Author: Debra Sauer

The George Municipality environmental and cleansing teams in conjunction with various other stakeholders held a clean-up operation at Schaap River, Thembalethu last week Friday as part of the International Coastal Clean Up Day.

According to Tanja Botha, Acting Manager – Cleansing and Environmental Health at George Municipality, the International Coastal Clean up Day is officially celebrated annually on 16 September 2023. She said 85 people made a massive difference in the environment by doing their part and collected an amount of 311 black bags full of refuse were collected as well as 41 blue bags with recycling items by the teams.

With George Municipality, officials from the National Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, the Western Cape Department of Environmental Affairs and Development Planning, the Garden Route District Municipality and Cape Nature all helped to make this day a success.

Botha gave a shoutout to stakeholders from the private sector included John Dory’s and Spur who also donated refreshments to the teams.

Dawie Adonis, Director: Community Services said he is very proud of the officials and the extra mile they go to keep our environment clean and always as part of the outreaches educate our communities about the harmful effects of littering and illegal dumping.

Photograph above:

Various stakeholders taking part in the cleanup operation on the day. In front are officials from George Municipality, Grace Notshokovu (Project Coordinator at George Municipality, second from left), Dawie Adonis (Director: Community Services), Tanja Botha (Acting Manager: Cleansing and Environmental Health at George Municipality, and Cllr Siphelo Manxele, Ward Councillor of Ward 21 (on far right).

 A clean riverbank right after the operation.

Refuse at Schaap River before the cleanup operation.

Liam Tait, a six-year-old grade 1 learner from Holy Cross Primary School, became as far as we could establish, the youngest patron of the George Library, if not George, to publish his first book, _*The Dream of Animals.*_

When asked why he wrote the book, Liam answered that he likes animals. Liam also got a chance to read his book to his classmates at the launch and other patrons.

The youngster, who is only turning 7 in November, wrote the typical entry-level book, as a June holiday project, holidaying with his aunt, Rehelda Williams. Williams was also the one who encouraged Liam to write down his thoughts. She said he specifically used words he could spell and knew.

Liam’s mom, Phyona Tait, smiled from ear to ear with the launch of Liam’s book at George Library during Literacy Month. ”

Phyona Tait said “Liam is our shining light. Thank you to his aunt who encouraged him. Phyona said he used his artwork in the book as well.

“His first words when he saw the book was, I’m an author,” his mom said. “He is also very interested in the sales, she said gleefully.

“We are very proud and blessed to be part of what Liam created. His new interest is gemstones and maybe there is another book on the horizon,” Phyona said.

Liam’s dad, Wendell Tait, passed away from Covid in December 2020. He was a detective at George Saps.

Garelene Muller, Children’s Librarian, Liam is a true inspiration and he’s a beacon of hope to other youngsters. “Through what he’s achieved, others can see nothing is impossible. I always say to the children you can be small but mighty,” Muller said.

The book was self-published and printed by Blending.co.za. It is available on Amazon.com and Kindle.

If you want printed copies, you can phone Phyona Tait on 082 553 0052.

Photograph above:

Liam Tait and his mom, Phyona, hand over copies of his book to George Senior Librarian, Malibongwe Luyenge and his teacher, Sabrina Waters.

Liam lifts his book as proud mom, Phyona Tait (to his right looks on). Next to her is a family member, Rosaline Tait. On the other side of Liam are Zeenat Fortuin, Rehelda Williams (Liam’s aunt in red) and Veronica Tait.

Liam Tait (6) reading from his first published book, _The Dream of Animals_.

Liam Tait (6) reading from his first published book, _The Dream of Animals_.

The cover of the book.

Liam lifts his book as proud mom, Phyona Tait (to his right looks on). Next to her is a family member, Rosaline Tait. On the other side of Liam are Zeenat Fortuin, Rehelda Williams (Liam’s aunt in red) and Veronica Tait.

Everyone attending the book launch at the George Library.

Garelene Muller, Children’s Librarian at George Library with Liam at the launch.

The Gwaiing Wastewater Treatment Works current upgrade is nearing completion and it involves maximising and upgrading the existing structures’ capacities to increase the design flow capacity from 7.3 megalitres per day to 11 megalitres per day.

The works is located next to the landfill site adjacent to the old airport road, and is already at full capacity. Substantial development has already taken place within the drainage area. The completion for the current phase is expected in October 2023. Proposals for further rapid development in this area are under review, and a process was started in October 2020 to prepare a plan for the incremental upgrade at the Gwaiing Wastewater Treatment Works to cater for current and future development. The provisional capacity extension plan was finalised in 2021 already, and a contractor was appointed in April 2022 for the current Phase 1A for approximately R24 million.

According to Jannie Koegelenberg, Director: Civil Engineering Services, “This current phase will add much needed capacity to address the short-term flow requirements until the next phase of the capacity extension can be implemented.”

He said a master plan for the Gwaiing Wastewater Treatment Works is in process to plan for the incremental expansion of the works to meet the medium term (28Ml/day) and long term (50Ml/day) requirements. This allows the Municipality to plan and budget timeously as demand increases. It is anticipated that the next phase of the upgrading of the works will commence in 2024/25, subject to funding availability.

Photograph above:

New 75kW aerator in operation.

New Motor Control panel to control new equipment at the plant.

This year we are celebrating the theme ‘Tourism for Good’ with inspiring stories of businesses impacting the local hospitality space.  Here are a few:

The Garden Route Botanical Garden (GRBG), a nonprofit and Public Benefit Organisation, is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year!  Approximately 16 hectares in size, the garden showcases and conserves the incredible biodiversity of the district. Indigenous forests, wetlands, fynbos, and coastal dunes support a wide variety of plant and animal species, including those which are threatened and endemic.  Scientists and researchers come to the garden to study the ecosystems and species, as well as make use of the herbarium. Educational programs and interpretive materials are offered.  Declared a nature reserve, there are many things to see and enjoy such as hiking, markets, guided tours, and medicinal plant lectures.  There is also a restaurant, parkrun, and indigenous nursery. The garden is a haven for birdwatchers, with numerous bird species calling it home. Bird hides and viewing platforms are available for bird enthusiasts to observe the local avian wildlife.

The Herold Meander is a secluded rural settlement of cultural and historical significance.  From an abandoned and derelict farm, it has been developed into a sustainable Agri-Village.  Environmental, water rights and heritage approvals were obtained to ensure a sustainable farming development, primarily focused on proteas, honeybush tea and sheep. The Honeybush shrub is proudly South African and grows naturally in the Garden Route and Tsitsikamma areas.  The Khoikhoi used honeybush to make medicinal tea.  Slightly sweet and caffeine-free, this herbal tea has high antioxidants and low tannins. The project has resulted in upgrades to the infrastructure, capacity building of workers, repair of historical buildings and the creation of local jobs.  Herold Meander offers honeybush tea tasting, donkey cart rides, fishing, and accommodation facilities on a pre-booking basis.

Empower is a George based NPC and PBO. In December 2022, Empower hosted a crowd-funding campaign, Run It Back.  Through the efforts of 15 volunteers who ran 5kms every day for 8 days, they raised enough funds to purchase 8 generators. Empower gifted the generators according to set criteria, in partnership with the George Business Chamber, to local businesses. 3 out of the 8 generators went to Explore our Hood, the Garden Route Botanical Garden and George Backpackers.

Explore our Hood is a Thembalethu-based tourism business with awesome, authentic township experiences.  George Backpackers offers an affordable overnight accommodation, with dormitories and private rooms.  The hosts speak English, Afrikaans, and German.

Discover more about George, Wilderness and Uniondale tourism offerings and destination stories at visitgeorge.co.za.