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.