Author: Ntobeko Mangqwengqwe

Issued by George Municipality, 28 November 2024 @13:03

Motorists are advised to exercise caution when approaching Kaaimans Pass on the N2 due to a motor vehicle accident on the Pass. One lane has been closed, and traffic is being regulated.

We appreciate your patience and cooperation. Further updates will be provided as they become available.

All businesses mentioned below or who conduct businesses as below must apply for a business licence:

1. Sale or supply of meals or perishable foodstuffs
The carrying on of business by the sale or supply to consumers of –
• any foodstuff in the form of meals for consumption on or off the business premises; or
• any perishable foodstuffs.

2. Health Establishments
The carrying on of business by
• providing Turkish baths, saunas or other health baths;
• providing massage or infrared treatment;
• making the services of an escort, whether male or female, available to any other person.

3. Entertainment
The carrying on of business by
• keeping three or more mechanical, electronic, or electrical contrivances, instruments, apparatus or devices which are designed or used for the purpose of the playing of any game or for the purpose of recreation or amusement, and the operation which involves the payment of any valuable consideration, either by the insertion of a coin, token coin or disc therein or in an appliance attached thereto or in any other manner;
 keeping three or more snooker or billiard tables;
 keeping or conducting a night club or discotheque;
 keeping or conducting a cinema or theatre.

4. Hawking in meals or perishable foodstuffs
The carrying on of business, whether as principal, employee or agent, by selling any foodstuff in the form of meals or any perishable foodstuff
• which is conveyed from place to place, whether by vehicle or otherwise;
• on a public road or at any other place accessible to the public; or
• in, on or from a movable structure or stationery vehicle; unless the business is conveyed by a licence for a business referred to in item 1 of this Schedule

HOW TO APPLY FOR A BUSINESS LICENCE?

An application form must be completed, which can be obtained at the George Municipality, Department for Environmental Services situated at 82 Meade Street, George and at the Municipal Offices in Uniondale.

The application fee for a Business licence and an Entertainment licence is R 74,20. The fee for a hawkers’ licence is R 30,36. Please note that the application fee is not refundable.

The following documents must be submitted with the application:
1. Fully completed and signed application form and proof of payment.
2. Copy of certified ID or passport.
3. Copy of certified certificate of acceptability (COA).
4. Copy of the municipal account where the business is operated.
5. Site plan indicating where the premises are located. The site plan must indicate details of the type of structure or the building from which business is conducted.
6. Proof of ownership or permission to utilise business premises.
7. Business registration with the CIPC.

The processing of the application will take up to thirty (30) working days before an outcome will be available. Note that the Municipality may refuse the application.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS APPLICABLE TO SHOPS

A. Building Plan Requirements

The structure from which a shop is operated must have an approved building plan. House shops must be operated from structures that comply with the requirements for human occupancy in terms of the National Building Regulations and Building Standards Act, 1977.

A building plan application must consist of at least the following:
• Site Plan
• Floor Layout
• Section
• Elevations
• Fire Protection Plan

The building plans must clearly indicate the structure’s intended use, including all relevant services such as electrical, plumbing, water reticulation, ventilation, sanitaryware etc. The application must be compiled by a registered competent person and submitted on the Collaborator Portal. The application will be circulated to relevant municipal departments and other authorities for comments and compliance verification with applicable laws and regulations.

B. Minor works/Temporary structures/Buildings

Temporary buildings/structures means, any structure or erection or part of structure or erection which is intended to be used only for a temporary purpose for a definite period and which is made of temporary and quickly removable building material other than material of a permanent nature. These structures are multi-purpose, portable structures that offer protection under all weather conditions.
These include:
1. Containers
2. Wendy House-type structures
3. Mobile units
4. Or any similar structures/buildings.

The applicable fees are determined as per the approved tariffs:
1. New structures calculated at R29 per square meter, subject to minimum fee R424.00.
2. Change to existing buildings at R23.00 per R850.00 of the estimated cost, subject to minimum fee R424.00.
3. Minor building works at R424.00.

C. Inspection Requirements

If the building plan application is approved, three compulsory inspections must be conducted before applying for an Occupation Certificate:
1. Commencement/Open Trench Inspection
2. Open Drainage Inspection
3. Completion Inspection

These inspections must be scheduled two days in advance of the desired inspection date.

D. Requirements for Occupation Certificate

To apply for an Occupation Certificate, the following compliance certificates are required:
• Electrical Compliance Certificate
• Plumbing Compliance Certificate
• Certificate of Acceptability for Food Premises (if applicable, to be obtained from Garden Route District Municipality)
• Gas Certificate (if applicable)
• Glazing Certificate of Conformance (if safety glass is used)
• Fire Safety Certificate (if applicable)
• SANS Form 4 Engineer Certificate (if applicable)
• SANS Form 4 Architect Certificate (if applicable)
• In order to comply a building plan application must be submitted for consideration.

E. Zoning Requirements applicable to House Shops / Spaza Shops

i. In terms of the George Integrated Zoning Scheme By-Law, 2023 Zoning Scheme house shops are permitted as a consent use on properties zone Single Residential Zone I and III, and a house shop of 6 square metres or less is permitted on a property zoned Single Residential Zone III as a primary right, meaning that a land use application is not required.
ii. The George Municipality: Town Planning Policy on House Shops and Other Residential Based Retail Concerns (House Shop policy) was adopted by the George Council on 25 August 2021 and provides details regarding the allowance of house shops and other retail or services type businesses in residential areas.
iii. The Municipality issued guidelines for the submission of House shop applications which have been simplified to assist property owner with the process of legalising the business operated from their property. The guidelines contain the following details:
a. Documents required to be submitted with the application and include:
• A simplified site layout plan illustrating, inter alia, the structures on site and respective uses (dwelling house vs house shop);
b. Public participation to be followed;
c. A simplified application form and motivation memorandum (one document) which can be filled in by hand or be made available electronically.
iv. An application fee will be payable on submission of the application. The processing of the application will take up to 60 days before an outcome is provided.
v. The guidelines and application form are available on the Municipaliy’s website or at the Planning front desk on the 5th Floor of the Main Building. The complete application can be submitted by hand at the Planning help desk at 71 York Street or e-mailed to town.planning.applications@george.gov.za; (Note that this applies only to house shops/spaza shops. All other land use applications must be submitted electronically via the portal).
vi. The application must be submitted by the landowner or be accompanied by a sufficient power of attorney be provided by the landowner.

Should the property owner, receive a land use approval for the house shop from planning, the owner must still ensure that the required Building Plan approvals and Business Licence are obtained.
The Health Certificate and the Certificate of Acceptability, which is also required, are issued by the Garden Route District Municipality.

Kindly note that we have reviewed the extended hours from last year and submitted slightly adjusted hours for this year. The Saturday hours have moved later to accommodate the morning market in Wilderness, after which there were several enquiries last year.

The George office opens at normal hours, as before.

THE WILDERNESS OFFICE WILL BE OPEN AS FOLLOWS:

Operating Hours: 15 December 2024 – 4 January 2025

Monday – Friday 08:00 – 17:30
Saturdays 15:00 – 17:00
Public Holidays 09:00 – 13:00
Closed on 25 December 2024 & 1 January 2025

Thank you for your continued support, and we look forward to assisting you this festive season.

The George and Wilderness Tourism Offices will close at 13:00 on Thursday, 28 November 2024, to accommodate a pre-season team-building and year-end function.

Operating hours for Thursday, 28 November 2024:
• Open from 08:45 to 13:00
• Regular operations will resume on Friday, 29 November 2024.

Additionally, the Wilderness Tourism Office will operate with extended hours during the high season. We appreciate your understanding.

The Environmental Services offices located at 82 Meade Street will close early today, 26 November 2024, at 15:45 to allow for pest control services. Notices have also been displayed on the premises.

We apologise for any inconvenience caused and thank you for your understanding.

The lifeguards are available at the Conville and Uniondale pools from 1 December 2024 until 21 April 2025, as per the following swimming pool operating hours.
• Monday to Friday: 13:00 – 16:00 (with 2 Lifeguards on Duty)
• Saturdays and Sundays (Public Holidays): 09:00 – 12:00 and 13:00 – 16:00 with 2 Lifeguards on Duty and one Lifeguard on standby.

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
• An adult must escort children under the age of 12 (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 16, 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:
• Galas for Adults: R1 590,00 / full day
• R 848, 00 / half day
• Deposit R1 590, 00 (Refundable)
• Floodlights: R 318, 00 / hour
• Touchpads: R 4 240, 00 / day – R 530,00 per set per day
• PLEASE NOTE: Entry fee to the Swimming Pools is VAT INCLUSIVE

For enquiries/bookings: Conville Swimming Pool
Tel: 044 801 9488

Contact persons:
Mr J Bruinders Email: jbruinders@george.gov.za – Senior Clerk Sport Development
Mr O Twala Email: otwale@george.gov.za – Senior Clerk Sport Development
Ms LY Botha Email lybotha@george.gov.za – Sport Development Officer

For enquiries/Bookings: Uniondale Swimming Pool
Tel: 044-8019020 / 044 7521024 (Uniondale Office)

Issued by George Municipality, 24 November 2024 @10:19

An unplanned power outage occurred in Zone 6, Thembalethu earlier this morning. The power outage has been restored.

The public meeting regarding the progress of the construction of the Rosemoor Synthetic Athletic Track and associated works has been cancelled until further notice.

The meeting was originally scheduled for Wednesday, 20 November 2024, at the Rosemoor Civic Centre and was intended for residents of Wards 5, 6, and 17.

We apologise for any inconvenience caused and will provide an update as soon as a new date is confirmed.

DESCRIPTION:

The Contractor will cut into the pipes feeding the Garden Route dam raw water pump stations to install cross-connection pipework supply lines inside the tunnel.

CONSTRUCTION PERIOD:

19 – 20 November 2024

SERVICE DISRUPTION:

The potable water supply to George Municipality’s residents should not be disrupted while the construction work is carried out during the period above. Further communication will follow should circumstances change.

TRAFFIC IMPACT:

No impact on traffic.

ACCESS TO SITE:

Access to the construction site will be strictly controlled. In accordance with the Occupational Health and Safety Act, no members of the public will be allowed in the construction area.

PROJECT ENQUIRIES: Mr Andre Scheepers – 044 801 9492 (Technical)

The George Municipality apologises for any inconvenience and appeals to the public to be patient and exercise caution throughout the construction period. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.

Stay safe around water this festive season by following these practical drowning prevention strategies:
• Learn life-saving skills, including the basics of swimming and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).
• Know who to call in an emergency.
• Fence ponds, pools and water storage: Install a four-sided isolation fence at least 1.2m high with a self-closing and self-latching gate to control access to bodies of water.
• Be on the lookout. Drownings happen quickly and quietly. Never leave children to supervise each other. A responsible adult must always watch out for children near a pool, Jacuzzi, or natural body of water.
• Stay within arm’s length of children under four around water.
• Don’t drink or be distracted by work, phone calls, technology, or anything else that may absorb your attention when watching children.
• Fit a pool net immediately after swimming and replace it every time.
• Don’t rely on armbands, floating toys, inner tubes, or devices to keep children safe.
• Teach children to swim, but never leave them unsupervised around water.
• Consider installing alarms. Various water alarms, such as a floating pool alarm or external security beams, can be installed to add to the precautions of fencing and supervision.
• Beware of drains. Children must be kept away from pool or Jacuzzi drains as hair or limbs could become trapped in the suction.
• Toilets, bathtubs, water features, fish tanks, pet water bowls and buckets. Children can drown wherever there is access to water, and a baby can drown in just 2.5cm of water.

EMERGENCY NUMBERS:
• George Fire and Rescue: 044 801 6311
• Toll-Free Disaster Number: 087 152 9999
• NSRI (National Sea Rescue Institute): 082 990 5955 | 087 094 9774

Stay alert and make water safety a priority to prevent drowning tragedies.

UPDATE: PUBLIC NOTICE – Pipe Burst on Kaaimans Blvd, Kraaibosch Manor
Issued by George Municipality, 15 November 2024 @20:20

A pipe burst has occurred at 24 Kaaimans Blvd in Kraaibosch Manor. To assist affected residents, a water tanker will now roam the affected area. Please note that a standpipe, as previously communicated, will no longer be provided.

The estimated time for repair remains 6 hours.

We apologize for the inconvenience and appreciate your patience as our team works to resolve the issue.

***

Issued by George Municipality, 15 November 2024 @20:05

A pipe burst has occurred at 24 Kaaimans Blvd in Kraaibosch Manor. To assist affected residents, a standpipe will be installed on one of the fire hydrants within the estate. The exact location of the standpipe will be communicated shortly.

The estimated time for repair is 6 hours.

We apologise for the inconvenience and appreciate your patience while the repairs are being carried out.

EMERGENCY POWER OUTAGE: Portion of Tamsui Industrial – Abattoir Rd and Lotte Mart Power Trade

The George Municipality has temporarily closed the Garden Route Dam, including access for hikers and bikers, to accommodate filming for a television production.

The closure is in effect on Friday, 15 November 2024, and Saturday, 16 November 2024. The dam will reopen to the public on Sunday, 17 November 2024.

We apologise for any inconvenience caused and appreciate your understanding.

Issued by George Municipality, 13 November 2024 @13:30

The Uncedo Taxi Association’s march has concluded without any incidents. The association presented their petition to the Municipality and Provincial Traffic authorities before dispersing peacefully. Traffic flow has now returned to normal.

Thank you to the law enforcement agencies for their role in monitoring the march, and to the public for their patience and cooperation.

PLANNED POWER OUTAGE: Portion of Bergsig – Stander, Kingsley Close, Lamprecht, Tarentaal and Woodfield Close
Issued by George Municipality, 13 Nov 2024

Issued by George Municipality, 13 November 2024 @08:00

The George Municipality, in coordination with the South African Police Service (SAPS) and other law enforcement agencies, is fully prepared for today’s march organized by the Uncedo Taxi Association.

A coordinated law enforcement presence is in place throughout the march to ensure public safety and minimize disruptions to traffic and business operations.

The Uncedo Taxi Association has formally applied for permission to conduct the march, during which they intend to deliver a petition to both the Municipality and the Provincial Traffic Department.

EXPECT TRAFFIC FLOW INTERRUPTIONS AND DELAYS

As of 07:50 this morning, dozens of taxis have departed from Thembalethu and are proceeding toward the Municipality. Motorists should expect traffic flow interruptions and delays due to a convoy of approximately 150 taxis along Nelson Mandela Boulevard, York Street, and intersecting roads.

GO GEORGE: DELAYS EXPERIENCED DUE TO TAXI MARCH

Although GO GEORGE services were disrupted earlier this morning, all routes are currently active with delays currently experienced in Nelson Mandela Boulevard. Delays are expected to expand to more routes once the march reaches York Street.

The Municipality anticipates the marchers will reach Municipal offices by approximately 09:00.

13 Nov @ 05:00

Due to minibus taxis not operating today, no GO GEORGE drivers using staff transport are able to get to the depot.

The following main routes will be covered until further notice, while community routes will be phased in as more drivers become available:
Routes 1A; 1B; 1C; 1E, 2, 7, 9, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 18, 24, 53, 53B, 56, 60.

Tembalethu routes 10 and 18A will be delayed.

Passengers who can arrange alternative transport are strongly advised to do so.
GO GEORGE apologises for the inconvenience and calls on employers to be understanding when staff arrive late for work.

***

GO GEORGE-DIENSKENNISGEWING – SLEGS HOOFROETES GEDEK
13 Nov @ 05:00

Weens minibustaxi’s wat nie vandag werk nie, kan geen GO GEORGE-bestuurders wat personeelvervoer gebruik, by die depot uitkom nie.

Die volgende hoofroetes sal tot verdere kennisgewing gedek word, terwyl gemeenskapsroetes ingefaseer sal word namate meer bestuurders beskikbaar word:
Roetes 1A; 1B; 1C; 1E, 2, 7, 9, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 18, 24, 53, 53B, 56, 60.

Tembalethu-roetes 10 en 18A sal vertraag word.

Passasiers wat alternatiewe vervoer kan reël, word sterk aangeraai om dit te doen.
GO GEORGE vra om verskoning vir die ongerief en doen ‘n beroep op werkgewers om begrip te hê wanneer personeel laat opdaag vir werk.

GO GEORGE SERVICE ALERT:
TAXI MARCH ON WEDNESDAY MORNING – DELAYS AND HIGHER DEMAND FOR BUS SERVICES EXPECTED

Please take note of expected delays and a higher demand for bus services on Wednesday morning, 13 November 2024 due to a march of the local taxi association.

Passengers are encouraged to take an earlier bus or arrange for alternative transport if possible, and to please be patient as more passengers than usual may need to use the bus service.

Please phone the GO GEORGE CALL CENTRE on 0800 044 044 for support and information regarding the situation, follow the GO GEORGE Facebook page or join our WhatsApp Channel for up-to-date service alerts by clicking on this link:
https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VanooYO002T09OyaKM3x for the latest updates.