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Author: Debra Sauer

GARDEN ROUTE DAM LEVEL – 26 March 2024

Percentage storage at new raised dam wall height                                         82,49

Rainfall for the previous 7 days:                                                                       9 mm (Measured up to and including 25 March 2024)

For water-saving tips please visit: http://tinyurl.com/3439h4n7

The cooperation of all users of municipal water is essential and is greatly appreciated.

 

Kraaibos Sewer Pumpstation Fail undergoing emergency repair

George Civil Engineering Services has advised that the Kraaibosch Sewer Pumpstation has failed following a pump shaft that has broken. Suction trucks and the maintenance service provider are on site.

Replacement Pumps
The replacement pumps ordered a year ago arrived last week and Civil Engineering Services is planning the installation as modifications are required for the pipework and supports.

An emergency repair will be completed today and thereafter the new pump installation will continue over the next few weeks.

We apologize for any inconvenience and advise residents of this area to proceed with caution given the number of large truck in the vicinity of Glenwood / Pine Lodge.

Mayor’s speech on Draft Budget to Council 25 March 2024

George Mayor, Ald Leon van Wyk (in the photo above), said in his speech to council with George’s population having reached just short of 295 000 according to the February 2022 Census along with the growth being experienced, we face further challenges with every budget. He said In the eight financial years from 2014 to 2021, our actual capital expenditure amounted to R1840m. By the end of March 2024, we will in all probability have exceeded that total in less than three years, after taking into account the 2022, 2023 and current 2024 spending. The emphasis over the past few years has been on growing and improving infrastructure that is the requisite for attracting investment and increased levels of employment that we desperately need to provide a better way of life for our citizens.

 

Read the full speech by clicking here.

 

Special Council Meeting (Draft IDP and Draft Budget) – 25 March 2024

GEORGE MUNISIPALITEIT

KENNISGEWING NR MM004/2024

SPESIALE RAADSVERGADERING: MAART 2024

Kennis geskied hiermee ingevolge Artikel 19 van die Wet op Plaaslike Regering: Munisipale Stelsels, 2000 (Wet 32 van 2000) dat ‘n virtuele Spesiale Raadsvergadering op die ondergemelde datum en tyd op MS Teams gehou sal word:

MAART 2024

Spesiale Raadsvergadering (Konsep GOP en Konsep Begroting)

25 Maart 2024

10:00

GEORGE MUNICIPALITY

NOTICE NO MM004/2024

SPECIAL COUNCIL MEETING: MARCH 2024

Notice is hereby given in terms of Section 19 of the Local Government Act: Municipal Systems, 2000 (Act 32 of 2000) that a virtual Special Council meeting will be held on MS Teams, on the under-mentioned date and time:

MARCH 2024

Special Council Meeting (Draft IDP and Draft Budget)

25 March 2024

10:00

UMASIPALA WASEGEORGE

ISAZISO NOMBOLO MM004/2024

INTLANGANISO EYODWA YEBHUNGA: EYOKWINDLA 2024

Isaziso siyakhutshwa ngokwesigqibo seCandelo le-19 soMthetho omiselweyo kaRhulumente waseKhaya; Isixokelelwano sikaMasipala, 2000 (uMthetho omiselweyo wama- 32 ka -2000) sokuba intlanganiso eYodwa yeBhunga ebanjwa kusetyenziswa uqhagamshelo lwe-intanethi iya kubanjelwa kuMaqela eMS, ngalo mhla kunye nexesha elikhankanywe ngezantsi:

EYOKWINDLA

2024

Intlanganiso eYodwa yeBhunga

(Uyilo lwe-IDP kunye noYilo loHlahlo lwabiwo Mali)

25 eyo Kwindla 2024 10:00

M GRATZ

MUNISIPALE BESTUURDER/MUNICIPAL MANAGER/ UMPHATHI KAMASIPALA

Burgersentrum/Civic Centre

Yorkstraat/York Street

GEORGE

SANRAL N2 traffic advisory

SANRAL N2 TRAFFIC ADVISORY

Issued by George Municipality on behalf of SANRAL

Lane closures for N2 upgrade between Kraaibosch and Touw River

Western Cape, 21 February 2024 – Lane closures will be in place on the N2 section 7 from 27 February 2024, for the upgrade between Kraaibosch and Touw River on the Garden Route, the South African National Roads Agency SOC Limited (SANRAL) has announced.

For improved mobility and road safety, as well as to meet the demands of growing developments along the Garden Route, the existing N2 route and access roads will be upgraded by widening and/or reconstruction over the next 27 months.

Construction will be carried out in such a manner that two-way traffic will be maintained on part (half) of the road surface while work takes place on the remaining part of the road surface. However, necessary closures, over a maximum distance of 500m, could take place for short periods to ensure public safety, i.e., removal of vegetation or relocation of services which may endanger the traveling public.

“We appeal to road users to exercise caution, reduce speed and adhere to warning signs in the construction area and to be on the lookout for road construction workers at all times,” said David Le Cordeur, SANRAL’s Project Manager.

SANRAL apologises for any inconvenience caused. This is however a short-term inconvenience in the pursuit of long-term road safety upgrades, which will benefit all road users.

Ends

GARDEN ROUTE DAM LEVEL – Issued 19 March 2024

GARDEN ROUTE DAM LEVEL
Issued 19 March 2024, George Municipality

Percentage storage at new raised dam wall height 84,05
Rainfall for the previous 7 days: 12 mm (Measured up to and including 18 March 2024)

For water-saving tips please visit: http://tinyurl.com/3439h4n7
The cooperation of all users of municipal water is essential and is greatly appreciated.

George Libraries celebrate Library Week

 

In the photograph above, the crowd that took part in the walk from Unity Park to George Municipality in celebrating South African Library Week were personnel from George Library, Olympia Skills School, Provincial Library Service (George Region) and Friends and Patrons of the library that were addressed by Edward Ganza, Deputy Director: Corporate Services (in the middle front).

George Libraries took to the Streets of George to announce the start of South African Library Week which is being celebrated from 18 to 24 March 2024.

George Library along with numerous other libraries in South Africa, like the South African Library for the Blind, had an official launch this week on Friday, 15 March. The theme of the week is Libraries Foster Social Cohesion.

Edward Ganza, Deputy Director: Corporate Services at George Municipality addressed the crowd that walked from Unity Park to George Civic Centre to promote Library Week.  Ganza said in his address with social cohesion in mind George libraries create safe places for all residents and visitors to interact with each other. He also promised that the activities the libraries arrange are of a high standard. Schools and other groups are invited to be part of activities at the libraries. Part of the crowd that took part in the walk were personnel from George Library, Olympia Skills School, Provincial Library Service (George Region) and Friends and Patrons of the library.

According to the Library and Information Association of South Africa (LIASA), the theme underscores the crucial role libraries play in uniting communities as they serve as hubs where people from diverse backgrounds can come together to exchange ideas and learn and engage in cultural and intellectual activities. By providing access to information, technology, resources and programmes, libraries broaden horizons, connect individuals, and foster a shared sense of purpose and identity. They also provide safe spaces for marginalised communities to address social and development issues, share experiences and thus promote social cohesion.

The Department of Sport, Arts and Culture defines social cohesion as “the degree of social integration and inclusion in communities and society at large, and the extent to which mutual solidarity finds expression itself among individuals and communities”. Libraries as community institutions are central to achieving this idea.

Rachel Williams, Manager: George Libraries, said inclusivity is a hallmark of libraries, where everyone is welcome, fostering connections and trust among diverse societal groups. Libraries thus play an instrumental role in social cohesion by enabling informed community participation, stimulating dialogue, and promoting mutual respect among people from diverse backgrounds. She said libraries tailor their services to meet community needs, promote lifelong learning and support literacy development.

Libraries play a critical role in fostering social cohesion through supporting initiatives and programmes. They provide access to information and contribute to addressing socio-economic disparities, climate justice and environmental awareness, among others.

Libraries actively contribute to nurturing social cohesion by offering educational programmes that strengthen the social fabric of communities. Through these programmes, libraries promote an understanding of diverse cultures, histories, local history, and traditions; encourage tolerance, and enhance literacy skills which are all essential for social cohesion.

Libraries bridge the digital divide by providing access to information and communication technologies and engaging communities through social media and online platforms. They empower individuals and communities by building inter-connected and inclusive societies.

George Library and the branch libraries are hosting different activities at creches, schools and other institutions during the library week.

 

Photos:

The crowd that took part in the walk were personnel from George Library, Olympia Skills School, Provincial Library Service (George Region) and Friends and Patrons of the library that were addressed by Edward Ganza, Deputy Director: Corporate Services (in the middle front).  

Learners from Olympia Skills School with their colourful placards they’ve made in celebration of the South African Library Week. With them is Malibongwe Luyenge (middle), Senior Librarian at George Library.

Garelene Muller, Librarian at George Library at a gazebo library services put up in front of the George Museum to create awareness around South African Library Week.

 

George Traffic Services – Easter Holiday Awareness Campaign

Janine Wells, George Traffic Chief in photograph above.

The Western Cape Province’s first school term comes to an end on March 20th, 2024 with a week of school holiday, Human Rights Day on the 21st of March and an Easter long weekend.

Many citizens will take this opportunity to embark on long-distance travelling to visit neighbouring districts or provinces to spend time with family or friends. Janine Wells, George Traffic Chief said George municipal area commonly sees an increase of visitors to the area, whether local and/or foreigners, visiting beaches and popular establishments. Traffic volumes on all major routes increase whether to travel locally or to neighbouring towns or across provinces.

“George Municipal Traffic is geared to deal with these volumes of traffic and will be on high alert by ensuring visible policing and deal appropriately with offenders whether for excessive speeding, reckless and negligent driving, inconsiderate driving or drunk driving. Increased activities are aimed at reducing fatalities during this Easter and school holiday period. Various vehicle checkpoints will be set up on major routes in conjunction with other enforcement entities. Patrols will also be done throughout urban and residential areas focussing on pedestrian safety and jaywalking,” Wells said.

She said the N2 is still a major concern with regards to pedestrian safety. George Traffic Department and other enforcement entities will continue with awareness campaigns on the N2 highway and provincial roads within the George Municipal area. The vehicle checkpoints will focus on driver and vehicle fitness, overloading of public transport and private vehicles, driving under the influence of alcohol and the wearing of safety belts by all occupants.

Operations will further focus on long-distance public transport such as taxis, midi-buses, and buses to ensure compliance with the National Land Transport Act and National Road Traffic Act. Simultaneously, these checks will allow for rest periods in an attempt to address driver fatigue and ensure safety of commuters and other road users. Any suspected unroadworthy vehicles will be taken to the nearest Vehicle Testing Station for detailed checks. Random breathalyser screening will be done at all operations.  According to Wells, the ongoing focus will be on excessive speeding and driving under the influence which is a huge contribution to accidents and fatalities.

Residents and visitors alike should take note in coastal areas, if foggy conditions are encountered with poor visibility, drivers are requested to switch on headlights and reduce speed.

Members of the public are urged to join the campaign to reduce road carnage by reporting reckless and negligent drivers or unattended/broken down vehicles on dark roads to George Municipality on emergency number 044 801 6300.

Wells wished all residents and visitors a safe journey over the holidays and the Easter period.

 

Update on power outage:portion of Thembalethu

Teams are still busy with removal of illegal connections in Thembalethu. As soon as all is clear and safe the areas will be energized. Areas affected are All Brick East, All Brick West and Mandela Village.Issued by George Municipality 18 March 2024 at 12h30

Planned power outage: Keerom Street, portion of George South

NOTIFICATION OF THE INTERRUPTION OF THE ELECTRICITY SUPPLY.

THE FOLLOWING AREAS WILL BE AFFECTED:

PORTION OF GEORGE SOUTH

KEEROM STREET

NOTICE is hereby given that the electricity supply will be interrupted on FRIDAY 29 MARCH  2024  FROM  09H00 TO 16H30 for the purpose of doing alterations to the electrical mains. Consumers are warned to treat the installation as being live for the full duration as the supply may be resumed at any time within the notified period.

Should circumstances prevent the work being carried out during the abovementioned period; the work will be done on FRIDAY 05 APRIL  2024 FROM  09H00 TO 16H30.

 

KENNISGEWING VAN  DIE ONDERBREKING VAN DIE ELEKTRIESE TOEVOER.

DIE VOLGENDE AREAS SAL GERAAK WORD:

GEDEELTE VAN GEORGE- SUID

KEEROM STRAAT

 

KENNISGEWING geskied hiermee dat die elektriese toevoer onderbreek sal word op VRYDAG 29 MAART 2024 VANAF  09H00 TOT 16H30 met  die doel om veranderings aan elektriese hoofleidings te maak. Klante word gewaarsku om die installasie as lewendig te beskou vir die volle periode aangesien die toevoer enige tyd gedurende die periode aangeskakel mag word.

Sou omstandighede verhoed dat die werk gedoen kan word gedurende bogenoemde periode, sal die werk gedoen word op VRYDAG 05 APRIL  2024 VANAF 09H00 TOT 16H30.

Planned power outage: Palgrave Street, Portion of George South

NOTIFICATION OF THE INTERRUPTION OF THE ELECTRICITY SUPPLY.

THE FOLLOWING AREAS WILL BE AFFECTED:

PORTION OF GEORGE SOUTH
PALGRAVE STREET

NOTICE is hereby given that the electricity supply will be interrupted on WEDNESDAY 27 MARCH 2024 FROM 09H00 TO 16H30 for the purpose of doing alterations to the electrical mains. Consumers are warned to treat the installation as being live for the full duration as the supply may be resumed at any time within the notified period.

Should circumstances prevent the work being carried out during the abovementioned period; the work will be done on WEDNESDAY 03 APRIL 2024 FROM 09H00 TO 16H30.

 

KENNISGEWING VAN DIE ONDERBREKING VAN DIE ELEKTRIESE TOEVOER.

DIE VOLGENDE AREAS SAL GERAAK WORD:

GEDEELTE VAN GEORGE- SUID
PALGRAVE STRAAT

KENNISGEWING geskied hiermee dat die elektriese toevoer onderbreek sal word op WOENSDAG 27 MAART 2024 VANAF 09H00 TOT 16H30 met die doel om veranderings aan elektriese hoofleidings te maak. Klante word gewaarsku om die installasie as lewendig te beskou vir die volle periode aangesien die toevoer enige tyd gedurende die periode aangeskakel mag word.

Sou omstandighede verhoed dat die werk gedoen kan word gedurende bogenoemde periode, sal die werk gedoen word op WOENSDAG 03 APRIL 2024 VANAF 09H00 TOT 16H30.

GO GEORGE schedules on upcoming Public Holidays

With several public holidays coming up, GO GEORGE calls on passengers to take note of the schedules that will be followed on these days.

On Human Rights Day, Thursday 21 March, buses will operate according to the Saturday schedule.

Easter weekend

On Friday 29 March, the buses will run according to the Sunday schedule, and on Monday 1 April, the Saturday schedule will apply on all routes.

For any enquiries or assistance with trip planning, phone the GO GEORGE Call Centre on 0800 044 044, or visit the GO GEORGE Facebook page for the latest news.

 

 GO GEORGE-SKEDULES OP KOMENDE VAKANSIEDAE

Met verskeie openbare vakansiedae voor die deur, vestig GO GEORGE passasiers se aandag op die skedules wat op hierdie dae gevolg sal word.

Op Menseregtedag, Donderdag 21 Maart, sal die busse volgens die Saterdagskedule ry.

Paasnaweek

Die Sondagskedule sal gevolg word op Vrydag 29 Maart, en op Maandag 1 April sal die Saterdagskedule op alle roetes geld.

Vir enige navrae of hulp met ritbeplanning, skakel die GO GEORGE-inbelkantoor by 0800 044 044, of besoek die GO GEORGE Facebook-blad vir die jongste nuus.

Planned power outage: Mitchell Street, George South

NOTIFICATION OF THE INTERRUPTION OF THE ELECTRICITY SUPPLY.
THE FOLLOWING AREAS WILL BE AFFECTED:

PORTION OF GEORGE SOUTH
MITCHELL STREET

NOTICE is hereby given that the electricity supply will be interrupted on MONDAY 25 MARCH 2024 FROM 09H00 TO 16H30 for the purpose of doing alterations to the electrical mains. Consumers are warned to treat the installation as being live for the full duration as the supply may be resumed at any time within the notified period.

Should circumstances prevent the work being carried out during the abovementioned period; the work will be done on MONDAY 01 APRIL 2024 FROM 09H00 TO 16H30.

 

KENNISGEWING VAN DIE ONDERBREKING VAN DIE ELEKTRIESE TOEVOER.

DIE VOLGENDE AREAS SAL GERAAK WORD:

GEDEELTE VAN GEORGE- SUID
MITCHELL STRAAT

KENNISGEWING geskied hiermee dat die elektriese toevoer onderbreek sal word op MAANDAG 25 MAART 2024 VANAF 09H00 TOT 16H30 met die doel om veranderings aan elektriese hoofleidings te maak. Klante word gewaarsku om die installasie as lewendig te beskou vir die volle periode aangesien die toevoer enige tyd gedurende die periode aangeskakel mag word.

Sou omstandighede verhoed dat die werk gedoen kan word gedurende bogenoemde periode, sal die werk gedoen word op MAANDAG 01 APRIL 2024 VANAF 09H00 TOT 16H30.

GARDEN ROUTE DAM LEVEL – 12 March 2024

Percentage storage at new raised dam wall height: 85,19
Rainfall for the previous 7 days:                                  31 mm (Measured up to and including 11 March 2024)

For water-saving tips please visit: http://tinyurl.com/3439h4n7
The cooperation of all users of municipal water is essential and is greatly appreciated.

George Municipality with the Pacaltsdorp Community Business Association held patternmaking workshop

In the photograph above Catherine Stoffels the facilitator/instructor addresses attendees at the patternmaking workshop.

The Youth Development section of George Municipality in conjunction with the Pacaltsdorp Community Business Association (PCBA) held a patternmaking workshop for 11 people in February.

The workshop was facilitated by Catherine Stoffels, an entrepreneur and seasoned trainer, who has lectured at FET colleges as well as training on other programmes. According to Jonel Kerspuy, Coordinator of the George Municipality Youth Development section, these skills transfer workshops aim to equip young and old with the skills and knowledge to become employable and or start their own businesses.

Business mentoring and coaching are provided by the PCBA to these and other entrepreneurs. The training took place at the PCBA venue in Pacaltsdorp on the corner of Kerk and Mission Streets. The training included the basic theoretical aspects of Patternmaking and practical exposure to patternmaking.

For more information regarding possible training and programmes at Community Development please contact the office at 044 802 2000.

 

Photos

Trainees hard at work during the patternmaking workshops.

Trainees hard at work during the patternmaking workshops.

Trainees hard at work during the patternmaking workshops.

Trainees hard at work during the patternmaking workshops.

Trainees hard at work during the patternmaking workshops.

Kan George 2024 KWÊLA se dorp van die jaar wees?

Kyknet se Kwêla het op 3 Maart 2024 weer hulle immergewilde “Dorp van die Jaar” kompetisie aangekondig en dit is tyd dat inwoners van George saamstaan om die gesogte titel te wen!

Waar in George kry jy die lekkerste gebak? Is dit die een dorp in die land waar jy altyd sal tuis voel as jy in die strate afry? Hoeveel skatte lê versteek in jou gemeenskap? Is jou gunsteling slaghuis die beste in die land? Wat is juwele in die dorp, waarop jy trots is. Benoem nou vir George as jou gunsteling dorp en staan ’n kans om met die dorp en die mense daar te spog!

Enige dorp in Suid-Afrika of Namibië kan benoem word, mits dit minder as 500 000 inwoners het en nie ’n streekswenner in die laaste twee jaar was nie.

Benoem jou gunsteling dorp uit enige streek, deur die dorpsnaam na 33157 te SMS (SMS’e kos R1,50). Inskrywings het op Sondag, 3 Maart om 19h00 geopen en sluit Vrydag, 15 Maart 2024 om 12h00 die middag. Jy kan soveel dorpies benoem soveel keer as wat jy wil (net een dorpsnaam per SMS, en soveel sms’e as jy wil in hierdie nominasie rondte).

Uit elke streek sal die drie dorpe met die meeste benoemings deurdring na die semi-finale rondte (op 14 April, 21 April en 28 April). Hier kry die publiek vir ‘n week lank elke rondte ’n geleentheid om vir hul gunsteling-dorp uit die 3 semi-finaliste uit elke streek te stem. Die rondte laat net 30 sms’e per selfoonnommer toe. Die dorp met die meeste stemme sal die kompetisie-streek as hul finalis-dorp in die finale rondte verteenwoordig.

Kwêla sal ’n insetsel op elk van die nege dorpe wat die finale rondte gehaal het kom verfilm en wanneer al nege dorpe op Kwêla gewys is, sal die publiek van 19h00 op 14 Julie tot 12h00 die middag, 19 Julie, vir die wendorp kan stem.

Die wendorp word op 28 Julie 2024 op Kwêla aangekondig en wen dan die Dorp van die Jaar titel sowel as ’n ongelooflike R1 miljoen se bemarkingswaarde van Kyknet. Homebrew Films, die vervaardigers van Kwêla, sal ’n 45 sekonde advertensie oor die dorp maak, wat gedurende kykNET se advertensietyd uitgesaai sal word. Daar sal ook ’n groot opskop in die wendorp gehou word – musiek, kos, pret en sommer baie van daai wendorp-gees! Kwêla sal weer daar wees om dit te verfilm, en dit sal later die jaar uitgesaai word. Lottoland het ook ‘n verrassing vir die wendorp, wat aangekondig sal word. Lottoland skenk ook in hulle eie hoedanighed ‘n R1miljoen kontantprys vir die dorp om in hul dorp terug te ploeg en wat deur hulle geoudit sal word.

Indien u meer inligting versoek of groter ondersteuning aan die veldtog wil verleen, kontak gerus George Munisipaliteit se Toerismebestuurder, Joan Shaw by jshaw@george.gov.za.

Eskom load-shedding – Sunday, 10 March 2024

Eskom load-shedding Sunday, 10 March 2024
Issued by George Municipality on behalf of Eskom

Load-shedding will remain suspended today until 16:00, when Stage1 load-shedding will resume until 05:00 on Monday.

Thereafter, load-shedding will be suspended again from 05:00 on Monday until 16:00, followed by Stage 2 load-shedding at 05:00 on Tuesday.

The suspension of load- shedding from 05:00 until 16:00 and the implementation of Stage 2 load-shedding from 16:00 until 05:00 the next day will be repeated daily from Monday until further notice.

George will be affected as follows:

Sunday 10/03/2024
None

Monday 11/03/2024
02:00 – 04:30

Tuesday 12/03/2024
02:00 – 04:30

Wednesday 13/03/2024
16:00 – 18:30

Thursday 14/03/2024
16:00 – 18:30

Friday 15/03/2024
00:00 – 2:30

Uniondale will be affected as follows:

Sunday 10/03/2024
None

Monday 11/03/2024
None

Tuesday 12/03/2024
None

Wednesday 13/03/2024
19:00 – 21:30

Thursday 14/03/2024
19:00 – 21:30

Friday 15/03/2024
03:00 – 05:30