Author: Ntobeko Mangqwengqwe

In the photo, from left: Bertie Stewart (Manager Wastewater Network), Jannie Koegelenberg (Director of Civil Engineering Services), Ald Jackie von Brandis (Executive Mayor of George), Cllr Marchell Kleynhans (MMC for Civil Engineering Services), Ernest Claassen (Deputy Director of Wastewater Services)

The George Municipality’s Civil Engineering Services Department (CES) has bolstered its Waste Ser-vices fleet with the addition of a new 15,000-litre Jetting & Vacuum Unit, commonly referred to as the “Super Sucker”. The official launch was attended by Executive Mayor Ald. Jackie von Brandis, MMC for Civil Engineering Services, Cllr. Marchell Kleynhans and the department’s Director Jannie Koegelenberg on Tuesday, 5 August 2025, at the Civil Engineering Services plant in the George Industrial area.

The Mayor and officials were given a full demonstration by the sanitation services team, showcasing the Super Sucker’s high-pressure jetting and vacuum capabilities. The demonstration illustrated how the machine’s powerful spray can break down stubborn blockages and clean pipelines effec-tively. Team members were seen operating the hose and control panel with precision, confirming the equipment’s ease of use and efficiency in real-time scenarios.

“This investment is not just about new equipment—it’s about improving lives,” said Mayor von Brandis. “Effective sanitation services are crucial for the health and dignity of our communities. I am proud of the CES team’s commitment to excellence and excited to see this Super Sucker in ac-tion across George.”

According to the department’s Deputy Director for Wastewater Services, Ernest Claassen, “The Super Sucker, with a sewer capacity of 10,000 litres and a jetting capacity of 5,000 litres, will allow the sanitation team to respond to difficult blockages by sending only the Super Sucker to unblock a manhole or pipe with its jetting function and simultaneously collect any sewer buildup in the manhole.”

Claassen added: “The normal ‘Honey Suckers’ have a capacity of only 6,000 litres. That means where a standard unit would require multiple trips, the Super Sucker will complete the task in one, saving time and operational costs.” He further explained that the new truck is key in maintaining wastewater flow management, particularly at critical pump stations such as Themba 7, Meul, and Skaapkop. “With this unit, we can clean and maintain these facilities more effectively, reducing the risk of blockages and sewerage spills.”

MMC for Civil Engineering Services, Cllr. Kleynhans reiterated the department’s commitment to delivering excellent services to the residents of George, with a particular focus on efficiency and environmental responsibility. “This investment reflects our ongoing commitment to excellence in civil engineering, particularly in sanitation services. We will continue to prioritise resources that en-hance service delivery for the residents of George.”

Watch: https://youtu.be/A-jlfUjP9p8

In the photo: Elmine Vorster, Joan Shaw & Noel Shaw – covered in their picnic blanket

George’s very first public Silent Book Club has officially launched—an initiative jointly run by George Tourism and the George Library, with a simple mission: to inspire both locals and visitors to read more, even if it’s just for one hour a week.

The club had its official kickoff on 16 July 2025 and now meets every Wednesday from 13:00 to 14:00 at Unity Park. It’s the perfect midweek break—an hour to relax, recharge, and lose yourself in a book alongside fellow book lovers, all without the pressure of discussion or formalities.

Despite the cold and rainy weather on 6 August, the event drew a loyal group of readers, bundled in blankets and throws, happily snuggling up with their chosen reads. Clearly, a little bad weather is no match for the warm comfort of a good book!

New to the library or forgot your book? No problem. Each week, a curated basket of books is available, so anyone can pick up something on the spot. It’s also a great opportunity to register as a George Library member, which automatically gives you access to the Libby online library—ideal for digital reading on the go.

The best part? It’s completely free. Just show up with a book (or choose one from the basket), find a cosy spot, and read in peaceful company.

To stay connected, readers are invited to join a dedicated WhatsApp group, where upcoming book-related activities are shared—like new book launches, themed reading discussions, and special literary events.

And if you can’t make it to Unity Park on Wednesdays, don’t worry—you can even start your own Silent Book Club in your area. The organisers are happy to assist.

For more information or to get involved, contact:
• evorster@george.gov.za
• jshaw@george.gov.za
• Or call Joan at 081 412 9995

In the photo: Metro Grounds Housing Project a mix of double- and single-storey homes, Photo Ruwacon

Reaffirming its commitment to sustainable housing and dignified living environments, the George Municipality continues to roll out key human settlements’ projects across the city. Through its Hu-man Settlements Department, the Municipality is driving integrated development, service provision, and inclusive community participation across several areas.

Erf 325 Syferfontein – Pacaltsdorp
One of the flagship projects, Erf 325 Syferfontein in Pacaltsdorp, commenced in 2019 in partnership with the Provincial Department of Infrastructure (DOI). The project is being implemented in phases, with the first phase involving the construction of 217 Breaking New Ground (BNG) housing units.

Due to delays between 2019 and 2025, some units were vandalised before they could be handed over to beneficiaries. These units are now being repaired, and the full handover of the 217 units is planned for September 2025.

In January 2025, work resumed to service the remaining 207 sites and begin top structure construction. This included 38 units for Military Veterans, 32 units for persons with disabilities, and 181 BNG units. The appointed contractor, Simply Do Construction (Pty) Ltd, has made strong progress:
• 30 of the 38 military veteran units have been completed.
• 80% of the 32 disabled-friendly units are finished.
• The remaining BNG units (25 single-storey and 124 double-storey) are under construction and expected to be completed by June 2026.

Metro Grounds Housing Project – Industria
The Metro Grounds Housing Project features a mix of double- and single-storey homes, designed as part of an integrated human settlements model. The project includes residential units, social amenities, business zones, and open spaces.

Deputy Director of Human Settlements, Simnikiwe Mbekushe, said the project includes 632 approved housing opportunities, divided into three phases:
• Phases 1 and 2, Three Hundred and Six (306) units are complete and in the de-snagging stage; the units are to be handed over by September 2025.
• Phase 3 is expected to be completed by mid-October 2025.

To date, 130 houses in Phase 1 have been completed and handed over. “We’re especially proud of the economic investment this project has made in our local economy,” said Mbekushe. “We appointed four local subcontractors and created 33 job opportunities, including 22 men and 11 women.”

The Municipality also ensured 22 units were specifically designed for beneficiaries with disabilities, further reinforcing its commitment to inclusive housing.

Golden Valley Project – Blanco
The Golden Valley Project in Blanco comprises 136 units constructed through the Enhanced People’s Housing Process (EPHP), where beneficiaries selected their own contractors. An additional 15 serviced erven were allocated to residents who did not qualify for government housing subsidies.

“Here too, we prioritised local economic development,” said Mbekushe. “Seven local subcontractors were appointed, and 45 job opportunities were created.” The project was successfully completed in 2022, overcoming terrain and infrastructure challenges.

Moeggehuur Informal Settlement – Pacaltsdorp
The Municipality is in the process of acquiring provincial land currently occupied by 58 families, most of whom do not qualify for subsidised housing due to income thresholds. While the acquisition is pending, basic services such as ablution facilities and water standpipes have been provided.

The Municipality plans to implement an Upgrading of Informal Settlements Programme (UISP) and manage non-qualifiers in line with its Human Settlements policies.

Erf 325 Rosedale Informal Settlement
Illegal occupation has affected 500 sites originally earmarked for formal housing beneficiaries. The area now faces overcrowding and encroachment on environmentally sensitive zones, including sewerage infrastructure. While some beneficiaries have been relocated, 158 unlawful occupants remain.

The Municipality intends to acquire alternative land for relocation and revive the original housing development plan.

Commitment to Dignified and Inclusive Housing
Executive Mayor Alderlady Jackie von Brandis reaffirmed the Municipality’s commitment to delivering integrated human settlements that prioritise dignity, access, and opportunity. “We continue to pursue partnerships across all spheres of government to fast-track housing delivery, formalise informal settlements, and improve the quality of life for our people,” said von Brandis. “The progress made reflects our shared vision for an inclusive and liveable George.” It also underpins the Strategic Objective in the IDP, which relates to safe, clean and green environments.

In the photo from left: Johannes Jacobs (Superintendent Refuse Removal and Ablution, George Municipality), Mr Bevan Ellman (Director of Corporate Services, George Municipality), Arthur Clarke (SALGA Labour Relations and Dispute Resolution Advisor), Nosidima Vumindaba (Manager of Parks and Recreation, George Municipality), Zola Dayimani (Labour Relations Manager, George Municipality), Mr Andrew Madisha (SALGA Labour Relations and Dispute Resolution Advisor) and Frank Tamboer (Manager: Refuse Removal & Ablutions, George Municipality).

Dozens of senior officials, supervisors, and managers from George Municipality and the Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) attended a Chairpersons and Initiators Training Workshop on Disciplinary Procedures and the Collective Agreement. The two-day training, held on 31 July and 1 August 2025 at the GRDM Council Chambers, was facilitated by the South African Local Government Association (SALGA).

George Municipality’s Director of Corporate Services, Mr Bevan Ellman, officially welcomed attendees and encouraged them to engage fully in the programme. “This workshop is the result of ongoing discussions at the senior management level about the importance of having properly trained initiators and chairpersons,” said Ellman.

“A key part of our responsibility as managers is to manage people. As we move into more senior roles, our work is increasingly achieved through others. While everyone has both strengths and shortcomings, discipline is not just about punishment—it’s not always about dismissing someone. Misconduct varies in severity, from being late for work to serious offences such as fraud. This course aims to provide the necessary perspective and tools to handle such situations constructively. Thank you for being here, and I hope you find the training valuable and engaging.”

Mr Andrew Madisha and Mr Arthur Clarke, SALGA Labour Relations and Dispute Resolution Advisors, facilitated the workshop. The programme covered key topics, including:
• The Disciplinary Procedure
• The Role of the Employer Representative / Initiator
• The Role of the Presiding Officer / Chairperson
• The Disciplinary Procedure Collective Agreement

The training was organised by Mr Zola Dayimani, George Municipality’s Labour Relations Manager. He explained that the purpose of the workshop was to equip supervisors, managers, and presiding officers with the skills to handle and manage disciplinary matters effectively, in line with the SALGBC Disciplinary Procedure Collective Agreement.

In the phhoto from left: Ms Thokozile Magagula (Member of Portfolio Committee on Human Settlements), Mr Mammoga Seabi (Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Human Settlements), Mr Mahlatse Phosa (Director of Planning and Development, George Municipality), Ms Motebele Kegakilwe (Member of Portfolio Committee on Human Settlements), Cllr Jean Safers (MMC for Human Settlements, George Municipality), Ald Jackie von Brandis (Executive Mayor of George, Elandre Lamini (Moeggehuur Residents Chairperson), Cameron Dugmore (Member of National Assembly), Cllr Theresa Jeyi (Whip of Council, George Municipality), Mr Nathan Adriaanse (Director: Stakeholder and Public Information Western Cape Department of Infrastructure), Cllr Monique Simmers (MMC for Community Services –  Refuse, Environment and Parks, George Municipality), Mr Conrad James Poole (Member of Portfolio Committee on Human Settlements) and Cllr Melvin Roelfse (MMC for Social Development – Libraries, Sport & Customer Care, George Municipality).

George Municipality’s Human Settlements projects came under the national spotlight last week when the Portfolio Committee on Human Settlements in the National Assembly conducted an oversight visit to the Garden Route from 24 to 25 July 2025.

Day one of the visit, Thursday, 24 July, included a multi-stakeholder meeting held at the Knysna Council Chambers. This session brought together the National and Provincial Departments of Human Settlements, the MEC for Human Settlements, and representatives from the George, Mossel Bay, and Knysna municipalities. Discussions focused on the implementation of the Human Settlements Development Grant, the Informal Settlements Upgrading Partnership Grant (ISUPG), and other key human settlements programmes. George Municipality presented its current and planned housing initiatives.

On the second day, Friday, 25 July, the Portfolio Committee conducted site visits to three human settlements projects in the George municipal area:

• Moeggehuur Informal Settlement in Pacaltsdorp – An area currently occupied by backyard dwellers where land ownership challenges have delayed formal housing development.
• The Military Veterans Housing Project – A dedicated housing initiative aimed at providing quality homes for qualifying military veterans.
• The Breaking New Ground (BNG) development at Metro Grounds – A large-scale integrated housing project delivering over 600 units, including amenities and inclusive community allocation.

The delegation also visited the site of the Victoria Street building collapse, which remains under investigation.

The Portfolio Committee’s visit formed part of its constitutional oversight function, as Parliament is responsible for the appropriation of public funds. The Committee plays a key role in reviewing and approving budget allocations to provinces and accredited municipalities, ensuring that these funds are spent efficiently, effectively, and in line with their intended purpose.

Committee members expressed overall satisfaction with George Municipality’s progress in deliver-ing housing opportunities. However, concerns were raised about delays in specific projects — par-ticularly the acquisition of land from the Western Cape Government for the Moeggehuur devel-opment.

“Our oversight visit ensures that the funds allocated to provinces and accredited municipalities are used effectively for housing delivery. We are generally impressed with George Municipality’s pro-gress, especially the quality of the Military Veterans Housing Project. However, concerns remain about the delays in formalising the longstanding informal settlement,” said Mr Mammoga Seabi, Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Human Settlements.

Cameron Dugmore, a Member of the National Assembly who grew up in George, also welcomed the visible progress at the Metro Grounds BNG project: “It’s meaningful to see development on land that the people of Borcherds fought so hard to secure. With 50% of the beneficiaries from Borcherds and others also included, the project promotes community ownership. It’s encouraging to see cooperation across all spheres of government.”

Executive Mayor of George, Alderman Jackie von Brandis, thanked the Portfolio Committee for its visit and positive engagement: “It was a privilege to host the National Assembly’s Portfolio on Human Settlements and showcase the work being done by George Municipality. Through collaboration with all spheres of government, the successes we can achieve are immeasurable. Together, we can create more op-portunities for those we serve. I am honoured that the Committee had the opportunity to witness what is possible when collaborative effort, transparent governance, and responsible oversight come together.”

Mayor von Brandis was accompanied by the Mayoral Committee Member for Human Settlements, Councillor Jean Saffers, who also thanked the delegation for their visit. Also in attendance were members of the George Municipal Council, officials from the George Municipality, and representa-tives from the Western Cape Department of Human Settlements.