Author: Debra Sauer

In the photograph above are some of the officials who work in Facility Management section.

Several of George Municipality’s community halls have recently benefitted from much-needed upgrades, ensuring safer, more welcoming spaces for residents. Improvements include refurbished kitchens, upgraded toilets, new lighting, fencing, accessibility features, and other general safety measures. The Facility Management Section, under Corporate Services, is responsible for the operation and maintenance of 15 community halls across the city and rural areas. Led by a Manager and supported by supervisors and hall staff, the team also oversees bookings and day-to-day operations.

While budget constraints mean that not all upgrades can be completed at once, the Municipality remains committed to continuous improvement. Sustainability initiatives such as energy-efficient lighting and water-saving fixtures have also been introduced in select halls. Community halls play an important role in bringing people together whether for weddings, memorials, training, workshops or civic engagements. They are more than just buildings; they are places of connection and service.

Residents are encouraged to make use of these venues and to share feedback for future improvements. Bookings are managed in line with Council-approved policy. For bookings and enquiries, please contact Rozendra Thysse on 044 801 9115 or email rsthysse@george.gov.za

In the photo are officials from George Municipality, SAPS members, members from Gift of the Givers, people living on the streets and members from Stop Trafficking at the self-defense event held at the George Banquet Hall.

During Women’s Month, George Municipality’s People Living on the Streets (PLOTS) programme hosted a special initiative to support women experiencing homelessness by teaching them self-defence training.
The programme partnered with Stop Trafficking and the South African Police Service (SAPS) to provide training and tips aimed at equipping women with practical safety skills and connecting them to vital support services.

Women living on the streets face daily challenges that go beyond survival. They are at constant risk of violence, often unnoticed by society. The event not only gave participants the opportunity to learn useful ways to protect themselves but also reinforced their right to safety and dignity.

A senior SAPS officer led the training, showing women practical techniques they can use in dangerous situations. Gift of the Givers and SAPS members handed out dignity packs, while the organisers shared information about available services, family reunification opportunities, and options for safe and stable housing.

Participants were encouraged to support one another and to make use of the resources that are available to them. While the self-defence training provides immediate tools for personal safety, the larger goal of the PLOTS programme is to create a George where nobody has to live on the streets and where every resident has access to housing and support.

George Municipality remains committed to protecting its most vulnerable residents. Through the PLOTS programme and strong partnerships with local organisations, the Municipality continues to work towards helping people move from street living into safe and sustainable environments.

Photos:

Officials from George Municipality, SAPS members, members from Gift of the Givers, people living on the streets and members from Stop Trafficking at the self-defense event held at the George Banquet Hall.

Officials from George Municipality, SAPS members, members from Gift of the Givers, people living on the streets and members from Stop Trafficking at the self-defense event held at the George Banquet Hall.

In the photo above the Mayor of George, Alderlady Jackie von Brandis, councillors, officials and members of the George Junior City Council (JCC) at the badge conferring event at the George Banquet Hall.

The George Junior City Council (JCC) serves as a representative forum for high school learners, promoting active citizenship and providing a platform to represent the interests of student leaders. The Council also aims to broaden learners’ understanding of local government. It comprises learners from Grades 10 and 11, who act as ambassadors for George Municipality.

Members of the JCC, accompanied by their parents, attended their badge confirmation ceremony recently. Proud parents witnessed their children being led by the Speaker of the George Council, Cllr Sean Snyman, as they took the Solemn Oath of Office, pledging to serve the City of George with integrity and by leading through example.

The Executive Mayor, Alderlady Jackie von Brandis, and the Portfolio Councillor for Community Development, Libraries and Sport, Cllr Melvin Roelfse, jointly conferred the JCC members with their official George JCC badges. The Executive Mayor emphasised to the learners that they are no longer ordinary members of the community. By accepting this responsibility, they have undertaken a commitment to serve the City of George and its residents with dedication and ethical leadership.

Photos:

Learners from the JCC delivers the oath.

Ald Jackie von Brandis and Cllr Melvin Roelfse confers badges to learners.

Ald Jackie von Brandis and Cllr Melvin Roelfse confers badges to learners.

Ald Jackie von Brandis and Cllr Melvin Roelfse confers badges to learners.

The photo above is for illustration purposes only.

George Municipality is pressing ahead with plans to purchase electricity from Independent Power Producers (IPPs) as part of its strategy to secure more cost-effective power for the city. While the arrangement will not shield residents from load shedding it does open the door to competitive pricing that could help keep municipal finances more sustainable in the long run. Thus, electricity will be sourced from alternative producers rather than solely from Eskom. This decision comes as Eskom continues with tariff increases that have risen faster than inflation.

By diversifying electricity supply and working with multiple producers – particularly those using renewable sources – the Municipality aims to reduce the risks of depending on a single supplier and to improve long-term cost stability.

“Partnering with IPPs will support renewable energy targets and limit the operational and maintenance burden on the Municipality, as the private sector will manage its own electricity generation plants,” said Michael Rhode, Director of Electrical Engineering Services. “This is a key step in ensuring George has a resilient energy future.”

 Two tracks: short-term and long-term agreements

The Municipality is pursuing two types of Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) at the same time:

• Short-term PPA (three years) – Expected to deliver in the order of 10 megawatts (MW) of capacity, likely from a solar PV facility. A typical 10 MW plant could produce over 10 million kilowatt-hours each year. These agreements have fewer legislative requirements and can be implemented in a shorter timeframe as longer term PPA’s.
• Long-term PPA (20 years) – Larger scale PPA in the order of 20 MW as a first phase. Additional contracts may follow in future. This process involves more legislative steps and is expected to take about two years from procurement to signing of the PPA.

George Municipality is assisted by a Transactional advisory team, which was appointed by the Western Cape Government to achieve its goals.

The short-term PPA tender is currently with the Municipality’s Supply Chain Management unit and is expected to be advertised during September 2025. The long-term PPA’s Supply chain process is scheduled to begin in October 2025, with the contracts and PPA expected to be finalised before June 2027 if timelines are met. Once the PPA is signed, the IPP will be responsible for the supply of energy as per the contract.

All environmental approvals, construction and ongoing plant management, which include all operations and maintenance will be the responsibility of the IPP. The Municipality will pay only for the electricity supplied, with risks such as financing, construction and performance carried by the IPP.

Benefits for George

Although final pricing will only be confirmed after the tender process, the Municipality expects competitive and more predictable tariffs compared with current Eskom rates. Any major IPP agreement will be followed by a cost-of-supply study, which may lead to a review of George Municipality’s electricity tariffs.

“This approach is not just about today’s costs,” Rhode said. “It’s about creating a cost-effective electricity supply that benefits residents and businesses for decades to come.”

In addition to potential cost-effective electricity, the move supports national climate and renewable energy goals whilst also creating a more sustainable environment for economic growth.

In the photograph above are Zelda Barnard from Stop Trafficking, Brian Faul from Sahara and Estelle Fredericks from Community Development handing out socks and beanies during the soup drive. The goods were donated by Barnard.

The George Municipality officially launched its annual Winter Soup Drive in early May, providing hot, nourishing meals – along with a message of hope – to individuals experiencing homelessness during the cold winter months.

Held weekly from its launch, the drive reached between 111 and 140 people per session in the Central Business District during the winter months. While initially scheduled to run throughout the winter months, limited food resources led to an earlier conclusion. Despite this, the initiative made a significant impact. It not only reached vulnerable community members by identifying and supporting new individuals living on the streets, including minors, elderly persons, and those with disabilities, but also played a vital role in reducing hunger and supporting health by providing regular meals to people on chronic medication. In addition, the programme served as a bridge to essential services, connecting homeless individuals with organisations offering medical care, housing assistance, and social support.

The Municipality extends its heartfelt thanks to community partners whose dedication made the drive possible. In particular, Zelda Barnard of Stop Trafficking and Brian Faul of Sahara, who have contributed weekly pots of soup, transport, time, and resources, joining municipal teams on the ground.

Special recognition also goes to Elrico Tarentaal, Jonathan Gelderbloem, Ejustley Boshoff, Patricia Sikade, the George Night Shelter, and all George Municipality officials involved.

“Your compassion and commitment have made a tangible difference in the lives of some of our most vulnerable residents,” said Asavela Mandongana, Social Worker: Community Development at George Municipality.

If you want to get involved in outreaches or donate to programmes of the George Municipality please contact 044 802 2000 or email amandongana@george.gov.za

Municipal officials, representatives from Sahara and Kidstop and members from a local church group assisting in one of the winter soup drive outreaches.

George municipal officials and partners in the field during the soup drive.

George municipal officials and partners in the field during the soup drive.