Due to further improvement on the available generation capacity, Stage 3 loadshedding will be implemented over the evening peak periods from 16:00 today until midnight. Loadshedding will be suspended from midnight until 16:00 tomorrow. This pattern where loadshedding is suspended from midnight until 16:00 and Stage 3 loadshedding is implemented from 16:00 until midnight will be repeated daily until further notice.
George will be affected as follows:
Tuesday 06/06/2023
20:00 – 22:30
Wednesday 07/06/2023
20:00 – 22:30
Thursday 08/06/2023
None
Friday 09/06/2023
18:00 – 20:30
Uniondale will be affected as follows:
Tuesday 06/06/2023
16:00 – 17:30
23:00 – 00:30
Wednesday 07/06/2023
23:00 – 00:30
Thursday 08/06/2023
16:00 – 17:30
Friday 09/06/2023
21:00 – 23:30
Consumers are reminded to use electricity sparingly after power returns.
Please do not switch high-usage equipment on immediately after Load shedding. Consumers are urged to turn off high-usage equipment and where possible to not switch on appliances such as stoves and kettles for at least 30 minutes after load shedding. This will reduce the risk of overload tripping on the network and reduce our current high MVA spikes.
Reporting power outages
Please do not phone the afterhours number or the Electrotechnical Department to report that you have no power immediately after load shedding is scheduled to be lifted. Please be aware of the rotational switching on and wait at least 30 minutes before reporting no power. The directorate will be aware if there has been a possible substation trip which needs to be sorted out.
Receive Eskom loadshedding notifications by downloading the free EskomSePush app from Google Play Store at https://sepush.co.za/
Public Notice: Eye test machines down at Traffic Department in Pacaltsdorp
Please note that there’s a national problem with the LEU systems (eye test machines). The machines are not operational at the Traffic Services Department(DLTC) in Pacaltsdorp.
Technicians are busy working on the problem and the public is asked to be patient.
No renewals of driving licences and or tests can be done until further notice.
We will inform the public of any developments. For more information contact the Traffic Department in Pacaltsdorp on 044 878 2400.
Due to an improvement in available generation capacity, loadshedding will be suspended from 08:00 until 16:00 today. Thereafter, Stage 4 loadshedding will be implemented from 16:00 as per the latest schedule published previously. Eskom will communicate if any significant changes occur.(Eskom)
Eskom load shedding Stage 4
Tuesday 06/06/2023
04:00 – 05:00
20:00 – 22:30
Wednesday 07/06/2023
04:00 – 06:30
20:00 – 22:30
Uniondale will be affected as follows:
Tuesday 06/06/2023
16:00 – 17:30
23:00 – 01:30
Wednesday 07/06/2023
07:00 – 09:30
16:00 – 17:30
23:00 – 01:30
Consumers are reminded to use electricity sparingly after power returns.
Please do not switch high-usage equipment on immediately after Load shedding. Consumers are urged to turn off high-usage equipment and where possible to not switch on appliances such as stoves and kettles for at least 30 minutes after load shedding. This will reduce the risk of overload tripping on the network and reduce our current high MVA spikes.
Reporting power outages
Please do not phone the afterhours number or the Electrotechnical Department to report that you have no power immediately after load shedding is scheduled to be lifted. Please be aware of the rotational switching on and wait at least 30 minutes before reporting no power. The directorate will be aware if there has been a possible substation trip which needs to be sorted out.
Receive Eskom loadshedding notifications by downloading the free EskomSePush app from Google Play Store at https://sepush.co.za/
Consumers are reminded to use electricity sparingly after power returns.
Please do not switch high-usage equipment on immediately after Load shedding. Consumers are urged to turn off high-usage equipment and where possible to not switch on appliances such as stoves and kettles for at least 30 minutes after load shedding. This will reduce the risk of overload tripping on the network and reduce our current high MVA spikes.
Reporting power outages
Please do not phone the afterhours number or the Electrotechnical Department to report that you have no power immediately after load shedding is scheduled to be lifted. Please be aware of the rotational switching on and wait at least 30 minutes before reporting no power. The directorate will be aware if there has been a possible substation trip which needs to be sorted out.
Receive Eskom loadshedding notifications by downloading the free EskomSePush app from Google Play Store at https://sepush.co.za/
Contraventions of the Water Restrictions can be reported on 0800 424477. Report water leaks and burst pipes to 044 801 9262/66 or after hours at 044 801 6300, as soon as you notice them.
With national Youth Day coming up on Friday, 16 June, GO GEORGE passengers need to take note that the Saturday schedule (which is different to the weekday schedule) will be followed on all routes on this public holiday.
For any enquiries, please phone the GO GEORGE Call Centre on 0800 044 044, or visit the GO GEORGE Facebook, or the web page (www.gogeorge.org.za) where all routes, maps and schedules can be viewed and downloaded.
George Municipality employees were pleasantly surprised on Wednesday morning as the team from the Internal Audit did a final walkabout to the various internal departments handing out flyers and sweet treats. Over the month of May, the Communications Department has issued several informative emails to give our internal departments a greater understanding of the role of Internal Audit.
“We will continue to create awareness and promote the value-adding role Internal Audit (IA) can play within the municipality. Huge thanks for the warm welcome received from all of the departments visited. I hope this initiative assists all officials with an understanding of what IA does. Our team cannot succeed if we do not have the support and buy-in from Senior Management and all Municipal Officials. We are privileged at the George Municipality to have the continued support of all our stakeholders” said Jean- Pierre Rossouw, Chief Audit Executive.
Caption 1: Left-right: Jean Pierre Rossouw (Chief Audit Executive), Heybré Ellis (Internal Audit Manager) Lauren Waring (Director- Human Settlements, Planning and Development and Property Management), Xolisile Sotushe (Intern: Internal Audit) Kloper Mabunda (Internal Auditor)
Caption 2: Jean – Pierre Rossouw (Chief Audit Executive), Heybré Ellis (Internal Audit Manager), Monique Isaks (Senior Administrator: Investment Properties: Human settlements, Planning and Development and Property Management) Rene Hendricks (Senior Administrator: Investment Properties: Human settlements, Planning and Development and Property Management) Xolisile Sothushe (Intern: Internal Audit) Kloper Mabunda (Internal Auditor)
The George Junior Traffic Training Centre was a scene of great joy and much laughter on Wednesday last week when it opened its doors to the public for the first time. The centre which is intended to enable children to learn more about general road safety aspects, was officially launched on Wednesday the 24th May with groups of very excited toddlers from Heeltyd Speeltyd, Esethu Kwakhanya and Pacaltsdorp creche enjoying Daantjie Kat at top volume. One very lucky toddler was presented with a prize by Daantjie Kat for her astounding vocal abilities.
Executive Mayor Leon Van Wyk and Municipal Manager, Dr Michele Gratz spent a happy morning assisting toddlers on tricycles along the varous ramps and Stop Streets. Executive Mayor Leon Van Wyk thanked the department for this initiative and the efforts that went into getting the centre opened and launched. “ It is very important to know when and where we cross the road and at what time. This is a big opportunity to educate our youth and we encourage schools in our area to make use of this facility so that we all benefit from this centre”, said Ald Van Wyk.
As the day progressed the children were trained on various road safety aspects such as buckling up when getting into a vehicle, crossing the road when safe and how to educate their parents to do the same. The George Junior traffic centre has specifically incorporated a foot bridge, in order to teach children the correct method of how to use and when to use it. A road map with various landmarks including road signs painted by Carl Thomas from Human Settlements, gives children a fun way to learn about road safety measures. Director for Community Services, Dawie Adonis applauded and thanked previous employees and political figures who had all played a part in bringing the junior traffic centre to life.
Watch our video on our YouTube channel by clicking: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JRKJ4xHYAtg
GARDEN ROUTE DAM LEVEL – Water Restrictions remain in place
Percentage storage at new raised dam wall height 97,50
Rainfall for previous 7 days: 14mm (Measured up to and including 29 May 2023)
The co-operation of all users of municipal water is essential and is greatly appreciated.
Follow this link for the detailed Stricter Water Restrictions in English/Afrikaans and IsiXhosa.
https://www.george.gov.za/george-doc-categories/public-notices/general/
Contraventions of the Water Restrictions can be reported on 0800 424477.
Report water leaks and burst pipes to 044 801 9262/66 or after hours at 044 801 6300, as soon as you notice them.
Due to the delays in returning ten generating units to service, Stage 6 loadshedding will be implemented from 16:00 this afternoon until 05:00 on Tuesday. Thereafter, Stage 4 loadshedding will be implemented from 05:00 until 16:00 on Tuesday. This pattern will be repeated daily until further notice.
George will be affected as follows:
Monday 29/05/2023
16:00 – 18:30
Consumers are reminded to use electricity sparingly after power returns, especially after a 4-hour Loadshedding slot
Please do not switch high-usage equipment on immediately after Load shedding. Consumers are urged to turn off high-usage equipment and where possible to not switch on appliances such as stoves and kettles for at least 30 minutes after load shedding. This will reduce the risk of overload tripping on the network and reduce our current high MVA spikes.
Reporting power outages
Please do not phone the after-hours number or the Electrotechnical Department to report that you have no power immediately after load shedding is scheduled to be lifted. Please be aware of the rotational switching on and wait at least 30 minutes before reporting no power. The directorate will be aware of a possible substation trip that needs to be sorted out.
Receive Eskom loadshedding notifications by downloading the free EskomSePush app from Google Play Store at https://sepush.co.za/
The George Library celebrated Africa day by showcasing the diverse African artwork in a pop-up exhibition of work by Arleen Duff last week. Various art can still be viewed at the library during office hours.
The MUT by UTMB 100-Miler “has a real mixture of terrain, including some very technical sections but also a nice variety, from coastal to mountain and then more open running.” Photo by Zane Schmahl.
AMENDED PROGRAMME: WARD COMMITTEES: FILLING OF VACANCIES
Please note that the election of block representatives for the following wards will take place as follows:
George Municipality is aware of a fake WhatsApp voice note that has been issued. Please treat the information as Fake News Water supply will not be affected in any way.
George Municipality ranked third in the 2022 Municipal Financial Sustainability Index (MFSI) by Ratings Afrika. The survey ranks the 112 largest municipalities and eight metros, out of 257 municipalities in total.
The MFSI rates municipalities and metros on a scale of one to 100, based on six financial components: operating performance, liquidity management, debt governance, budget practices, affordability, and infrastructure development.
This newsletter is being written on the eve of completing my third year in office as Executive Mayor. What an honour and privilege it has been to participate in taking George forward! On this occasion, I am reporting on some engagements that have recently taken place in relation to our economy and in shaping the strategy and approaches for increased economic activity.
Over the past two weeks, our management team have held their requisite engagements with both of Provincial and National Treasury (George is one of 17 cities in SA who report directly to National Treasury) for our draft budget to be assessed according to the criteria of being credible and fundable. George has been commended for the thorough preparation and presentation of the budget and its financial position and received approval for the presentation to Council for formal approval of the budget for 2023/24.
These engagements also enabled discussions about approaches to and complexity of incorporating renewable solutions, the maintaining and improving of infrastructure, and on economic activity.
We were invited to make a presentation to property development clients of a legal firm and a bank specialising in this sector. We covered progress over the past three years in improving management, the strategy of growing infrastructure and the work being done to update the spatial development framework and planning sphere.
A meeting with the country head of the multi-national business that has started its contact centre operations also proved to be fruitful. This enthusiastic company is already exploring how to grow their work force that will enable expansion into another workstream. This analytics, digital and AI business opens up opportunities for matriculants in the under 25 age bracket to receive training and work in the fast growing outsourcing sector where work is conducted internationally from South Africa.
I have also had the opportunity to meet Provincial Ministers for Education, Infrastructure and Economic Development to discuss the needs of a growing George. Many schools experience challenges in accommodating the growing pool of learners. The Minister is assessing the alternatives to either expand existing campuses and/or to build new facilities. As a result of financial limitations, it is likely that new financial models to fund schools will become necessary.
Detailed discussions will shortly take place regarding the build programme for roads infrastructure around George and how improvements to gravel roads can be done for key sectors such as agriculture. The need to provide additional housing at an affordable level continues to receive attention. We continue with engagements to determine the best approach and strategy to facilitate economic development across key sectors where George is a suitable location.
Contraventions of the Water Restrictions can be reported on 0800 424477. Report water leaks and burst pipes to 044 801 9262/66 or after hours at 044 801 6300, as soon as you notice them.
Mountain Ultra-Trail by UTMB® plays host to Africa’s first UTMB® World Series event this week in South Africa
– George Municipality and Mountain Ultra-Trail by UTMB® announce new partnership that sees the city and tourism board as Official Host Venue; a partnership that will showcase both the event and race venue globally.
– Mountain Ultra-Trail by UTMB® to welcome local and international runners to the Western Cape of South Africa on 26 – 28 May 2023; the event takes place in the city of George.
– The event features a professional ultra trail line up with local stars Ryan Sandes and Rebecca Kohne who won her category last month at Istria 100 by UTMB® in Croatia.
(GEORGE, South Africa) 24 May 2023 – For the first time ever, the UTMB® World Series will head to Africa on 26 – 28 May with the inaugural Mountain Ultra-Trail (MUT) by UTMB® taking place in the Western Cape. George Municipality, the Official Host Venue will welcome over 1 400 registered trail runners that will descend on the heart of the Garden Route in the city of George. The event features six different distances of trail running including 9.5km, 24.5km, 41.8km, 59km, 100km and 100-mile (165km).
“It is truly a privilege to welcome the MUT by UTMB® competitors to George where our urban living borders on the foothills into our beautiful Outeniqua Mountains,” says George Executive Mayor, Alderman Leon van Wyk. “We look forward to your visit and participation in this inaugural World Series event on the African continent, and that your stay will be enjoyable and successful.”
photo credit goes to Zane Schmahl
Announced in November last year, the MUT by UTMB® was selected as the first ever UTMB World Series event on the African continent, meaning that South Africans now don’t need to travel abroad to get an opportunity to qualify for the pinnacle of all trail races, the UTMB® World Series Finals at Mont-Blanc (28 August – 03 September).
To qualify for a place at the Finals, runners must have at least one Running Stone (which can only be acquired by racing a UTMB World Series Event), and a valid UTMB Index in the necessary category. Find out more here.
MUT by UTMB® finishers will receive Running Stones depending on the distance they run (4 stones for 100-mile; 3 for 100K; 2 for 59K; 2 for 41.1K and 1 stone for the 24.5K distances).
The MUT by UTMB® is a festival of trail running in the garden city of George, on South Africa’s east coast. The Outeniqua Mountains rise from the urban edge and provide a spectacular adventure seeker’s playground, with hundreds of kilometers of hiking trails crisscrossing the peaks, which reach up to 1,578 meters above sea level, and verdant valleys.
Fynbos, one of the world’s most biodiverse floral kingdoms, and old growth indigenous forests line the trails, while the high points along the MUT by UTMB® route provide breath-taking views over the Indian Ocean to the south and across the arid Karoo to the north. Alongside the 9.5km, 24.5km, 41.8km, 59km, 100km and 100-mile race distances the event also boasts a Vertical Kilometer Challenge and a social run with the George Trail Running club, who are responsible for much of the trail building and maintenance on the MUT by UTMB® route.
MUT by UTMB® will feature some well-known runners amongst the trail community such as Red Bull’s ultra-trail runner, Ryan Sandes (RSA). Others to look out for are Egypt’s Omar El Sawy, Iain Peterkin (RSA) and George’s very own Rebecca Kohne (RSA) who won her category last month at Istria 100 by UTMB® in Croatia.
“Trail running is considered somewhat of a new sport, and it is certainly growing by the minute,” says Elite Trail Runner, Rebecca Kohne. “Having MUT by UTMB® opens up a lot of opportunity for us local trail runners. Qualifying for the UTMB® World Series Final in France at the end of the year is almost every keen trail runner’s dream. Having a local race makes it just that much easier to try and live up to our dreams.”
Kohne continues, “It is quite surreal to have the first UTMB® certified race here in our hometown, George. George is the most beautiful place, and we certainly have the most incredible mountain range. Some would say our trails are very similar to European trails in some sense. I am extremely excited for this event to take place, and for us South Africans to show off our spectacular mountains and trails. I hope every runner will get to enjoy them just as much as I do.”
For more information about MUT by UTMB®, please visit https://mut.utmb.world/. For more information on George, visit www.visitgeorge.co.za.
For any media related inquiries, please email siya.ndzimande@ironman.com and for race day media registration, fill in the media credentials form here.
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About George
George is situated in the Western Cape province of South Africa and set in the very centre of the Garden Route. ‘George’ spans all the way from Herolds Bay to Uniondale to Wilderness. It has exceptional natural surroundings – surrounded by oceans, mountains, forests, and farmlands – a temperate climate, outstanding tourism offerings, a low crime rate, good schools and a national airport. The city has seen significant growth over the past two decades and is a sought-after tourism, lifestyle, business, and investment destination.
Its diverse landscapes, spanning from the semi-desert open plains and aloes in Uniondale, which are only 1.5 hours away from George and Wilderness’s majestic mountains and cool blue oceans, make it a paradise suited for outdoor enthusiasts. There are over 2,000km of mapped trails and plenty of adrenalin-fuelled adventures.
The area also boasts premier golf courses, pristine beaches and art, cultural and history experiences. Great gastronomic experiences along with wining and dining top picks, make the destination an all-round experience. For more: visitgeorge.co.za
The MUT by UTMB 100-Miler “has a real mixture of terrain, including some very technical sections but also a nice variety, from coastal to mountain and then more open running.” Photo by Zane Schmahl.
UTMB® World Series
UTMB® World Series is the world’s ultimate trail-running circuit that unites the sport’s biggest stars and passionate runners through the best, leading international events in the most stunning locations. Built on a passion for the mountains with sustainability at its heart, UTMB® World Series gives all trail runners the chance to experience the UTMB® adventure across the world, with events taking place across Asia, Oceania, Europe, Africa and the Americas. It is the only place where runners can begin their quest to UTMB® Mont-Blanc, France, where the prestigious UTMB® World Series Finals will be held. For more information, visit www.utmb.world.
The highest peaks in the Outeniqua Mountains reach up to over 1 500 metres above sea level, which is made more remarkable by their close proximity to the coast. Photo by Emma Rorke.
About UTMB Group
Over the last 18 years, and since the creation of UTMB® Mont-Blanc in 2003 by a group of passionate friends, UTMB Group has been the driving force behind the development of trail running. The UTMB® Mont-Blanc is the sports pinnacle event, and every year, 10,000 runners earn their place on the start line. UTMB Group also pioneered the LiveTrail® technology, an innovative digital service that supports the management of endurance races. Revered by hundreds of thousands of athletes, UTMB® has become a global, premium, and leading brand.
In May 2021, UTMB Group partnered with The IRONMAN Group to launch the UTMB® World Series, which brings together many of the best international events on the planet to provide exclusive access to the sport’s pinnacle event, UTMB® Mont-Blanc. The UTMB® World Series is built on the founding principles of UTMB® Mont-Blanc: surpassing oneself; fair-play; respect for people and the environment; and solidarity. Find out more at www.utmb.world.
About The IRONMAN Group
The IRONMAN Group operates a global portfolio of events that includes the IRONMAN® Triathlon Series, the IRONMAN® 70.3® Triathlon Series, 5150™ Triathlon Series, the Rock ‘n’ Roll® Running Series, IRONKIDS®, World Triathlon Championship Series, premier running events including the Standard Chartered Singapore Marathon™ and City2Surf®, UTMB® World Series events including the Canyons Endurance Runs, Tarawera Ultra and Ultra-Trail Australia™, Epic Series™ mountain bike races including the Absa Cape Epic®, road cycling events including Haute Route®, and other multisport races.
The IRONMAN Group is the largest operator of mass participation sports in the world and provides more than a million participants annually the benefits of endurance sports through the company’s vast offerings. Catering to the full athlete experience, the company portfolio also includes FulGaz® virtual cycling, the most realistic indoor riding experience connected fitness application aimed at preparing athletes for real-world events. Since the inception of the iconic IRONMAN® brand and its first event in 1978, athletes have proven that ANYTHING IS POSSIBLE® by crossing finish lines around the world.
Beginning as a single race, The IRONMAN Group has grown to become a global sensation with hundreds of events across 55+ countries. The IRONMAN Group is owned by Advance, a private, family-owned business. For more information, visit www.ironman.com/about-ironman-group.
SHOWCASING OUR BEAUTIFUL TOWN IN PARTNERSHIP WITH ALL THINGS
Tourism plays such an important role in the local economy, and for this reason, George Tourism would like to invite all residents of George to share some love and pride for the partnership with the team from All Things.
George Tourism is very excited to announce the partnership with the famous South African actor, Ivan Zimmerman on his YouTube show, All Things. The channel will be focusing on the picturesque sceneries in and around the Garden Route area.
About All Things Garden Route…
As per the All Things Team, “All Things is the very first digital magazine show in South Africa that offers the audience a glimpse of all things Tourism, Community, Events, Positive News, Inspirational Stories and Special Occasions, that exclusively covers a specific district and is driven by the people and beautiful happenings of that area only. This is ALL THINGS, GARDEN ROUTE.
We are aiming to educate each other on each other, grow tourism and be the visual voice of the district and show the Garden Route off to the rest of South Africa, as well as the World.”
You can click here to watch the first episode that showcases our George Museum, Dotsure, George Art Theatre, Cornerstone Creek in Hoekwil and a cultural tour in our vibrant township Thembalethu, with Explore Our Hood or you can also check the Facebook link by clicking here.
George Municipality is aware of a fake WhatsApp voice note that has been issued. Please treat the information as Fake News Water supply will not be affected in any way.
