Author: Ntobeko Mangqwengqwe

Ald Leon van Wyk, Executive Mayor of George

On Friday, 1 March 2024 it was reported that Knysna Municipal Council had accepted the Western Cape Government’s diagnostic assessment and financial recovery support plan to address the deepening service delivery crisis in our neighbouring municipality.

This decision is the first step of the many that will need to be taken over the coming months and years. In all municipalities, the budget is delicately balanced between the collection of budgeted revenues and planned expenditure, often only leaving a surplus of 1% or less. This calls for responsible management by the administration and oversight by the council. In Knysna, it is not only a collapse of service delivery in respect of water, refuse and sewage services and under-collection of outstanding debtors. There is also a substantial bank overdraft along with outstanding creditors. The recovery process will be a long haul. Knysna is a case study for citizens to reflect on how the votes that they cast in the 2021 local government elections have contributed to the instability in the council and the administration. Councils need to practise good governance to ensure that municipalities are able to deliver the services that they are mandated to deliver.

The collapse of state capacity in Knysna has had direct knock-on effects on the lives of citizens and the economy. This also affects George and the region where the leadership and management of local authorities have been working hard to make improvements that will benefit communities and ethe economy.

During the past week, I have been involved in a series of engagements to address the challenges being experienced in the Province and the country. During the regular quarterly meeting where the premier meets with mayors and municipal managers, we were briefed on the ongoing energy crisis and the efforts to get additional megawatts of renewable energy being generated privately into the grid as soon as possible. We also reviewed the disaster management measures put in place to counter the 12-day electricity blackout across Central Karoo towns after grid pylons collapsed in a severe thunderstorm. Lessons learnt have also been noted. During the current summer season there was an alarming increase in the number of mountain and veld fires. During the fires in Overstrand, teams from George were sent to provide assistance.

During a workshop held in Cape Town, we were briefed on the importance of implementing successful international practices in our cities and towns. This reinforced the approach and work that is being undertaken in George. The maintenance and upgrade of infrastructure, whilst ensuring basic service provision are proven ingredients to attract investment and jobs. Employment is the key driver to improve the quality of life for our citizens. It is therefore important to create the linkages to ensure that entrepreneurs and economic stakeholders step forward to collaborate in moulding opportunities that will benefit our citizens. In addition, it is critical that measures are introduced to reduce crime. The sustainability of energy and water provision will require attention. The education and health systems require improvements along with practical measures to reduce levels of poverty.

Alderman Leon van Wyk
Executive Mayor of George

Approximately 744 learners from schools in Uniondale, Haarlem and surrounding areas attended the Career Exhibition

George Municipality’s commitment to fostering educational and career development was prominently demonstrated through active participation in the annual Career Pathing and Awareness open day held in Uniondale on 20 and 21 February 2024.

The event witnessed enthusiastic involvement from various Service Departments of George Municipality, including Electrotechnical Services, Civil Engineering Services Department, Traffic Department, Law Enforcement, and Fire & Rescue Services. Organised by Cape Nature in collaboration with the George Municipality’s Youth Office, this annual Career Exhibition serves the Uniondale, Haarlem surrounding rural areas.

Aiming to create awareness and introduce students and youth to diverse career paths available locally and across South Africa, the event also seeks to inspire hope and guide informed decision-making regarding subject choices. Approximately 744 learners from schools in Avontuur, Vlakteplaas, Kommandantsdrift, Dirk Boshoff Primary School in Haarlem, and Uniondale High School actively participated in the exhibition.

The event featured not only George Municipality’s departments but also various stakeholders, including Cape Nature, Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM), Forensic Pathology Services, Emergency Medical Services (EMS), South African NAVY, South African Police Services (SAPS), Explosive Unit, K9 SAPS, Department of Correctional Services (DCS), Ka Attiqua and other organisations. By bringing together these diverse entities, the collective effort aimed to provide valuable insights and information, empowering the youth to make informed decisions about their future careers.

On the photo from left: Deon de Jager (Deputy Director of Water and Sanitation), Benjamin Ndzipho (Artisan Plumber, Water Distribution), Joelian Scheepers (Superintendent of Water Distribution)

George Municipality proudly congratulates Benjamin Ndzipho an artisan plumber, for an outstanding 35 years of dedicated service. Mr Ndzipho commenced his journey with George Municipality on 22 February 1989, appointed at the Directorate of Civil Engineering Services in the Street and Stormwater Section.

Reflecting on the early days, Ndzipho recalls a time marked by rules and respect within the Municipality during the 1980s and 1990s. He played a significant role in various projects, including the Upgrading of Montagu Street in Blanco, covering the stretch from Blanco Post Office to Fancourt. His involvement also extended to the construction of Platner Boulevard, connecting Checkers in York Street to Barkhuizen Drive. During this period, the Loerie Park area was in its pristine state, with Benjamin actively participating in its clearing.

In the 1980s and 1990s, all road-building materials, kerbs, and concrete were sourced from the quarry above the Old Water Treatment Plant, located on 9th Avenue in Denneoord. Mr. Ndzipho transitioned from Streets and Stormwater to Water Distribution in 1995, where he continues to make valuable contributions.

Beyond his professional achievements, Benjamin Ndzipho is a humble golfer, boasting a handicap of 10 at the George Golf Club and a handicap of 5 at the Glenwood Golf Course.

The Director of the Civil Engineering Services Department, Mr. Jannie Koegelenberg, extends heartfelt congratulations to Benjamin Ndzipho on behalf of the Directorate for his remarkable achievement. “We appreciate and acknowledge his enduring commitment to service,” Koegelenberg said.

In the photo standing on the left is a facilitator of Parenting Training, Ms Sonika Bardenhorst (Social Worker at Kidstop) and sitting on the right is Mr Jonathan Gelderbloem, the Chairperson of PLOTS, Kidstop

The George Municipality is actively engaged in addressing homelessness through a comprehensive forum dedicated to working with People Living on the Streets (PLOTS). The primary focus of this initiative is reunification services, aiming to integrate people back into communities successfully. Sophia Fanelo, the Community Development Manager at George Municipality, emphasises the complexity of this process, highlighting the need to address the root causes of homelessness to ensure a permanent and successful reintegration.

The municipality coordinates a collaborative effort, bringing together various stakeholders such as the Department of Social Services (DSD), the South African Police Service (SAPS), Christian Rehabilitation Ministries to the Homeless of George (CREMHOG), People Against Substance Abuse (PASA), Smoking & Alcohol Harms Alleviation & Rehabilitation Association (SAHARA), the Department of Health, Stop Trafficking, and the Department of Justice. Fanelo invites other organisations to join the forum to collectively contribute to holistically addressing homelessness.

As part of their holistic approach, the Community Development Department at George Municipality tackles all factors influencing reunification. The ongoing jobseekers programme assists in economic empowerment by providing support in creating CVs and completing application forms for homeless individuals.

Fanelo highlights recent initiatives, including surveys conducted with SAHARA from 5 to 8 February 2024 to identify new residents on the streets and intervene accordingly. A wellness program on 16 February 2024, in partnership with the Department of Health, focused on sexually transmitted diseases and HIV testing.

The proactive efforts have resulted in positive outcomes, with three people relocating to night shelters and seven individuals successfully reunified with their families in George. Referrals are made to the Department of Social Services for minors found on the streets.

The municipality hosted a parent training from 20 to 22 February 2024 for parents currently on the streets, aiming for future reunification with their loved ones. The programme was facilitated by Kidstop. Additionally, a sewing program has been initiated, accommodating a limited number of participants due to resource constraints.

Fanelo concludes by urging collective action, emphasising that everyone can make a difference, one step at a time, and encouraging individuals to contribute solutions rather than complaints.