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Author: Debra Sauer

September is Tourism Month!

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.

 

GM’s Community Development appreciation day for nutritional centre volunteers

George Municipality held an appreciation day for the custodians of the municipal soup kitchens and nutritional centres last week for the amazing work they do in our communities.
The ladies and men were spoiled with a scrumptious lunch at the event.
Deputy Executive Mayor of George, Cllr Raybin Figland, the keynote speaker at the event in the George Banquet Hall, said these people running the nutritional centres are the true heroes of our communities. “We are here to celebrate and give thanks to those who dedicate their time and efforts to feed some of the most vulnerable people within the jurisdiction of our Municipality and we cannot thank you enough for the undertaking of this mammoth task to serve,” Figland said.
Figland said nutritional centres or as we used to refer to them soup kitchens, play a critical role in any community by providing meals and sustenance to those who are in dire need. The Municipality currently has 119 centres that have been operational for more than 25 years. He said the pandemic we’ve faced has made the importance of these centres even more apparent as more people were left on the verge of extreme poverty.
“However, it is not just the nutritional centres itself that are essential, what would these centres be without the amazing people who run them? I call you ‘superheroes in aprons’ because you save the day for so many children, the elderly, and the frail. You volunteer, out of selflessness and commitment and it should be an inspiration to us all to do better, to do more so that we make a difference in the lives of those who need it so desperately,” Figland said.
Edward Ganza, Deputy Director: Corporate Services, announced that the George Municipality is in discussions with other stakeholders, like Correctional Services, to get even more products to assist the nutritional centres. He said Correctional Services inmates run successful gardens and they are looking to sign a memorandum of understanding with this department.
He also thanked the volunteers for feeding the adults of tomorrow.
Sophia Fanelo, Manager: Community Development, said this selfless project of people who use their own time and mostly their own products to provide to hungry people in our communities is so close to her heart as she was once one of those children who was fed by a soup aunty. She told the women and men who do this selfless job, that they are earthly angels. “You don’t have a job, you have a calling and your payment come straight out of heaven,” Fanelo said. Fanelo said when her birth mom passed away, her soup aunty, Ma Rachel, took her in and became her mother. She said these people not only feed people but invest in they youth and in people.
Rosina Gordon from Jacaranda Street, Pacaltsdorp, a nutritional centre volunteer said she has respect for women and men who serve their community. She said she prayed to the Lord before she started the soup kitchen and wanted to help young men especially. She says young men help her now in her kitchen. She started feeding 6 children and today she feeds 300 people and the kitchen is 33 years old.
Past Veronica Horne encouraged people to keep on doing good, it is part of life and people need each other.
Follow the link for a video of the day:https://youtu.be/ShaZZnqvb6o
Photographs:
Above photograph: Cllr Melvin Roelfse, Elizabeth Swelindawo, Rosina Gordon, Eva Jansen, Edward Ganza, Deputy Director: Corporate Serivces, Magdalena Oktober, Cllr Brendon Adams, Portfolio Councillor for Community Development and Willma Heydenrycht.
Elizabeth Swelinddawo and Cynthia Rasmeni.
Pearly Lewis, Leona Witbooi and Ann Smit at the George Municipality’s appreciation day for nutritional centres.
The Executive Deputy Mayor of George, Cllr Raybin Figland, delivers his keynote address at the event. Looking on is Jonathan Fortuin (in black), the MC at the event and Edward Ganza, Deputy Director: Corporate Services.

Upgrading of Sewer network: Garcia Street to Badnall Street, Borcherds

UPGRADING OF SEWER NETWORK: GARCIA STREET TO BADNALL STREET

The upgrade of sewer infrastructure servicing Garcia, Pulser & Badnall Streets in Borcherds will have an impact on residents and road users for the period from 31 August 2023 to 30 October 2023.

DESCRIPTION:

Sections of the existing sewer infrastructure and associated Garcia, Pulser and Badnall Streets will be affected.

PROJECT PERIOD:

31 August 2023 to 30 October 2023

SERVICE DISRUPTION:

Municipal services may be disrupted during construction. Prior notification of planned temporary disruptions will be send out via social media.

WORKING HOURS:

Working hours will be from 07h00 to 17h00 on Mondays to Fridays and 07h00 – 14h00 on Saturdays as needed.

TRAFFIC IMPACT:

Residents, road users and pedestrians need to exercise caution throughout the duration of the construction period. Please adhere to flag persons, temporary road signage and road markings.

ACCESS TO SITE:

Access to the site will be strictly controlled. Any member of the public who enters the site will have to comply with the relevant requirements in terms of the Occupational Health and Safety Act.

PROJECT ENQUIRIES:

Urhwebo e-Transand Ltd attention Brendon van Rensburg on 044 695 0105.

The George Municipality apologises for any inconvenience and appeals to all residents to be patient and exercise caution during the upgrade. Please look out for and adhere to temporary road signage and construction personnel.

George Municipality appoints new service provider for blue and green bag collection

The George Municipality has appointed a new interim service provider for the collection of blue and green bags. HENQUE WASTE is the new service provider that started services on Monday, 28 August 2023. The backlog of green bags will be collected this week, on your collection day as per the Refuse schedule. The service provider did not finish his route yesterday and will continue with collections today (Tuesday) due to the backlog of green bags.

Residents are requested to be patient to allow for a smooth takeover for the new service provider. We apologise for any inconvenience caused during this takeover period. The blue and green bag collection service will continue as scheduled and we thank all residents who participate in the blue bag(recycling), and green bag (green waste) project.

For any information regarding black refuse bag removal please phone the Cleansing department on 044 802 2900.

For queries regarding blue or green bags please contact Henque Waste:
Contact Person Name: Douw Bezuidenhout
Contact Number Office: 064 905 8180 (also WhatsApp)
Complaints Number: 072 592 6212
General Contact Email Address: admin@henquewaste.co.za
Complaints Contact Email Address: douw@henquewaste.co.za
Factory Address: 27 Rand St, George Industria, George, 6536
Website Address: www.henquewaste.co.za

 

Eskom load shedding update – 25 August 2023

George will be affected as follows:

Friday 25/08/2023
None

Saturday 26/08/2023
02:00 – 04:30
18:00 – 20:30

Sunday 27/08/2023
18:00 – 20:30

Monday 28/08/2023
02:00 – 04:30
18:00 – 20:30

Uniondale will be affected as follows:

Friday 25/08/2023
None

Saturday 26/08/2023
21:00 – 23:30

Sunday 27/08/2023
21:00 – 23:30

Monday 28/08/2023
05:00 – 07:00
21:00 – 23:30

Planned power outage: portion of Wilderness

*Planned power outage: portion of Wilderness*

*Issued by George Municipality*

NOTIFICATION OF THE INTERRUPTION  OF THE ELECTRICITY SUPPLY.

THE FOLLOWING AREAS WILL BE AFFECTED:

PORTION OF WILDERNESS

DUMBLETON CRESCENT, FAIRY KNOWE LINE

 

NOTICE is hereby given that the electricity supply will be interrupted on WEDNESDAY 30 AUGUST 2023  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 THURSDAY 31 AUGUST 2023 FROM  09H00 TO 16H30.

 

KENNISGEWING VAN DIE ONDERBREKINGVAN DIE ELEKTRIESE TOEVOER.

 DIE VOLGENDE AREAS SAL GERAAK WORD:

GEDEELTE VAN WILDERNIS

DUMBLETON CRESCENT, FAIRY KNOWE LYN

 

KENNISGEWING geskied hiermee dat die elektriese toevoer onderbreek sal word op WOENSDAG 30 AUGUSTUS 2023 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 DONDERDAG 31 AUGUSTUS 2023 VANAF 09H00 TOT 16H30.

Planned power outage: portion of Hoekwil

*Planned power outage: portion of Hoekwil*

*Issued by George Municipality*

NOTIFICATION OF THE INTERRUPTION  OF THE ELECTRICITY SUPPLY.

THE FOLLOWING AREAS WILL BE AFFECTED:

PORTION OF HOEKWIL

DUIWERIVIER ROAD

 NOTICE is hereby given that the electricity supply will be interrupted on  MONDAY 28 AUGUST  2023  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 TUESDAY 29 AUGUST  2023 FROM  09H00 TO 16H30.

 

KENNISGEWING VAN DIE ONDERBREKING VAN DIE ELEKTRIESE TOEVOER.

 DIE VOLGENDE AREAS SAL GERAAK WORD:

 GEDEELTE VAN HOEKWIL

DUIWERIVIER WEG

 KENNISGEWING geskied hiermee dat die elektriese toevoer onderbreek sal word op MAANDAG 28 AUGUSTUS  2023 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 DINSDAG 29 AUGUSTUS  2023 VANAF 09H00 TOT 16H30.

 

 

Public Notice 4: Update on legal march proceedings – 24 August @ 11h50

George Municipality confirms that the legal march is almost at the entrance to the Main Building, Cashier Hall off Progress Street, where the Memorandum is scheduled to be handed over to the Executive Mayor for George, Leon Van Wyk.

George Law Enforcement, Traffic Officials and SAPS continue to monitor proceedings.

Parking at Civic Centre, York Street – Progress Street – Victoria Street
George Municipality would like to advise residents and all Eisteddfod participants that parking around the Municipal Civic Centre has been cordoned off due to the legal march being held today.

Progress Street, York Street (front of Civic Centre) and Victoria Street parking will not be available until after the march disperses. The expected duration of the march is from 09h00 – 15h00.

Eisteddfod parents are requested to make use of on street parking further away from the main municipal building (along York Street) and George Municipal Traffic Wardens will be on hand to direct parents and learners to the main entrance of the Civic Centre.

Municipal Switchboard 044 801 9111
After Hours Emergency Number 044 801 6300
Dedicated Fire Only Number 044 801 6311

Public Notice 3: Update on legal march proceedings – 24 August @ 10H45

George Municipality confirms that the legal march scheduled for today is en-route to the Main Municipal Building. Participants have turned into Cradock Street from Nelson Mandela  Boulevard at present.

The march will end at the entrance to the Main Building, Cashier Hall off Progress Street, where the Memorandum is scheduled to be handed over to a political representative for the Office of the Mayor at 12h30.

Please be advised that traffic delays can be expected, and it is suggested that alternate routes are used where feasible. The march is being monitored by George Law Enforcement, Traffic Officials and SAPS until dispersed.

The expected duration of the march is from 09h00 – 15h00.

Roads/ Streets affected along the planned route include:

Cradock Street (Intersection with NMB)

Hibernia Street (Intersection with Cradock St)

Victoria Street (Intersection with Cradock St)

Market Street (Intersection with Cradock St)

Hibernia Street  (Intersection with Meade Street)

York Street (Intersection with Hibernia St)

Progress Street

 

Road Closures

No road closures are planned. Traffic Officials will monitor and redirect traffic as the group proceeds. Updates will be posted to keep residents informed.

Parking at Civic Centre, York Street  – Progress Street – Victoria Street

George Municipality would like to advise residents and all Eisteddfod participants that parking around the Municipal Civic Centre has been cordoned off due to the legal march being held today.

Progress Street, York Street (front of Civic Centre) and Victoria Street parking will not be available until after the march disperses. The expected duration of the march is from 09h00 – 15h00.

Eisteddfod parents are requested to make use of on street parking further away from the main municipal building (along York Street) and George Municipal Traffic Wardens will be on hand to direct parents and learners to the main entrance of the Civic Centre.

 

Municipal Switchboard 044 801 9111

After Hours Emergency Number 044 801 6300

Dedicated Fire Only Number 044 801 6311

 

Planned power outage: portion of Rosemore

NOTIFICATION OF THE INTERRUPTION OF THE ELECTRICITY SUPPLY.

 

THE FOLLOWING AREAS WILL BE AFFECTED:

PORTION OF ROSEMORE

BEER STREET

 

NOTICE is hereby given that the electricity supply will be interrupted on  THURSDAY 24 AUGUST  2023  FROM  09H00 TO 16H00 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.

 

 

KENNISGEWING VAN  DIE ONDERBREKING VAN DIE ELEKTRIESE TOEVOER.

 

DIE VOLGENDE AREAS SAL GERAAK WORD:

GEDEELTE  VAN ROSEMORE

BEER STRAAT

 

KENNISGEWING geskied hiermee dat die elektriese toevoer onderbreek sal word op  DONDERDAG 24 AUGUSTUS  2023 VANAF  09H00 TOT 16H00 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.

 

 

 

Eskom load shedding update – Monday, 21 August 2023

Stage 3 load shedding will resume at 16:00 today until 05:00 on Tuesday. Thereafter, Stage 1 load shedding will be implemented until 16:00, followed by Stage 3 load shedding until 05:00 on Wednesday. This pattern will be implemented daily until further notice.

George will be affected as follows:

Monday 21/08/2023
None

Tuesday 22/08/2023
04:00 – 05:00
20:00 – 22:30

Wednesday 23/07/2023
20:00 – 22:30

Thursday 24/07/2023
04:00 – 06:30
20:00 – 22:30

Friday 25/07/2023
02:00 – 04:30
10:00 – 12:30

Uniondale will be affected as follows:

Monday 21/08/2023
16:00 – 17:30

Tuesday 22/08/2023
16:00 – 17:30
23:00 – 01:30

Wednesday 23/07/2023
16:00 – 17:30
23:00 – 01:30

Thursday 24/07/2023
07:00 – 09:30
23:00 – 01:30

Friday 25/07/2023
13:00 – 15:30

Update on Eskom load shedding

Public Notice: Monday, 21 August 2023: Due to an improved generation system, as well as full recovery in emergency generation reserves, Eskom load shedding has been suspended from 11:30 until 16:00 today. Eskom will publish another update this afternoon.(Eskom)- Issued by George Municipality on behalf of Eskom.

George Council Meeting – 25 August 2023

GEORGE MUNISIPALITEIT
KENNISGEWING NR MM 012/2023
RAADSVERGADERING: AUGUSTUS 2023

Kennis geskied hiermee ingevolge Artikel 19 van die Wet op Plaaslike Regering: Munisipale Stelsels, 2000 (Wet 32 van 2000) dat ‘n virtuele Raadsvergadering op die ondergemelde datum en tyd op MS Teams gehou sal word:
AUGUSTUS 2023

GEORGE MUNICIPALITY
NOTICE NO MM 012/2023
COUNCIL MEETING: AUGUST 2023
Notice is hereby given in terms of Section 19 of the Local Government Act: Municipal Systems, 2000 (Act 32 of 2000) that a virtual Council meeting will be held on MS Teams, on the under-mentioned date and time:

AUGUST 2023
Ordinary Council Meeting
25 August 2023
10:30

UMASIPALA WASEGEORGE
ISAZISO NOMBOLO MM 012/2023
INTLANGANISO YEBHUNGA:
EYETHUPHA 2023

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

EYETHUPHA 2023
Intlanganiso eQhelekileyo yeBhunga
25 eyeThupha 2023
10:30

M GRATZ
MUNISIPALE BESTUURDER/MUNICIPAL MANAGER/ UMPHATHI KAMASIPALA
Burgersentrum/Civic Centre
Yorkstraat/York Street
GEORGE
Gewone Raadsvergadering
25 Augustus 2023
10:30

 

Updated Public Notice: Blue and green bag removal delayed today

Blue bags will be collected as normal from today until Friday, 25 August 2023.
Residents are requested to keep all green bags until next week for collection.

We have experienced unforeseen logistical challenges. The rest of the refuse removal service will continue as usual.

For more information contact: George Municipality Environmental Services
82 Meade Street, George. Phone 044 802 2900
Black, blue and green bag-related enquiries: 044 802 2900

****************************************************************************************

Blue and Green bags will be collected later today due to unforeseen logistical challenges. The rest of the service will continue as usual.
*REFUSE REMOVALTODAY,MONDAY:*
Blanco, Riverlea, Heatherpark, Heatherlands, Glen Barrie, Kraaibosch, Groenkloof, Blue Mountain Village, Herold’s Bay, Victoria Bay, Rondevlei area (George side) and businesses.
*For more information contact:* George Municipality Environmental Services
82 Meade Street, George. Phone 044 802 2900
Black,blue and green bag-related enquiries: 044 802 2900

Demolition started on Pacaltsdorp Pavilion

The demolition of the unsafe pavilion at the Pacaltsdorp Sportgrounds has officially started this week. The existing pavilion roof was deemed dangerous and a decision was taken earlier this year to remove and completely replace the structure.

The demolition of the existing structure will be quite complex, requiring specialised equipment and skill, with a portion of the back brick wall and a large concrete beam also having to be demolished and rebuilt. The current structure was not galvanised, whereas the proposed new structure will be hot-dip galvanised to ensure a longer service life. The hot-dip galvanising process also adds to the lead time.

The pavilion remains closed for the duration of construction.

Planned power outage: portion of Hoekwil Outeniqua Street and other Streets

NOTIFICATION OF THE INTERRUPTION OF THE ELECTRICITY SUPPLY.

THE FOLLOWING AREAS WILL BE AFFECTED:

 

PORTION OF HOEKWIL

OUTENIQUA STR, KERK STR, BOSBOK STR, DENNE STR, BERGSIG STR, PASTORIE LINE

NOTICE is hereby given that the electricity supply will be interrupted on SATURDAY 26 AUGUST 2023 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 SATURDAY 02 SEPTEMBER 2023 FROM 09H00 TO 16H30.

 

KENNISGEWING VAN DIE ONDERBREKING VAN DIE ELEKTRIESE TOEVOER.

DIE VOLGENDE AREAS SAL GERAAK WORD:

 

GEDEELTE VAN HOEKWIL

OUTENIQUA STR, KERK STR, BOSBOK STR, DENNE STR, BERGSIG STR, PASTORIE LYN

KENNISGEWING geskied hiermee dat die elektriese toevoer onderbreek sal word op SATERDAG 26 AUGUSTUS 2023 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 SATERDAG 02 SEPTEMBER 2023 VANAF 09H00 TOT 16H30.

Planned power outage: portion of Hoekwil

Planned power outage: portion of Hoekwil

NOTIFICATION OF THE INTERRUPTION OF THE ELECTRICITY SUPPLY.

THE FOLLOWING AREAS WILL BE AFFECTED:

PORTION OF HOEKWIL

DUIF STREET, RETIREMENT VILLAGE, BITOU ROAD

NOTICE is hereby given that the electricity supply will be interrupted on SUNDAY 27 AUGUST 2022 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 SUNDAY 03 SEPTEMBER 2023 FROM 09H00 TO 16H30.

 

KENNISGEWING VAN DIE ONDERBREKING VAN DIE ELEKTRIESE TOEVOER.

DIE VOLGENDE AREAS SAL GERAAK WORD:

GEDEELTE VAN HOEKWIL

DUIF STRAAT, AFTREE OORD, BITOU WEG

KENNISGEWING geskied hiermee dat die elektriese toevoer onderbreek sal word op SONDAG 27 AUGUSTUS 2023 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 SONDAG 03 SEPTEMBER 2023 VANAF 09H00 TOT 16H30.