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Author: Debra Sauer

Land Use Application Notice: Erf 13414, George

LAND USE APPLICATION ADVERTISEMENT
GEORGE MUNICIPALITY

PROPOSED AMENDMENT & DEPARTURE ON ERF 13414, 4 SANDY MCGREGOR STREET, GEORGE MUNICIPALITY AND DIVISION

Notice is hereby given in terms of Section 48 (2)(a) of the George Land Use Planning By-Law, 2015 that the undermentioned application has been received on Erf 13414, 4 Sandy McGregor Street, George by the George Local Municipality, Directorate: Planning and Development.

Any objection(s) and/or comment(s) with full reasons therefore and how their interests are affected, should be lodged in writing via e-mail to the responsible Administrative Officer Primrose Nako (pnako@george.gov.za) or, if no email facility is available, via SMS to the cellphone number of the said Official (only provided on request) and/or to the applicant, in terms of Section 50 of the George Land Use Planning By-Law, 2015, on/ or before 13 December 2021 quoting the application erf number, your property description, physical address and full contact details (email and telephone) of the person or body submitting the objection/ comment, without which the Municipality/applicant cannot correspond with said person/body.

Enquiries or requests for more information on the application may be directed to the Town Planning Department on Telephone: 044 801 9477 or e-mail to the responsible Administrative Officer: Primrose Nako (pnako@george.gov.za) or the Applicant (details below). The application will also be available, on the Municipal Website https://www.george.gov.za/george-documents/land-use-applications/land-use-submissions/ for 30 days. Any comments/objections received after the above-mentioned closing date may be disregarded.

Property Description: Erf 13414, 4 Sandy McGregor Street, George
Applicant Details: DELPLAN Consulting: Tel. 044 873 4566 / planning@delplan.co.za on behalf of JH Smuts Trust.
Nature of Application: Deletion of Approval Condition (b) 2 in terms of Section 15(2) (h) of the George Municipality: Land Use

Planning By-Law, 2015 for the existing guest house on the subject property to be notarially tied to guest house on Erf 13415 George.

Permanent Departure in terms of Section 15 (2) (b) of the George Municipality: Land Use Planning By-Law, 2015 for 2 carriageway crossings on Erf 13414, George.

Reference Number: 2080363

GRONDGEBRUIK AANSOEK ADVERTENSIE
GEORGE MUNISIPALITEIT

VOORGESTELDE WYSIGING & AFWYKING OP ERF 13414, SANDY MCGREGORSTRAAT 4, GEORGE MUNISIPALITEIT EN AFDELING

Kragtens Artikel 48 (2)(a) van die George Munisipaliteit se Verordening op Munisipale Grondgebruiksbeplanning, 2015 word hiermee kennis gegee dat die onderstaande aansoek ontvang is op Erf 13414, Sandy McGregorstraat 4, George deur die George Plaaslike Munisipaliteit, Direktoraat Beplanning en Ontwikkeling.

Enige besware en/of kommentare, insluitend die volledige redes daarvoor en `n verduideliking van hoe die persoon se belange geraak word deur die aansoek, moet skriftelike ingedien word per e-pos by die relevante Administratiewe Beampte Primrose Nako (pnako@george.gov.za), of as geen e-pos fasiliteit beskikbaar is nie, per SMS na die selfoon nommer van genoemde Amptenaar (slegs beskikbaar op versoek) en/of by die applikant, in terme van Artikel 50 van die George Munisipaliteit se Verordening op Munisipale Grondgebruiksbeplanning, 2015 op / of voor 13 December 2021 met verwysing na die eiendomsbeskrywing relevant tot die aansoek, eiendomsbeskrywing en fisiese adres en volledige kontak besonderhede (e-pos adres en telefoon nommer) van die persoon of liggaam wat die beswaar/kommentaar indien, waarsonder die Munisipaliteit nie kan korrespondeer met die persoon/liggaam wat die beswaar(e) en/of kommentaar ingedien het nie.

Navrae of verdere inligting ten opsigte van die aansoek kan gerig word aan die Stadsbeplannings Departement by Telefoon: 044 801 9477 of deur `n e-pos te rig aan die verantwoordelike Administratiewe Beampte Primrose Nako (pnako@george.gov.za), of deur die applikant te kontak (kontak besonderhede onderaan). Die aansoek sal ook beskikbaar wees op die Munisipale webtuiste https://www.george.gov.za/george-documents/land-use-applications/land-use-submissions/ vir 30 dae. Enige kommentare/ besware wat na die voorgemelde sluitings datum ontvang word, mag moontlik nie in ag geneem word nie.

Eiendomsbeskrywing: Erf 13414, Sandy McGregorstraat 4, George
Besonderhede van Applikant: DELPLAN Consulting: 044 873 4566 / planning@delplan.co.za namens JH Smuts Trust.
Aard van aansoek: Skrap van goedkeuringsvoorwaarde (b) 2 ingevolge Artikel 15(2) (h) van die George Munisipaliteit: Verordening op Grondgebruikbeplanning, 2015 vir die bestaande gastehuis op die onderhewig aan eiendom wat notarieel gekoppel moet word aan gastehuis op Erf 13415, George.

Permanente Afwyking ingevolge Artikel 15 (2) (b) van die George Munisipaliteit: Verordening op Grondgebruikbeplanning, 2015 vir 2 rybaan kruisings op Erf 13414, George.

Verwysingsnommer: 2080363

Land Use Application Notice: Erf 6252 George

LAND USE APPLICATION ADVERTISEMENT

GEORGE MUNICIPALITY

APPLICATION FOR REZONING: ERF 6252 GEORGE

(On the corner of Tulip Street, Witfontein Road and Pine Road, Heatherpark, George)

Notice is hereby given in terms of Section 45 of the George Land Use Planning By-Law, 2015 that the under-mentioned application has been received on the Erf 6252 George by the George Municipality, Directorate: Planning and Development.

Any objection(s) and/or comment(s) with full reasons therefore and how their interests are affected, should be lodged in writing via email to the responsible Administrative Officer (Primrose Nako – pnako@george.gov.za) or if no email facility is available, via SMS to the cellphone number of the said Official (only provided on request) and/or to the applicant, in terms of Section 50 of the George Land Use Planning By-Law, 2015, on or before 15 December 2021, quoting the application erf number, your property description, physical address and full contact details (email and telephone) of the person or body submitting the objection/comment, without which the Municipality/applicant cannot correspond with the said person/body.

Enquiries or requests for more information on the application may be directed to the Town Planning Department on Telephone: 044 801 9416 or emailed the responsible Administrative Officer (Primrose Nako – pnako@george.gov.za) or the applicant (details below). The application will also be available, on the Municipal Website (https://www.george.gov.za/george-documents/land-use-applications/land-use-submissions) for 30 days. Any comments received after the aforementioned closing date may be disregarded.

Property Description

Erf 6252 George, on the corner of Tulip Street, Witfontein Road and Pine Road, Heatherpark, George

Applicant

Jan Vrolijk Town Planner / Stadsbeplanner, 082 464 7871 or 044 873 3011, janvrolijk@vodamail.co.za,

Municipal reference number – 2079716

Nature of application

Application is made in terms of Section 15(2)(a) of the Land Use Planning By-Law for the George Municipality, 2015 for the rezoning of Erf 6252 George from Single Residential Zone I to Business Zone IV.

GRONDGEBRUIK AANSOEK ADVERTENSIE

MUNISIPALITEIT GEORGE

AANSOEK OM HERSONERING: ERF 6252 GEORGE

(Op die hoek van Tulipstraat, Witfonteinweg en Pineweg, Heatherpark, George)

Kragtens Artikel 45 van die George Munisipaliteit se Verordening op Munisipale Grondgebruiksbeplanning, 2015 word hiermee kennis gegee dat die onderstaande aansoek ontvang is op die Erf 6252 George deur die George Plaaslike Munisipaliteit, Direktoraat Beplanning en Ontwikkeling.

Enige besware en/of kommentare, insluitend die volledige redes daarvoor en ‘n verduideliking van hoe die persoon se belange geraak word deur die aansoek, moet skriftelik ingedien word per e-pos by die relevante Administratiewe Beampte (Primrose Nako – pnako@george.gov.za), of as geen e-pos fasiliteit beskikbaar is nie, per SMS na die selfoon nommer van die genoemde Amptenaar (slegs beskikbaar op versoek) en/of by die applikant, in terme van Artikel 50 van die George Munisipaliteit se Verordening op Munisipale Grondgebruiksbeplanning, 2015 op/of voor 15 Desember 2021 met verwysing na die eiendomsbeskrywing relevant tot die aansoek, eiendomsbeskrywing en fisiese adres en volledige kontak besonderhede (e-pos adres en telefoon nommer) van die persoon of liggaam wat die beswaar/kommentaar indien, waarsonder die Munisipaliteit nie kan korrespondeer met die persoon/liggaam wat die beswaar(e) en/of kommentaar ingedien het nie.

Navrae of verdere inligting ten opsigte van die aansoek kan gerig word aan die Stadsbeplannings Departement by Telefoon: 044 801 9416 of deur ‘n e-pos te rig aan die verantwoordelike Administratiewe Beampte (Primrose Nako – pnako@george.gov.za) of deur die applikant te kontak (kontak besonderhede onderaan). Die aansoek sal ook beskikbaar wees op die Munisipale webtuiste (https://www.george.gov.za/george-documents/land-use-applications/land-use-submissions) vir 30 dae. Enige kommentaar wat na die voorgemelde sluitingsdatum ontvang word, mag moontlik nie in ag geneem word nie.

Eiendomsbeskrywing

Erf 6252 George, op die hoek van Tulipstraat, Witfonteinweg en Pineweg, Heatherpark, George

Aansoeker

Jan Vrolijk Town Planner / Stadsbeplanner, 082 464 7871 of 044 873 3011, janvrolijk@vodamail.co.za

Munisipale verwysingsnommer – 2079716

Aard van aansoek

Aansoek word in terme van artikel 15(2)(a) van die Verordening op Grondgebruikbeplanning vir George Munisipaliteit, 2015 gedoen vir die hersonering van Erf 6252 George vanaf Enkel Residensiële Sone I na Sakesone IV.

Land Use Application Notice: Remainder Erf 150 Wildernes

GEORGE MUNICIPALITY:
PROPOSED DEPARTURES: REMAINDER ERF 150, 50 SANDS ROAD, WILDERNESS,
GEORGE MUNICIPALITY & DIVISION

Notice is hereby given in terms of Section 45 of the George Municipality’s By-Law on Municipal Land Use Planning (2015) that the undermentioned application has been received on Remainder Erf 150 Wilderness by the George Municipality, Directorate: Planning & Development.

Any comments and/or objections with full reasons therefore and how their interest are affected, should be lodged in writing via e-mail to the responsible Administrative Officer (Primrose Nako, pnako@george.gov.za) or, if no e-mail facility is available, via SMS to the cell phone number of the said Official (only provided on request) and/or to the applicant, in terms of Section 50 of the said by-law on / or before Tuesday, 14 December 2021, quoting the application erf numbers, your property description, physical address and full contact details (e-mail and telephone number) of the person or body submitting the objection/comment, without which the Municipality/ applicant cannot correspond with said person/body.

Enquiries or requests, for more information on the application may be directed to the Town Planning Department on Telephone 044 801 9477 or e-mailed to the responsible Administrative Officer (Primrose Nako, pnako@george.gov.za) or the applicant (details below). The application will also be available on the municipal website (https://www.george.gov.za/george-documents/land-use-applications/land-use-submissions/) for 30 days. Any comments/objection received after the abovementioned closing date may be disregarded.

Property description: Remainder Erf 150 Wildernes
Applicant: Marlize de Bruyn Planning, marlize@mdbplanning.co.za, 0766 340 150

Nature of application:
• Departure in terms of Section 15(2)(b) of the George Municipality: Land Use Planning By-Law, 2015 for the relaxation of the following:
northern street building line from 4.0m to 0.0m for a footbridge linking the dwelling with Sands Road;
western side boundary building line from 2.0m to 1.0m for new stairs.
(Reference number: 2080453)

D Power: Deputy Director: Planning, George Municipality

GEORGE MUNISIPALITEIT:
VOORGESTELDE AFWYKINGS: RESTANT ERF 150, SANDSWEG 50, WILDERNESS,
GEORGE MUNISIPALITEIT & AFDELING

Kragtens Artikel 45 van die George Munisipaliteit se Verordening op Munisipale Grondgebruiksbeplanning (2015) word hiermee kennis gegee dat die onderstaande aansoek ontvang is op Restant Erf 150 Wilderness deur die George Munisipaliteit, Direktoraat: Beplanning & Ontwikkeling.

Enige kommentare en / of besware insluitend volledige redes daarvoor en ‘n verduideliking van hoe die persoon se belange geraak word deur die aansoek, moet skriftelik ingedien word per e-pos by die relevante Administratiewe Beampte (Primrose Nako, pnako@george.gov.za), of as geen e-pos fasiliteit beskikbaar is nie, per SMS na die selfoonnommer van die genoemde amptenaar (slegs op versoek beskikbaar) en / of by die applikant, in terme van Artikel 50 van genoemde Verordening op of voor Dinsdag, 14 Desember 2021, met verwysing na die eiendomsbeskrywing van die aansoek, eiendomsbeskrywing en fisiese adres en volledige kontakbesonderhede (e-pos adres en telefoonnommer) van die persoon of liggaam wat die beswaar / kommentaar indien, waarsonder die Munisipaliteit nie kan korrespondeer met die persoon / liggaam wat die beswaar en / of kommentaar ingedien het nie.

Navrae of verdere inligting ten opsigte van die aansoek kan gerig word aan die Stadsbeplanningsdepartement by Telefoon 044 801 9477 of deur ‘n e-pos te rig aan die verantwoordelike Administratiewe Beampte (Primrose Nako, pnako@george.gov.za) of deur die applikant te kontak (kontakbesonderhede onderaan). Die aansoek sal ook beskikbaar wees op die munisipale webtuiste (https://www.george.gov.za/george-documents/land-use-applications/land-use-submissions/) vir 30 dae. Enige kommentare / besware wat na die voorgemelde sluitingsdatum ontvang word, mag moontlik nie in ag geneem word nie.

Eiendomsbeskrywing: Restant Erf 150 Wilderness
Aansoeker: Marlize de Bruyn Planning, marlize@mdbplanning.co.za, 0766 340 150

Aard van aansoek:
• Afwyking in terme van Artikel 15(2)(b) van die George Munisipaliteit: Verordening op Grondgebruiksbeplanning (2015) vir die verslapping van die volgende boulyne:
Noordelike straatboullyn van 4.0m na 0.0m vir ‘n voetbrug wat die woonhuis verbind met Sandsweg;
Westelike kantgrensboulyn van 2.0m na 1.0m vir nuwe trappe.
(Verwysingsnommer: 2080453)

D Power: Adjunk-Direkteur: Beplanning, George Munisipaliteit

GO GEORGE draws attention to disability rights

DISABILITY RIGHTS AWARENESS MONTH:
GO GEORGE draws attention to disability rights
Issued 9 Nov 2021

The month of November is dedicated to creating awareness of disability rights. The GO GEORGE bus service annually joins Government’s national campaign to increase awareness through a special programme of activities in the community and the media.

According to James Robb, GO GEORGE Manager, the bus service constantly focuses on acessibility and ways to improve the passenger journey and experience of all passengers, including those with disabilities and other special needs. “The month-long campaign once a year just serves as an extra opportunity to draw the entire community’s attention to the rights of those with disabilities, and to spark interest in ways everyone can contribute to an inclusive society,” he said.

Variety of awareness activities
In addition to educational information on media platforms such as newspapers, radio and social media, more personal engagements with stakeholders will take place this year than last year, but strictly in line with Covid-19 safety measures.

One of the highlights of the programme will be a special day of activities at the George Link bus depot, home of the GO GEORGE bus service, where persons with disabilities will get the opportunity to have a closer look at the features and facilities offered by the bus service to bring about accessibility for all passengers.

As part of a continuous sensitising and awareness programme, a workshop will be presented for communication champions and frontline staff who have direct contact with people with disabilities or other special needs. This will include the topic of universal access and the appropriate approach when offering assistance to persons using wheelchairs and mobility aids, the Deaf, and people with visual impairments or other invisible challenges who require support.

The GO GEORGE communications team will visit several schools, homes and care centres for people with disabilities and other special needs, with an educational yet entertaining programme. Activities will include an information session with carers and parents, exchanging thoughts and suggestions on the use of the public bus service by people with disabilities.

Any stakeholders in the disability sphere who would like to engage with GO GEORGE are welcome to send an email to info@gogeorge.org.za, phone the Call Centre on 0800 044 044, or leave a request on Facebook.

CAPTION:
The GO GEORGE mascot Georgie is always a firm favourite during engagements with children, as can be seen here during a visit to the George Association for People with Disabilities (APD) last year during Disability Rights Awareness Month.

PERSVERKLARING
BEWUSMAKINGSMAAND VIR DIE REGTE VAN PERSONE MET GESTREMDHEDE
GO GEORGE vestig die aandag op die regte van persone met gestremdhede
Uitgereik 9 Nov 2021

Novembermaand word gewy aan die skep van bewustheid van die regte van mense met gestremdhede. Die GO GEORGE-busdiens skakel jaarliks by die regering se nasionale veldtog in om bewustheid te verhoog deur ‘n spesiale program van aktiwiteite in die gemeenskap en die media.
Volgens James Robb, GO GEORGE-bestuurder, fokus die busdiens voortdurend op toeganklikheid en maniere om die reis en ervaring van alle passasiers te verbeter, insluitend dié met gestremdhede en ander spesiale behoeftes. “Die maandlange veldtog een keer per jaar dien net as ‘n ekstra geleentheid om die hele gemeenskap se aandag te vestig op die regte van diegene met gestremdhede, en om belangstelling te wek op maniere wat tot ‘n inklusiewe samelewing kan bydra,” het hy gesê.

Verskeidenheid bewusmakingsaktiwiteite
Benewens opvoedkundige inligting op mediaplatforms soos koerante, radio en sosiale media, sal meer persoonlike skakeling met belanghebbendes vanjaar plaasvind as verlede jaar, maar steeds streng in ooreenstemming met Covid-19-veiligheidsmaatreëls.

Een van die hoogtepunte van die program is ‘n spesiale dag van aktiwiteite by die George Link-busdepot, die tuiste van die GO GEORGE-busdiens, waar persone met gestremdhede die geleentheid sal kry om die funksies en fasiliteite wat deur die busdiens aangebied word om toeganklikheid vir alle passasiers te bewerkstellig, van naderby te bekyk.
As deel van ‘n deurlopende sensitiserings- en bewusmakingsprogram sal ‘n werksessie aangebied word vir passasiersdiensbeamptes en voorsteliniepersoneel wat direkte kontak het met mense met gestremdhede of ander spesiale behoeftes. Dit sal die tema van universele toegang insluit, asook die toepaslike benadering wanneer hulle hulp aanbied aan persone wat rolstoele en beweeglikheidshulpmiddels gebruik, mense met visuele en gehoorgestremdhede of ander onsigbare uitdagings wat ondersteuning benodig.

Die GO GEORGE-kommunikasiespan sal verskeie skole, huise en sorgsentrums vir mense met gestremdhede en ander spesiale behoeftes besoek met ‘n opvoedkundige, maar vermaaklike program. Aktiwiteite sal ‘n inligtingsessie met versorgers en ouers insluit waar gedagtes en voorstelle oor die gebruik van die openbare busdiens deur mense met gestremdhede uitgeruil sal word.

Enige belanghebbendes in die gestremdheidsfeer wat met GO GEORGE wil skakel, is welkom om ‘n e-pos aan info@gogeorge.org.za te stuur, die Inbelsentrum by 0800 044 044 te skakel of ‘n versoek op Facebook te laat.

BYSKRIF:
Die GO GEORGE-gelukbringer Georgie is altyd ‘n groot gunsteling tydens interaksie met kinders, soos hier gesien kan word tydens ‘n besoek aan die George Vereniging vir Mense met Gestremdhede verlede jaar tydens die bewusmakingsmaand.

Pacaltsdorp Library takes action against Illegal Dumping

Pacaltsdorp Library takes action against Illegal Dumping

Pacaltsdorp Library had a full book display set up recently on Illegal dumping to teach the public especially youngsters about the ills of illegal dumping.
Library Assistant Eurogene Carolus was in charge of the project.
All books on display were issued as block loans to schools and crèches in Pacaltsdorp to make a concerted effort to rid the community of this criminal activity.
Schools that took part in the project were Pacaltsdorp Primary School, New Dawn Park Primary School, Soete Uurtjies creche, Rooibootjie creche in Syferfontein, Vuurvliegies creche in Rosedale, Rosedale Early Childhood Development and Julios Early Childhood Development.

Lib 1: Teachers at Soete Uurtjies creche with some of the books on illegal dumping that was on loan to the creche.

Lib 2: Illegal dumping display by Library Assistant Eurogene Carolus at Pacaltsdorp Library. All books on display were issued as block loans to schools and crèches in Pacaltsdorp.

Lib3: Books available at the libraries deal with illegal dumping and waste disposal as well as recycling.

Youth Development programmes held in George Municipal areas

Youth Development programmes held in George Municipal areas

George Municipality Youth Development subsection in conjunction with other stakeholders recently had training sessions in George area to benefit the youth.
A Community Awareness session, with the South African Police Service (SAPS) and Youth Ambassadors from the Municipality was held in New Dawn Park, about the role of civil society in combatting and addressing crime.
Information around job opportunities, as well as health related and human rights matters was also provided by the Youth Office, HIV Office, as well as the Social Health Empowerment Organisation in New Dawn Park.
According to Jonel Kerspuy, Coordinator in the Youth Development Officer, some of the programmes were held during the month of October but job readiness sessions and leadership and lifeskills training happens on a weekly basis at different venues.
A Job Readiness Session was held in October at the Inkcubeko Youth and Science Centre in Thembalethu, with the aim of registering jobseekers on the unemployment database of the Department of Labour and Expanded Public Works Programme. The outreach assisted the youth to apply for available opportunities and an information session on CV and Application letter compilation was held.

A Leadership and lifeskills session were held on invitation with Bricklaying students from the Expanded Public Works programme. The training session focused on responsible citizenship through leadership, vision creation and stimulating public participation by the youth.

Seven Passes Initiative held a training session recently in Pacaltsdorp for young mothers, with children between the ages of 2 – 9 years old from Pacaltsdorp and Parents of youth did an online information session led by a Career Guidance Counsellor from the Department of Labour. The information session was held to capacitate parents on the services that the Department offer for parents of youth in and out of school.
The Municipality arranged for an Afterschool Tennis programme for learners from Pacaltsdorp Primary School on
13 October 2021.

A Substance Abuse Awareness Programme was held with the Haarlem community between 12 and 13 October 2021. The programme was facilitated by 4iR/ED Solutions (Pty)Ltd in partnership with the Department of Social Development and the Department of Agriculture. The need for the programme was identified through a Census survey where Haarlem was highlighted as a hot spot for drug abuse by the Department of Agriculture. The aim of the Programme was to create awareness around the following topics, Substance Abuse, Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS), Planning an Awareness Programme, Gender Based Violence Awareness and to form a support group. Different members of the community attended the programme, including former drug abusers and current drug abusers.

An Absa Consumer Financial Education Training programme was facilitated in Haarlem at the “Help Mekaar Hall” on the 13th of October 2021.The aim of the programme was to share useful information skills on finances.
On the 14th of October 2021 a motivational session was held with the Grade12 class at Uniondale High School. One of the speakers was local hero De Walt Human, from SA 7’s rugby. It was held in conjunction with the Department of Social Development. Each learner received a stationary pack from the Municipality.

Captions:
youthunion2: Parent Programme with Young Mothers by Seven Passes Initiative
youthunion3: Jonel Kerspuy from the Youth Development Office, gives active citizenship training to learners from from the Department of Transport and Public Works at the Eagles Nest Ministries building.

Youthunion4: Afterschool tennis training at Pacaltsdorp Primary School.

Youthunion5: Substance Abuse Awareness Training and Community Engagement at Haarlem Community Hall.

GO GEORGE surveyors spreading out to neighbourhoods

PRESS RELEASE: GO GEORGE surveyors spreading out to neighbourhoods
Issued 2 November 2021

The 2021 George Integrated Public Transport Network (GIPTN) Macro-, Transport- and Socio-Economic Study is well under way with surveyors also spreading out to individual households across various suburbs in George, Wilderness and surrounding areas from this week.

Passenger travel surveys at GO GEORGE bus stops, business surveys and special interest group surveys are being carried out primarily through telephonic and personal interviews as well as distribution of electronic questionnaires.

Safe access to surveyors
Surveyors will be wearing GO GEORGE-branded identification cards showing the person’s photo and ID number. An appeal is made to residents to allow certified surveyors safe access to their property and to assist with the valuable feedback needed to continuously assess and improve the bus service.

For more information or enquiries, the GO GEORGE Call Centre can be phoned on 0800 044 044.

CAPTION:
Surveyors approaching individuals or visiting households in the George area are carrying GO GEORGE-branded identification cards. Algerchen Hendricks (left) from Conville was happy to give a few minutes of his time to answer surveyor Mauchan Koelman’s questions.

PERSVERKLARING: GO GEORGE-navorsingsbeamptes versprei na woonbuurte
Uitgereik 2 November 2021

Die 2021 makro-, vervoer- en sosio-ekonomiese studie van die George Geïntegreerde Openbare Vervoernetwerk (GIPTN) is goed op dreef met navorsingsbeamptes wat ook vanaf hierdie week individuele huishoudings in verskeie woonbuurte in George, Wildernis en omliggende gebiede sal besoek.

Passasiersopnames by GO GEORGE-bushaltes, besigheidsopnames en spesiale belangegroep-opnames word hoofsaaklik uitgevoer deur telefoniese en persoonlike onderhoude asook die verspreiding van elektroniese vraelyste.

Veilige toegang vir beamptes
Navorsingsbeamptes sal GO GEORGE- identifikasiekaarte met die persoon se foto- en ID-nommer dra. ‘n Beroep word op inwoners gedoen om gesertifiseerde beamptes veilige toegang tot hul eiendom te gee en om te help met die waardevolle terugvoer wat nodig is om die busdiens deurlopend te assesseer en te verbeter.

Vir meer inligting of navrae kan die GO GEORGE-inbelsentrum by 0800 044 044 044 gebel word.

BYSKRIF:
Navorsingsbeamptes wat individue nader of huishoudings in die George-gebied besoek, dra GO GEORGE-identifikasiekaarte. Algerchen Hendricks (links) van Conville het met graagte ‘n paar minute van sy tyd afgestaan om Mauchan Koelman se vrae te beantwoord.

PERSVERKLARING: GO GEORGE-navorsingstudie om ekonomiese impak van busdiens te meet
Uitgereik 11 Oktober 2021

‘n Onafhanklike studie onder die gesamentlike vaandel van die Wes-Kaapse departement van vervoer en openbare werke en die George-munisipaliteit sal volgende week van stapel gestuur word met die doel om die algehele ekonomiese impak van die implementering van die GO GEORGE-busdiens in George te bepaal en te meet.

Die 2021 makro-, vervoer- en sosio-ekonomiese studie van die George Geïntegreerde Openbare Vervoernetwerk (GIPTN) sal van Oktober 2021 tot Mei 2022 in George uitgevoer word.

Makro-, vervoer- en sosio-ekonomiese impak gemeet
Die algehele impak sal gemeet word in drie hoofareas, naamlik makro-ekonomiese, vervoer-ekonomiese en sosio-ekonomiese impak. Verskeie opnames sal oor ‘n tydperk van twee maande gedoen word, van 18 Oktober 2021 tot middel Desember 2021.

George-inwoners sal genader word vir terugvoer deur middel van die volgende vier opnames:
• Passasiersopnames wat by GO GEORGE-bushaltes oor die netwerk van roetes uitgevoer sal word;
• Huishoudelike opnames, wat deur-tot-deur by individuele huishoudings oor verskeie voorstede in George, Wildernis en omliggende gebiede uitgevoer sal word;
• Besigheidsopnames (bv. algemene besighede, GIPTN-diensverskaffers sowel as besighede by oorklimplekke rondom die groter besigheidskern) wat hoofsaaklik deur telefoniese en persoonlike onderhoude uitgevoer sal word;
• Spesiale belangegroep-opnames (bv. gebruikers met spesiale behoeftes en spesifieke belangegroepe), wat hoofsaaklik uitgevoer sal word deur telefoniese en persoonlike onderhoude asook die verspreiding van elektroniese vraelyste.

Navorsingsbeamptes maklik om te identifiseer
Navorsingsbeamptes sal GO GEORGE- identifikasiekaarte met die persoon se foto- en ID-nommer dra. ‘n Beroep word op die George-gemeenskap gedoen om vyf minute af te staan wanneer hulle genader word en te help met die waardevolle terugvoer wat slegs bekombaar is van diegene wat die busdiens gebruik, of op een of ander manier deur die busdiens se bedrywighede geraak word.

Data wat deur die studie verkry word, sal opgeteken en ontleed word vanaf middel November 2021 tot April 2022, met finale resultate, gevolgtrekkings en verslae wat aan die einde van Mei 2022 voltooi moet word.

Vir meer inligting of navrae kan die GO GEORGE-inbelsentrum by 0800 044 044 044 gebel word.

BYSKRIF:
Navorsingsbeamptes wat individue nader of huishoudings in die George-omgewing besoek, sal identifikasiekaarte dra. Hier werk Siphiwo Mathys deur ‘n vraelys met Patience Tisani, ‘n passasier wat in Thembalethu woon.

Recycling training for Municipal creches and Food garden coordinators

Recycling training for Municipal creches and Food garden coordinators
Issued by George Municipality, 29 October 2021

The Community Development Food Gardens and Creches subsection, in partnership with Landmark Foundation and LGE Waste provided recycling training to ten municipal creche employees and ten Food Garden Co-ordinators recently. The two training sessions were recently held at the Illingulethu creche in Thembalethu and at Rosedale Educare
According to Allen Paulse, Director: Community Services, during the training, creche employees were taught alternative ways to manage their refuse. Notes were provided on what can be recycled and what not. All the creches that participated were registered in the Landmark Foundation’s Creches Recycling programme and also received resources which they can use to assist them on their recycling journey. All staff were also encouraged to involve the learners in the process as much as possible.
Once the creches have begun their recycling programme successfully, further training with regards to Food Gardens will also take place. Landmark foundation will conduct the gardening training as well.

Photo 1 – 121813: Representatives from Landmark Foundation and LGE Waste, George Municipality, staff from Kwakhanya, Mzomhle, Masibambane, Illingelethu and Isiseko Creches.

Photo 2- 124012: Representatives from Landmark Foundation, George Municipality and principals from Golden Valley, Kekkel en Kraai, Pophuis, Rosedale Nursery and Rosedale Educare.

New George Junior City Council announced and “Tannie Liza” says goodbye

The 2021 George Junior City Council (JCC) held its last official event Wednesday, 27 October with the Executive Mayor of George, Ald Leon van Wyk and Cllr Liza Stroebel in attendance and announcing the new executive committee of the JCC for 2022.

The function was held at the George Methodist Church Hall and was attended by the parents of the Junior City Councillors.
Ald Van Wyk said in his address, he has been enormously impressed with the leadership qualities the junior council has shown during their tenor in council the last year. “I inherited a substantial challenge to lead the turnaround of our municipality and to restore a high standard of service delivery to our ratepayers. I want to thank my colleague, Cllr Stroebel, for the role she has undertaken on behalf of our George Council in mentoring you,” Ald Van Wyk said.

He said we live in a country that faces enormous challenges – we live in crisis – in an environment where the government has seemingly lost its way through lack of leadership. He said the members of the JCC are some of the young leaders that will have to craft philosophies and skills that will enable them to tackle the changes, challenges, and adversity and the opportunities that will result.

He thanked the JCC for outstanding leadership roles displayed and for becoming involved and making a difference in civic duties. He also thanked the parents and teachers of the youngsters for their encouragement.
Cllr Liza Stroebel, (affectionately known by the JCC members as “Tannie Liza”) the Mayoral Representative who oversees the Junior City Council on behalf of the Mayor of George, has served her last term in Council and said this moment is bittersweet.
She said the leadership qualities of the JCC members displayed the past few years, gives her tremendous hope for our youth. She honoured God for His grace in allowing her this opportunity. She said she will never forget all the greatness that was achieved through and by the JCC. She said God shared with her a message when she started out in her overseeing role saying to her, “learn, love, serve.”
She asked the audience to take these words with them. “Learn as much as you can … to show yourself approved,
Love as much as you can…to gain love in return,
And Serve as much as you can… to reap your harvest.
Ludolph Pedro and McKaya Kroon both made magnificent speeches about their tenor in the JCC about how they grew as human beings, how being involved in helping with civic issues groomed them for the future and how the JCC members became a family and friends for life.

Captions:
JCC3: The old and the new Executive Committee of the George Junior Council with Executive Mayor of George, Alderman Leon van Wyk and Cllr Liza Stroebel. In front from left are: Carla Kruger (Outeniqua High School – Deputy Mayor 2022), Mayor Van Wyk, Cllr Liza Stroebel, Ruan Coetzee (Outeniqua High School – JCC Mayor 2022).
At the back are: Aine Ferreira – (Outeniqua High School – Deputy Mayor 2021), Inga Jijingubo (York High School – JCC Municipal Manager 2022), Clara Campbell (Glenwood House -Deputy Speaker 2022), Lindy Prinsloo (Glenwood House- Deputy Speaker 2021), McKaya Kroon (York High School – Speaker 2021), Jordan Meyer (York High School – Speaker 2022) and Ludolph Pedro (York High School- Mayor 2021). Absent: Brenco de Kock (George High School – Municipal Manager 2021).

Jcc2: Ludolph Pedro (York High School- Mayor 2021) drapes the ceremonial mayoral chain around Ruan Coetzee (Outeniqua High School – JCC Mayor 2022).

Jcc5: The new JCC executive committee are in front from left: Carla Kruger (Outeniqua High School – Deputy Mayor 2022), Mayor Van Wyk, Cllr Liza Stroebel, Ruan Coetzee (Outeniqua High School – JCC Mayor 2022).
At the back are Clara Campbell (Glenwood House -Deputy Speaker 2022) Inga Jijingubo (York High School – Municipal Manager and Jordan Meyer (York High School – Speaker 2022).

Khomanani Day held in Waboomskraal

Khomanani Day held in Waboomskraal
Issued George Municipality, 28 October 2021

Caption: Willbedine Jordaan (left) from the HIV subsection, George Municipality at the Khomanani Day event in Waboomskraal and Rose Josephs, Maria Khumalo,Katy Plaatjies, Getruida Camper and Dolfien Daniels and Sister Katrina Maritz.

The Community Development HIV subsection celebrated Khomanani Day in Waboomskraal by hosting a wellness programme with the focus on cancer awareness and HIV on Tuesday at Waboomskraal Community Hall. Cllr Sean Snyman, Portfolio Councillor for Community Services addressed the attendees and represented the Executive Mayor, Alderman Leon van Wyk.
Cllr Snyman said viruses do not only come in the form of diseases but social issues are like a cancer in society. “If we do not have the discipline to take action against gangsterism, crime or even poverty or any other social ill while it can still be cured, the “cancer” can eat away at our society. He said it is like the illness, if you treat it in time you have a better chance of beating the disease.

The councillor thanked all of the participants who had stalls at the event, inlcuding subsections of the Municipality’s Community Services and the Department of Health, Cansa and Bethesda, a frail care organisation. Food hampers were given to members of the community to help them in a time of need. Inspirational talks and health screenings for HIV testing, breast examinations, pap smears and vaccinations were given during the event.

Khomanani Day is a national social mobilization campaign focusing on the impact of HIV and AIDS in society and promoting community action, partnership and awareness against the disease.

George Municipality takes services to the people

George Municipality takes services to the people

George Municipality held a Jamboree (a gathering of all the services of the George Municipality at one venue) at the Rosedale Community Centre/Area Office last Friday (15 October) to bring services closer to the people of Rosedale.

The departments from George Municipality represented were Human Settlements, Community Development, Cleansing, Libraries, Civil Engineering (water, sewage and roads), Finance, Electrotechnical Services and GO GEORGE. They had tables or stalls at the venue where they answered the public’s questions, gave information and helped with complaints.

According to Ms Lauren Waring, Acting Director Human Settlements, the directorates pulled together to arrange the jamboree. “The Rosedale area was chosen for this jamboree because there is a new housing development, which usually generates many challenges, so we decided instead of everyone having to come to town, let’s take the services to the people.

“It was a great success. We will initially have these jamborees at new housing developments across the municipal area and then arrange jamborees in other areas.”

Waring said the municipality did consumer education with people moving into new houses, but people still had questions or challenges afterwards. “Once you are in a new home, it comes with responsibilities like electricity and other services. People must know how to deal with their accounts, what is the owner’s responsibility and what is the municipality’s responsibility.

Human Settlement officials assisted the community with mostly water and roof leakages, general housing faults, ownership queries, waiting list applications and more.

Electrotechnical Services assisted with electrical complaints while Finance assisted with Indigent applications, and more. Cleansing informed the public about the dangers of illegal dumping and how to deal with hazardous waste.
Rachel Williams, Manager George Library, said she and her team promoted reading that made people relax. “In October we focus on mental health and encourage adults and children alike to read fiction if they struggle with any mental related issues, insomnia. Covid-19 has a negative emotional effect on most people and this is how the libraries can assist our communities.”

Captions:
Jam1: Mayor Leon van Wyk visited the Jamboree. Here he holds a healthy cabbage from one of the food gardens that is now under the guidance of the Community Development section of the Municipality. From left are Lizel Arnold, Food Garden coordinator: Rosedale, Janine Adams, Community Development, Bernedene Afrika, Food Garden Coordinator: Conville and Willbedine Jordaan, Community Development.
Jam2: On the other side of the Community Development stall information was distributed on gender and health related issues. From left are John Pato with some information pamphlets, Mayor Leon van Wyk, Diena Esau with information, Ejustley Boshoff (Community Development) Cllr Marlene Barnardt and Nozipho Stone (Community Development).
Jam3: Explaining the new routes in Rosedale at the GO GEORGE stall are in front Khadija Luangula (Communication champion) and Janel Gelant (Communications Champion and next to her Cllr Marlene Barnardt. Standing are Mayor Leon van Wyk (left) and James Robb from GO GEORGE (far right) holding onto a life-size backdrop of the inside of a GO GEORGE bus.
Jam4: Mayor Leon van Wyk have a look at how Human Settlements officials, Yandisa Malgas and Lizelle Petersen assist members of the public with human settlement queries. At the back are from left Channold Duitsjan, Cllr Melvin Roelfse, Ward Councillor in Rosedale area, Alfred Posula and Roger Ramage.
Jam5: Providing the community with much needed information regarding illegal dumping are from left, Ethan Stoffels (Department of Environment, Forestry and Fisheries), Lorenze Gelderblom and Shaun Kemsley from LGE Waste, Karin Stoffels (Environmental Services) and Mayor Leon van Wyk.

Jam6: Jackie Pyler (left) and Shimoné Smith from Civil Engineering Services with informative pamphlets they handed out to the community – not to throw junk down toilets and drains and how it could have a bad ripple effect on the whole City’s sewage system. Mayor Leon van Wyk in the middle with one of the pamphlets.

Jam7: Juanita Dudley from Rosedale (in blue top) is assisted by Sphiwo Mlotha (left) and Lenie File from the Finance Directorate. With them is Cllr Dirk Wessels, Portfolio Councillor for Finance.

Jam8: Rachel Williams and Malibongwe Luyenge from George Library Services with Libby, (green mascot) a free app where you can borrow eBooks, digital audiobooks, and magazines from your public library. You can stream titles with Wi-Fi or mobile data, or download them for offline use and read anytime, anywhere. All you need to get started is a library card. In front are Sandy Claassen (14) from Pacaltsdorp High School, Elmar Heyens (4) and Sihle Papali (13) from Pacaltsdorp Primary School interested what the Library stall had to offer.

Jam9: Some of the George Municipality officials, Councillors and Mayor Leon van Wyk in attendance at the jamboree.
Jam 10: At the Electrotechnical stall are from left Yandiswa Ngxwani (electrical complaints/ reception), Mayor Leon van Wyk, Nomakhaya Nqumse (Client Services) and Debby Goosen (Electrical Assistant).

Mayor engages with Ward Committee about Palisade Fencing at Thembalethu Cemetery

Executive Mayor Leon van Wyk was recently met by Ward Councillor Ntombi James and members of the ward committee in Thembalethu Ward 21 to see how far the work had progressed with the new palisade fencing that is being put up to enclose Thembalethu Cemetery.
The cemetery is already closed off by palisade fencing (approximately 500m in length) and about 1.4m in height thus far. This project is anticipated to reach completion by mid-November this year. The sides of the cemetery will not be fenced at this stage as it is surrounded by houses. Steel gates will be installed at the front and back of the cemetery.
Mayor van Wyk said this is an area in the community that should be, and deserves to be respected. “It is only fitting that the area is secured,” he said. While engaging with the Councillor and Ward committee, the mayor was asked to ensure that the graveyard is cleaned regularly and maintained. Hilton Spies, Community Services official confirmed that his team is on a schedule to attend to these duties and will be working every Saturday for the month of October to handle the backlog of the cleaning of cemeteries.
“We need our residents to be involved in what we do in Council. Public participation, such as this engagement with this ward committee, is needed so all of your questions and queries receive the necessary attention and answers. I am glad that we can at least do something, even if it is just starting with the front section for now, but we need to improve all these facilities for everyone, “ said Ald Van Wyk.
Mayor van Wyk said it is important that Ward Committees must look out for their own areas and the services they need, and to prioritise projects. This way, it is easier for the municipality to make decisions when budgets are considered and funds need to be allocated.

Caption: Mayor Leon van Wyk, Cllr Ntombi James, Ward Committee members and officials from George Municipality at the new palisade fencing at Thembalethu cemetery in Ward 21.

GO GEORGE survey to measure economic impact of bus service

An independent study under the joint auspices of the Western Cape Government Department of Transport and Public Works and the Municipality of George will be launched next week, aiming to determine and measure the overall economic impact of the implementation of the GO GEORGE bus service in George.

The 2021 George Integrated Public Transport Network (GIPTN) Macro-, Transport- and Socio-Economic Study (MTSES) will be carried out from October 2021 until May 2022 in George.

Macro-, transport- and socio-economic impact measured
The overall impact will be measured in three main areas, namely macro-economic, transport-economic and socio-economic impact. Several surveys will be carried out over a two-month period, starting on 18 October 2021 and ending towards middle December 2021.

George residents will be approached for feedback by means of the following four surveys:
• Passenger travel surveys, which will be carried out at GO GEORGE bus stops across the route network;
• Household surveys, which will be carried out door-to-door at individual households across various suburbs in George, Wilderness and surrounding areas;
• Business surveys (e.g. general businesses, GIPTN service providers as well as businesses at transfer locations around the greater CBD) which will be carried out primarily through telephonic and personal interviews;
• Special Interest Group surveys (e.g. users with special needs and specific-interest groups), to be carried out primarily through telephonic and personal interviews as well as distribution of electronic questionnaires.

Surveyors easy to identify
Surveyors will be wearing GO GEORGE-branded identification cards showing the person’s photo and ID number. An appeal is made to the George community to take five minutes out when they are approached and to assist with the valuable feedback only obtainable from those who use the bus service, or are in some way impacted by its operations.

Data obtained through the surveys will be captured and analysed starting around middle November 2021, to be carried out until April 2022, with final results, conclusions and reporting to be completed at the end of May 2022.

For more information or enquiries, the GO GEORGE Call Centre can be phoned on 0800 044 044.

CAPTION:
Surveyors approaching individuals or visiting households in the George area will carry identification cards. Here Siphiwo Mathys is working through a questionnaire with Patience Tisani, a passenger residing in Thembalethu.

GO GEORGE-navorsingstudie om ekonomiese impak van busdiens te meet
Uitgereik 11 Oktober 2021

‘n Onafhanklike studie onder die gesamentlike vaandel van die Wes-Kaapse departement van vervoer en openbare werke en die George-munisipaliteit sal volgende week van stapel gestuur word met die doel om die algehele ekonomiese impak van die implementering van die GO GEORGE-busdiens in George te bepaal en te meet.

Die 2021 makro-, vervoer- en sosio-ekonomiese studie van die George Geïntegreerde Openbare Vervoernetwerk (GIPTN) sal van Oktober 2021 tot Mei 2022 in George uitgevoer word.

Makro-, vervoer- en sosio-ekonomiese impak gemeet
Die algehele impak sal gemeet word in drie hoofareas, naamlik makro-ekonomiese, vervoer-ekonomiese en sosio-ekonomiese impak. Verskeie opnames sal oor ‘n tydperk van twee maande gedoen word, van 18 Oktober 2021 tot middel Desember 2021.

George-inwoners sal genader word vir terugvoer deur middel van die volgende vier opnames:
• Passasiersopnames wat by GO GEORGE-bushaltes oor die netwerk van roetes uitgevoer sal word;
• Huishoudelike opnames, wat deur-tot-deur by individuele huishoudings oor verskeie voorstede in George, Wildernis en omliggende gebiede uitgevoer sal word;
• Besigheidsopnames (bv. algemene besighede, GIPTN-diensverskaffers sowel as besighede by oorklimplekke rondom die groter besigheidskern) wat hoofsaaklik deur telefoniese en persoonlike onderhoude uitgevoer sal word;
• Spesiale belangegroep-opnames (bv. gebruikers met spesiale behoeftes en spesifieke belangegroepe), wat hoofsaaklik uitgevoer sal word deur telefoniese en persoonlike onderhoude asook die verspreiding van elektroniese vraelyste.

Navorsingsbeamptes maklik om te identifiseer
Navorsingsbeamptes sal GO GEORGE- identifikasiekaarte met die persoon se foto- en ID-nommer dra. ‘n Beroep word op die George-gemeenskap gedoen om vyf minute af te staan wanneer hulle genader word en te help met die waardevolle terugvoer wat slegs bekombaar is van diegene wat die busdiens gebruik, of op een of ander manier deur die busdiens se bedrywighede geraak word.

Data wat deur die studie verkry word, sal opgeteken en ontleed word vanaf middel November 2021 tot April 2022, met finale resultate, gevolgtrekkings en verslae wat aan die einde van Mei 2022 voltooi moet word.

Vir meer inligting of navrae kan die GO GEORGE-inbelsentrum by 0800 044 044 044 gebel word.

BYSKRIF:
Navorsingsbeamptes wat individue nader of huishoudings in die George-omgewing besoek, sal identifikasiekaarte dra. Hier werk Siphiwo Mathys deur ‘n vraelys met Patience Tisani, ‘n passasier wat in Thembalethu woon.

Get your vaccine now for a safe summer season – Distributed by the Department of Health

Those who have not yet received their vaccine should do so now. If you want to be fully vaccinated by 1 December, the start of the festive season, you will need to:

• Receive your first dose of Pfizer by no later than 20 October 2021.
• Receive your second dose 42 days after. This means that you will have received your second dose by 1 December 2021 latest.

It takes approximately two weeks from full vaccination (after your second jab) for you to develop maximum immune protection. This means if you get your second jab on 1 December, you will have the best possible protection from around 14 December – just around the time that many people have planned to start their festive season plans.
Western Cape Government Health has set December as the target to ensure that residents have a summer that they can look forward to and aims to fully vaccinate 70% of those over 50 years old by December and 70% of the eligible population with at least one dose.

The recently held Vooma vaccination weekend drive saw 59 429 vaccines administered in the Western Cape of which 1104 were administered in the Garden Route.

“Although the turn-out was much less than anticipated, we commend every person who came for their vaccination, despite rainy and very cold weather. We want to encourage our communities to take up the offer of vaccination as it has been demonstrated to offer significant protection against severe COVID related disease and death”, said Mr Zee Brickles (Health Director: Garden Route and Central Karoo).

“We all want to enjoy the festive season which is why I have also launched the jabs b4jol campaign to encourage especially young people to get vaccinated. Vaccines are safe and very effective. We are seeing a lot fewer hospitalisations and deaths in people who get vaccinated. While some people have minor reactions after getting vaccinated like headaches or fever, these are often easily managed at home, and the benefit of getting vaccinated is much greater than being unvaccinated and getting COVID-19. Please use any one of our vaccine sites. Many who are 18 years and older, who received their jabs from 20 August, are now eligible for their second shot. Please do not hesitate, fully vaccinate”, said Minister of Health, Dr Mbombo.

Caption: Walk-about at Harry Comay Hospital’s Vooma vaccination site from left front: Mr Jewel Jonkers (Director Education Garden Route), Mr Memory Booysen (Garden Route mayor), Sr Linda Geweld (Nursing Manager Harry Comay Hospital), Back: Dr Terence Marshall (Health), Mr Zee Brickles (Health Director: Garden Route and Central Karoo District), Mr Leon van Wyk (George mayor), Dr Zilla North (medical manager George subdistrict)

George Olympians Honoured

George Olympians Honoured Issued George Municipality, 20th September 2021

George Municipality hosted an intimate gathering this week on Wednesday to honour two of our Olympian athletes who competed in this year’s 2021 Tokyo Olympics held in July. Executive Mayor Leon Van Wyk together with Deputy Mayor Charlotte Clarke, Director for Planning Lauren Waring, Tourism Manager Joan Shaw and Portfolio Councillor for Finance and Strategic Services, Dirk Wessels collectively applauded marathon runner Elroy Gelant and surfer Bianca Buitendag of George, for their dedication, talent and Olympic performance.

Quoting from Malcolm Gladwell’s popular book “Outliers” which discusses the 10,000-hours concept, Ald Van Wyk acknowledged the time, energy, sheer will and determination that got Elroy and Bianca to the Olympics this year. “Outliers”, according to Gladwell are the best and the brightest, the most famous and the most successful. He asks the question: what makes high-achievers different? And determines that 10 000 hours of practice plays a substantial role in the incredible achievements of elite artists, athletes and musicians.”

Yvonne and Stephen Gelant proud parents of Elroy Gelant, who is lecturing at Potchefstroom University, received a framed photograph of the George Mountains for their son, who competed for South Africa at the 2021 Tokyo Olympics earlier this year. Bianca Buitendag, professional surfer was the Silver Medal winner for Women’s shortboard competition at the 2021 Tokyo Olympics was thrilled with her framed photograph of a surfer standing on the rocks at Victoria Bay photographed by local Melanie Marè.

George Municipality is proud to announce that we will financially support and host the annual Elroy Gelant Night Race this year, to be held in Pacaltsdorp in December, a sporting and fun event for the whole family. The annual event is aimed at developing local athletics and promoting sports. The race falls within the approved SWD athletics calendar. In 2016 the race was named after local athlete Elroy Gelant, from Pacaltsdorp, in honour of him becoming an Olympic athlete in that year.

George Municipality partnered with Bianca Buitendag supporting her financially in her quest to win a medal at the Tokyo Olympic Games. Bianca was appointed as an ambassador for George and proved to be a key asset in promoting George as a tourist and great surfing destination. A spinoff of this support is a girl’s social surf which will be hosted by Bianca Buitendag at Victoria Bay in October, where she hopes to inspire young surfers to reach for their dreams. Watch the press for details.
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Photographs: Please note all Covid-19 protocols were observed at the gathering. Masks were removed for photographs only.
Bianca Buitendag with SA flag taken on day of her Silver Medal win in Tokyo.
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Mayor’s letter for 23 September 2021

Mayor’s Newsletter for Thursday 23 September 2021

George has become an attractive lifestyle city with re-location taking place from metropolitan areas and other parts of the country as citizens have come to realise what we offer. Over the past few years a growing number of “super-commuters” have established their homes in George to enable their families to live in a safe environment with good schools and healthcare facilities while the bread-winner would undertake weekly commutes to Gauteng for work purposes.

The re-location trend was very evident in the pre-Covid-19 times with the many daily flights in and out of George Airport to OR Tambo to cater for these commuters who would often spend three or four nights a week away from George. The pandemic interrupted this trend resulting in the rapid growth in virtual meetings held via Teams or Zoom. This shift has impacted the way of doing business. In many business arrangements there used to be a need to travel to Cape Town or Johannesburg on a monthly or quarterly basis for an important meeting often involving an overnight stay. Covid ensured that suddenly these meetings could now be held virtually without the need or expense of travelling to attend these meetings. It is likely therefore that during the time when air travel came to a standstill, the working arrangements for the super-commuters also changed.

The access to optic fibre technology has facilitated the migration to these virtual meetings and remote working. The prospect of virtual work has enabled anyone from accountants to insurance brokers, IT specialists and many others to work remotely from home offices.

Over the past 18 months, Covid has therefore effected a “disruptive” change for all of these sectors. It would therefore be interesting to understand how this affects George citizens who previously commuted. In some instances, the work may take place in sectors such as manufacturing where physical presence is required. Other examples could relate to dealing with clients on a face-to-face basis; or in sectors that would more easily accommodate remote work.
From the perspective of the municipality, it would be interesting to understand how the requirements of the “commuting” sector have changed and if any adaptations in service offerings are needed. We would welcome the establishment of corporate business units in George that could service operations elsewhere. Banks such as First Rand and Absa have recently indicated that they wish to establish fintech teams. We believe that George would be an ideal lifestyle location for such businesses or those wishing to establish data and high-tech centres, finance, insurance and administration related businesses, etc.

We would therefore welcome it if our super-commuters would promote George as a preferred investment location and also enter a discussion, possibly via supportbusiness@george.gov.za on how to secure growth of this sector.

GO GEORGE schedule on National Heritage Day

GO GEORGE SCHEDULES ON NATIONAL HERITAGE DAY

With National Heritage Day coming up on Thursday 24 September 2020, GO GEORGE passengers need to take note that the Saturday bus schedules will be followed on this public holiday.

In case of uncertainty about the Saturday schedules, please phone the GO GEORGE Call Centre on 0800 044 044 where agents are on duty from 05:00 until 20:00 seven days a week to help passengers plan their trips.

Passengers are reminded to keep to Covid-safety regulations and wear their masks, use the sanitiser supplied on the bus and not to close the bus windows.

GO GEORGE-SKEDULES OP NASIONALE ERFENISDAG

Met Nasionale Erfenisdag wat op Donderdag 24 September 2020 gevier word, is dit belangrik vir GO GEORGE-passasiers om kennis te neem dat die Saterdagskedule gevolg sal word op hierdie openbare vakansiedag.

Passasiers wat onseker is oor die Saterdagskedule kan gerus die GO GEORGE-inbelkantoor by 0800 044 044 skakel waar agente van 05:00 tot 20:00, sewe dae per week, beskikbaar is om passasiers te help om hul ritte te beplan.

Passasiers word herinner om steeds te hou by die Covid-veiligheidsmaatreëls en maskers te dra, die handreiniger op die busse te gebruik en die busvensters oop te hou.

Short Term Urgent Electrification projects – Ten homes for Blondi Electrified

Media Release: Short Term Urgent Electrification projects – Ten homes for Blondi Electrified
Issued George Municipality, 10 September 2021

The electrification of 10 homes in Blondi Informal Settlement is the second of the three Short Term Urgent Electrification projects that were prioritized by Council (March 2021) in terms of the R800 000 available budget for the 2020/21 Financial year. The cost per structure for electrification is between R10 000 – R13 000 which includes a prepaid meter.

Executive Mayor Leon Van Wyk visited the site yesterday (8 September) to switch on the power. Each resident received their own electrical prepaid meter, in their own name with power supply of 40 amps. Executive Mayor Leon Van Wyk was pleased that the municipality has linked these residents to the available resources, in this case to provide electricity.
Ward councillor, Sivuyile Dikilili was overjoyed at the event on behalf of the recipients and thankful that the municipality was able to assist. Resident Ncumisa Ntsendwana was thrilled and said “ This means so much to me, now my children can write at night, at first they couldn’t do this because we used candles. Thank you so much Mayor.”

Nandipha Botman and her brother Xolani Mguzula were incredibly happy at the difference this would make in their day to day lives. “This will make our lives a little easier. The children will be coming in the holidays. They can now do their schoolwork and we will now be able to cook. It just makes everything so much safer, “ said Mguzulu.

Captions:

104456: Mayor Van Wyk flipping the switch to electrify Blondi Informal Settlement.

103655: At the electrical switch on at Blondi Informal Settlement are from left: Executive Mayor Van Wyk; Portfolio Councillor for Electrotechnical Services Nosicelo Mbete, Director Electrotechnical Services Bongani Mandla, Joubert Theart from Zutari, Ward Cllr Sivuyile Dikilili, Garden Route District Municipality Cllr Khayalethu Lose and Ralton Abrahams from BDE Consulting Engineers.

110011: Nandipha Botman and her brother Xolani Mguzula (brother and sister) who also had their home electrified were all smiles as Nandipha flipped the switch and put on the electricity in their home. Here they are with Portfolio Councillor for Electrotechnical Services Nosicelo Mbete, Ward Cllr Sivuyile Dikilili and Ald Van Wyk. Video link https://www.dropbox.com/s/3v9c1wkqgg8c5n5/20210909_105918.mp4?dl=0

105345: Cllr Dikilili and Ald Van Wyk watch an elated Ncumisa Ntsendwana switch on her electricity.

First ever Open Day for Disposal of Household Hazardous Waste in George a success

George Municipality’s first ever open day for the disposal of Household hazardous waste, at no cost to the consumer, was a great success with 110 members of the public making use of the service.
Mayor Leon van Wyk also made use of the service by dropping a box full of used light bulbs last Friday at the parking lot opposite the Outeniqua stadium. He encouraged Georgians to make use of this service in future.
“It’s very pleasing to see what citizens have brought in for disposal. You can be sure that every household has something to dispose of safely. This initiative will be repeated and we are looking to make it a regular event. The next open day will be held on 3 December 2021,” the Mayor said.
He asked residents to bring their old television sets, cables, paint tins, batteries, light bulbs and more to the next open day.
Sivuyile Mtila, Senior Manager: Environmental Services, said the municipality have had good feedback from the community and they are impressed by this initiative as it can be dangerous to keep household hazardous waste in your home.
Mtila thanked the community for the positive response and making use of the open day. The success of the day would not have been possible without the public responding to the call.
Items received were 210 liters of medical waste, a 2,4 meter long box with fluorescent tubes, 210 liters of household batteries, one ton of e-waste and 4 bale bags containing paint.
Items that are considered household hazardous waste that you can keep aside to discard properly at the next open day are:
• Motor oil, oil filters, brake fluid
• Used antifreeze
• Paint, paint thinner, turpentine
• Pesticides or herbicides
• Household batteries
• CRTs, old TVs, miscellaneous electronics
• Tyres
• Fluorescent tubes and Globes
• Household medical waste (needles and old medicine and tablets)
The following items are NOT accepted:
• Explosives
• Ammunition
• Radioactive Materials
• Controlled Substances
Additional Information
• Bring the items you wish to dispose of in a strong box preferably in their original, labeled containers.
• Do not EVER mix products together.
• Be prepared to leave your containers. Because of permitting requirements, and the volume of people that utilise the program.
This is your opportunity to get rid of these items at NO COST and at a convenient, nearby location.
For any enquiries, kindly contact Grace Notshokovu on 044 802 2917.

Captions:
Haz 1: Sivuyile Mtila, Senior Manager: Environmental Services with a bunch of fluorescent lights that was discarded.
Haz2, haz3, haz6, haz 7, haz8,haz 9, haz12: All the household waste the public discarded at the open day.
Haz 5: Bev McDavid from Groenkloof came to discard used batteries at the open day and went back to fetch an old broken television set.
Haz10: At the open day receiving the goods from the public are in front, Yolanda Mali, Ethan Stoffels, Grace Notshokovu and Lorenze Gelderblom (LG E-Waste). At the back are Tanja Botha, Janine Fernold, Mayor Leon van Wyk, Wessel Robertson and Sivuyile Mtila. All officials are from Environmental Services, George Municipality.

Mayor hands over houses in Erf 325

George Mayor, Ald Leon van Wyk handed over a total of 37 homes to beneficiaries in the new development in Rosedale.
Van Wyk, other councillors and officials was in Rosedale recently to do the handover to beneficiaries.

A total of 388 beneficiaries received housing already in the new development. In Phase C a total of 279 beneficiaries must still receive housing. The development have 3 phases starting with phase C and ending with phase A.
Construction of the Mixed-Use development began in 2018 and after completion will yield a total of 1650 Breaking New Ground (BNG) units, comprising of double storey, semi-detached and freestanding units. It will also include 258 Financed Linked Individual Subsidy Programme (FLISP) units and 186 Affordable housing units. The project will also provide one general residential erf, 7 creches, 3 churches, 1 community and 7 commercial/ business erven.
Mayor Van Wyk told residents that they just became R150 000 richer because of the homes they have now.

“As beneficiaries, you now have something to pass on to the next generation. As a municipality, we are proud that we could be a part of this special day in your lives and we want you to enjoy your new homes,” the Mayor said.

Cllr Raybin Figland, Portfolio Councillor of Human Settlements, encouraged the beneficiaries to take pride in their homes and neighbourhood. He encouraged them to get to know their neighbours and not allow negative elements to take over their community and home. He asked them not to sell their homes as there are other people still waiting and desperate for the opportunity they have.

Figland urged beneficiaries to lodge any complaints to the area office in their vicinity.
Deputy Mayor Charlotte Clarke also told residents that they now have a place that they can call their own. She implored them to look after these homes and respect each other.

Captions:
Raybin Figland: Cllr Raybin Figland addresses beneficiaries at the housing handover in Erf 325.
Solomon Jantjies: At the handing over of a house to beneficiaries are from left Cllr Regina Windwaai, Cllr Raybin Figland, Portfolio Councillor for Human Settlements, Executive Deputy Mayor, Cllr Charlotte Clarke with beneficiaries, Solomon Jantjies and Fanny Beatrice Jantjies and Executive Mayor Ald Leon van Wyk.
Maria Moos: Mayor Leon van Wyk handing the house keys to the birthday girl, Maria Moos. Ms. Moos was particularly emotional and thanked the mayor for this birthday present.