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Author: Nadine Payle

Planned Water Outage: Groenkloof; Kraaibosch Park; Glenwood Ridge

NOTIFICATION OF WATER OUTAGE

THE FOLLOWING AREAS WILL BE AFFECTED: Groenkloof; Kraaibosch Park; Glenwood Ridge

Issued by George Municipality, 12 February 2024

NOTICE is hereby given that the water supply will be interrupted on WEDNESDAY, 14 February 2024 FROM 10h00 – 14h00 due to maintenance on the Main Water Supply line
Should circumstances prevent the work being carried out during the abovementioned period; the work will be done on
15 FEBRUARY 2024 FROM 10h00 – 14h00

A water tanker will be stationed at the entrance to Groenkloof Retirement Village.

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KENNISGEWING VAN WATER ONDERBREKING

DIE VOLGENDE AREAS SAL GERAAK WORD: Groenkloof; Kraaibosch Park; Glenwood Ridge

KENNISGEWING geskied hiermee dat water toevoer onderbreek sal word op WOENSDAG, 14 FEBRUARIE 2024 VANAF 10h00 – 14h00 weens instandhouding aan die Hoofwatertoevoerlyn
Sou omstandighede verhoed dat die werk gedoen kan word gedurende bogenoemde periode, sal die werk gedoen word op
15 FEBRUARIE 2024 VANAF 10h00 – 14h00

‘n Water tenker sal gestationeer wees by die ingang van die Groenkloof Aftreeoord.

Planned Water Outage: St Paul’s, Street Denneoord

NOTIFICATION OF THE INTERRUPTION OF THE WATER SUPPLY

THE FOLLOWING AREAS WILL BE AFFECTED: Denneoord, St Pauls Street

NOTICE is hereby given that the water supply will be interrupted on 13 FEBRUARY 2024 FROM 09H00 TO 17H00 for the purpose of doing alterations to the water mains.

Should circumstances prevent the work being carried out during the abovementioned period; the work will be done on
14 FEBRUARY 2024 FROM 09H00 TO 18H00

******
KENNISGEWING VAN DIE ONDERBREKING VAN DIE WATER TOEVOER.

DIE VOLGENDE AREAS SAL GERAAK WORD: St Pauls Street

KENNISGEWING geskied hiermee dat die elektriese toevoer onderbreek sal word op 13 FEBRUARIE VANAF 09H00 TOT 17H00 met die doel om veranderings aan water hoofleidings te maak.
Sou omstandighede verhoed dat die werk gedoen kan word gedurende bogenoemde periode, sal die werk gedoen word op 14 FEBRUARIE VANAF 09H00 TOT 17H00

GO GEORGE services introduced to new students

CAPTIONS: NMU registration 1:GO GEORGE communication champion Akhona Gxumisa explains the bus routes to Mamvemve Makena.  Mamvemve is a BCom Accounting student from Port Elizabeth.

Despite all the excitement of going to university, becoming part of campus life and finding your way in a strange city can be daunting for first-year students. With this in mind, GO GEORGE hosted an information stall at the assisted registration expo at NMU George Campus to provide bus service information to students, parents and staff.

Although the bus routes haven’t reached the campus yet, students make use of the bus service in and around town to get to shopping centres, medical services, places of worship and recreation or sports facilities. Students coming from rural areas or smaller towns with no public bus services were impressed and pleased to learn about the affordable and scheduled services provided by GO GEORGE.

Any new bus users are invited to phone the GO GEORGE Call Centre on 0800 044 044 for information about Smart Card and trip purchases and assistance planning their trip. All the necessary system information such as route maps and timetables are also available to download on the website www.gogeorge.org.za.

NMU registration 2: Yibabathi Vetini (second from left) and Sukude Lwando (far right) are two new IT students from Umthata who were excited to learn about the options offered by the bus service. GO GEORGE communication champions Akhona Gxumisa (far left) and Zanele Matiwana enjoyed engaging with the excited new students.

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GO GEORGE-dienste aan nuwe studente bekendgestel

Ten spyte van al die opwinding om universiteit toe te gaan, om deel te word van die kampuslewe en om jou pad in ‘n vreemde stad te vind, kan die ondervinding vir eerstejaarstudente oorweldigend wees. Met die oog hierop het GO GEORGE ‘n inligtingstalletjie by die registrasiebystand-ekspo op die NMU George-kampus aangebied om busdiensinligting aan studente, ouers en personeel te verskaf.

Hoewel die busroetes nog nie die kampus bereik het nie, maak studente van die busdiens in en om die dorp gebruik om by winkelsentrums, mediese dienste, plekke van aanbidding en ontspanning of sportgeriewe uit te kom. Studente wat uit landelike gebiede of kleiner dorpe sonder openbare busdienste kom, was beïndruk en bly om te hoor van die bekostigbare en geskeduleerde dienste wat deur GO GEORGE gelewer word.

Enige nuwe busgebruikers word genooi om die GO GEORGE-inbelsentrum by 0800 044 044 te skakel vir inligting oor Slimkaart- en ritaankope en hulp met die beplanning van hul ritte. Al die nodige stelselinligting soos roetekaarte en tydroosters is ook beskikbaar vir aflaai op die webwerf www.gogeorge.org.za.

NMU registrasie 1: GO GEORGE-passasiersdiensbeampte Akhona Gxumisa verduidelik die busroetes aan Mamvemve Makena.  Mamvemve is ‘n BCom Rek-student van Port Elizabeth.

NMU registrasie 2: Yibabathi Vetini (tweede van links) en Sukude Lwando (heel regs) is twee nuwe IT-studente van Umthata wat opgewonde was om meer te wete te kom oor die opsies wat die busdiens bied. GO GEORGE- passasiersdiensbeamptes Akhona Gxumisa (heel links) en Zanele Matiwana het dit geniet om met die opgewonde nu

Planned Power Outage: Kraaibosch Notice

NOTIFICATION OF EMERGENCY INTERRUPTION OF THE ELECTRICITY SUPPLY.
THE FOLLOWING AREAS WILL BE AFFECTED: KRAAIBOSCH PARK

NOTICE is hereby given that the electricity supply will be interrupted on TUESDAY 13 FEBRUARY 2024 FROM 09H00 TO 16H00 to do alterations to the electrical mains.

Consumers are warned to treat the installation as being live for the full duration as the supply may be resumed at any time within the notified period.

Should circumstances prevent the work from being carried out during the abovementioned period; the work will be done on WEDNESDAY 14 FEBRUARY 2024 FROM 09H00 TO 16H00

***********

KENNISGEWING VAN DIE NOOD ONDERBREKING VAN DIE ELEKTRIESE TOEVOER.

DIE VOLGENDE AREAS SAL GERAAK WORD: KRAAIBOSCH PARK
KENNISGEWING geskied hiermee dat die elektriese toevoer onderbreek sal word op DINSDAG 13 FEBRUARIE 2024 VANAF 09H00 TOT 16H00 met die doel om veranderings aan elektriese hoofleidings te maak.

Klante word gewaarsku om die installasie as lewendig te beskou vir die volle periode aangesien die toevoer enige tyd gedurende die periode aangeskakel mag word.

Sou omstandighede verhoed dat die werk gedoen mag word gedurende bogenoemde periode, sal die werk gedoen word op WOENSDAG 14 FEBRUARY 2024 VANAF 09H00 TOT 16H00

Did You Know? My Smart City App: Emergency Services

Did you know that you can now find all Emergency Services located nearest to where you are in George, on the My Smart City App?

You now have access to the contact and location information for emergency services and all health facilities in the George area. This information will be incredibly useful in helping you to stay safe and secure in your community.
We encourage you to take advantage of this resource and share it with others so that everyone can benefit.
Let’s work together to ensure that we are all well-prepared and well-informed in the face of any emergency.

Should you have any issues with registering please contact support@mysmart.city

Watch 🎥
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1fd6Pgb3h1k

INVITATION TO ATTEND THE GEORGE MUNICIPALITY EVENTS COMPLIANCE & SUPPORT WORKSHOP – 16 FEBRUARY 2024

George, Wilderness, and Uniondale boast a diverse range of lifestyle, business, sports, and cultural events. George Municipality continuously considers sponsorship and/or partnerships with local events to promote economic activity and social cohesion.

Aligned with George Municipality’s commitment to support events hosted in George, the Tourism Section is hosting the annual Events Compliance & Support Workshop for all event organisers on Friday, February 16th, 2024, from 09:00 to 13:00 at the George Municipality Conference Hall.

This workshop aims to equip event organisers with information on event permitting, regulations, municipal services, and the event support application process.

Event Details
Name: Annual Events Compliance & Support Workshop
Date: Friday, 16 February 2024 from 09:00 to 13:00
Venue: George Municipality, Conference Hall (71 York Street, George)

To reserve your seat at the workshop, please contact Melanie Martins at mmartins@george.gov.za. For further inquiries, you can reach Melanie Martins at
044 801 9295.

The Call For Event Support for the 2024/2025 financial year from George Municipality is currently open and is set to close on February 21st, 2024.

Link to the application form:
http://tinyurl.com/3dx2262s

CREDIT CONTROL DEPT : NEW AFTER-HOUR NUMBER

Please be advised that the emergency number of the credit control department outside of business hours has been changed.
The new emergency number is 072 501 1843.
This number is to be used strictly for EMERGENCY BLOCKED ELECTRICITY METERS during the following hours:

Monday to Friday
from 16:30 to 20:00
Saturday
from 8:00 to 20:00
Sunday
from 8:00 to 14:00
Please note : payment is required before meter will be unblocked

AFTER-HOURS CONTACT NUMBER☎️
FIRE ONLY ALL HOURS EMERGENCY NUMBER:
044 801 6311

GEORGE MUNICIPALITY ALL HOURS EMERGENCY NUMBER:
044 801 6300

CREDIT CONTROL AFTER HOURS:
072 5011 843

ESKOM LOAD SHEDDING UPDATE: 02 February 2024 @07:48

ESKOM LOAD SHEDDING UPDATE:
Issued on 02 February 2024 @07:48

George will be affected as follows:

Friday 02/02/2024
14:00 – 16:30
22:00 – 00:30

Saturday 03/02/2024
06:00 – 08:30
22:00 – 00:30

Sunday 04/02/2024
06:00 – 08:30
14:00 – 16:30

Uniondale will be affected as follows:

Friday 02/02/2024
17:00 – 19:30

Saturday 03/02/2024
01:00 – 03:30
09:00 – 11:30

Sunday 04/01/2024
01:00 – 03:30
09:00 – 11:30
17:00 – 19:30

STATEMENT ON MONTAGU PASS AND SEVEN PASSES ROAD

ISSUED ON BEHALF OF GARDEN ROUTE DISTRICT MUNICIPALITY, 01 FEBRUARY 2024

There were unprecedented levels of flood damage across much of the provincial road network during the 2023 winter. The most severe storm took place over the Heritage Day long weekend, but this was by no means the only damaging winter storm last year. The Montagu Pass and Seven Passes Road are two of the Western Cape roads that had to be closed after sustaining severe flood damage during flooding.

The Department of Infrastructure’s (DOI) first responsibility concerning damaged roads is to re-establish access so that all communities that rely on a particular road are reconnected to the wider road network. Once access has been established, the order of repairs is prioritised. First, by the amount of traffic a particular road carries, and then by the road’s critical economic importance. Once access has been established, road users may have to use long detours or alternative routes until other repairs are possible.

Given the current resource constraints and following the need to prioritise the order in which road repairs can be made, DOI has had to prioritise routes that carry higher traffic volumes and that are associated with greater economic activity than the Montagu Pass and the Seven Passes Road. Despite our efforts, it is not currently possible to provide a timeline for the reopening of the Montagu Pass or the Seven Passes Road.

Read the full media release here:
http://tinyurl.com/48pbj9m4

OVERGROWN PROPERTIES

OVERGROWN PROPERTIES

Property owners are responsible for keeping their properties from becoming overgrown. The municipal bylaw stipulates those overgrown erven, including edges, must be cut and planted trees and shrubs pruned.

Reporting overgrown PRIVATE properties:

Please report overgrown private properties to the municipality’s Department Environmental Services on 044 802 2900 or emailing anontshikiza@george.gov.za or tabotha@george.gov.za Please provide details of why you consider it overgrown, the address of the overgrown site as well as your contact details. An inspection will take place within seven working days from when the report was officially logged with the department.

Determining whether a property is overgrown is at the discretion of the Environmental Health Practitioner, but generally it would be considered overgrown when grass is above knee height. Shrubbery size requirements are based on the growth form of particular plants and are considered on merit.

If the property is found to be overgrown, the property owner will be informed accordingly by registered post and instructed to clear the property within 14 to 21 work days from the date on the registered letter.

Once the notice period has expired, the property will be inspected again. If found to still be overgrown, a municipal contractor will be appointed and instructed to clear the property within five working days. The cost of clearing will be added to the property owner’s municipal account.

Please note properties belonging to provincial or national government departments are handled in the same way as private properties and should be reported as above.

Reporting overgrown MUNICIPAL properties:

Please report overgrown municipal properties to Parks and Recreation on 044 802 2900 or email hspies@george.gov.za (grassed properties) or edbooysen@george.gov.za

The municipality cuts grass on municipal properties according to a schedule and addresses areas of concern as necessary and according to the available resources.

George assisting Overstrand with devastating fires

George 35 000 l tanker in Overstrand

George Municipality Fire Services arrived in Overstrand late last night with a major pumper engine, tanker, our 35 000l water tanker and a skid unit BP1 land cruiser to assist in ongoing firefighting efforts that have led to residents evacuations in Pringle Bay. The unpredictable wind has meant that the area could have another two days of possible fires. There are currently four active fire lines in the area.

Early Morning Overstrand

The George team led by Station Commander Santa Sternsdorff include Firefighters, Johan Troskie, Brad Bussack, Louis Julies, Wilton Oktober, Jaendre Bernardo and Junior Firefighter Kenny Johnson. They are in attendance today at Skilpad klip with the weather in their favour and have managed to extinguish the line allocated to them. The team will move to Pringle Bay as soon as they have completed mopping operations. Chief Fire Officer Neels Barnard praised his crew for their willingness to assist.

Skilpad Klip Overstrand

Ald Leon Van Wyk noted that the spirit of co-operation with our fellow municipalities is something that George Municipality prides itself on. He wished all of the George Firefighters well and to take care of themselves.

George on track with proactive response to Energy Crisis in South Africa

Photo 1 – 1MW Solar Plant – From left Daniel Greeff (Acting Director of Electrotechnical Services), Cllr Nosicelo Mbete (Portfolio Councillor for Electrotechnical Services and Fleet Management), Alderman Leon van Wyk (Executive Mayor of George) and Dr Michele Gratz (Municipal Manager)

VIDEO LINK: https://youtu.be/6Lvy25Yj3TA

Photo 2 – Gwaiing WWTW 500kWp – From left: Alderman Leon van Wyk (Executive Mayor of George), Dr Michele Gratz (Municipal Manager), Daniel Greeff (Acting Director of Electrotechnical Services), Cllr Nosicelo Mbete (Portfolio Councillor for Electrotechnical Services and Fleet Management), Thabo Yiga (Project Manager: Electrotechnical Services and Edward Pienaar (Electrical Engineer at RWK Engineering).

In response to South Africa’s energy crisis, George Municipality is taking proactive steps by implementing photovoltaic (PV) plants, endorsed by the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), as the most feasible solution. The Municipality aims to further enhance energy resilience and reduce demand through ongoing initiatives.

Alderman Leon van Wyk, the Executive Mayor of George, late last year addressed the Western Cape Premier Alan Windi’s Digicon which focuses on energy, and provided insights into the progressive approach George Municipality is taking in its renewable energy initiatives. “In the initial phase of our renewable energy efforts,” Mayor Van Wyk said, “we are completing our 1-megawatt (MW) Solar PV Plant and a 500 kW Solar PV Plant for the Gwaiing Wastewater Treatment Works.”

He outlined the upcoming phases, saying, “Our next endeavour is a 12-megawatt Solar PV Installation, requiring the addition of a 20MVA substation. Technical aspects are being addressed to align with our commitment to sustainable energy solutions.”

The George Municipality has so far installed or is in the process of installing the following PV plants in George:
• 400-kilowatt peak (kWp) PV at the Outeniqua wastewater treatment facility was energized on 30 August 2023. Converting the electricity generated to a Rand value shows that George Municipality will be saving just over R1m per year with this plant. It consists of more than 700 PV panels. 8 x 50kW inverters are installed at various locations on the site. The plant can generate in the order of 680 MWh annually. The cost for this plant was R7.8m (VAT Inclusive), including a 24-month Operation and Maintenance period.

• 500 kWp at the PV Gwaiing Wastewater treatment facility is estimated to be completed in April 2024 and will provide a saving of over R1.4m per year. The plant will consist of approximately 910 PV Panels & 5 x 100kW inverters at a total cost of around R8.7m (Inclusive of VAT), including a 24-month Operation and Maintenance period. The plant is expected to generate in the order of 870 MWh per year.

• A solar system of 20 kilo watts peak (kWp) with a 30 kVA hybrid inverter and a 60-kilo watt hour (kWh) battery energy storage has been installed and commissioned at the Electrotechnical Services building. The system comprises of 38 solar panels. The building houses the critical control centre which handles the load management for the town, as well as the remote switching of the network, this system is further integrated to a diesel generator, which is required as further back-up, to ensure that the Control Centre remains fully powered 24/7. The battery technology for both sites is lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4) with an average lifespan of 15 years. The projects are co-funded by the Department of Mineral Resources & Energy and the George Municipality.

• A solar system of 3 kilowatts peak with a 5 kVA hybrid inverter and a 10-kilowatt hour (kWh) battery storage has been installed and commissioned at the Blanco Drive-through Motor Vehicle Licence Renewal offices. This system comprises of 6 panels, each with a rating of 500 watts. The solar panels are set to prioritise charging the battery first, and when its full, the panels supply electricity to the building.

• 4 kWp PV + 10 kWh battery storage for the Tourism building operational since August 2023. A solar system comprising of 4 kilowatts peak panels, an 8 kVA hybrid inverter and a 10-kilowatt hour (kWh) was commissioned at the Tourism building. This included a four-vehicle carport structure (which provided shaded parking) on which the panels are mounted.
• 1 MWp solar farm (ERF464 – Municipal land). Converting the electricity generated to a Rand value shows that George Municipality will be saving just over R2.72m per year with this project. The 1 MWp PV Plant is estimated to be completed in March / April 2024 depending on the delivery of the special transformers that were ordered for this project. The plant will consist of approximately 1700 PV Panels & 10 x 110kW inverters at a total cost of around R25m and is expected to generate in the order of 1700 MWh per year. George uses at peak times up to 85MVA. This 1MWp PV Plant is the first phase of Solar PV plants for George that will feed directly into the Municipal grid. The Solar plants being installed in George will provide own generation and reduce Eskom energy consumption. This will also serve as large-scale generation to keep future dispatchable Battery Energy Storage Systems charged and will assist us in achieving our goal of reducing internal electricity costs and increasing sustainability.

• A 300-kilowatt peak (kWp) PV has been installed at the Main Municipal buildings in York Street and commissioned in September 2021. It comprises of 692 panels with five 50 kVA grid tied inverters. It’s purpose s to supply power to the Civic centre building, and export excess to the grid to supply nearby houses. The panels were mounted on carport structures and provides shaded parking to at least 50 vehicles. The cost of the project was R7,4 million (inclusive of VAT), and a 24-month Operation and Maintenance period.

What is next for George Municipality’s energy space?
The environmental authorisation process for the 12MWp PV planned in the industrial area near the N2 is nearing completion. The designs are in the final stages and the procurement process will be completed early in 2024. This plant would cover an area of approximately 10ha and may take up to 18 months to complete due to the complex grid connection which includes a 20MVA 11/66kV Substation. The estimated budget is in the order of R230 million. The municipality is also busy with the final stages of the procurement process for 3 x 1MW BESS installations at the 2 WWTW sites and at the Municipal main building. This would assist with reduction in the diesel costs for generators at the various installations.

Due to funding and process constraints, the Municipality has decided to proceed with the inception, concept and viability stages of various specific projects. This would then pave the road for project implementation.
These include a large scale Solar Farm, utility-scale Batteries, possible Wind Turbines, Hydro Generation and Hydrogen Gas Turbines. George Municipality has appointed specialists for the study and it is expected to be concluded before the end of this financial year and will provide an implementation plan based on the various technologies.

Future projects and funding
There are plans for an additional 30 MW Solar PV and a 100MWh Battery Energy Storage System (BES) to address load-shedding challenges and enhance energy resilience. However, funding remains a challenge and applications have been made to National Treasury for support through the Budget Facility for Infrastructure, unfortunately not approved due to current financial constraints. Alternatives being explored include sector funding, potentially through an Independent Power Producer (IPP) model.
The current Municipal Finance Management Act (MFMA) restrictions pose challenges in implementing long-term contracts of more than three years needed for such projects. Ongoing collaboration with Provincial Treasury and Western Cape Provincial Government aims to explore amendments to the MFMA, facilitating the realization of large-scale electricity provision projects. George Municipality remains committed to finding sustainable solutions to the current electricity crisis, contributing to both local and national energy resilience.

What has George Municipality implemented to assist residents during loadshedding?
Uninterrupted Power Supply (UPS) units at a cost of approximately R3.6 million have been installed at 57 of the main traffic intersections. These units, which are eco-friendly and energy-saving, automatically kick in and operate the traffic lights should the electricity supply be interrupted for any reason for at least 2- 4 hours, before the battery needs recharging.

The municipality has also expanded its solar power initiative for traffic lights, marking the successful installation of solar panels at eight (8) intersections in Pacaltsdorp. This comes on the heels of the initial pilot project in Knysna Road and the Witfontein Road intersection in Blanco. The solar panels are designed to charge batteries and supply excess energy to power traffic lights, contributing to sustainability and reducing the municipality’s carbon footprint. This initiative aligns with George Municipality’s commitment to green processes and resource efficiency.

George Municipality has also out of necessity, installed large generators at a number of our pump stations, sewer pump stations, various Water Treatment Works and Garden Route Dam, to keep water flowing and sewerage pump stations operational during loadshedding. All of the George municipal buildings have had energy-efficient lights installed, as well as over 111 energy-efficient air conditioners.

Over the past few years, a total of 5583 streetlights (Compact Fluorescent Lamps, High-Pressure Sodium and Mercury Vapour) have been replaced by light-emitting diodes (LED) at a cost of R14 501 513 (Municipal and EEDSM Funding). This phased-in approach will continue until we have replaced or retrofitted all streetlights to LED in the upcoming financial years. Not only do the LEDs reduce the amount of energy used, but they also have a longer lifespan and require less maintenance. The funding for this project is mostly sourced from the Energy Efficiency Demand Side Management program (EEDSM) managed by the Department of Mineral & Energy (DMRE).

No 1 Afrikaans TV Show “Ouma Sarie” visits George Mayor

Caption: Marius Wannenburg, Garden Route Media, Executive Mayor Leon van Wyk and “Ouma Sarie” aka Moses Williams.

Executive Mayor of George, Leon Van Wyk was honoured to receive a visit from creator of, and actor “Ouma Sarie” aka Moses Williams and Marius Wannenburg, owner of Garden Route Media recently. Ouma Sarie started out as a character in comedian Moses William’s repertoire during lockdown and is based on his grandmother, who was known for “calling a spade a spade” and being hilarious because she was just so downright honest. The idea for the television show started in 2022 and was commissioned by ETV in early 2023. The show which is now the No 1 Afrikaans show on TV with almost 2 million viewers over a weekend is filmed and produced at the Garden Route Media studio in George with local actors and local production staff.

Ald Van Wyk who has officially been invited to visit Ouma Sarie at the production studios soon, noted how the production of this show which continues to grow is expanding economic activity within the creative film sector. “With the Ouma Sarie television series being produced locally, with local actors and production company, this augurs well for the future. The municipality continues to explore how light industry can be attracted to George to provide much needed employment opportunities.”

Marius Wannenburg who has years of experience as a producer, editor and cameraman has a passion for developing people through not only training them but by also creating job opportunities through his company Garden Route Media which he started in 2020. He continues to work hard to attract quality television and film production products to George. “Ouma Sarie was one of those homegrown products that just took off with a three-year signing by ETV in 2023 and the youngsters I trained a few years ago and who had no formal qualifications are now working as fully fledged production crew on this project. We have had 27 30-minute episodes broadcast already and the current viewer figures are at approximately 2 million over a weekend, which is phenomenal for this homegrown production that has clearly struck a chord with the viewers of South Africa.” Marius added that the success of Ouma Sarie is absolutely repeatable, and he thanked George Municipality for the role played in expediting the administration that takes place in the background to approve filming permits.

“Just as George is becoming a highly sought-after destination for events, similarly the filming industry is increasingly choosing George as a destination of choice. In 2021 Council approved a Filming Policy to establish a framework for filming within municipal boundaries. The policy sets out the processes and responsibilities of the municipality to expedite filming authorisations and permitting. Our beautiful City offers a wide variety of location offerings. The natural surrounding from ocean to mountain, forests, rivers, lakes as well as the built environment, are ideal for many different film shoots, from basic social media videos to advertisements, films and drone shots,” said Lauren Waring, George Municipal Director for Planning and Development

Besides the destination offering, George also offers producers with the facilities and service providers required by production companies. George has a strong support base of businesses to the industry, and provides easy access by road or air, to easily bring in any service or equipment that is not currently in George. Film also offers an opportunity for job seekers and SMME’s in the industry to learn and grow the industry in the area and various filmmakers and producers present training and funding opportunities within the municipal area for creative residents of George and surrounds.

Comment requested on amended Liquor Trading By-Law

George Municipality is amending the current By-Law Liquor Trading Days and Hours and has advertised a notice requesting feedback from the public on 11 January 2024 in the George Herald. The amended By-law deals with the trading days and hours during which the holder of a liquor license may sell liquor and for related matters.

The draft By-Law Notice has been published in the George Herald, on the Municipal Website and municipal social media sites. The amended By-law document is  available on our website, follow this link  https://www.george.gov.za/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/AnnexureA-GeorgeMunicipalityBy-lawonLiquorTradingDaysandHours.pdf copies have been placed at all public libraries in George and at the Law Enforcement Offices, Cathedral Street.

Feedback is required to reach  Ms Lee-Anne Meiring, Community Safety, P.O. Box 19, George, 6530  or via e-mail with subject line “Comment to Liquor Trading By-law” to lameiring@george.gov.za and copied to post@george.gov.za  before 12 February 2024.  Any person who is unable to write, can submit their input, verbally to the Council’s offices where they will be assisted by a staff member to put their comments in writing. Enquiries can be directed to Ms Lee-Anne Meiring (044- 801 6350).
Once the input has been received from the public and addressed, the final by-law then goes back to Council for approval.

George Municipality has less than 6400 Prepaid Meters to update before national deadline

George Municipality has systematically over the past two years been working with over 50 000 consumers to achieve a 100% update of all Prepaid Meters (TID PROCESS). The municipality has less than 6400 Meters to update and is currently at an 87% achievement rate. The STS system uses a very high security algorithm which needs to be updated before November 2024 in order for the meters to correctly function. If your meter is not updated before the deadline, you will not be able to recharge your prepaid meter with the new tokens and will not have power (once your units run out). The municipality is now busy in areas Thembalethu, Conville, Wilderness and Touwsranten with field staff and contractor teams going out weekly to do inspections and assist with the updates.

HOW DO YOU KNOW IF YOUR METER HAS BEEN UPDATED
1. If you have been visited by one of our teams, a pink sticker will be displayed on your meter.
2. If you followed the KEYCHANGE Token process you are aware your meter has been updated.
3. If you remain unsure, please contact Ontec for verification that your meter has been updated on 044 873 5474.

IF YOUR METER IS NOT UPDATED YOU WILL RECEIVE WITH YOUR NEXT PURCHASE – A CREDIT TOKEN, AND TWO KEYCHANGE TOKENS which must be inserted in below sequence:

1. FIRST INSERT ALL old or unused tokens. The meter will NOT accept your old or unused tokens, once you enter the key change token and no reimbursement can be made on these tokens.
2. Enter the KEY CHANGE TOKEN 1 , wait for meter to accept it and then enter KEY CHANGE TOKEN 2, wait for the meter to accept it.
3. INSERT your INDIGENT TOKEN if you have one.
4. INSERT your NEW CREDIT TOKEN.
5. Should your meter not accept the Key Change Tokens, it will become unresponsive. Please call 044 801 9222 for assistance during working hours only.

Verification or Queries – If you receive an extra token and you are unsure what to do?
Customers may phone the George Municipality on 044 801 9222 or Ontec on 044 873 5474 for verification, for response to queries OR to request that their software be addressed. Please note that all municipal and/or Ontec officials carry identification cards with a photograph and their ID number as well as a copy of a verification letter explaining the purpose of their visit.

 

LIFEGUARDS ON DUTY

From 1 February to 2 April 2024 lifeguards will be on duty at ALL beaches that fall under George Municipal jurisdiction ONLY on Saturdays, Sundays, and Public Holidays, between 9am – 5pm.

Conville Public Swimming Pool
Lifeguards are available at the Conville Public Swimming Pool from 1 February 2024 to 2 April 2024, Monday to Friday 1pm – 4 pm and Saturdays, Sundays and Public Holidays from 9am – 12pm and 1pm – 4pm with 2 Lifeguards on Duty and one Lifeguard on standby.

Uniondale Public Swimming Pool
Lifeguards are available at the Uniondale Public Swimming Pool from 1 February 2024 to 2 April 2024, Monday to Sunday and Public Holidays from 10am – 6pm with 2 Lifeguards on Duty.
As of 3 April 2024 until 1 December 2024, there will be no lifeguards deployed at the beaches and swimming pools.

1. Beach Safety
Beaches and swimming pool that fall under the George Municipality’s jurisdiction
Wilderness Main Beach
Wilderness Lagoon
Wilderness Steps
Wilderness Lientjiesklip
Victoria Bay Beach
Gwaing River Mouth Beach and Day Camp
Herold’s Bay Beach and Tidal pool
Conville Municipal swimming pool
Uniondale Municipal swimming pool
Essential phone numbers to keep close this summer
The National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) Station 23 at Wilderness Beach supports the municipality. The NSRI can be reached on 082 990 5955.

George Fire Department FIRE 044 803 6311
TOLL FREE DISASTER NUMBER: 087 152 9999
George Municipality AFTER HOURS 044 803 6300

How can people keep themselves safe and protected on the beach and in the water?
Learn to swim: Learning to swim is the best defence against drowning. Teach children to swim at an early age. Children who are not taught when they are very young tend to avoid swim instruction as they age, probably due to embarrassment. Swimming instruction is a crucial step in protecting children from injury or death.

Swim near a lifeguard: statistics show that the chance of drowning at a beach without lifeguard protection is almost five times greater than drowning at a beach with lifeguards.

Swim with a buddy: Many drownings involve single swimmers. When you swim with a buddy if one of you has a problem the other may be able to help, including signalling for assistance from others. At least have someone onshore watching you.
Check with the lifeguards: Lifeguards work continually to identify hazards that might affect you. They can advise you on the safest place to swim, as well as places to avoid. They want you to have a safe day. Talk to them when you first arrive at the beach and ask them for their advice.

Use sunscreen and drink water: Everyone loves a sunny day, but exposure to the sun affects your body. Without sunscreen, you can be seriously burned. The sun’s rays can also cause life-long skin damage and skin cancer. To protect yourself always choose “broad spectrum” sunscreen rated from 15 to 50 SPF, or clothing that covers your skin, and reapply sunscreen regularly throughout the day. The sun can also dehydrate you quickly. Drink lots of water and avoid alcohol, which contributes to dehydration. Lifeguards treat people for heat exhaustion and heat stroke from time to time. If you feel ill, be sure to contact a lifeguard.

Obey Posted Signs and Flags: It sometimes seems as though there are too many signs, but the ones at the beach are intended to help keep you safe and inform you about local regulations. Read the signs when you first arrive and please follow their direction. Flags may be flown by lifeguards to advise of hazards and regulations that change from time to time. You can usually find informational signs explaining the flags’ meaning or just ask the lifeguard. ONLY Swim Between the flags. They indicate the swimming Area. Do not swim if there are no Lifeguards on duty.

Keep the Beach and Water Clean: Nobody likes to see the beach or water littered with trash. Even in places where beach cleaning services pick up trash daily, it may linger on the beach for hours, causing an unsightly mess and threatening the health of birds and animals. Broken glass also holds a great risk of injury to beach users. Do your part. Pick up after yourself and even others. Everyone will appreciate you for it.

Learn Rip Current Safety: 80% of rescues by lifeguards at ocean beaches are caused by rip currents. These currents are formed by surf and gravity because once surf pushes water up the slope of the beach, gravity pulls it back. This can create concentrated rivers of water moving offshore. Some people mistakenly call this an undertow, but there is no undercurrent, just an offshore current. If you are caught in a rip current, don’t fight it by trying to swim directly to shore. Instead, swim parallel to shore until you feel the current relax, then swim to shore. Most rip currents are narrow and a short swim parallel to shore will bring you to safety.

Enter Water Feet First: Serious, lifelong injuries, including paraplegia, occur every year due to diving headfirst into unknown water and striking the bottom. Bodysurfing can result in a serious neck injury when the swimmer’s neck strikes the bottom. Check for depth and obstructions before diving, then go in feet first the first time; and use caution while bodysurfing, always extending a hand ahead of you. Be careful even at the swimming pool.

Wear a Life Jacket when on Watercrafts: Some 80% of fatalities associated with boating accidents are from drowning. Most involve people who never expected to end up in the water but fell overboard or ended up in the water when the boat sank. Children are particularly at risk and should wear life jackets whenever they are aboard boats.

2. Public Swimming pools
Conville Public Swimming Pool
Lifeguards are available at the Conville Public Swimming Pool from 1 February 2024 to 2 April 2024, Monday to Friday 1pm – 4 pm (with 2 Lifeguards on Duty) and Saturdays, Sundays and Public Holidays from 9am – 12pm and 1pm – 4pm with 2 Lifeguards on Duty and one Lifeguard on standby.

Uniondale Public Swimming Pool
Lifeguards are available at the Uniondale Public Swimming Pool from 1 February 2024 to 2 April 2024, Monday to Sunday and Public Holidays from 10am – 6pm with 2 Lifeguards on Duty.

The following safety precautions are to be adhered to:
• Do not dive into a pool you have never been in before
• Listen to the lifeguards
• Do not swim alone
• Do not let small children swim in the big pool.
• No diving. No pushing
• Children under the age of 12 must be escorted by an adult (Please note that the small pool at Conville is closed for repairs)
• No weapons
• No alcohol is allowed at the swimming pools
• Right of admission reserved.

The tariffs for entry into both Conville and Uniondale swimming pools are as follows:
Non-Sporting events:
• Entrance fee: Adult (Including children 16years and above): R 15, 00 per person
• Children (15 years & under): R 5, 00 per child
• Swimming tuition: per person: R 11, 00 (Both adult and children)

Sporting events:
Hire of Conville Swimming Pool:
o Galas for Adults: R1 500,00 / full day
o R 800, 00 / half day
o Deposit R1 500, 00 (Refundable)
o Floodlights: R 300, 00 / hour
o Touchpads: R 4 000, 00 / day
o PLEASE NOTE: Entry fee to the Swimming Pools is VAT INCLUSIVE

For enquiries/bookings: Conville Swimming Pool
Tel: 044 801 9488
Contact persons:
Mr G de Villiers Email: gbdevilliers@george.gov.za – Sport Development Assistant
Ms LY Botha Email lybotha@george.gov.za – Sport Development Officer
Ms S Velembo Email svelembo@george.gov.za
For enquiries/Bookings: Uniondale Swimming Pool
Tel: 044-8019020 / 044 7521024 (Uniondale Office)

 

LIFEGUARDS ON THE BEACHES

Unplanned Power Outage in parts of the CBD: 20 January 2024 @ 17:47

A portion of the Central Business District (CBD) area is experiencing a power outage.

The following streets are affected by the power outage, York, Cathedral, Hibernia and Mead Street in the CBD.

An electrician has been dispatched for further investigation. We will send out an update as soon as we have more information available.
George municipality apologises for the inconvenience.

Eskom Load shedding schedule update: 20 January 2024 @15:12

After the suspension of loadshedding from midnight on Friday until 08:00 today, the consistent improvement in generation performance and lower than anticipated electricity demand has enabled Eskom to reduce loadshedding from Stage 2 to Stage 1 from 12:20 today until 16:00 on Sunday. Eskom will communicate should any significant changes occur and will provide an update for the week ahead outlook tomorrow afternoon.(Eskom)

George will be affected as follows:

Sunday 21/01/2024
12:00 – 14:30

Uniondale will be affected as follows:

Sunday 21/01/2024
15:00 – 17:30

ROTATIONAL SWITCH ON AFTER LOADSHEDDING -reduce power to avoid network tripping
Consumers are reminded to PLEASE 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 is scheduled to return. This will reduce the risk of overload tripping on the network.

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 i.e. areas are switched on one by one and not all at the same time to avoid overloading the system. Please wait at least 30 minutes before reporting no power. The Electrotechnical 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/