Author: Nadine Payle

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.

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

Due to the return to service of a generation unit and the reduction of partial load losses, which resulted in an improvement in generation capacity, Stage 2 loadshedding (instead of Stage 3 loadshedding as previously communicated) will continue to be implemented until 05:00 on Sunday, 21 January 2024. Thereafter, Stage 1 loadshedding will be implemented from 05:00 until 16:00 on Sunday. A further update will be provided on Sunday afternoon.

George will be affected as follows:

Friday 19/01/2024
22:00 – 00:30

Saturday 20/01/2024
06:00 – 08:30

Sunday 21/01/2024
04:00 – 05:00
12:00 – 14:30
Uniondale will be affected as follows:

Saturday 20/01/2024
01:00 – 03:30
09:00 – 11:30

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/

You can open a new municipal account online or in person.

Please note:
• A copy of the property deed search is the only type of proof of ownership that will be accepted – please ask the attorney who handled your property transfer to provide you with this document.
• If you are opening a service account on behalf of someone else, a permission letter from the owner must accompany the application as well as a certified copy of the owner’s ID and your ID.
• A tenant cannot open a service account, only the registered owner who is responsible for the full payment of the statement each month. The owner must invoice his/her tenant.
• A deposit is payable before your application can be processed.
• You incur costs on your property from the date it is registered in your name at the deeds office.
• You will receive your first account about a month after the account was opened, which is payable on the 15th of every month.
• If you sell your property, you are liable for the account up until the last day the property is registered in your name. A final account will be sent to you once all administration has been finalised.
• You can use a valid identification document (ID), passport or driving licence as identification.
Opening a service account online:
• Send an email to accounts@george.gov.za requesting the procedures of opening a service account online.
• You will receive a return email from a consultant, who will take you through the process step-by-step.
• Please take note of the documents that would be required as listed below, depending on the type of service account you are opening.
Opening an account in person:
• Visit the Finance Hall on the ground floor of the George Municipality Main Building (entry via parking lot behind the building, accessed from Victoria and Progress Streets) and apply in person to open the account.
• Bring with you all the documents specified below, depending on the type of service account you are opening.
• Report at the Information Desk from where you will be referred to a consultant who will open the account and provide you with the amount deposit payable.
• Pay your deposit at the cashier and return the cashier’s slip to the consultant who will complete your application.
• You will receive a copy of the contract document you signed as part of the account opening process, which will include your account number.

The following documents are required to open an account:
Single or multiple owners:
• Copy of property deed as proof of ownership
• ID document(s) of all owners
• If opening for someone else, a letter of permission to open an account on the owner’s behalf and own ID
• Proof of payment of applicable deposit
Trust:
• Copy of property deed as proof of ownership
• J246 (letter from the Master of the Supreme Court)
• ID documents of all trustees of the trust
• VAT number
• If opening for someone else, a letter of permission to open an account on the owner’s behalf and own ID
• Proof of payment of applicable deposit
Closed Corporation (CC)
• Copy of property deed as proof of ownership
• CK2 (Certificate of Founding Statement)
• VAR103 (VAT registration and number)
• Identity documents of the owner(s) of the CC
• If opening for someone else, a letter of permission to open an account on the owner’s behalf and own ID
• Proof of payment of applicable deposit
Public Company (Pty) Ltd
• Copy of property deed as proof of ownership
• CM29 (Register of Directors)
• CM1 (Certificate of Incorporation)
• CM46 (Certificate to Commence Business)
• VAR103 (VAT registration and number)
• Identity document of the director of the company
• If opening for someone else, a letter of permission to open an account on the owner’s behalf and own ID
• Proof of payment of applicable deposit

Banking Details
Account Name: George Municipality
Account Type: Public Sector Cheque Account
FNB Bank Account Number: 62869623150
Branch Code: 210554
Swift Code: FIRNZAJJ
Reference: Deposit Erf #### (insert erf number of the property for which the account is being opened)
VAT nr: 4630193664
Send proof of payment to: payments@george.gov.za

Please take note that the Electro-Technical Services telephones are currently out of service.
A technician has been dispatched to attend to the issue,

Residents are urged to please make use of the WhatsApp line @ 067 350 3295

We have switched off the power supply in De Beer, Versveld, and Bruce Str in the Borchards area to continue repair work today. An ETR will be communicated soon.

The George Municipality thanks its residents for their patience.

Mini substation Courtney

The Mini substation Courtney, remains off while the team is busy attending to the faulty substation. Part of Courtney and Iron road are affected. The substation will be replaced.
ETR is 12- 16 hours

Issued by George Municipality, 18 January 2024, 11:02

GO GEORGE was informed by the contractors working on the Thembalethu bridge that construction work will switch over to the opposite lane today.

As a result, Stop V Ncamazana 540 just before the bridge (direction into Thembalethu) will be moved back towards town, at least 100 metres, town side of the intersection with Main Street.

🔹Passengers using R16 and wanting to transfer to 18A or B to travel into Thembalethu, will now need to walk down Nelson Mandela Blvd from the Golf stop to the new, temporary location of Stop V Ncamazana 540.
🔹Passengers using R15 or R18, wanting to transfer to 18A or B, will have to do so at the new temporary location of Stop V Ncamazana 540.

GO GEORGE communication champions will be in the area to assist passengers.

GO GEORGE was informed by the contractors working on the Thembalethu bridge construction that work will switch over to the opposite lane today.

This will impact traffic in Nelson Mandela Blvd and passengers should expect delays on all routes travelling to and from the Parkdene area, especially going home from work and school.
GO GEORGE apologises for the inconvenience which is out of our control. Let’s all be patient while this essential process is being executed.

GO GEORGE was informed by the contractors working on the bridge construction that work will switch over to the opposite lane during off-peak traffic today.

GO GEORGE anticipates delays on the routes into Thembalethu during the switch-over. This is out of our control and we ask passengers to be patient while this essential process is being executed.

In spite of the return to service of 3 200MW of generation capacity in the last 48 hours, the need to continue to do planned maintenance and the setback of losing four generating units, necessitates the implementation of Stage 3 loadshedding from 16:00 today until 05:00 on Thursday.

Thereafter, Stage 2 loadshedding will be implemented from 05:00 until 16:00. This pattern of implementing Stage 2 loadshedding from 05:00 until 16:00 and Stage 3 from 16:00 until 05:00 will be repeated until Saturday morning. Eskom will provide a further update on Friday afternoon.

George will be affected as follows:
Wednesday 17/01/2024
No further loadshedding

Thursday 18/01/2024
14:00 – 16:30
22:00 – 00:30

Friday 19/01/2024
22:00 – 00:30

Uniondale will be affected as follows:

Wednesday 17/01/2024
17:00 – 19:30

Thursday 18/01/2024
17:00 – 19:30

Friday 19/01/2024
01:00 – 03:30
17:00 – 19:30

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/

NOTIFICATION OF EMERGENCY INTERRUPTION OF THE ELECTRICITY SUPPLY.

THE FOLLOWING AREAS WILL BE AFFECTED: PORTION OF BLANCO
PIENAAR, SEARLE AND BOSHOFF STREETS

NOTICE is hereby given that the electricity supply will be interrupted on THURSDAY 18 JANUARY 2024 FROM 08H00 TO 18H00 for the purpose of doing 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
TUESDAY 23 JANUARY 2024 FROM 08H00 TO 18H00

************************************

KENNISGEWING VAN DIE NOOD ONDERBREKING VAN DIE ELEKTRIESE TOEVOER.

DIE VOLGENDE AREAS SAL GERAAK WORD: GEDEELTE VAN BLANCO, PIENAAR,SEARLE EN BOSHOFF STRATE

KENNISGEWING geskied hiermee dat die elektriese toevoer onderbreek sal word op DONDERDAG 18 JANUARIE 2024 VANAF 08H00 TOT 18H00 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 kan word gedurende bogenoemde periode, sal die werk gedoen word op
DINSDAG 23 JANUARIE 2024 VANAF 08H00 TOT 18H00

Loadshedding has caused levels in the main reservoir to drop due to a lack of power supply to the pumps. The outlet of the reservoir has been closed to build up water in the reservoir.

Residents will expect to lose water availability shortly. The estimated time to fill the reservoir will be approximately 5 hours. Residents will initially experience discoloured water once the reservoir is open.

A water tanker will initially be roaming in the high-lying areas.

George Municipality thanks the residents for their patience
Issued by George Municipality, 17 January 2024 @07:51

Stage 2 loadshedding will continue to be implemented until 16:00 on Wednesday

George will be affected as follows:

Tuesday 16/01/2024
00:00 – 02:30
08:00 – 10:30

Wednesday 17/01/2024
06:00 – 08:30
14:00 – 16:30

Uniondale will be affected as follows:

Tuesday 16/01/2024
03:00 – 05:30
11:00 – 13:30

Wednesday 17/01/2024
09:00 – 11:30
17:00 – 19:30

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/

Due to further improvement in generation performance and lower than anticipated electricity demand, Stage 2 loadshedding will be implemented at 12:00 midday today until 16:00 on Tuesday. Eskom will communicate the outlook of the week later this afternoon

George will be affected as follows:

Monday 15/01/2024
No further loadshedding

Tuesday 16/01/2024
00:00 – 02:30
08:00 – 10:30

Uniondale will be affected as follows:

Monday 15/01/2024
No further loadshedding

Tuesday 16/01/2024
03:00 – 05:30
11:00 – 13:30

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/

Please take note that both the Blanco Motor Vehicle Registration (MVR) and the Hibernia MVR, as well as the Drivers Licence Testing Centre (DLTC), will be closing at 2 pm on Wednesday 17th January due to operational requirements.

All services will resume their operations as usual on Thursday 18 January 2024.

Thank you.

🌞Experience top golf courses, pristine beaches,
amazing railway adventures, and
adrenalin-fuelled fun in George this Summer. ️

🌞Wander lush forest trails, savour great gastronomy and so much more!
visitgeorge.co.za

🌞We want you to Stay safe with beach guidelines,
mountain info, and emergency
contacts. Find the information on our website at bit.ly/gmunsafety

🌞On holiday but need us?
Get in touch to log a fault or obtain information on
https://tinyurl.com/5n7s998f

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