Author: Nadine Payle

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

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.

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).

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.