Author: Ntobeko Mangqwengqwe

In the photo: Caption 1 – Thembalethu Sportsfield Gym Trim – Executive Mayor Jackie Von Brandis tested out the new Gym Trim equipment together with from left Cllr Thandiswa Qatana, Lynette Groenewald (Senior Spatial Planner), Ward 13 Cllr Simphiwe Toto, MMC for Community Development, Melvin Roelfse, MMC for Community Services: Parks, Refuse and Environment Marchelle Kleynhans, Granville Campher(Manager Sport Development) and Henko Lourens (Spatial Planner).

George Municipality officially opened the fully-fledged gym trims installed at Thembalethu Stadium and the Thusong Centre which form a part of Project 7: Recreation Route, one of the eleven Investment Packages identified to enhance social and economic development in Thembalethu as a part of the Ilisolethu Precinct. The gym equipment, consisting of 10 machines, litter bins and benches were installed at each site as part of this project

The rollout of outdoor gym equipment in George began in 2022 as a pilot project to observe its utilisation and in an effort to provide better health and wellness opportunities to people of all ages, abilities, and socio-economic statuses. Three Outdoor Gym Trim have previously been installed, one on Knysna Road and another one at the Corner of Mission and Fern Streets in Pacaltsdorp, and ERF 80 Van Riebeeck Gardens. Initially, it was anticipated that elderly people would benefit while children enjoyed the playpark equipment. However, it turned out that children also enjoy the gym equipment as it is user-friendly for both children and adults. – “Over the two years, we have noticed that children use the equipment more and we encourage adults to also make use of the equipment for their health and wellness,” said Nosidima Vumindaba, the George Municipality’s Parks and Recreation Manager.

The Neighbourhood Development Project Ilisolethu Framework Project 7: Recreation Route which will include a recreation route that will integrate the area through a 5km recreational route for Park Run events, supporting a weekend market facility, upgrading of the existing Thembalethu sports field and multifunctional public open space. The Gym Trim at the Thusong Centre will be fenced shortly.

Melvin Roelfse, MMC for Community Development noted that the Gym Trims will add value to the youth and contribute towards the wellness and well-being of the community. “Gym and sports bring people together and this will help to build and strengthen our communities. I encourage our community members of Thembalethu to use and enjoy this equipment, “ he said.

The outdoor gym equipment was installed in June at a cost of R453 200 and forms a part of the R74 million committed thus far to the Ilisolethu Precinct by the investment partners of the Municipality – including the Development Bank of South Africa and the National Treasury.

Interested parties can obtain further information on the Ilisolethu Project by following this link: https://www.george.gov.za/planning-development/ilisolethu-precinct/ or contacting George Municipal Directorate Planning and Development, Henko Lourens hlourens@george.gov.za

#ilisolethuGeorge #Letsgrowthembalethu #cityofopportunties

Video Link – Executive Mayor Jackie Von Brandis introduces Ward 13 Simphiwe Toto who explains the Ilisolethu Project and the installation of Gym Trims together with MMC for Community Development Melvin Roelfse. https://youtu.be/ibCO2spwEUc

Editor’s Note: https://www.george.gov.za/planning-development/ilisolethu-precinct/
The Ilisolethu Project aims to promote social, economic, and residential development, and stimulate urban regeneration through investment projects. This initiative seeks to uplift the community of Thembalethu while creating a unique space for residents and visitors alike. Some key benefits of this project include socio-economic opportunity, fostering of human potential, and creating a better, more accessible space for communal interaction and usage. In partnership with the National Treasury, George Municipality has thus initiated the Thembalethu Node 1 Development Project to attract new investments and stimulate economic activity in the area. The appointed service provider, Cadre Connect, drafted an Investment Strategy, an Area Management Strategy and identified 11 Investment Project Packages. The aim is to roll out the project over a 5-year period, subject to the availability of funding and commitment from investment partners, and, once completed, this groundbreaking regeneration initiative will be a valuable asset to the community of Thembalethu and benefit the entire region.

Photographed at the new gate and fence of Thembalethu Sports Stadium are from left: Granville Campher (Manager Sport Development in the George Municipality); Councillor Melvin Roelfse (Member of the Mayoral Committee (MMC) for Community Development), Lynette Groenewald (Senior Spatial Planner), Councillor Simphiwe Toto (Ward 13 in Thembalethu); Executive Mayor Jackie Von Brandis, Councillor Thandiswa Qatana (Proportional Representative Councillor in Ward 13); Councillors Marchelle Kleynhans (Member of the Mayor Committee(MMC) for Community Services: Parks, Refuse and Environment) and Henko Lourens (Spatial Planner).

As part of the Ilisolethu Precinct, eleven Investment Packages have been identified to enhance social and economic development in Thembalethu. One of these Investment Packages is known as Project 7: Recreation Route. The project seeks to address the expressed need for more recreation facilities within available vacant land. This includes the development of a 5km recreation route, gym parks, and a future weekend market area.

The Neighbourhood Development Project Ilisolethu Framework identified the upgrading of the sports field (Project 7) as part of the recreation route project. The original solid wall created a security risk as it was not visually permeable. Creating a safer precinct is one of the pillars of the Ilisolethu Project. Measures to screen the site during sports events are being considered. The importance of safety in the general area was echoed by teachers of the adjacent Imizamo Yethu Secondary School as well as the developers of the old clinic site and surrounds. The new fence includes a motorised vehicle access gate and two pedestrian gates to ensure sufficient, controlled sports field access.

This project cost R2.1 m, which forms part of the R74 million committed thus far to the Ilisolethu Precinct by the investment partners of the Municipality – including the Development Bank of South Africa and the National Treasury.

In the future, the sports field will see further upgrades including a pedestrian walkway, the construction of an Astroturf, and additional upgrades to increase functionality and enjoyment for all users.

Interested parties can obtain further information on the Ilisolethu Project by following this link: https://www.george.gov.za/planning-development/ilisolethu-precinct/ or contacting George Municipal Directorate Planning and Development, Henko Lourens hlourens@george.gov.za

#ilisolethuGeorge #Letsgrowthembalethu #cityofopportunties

Editor’s Note: https://www.george.gov.za/planning-development/ilisolethu-precinct/
The Ilisolethu Project aims to promote social, economic, and residential development, and stimulate urban regeneration through investment projects. This initiative seeks to uplift the community of Thembalethu while creating a unique space for residents and visitors alike. Some key benefits of this project include socio-economic opportunity, fostering of human potential, and creating a better, more accessible space for communal interaction and usage. In partnership with the National Treasury, George Municipality has thus initiated the Thembalethu Node 1 Development Project to attract new investments and stimulate economic activity in the area. The appointed service provider, Cadre Connect, drafted an Investment Strategy, an Area Management Strategy and identified 11 Investment Project Packages. The aim is to roll out the project over a 5-year period, subject to the availability of funding and commitment from investment partners, and, once completed, this groundbreaking regeneration initiative will be a valuable asset to the community of Thembalethu and benefit the entire region.

In the photo is the Civic Centre 300 kWp system which has been operational since September 2021

The George Municipality continues to pursue its vision to enhance energy resilience and reduce electricity demand through renewable energy initiatives. The primary goal of these projects is to meet some of the municipality’s energy requirements, thereby decreasing dependence on Eskom. According to the deputy director for Planning and Design in the George Municipality’s Electrotechnical Services, Daniel Greeff, this reduction in electricity purchases from Eskom will lower the municipality’s electricity bill, with the savings ultimately benefiting customers.

Completed Projects:
• Civic Centre: 300 kWp system, operational since September 2021.
• Outeniqua Wastewater Treatment Facility: 400-kilowatt peak (kWp) photovoltaic (PV) system.
• Gwaing Wastewater Treatment Facility: 500 kWp PV system.
• Municipal Land (ERF464): 1 megawatt peak (MWp) solar farm.

Ongoing Renewable Energy Projects:
• Tourism Site: Completed, with some equipment changes necessitated by a fire.
• Battery Storage System: 3 megawatt-hours (MWh) battery storage system spread across three sites (Civic Centre building, Outeniqua, and Gwaing wastewater treatment works), construction is expected to begin in September 2024.

Cancellation of Tender for 12 MW PV with 66kV Substation Grid Connection

The tender for the construction of the 12 MW PV Plant with the 66kV substation Grid connection was cancelled. According to Mr Riaan du Plessis, the Chief Financial Officer of the George Municipality, the bids received in response to the tender process far exceeded the available budget. “In terms of the Local Government Municipal Finance Management Act, 56 of 2003 (MFMA), a municipality may incur expenditure only in terms of an approved budget. Therefore, there was no alternative but to cancel the tender,” du Plessis said.

Future Plans and Initiatives

George Municipality intends to continue exploring alternative electricity supply solutions such as Small-Scale Embedded Energy Generation (SSEG) and Wheeling agreements. The municipality will also focus on procuring electricity from Independent Power Producers (IPPs).

George Municipality will work in collaboration with the Western Cape Premier’s office relating to the appointment of IPP’s, which is already coordinating similar solutions in the province. IPPs will create an effective competitive market space for ESKOM, moving away from the current monopoly. This is seen as the economic solution to the current energy crisis in South Africa, and George Municipality will support the Western Cape government in leading the necessary changes for a stable electricity supply future.
The municipality remains committed to finding sustainable solutions to the current electricity crisis, contributing to both local and national energy resilience.

In the photo: Ilisolethu Precinct’s Eleven Projects

George Municipality is pleased to announce the Thembalethu Node Development Project to create a vibrant and sustainable community hub in Thembalethu. This initiative branded “Ilisolethu” (which means, “Our Eye”, in IsiXhosa), aims to attract new investments and stimulate economic growth in the precinct area along Nelson Mandela Boulevard (NMB), including the Thembalethu Central Business District (CBD).

Thembalethu is a very densely populated suburb of George and has been identified as a priority investment area in the George Municipal Spatial Development Framework (MSDF) 2023, amongst other areas such as Blanco, the George CBD, Pacaltsdorp and other investment focus areas. The Ilisolethu Precinct area is an area within Thembalethu classified as a mixed-use node where services and opportunities for all the residents of Thembalethu should be facilitated. The development area includes areas around the Thusong Centre, along Nelson Mandela Boulevard, from the N2 to just past 26th Avenue and available land between Nelson Mandela Boulevard and Ngcakani Road.

According to the Executive Mayor of George, Jackie Von Brandis, the Ilisolethu Project aims to promote social, economic, and residential development, and stimulate urban regeneration through investment projects. “This initiative seeks to uplift the community of Thembalethu while creating a unique space for residents and visitors alike. Some key benefits of this project include socio-economic opportunity, fostering of human potential, and creating a better, more accessible space for communal interaction and usage,” Mayor Von Brandis said.

In partnership with the National Treasury, George Municipality has thus initiated the Thembalethu Node 1 Development Project to attract new investments and stimulate economic activity in the area. The appointed service provider, Cadre Connect, drafted an Investment Strategy, an Area Management Strategy and identified 11 Investment Project Packages.

Ward 13 Councillor Simphiwe Toto and his Ward Committee have branded the precinct “Ilisolethu” and supported the development of a brand logo. Several workshops with councillors, the ward committees, municipal departments, and key stakeholders have been held to identify potential projects and gather feedback, which advised the initial Development Plan.

The Development Plan (Investment Plan and Area Management Strategy) has subsequently been adopted by the George Municipal Council and the Neighbourhood Development Partnership Programme team from the National Treasury. Funding to initiate phased project implementation has been unlocked and the process to identify and engage investors will now commence.

The Ilisolethu precinct includes the following eleven projects:

Project 1: Nelson Mandela Boulevard Multi-Purpose Identity Route
This project aims to redesign and upgrade Nelson Mandela Boulevard to improve traffic mobility and support public transport. It will also create a pedestrian-priority space, support Small, Medium, and Micro Enterprises (SMME) traders, and increase open spaces through pocket parks.

Project 2: Ilisolethu Interchange Gateway Development
This development will provide economic opportunities through factory outlets and add residential options, creating a mixed-use, live-work-play node. It will serve as a landmark feature at the entrance of Thembalethu. High-density residential development opportunities will also be created.

Project 3: Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) Village
The project aims to create a high-density, mixed-use activity core supporting economic opportunities and housing for working-class adults and students. The BPO (Business Process Outsourcing) intent aims to bring job opportunities to Thembalethu by creating spaces where third-party vendors or service providers can offer support functions for large corporates.

Project 4: Dlabs, SafeHub Facility and Call Centre (Old Hospital / Clinic)
This precinct will address community needs through community-based solutions, including the establishment of a Safe Hub in partnership with the Development Bank of South Africa (DBSA) and Amandla. The intention is also to foster economic development and job creation, which will extend beyond support and training and will include a call centre. The Dlabs facility will also link to the development of sports initiatives and will include the construction of an artificial turf soccer field and sport-support facility on the Thembalethu Sports field as part of Project 7.

Project 5: Inkcubeko (Embark in Knowledge) Youth and Science Centre Extension
The Centre plans to expand its services on additional Council land to include science and educational programs, additional classrooms, a Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) laboratory and an exhibition centre.

Project 6: SMME (Small, Medium and Micro Enterprises) and Recycling Hub
This project will develop a trading space for trade in the vehicle industry and urban manufacturing and service trades, incorporating a recycling facility.

Project 7: Park Run and Trim Park Recreation Route
The recreation route will integrate the area through a 5km recreational route for Park Run events, supporting a weekend market facility, upgrading of the existing sports field and multifunctional public open space.

Project 8: NMB Multi-Purpose Public Open Spaces
This project aims to formalise two areas zoned for open space purposes into active parks and community spaces, and to redevelop encroaching informal settlement areas into micro-flat developments.

Project 9: NMB Sports Node
The sports node relates to an undeveloped section of land along Nelson Mandela Boulevard and the development intent is to provide additional sports and recreational facilities, supporting community services and SMME trading facilities.

Project 10: NMB SMME Trading Areas
This project will establish integrated and well-designed trading spaces, supporting the livelihoods of local traders.

Project 11: Multimodal Transport and Social Cluster
The cluster will serve as a concentration point for social and community services, integrating non-motorized- and public transport modes within the sub-precinct design

The George Municipality secured funding from the National Treasury through the Neighbourhood Development Partnership Programme to initiate the technical investigation stage. The project aims to facilitate economic opportunities that are inclusive, create high-quality public spaces, and link funders to catalytic projects that will benefit Thembalethu residents and entrepreneurs. Funding for implementation will be sourced from various tiers of government and from private sector partners.

A workshop with all ward committee members and various engagements with all Councillors in Thembalethu has been held. An Interim Area Management Committee, including relevant Municipal Departments, has been established. The positive support of all role players is crucial for the implementation and sustainability of the project components.

The aim is to roll out the project over a 5-year period, subject to the availability of funding and commitment from investment partners, and, once completed, this groundbreaking regeneration initiative will be a valuable asset to the community of Thembalethu and benefit the entire region.

#IlisolethuGeorge
#cityofopportunities

Please Note:
The attached images are concept pictures of how the projects may look and not the final architecture of the envisaged projects. For more information about the Ilisolethu Precinct, please follow this link: https://www.george.gov.za/planning-development/ilisolethu-precinct/

In the photo: After a year of use, residents have praised the new sanitation units

The George Municipality has applied for funding from the Western Cape Provincial Department of Infrastructure to install alternative sanitation solutions for approximately 900 units. This follows the successful implementation of pilot projects in various informal settlement areas last year.

In April 2023, the George Municipality introduced two pilot projects in Syferfontein, an informal settlement south of Pacaltsdorp, to replace chemical toilets with alternative on-site sanitation technology. These new toilets use enzymes to dissolve solids and include a water flush mechanism that drains into underground tanks, reducing servicing frequency from two to three times a week to once a month.

Testing sustainable alternative sanitation solutions is crucial for informal settlements without sewer networks, to replace chemical toilets and alleviate the financial burden on the Municipality and the Department of Infrastructure.

After a year of use, residents have praised the new sanitation units. If the funding application is approved, the targeted areas for the implementation of this solution are all informal settlements that are serviced by chemical toilets.