with the second-last batch of 50 completed and transferred to owners at the end of last year. “This project has been life-changing for 700 new homeowners and the municipality is proud of its role in administering the process.”

The last section of the project is situated on land where beneficiaries had been temporarily relocated while their houses were being built. As beneficiaries moved into their new houses, construction of top structures on the already laid foundations could start and the first five units are already at roof-height. Weather and circumstances permitting, the anticipated completion date for the entire project is end of May 2021.

The UISP is funded by the Western Cape Department Human Settlements with the George Municipality acting as implementation agent via the Enhanced People’s Housing Process (EPHP). Beneficiaries could be involved in the planning including selection of a house with or without a patio.

A retention phase of three months applies in which defects can be reported and addressed. Thereafter homes are the responsibility of the owner, including maintenance and alterations.

Caption
Houses built in a previous phase of the UISP in Thembalethu.

Revived food gardens project going well

The George Municipality’s Food Garden Project, which was revived at the end of last year, is off to a good start with 265 gardens identified since the project’s revitalisation in November 2020.

George Municipality Acting Deputy Director Strategic Services Joan Shaw said coordinators prioritised connection with previous participants of the programme. “News of the revived project started spreading and we expect to have at least 265 gardens established in this planting season. We are confident that numbers will grow as the project gathers momentum.”

The project is championed by the George Municipality Economic Development unit and is run by a team of coordinators who identify possible gardeners and oversee the establishment of small vegetable gardens in their backyards.

The coordinators guide the process from soil preparation to harvest and visit regularly to mentor and check on their needs and progress. 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 table for their own families but also have extra to share, sell or barter with.

George Municipality helped kick off the planting season for winter crops by distributing seeds to participating gardeners in Blanco, Touwsranten, Rosemoor, Thembalethu, Rosedale, Conville, Borchards, Geelhoutboom, Waboomskraal, Haarlem, Uniondale and Pacaltsdorp.

Each garden is expected to yield a crop to feed 5 to 10 people, depending on a range of factors including garden size and growing conditions.

The municipality continues relationships with the Breede-Gouritz Catchment Management Agency (BGCMA) which had been key in the past to help provide rainwater tanks to food garden participants and the Western Cape Department of Agriculture who has been facilitating training and mentoring, and assisting with funding, extensions and advisory services.

Long-term plans include the establishment of food markets in participating communities when the projects are established enough to consistently provide surplus crops.

“Persons in vulnerable communities interested in starting a food garden are welcome to contact the project coordinators on the numbers below or visit the Workers Collection Point in Industria Road (opposite the Tekkie Town factory shop).

“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, gardening tools and rainwater tanks.

“We believe the Food Gardens Project can become a life-changing beacon of hope,” said Ms Shaw.

Enquiries: Desmond Carolus vdcarolus@george.gov.za or Amy Kearns akearns@george.gov.za on 044 801 9173 during office hours.

Building starts for satellite fire station in Wilderness

Construction of a satellite fire station in Wilderness, 14km outside George, has commenced this week.

George Chief Fire Officer Neels Barnard said the satellite station in Wilderness had been a long-term goal of the department to cover incidents east of the Kaaimans River Bridge more efficiently. “The station’s location near the Shell Garage circle on the N2 will allow for easy access to the major fire and rescue risks of the area – vehicle accidents including hazardous materials spills, Wilderness beach and lakes for water incidents, fuel stations, hotels, dense vegetation and agricultural land.”

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

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

The necessary building plans have been submitted and approved as per any other building in George municipal area, and all necessary permits were obtained for the removal of trees and other environmental impacts.

The station is expected to be ready for occupation in July 2021. “Until then, we appeal to the neighbouring communities to be patient during construction – it will be a short-term inconvenience with a long-term reward that will benefit the entire area.

“We look forward to having a base in Wilderness, which is currently being addressed from the main fire station in the George CBD. 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,” said Mr Barnard.

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

Caption
From left: Protection Services portfolio councillor Cecil Noble, Executive Mayor Alderman Leon van Wyk, Chief Fire Officer Neels Barnard, contractor Andrew Burger of Golden Awards and Wilderness ward councillor Marlene Barnardt celebrated the start of the construction of the Wilderness satellite fire station with a small soil turning ceremony at the site.

Recent Power Outages Explained

During a 24-hour period this week, seven cable faults were experienced on 5 11kv cables. The cables mostly fed the CBD, Denneoord and Bergsig areas.

The bulk of the residents in these areas were able to be re-energised using alternative feeders, but unfortunately 13 small transformers had to remain off until repairs were completed to at least one of the 11 kv underground cables.

A preliminary investigation and fault analysis indicated that there were no network abnormalities or negligence that could have caused the cable faults.

Further investigations are still being performed to give us an indication as to why so many cable faults occurred in such a short time. The latest series of load shedding by ESKOM has not been ruled out as a possible cause.

The network remains vulnerable until such time as all the cables have been repaired and the system is switched back to normal. The first outage occurred at 03h13 on the 15th February and the last consumers were restored at 02h51 today 16th February.

George Municipality apologizes for this unforeseen occurrence and regrets any inconvenience caused.

George libraries reopen on Monday

George libraries reopen to the public on Monday (8 February 2021) with Covid-19 measures in place. The facilities have been closed since December 2020 when national and local infection rates reached its peak.

George Acting Municipal Manager Dr Michele Gratz said libraries offered a valuable service to communities and the municipality was glad that these facilities could now reopen following a significant decrease in Covid-19 cases and recently announced amendments to Level 3 restrictions. “It is especially good that our libraries in Thembalethu and Pacaltsdorp can reopen as these have been closed for longer as they were situated in former Covid-19 hotspots,” said Dr Gratz.

Safety of staff and patrons remains of utmost importance and all Covid-19 protocols are in place at all libraries. Opening hours remain reduced and admittance to the George Main Library remains by appointment only while the community libraries will be access-restricted based on the amount of people inside the library according to the size of the facility.

George Libraries Manager Rachel Williams welcomed back all library users and thanked them for their ongoing patience and consideration during challenging times. “Library users who have material on loan from before libraries closed need not worry about any fines as materials were automatically renewed during the most recent closure.

“We are also launching a service in which patrons can select books via the online library portal (see details below) and email a list of materials they want to loan. Librarians will make up piles of available materials and arrange a time for collection. You can also phone your librarian to inquire about a book-by-phone service,” said Ms Willams.

Library services remain limited as follows:
Issue and return of books.
Ten books per library member for lending period of a month at a time.
Admittance to adults and children older than 12.
Children’s section is closed to children, but adults can take out books on behalf of children.
Research and reference services arranged by phone and/or email.
Internet services – preference given to pre-booked patrons, maximum two people at any given time.
Study area limited in compliance with regulations.
Wearing of masks and sanitising of hands are compulsory.
Your temperature will be taken before entering the library area, no admittance if it is 37.5C and higher.

Library materials handed in will be quarantined for 72 hours as per national and Western Cape safety standards and plastic covered materials wiped with sanitiser before being made available for loan.

Avontuur Library: 044 752 3351 avontuurbiblioteek@gmail.com – Monday 12pm-3pm, Tuesday 11am-2pm, Wednesday and Thursday 10am-1pm.
Blanco Library: 044 870 7047 gmblancobib@gmail.com – Monday to Friday 9am-4pm
Conville Library: 044 801 9320 Jrhode1@george.gov.za – Monday 9am-4pm
George Library: 044 801 9288 rwilliams@george.gov.za – Monday to Friday 9am-4pm, Saturday 9am-12pm
Haarlem Library: 044 763 1023 shonisemichels@yahoo.com – Monday, Thursday and Friday 2pm-5pm, Tuesday and Wednesday 2pm-5pm
Noll Library: 044 745 1014 dieprivierprim@gmail.com – Monday and Wednesday 12pm-3pm, Saturday 9am-12pm
Pacaltsdorp Library: 044 803 9340 pacsbib@george.org.za – Monday to Friday 9am-4.30pm
Thembalethu Library: 044 803 9260 xakortman@george.gov.za – Monday to Friday 9am-4.30pm
Touwsranten Library: 044 803 9285 touwsbib@george.org.za – Monday to Friday 9am-4pm
Uniondale Library: 044 752 1024 fortuinelton@yahoo.com – Monday to Friday 10am-4.30pm
Waboomskraal Library: angiefigeland@gmail.com – Monday to Friday 10am-2pm

Caption
Western Cape Minister of Cultural Affairs and Sport Anroux Marais (right) paid a courtesy visit to Uniondale Library on Thursday. Library assistant Sandra van Vught showed her around.

Positive rise in building plan submissions following lockdown

Building plan submission and approvals, which plummeted during Covid-19 hard lockdown in the second quarter of last year, have slowly been recovering, prompting early optimism for partial recovery of related growth in 2021.

George Municipality Acting Director Planning and Development Delia Power said the hard lockdown, which commenced in March 2020, resulted in a 75% drop in building plan submissions from 434 in the first quarter (January-March) to 104 in the second quarter (April-June), but improved to 247 in the third quarter (July-September) and 381 in the last quarter (October-December). “The decrease in building plan submissions can be attributed to the change of submission procedures incurred by switching from hard copies to an electronic submission system and due to the Covid 19 restrictions and uncertainty in world markets.

“The directorate focussed on pointing applicants to the municipality’s online building submission portal, which had already been in place since February 2019, and amended processes to ensure that building plans could be assessed and approved by staff working from home or at the office and that processing could continue no matter the Covid-19 regulations of the day.

“The public and builders’ community have adjusted well to the changes and submissions and approvals have steadily increased. While we are aware that Covid-19-related factors may impact numbers for some time to come, the directorate continues to streamline processes for good turnover times while ensuring efficient compliance to all building regulations.

“Submission and approval of building plans are good indicators of growth and investment in the George municipal area and shows confidence in the city’s potential. The ripple effect of such developments includes job creation in construction and related industries, after-build maintenance, and overall economic stimulation.

“While growth is good, the municipality remains mindful of impact on bulk infrastructure and the environment, which is considered and addressed in the George Municipality Integrated Development Plan,” said Ms Power.

George Executive Mayor, Alderman Leon van Wyk, said notwithstanding the challenges, the municipality remained optimistic and was heartened by the ongoing interest in George as the economic and government hub of the Garden Route. “We are committed to service delivery in all aspects within the municipal mandate and believe the long-term outlook is good,” said Ald Van Wyk

ONLINE SUBMISSION OF BUILDING PLANS
Link to online portal for building plan submission https://www.george.gov.za/planning-development/building-control/
Detailed instructions on how to use the portal can be downloaded as per link above or requested via email: vnlaws@george.gov.za or agriessel@george.gov.za
Administration related enquiries: 044 801 9370 or 044 801 9166
Request of existing building plans (Registration Dept): pmlingani@george.gov.za or smoshani@george.gov.za or mdyakop@george.gov.za
Status on building plan approval: vnlaws@george.gov.za or agriessel@george.gov.za

Council Updates – Ordinary Council, 28 January 2021

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Update Municipal Services during Covid-19

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Credit Control enquiries: 044 801 9111

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

Municipality mourns former mayor Marius Swart

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

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

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

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

Update blue and green bags – 18 January 2021

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The municipality remains committed to waste reduction.

Municipality mourns former mayor Melford Notshokovu

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

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

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

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

Update blue and green bags

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

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

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

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

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

The municipality remains committed to waste reduction.

Dr Michele Gratz
Acting Municipal Manager
George Municipality

Safety warning around dam as alien clearing starts

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Mayor welcomes new acting MM

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

George Municipal Buildings Remain Closed to the public until further notice

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

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

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

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

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

UPDATE MUNICIPAL SERVICES DURING COVID-19: 3 JANUARY 2021

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Choose between registering as an individual or business.

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

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

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

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

Refuse removal general

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Libraries
All libraries remain closed to the public.

Enquiries: 044 8019292

CORPORATE SERVICES
All administrative offices remain closed to the public.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Fuzisa Siguba: 083 949 8651

Illegal activity: Nolan Noemdoe 083 757 3717

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Credit Control enquiries: 084 769 5635

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

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

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

Safety and responsibility first, an Old Year’s Eve plea to citizens of George and surrounds

George Municipality would like to remind the public that in terms of the Covid-19 National Disaster Regulations published on 29 December 2020, George and surrounds remains a declared Covid-19 Hotspot. The enforcement of the Disaster Regulations remains the responsibility of the South African Police Service with municipal law enforcement officials primarily enforcing municipal by-laws.

Executive Mayor Leon Van Wyk today wished everyone a safe and peaceful new year. “We have experienced a very tough year and although you may wish to throw caution to the wind to relax and enjoy yourself tonight, we ask that you do so responsibly and with care for your fellow South Africans, family and friends. Please always wear a mask, practice social distancing and hand hygiene and continue to avoid crowded places, confined spaces and close contact. “

CURFEW
The public is reminded that the amended regulations include a new curfew between 21h00 and 06h00 with non-compliance being a punishable offense and which can result in fines, imprisonment, or both a fine and imprisonment. Apart from emergency services and essential workers, no one may leave their homes between 21:00 and 06:00, unless for medical or safety emergencies. Holidaymakers travelling home must ensure that they plan their travelling homewards accordingly and please note no law enforcement agency will issue permits to allow any exceptions to the curfew.

FACE MASKS
The correct and consistent wearing of a face mask when in public remains mandatory and is now a punishable offence if not adhered to.

BEACH ACCESS
No persons are allowed on any of the beaches located within the George Municipal area to walk, run, fish, swim, surf or walk your dog on the beaches. Grassy areas and parking lots at beach sites remain open to the public and will be monitored by municipal Law Enforcement officials in terms of adherence to municipal by-laws including the consumption of alcohol, fireworks etc. Law Enforcement officials can demand that gatherings disperse. Access is also prohibited to lagoons, rivers, dams and estuaries with public swimming pools in George and surrounds remaining closed. Swimming pools in residential complexes are not regarded as public facilities. George Municipality will still deploy their life guards on the municipal beaches. They will only be there to respond to water related emergencies. Unfortunately they will not be able to indicate swimming areas and will at all times indicate that the swimming beach is closed. Please respect their role as lifeguards and understand they are not law enforcement officials.

FISHING
Note the restrictions in section 84, subsection 9 of the Regulations, which deals specifically with the hotspot areas. All beaches are off-limits for all purposes in the greater George and surrounds- including fishing and diving from the beaches – regardless of whether the angler has a valid fishing permit.

OLD YEARS EVE GATHERINGS AND FIREWORKS
Municipal law enforcers including traffic officials will hold several roadblocks to ensure compliance with the municipal by-laws and the road traffic act. Offenders are kindly warned that a policy of zero tolerance will be followed and that strict action will be taken against non-adherence to municipal by-laws.

The George Municipality reminds residents and visitors that fireworks, fire crackers, flares, paper lanterns and other such paraphernalia are considered a major fire risk and are not allowed in public or private spaces in the municipal area. Under the George Municipal Community Fire Safety By-Law no fireworks may be discharged and there are no designated sites for fireworks in the George municipal area. Visitors are reminded that George is part of a biosphere and contains extensive nature conservation areas. The discharge of fireworks poses a huge risk to the start of vegetation fires putting lives and homes at risk, not to mention the suffering of animals due to the fireworks. Complaints of fireworks being discharged can be done at the George Fire Department at 044 801 6300. The selling of fireworks is also illegal, and no such permits have been issued or will be issued by the George Municipality. The illegal trading, possession and/or setting off of fireworks carry fines of R300 (up to R1500) and fireworks will be confiscated.

Please report illegal trade and setting off of fireworks in George to Law Enforcement at 044 801 6350 or after hours at 044 801 6300. Please report illegal, irresponsible and unsafe fires to the Fire Department on 044 801 6300 with fire emergencies reported to 044 801 6311

DISASTER MANAGEMENT
The George Municipal Disaster management Joint Operations Centre will remain active throughout the festive season and officials will remain available to deal with complaints and enquiries. 044 801 6316

The amended regulations are in place up to and including 15 January 2021 and are being implemented to relieve extreme pressure on all medical facilities and to curb the rapid spread of Coronavirus. George Mayor, Leon Van Wyk issued a plea to the public to consider their fellow South Africans at all times and to adhere to the regulations in order to continue curbing the rapid spread of the virus. “The Garden Route is showing a positive downward curve in infections, but only the consistent application of the regulations will keep the curve going in the right direction,” he said.

Everyone is asked to consistently follow the following preventive measures:

Carefully maintain a 1.5-meter distance between you and the next person. This is especially important should you have to queue anywhere.
Wear your face mask diligently, and always ensure that the rest of your family wear their masks. The face mask helps prevent the spread of the coronavirus.
Disinfect and/or wash your hands regularly, especially before touching objects handled by other persons and before touching your face.
Keep your family gatherings small and keep the curfew in mind.

Note: The published Disaster Regulations for 29 December 2020 are available in full on the George Municipal website https://www.george.gov.za/george-documents/covid-19-documents/level-1/

Author: Chantel Edwards

Pacaltsdorp librarian Anita August retires after 42 years’ service

Weevils released as part of multi-faceted Kariba Weed management plan.

Municipal Services during Covid-19 updated 11 February

New blue and green bag service provider starts Monday

Four-year housing project nearly complete

Revived food gardens project going well

Building starts for satellite fire station in Wilderness

Recent Power Outages Explained

George libraries reopen on Monday

Positive rise in building plan submissions following lockdown

Council Updates – Ordinary Council, 28 January 2021

Update Municipal Services during Covid-19

Municipality mourns former mayor Marius Swart

Update blue and green bags – 18 January 2021

Municipality mourns former mayor Melford Notshokovu

Update blue and green bags

Safety warning around dam as alien clearing starts

Mayor welcomes new acting MM

George Municipal Buildings Remain Closed to the public until further notice

Safety and responsibility first, an Old Year’s Eve plea to citizens of George and surrounds

Temporary Closure of Main Building for Fumigation

Sewage Spill by Private Institution – Gwaing River Now Safe

Landfill Site Reopening

Elephant Seal at Victoria Bay – Please Keep Your Distance

George Municipality Receives Award for Most Engaging Local Municipality

George Launches New High-Tech Street Sweeper Truck to Boost Clean City Drive

George Municipality

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