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Author: Debra Sauer

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

 

SEDA invites female entrepreneurs to a webinar

Are you a female entrepreneur trading locally or internationally?
Are you ready to become part of an international network with over 3
million women in markets across the world?
Seda in partnership with DSBD (Department of Small Business
Development) and ITC (International Trade Centre) would like to invite
you to the SheTrades Awareness webinar, targeting the following
provinces: (Northern Cape, Mpumalanga, Gauteng, Western Cape)
25th March 2021 • 11:00 – 12:30 • Zoom – online
Register in advance for this webinar:
https://seda-pta.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN__
lpp05HMRaGC7SSqlkAMxA

Come join this phenomenal and unique platform which allows women
owned businesses to connect with diverse businesses, learn various
news business skills through free e-learning materials, participate in
exhibitions and stay up to date with ITC’s SheTrades news and activities.

Support available to help businesses stay open and keep operating safely  

MEDIA RELEASE BY DAVID MAYNIER

WESTERN CAPE MINISTER OF FINANCE AND ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITIES

Date: 03 March 2021

Release: immediately

Support available to help businesses stay open and keep operating safely 

 

With the move to Alert Level 1 this week we appeal to all employers and employees to please continue to adhere to the critical safety measures to stop the spread of Covid-19 in the workplace.

 

Since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic, we have worked hard to help businesses in the Western Cape to open safely, and most recently the Department of Economic Development and Tourism have secured the services of an occupational health & safety (OHS) agency to assist businesses at no cost.

 

Through our engagements with businesses, we have heard how many are struggling to implement the necessary workplace safety protocols and so the OHS support is available to assist businesses to ensure compliance. This includes assistance such as completing Covid-19 risk assessments, developing risk mitigation plans and implementing relevant sector-specific Covid-19 health and safety measures.

 

Businesses that are in need of this support may contact the OHS service provider Afro Centric Fast Pulse Employee Benefit Solutions directly at Covid19.ohas@afrocentric-ics.com. (Please note that this support is only available until 23 March 2021)

 

Working together we can ensure that businesses remain open and more people get back to work so we can save jobs and save the economy in the Western Cape.

 

Our workplace safety programme team have responded to over 4 200 complaints by customers and employees of non-compliance by businesses in the Western Cape. Where we can assist and advise businesses to implement these necessary safety measures, we have done so, but where there are serious violations of the safety measures these are reported to the Department of Employment and Labour with a request for immediate action which may include temporary closure of the business.

 

Employers and employees are also encouraged to make use of the valuable Covid-19 workplace safety resources which can be found on the Western Cape government’s website:

The move to Alert Level 1 is a welcome relief for businesses across the Western Cape who have been hard hit by the Covid-19 pandemic, and provides an opportunity to breathe new life into the economy. We will continue to work hard to support businesses and save jobs, focusing with urgency on the rebuilding of our economy in the Western Cape.

More than R355-million spent on preventing illegal land invasions

 MORE THAN R355-MILLION SPENT ON PREVENTING ILLEGAL LAND INVASIONS

2 March 2021

 

It is incomprehensible that during the current financial year, the Western Cape Department of Human Settlements, has already spent more than R 355 million to prevent illegal land invasions and the illegal occupation of completed units. Between July 2020 and 28 February 2021, there were 1 014 attempts of illegal land invasions across the province, with the majority being in the Cape Metro.

This means, with the exclusion of the bulk services, approximately 2 150 Breaking New Ground (BNG)/free housing units could’ve been built.

It is deeply concerning that those encouraging these illegal land invasions are blatantly disregarding the impact this has on the most vulnerable, which they claim to represent. Knowing that it takes in excess of 1 500 days for a brand-new human settlements project to be completed to the point of handover to beneficiaries, we have put a plan in place to avoid all unnecessary delays on our side.

This process includes working smartly to obtain all the relevant and required statutory approvals, which amongst others consist of town planning, environmental impact studies, land surveying, engineering services and indeed the process of building the units.

We’re constantly seeing how projects are delayed due to these invasions. In fact, the delivery of housing opportunities can be delayed by 3 months to 5 years, and in rare instances even longer. Having the elderly, individuals living with medically certified disabilities, those who’ve been on the Housing Demand Database (HDD) for 15 years and longer and backyard dwellers, wait even longer due to these illegal invasions is unacceptable and uncalled for.

To further ensure that no land that is earmarked for human settlement development is lost, a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) was developed by the provincial department to assist municipalities across the province which might be experiencing illegal invasions. This SOP, which is still to be finalised with the municipalities, seeks to ensure that there is a coordinated approach between the provincial department and municipalities to rapidly respond to illegal land invasion attempts to either prevent the invasion or remove the illegal occupiers lawfully.

It is also critical that we receive assistance from our citizenry to avoid these illegal invasions. The more the various stakeholders, including the different spheres of government and especially our national law enforcement agencies, work together, the more we can ensure that these illegal invasions are prevented – and where they might’ve occurred, the illegal invaders can swiftly be removed in accordance with the law.

We can only start addressing the housing backlog, which is currently at almost 600 000 in the Western Cape, if we all work together to end this criminal behaviour.

Those with a genuine housing need must ensure that they are registered on the housing demand database and if they are, to verify and update their details. In addition to this, they should also engage the relevant structures such as Project Steering Committees (PSC’s) and Ward Councillors to receive factual information, and not allow devious community leaders to mislead them.

This will only lead to disappointment at the hands of dubious individuals who do not have their best interests at heart. These individuals seek to disrupt and break our communities down by offering false promises and inaccurate information. Government has no such vested interest – we are there to uplift and serve you.

As the Western Cape Government, we remain committed to accelerating human settlement delivery, while promoting social inclusion through the development of integrated, resilient, safe and sustainable human settlements in an open opportunity society.

GO GEORGE sets learners on their way to safe bus travel

GO GEORGE sets learners on their way to safe bus travel

Issued: 22 Feb 2021

 

The 2021 school year has commenced at last with all learners returning to school last week. With most schools rotating attendance, the usual increase of bus passengers was not as noticeable this year, but GO GEORGE was ready to welcome the young passengers back on board, focusing on route planning for the new commuters and Covid safety for all.

GO GEORGE communication champions were positioned at all bus stops close to schools, handing out and explaining school-specific route maps. New GO GEORGE superhero, The Sanitiser, provided lots of fun and laughter sanitising the learners’ hands with a toy water pistol while the importance of hand sanitising was reinforced by handing out pocket-sized bottles with sanitiser.

Any individuals, schools or businesses needing more information about using the bus service are welcome to phone the GO GEORGE Call Centre on 0800 044 044 for assistance, or to request a visit from the communications team.

CAPTION:

The GO GEORGE champions handed out and explained each school’s specific route map for learners travelling to the school from different areas in of town.

 

 

GO GEORGE berei leerders voor vir veiligheid op bus

Uitgereik: 22 Februarie 2021

 

Die 2021-skooljaar het uiteindelik begin met alle leerders wat verlede week teruggekeer het skool toe. Met die meeste skole wat bywoning roteer, was die gewone toename in buspassasiers nie vanjaar so merkbaar nie, maar GO GEORGE was gereed om die jong passasiers weer aan boord te verwelkom, met die fokus op roetebeplanning vir die nuwe pendelaars, en Covid-veiligheid vir almal.

GO GEORGE-passasiersdiensbeamptes is by alle bushaltes naby skole geplaas om skool-spesifieke roetekaarte uit te deel en toe te lig. Die nuwe GO GEORGE-superheld, The Sanitiser, het vir baie pret gesorg met sy ontsmetting van die leerders se hande met sy speelgoed-waterpistool terwyl die belangrikheid van handreiniging versterk is deur sakgrootte botteltjies met handreiniger uit te deel.

Enige individue, skole of sakeondernemings wat meer inligting oor die gebruik van die busdiens benodig, is welkom om die GO GEORGE-inbelsentrum by 0800 044 044 te skakel vir hulp, of om ‘n besoek van die kommunikasiespan aan te vra.

ONDERSKRIF:

Die GO GEORGE-passasiersdiensbeamptes het elke skool se spesifieke roetekaart uitgedeel en verduidelik aan leerders wat uit verskillende gebiede in die dorp bus ry skool toe.

 

 

Public Notification: Recent power outages explained

PUBLIC NOTIFICATION:  RECENT POWER OUTAGES EXPLAINED

 

During a 24-hour period this week, seven cable faults were experienced on 5 11kv cables.  The cables mostly fed the CBD, Denneoord and Bergsig areas.

The bulk of the residents in these areas were able to be re-energised using alternative feeders, but unfortunately 13 small transformers had to remain off until repairs were completed to at least one of the 11 kv underground cables.

 

A preliminary investigation and fault analysis indicated that there were no network abnormalities or negligence that could have caused the cable faults.

Further investigations are still being performed to give us an indication as to why so many cable faults occurred in such a short time.  The latest series of load shedding by ESKOM has not been ruled out as a possible cause.

 

The network remains vulnerable until such time as all the cables have been repaired and the system is switched back to normal. The first outage occurred at 03h13 on the 15th February and the last consumers were restored at 02h51 today 16th February.

 

George Municipality apologizes for this unforeseen occurrence and regrets any inconvenience caused.

George Municipal Court committed to service despite stringent Covid regulations

George Municipal Court committed to service despite stringent Covid regulations

Although the Covid-19 pandemic hit all services hard especially during the stringent lockdown period in 2020,  the George Municipal Court has dealt with 45122  municipal traffic cases opening in 2017, excluding cases from the Provincial Traffic Department.

 

Adv Johann Van Schalkwyk, Head: Legal and Compliance Services, George Municipality said the court is served by a magistrate Amanda Joubert,  stenographer Michael Krige, prosecutor Sikolele Magxwalisa, an interpreter Adrian Kraai, clerk of the court Angelique Felix and an administrative clerk Andiswa Dakada.  The main purpose of the Court is to prosecute and adjudicate traffic related offences received from both the Provincial and Municipal Traffic Departments, which were committed within the jurisdiction of the Municipality and to ensure compliance with the National Building Regulations and Municipal By-Laws.

The Municipal Court is achieving its objective of providing a better service to the community and ensuring compliance with legislation and by-laws. Van Schalkwyk said the court is functioning well and fulfils its role to deliver a service to the residents of George.

The public is reminded that the municipal court located at George Civic Centre, currently operates under strict Covid-19 protocols. The entrance to the building is at the front of the George Civic Centre (facing York Street). Members of the public can make appointments to see the Prosecutor of the court, Sikolele Magxwalisa. The public can send the prosecutor an email on smagxwalisa@george.gov.za or phone the clerk of the court on 044 801 9400.

Caption: MunCourt3 – A posed scene of the Courtroom when in session.

George Libraries celebrate World Read-Aloud Day

 George Libraries celebrate World Read-Aloud Day.

George Library joined the rest of the world by being part of World Read-aloud day on Wednesday,  February 3rd, in order to develop and foster a love for reading and books.

Rachel Williams, Manager: George Libraries said they linked up with Nali’Bal i(which means “here’s the story”) to escape into a world of fun and laughter by means of a story written by Sihle Nontshokweni and  illustrated by Magriet Brink and Leo Daly: Fly, everyone, fly! Janine Pierre Carolus, librarian at George Library, is the library story-reader this  year. Librarians Garelene Muller from George library, Angelina Figeland from Waboomskraal library and Jeanetta Rhode from Conville Library also read stories aloud to indicate the importance of literature and reading. All the video clips  can be found on the George Municipality Youtube account https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQJRa8wJoapRYwh1YcPwMEQ/videos

According to Mrs Williams, this campaign advocates for access to literacy and diverse stories as the aim, is celebrated on the first Wednesday of February each year. She said World Read-Aloud Day is an inspiring programme that unlocks the potential of young ones through literacy. George Library Service took part in this event by means of a virtual programme as well as radioslots on Eden FM and Heartbeat FM. Malibongwe Luyenge and library assistant at Blanco Library, Gene Carolus , spoke about the campaign on radio and read stories aloud for the radio listeners.

Williams said we must encourage one another to become passionate about reading, writing and storytelling and root these habits into our daily lives. Staff members read to small groups of children and in some instances even had one-on-one sessions with youngsters during this annual reading campaign. In adherence to Covid-19 protocols, no events were held inside the libraries. All events took place in outside spaces.

She said the value of Reading Aloud is that It is a fun activity that allows children to escape into another world, it stimulates and enhance good listening and communication skills and it exposes children to new words and thoughts, which develop cognitive and language skills.

Williams says the value of World Read Aloud Day is the exposure of  children to different cultures and languages as the story by Nali’Bali is written in all official languages. The emphasis of the day is put on the importance of books, literature and reading .

 

Caption:

Read aloud 1: Audrenay Meiring from Pacaltsdorp Primary School reads aloud on World Read Aloud Day.

Jayden Erasmus from Waboomskraal Primary School reads aloud on World Read Aloud Day. Jayden’s recording can be found on the George Municipality’s Youtube channel – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eegAQu3iUJk

 

George Municipality and Business Partners take hands to upgrade Netball courts in communities

George Municipality and Business Partners take hands to upgrade Netball courts in communities
George Municipality’s Sport Development section is pleased to announce that through the efforts of K1 Quarry, a business partner in George, that helps with social upliftment projects, funds were approved for the upgrading of the Pacaltsdorp and Rosemoor Sport grounds and in particular the Netball courts.
According to Granville Campher, Manager: Sport Development at George Municipality, the funds will be used to fence the netball courts. New gates and new fencing will be erected at Pacaltsdorp as well. Campher said this good news comes in time for the Netball World Cup that was awarded to South Africa for 2023. The facilities at the Sport Grounds serve most schools in the vicinity. He said the individual fencing of the different netball courts make a huge difference, since more games can be played at once without players moving into some of the other courts.
Campher said an application for funding for the upgrade of Pacaltsdorp and Rosemoor Sport Grounds netball facilities was submitted via JK Consulting for consideration by the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy as part of Lezmin (2021)t/a K1 Quarry’s statutory responsibility project that forms part of the conditions of their mining license.
In line with the Integrated Development Plan of the George Municipality on sporting development, discussions were held in September 2020 with the various stakeholders, including the Portfolio Councillor for Community Services, Cllr Sean Snyman, Eden Netball federation and Ward Councillors of the different Wards directly impacted by this project. Campher said at this meeting it was decided that Pacaltsdorp and Rosemoor Sports Grounds needed upgrading. The project will commence in early 2021.
Cllr Snyman said it is fantastic to see how the private sector and the Municipality are taking hands to create sustainable projects. “I am looking forward to more projects of this kind,” Snyman remarked.
Caption: Cllr Sean Snyman (Portfolio Councillor for Community Services) second from left and Desmond Jaftha from K1 Quarry with the memorandum of understanding regarding the upgrading of the Rosemoor and Pacaltsdorp netball fields. On the far left is Granville Campher, Manager: Sport Development and Leveinia Botha, Sports Development Officer.

GO GEORGE keeping the Covid-safety message alive

GO GEORGE keeping the Covid-safety message alive

Issued on 16 Feb 2021

 

With an essential service such as the GO GEORGE bus service officially classified as a high-risk area for the spread of the Covid-19 virus, the constant refreshing of safety messages to promote awareness and compliance to regulations is critical.

“There’s always the risk that people may become complacent when a situation lingers on as is the case with the pandemic,” says James Robb, GO GEORGE Manager. “For this reason, our communications team is constantly coming up with new creative ideas and innovative forms of communication to reach as many of our passengers as possible, and with a message that they can identify with.”

Audio and visual messaging

Apart from regular newspaper and radio advertisements and social media reminders to adhere to the regulations, voice recordings are played over loudspeakers at the Transport Hub during peak times, and Covid-safety messages have been added to the digital board inside the bus. With passengers spending some time daily at the bus shelters, vinyl panels carrying the message have also been applied there, where everybody can see it. By including both audio and visual messaging, the bus service reiterates its commitment to make this important message accessible to people with different categories of special needs.

Champions “walking reminders”

The communication champions have two sets of eye-catching outfits with Covid messaging to wear when they are on duty.

“It sometimes just takes someone with a bright-yellow sash like a beauty queen to remind you to pull up your mask over your nose as well!” says Robb.

Targeting learners

With schools starting this week, communication champions are at the bus stops near schools to hand out flyers with relevant safety measures when travelling by bus. A colourful superhero named The Sanitiser will make his debut as part of the communications team, sanitising the learners’ hands in a playful manner with a toy water pistol filled with sanitising liquid. To make the message stick, small bottles of GO GEORGE-branded hand sanitiser are also handed out.

For any information about the bus service, the public is invited to phone the GO GEORGE Call Centre on 0800 044 044, seven days a week.

 

CAPTIONS:
1. Tyron Jeyi, newly appointed Community Liaison Officer in the communications team, points to the on-board digital messaging board where information such as the next stop on the route is displayed. Important Covid-safety messages relating to behaviour on the bus have now been added to the list.

  1. Communication champions Zanele Gosa (left) and Janell Gelant display examples of the apparel with Covid-safety reminders which they wear when engaging with passengers.

 

GO GEORGE hou Covid-veiligheidsboodskap lewe

Uitgereik op 15 Februarie 2021

 

Met ‘n noodsaaklike diens soos die GO GEORGE-busdiens wat amptelik as ‘n hoë-risikogebied vir die verspreiding van die Covid-19-virus geklassifiseer is, is die konstante verfrissing van veiligheidsboodskappe om bewustheid en nakoming van regulasies te bevorder uiters belangrik.

“Daar is altyd die risiko dat mense te gerus kan raak wanneer ‘n situasie voortsleep soos wat met die pandemie die geval is,” sê James Robb, GO GEORGE-bestuurder. “Om hierdie rede kom ons kommunikasiespan voortdurend met nuwe kreatiewe idees en innoverende vorms van kommunikasie vorendag om soveel as moontlik van ons passasiers te bereik, en met ‘n boodskap waarmee hulle kan identifiseer.”

Oudio- en visuele boodskappe

Benewens gereelde koerant- en radio advertensies en sosiale-media-aanmanings om aan die regulasies te voldoen, word stemopnames gedurende spitstye oor luidsprekers by die Vervoerkern (Transport Hub) gespeel, en is Covid-veiligheidsboodskappe op die digitale inligtingsbord in die bus bygevoeg. Met passasiers wat daagliks ‘n taamlike tydjie by die busskuilings deurdring, is vinielpanele wat die boodskap oordra ook daar aangebring, waar almal dit kan sien. Deur beide klank- en visuele boodskappe in te sluit, bevestig die busdiens sy verbintenis om hierdie belangrike boodskap toeganklik te maak vir mense met verskillende kategorieë van spesiale behoeftes.

“Wandelende aanmaners”

Die passasiersdiensbeamptes het twee stelle opvallende uitrustings met Covid-boodskappe om te dra wanneer hulle aan diens is.

“Dit neem soms net iemand met ‘n heldergeel band skuins oor die lyf – soos ‘n skoonheidskoningin – om jou te herinner om jou masker oor jou neus ook op te trek!” sê Robb.

Leerders geteiken

Met skole wat vandeesweek begin, is passasiersdiensbeamptes by die bushaltes naby skole om pamflette met relevante veiligheidsmaatreëls wat op die busse geld, uit te deel. ‘n Kleurvolle superheld genaamd “The Sanitiser” maak hierdie week sy debuut as deel van die kommunikasiespan en ontsmet die leerders se hande op ‘n speelse wyse met ‘n speelgoedwaterpistool vol handreiniger. Om die boodskap te laat vassteek, word klein botteltjies handreiniger ook uitgedeel.

Vir enige inligting oor die busdiens word die publiek genooi om die GO GEORGE-inbelsentrum by 0800 044 044 te skakel, sewe dae per week.

 

Byskrifte:
1. Tyron Jeyi, pas aangestelde gemeenskapskakelbeampte in die kommunikasiespan, beduie na die digitale inligtingsbord in die bus waar inligting soos die volgende bushalte op die roete vertoon word. Belangrike Covid-veiligheidsboodskappe wat met gedrag op die bus verband hou, is nou by die lys gevoeg.

  1. Passasiersdiensbeamptes Zanele Gosa (links) en Janell Gelant vertoon voorbeelde van die klere met Covid-veiligheidsboodskappe wat hulle dra wanneer hulle met die publiek skakel.