Author: Debra Sauer

In the photo above, officials from George Municipality gather information from people living on the streets.

October survey recorded 120 people living on the streets, helping to guide outreach and support services

George Municipality is calling on residents, businesses and community organisations to help strengthen support for people living on the streets by sharing reliable information and supporting organisations already working in the community.

According to Asavela Mandongana, Social Worker: Community Projects, the Municipality’s Community Development section, George Traffic Services and Law Enforcement teams conducted a three-day survey in October to update information on people living on the streets in George. A total of 120 people were recorded during the exercise.

The survey provides a snapshot of the people reached during those three days and is not a confirmed total of everyone living on the streets in George. The information gathered, including age, gender and places of origin, will help the Municipality and its partner organisations plan outreach activities and better coordinate available services.

Residents and businesses are encouraged to report areas where people living on the streets regularly gather or sleep. Information about the location, approximate number of people and the times they are usually there can help outreach teams identify where assistance may be needed.

Mandongana said reports can be made to George Municipality on 044 802 2000. The Municipality asks the public to treat people living on the streets with dignity and respect their privacy when sharing information.

The Municipality also encourages residents to give responsibly by supporting established organisations that provide accommodation, counselling, treatment referrals and other services to people living on the streets.

The organisations address different needs, and community support helps them continue their work.

Cremhog, through its Ithemba Night Shelter, offers a structured six-month transitional programme for people living on the streets. Beneficiaries do not pay for the programme, as the organisation covers the associated costs.

George Night Shelter provides overnight accommodation at R25 per night. Members of the public can donate towards its services or enquire about sponsoring an individual’s stay, which provides access to a bed, a shower and a hot meal.

PASA assists people who need help accessing rehabilitation and treatment programmes and provides follow-up support to those who complete at least six months of rehabilitation. While PASA can help facilitate access to treatment, the treatment costs must be covered by the individual’s family. Transport costs are also not covered by PASA.

Stop Trafficking provides free counselling to people living on the streets, while Kidstop works with children on the streets and offers parent training to parents living on the streets. SAHARA provides support groups for people who need ongoing assistance.

These services complement the Municipality’s efforts, but no single organisation can address homelessness on its own. Cooperation between government, non-profit organisations, businesses and residents is important to ensure that people can be connected with the support most appropriate to their circumstances, said Mandongana.

Residents and businesses who wish to report locations where people living on the streets may need assistance or enquire about responsible giving can contact George Municipality on 044 802 2000.

Survey findings

Of the 120 people recorded during the survey, 82 were male (68.3%) and 38 were female (31.7%).

The largest age group was 31 to 35 years, with 23 people recorded, followed by the 26 to 30 age group, with 20 people, and those aged 41 to 50, with 18 people.

The age breakdown was as follows:

• 15–20 years: 7 people
• 21–25 years: 15 people
• 26–30 years: 20 people
• 31–35 years: 23 people
• 36–40 years: 17 people
• 41–50 years: 18 people
• 51–60 years: 14 people
• 61–70 years: 5 people
• 71 years and older: 1 person

The survey also recorded a range of places of origin. George Central was recorded most frequently, with 14 people, followed by Borchards and Pacaltsdorp, with 12 each. Thembalethu accounted for 11 people and Parkdene for 10.

Other places recorded included Conville, Oudtshoorn, Cape Town, Lawaaikamp, the Eastern Cape, Rosemoor and Blanco.

The findings will help inform further engagement and service planning.

 Photos taken during the operation at night.

In the photo above, the new Uniondale route will be operated with the GO GEORGE minibus.

In die foto hierbo, die nuwe Uniondale-roete sal met die GO GEORGE-minibus bedryf word.

The Western Cape Government and George Municipality have announced that GO GEORGE will launch a route to Uniondale and surrounding areas on Friday, 30 October 2026. Residents of this rural part of the George Municipality have been waiting a long time for a scheduled bus service – a need that is now being met.

George Executive Mayor, Alderman Browen Johnson, says the roll-out of the route marks an important milestone for the George Municipality. “Our communities in Uniondale, Haarlem and the surrounding rural areas have waited a long time for a service that recognises and responds to their daily realities. This route is about more than transport — it is about creating opportunities, improving access and ensuring that our rural communities feel included. This journey started with a request from the community. We listened, acted by engaging with Minister Sileku to explore a way forward, and now we are delivering through implementation. I am incredibly proud of the team whose hard work and commitment have helped make this possible.”

The service will initially run on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays. Two minibuses will depart from Uniondale and Haarlem at 06:00, transfer passengers to one bus at the T-junction and make stops at Avontuur, Noll, Eenzaamheid, Ganzekraal, Ezeljacht, Herold and Waboomskraal. The bus arrives at the George Transport Hub in the city centre at approximately 08:00. The return journey departs at 15:00 from the same point. Road construction on the N9 road may affect arrival times.

Reservations and fares
Bookings are essential and can be made by calling 074 305 4180 or sending a WhatsApp message to this number. Passengers without a booking can be accommodated if space allows, but everyone is strongly advised to book in advance to avoid disappointment – each minibus carries only 15 passengers. A small trailer will be available to accommodate limited luggage for shopping or personal items.

Fares:
George ↔ Noll: R60
Haarlem/Uniondale ↔ Noll: R60
George ↔ Uniondale/Haarlem: R110
A return trip between Uniondale and George therefore costs R220 – a significant saving for residents compared to other transport services.

Unique roll-out
According to Morné Lakay, GO GEORGE Manager, the development of the service outside the main town required careful planning. “Every aspect of such a service looks different from the standard bus service in George – from needs assessment, permission for and construction of bus stops, frequency and timetables, to a non-electronic ticketing system and cash payment during boarding. We have been back to the drawing board again and again and now feel ready and eager to get the wheels rolling,” he says.

The Western Cape Minister of Mobility, Isaac Sileku, emphasises that the route is an important step in the province’s commitment to accessible and affordable mobility. “When we expand transport to remote communities, we are not just building routes – we are building dignity. This service is proof that the Western Cape Government is listening, learning and working with communities to create practical, safe and reliable mobility, no matter where residents live.”

Information and support
GO GEORGE communication champions will visit the communities in advance to explain the service and answer residents’ questions.
The www.gogeorge.org.za website provides complete route, fare and trip planning features. GoBot, the GO GEORGE chatbot, is available on WhatsApp at 078 090 6168, and the GO GEORGE Call Centre can be contacted daily (05:00 – 20:00) on 0800 044 044.
GO GEORGE stel roete na Uniondale en omgewing bekend
Uitgereik 16 Oktober 2026

Die Wes-Kaapse regering en George-munisipaliteit het aangekondig dat GO GEORGE op Vrydag 30 Oktober 2026 ‘n roete na Uniondale en omliggende gebiede sal loods. Inwoners van hierdie landelike deel van die George-munisipaliteit het lank vir ’n geskeduleerde busdiens gewag – ’n behoefte wat nou vervul word.

George se uitvoerende burgemeester, raadsheer Browen Johnson, sê die uitrol van die roete is ’n mylpaal vir die hele George-munisipaliteit. “Ons gemeenskappe in Uniondale, Haarlem en die omliggende landelike gebiede het lank gewag vir ’n diens wat hul daaglikse realiteite verstaan. Hierdie roete gaan oor meer as net vervoer — dit gaan oor die skep van geleenthede, die verbetering van toegang en die versekering dat ons landelike gemeenskappe ingesluit voel. Hierdie reis het begin met ‘n versoek van die gemeenskap. Ons het geluister, opgetree deur met Minister Sileku te skakel om ‘n pad vorentoe te ondersoek, en nou lewer ons deur implementering. Ek is ongelooflik trots op die span wie se harde werk en toewyding gehelp het om dit moontlik te maak.”

Die diens sal aanvanklik op Maandae, Woensdae, Vrydae en Saterdae loop. Twee minibusse vertrek om 06:00 uit Uniondale en Haarlem, laai passasiers oor op een bus by die T-aansluiting en doen haltes aan by Avontuur, Noll, Eenzaamheid, Gansekraal, Ezeljacht, Herold en Waboomskraal Die bus arriveer teen ongeveer 08:00 by die George-vervoerkern (Transport Hub) in die middedorp. Die terugrit vertrek om 15:00 vanaf dieselfde punt. Padkonstruksie op die N9-pad mag aankomstye beïnvloed.

Besprekings en tariewe
Besprekings is noodsaaklik en kan gedoen word deur 074 305 4180 te skakel of ’n WhatsApp-boodskap na dié nommer te stuur. Passasiers sonder ’n bespreking kan geakkommodeer word indien daar plek is, maar almal word aangeraai om vooraf te bespreek om teleurstelling te voorkom – die minibus dra slegs 15 passasiers. ’n Klein sleepwa sal beperkte bagasie akkommodeer vir inkopies of persoonlike items.

Tariewe:
• George ↔ Noll: R60
• Haarlem/Uniondale ↔ Noll: R60
• George ↔ Uniondale/Haarlem: R110
’n Retoerrit tussen Uniondale en George kos dus R220 — ’n beduidende besparing vir inwoners vergeleke met ander vervoerdienste.

Unieke uitrol
Volgens Morné Lakay, GO GEORGE-bestuurder, het die ontwikkeling van die diens buite die dorp deeglike beplanning vereis. “Elke aspek van so ’n diens lyk anders as die standaard busdiens in George – van behoeftebepaling, toestemming vir en oprigting van bushaltes, gereeldheid en tydroosters tot ’n nie-elektroniese kaartjiestelsel en kontantbetaling tydens opklim. Ons is telkens terug tekenbord toe en voel nou gereed en lus om die wiele te laat rol,” sê hy.

Die Wes-Kaapse Minister van Mobiliteit, Isaac Sileku, beklemtoon dat die roete ‘n belangrike stap is in die provinsie se verbintenis tot toeganklike en bekostigbare mobiliteit. “Wanneer ons vervoer na afgeleë gemeenskappe uitbrei, bou ons nie net roetes nie – ons bou waardigheid. Hierdie diens is bewys dat die Wes-Kaapse regering luister, leer en saam met gemeenskappe werk om praktiese, veilige en betroubare mobiliteit te skep, maak nie saak waar inwoners woon nie.”

Inligting en ondersteuning
GO GEORGE-passasiersdiensbeamptes sal die betrokke gemeenskappe vooraf besoek om die diens te verduidelik en vrae te beantwoord.
Die webtuiste www.gogeorge.org.za bied volledige roete-, tarief- en ritbeplanningsinligting. GoBot, die GO GEORGE-kletsbot, is op WhatsApp beskikbaar by 078 090 6168, en die GO GEORGE-inbelsentrum kan daagliks tussen 05:00 en 20:00 geskakel word by 0800 044 044.

In the photo above, is a role play session of the Yeboneers (the mouse and the lion).

Pacaltsdorp Library celebrated Literacy Month in September, by using its Reading Tree at the library, to encourage youngsters to read books. With every book finished by a young reader, their name and the title of the book are added to the Reading Tree.
The initiative, the brainchild of author, poet and Pacaltsdorp Library staff member Mandy Rose Naidoo, was launched in 2025 to encourage children to read for enjoyment while celebrating their achievements.

A former educator and librarian, and a lifelong reader herself, Naidoo believes strongly in the power of books to open minds, build confidence and create opportunities.
What began as a tree on a library wall has since grown into a lush Willow Tree – a colourful display of the reading achievements of local children.

And the numbers show just how far the initiative has grown.

In 2025, 12-year-old Genova Geduld of Pacaltsdorp Primary School read an impressive 116 books. In 2026, fellow Pacaltsdorp Primary School learner Joshley-Ann Arendse had already reached 62 books at the time of recording.
“Every book read, every page turned, adds a new leaf to our growing Reading Tree,” says Naidoo.
The Reading Tree formed part of Pacaltsdorp Library’s Literacy Month activities, which highlighted the importance of developing a culture of reading among children and young people.

The library’s literacy celebration brought together 85 participants, including 60 children and 25 adults, for a programme filled with reading, creativity and community spirit.

Activities included singing and dancing, impromptu storytelling and two dramas carrying meaningful messages. Outstanding readers in the community were also recognised with certificates and medals in acknowledgement of their commitment to reading.

Role play session of the Yeboneers with the hare and the tortoise.

Shaun Esterhuizen bringing Peter Pan, the book character to life.

Hierbo is ‘n foto van  die rolspelers by die welstandsdag in Waboomskraal.

Die Waboomskraal Thusong-dienssentrum het onlangs ’n suksesvolle Gemeenskapswelstandsdag aangebied, waartydens inwoners toegang gekry het tot belangrike inligting, ondersteuning en dienste wat op hul gesondheid en welstand fokus.
Verrigtinge het by die dienssentrum in Waboomskraal plaasgevind.

Verskeie diensverskaffers en belanghebbendes byeengebring, wat inwoners die geleentheid gebied het om direk met organisasies te skakel, vrae te vra en meer uit te vind oor die dienste en ondersteuning wat in die gemeenskap beskikbaar is.
Die rolspelers is deur Adam (Attie) Lewie van die Waboomskraal Thusong-dienssentrum by die geleentheid verwelkom. Hy het die doel van die dag aan die gemeenskap verduidelik en die verskillende belanghebbendes aan inwoners bekendgestel.
Een van die belangrike temas van die dag was die bevordering van ’n gesonde leefstyl en die belangrikheid om na ’n mens se fisiese, emosionele en sosiale welstand om te sien.

Zelda Barnard van Stop Trafficking het met die kinders gesels oor die ernstige kwessie van kinderhandel. As deel van haar boodskap aan die kinders het sy vir hulle klein poppies uitgedeel om hulle daaraan te herinner dat hulle spesiaal is en geliefd is.
Adjudant-offisier Wendy Lee van die Herold polisie het ook aan die dag deelgeneem en bygedra tot die bewusmaking rondom kinderhandel en die beskerming van kinders.

Die dag het inwoners die geleentheid gebied om in ’n vriendelike en ondersteunende omgewing met diensverskaffers te skakel en meer te leer oor hulpbronne en programme wat tot hul beskikking is.

Die deelname van verskeie organisasies het ook beklemtoon hoe belangrik samewerking tussen die gemeenskap, diensverskaffers en ander rolspelers is om dienste en ondersteuning nader aan inwoners te bring.

Die volgende rolspelers het aan die Gemeenskapswelstandsdag deelgeneem: People Against Substance Abuse, FAMSA, Options Care Centre, Herold SAPD, Waboomskraal E-Centre, TB & HIV Care, Bethesha, Waboomskraal Primêre Skool, HIV en Vigs kantoor, Gemeenskapsontwikkeling, George Munisipaliteit en Stop Trafficking.

Lewie het al die rolspelers namens die George Munisipaliteit bedank vir hul bydra wat tot die sukses van die dag bygedra het.
Die sentrum sal voortgaan om saam met rolspelers te werk om dienste, inligting en geleenthede nader aan die mense van Waboomskraal te bring, het hy gesê.

Fotos:

Attie Lewie spreek die gemeenskap toe by die welstandsdag in Waboomskraal.

Van die rolspelers by die welstandsdag in Waboomskraal.

Adj-Off. Wendy Lee van Herold Polisie praat met die kinders en grootmense oor mensehandel en die gevare waarvoor om uit te kyk.

Zelda Barnard van Stop Trafficking het tasbare materiale soos plakkate, prente en poppies gebruik om veral die jongspan oor mensehandel in te lig.

Van die leerders met die poppies wat Zelda Barnard in haar aanbieding gebruik het.

Van die leerders met die poppies wat Zelda Barnard in haar aanbieding gebruik het.

In the photo above, the Executive Mayor of George, Ald Browen Johnson (back middle) at the ranking ceremony of Law Enforcement and Traffic officers and two firefighters who have received training certificates.  To the left of the mayor are Mawethu Gobozi (Assistant Superintendent:Traffic), Jaymee Jaftha (Law Enforcement Officer), Ald Daniel Cronje, MMC for Safety and Mobility and Cynthia Gounder (Assistant Superintendent: Traffic). To the mayor’s right are Dr Dean O’Neill, Acting Municipal Manager of George Municipality, Lee-Anne Meiring, Director of Safety and Mobility and Neels Barnard, Fire Chief at George Municipality. Infront are from left Junior Firefighter, Regan van Beulen, Akhona Bonga, Jona Julies, Lorendo Damons (all three promoted from assistants to Law Enforcement Officers and Junior Firefighter Shawn Platt.

George Municipality recognised the achievements of its Law Enforcement, Traffic Services and Fire and Emergency Services personnel at the Ranking Ceremony of new employees in the Directorate: Community Safety and Mobility, held on Friday at the George Municipality Junior Traffic Training Centre.

Two firefighters received training certificates, while four Law Enforcement officers and two Traffic officers were recognised for their promotions. The two Traffic officers progressed from Traffic Officer to Assistant Superintendent.

Executive Mayor Ald Browen Johnson thanked George Municipality’s firefighters, Law Enforcement officers and emergency services personnel for their dedication and service to the community.

He congratulated the employees who received promotions and the two firefighters who received training certificates, noting that internal promotions demonstrate the skills, experience and potential within the Municipality’s workforce.

With George continuing to grow, the Mayor highlighted the increasing responsibility on safety and emergency services to protect residents and respond to emergencies. He encouraged the recipients to perform their duties with integrity, courage and professionalism, always placing the safety and well-being of the community first.

MMC for Safety and Mobility, Ald Daniel Cronje, also congratulated the recipients, noting that their achievements reflected their growth, commitment and dedication to serving the community.

He highlighted the important role officers play in promoting public safety and supporting the well-being of George’s growing communities. He encouraged them to embrace greater responsibility and continue developing their careers.

Acting Municipal Manager Dr Dean O’Neill delivered the vote of thanks and encouraged the officers to further their education by pursuing diplomas and degrees and applying for internal bursaries.

He described the ranking ceremony as a stepping stone towards further career development and called on the Mayor and Directors to continue investing in their teams. He encouraged more women to consider careers in the field of Traffic Services.

Director of Safety and Mobility, Lee-Anne Meiring highlighted the importance of professional development and career progression. She congratulated the recipients and encouraged them to lead by example and continue serving the people of George with integrity, fairness and professionalism.

She said as part of Transport Month, George Municipality will host activities focused on road safety, compliance and service delivery.

These include workshops at local high schools on computerised learner’s licence tests, a Pay Your Fine roadshow at Pacaltsdorp Civic Centre from 26 to 29 October, and joint roadblocks with partner agencies and road safety role players.

Photos:

Ismail Patel, Senior Manager: Public Safety (middle) at the event with some ranking officers and supporting staff. From left are Sharon Marsow (Law Enforcement), Mawethu Gobozi (Traffic), Jona Julies (Law Enforcement), Jaymee Jaftha (Law Enforcement), Cynthia Gounder (Traffic), Lorendo Damons (Law Enforcement), Akhona Bonga (Law Enforcement), Jama Bonga (Traffic) and Vuyiswa Ndzonda (Administration: Public Safety).

Fire Chief of the George Fire Brigade, Neels Barnard (middle) with junior firefighters, Shawn Platt (left) and Regan van Beulen.

Jaymee Jaftha reads the Oath of Office aloud at the ceremony while Ismail Patel, Senior Manager: Public Safety looks on. To the front are her colleagues from left, Jona Julies, Lorendo Damons and Akhona Bonga.

Merwin Soonies, Principal Inspector: Law Enforcement, attaches epaulettes and shoulder flashes to Jona Julies during the ranking ceremony. The officers were promoted from assistant law enforcement officers to law enforcement officers.

At the ranking ceremony from left are, Mawethu Gobozi, Cynthia Gounder, Ismail Patel, Marlene Gerber and Jama Bonga.

 Lafras Boesak, Chief Superintendent: George Traffic confers attaches epaulettes and shoulder flashes to Cynthia Gounder, who was promoted from Traffic Officer to Assistant Superintendent during the ranking ceremony.

Mawethu Gobozi who was also promoted from Traffic officer to Assistant Superintendent with Lafras Boesak, Chief Superintendent: George Traffic.

In the photo above is a group of attendees at the George Pride Imbizo 2026 Pre-Launch and Stakeholder Engagement

George Municipality hosted the pre-launch of the 4th Annual George Pride Imbizo on in this past week, bringing together local government, civil society organisations, LGBTQIA+ community structures, health-sector partners, Nelson Mandela University (NMU) and other stakeholders.

The 4th Annual George Pride Imbizo takes place on 10 October 2026 in Thembalethu. The starting point for the march is the open space next to the Thembalethu Fire Station. Participants in the march can start gathering at 12 noon and the official march will then start at 13:00. The official event will be held after the march at Thembalethu Community Hall, where health services will be available and speeches will be delivered.

The pre-launch engagement provided an opportunity to reflect on progress within the LGBTQIA+ sector, strengthen partnerships and identify ways to address ongoing challenges affecting LGBTQIA+ communities.

George Municipality LGBTQIA+ Project Coordinator Khanyisile Fortuin said the Pride Imbizo is about more than an annual event. “The launch is more than just a programme; it is an opportunity for us as a sector to reflect on our journey, celebrate our progress, acknowledge the challenges that remain, and strengthen our collective commitment to an inclusive and safer George.”
Fortuin said Pride represents visibility, dignity, safety, equality, health and belonging.
She said, “Pride is more than a celebration. It is about creating a society where every person can live openly and with dignity, regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression.”

Prince Mathe, Garden Route District Manager at TB HIV Care, highlighted the importance of continued efforts to address HIV-related stigma among key and priority populations.
He emphasised the need for inclusive, respectful and non-judgemental healthcare services, as well as a shared responsibility to strengthen HIV prevention, treatment and support.

Vuyolwethu Ngcofe, Transformation Officer at NMU George Campus, welcomed the partnership between the University and George Municipality.
“We are happy to start this partnership with the Municipality because before you are a university student, you are a member of the community.”
Ngcofe said the partnership would support advocacy and awareness around Pride both within the university and the broader community.

Neviron Meyer, Operations Manager at Gender Dynamix (GDX), highlighted the organisation’s commitment to promoting the rights, dignity and inclusion of transgender and gender-diverse people.
GDX is a trans-led human rights organisation working across Southern Africa on community leadership, advocacy, access to healthcare and public services, and legal and policy reform.
Meyer said the organisation values opportunities to work with local communities and partners to turn dialogue into practical action.
GDX’s message to George is that transgender and gender-diverse people belong, have valuable contributions to make and deserve to live safely, freely and with dignity.

The Western Cape Provincial Chairperson for the LGBTQIA+ Sector within the Civil Society Forum of the South African National AIDS Council (SANAC), Gita November, participated virtually in the George Pride Imbizo Pre-Launch and Stakeholder Engagement and delivered her address during the programme. She emphasised the importance of ensuring that the lived experiences of LGBTQIA+ people inform policies, programmes and services.
“Our role as the LGBTQIA+ Sector within the Civil Society Forum is not simply to represent a constituency in meetings. Our role is to bring the voices, lived experiences, evidence and realities of LGBTQIA+ people directly into the spaces where policies, programmes and services are designed, implemented and monitored.”
The Chairperson said meaningful advocacy must result in practical action and ensure that constitutional rights are reflected in the everyday experiences of LGBTQIA+ people.
The pre-launch demonstrated the value of collaboration between government, civil society, academic institutions, health-sector partners and LGBTQIA+ communities.
The 4th Annual George Pride Imbizo will continue to provide a platform for dialogue, advocacy and community engagement, with a focus on issues including stigma and discrimination, HIV and healthcare access, gender identity, safety, human rights and social inclusion.

Photos:

Khanyisile Fortuin – LGBTQIA+ and HIV/AIDS Project Coordinator, George Municipality.

Neviron Meyer – Operations Manager, Gender Dynamix.

Vuyolwethu Ngcofe – Transformation Officer, Nelson Mandela University, George Campus.

Prince Mathe – Garden Route District Manager, TB HIV Care.

George Municipality Council has approved and adopted its Consolidated Capital Expenditure Framework (CEF) for 2026/2027, which will guide how the Municipality plans and prioritises its infrastructure projects.

During the discussion, of the item in a Special Council sitting online on 28 September 2026, Council also considered the cost of employing workers on projects funded wholly or partly through the Integrated Urban Development Grant (IUDG).
Acting Municipal Manager Dean O’Neill said the Municipality must carefully balance the need to create employment opportunities with the need to ensure that grant-funded infrastructure projects are delivered within their available budgets.
“Grant funding is limited and needs to be used carefully. If the cost of a project increases, there is less funding available for the project itself and potentially fewer people can be employed during the construction phase,” said O’Neill.

He said the Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) also provides an opportunity for more people to benefit from temporary work and earn an income while projects are being implemented, at the applicable EPWP rates.
“Our responsibility is to make sure that the funding is used for the purpose for which it was provided, while creating as many work opportunities as possible and delivering the infrastructure that communities need,” he said.

It was also noted that the Municipality cannot determine the wages that independent contractors pay their employees beyond the requirements of applicable legislation and the conditions contained in the relevant contracts. Contractors remain responsible for complying with labour legislation and applicable wage requirements.

As part of the discussion on Item 4.11, the Patriotic Alliance put forward a counter proposal relating to wages on IUDG-funded Civil Engineering projects.
The counter proposal was proposed by Cllr Raphael Goeieman and seconded by Cllr Marcell Kleynhans.

It proposed that workers on Civil Engineering projects funded wholly or partly through the IUDG be paid at applicable industry-related wage rates, in accordance with the National Minimum Wage Act, Basic Conditions of Employment Act and applicable Bargaining Council agreements or Sectoral Determinations.
The proposal also called for these requirements to be included in IUDG applications, project budgets, tender specifications and contractual conditions. It further proposed that the Municipal Manager or delegated officials monitor contractual compliance, while the Department of Employment and Labour remains responsible for enforcing applicable labour legislation and wage determinations.

While the proposal may seem to be beneficial on the face of it, the unintended consequences are not and Council considered the proposal against the available funding for infrastructure projects, the potential impact on project costs and the number of people who could be employed during the implementation phase.

The CEF brings together the Municipality’s infrastructure needs, spatial planning and available funding. It is aligned with the Integrated Development Plan, Municipal Spatial Development Framework and budget, and supports the Municipality’s requirements for accessing and retaining IUDG funding.
Projects are considered according to factors such as service backlogs, growth, infrastructure needs, affordability, technical readiness and the potential social and economic benefit.
The CEF does not approve funding for individual projects. Projects still have to go through the annual budget process and can only proceed once funding has been approved and is available.
O’Neill said the CEF gives the Municipality a clearer basis for making decisions about where limited capital funding should be directed.

“We need to make sure that the money available to the Municipality is used where it can have a meaningful and lasting benefit for residents. That means looking not only at the immediate cost of a project, but also at the infrastructure we are able to deliver and maintain over the longer term,” said O’Neill.