Author: Debra Sauer

In the photo above are Estelle Fredericks (left) and some of the homeless people that took part in the clean-up action.

In a George Municipality Community development and Environmental Services initiative, homeless individuals took to the streets of the Central Business District (CBD) last week, to participate in a large-scale clean-up action.

The event was conducted in conjunction with local environmental services, emphasising a collaborative effort to promote both community well-being and environmental stewardship.

According to Estelle Fredericks, Auxiliary Social Worker and Coordinator of  Project Hope, the event saw participants begin their efforts on Cathedral Street, progressing up Memorial Street, down Courtney Street, and Wellington Street, before returning to York Street.

Organised by Project Hope, the clean-up was designed to address and challenge prevailing misconceptions about the homeless population, particularly the stereotype that they are unwilling to work, Fredericks said. The project aims to reshape public perceptions by demonstrating the active role that individuals experiencing homelessness can play in their communities.

Many homeless individuals lack identification documents, which complicates their access to formal employment opportunities. As a result, they often engage in informal labour as a survival mechanism. The clean-up action not only sought to improve the environmental conditions of the CBD but also highlighted the dedication and work ethic of those living on the streets.

Fredericks said through this initiative, Project Hope hopes to foster greater understanding and support for the homeless population, while also contributing to the cleanliness and attractiveness of the city centre.

We kindly request that you refrain from giving money or handouts to individuals, including both children and adults, who are begging on the streets.

The George Municipality urges the residents of George to be part of the solution for those living on the streets by directing their donations to reputable organisations like the George Night Shelter or Kidstop. This approach is far more effective than providing direct assistance to people begging at street intersections, which has become a growing concern. Regrettably, providing money or handouts to individuals on the streets can perpetuate their homelessness and lead to negative long-term consequences.

If you wish to make a positive impact, you can get in touch with the following organisations:

• Freddy Trout, PASA (People Against Substance Abuse) at 068 487 4848.
• Jonathan Gelderbloem, YFC Kidstop at 044 874 2624/044 875 1794.
• Department of Social Services at 044 814 1920.
• Andre Olivier from Cremhog via email at andre.olivier1962@gmail.com

Please note that living on the streets is not a criminal offense, and individuals cannot be arrested or relocated without their consent. The responsibility to assist people living on the streets mainly falls under the South African Police Service (SAPS) and the National Department of Social Development.

George residents, business owners, and organisations interested in helping the homeless or sharing innovative ideas for their support are encouraged to participate in the monthly PLOTS meeting.

For more information, please contact Estelle Fredericks at 044 802 2000, extension 2015 during office hours.

Estelle Fredericks (left)  and some of the homeless people that took part in the clean-up action.

Estelle Fredericks (in front)  and some of the homeless people that took part in the clean-up action.

In the photograph above,  are all the officials from Uniondale and Haarlem and HR officials that attended the exhibition.

To improve accessibility and communication, the George Municipality’s Human Resources department during this week held a successful exhibition in Uniondale for the officials of Uniondale and Haarlem. The event aimed to provide employees with direct access to crucial HR information and services.

The HR department held a similar exhibition for George officials.

Each HR section set up a dedicated stall, allowing employees to interact with HR officials without needing appointments. The Traffic department was also on hand to offer road safety demonstrations. The exhibition featured a range of HR services tailored to meet specific employee needs, including:

Benefits: Updates on beneficiary forms to ensure records are current.

Occupational Health and Safety (OHS): Essential safety tips and SHE (Safety, Health, and Environmental) request handling.

Performance Management System (PMS): Explanations of performance evaluations and probationary reviews.

Training and Development: Guidance on Personal Development Plans and Skill Audit forms.

Employee Assistance Programme (EAP): Introduction of new EAP personnel and counseling services.

Labour Relations: Clarification of various Labour Relations processes and procedures.

Recruitment and Selection: Information on the new online application process and required documentation for job applicants.

Event coordinator Chrystal Spies and HR officials noted the exhibition’s success in enhancing employees’ understanding of available services. The department thanks all participants and visitors. Employees are encouraged to stay connected with HR for updates on future events and services.

Photos:

Leandri Soko and Pheliswa Kwinda from assisting officials with beneficiary forms and records.

HR assisting officials with beneficiary forms and records.

Juanita Foster from HR assisting officials with Performance Management queries.

HR assisting officials with beneficiary forms and records.

Marildien Olivier attending the exhibition.

Abraham Venter attending the exhibition.

Joey Muller from Traffic Services showing Benjamin Wynand the breathalyser test.

Cesley Thomas, Assistant HR Officer and Francois Michaels, Employee Assistance Programme Officer helping officials at the exhibition.

Officials utilising vision distorting goggles that simulate the effects of alcohol consumption on the body from George Traffic.

Traffic officers at the exhibition.

Labour Relations Officers at the exhibition from left, Illana Gouws, Anga Gxoyiya and Avril Bennet.

HR officials assisting Uniondale and Haarlem officials at the exhibition.

Joey Muller from George Traffic and Chrystal Spies from HR with the breathalyser test.

In die foto hierbo is Rdl Jean Safers, Burgemeesterskomiteelid vir Menslike Nedersettings, Johan en Suzette Andrews (begunstigdes met hul huisdokumente), Sheen- Wayne Kiewitz, Brumilda Kirchner, Velencia Botha (ook ‘n begunstigde) Burgemeester Jackie von Brandis en Rayleen Petrus by die oorhandiging van die huise by Metrogronde.

Die uitvoerende burgemeester van George, Rdh Jackie von Brandis en Burgemeesterskomiteelid vir Menslike Nedersettings, Rdl Jean Safers, het agt huise aan begunstigdes verlede week by die Metrogronde Behuisingsprojek oorhandig.

In die stadium is daar reeds 55 van die 436 eenhede van die hele projek oorhandig.

Volgens Zinobia Spies, waarnemende bestuurder: Menslike Nedersettings by George Munisipaliteit, kom die begunstigdes wat nou die agt huise in ontvangs geneem het, uit verskeie Informele Nedersettings en die name was geregistreer op die Wes – Kaapse Behuisingsdatabasis.

Die begunstigdes word gekies uit diegene wat die langste op die waglys is, 60 jaar en ouer, gestremdes, plaaswerkers en persone wat in informele nedersettings woon.

Rdh Von Brandis het almal betrokke, ook die department van Menslike Nedersettings, die George Munisipale amptenare en raadslede bedank vir hul werk om die oorhandiging van die huise moontlik te maak. Die burgemeester het gesê om jou eerste huis te bekom is een van die groot mylpale in jou lewe. “Maar saam met groot blydskap kom groot verantwoordelikheid. Jy is nou ‘n huiseienaar en jy moet nou jou huis oppas, maar saam met dit moet jy sorg dat die bate ook tot voordeel van jou kinders is en ‘n testament opstel. Indien iets gebeur, weet julle julle gesin word na omgesien. Baie geluk!” het Von Brandis gesê.

Sy het ook gesê sy weet Metrogronde gaan ‘n fantastiese gemeenskap word en ‘n gemeenskap wat na mekaar omsien.

Rdl Safers het in sy toespraak gesê dis ‘n dag van blydskap en veels geluk aan al die begunstigdes. Hyt versoek dat die eienaars nie hul huise moet uithuur vir mense wat winkels begin nie en ook nie informele strukture op hul erwe aan te bring nie. Safers het gevra die begunstigdes moet na hul huise omsien en hy wil oor ‘n paar jaar sien dat die huise steeds netjies is en ook blomtuine.

Velencia Botha, ‘n begunstigde, het gesê sy is baie dankbaar om in haar huis in te trek. Haar dogter en twee kleinkinders gaan saam met haar in die huis bly. Sy was voorheen ‘n inwoner van Palana informele nedersetting.

Nóg ‘n begunstigde, Charmaine Joseph, is dankbaar vir haar eie woning waar sy en haar 5 kinders rustig kan bly.

Johan en Suzette Andrews is uit hul vel om ‘n huis te ontvang. Die twee het in Parkdene plakkerskamp gebly. Die twee kan nie wag om hul woning nog meer geriefliker te maak nie.

Janine Williams, ook van Parkdene plakkers, sê haar twee seuns het gereeld gevra wanneer hulle dan nou trek “en vandag is ons droom bewaarheid.”

Foto:

Charmaine Joseph (begunstigde), Rdl Jean Safers,Burgemeesterskomiteelid vir Menslike Nedersettings, Burgemeester Jackie von Brandis en Janine Williams (begunstigde) voor hul wonings.

In the photo above, Kevin Abrahams from Local Economic Development and Sorica Campher from Supply Chain Management, Financial Services, George Municipality explain to the attendees which services are available and how to access the services at these two sections.

George Municipality, in collaboration with the Pacaltsdorp Community Business Association and the Youth Office of George Municipality, last week spearheaded a highly impactful business and entrepreneurial information session.

According to Jonel Kerspuy, Coordinator of the Youth Office, the event was held at the Pacaltsdorp Community Hall, this event was part of the celebration of Women’s Month and aimed at empowering local entrepreneurs.

The session provided a platform for community members to engage with a diverse range of stakeholders regarding youth and business matters. Participating organisations included George Municipality’s Community Development, Supply Chain Services, and Local Economic Development departments as well as the Small Enterprise Development Agency (SEDA), the National Youth Development Agency, the Department of Employment and Labour, EMPOWER, MicFin and the Independent Electoral Commission.

Attendees had the opportunity to interact directly with these representatives, gaining valuable insights and information tailored to support both new and existing entrepreneurs. The event underscored the commitment of George Municipality and its partners to enhancing business opportunities and fostering economic growth within the community.

Kerspuy said this initiative highlights the ongoing efforts to bring essential services to local residents and to support the entrepreneurial spirit among youth and women.

Photos:

Luwayda Trantraal, chairperson of the Pacaltsdorp Community Business Association welcomed members of the public to the Youth and Women’s Business and Entrepreneurs information session.

Judith Morrison from the National Youth Development Agency explained their grant funding processes to the attendees and members from SEDA explained to the public how to access the SEDA training and products.

In the photo above: At the handover of the hamper to the nutritional centre at Metrogrounds are from left, Willbedine Jordaan (Community Development), Elizabeth Goldman (volunteer at the nutritional centre), Maggie (Mona) Sampson (coordinator of the nutritional centre), Sophie Bewee (volunteer at the nutritional centre),Veronique Ferndale (Community Development), Cllr Melvin Roelfse (Member of the Mayoral Committee for Community Development), Khanyisile Fortuin (Community Development) and Cllr Darryl Coeries.

The George Municipality supplied a brand-new nutritional centre, that will be run by Maggie (Mona) Sampson, at Metrogrounds Housing Project with a hamper.

The nutritional centre is the very first for Metrogrounds. The centres were previously known as soup kitchens.

George Municipality currently operates 120 municipal nutritional centres. According to Veronique Ferndale from Community Development, Nutritional Centres, the hamper can feed up to 100 people, 3 days per week.

She welcomed Sampson to the nutritional centre family.

The 120 soup kitchens, which operate from private homes in vulnerable communities across the municipal area are the backbone of feeding programmes.

Ferndale said most people running the nutritional centres are extraordinary individuals and use extras from their own pockets to make the centres a success, nevermind the circumstances.

Individuals and organisations wanting to continue supporting soup kitchens can drop off food and supplies at the municipality’s Community Development offices or call the number below.”

Soup kitchen enquiries: 044 802 2000

Food and supplies donation deliveries to:

George Municipality Community Development offices (8am-4pm)

c/o Varing and St Johns Streets (diagonally behind main building).

In the photo above, feeling the Spring spirit are Planning officials from left Nangamso Mhobo, Khuliso Mukhovha, Marina Welman, Amanda Joubert, Amelia Lombard, Lynette Groenewald and Henko Lourens.

George Municipality officials decided to embrace the new season with fresh energy and optimism by dressing up in florals and hats for Spring on Monday, 2 September.

George experienced a lovely summer day on Monday with winter fading away and vibrant colors and fresh energy were all around. With flowers blooming, bright hues everywhere, and new scents in the air, nature is celebrating as the days grow longer. It’s the perfect time to let go of winter’s heaviness and embrace a new, optimistic outlook.

Here are a few photographs of the officials who made the day special by dressing up.

Follow the link for video: https://youtu.be/CIWwF5UXvBs

More photos available on George Municipality Facebook page

Photos:

Maransia Davids, Siya Soga-Jonas and Petro Botha sported some flowery hats to usher in Spring.

Ladies from Finance with feeling the new season are in front from left, Elrina Bothma and Elaine Diemont. At the back are Gezina de Jager, Yvettie Minnie, Candice Phillips and Magda Meyer.

 Josephine Mpembe from Planning and Roslyn Rhode from Corporate Services show off their hats.

Musa Dyakop, Ronel Valla and Josephine Mpembe came ready with their hats for Spring.

The creative ladies from Finance made their own hats from scratch. They are from left, Sherifa Jansen, Candice Phillips and Sandra Alaart.

Heybré Ellis, Debra Sauer and Zimasa Bulo from the Office of the Municipal Manager with florals to celebrate Spring. Ladies from Corporate Services with their fabulous hats for the new season. From left are Phildene Fortuin, Juanita Foster, Mudgelaine Muller, Chrystal Spies.

Ladies from Human Resources showing off their hats for Spring. From left are Juanita Foster, Ayabonga Noyakaza, Chrystal Spies, Cesley Thomas and Jennifer Schoeman.

The officials from Community Services.

 Collage of the officials from Community Services celebrating Spring with flower hats.

Officials from the George Municipal Court enjoying the beautiful Spring day are from left, Adv Megan Hopewell (Prosecutor), Bongani Mafuya (Court Interpreter), Ishenique Felix (Legal Advisor/Assistant Prosecutor).

NERSA’S DECISION ON ESKOM’S MYPD5 REVENUE APPLICATION

As Executive Mayor of George Municipality, I am writing to you on behalf of the citizens of George, to object in the strongest possible terms to NERSA granting Eskom an increase in the price of electricity of 44% for the 2024/25 financial year. This price increase is not only unaffordable, but unfair and unjust to our citizens.

Our customers, inclusive of residents, small and medium businesses, cannot afford these price increases that is well above the consumer price index (CPI). The vast majority of South Africans find it difficult to make ends meet and this increase will only further exacerbate this fact.

As the energy regulator, NERSA is responsible for providing the necessary guidelines to Eskom to ensure that it fulfils its mandate, based on this, our residents simply cannot be expected to carry the burden of mismanagement at Eskom through exorbitant tariff increases such as this one.

This proposed tariff increase will result in the majority of South Africans being left in a dire situation if approved as is. Our formal and informal businesses will be forced to close their doors as the cost of fuel and food will rise as a result of the increase in the cost of energy.

Any increase considered should at the very least be in line with the CPI inflation rate target of 5.5%. An increase of 44% is therefore simply cannot be ratified.
In addition, Eskom provides no preference to its good customers who regularly pay their accounts, in terms of price increases or regular supply of electricity.

It is an extreme injustice to expect that ordinary citizens of George (and, indeed, residents of every municipality in the country) should be forced to bear the cost of Eskom and its ongoing woes.
I trust that this letter will receive your urgent attention to reverse the price increase that has been granted.

Yours faithfully
J VON BRANDIS
EXECUTIVE MAYOR
GEORGE MUNICIPALITY