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Author: Debra Sauer

George Libraries will be celebrating World Book Day on April 23rd with a book read by local author

George Libraries will celebrate World Book Day, Friday, 23rd April 2021, a symbolic day for the Literature society as they celebrate the enjoyment of books and reading, with a recorded read by local author Michelle Benjamin of her latest book, Its My Horn.

Benjamin is no stranger to the reading society and the recording of her reading her children’s publication will be uploaded to the George Municipality Youtube account and the link will be shared on the George Municipality Facebook page, George Municipal App, George Municipal website, www.george.gov.za as well as on the George Municipality Twitter account. The recording is for the enjoyment of the public on the day and will be available from early 08h00 on the day.

Benjamin lives in George and is a digital artist, and owner of Lime E-publishing. She has made a number of donations (books and cushions for children to be used during story hour) and made donations of her latest book to the George libraries as well.

According to Rachel Williams, Manager of George Libraries, the said book is an amazing children’s book set in the Kruger National Park and deals with rhino conservation.

Caption: Cover of the children’s book It’s My Horn.

No free bus trips when top-up vendors are offline

No free bus trips when top-up vendors are offline
Issued 20 April 2021

The GO GEORGE Smart Card system allows passengers to manage their travel expenditure and save even more on the already affordable cost of travelling by bus. With good planning, this cashless way of boarding the bus is convenient and in line with Covid-19 safety precautions.

As with any other online business systems such as credit or debit card purchases, technical glitches between the business and the bank do pop up from time to time. GO GEORGE does not have any control over this and strongly advises passengers to top up their cards while they still have trips left. Passengers will not be allowed to board a bus for free only because they could not top up on their way to the bus.

Abuse of system will not be allowed
According to James Robb, GO GEORGE Manager, the initial issue of Pacaltsdorp vendors repeatedly being offline has been addressed through various interventions. “This was a major concern, but we are satisfied that the technical shortcomings brought to our attention have been rectified. Unfortunately, some passengers are now abusing the concessions made at the time, by demanding free trips when they have not topped up in time. The only time when free trips might be considered is when all vendors are offline, and only after verification,” Robb said.

Top up before you run out of trips
For passengers’ convenience and as a way of creating business opportunities, independent businesses are being signed up all over town and in residential areas, acting as Smart Card top-up agents in addition to their main business. Passengers are encouraged to support these local businesses, but they can also top up their cards at any of the fixed or mobile GO GEORGE Smart Card kiosks.

Cheaper the more you buy
Smart Card trips bought in bundles of 10 or more cost R10 per trip, bundles of two to eight trips cost R11 per trip and single trips cost R12. A passenger who uses the bus five days per week, could save up to R88 per month by buying bundles of 10 trips and more, instead of loading one trip at a time.
Trips on the Smart Card never expire, so there is no risk of losing trips, even if you don’t travel by bus regularly.
For more information about the bus service, your nearest top-up vendor or the mobile kiosk schedule, please phone the GO GEORGE Call Centre on 0800 044 044.

CAPTION:
Pacaltsdorp has the highest concentration of top-up vendors with numerous alternatives for passengers wanting to top up when a chosen vendor is offline.

Geen gratis busritte wanneer herlaaipunte van lyn af is nie
Uitgereik 20 April 2021

Die GO GEORGE Slimkaartstelsel laat passasiers toe om hul vervoeruitgawes te bestuur en selfs nog meer te bespaar op die reeds bekostigbare koste om per bus te reis. Met goeie beplanning is hierdie kontantlose manier om op die bus te klim gerieflik én in ooreenstemming met Covid-19-veiligheidsvoorsorgmaatreëls.
Soos met enige ander aanlyn-besigheidstelsels soos krediet- of debietkaartaankope, kom tegniese foute tussen die onderneming en die bank wel van tyd tot tyd voor. GO GEORGE het geen beheer hieroor nie en raai passasiers sterk aan om hul kaarte te herlaai voordat alle ritte opgebruik is. Passasiers sal nie toegelaat word om gratis op ‘n bus te klim net omdat hulle nie op pad na die bus kon herlaai nie.

Misbruik van stelsel sal nie toegelaat word nie
Volgens James Robb, GO GEORGE-bestuurder, is die aanvanklike probleem van herlaaipunte in Pacaltsdorp wat herhaaldelik van lyn af was, aangespreek deur verskeie ingrypings. “Dit was ‘n groot bron van kommer, maar ons is tevrede dat die tegniese tekortkominge wat onder ons aandag gebring is, reggestel is. Ongelukkig misbruik sommige passasiers nou die toegewings wat destyds gemaak is deur gratis ritte te eis wanneer hulle nie betyds herlaai het nie. Die enigste keer wanneer gratis ritte oorweeg mag word, is wanneer alle verkopers van lyn af is, en eers ná verifikasie,” het Robb gesê.

Herlaai voordat jou ritte op is
Vir passasiers se gerief en as ‘n manier om sakegeleenthede te skep, word onafhanklike besighede regoor die dorp en in woongebiede geregistreer om as Slimkaartherlaai-agente op te tree, bykomend tot hul hoofbesigheid. Passasiers word aangemoedig om hierdie plaaslike besighede te ondersteun, maar hulle kan ook hul kaarte by enige van die vaste of mobile

GO GEORGE Slimkaartkiosks herlaai.
Goedkoper hoe meer jy koop
Slimkaartritte wat in bondels van 10 of meer gekoop word, kos R10 per rit, bondels van twee tot agt ritte kos R11 per rit en enkelritte kos R12. ‘n Passasier wat die bus vyf dae per week gebruik, kan tot R88 per maand bespaar deur bondels van 10 ritte en meer te koop, in plaas daarvan om een rit op ‘n slag te laai.
Ritte op die Slimkaart verval nooit nie, so daar is geen risiko om ritte te verloor nie, selfs al ry jy nie gereeld bus nie.
Vir meer inligting oor die busdiens, jou naaste herlaaipunt of die mobiele kiosk se skedule, skakel gerus die GO GEORGE-inbelsentrum by 0800 044 044.

Byskrif:
Pacaltsdorp het die hoogste konsentrasie herlaaipunte met talle alternatiewe vir passasiers wat wil herlaai wanneer ‘n gekose onderneming van lyn af is.

Mayoral letter 7 – April 2021

Mayor’s Newsletter: Written 19 April 2021

On 31 March 2021, the Municipality’s draft budget for 2021/22 to 2023/24 was tabled in Council. In an earlier newsletter, I commented on the structuring of electricity tariffs as they form an integral part of municipal budgets.

Over the past decade, high electricity tariff increases have dominated the basket of services provided by municipalities to the extent of limiting realistic tariff increases required for water, sewerage, refuse and property rates to make overall increases to residential and business customers affordable.

Municipalities are “price-takers” for increases granted to Eskom by Nersa for the bulk electricity purchases as well as nationally negotiated salary increases for municipal employees. These two expense categories comprise 50% (R1249m) of our Operational Expenditure budget of R2496m. Contracted services which include the operational expenditure on Housing projects and GIPTN amount to R599m (24%). The remaining expenditure of R648m covers all the other categories.
For the Operational Budget to balance, Revenue needs to exceed the Expenditure. The increases for Employee Related Costs and

Bulk Purchases, therefore, result in other tariffs being much lower to ensure that affordable tariffs are levied to our customers.

Core Services Revenue is budgeted at R1619m (or 62%) out of Total Revenue of R2628m with Grants Received amounting to R707m (27%). The balance comprises Sundry Revenue of R302m (11%) which includes bus fares of R86m. Electricity contributes R875m or 54% of our Core Services Revenue.

In summary, the administered prices have squeezed the flexibility in levying above inflation tariffs on other services that would realistically provide for sufficient funding for the refurbishment of water, sewerage, roads and storm water infrastructure. The poor management at Eskom has therefore resulted in pressures on municipalities who should have been spending more to maintain and upgrade infrastructure that has served us for the past 40-50 years. In the coming years, the next challenge will be to increase expenditure on maintenance and refurbishment.

We have already embarked on a programme of improving productivity in spending less in certain areas to make more money available for upgrades in infrastructure.

As active citizens we all need to be mindful of our environmental footprint to assist in ensuring that our spending is productive. The Clean George campaign that has recently been launched is targeted to spend approximately R1 000 000 per month employing temporary workers to clean up litter, get streets and verges clean, etc. While providing necessary employment in austere times, these funds could be spent more productively to provide greater value to our communities, e.g. facilitating economic activity. By using the available refuse collection channels and stopping littering, our citizens could therefore help in improving the services of the municipality.
We all need to work together.

GO GEORGE schedules on Public Holidays

GO GEORGE SCHEDULES ON PUBLIC HOLIDAYS
With two public holidays coming up, GO GEORGE calls on passengers to take note of the schedules that will be followed on these days.
On both Freedom Day (Tuesday 27 April) and Workers’ Day (Saturday 1 May), the Saturday schedule will apply on all routes.
For any enquiries or assistance with trip planning, phone the GO GEORGE Call Centre on 0800 044 044, or visit the GO GEORGE Facebook page for the latest news.

GO GEORGE-SKEDULES OP VAKANSIEDAE
Met twee openbare vakansiedae voor die deur, vestig GO GEORGE passasiers se aandag op die skedules wat op hierdie dae gevolg sal word.
Op Vryheidsdag (Dinsdag 27 April) sowel as Werkersdag (Saterdag 1 Mei) sal die Saterdagskedule geld op alle roetes.
Vir enige navrae of hulp met ritbeplanning, skakel gerus die GO GEORGE-inbelkantoor by 0800 044 044, of besoek die GO GEORGE Facebook-blad vir die jongste nuus.

Local author launch his book in celebrating World Book day

Local author launch his book in celebrating World Book day

A local blind author, Richard Albertse, will be launching his book “Vision: The story of a seeing blind man” on the 8th of May at George Library as part of World Book Day that is celebrated officially on the 23rd of April. The launch will start at 10h00. The book was recently published by the National Library of South Africa’s Centre for the Book.

According to Rachel Williams, Manager: George Libraries, is the book a novel packed with adventure, comedy, romance and drama. It depicts the life of a person who had to cope with the reality of slowly losing his eyesight. Albertse said about the book, “the reader will discover in the pages of this book inspiration and courage to tackle and better overcome life’s more difficult challenges. The book is a relaxing read. It also makes a fine gift.”

Albertse is a blind and a long-time standing member of the SA Library for the Blind in Grahamstown. “I so enjoy reading books. If I say read, of course I mean listen to. The Grahamstown library has volunteers who read books that are captured in audio on compact disk. The library then lends out these “books” to their members – members that consist of people who cannot read normal print.”

“After winning the follow-up prize in a short story writing competition (Sunbeam in Voices of Disability) in 2015, I embarked on writing a short novel depicting the story of my life (a person who had to learn to cope with gradually losing his sight), he says.

After completing the book, he came to hear of a competition by the National Library of South Africa’s Centre of the Book where one author a year stands a chance of winning a grant to have his/her book published by them. So three years ago he submitted his work and won the grant. First there was a budget problem, then there were the restrictions of Covid-19, but finally his book was published early this year.

Albertse and his wife Riana, moved to George in 1988. He and his wife are both blind and they have a son, a daughter-in-law, and a beautiful granddaughter. He tells of how he and his wife met in school, fell in love and got married in 1981.

Albertse is a telephone switchboard operator at ABSA. “Lord-willing, this year October I will be 40 years at the bank. On my desk at work are 3 computers that are furbished with screen readers. I manage 16 branches’ calls,” explains Albertse. He says his wife cooks, bakes, cleans the house, does the washing, iron and mend clothing. She knits jerseys and looks after their two dogs and three pet birds. Albertse says he keeps the paving clean, he enjoys doing gardening and carpentry, and can fix almost anything. They love to listen to music and they both play different musical instruments. He says they make use of the latest technology to their advantage – technology that’s affordable to them.

If the public wants to attend please RSVP to richard.albertse@absa.africa before 23 April 2021 or contact Elmine Vorster at George Library on evorster@george.gov.za for more information.

Photo: Richard Albertse

George Municipality’s Poster Making Competition for schools – Deadline extended

George Municipality’s Poster Making Competition for schools on Energy Sustainability – Deadline for application extended

George Municipality has decided to extend the deadline for application for the POSTER MAKING COMPETITION on the topic of Energy Sustainability with schools, to 23 April. Primary and High Schools are invited to take part in the competition. The idea is for learners to reflect their understanding of Energy Sustainability in the poster.

According to Thabo Yiga from the Electrotechnical Services Directorate, who is spearheading the campaign with other interns in the Directorate, they have received interest from schools, during the past week. Although, most schools still needed more time to get ready for the competition, since public schools were busy with exams and other schools have been on an Easter holiday break.

George Municipality is part of the Energy Efficiency and Demand Side Management (EEDSM) programme funded by the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy. The Municipality received grant funding of R4.5 million for the solar pv project at the George Municipality Main Building parking area and part of the requirements is to spend 1% of that grant funding on creating an energy awareness campaign.

The rules of the competition are as follows, the poster should be accompanied by a half page paragraph of text, explaining the message conveyed by the poster. The maximum number of learners allowed to take part in making the poster is 10 learners per school with the aid of 2 teachers. Primary Schools will be competing with each other, as will the High Schools, for fairness. For planning purposes, all schools wishing to participate must please reply by 23 April 2021. A non-response from a school will be interpreted as not interested.

The selection criteria for the winning poster is as follows: (a) does the message conveyed show the learners understanding of the topic, and is it factually correct? (b) is the poster neat, organised and well presented?

The finished poster can be dropped off at the George Municipality Electrotechnical Services Office in 16 Brick Road, George Industria, 6529. Alternatively, the schools can call the judges on the following numbers 044 801 9255 / 044 801 9221 and the poster entries will be collected. Please ensure that each poster is clearly marked on the back with the name of the school, name of the teacher, name of the pupil, age of the pupil and grade as well as the contact details for the school. Unmarked posters will unfortunately not be judged.
The closing date for the competition is the 21st of May 2021.

George Municipality will retain the posters on completion of the competition. Enquiries about the competition can be send to Thabo Yiga on tyiga@george.gov.za

The Electrotechnical Directorate will provide basic poster making materials to those schools that require it. This will be A3 poster papers, coloured pens and pencils and glues. Schools who already have the materials or want to use any other materials are allowed to do that. The winning school will receive a prize to the value of R5 000, and the winning poster will be advertised in the George Herald Newspaper. All participating learners will receive goody bags as tokens of appreciation.

Sustainable energy is power which is able to be replenished within a human lifetime and so cause no long-term damage to the environment. Sustainable energy includes all renewable energy sources, such as hydroelectricity, biomass, geothermal, wind, wave, tidal and solar energies.

George Municipality’s Poster Making Competition for schools on Energy Sustainability

George Municipality invites schools to participate in a POSTER MAKING COMPETITION on the topic of Energy Sustainability.The idea is for learners to reflect their understanding of Energy Sustainability in the poster.

Sustainable energy is power which is able to be replenished within a human lifetime and so cause no long-term damage to the environment. Sustainable energy includes all renewable energy sources, such as hydroelectricity, biomass, geothermal, wind, wave, tidal and solar energies.

George Municipality is part of the Energy Efficiency and Demand Side Management (EEDSM) programme funded by the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy. The Municipality received grant funding of R4.5 million for the solar pv project at the George Municipality Main Building parking area and part of the requirements is to spend 1% of that grant funding on creating an energy awareness campaign.

According to Thabo Yiga from the Electrotechnical Services Directorate, who is spearheading the campaign, the poster should be accompanied by a half page paragraph of text, explaining the message conveyed by the poster. The maximum number of learners allowed to take part in making the poster is 10 learners per school with the aid of 2 teachers.

The Electrotechnical Directorate will provide basic poster making materials to those schools that require it. This will be A3 poster papers, coloured pens and pencils and glues. Schools who already have the materials or want to use any other materials are allowed to do that. The winning school will receive a prize to the value of R5 000, and the winning poster will be advertised in the George Herald Newspaper. All participating learners will receive goody bags as tokens of appreciation.

According to Yiga, Primary Schools will be competing with each other, as will the High Schools, for fairness. For planning purposes, all schools wishing to participate must please reply within a week from 9 April 2021. A non-response from a school will be interpreted as not interested.

The selection criteria for the winning poster is as follows: (a) does the message conveyed show the learners understanding of the topic, and is it factually correct? (b) is the poster neat, organised and well presented?
The finished poster can be dropped off at the George Municipality Electrotechnical Services Office in 16 Brick Road, George Industria, 6529. Alternatively, the schools can call the judges on the following numbers 044 801 9255 / 044 801 9221 and the poster entries will be collected. Please ensure that each poster is clearly marked on the back with the name of the school, name of the teacher, name of the pupil, age of the pupil and grade as well as the contact details for the school. Unmarked posters will unfortunately not be judged.

The closing date for the competition is the 21st of May 2021.
George Municipality will retain the posters on completion of the competition. Enquiries about the competition can be send to Thabo Yiga on tyiga@george.gov.za

Mayoral letter 6 – April 2021

Die konsep begroting vir die 2021/22 finansiële jaar is verlede week ter tafel gelê en het die nuwe tariewe vir elektrisiteit ingesluit. Ek verduidelik hieronder hoe hierdie tariewe bepaal word.

Nersa (“National Energy Regulator of South Africa”) bepaal die verhoging van elektrisiteitspryse wat Eskom aan verbruikers mag deurgee. Die prys waarteen elektrisiteit aan Munisipaliteite (“Muns”) verkoop styg met 17,8%. ‘n Formule word deur Nersa gebruik om die prysstyging wat Muns aan verbruikers kan deurgee, te bepaal. Bedrae vir onderhoud, salarisse en die netto toelaatbare marges op elektrisiteit word in hierdie jaar se verkoopsprys-styging van 14,59% ingereken.

Eskom verskaf dus elektrisiteit aan Muns teen die grootmaat-prys. Muns is dan verantwoordelik om hul eie verspreidingsnetwerk en substasies in stand te hou om hulle huishoudelike- en besigheids- verbruikers van krag te verskaf. Die kostes om elektrisiteit te versprei sluit onder andere die volgende in: onderhoud op kraglyne, transformators, substasies, onderhoudspanne, waardevermindering op toerusting, asook die interne gebruik van krag (vir pompstasies, straatligte, geboue) en behels ongeveer 30% van die totale aankope.

Daar is verskillende tariewe waarteen Eskom krag aan Muns verkoop afhangende van “piek” of “nie-piek” tye vir “winter” en “somer”. Die totale bedrag vir aankope vir die jaar is dus die kilowatt-ure teen die verskillende tariewe. Die Muns moet gevolglik daagliks statistiek hou van hulle aankope en verkope teenoor die verskillende tariewe en wie die verbruikers is.
Om die verkoopspryse te bepaal moet elke Mun die verbruikspatroon ontleed. Nywerhede word teen “time of use” tariewe gehef; “piek”-tariewe is dus baie duurder as ander tye. Die tarief vir verkope aan huishoudings word teen ‘n gemiddelde prys vir die jaar bepaal wat laer is as die hoë “winter-piek” pryse (maw die Mun verkoop teen ‘n verlies) maar wat ook die laer “somer”- en “nie-piek” tye in ag neem.

Ons Mun gebruik tans (2020/21) nog ‘n eenmalige tarief van 206,4 sent per kilowatt-uur sonder BTW (237,3 sent BTW ingesluit) vir alle verkope aan huishoudelike verbruikers (deernis-gevalle betaal minder vir ‘n getal eenhede). Sommige van ons naburige Muns het alreeds ‘n basiese beskikbaarheids-heffing begin toepas waar huishoudings ‘n bedrag van byvoorbeeld R50 (of R100) per maand betaal voordat hulle kilowatt-uur eenhede aankoop. Die aanvanklike blok eenhede wat aangekoop word sal dan goedkoper wees as die eenmalige tarief wat George hef maar daarna styg die tarief soos addisionele blokke aangekoop word. Hierdie stelsel word ook die “inclining block tariff” stelsel genoem. George moet nog die besluit neem of die laasgenoemde stelsel in die toekoms ingestel gaan word.

Die verkope van elektrisitiet vir 2021/22 word op R875m beraam (teenoor aankope van R616m) wat 54% van George se inkomste uit kerndienste en belasting verteenwoordig. Hierdie inkomstebron is dus uiters belangrik vir ons hele samelewing.

 

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The draft budget for the 2021/22 financial year was tabled last week and included the new tariffs for electricity. The Executive Mayor Leon Van Wyk, explains below how these rates are determined.

Nersa (National Energy Regulator of South Africa) stipulates the increase in electricity prices that Eskom may pass on to consumers. The price at which electricity is sold to Municipalities (“Muns”) increases by 17.8%. A formula is used by Nersa to determine the price increase that Muns can pass on to consumers. Amounts for maintenance, salaries and the net allowable margins on electricity are included in this year’s sales price increase of 14.59%.

Eskom therefore supplies electricity to Muns at the bulk price. Muns is then responsible for maintaining their own distribution network and substations to power their domestic and business consumers. The costs of distributing electricity include the following: maintenance on power lines, transformers, substations, maintenance teams, depreciation on equipment, as well as the internal use of power (for pump stations, street lights, buildings) and comprises approximately 30% of total purchases .

There are different rates at which Eskom sells power to Muns depending on “peak” or “non-peak” times for “winter” and “summer”. The total amount for purchases for the year is therefore the kilowatt hours at the different rates. The Muns must therefore keep daily statistics of their purchases and sales against the different tariffs and who the consumers are.

To determine the selling prices, each Mun must analyse the consumption pattern. Industries are charged at time of use rates; “Peak” rates are therefore much more expensive than other times. The tariff for sales to households is determined at an average price for the year which is lower than the high “winter-peak” prices (ie the Mun sells at a loss) but which also includes the lower “summer” – and “not peak ”times.

Our Mun currently uses (2020/21) another one-off rate of 206.4 cents per kilowatt hour without VAT (237.3 cents VAT included) for all sales to domestic consumers (indigent consumers pay less for a number of units). Some of our neighbouring Muns have already started applying a basic availability levy where households pay an amount of, for example, R50 (or R100) per month before purchasing kilowatt-hour units. The initial block of units purchased will then be cheaper than the one-time rate charged by George but thereafter the rate will increase as additional blocks are purchased. This system is also called the “inclining block tariff” system. George has yet to decide whether the latter system will be introduced in the future.

Sales of electricity for 2021/22 are estimated at R875m (compared to purchases of R616m) which represents 54% of George’s revenue from core services and taxes. This source of income is therefore extremely important for our entire society.

George Municipality achieves Unqualified audit opinion for 2019/20 Audit Outcome

George Municipality confirms that it received an unqualified audit opinion, with one matter raised. The financial statements present fairly, in all material respects for the financial position as at 30 June 2020, and its financial performance and cash flows for the year then ended in accordance with the South African Standards of Generally Recognised Accounting Practice (SA Standards of GRAP) and the requirements of the Municipal Finance Management Act 56 of 2003 (MFMA) and the Division of Revenue Act 16 of 2019 (Dora). An Unqualified opinion is defined as an auditor’s opinion that the financials are fairly presented in all material respects.

The matter raised refers to the accuracy of the Indigent Database. It must be noted that George Municipality runs annual awareness campaigns around the registration of Indigents on the database as well as auditing of the older applications. The implementation of the standard annual actions for 2020 was however hindered by challenges arising from the Covid-19 pandemic. The Financial Services Directorate ran an awareness campaign in February of this year around Indigent Registration and the importance of updating information with the department and will continue to put in place internal control measures to ensure that the database is accurate.

George Municipality remains committed to the principles of good governance and continues to practice the principles and procedures required to maintain our fiscal discipline and stability. Our officials remain committed to delivering services of a high quality, continued good governance and compliance with legislation.

Definitions:
1. AFS – Audited Financial Statements
2. Qualified Opinion – The financial statements contain material misstatements in specific amounts, or there is insufficient evidence for us to conclude that specific amounts included in the financial statements are not materially misstated.
3. Unqualified Opinion The financial statements contain no material misstatements. Unless the Auditor-General expresses a “clean audit outcome”, findings have been raised on either reporting on predetermined objectives or non-compliance with legislation, or both these aspects.
4. Clean Audit – The financial statements are free from material misstatements (in other words, a financially unqualified audit opinion) and there are no material findings on reporting on performance objectives or non-compliance with legislation.

24 new flush toilets handed over to Kleinkrantz Informal Settlement

The Executive Mayor of George, Ald Leon van Wyk and senior Councillors from George Municipality were delighted to officially hand over 24 new flush toilets to residents of the Kleinkrantz Informal Settlement on Wednesday, 10 March.
Ald van Wyk noted that this was an important project where the municipality installed concrete slabs for the toilets, and the flush toilets were connected the existing water pipeline providing a positive change for residents who have used chemical toilets for many years.
Claudine van Staden and her husband, William, have been living in the Kleinkrantz Informal settlement for 26 years. Claudine, who runs a soup kitchen in the settlement says the flush toilets are more hygienic for her family and the rest of the residents.
Jonathan Miggels was so excited with his new ‘throne’ that he almost immediately painted it. “I am proud of the new facility and will keep it clean and maintain it. I’ve been a resident for 26 years in the settlement and this new toilet is definitely more convenient than the chemical toilets they used previously.”
Cllr Raybin Figland, Portfolio Councillor of Housing Settlements, says he is proud of the upgrade to a better facility and that this was a step in the right direction, to restoring the dignity of residents. Cllr Marlene Barnardt, Ward Councillor for Kleinkrantz, says she and the residents can hardly contain their excitement with the new facilities and together with the residents, she has many plans to make the toilet facilities even more attractive.
Edwin Herandien, Deputy Director: Human Settlements confirmed plastic doors have been used for the facilities to deter vandals from breaking the doors.
There are 66 families residing in the settlement. During the roll-out of the Informal Settlements’ masterplan, a total of 24 chemical toilets and 8 taps were provided to the inhabitants residing in this settlement. The toilets were provided from grant funding on a ratio of 1 sanitation facility for every 5 structures and 1 tap for every 25 structures as per the norm prescribed by the National Department of Human Settlements. The area where the settlement is situated is not level and the Municipality had to move toilets closer to structures where the elderly or disabled people live.
The George Municipality made funding available on the budget for the upgrading of informal settlements and this settlement was chosen due to the fact that water-borne toilets could easily be connected to the sewer system at a minimal cost. Existing toilet structures, harvested from another project, were upgraded (new toilet pots and cisterns installed) and utilised for this project which further reduced the cost. An additional 12 taps were also provided to the settlement.
Herandien said the service of 24 chemical toilets cost the Municipality an astronomical amount of around R18 000 per month. The project commenced at the end of January 2021 and the completion date of the project was February 2021.
Captions:
Hendriena Terblanche (50) has been living in the settlement for more than 30 years. Here she is with her grandchild, Lee-Ché Terblanche at one of the new toilets. At the back are Mayor Leon van Wyk and to the right is Cllr Raybin Figland.
Short Clip:
Jonathan Miggels was so excited with his new ‘throne’ that he almost immediately painted it. Miggels has been a resident for 26 years in the settlement. He is here with Mayor Van Wyk who officially handed over the facilities. – https://youtu.be/JW2PWLUGTZs

George Libraries celebrating Library Week from 15 – 20 March and World Poetry day

George Libraries celebrating Library Week from 15 – 20 March and World Poetry day

Issued by George Municipality on 15 March 2021 for immediate release

 

This year Water Week (15 to 22 March) and Human Rights Month will form part of Library Week and the George library will make water and human rights information part of its displays.

 

The Thembalethu Library will arrange an online story reading for the age group that still may not enter the library and will hold a poetry reading tomorrow, 16 March with local poet, Nkosinathi Meziwa, that launched his poetry book, Lolani izikrwege, at the Thembalethu Library recently. The eclectic poetry book which has a bit of everything is in English and isiXhosa.
Archie Swanson, a local author, will record a discussion on poems from his latest anthology and a podcast of a radio programme and poem readings will be part of a poetry evening tomorrow, Tuesday 16 March  at 18h00.

National Poetry Day on the 21st of March falls on a weekend this year and activities at the libraries will be held earlier.

Biographical information of local authors in George will be displayed at the George Library in honour of Kippie van Straaten, a senior librarian of George Library, who started the files and who passed away during 2020. The library will have an outreach to the Up with Downs organisation and  have a virtual storytelling of Dr. Seuss.

 

Blanco Library will be distributing bookmarks and library bags and posters at different community points during the week. The library will be donating books to the friends of the library and focus on promoting the importance of reading as a key to human wellbeing. On the 19th of March they will be visiting local schools in celebration of Library Week.

 

At Haarlem Library they will have a digital show and tell activity to make animals out of recycled material for children. The show will be pre-recorded on video and loaded on the George Municipality YouTube channel during the Week.

 

Pacaltsdorp Librarians will be visiting different institutions to speak about Library Week.

Caption: Annette Kortman of Thembalethu Library.

 

GO GEORGE schedules on upcoming Public Holidays

GO GEORGE SCHEDULES ON UPCOMING PUBLIC HOLIDAYS

Issued Monday 15 March 2021

 

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

With Human Rights Day (21 March) falling on a Sunday this year, Monday the 22nd of March will be a public holiday with the buses operating according to the Saturday schedule.

Over the Easter weekend, Friday the 2nd of April will see the buses run according to the Sunday schedule, and on Monday the 5th of April, the Saturday schedule will apply on all routes.

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

 

GO GEORGE-SKEDULES OP KOMENDE VAKANSIEDAE

Uitgereik Maandag 15 Maart 2021

 

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

Met Menseregtedag (21 Maart) wat hierdie jaar op ‘n Sondag val, is Maandag 22 Maart ‘n openbare vakansiedag en sal die busse volgens die Saterdagskedule ry.

Oor die Paasnaweek sal die Sondagskedule gevolg word op Vrydag 2 April, en Maandag 5 April sal die Saterdagskedule op alle roetes geld.

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

 Mayor hands over green and blue bags in celebration of the recycling service restarting

Mayor hands over green and blue bags in celebration of the recycling service restarting

Executive Mayor Leon van Wyk and Portfolio Cllr for Community Services, Sean Snyman met up with the new recycling contractor, LGE Waste, in Pacaltsdorp on Thursday, 4 March while busy with clearing of backlog and handing out new bags to the public.

The mayor gave a local resident, Charmaine Stols, a blue and green bag to start with recycling and green waste disposal in the correct manner. Van Wyk said he came out with the contractor to see how they follow the route in Pacaltsdorp and how the service is being rolled out. “It is of outmost important to get the service up and running. It will take the contractor  a few weeks to get back up to full speed and to work in the backlog. We ask the public to please remain  patient and to phone in their complaints to the Cleansing Department. We hope that all residents will participate in the recycling and proper waste disposal and that illegal dumping will eventually become something of the past,” Van Wyk said.

Cllr Snyman said that George is definitely moving in the right direction with the appointment of the new service provider. He said the Municipality had struggled for half a year to resolve the service issues and  that it should be much better from now onwards.  Stols said she is very happy and thankful for the service because she wants to live in cleanliness.

The contractor confirmed that they have been handing out bags already to a lot of areas in George and will continue issuing blue and green bags as they work away the backlog.

 

George Acting Director Community Services, Allen Paulse previously said the municipality was relieved to make an appointment after the previous service provider Interwaste had closed its regional offices in George and ended its contract with the municipality in July of last year.

 

LGE Waste  takes up the service as per the previous schedule and will be collecting green and blue bags from all areas that have a recent history of recycling. These include most suburbs of George – incorporating more recent participating areas Ballotsview, Borcherds, Conville, New Dawn Park, Delville Park, Pacaltsdorp, Parkdene, Protea Park, Rosemore and Sea View – as well as the outer areas of Wilderness, Kleinkrantz, Hoekwil, Victoria Bay and Herolds Bay.

 

Two green and two blue replacement bags will be issued to every household in the above-mentioned areas and thereafter to households in exchange for bags placed out.

 

Implementation in Haarlem and Uniondale is currently being investigated to ensure the most effective service, details of which will be announced to the affected communities as soon as arrangements have been finalised.

 

Service to Lawaaikamp and Thembalethu will, for now, be handled on request via the ward councillor or office numbers as listed below. The municipality and service provider hope to commence awareness campaigns in these areas as soon as Covid-19 restrictions allow, with the intent to roll out a more extensive service as more households participate.

 

Residents can put out four green bags and unlimited number of blue bags together with up to seven black bags on their scheduled removal day. Blue and green bags will be collected on the same day as black bags, but by different vehicles.

 

“While we expect the switch-over to go relatively smoothly from the first round, we appeal to residents to remain patient a little while longer should there be any hiccups. We thank residents who have kept the faith with us in these challenging times and hope that others will join our efforts as the service gains momentum once again,” said Mr Paulse.

 

Households or businesses that are actively recycling and require additional green or blue bags, can collect from George Municipality Environmental Services or LGE Waste (details below).

 

ENQUIRIES:

Green and blue bags:

LGE Waste

Physical address: 10 Extension Road, Pacaltsdorp Industrial Area. Phone: 044 878 0688 Email: lgewaste@gmail.com

Black bags:

George Municipality Environmental Services

Physical address: 82 Meade Street, George. Phone 044 802 2900

 

Caption: Mayor Leon van Wyk (middle) hands over a green and blue bag to Charmaine Stols from Back Street, Pacaltsdorp in celebrating the rollout of the service again after seven frustrating months. With him are members from the new Service provider, LGE Waste. From left are Wendy Gelderblom,  Simone Baardman, Muneer Mapoli, Stols and the Mayor, Lorenze Gelderblom (Director: LGE Waste), Faried Follentine and Cllr Sean Snyman, Portfolio Councillor for Community Services.

 

Poetry book launched

A local poet from George, Nkosinathi Meziwa, that also works for the department of Correctional Services, launched his poetry book, Lolani izikrwege, at the Thembalethu Library recently. The eclectic poetry book which has a bit of everything is in English and isiXhosa. He donated 20 copies of his book to the local libraries. Meziwa will do a poetry reading on National Poetry Day on the 21st of March.
In the picture are Meza (right) with Rachel Williams and James de Waal from George Libraries. Williams has a copy of the book in her hands. The book was published in September 2020 during Covid-19 lockdown.

Thembalethu Bridge upgrade will boost Southern Cape economy

Thembalethu Bridge upgrade will boost Southern Cape economy
Issued on behalf of SANRAL and George Municipality, Tuesday 9 March 2021

Western Cape, 9 March 2021 – With road infrastructure being prioritised in South Africa’s economic recovery plan in a post-COVID environment, the upgrade of the Thembalethu Bridge in George, bodes well for the Southern Cape economy. This project is a collaborative venture between SANRAL and the George Local Municipality, with the Department Transport having provided R82,127 million towards the funding of the project. SANRAL is the Implementing Agent working closely with the George Municipality.

 

The total construction period is between 24 and 30 months, which should create project participation opportunities for SMMEs as well as both direct and indirect jobs for the local community.

 

The scope of works involves the widening of the Thembalethu Bridge across the N2 from a single carriageway to accommodate two lanes in each direction, with additional turning lanes as well as extra space for pedestrians and cyclists.

 

“A new bridge will be constructed on the Western side. Once completed, the existing bridge will be raised and stitched to the new bridge, to ensure that the upgraded structure complies with the minimum bridge clearance of 5.2 metres,” explained Petronella Theron, SANRAL Project Manager.

 

Detailed design works is currently being finalised and the tender for a contractor will be out by June 2021. Taking the procurement processes into account, the contractor should be appointed by November 2021.

 

All SANRAL projects are guided by a 14-point plan that sets the tone for project liaison, sub-contracting and labour sourcing, as well as a commitment to its transformation policy that seeks to prioritise economic empowerment of black businesses in South Africa.

 

“With 30% of the project value being committed to targeted enterprises for subcontracting, there are huge opportunities for start-ups and emerging SMMEs to benefit from project participation,” said Thembinkosi Mosobela, SANRAL Stakeholder Coordinator in the Western Region.

 

A process of engagement with relevant stakeholders, is already underway and SANRAL, together with the George Local Municipality will explore opportunities to provide training and development of SMMEs in the road construction sector, to ensure that they are equipped, capacitated and ready to tender for work packages that become available on this project.

 

“These information-sharing and training sessions are of cardinal importance to ensure we broaden the scope of economic opportunities to businesses in the surrounding communities. Our transformation objectives are particularly aligned to facilitate participation of persons with disabilities, women-owned business as well as youth-owned operations,” continued Mosobela.

 

 

//ends

 

Issued on behalf of SANRAL by FTI Consulting. 

Mayoral letter 5 – March 2021

Daar word tans heelwat aandag aan die moeilike tye wat munisipaliteite ervaar in die media gegee. Ek wil graag George se prentjie in die lig hiervan skilder.

 

Dit word genoem dat indien munisipaliteite sou misluk, dit dan bydra tot die agteruitgang van die land se ekonomie. Baie munisipaitieite buite die Metros en die sekondêre stede sukkel met effektiewe bestuur van die dienslewering wat verskaf moet word. Hulle sukkel om betroubare water, riool-dienste en elektrisiteit te voorsien en betalings vir dienste gelewer in te vorder. Dikwels is hierdie probleme as gevolg van swak bestuur en oorsig deur die stadsrade.

 

In George is ons tans hard besig met regstellende aksies om te verseker dat dienslewering van hoë gehalte gelewer word. Daar word tans na die versterking van bestuur gekyk asook om toe te sien dat begrotings spandeer word om infrastruktuur te onderhou, te herbou en uit te brei om ekonomiese aktiwiteite te bevorder. Daar word gevolglik klem gesit om ‘n omgewing te skep wat sake sal vergemaklik en beleggers lok om die plaaslike en streeks- ekonomieë te laat uitbrei en werksgeleenthede sal skep.

 

George is in die gelukkige posisie dat die munisipalitieit een van die 19 “sekondêre stede” in die land is terwyl daar ook die 8 “Metros” bestaan. Ons word dus met Drakenstein en Stellenbosch in die WesKaap vergelyk asook Mbombela, Rustenburg, Emfuleni en Polokwane elders in the die land. Die sekondêre stede vervul dus ‘n belangrik rol om die streeks-ekonomieë te bevorder.

 

Die agt Metros het in die jaar tot 30 Junie 2020, R249bn (59%) van die totale bedryfs- en kapitaal-uitgawes vir alle munisipaliteite spandeer, terwyl die sekondere stede R49bn (12%) spandeer het. Al die ander kleiner plaaslike munisipaliteite het saam R82bn (20%)  spandeer terwyl die Distrik-munisipaliteite saam R39bn (9%) spandeer het.

 

Ons is tans ook in die proses om die begroting vir die komende 2021/22 boekjaar voor te berei. Die kern funksies van ‘n munisiplaitieit verlang dat  basiese dienste verskaf moet word: voorsiening van water, riool-dienste, elektrisiteit, vullis-verwydering en strate en stormwater. Hierdie dienste behels tans ongeveer 74% van die bedryfsuitgawes. Bykomende dienste vir ons munisipaliteit bestaan uit beplanning, ekonomiese ontwikkeling en toerisme, brandweer, verkeer en wetstoepassing wat ongeveer 12% van die begroting opneem. Die administrasie insluitend afdelings wat regs-, rekenaar- en interne oudit-dienste insluit, behels ‘n verdere 8,5% van die begroting. Die oorblywende 5,5% van die begroting word gebruik om na gemeenskap en sosiale-dienste verpligtinge om te sien.

 

Daar word beplan dat die kapitaal-begroting vir die 2021/22 jaar grootliks gebruik sal word om die rioolwerke te vergroot asook om uitbreidings aan die waterwerke te loods. Hierdie beleggings in infrastruktuur word benodig om meer kapasiteit vir die groei van George te verskaf. Ons riool-pompstasies en paaie verg ook aandag.

Mayoral letter 4 – February 2021

Mayor Newsletter: 8 February 2021

The recent opening of beaches and of liquor stores has hopefully provided a more positive outlook for all of us as we continue to deal with the new normal that we are experiencing since the arrival of Covid-19.

This news has coincided with the ongoing efforts this past week to examine how the Municipality can improve the effectiveness of its operations. The Acting Municipal Manager is leading this process with exercises being undertaken to examine ways of reducing costs while maintaining productivity.

This exercise provides the opportunity for renewal and is essential as the Municipality needs to ensure cost containment measures are put in place to curtail our Expenditure to the level of Revenue being generated.

It is evident from discussions with the business sector that the second Covid-19 wave halted the more positive outlook that had emerged by October. It is apparent that many in the retail sector experienced a year-on-year decline in turnover over December and January in George. This trend is concerning as virtually all of our customer base have been affected to a lesser or greater extent.

This impacts on the Municipality’s finances through the reduction in Revenue and lower debtor collection rates of our monthly accounts and therefore also on cash flow. We are constantly re-examining the estimated effects on our cash flow for the rest of the financial year to 30 June 2021 and the adjustments that will be required.

While we are dealing with the above financial impact we are also in the midst of a major capital expansion project to enlarge the capacities of our waste water and water treatment plants along with refurbishment that will require the funding and affordability of projects amounting to approximately R1 billion over the next three years. Growth in housing stock and other infrastructure in George has continued year by year resulting in the requirement to undertake the expansion. Amendments are being made to policies to enable the appointment of the necessary expertise to manage these projects.

As I have indicated above we live in interesting times as we search for hope, positivity and optimism. From a municipal perspective, we are striving to balance the present challenges while planning for the future. We will be continuing our engagements with the community under the “First Thursday” brand with the intention of holding collaborative discussions with various sectors to inter alia understand how we can facilitate additional economic activity within the George economy. We need to both preserve and grow jobs. This needs to be our constant objective. Any suggestions for such engagements can be forwarded to: mayor@george.gov.za

Mayoral letter 3 – January 2021

Mayor Newsletter: 11 January 2021

In mid-December there was eager anticipation for the holiday period in the Garden Route after enduring the Covid-19 pandemic for many months. We needed an economic boost for the tourism and business sectors so dependent on seasonal business.

At the same time, the second wave of Covid-19 was reaching its peak in George with active positive cases well above the first-wave peak but followed by a decline in numbers in the second half of December. Although healthcare workers were under severe pressure, thankfully they were managing. We saw increases in the numbers of persons who died, including municipal employees. Tragically, many of us now know someone who had have been ill or who have succumbed to the disease.

Suddenly from 15 December, after the announcement of the beach closures, there was a spate of cancellations of accommodation bookings. Many of our businesses rely on the core six-week December-January holiday season to generate 25-30% of their annual turnover which is usually crucial to support their overheads for the rest of the year.

In attempting to manage the financial effects of the pandemic we have become acutely aware of the delicate balance required between health and the effect on the economy. Without the benefit of good turnovers over the holiday period, further jobs could be lost as businesses find it tough in the coming year. As a result, it is likely that the George Municipality will experience a reduction in revenue and debtors’ collection.

The municipality is constantly looking to adapt how it conducts business safely with a hybrid model of working virtually and face-to-face. It is crucial that the health of employees and the public is considered. Our core services continue 24/7 and staff work around the clock to ensure the provision of water, sewerage and electricity, fire services, law enforcement, etc. We encourage our citizens to make use of available online methods of conducting business with the municipality where possible and is being communicated widely. Citizens are encouraged to download the George Municipality mobile application ( https://george.comunity.me ) to their phones which enables the receipt of important notifications.

 

On Monday 4 January 2021 we welcomed Dr Michele Gratz as Acting Municipal Manager (AMM) as well as Mr Allan Paulse as Acting Director: Community Services. Both are highly experienced administrators. The AMM has immediately commenced with measures that will improve workflow, efficiencies and use of resources and assets. Over the next few weeks and months, we can expect improvements in service delivery as processes are upgraded.

 

Please continue to keep safe by adopting the Covis-19 health protocols wherever you are. Every citizen needs to adhere to the protocols to ensure our safety.

Mayoral letter 2 – December 2020

Following the departure of two senior officials in the past week, we will shortly move forward to implement remedial measures to improve and correct management practices to effect a positive impact on standards of service delivery.

Over the past few years the Council has been dealing with allegations of financial misconduct and forensic investigations. These incidents are indicative of the challenges encountered in ensuring that effective governance is maintained. Successful local government requires a fine balance between legislation, available budgets, service delivery needs, governance, management and the execution of projects and services. Any disruption of this balance ideally needs to be avoided.

We have encountered such a disruption of the fine balance during the recent decline in refuse collection standards where many residents have expressed their displeasure. We are grateful to the managers who have stepped in to restore service delivery standards. While some administrative processes are still receiving attention, steady progress is being made to restore service standards.

We are heartened by some sage, understanding and encouraging comments expressed by residents who appreciate the complexity of issues that are being dealt with in the municipal space at present. It is so important to remain positive and express hope as we deal with the above issues and those below.

During 2020 we have encountered both the weak economy and the Covid-19 pandemic. We are now experiencing a spike of active positive cases in George and in the Garden Route. As of Monday 7 December the Municipality has 48 staff members in isolation with a total of 159 persons (1 in 9 of the staff complement) who have already experienced the virus (with 4 deaths to date). This should provide some context to the trials being faced. Within the health sector, the George Hospital staff complement is being overwhelmed. As we enter the holiday season, we need to appeal to all our citizens to take extra care in observing the critical health protocols of wearing masks, washing hands, maintaining social distancing, avoiding crowded and poorly ventilated spaces, staying home when feeling sick.

The gross financial effects of Covid-19 on the Municipality is such that the equivalent of one month’s Revenue has either been lost or may not be recovered. An exercise to contain Expenditure has been underway for the past few months as we need to match Expenditure to expected Revenue levels. This remains an ongoing challenge.

Our economy has been adversely affected impacting on both our business and individual customers. We are extremely grateful to our customers who have managed to continue to pay their accounts thereby assisting the Municipality to maintain financial stability since the commencement of the pandemic.

We wish all our residents and visitors a wonderful and safe Festive Season.

Mayoral letter 1 – November 2020

Executive Mayor Leon Van Wyk, Part One of a regular letter to the citizens of George – the Mayoral Perspective

 

The George Municipality Council has experienced complex challenges during 2020 ranging from allegations of maladministration, to the sluggish economic conditions made worse by the Covid-19 pandemic, the resultant decline in service delivery standards and the turnaround underway to once again place George on a trajectory of clean government and governance.

In September 2019, three forensic investigations were launched into the allegations of maladministration at George by the Western Cape Government (“WCG”). They related to the “War on Waste” (“WoW”), the “construction of Nelson Mandela Boulevard” (“NMB”) and the appointments made in relation to the “Expanded Public Works Programme” (“EPWP”). A fourth investigation into certain Appointments is currently underway.

Shortly before the Covid-19 pandemic lockdown period commenced, the WoW report was tabled in Council with a recommendation that an independent disciplinary investigation into the actions of the implicated managers be undertaken. This report will be tabled before Council shortly. A separate investigation by the Priority Crimes Investigation Unit has resulted in the implicated officials appearing in Court to face criminal charges.  At the end of October 2020, Council referred the NMB and EPWP investigation reports for disciplinary investigations by external professional firms as required by the Municipal Systems Act.

These investigations have no doubt been unsettling for the Administration and had an impact on the normal high standards of service delivery expected by George citizens. There are many dedicated, honest and loyal officials who have assisted in the efforts to restore clean administration. They have been granted the space to implement the necessary changes within the Community Services Directorate to effect a gradual improvement in the refuse collection service and the clearing of illegally dumped refuse.

During the past seven months, the Municipality has also had to manage the fall-out caused by the Covid-19 pandemic that resulted in the periodic closure of offices, staff being infected and sadly some staff members losing their lives. Over 137 soup kitchens were operated daily at the peak of the pandemic to provide thousands of servings per day to vulnerable members of our communities.

The negative financial effects of Covid-19 have resulted in a reduction in the payment of service accounts, sundry revenue, lower sales of bus tickets, and additional expenditure incurred to combat Covid-19.  The debtors collection rate has reduced from a consistent 96% to an average of 91% per month since March 2020.

The impact on our economy and customer base and how the municipality will be dealing with these complex issues during the economic recovery phase will be dealt with in series of letters to the public of George from