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Author: Ntobeko Mangqwengqwe

GEORGE MUNICIPALITY’S COMMUNICATION TEAM AMONG THE TOP THREE MOST PROACTIVE COMMUNICATION TEAMS IN THE COUNTRY

The George Municipality’s Communication team was nominated as one of the top three most proactive communication teams in local municipalities in South Africa during the South African Local Government Association (SALGA) Communications Awards last week.

The other two nominees were Umzimvubu Local Municipality from the Eastern Cape towns of Mount Frere and Mount Alyliff (the winners) and Thaba Chweu Local Municipality from Mashishing, previously called Lydenburg, in the north-western region of Mpumalanga.

The Awards Ceremony formed part of the SALGA 6th Annual National Communicators’ Forum that took place between 12 – 14 April 2023 at Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC). SALGA’s National Communicators Forum offers a platform for Municipal Communicators to share insights, developments, and the latest trends in the communications industry. Municipalities across South Africa are nominated for various Communication Awards at the forum.

According to SALGA, the award for which the George Municipal Communications team was nominated, is for a communications team that is always proactive in its work. “It ensures that it takes part in information sharing, creates more awareness, or even profiles certain service delivery programmes and events. This team remains committed to actively participating in various platforms and programmes in the three spheres of Government. This is quite an outstanding team indeed!”

“We would like to congratulate our communication team for doing outstanding work that caught the attention of the SALGA adjudication team, as there was no entry submitted. This certainly is a sign that the George Municipal Communication team strives to ensure that the municipality communicates in an effective, transparent, coordinated and professional manner, which increases public confidence in the municipality and participation in the municipal processes,” said Dr Michele Gratz, George Municipal Manager.

The George Municipal Communication team comprises Chantel Edwards (Communications Manager), Ntobeko Mangqwengqwe (Senior Communication Officer) and Debra Sauer (Communication Officer).

#salgancf23
Watch highlights of the Award Ceremony:
https://fb.watch/jU1ROmVE8B/?mibextid=Nif5oz

Ends.


From left: Chantel Edwards (Communications Manager), Ntobeko Mangqwengqwe (Senior Communications Officer) and Debra Sauer (Communications Officer)

 

UPDATE: LEVALLIA POWER OUTAGE

UPDATE: LEVALLIA POWER OUTAGE

The fault finding is in progress, the new ETA is 1h30.. 70% area discrimination (fault isolation) is done.

Fault complexity involved an extensive area of linked connection from one supply source, tree cutting, moving rubbish, fence removal, and stripping of ring feeder for accurate fault isolation.

Issued by George Municipality
17 April 2023 @21:25

POWER OUTAGES IN PARTS OF GEORGE

POWER OUTAGES IN PARTS OF GEORGE

The power supply has been restored in Denneoord and Thembalethu. Electricians are working towards restoring Levallia.

Issued by George Municipality
17 April 2023 @19:30

ESKOM LOADSHEDDING UPDATE: 17 APRIL 2023 @19:00

Monday, 17 April 2023: Stage 6 loadshedding will continue to be implemented until 05:00 on Tuesday. Thereafter, Stage 5 loadshedding will be implemented from 05:00 until 16:00 and Stage 6 loadshedding will be implemented from 16:00 until 05:00 daily.

George and Uniondale remain the same.

George will be affected as follows:
Monday 17/04/2023
22:00 – 00:30

Tuesday 18/04/2023
06:00 – 08:30
14:00 – 18:30 **
22:00 – 00:30

Wednesday 19/04/2023
00:00 – 02:30
06:00 – 08:30
14:00 – 16:30
22:00 – 00:30

Uniondale will be affected as follows:
Monday 17/04/2023
17:00 – 21:30 **

Tuesday 18/04/2023
01:00 – 03:30
09:00 – 11:30
17:00 – 21:30 **

Wednesday 19/04/2023
01:00 – 05:30 **
09:00 – 11:30
17:00 – 19:30

SWITCHING ON AFTER LOADSHEDDING – Not all areas will be switched back on at the same time!
Residents of George must please note that with the extended load-shedding, our Electrotechnical Directorate is no longer able to switch the entire city back on at the same time. Our daily notifiable demand from ESKOM has historically been set at 85MVA and on average George would use between 60 and 80MVA, although the municipality must pay ESKOM for 85MVA.

If the power is returned simultaneously to all areas when load-shedding ends, this creates a massive spike or surge in power with all geysers, freezers/fridges/batteries etc drawing power at the same time. With the extended four-hour load-shedding, the spikes for George are consistently reaching 105 – 112 MVA.

Areas will be switched on in sections, on rotation after Load-shedding
Eskom has indicated that unless George can reduce the spikes, they will increase our notifiable demand to the highest actual usage level which will in turn increase the purchase cost to the municipality. Consumers are requested to use electricity very sparingly when power returns after load-shedding (especially a 4-hour slot). The municipality will now in rotation, switch the power on in sections. This means if for example the load-shedding slot is scheduled from 20h00 – 22h30, there is a chance that your area may only come on at 22h45 or 23h00.

Please do not switch high-usage equipment on immediately after Load-shedding
Consumers are therefore 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. This will reduce the risk of overload tripping on the network and reduce our current high MVA spikes.

Reporting power outages
Please do not phone the Afterhours number or the Electrotechnical Department to report that you have no power immediately after Loadshedding is scheduled to be lifted. Please be aware of the rotational switching on and wait at least 30 minutes before reporting no power. The directorate will be aware if there has been a possible substation trip which needs to be sorted out.

Issued by George Municipal Communications Department
Office of the Municipal Manager

PLANNED WATER OUTAGE: WELGELEGEN – Estate

PLANNED WATER OUTAGE: WELGELEGEN – Estate

THE FOLLOWING AREAS WILL BE AFFECTED:
Welgelegen – Estate

NOTICE is hereby given that the water supply will be interrupted on THURSDAY 20 APRIL 2023 FROM 09H00 TO 14H00 due to maintenance on the Main Water Supply line.

Should circumstances prevent the work being carried out during the abovementioned period; the work will be done on FRIDAY 21 APRIL 2023 FROM 09H00 TO 14H00.

Issued by George Municipality
17 April 2023

*

BEPLANDE WATER ONDERBREKING: WELGELEGEN – Kompleks

DIE VOLGENDE AREAS SAL GERAAK WORD:
Welgelegen – Kompleks

KENNISGEWING geskied hiermee dat water toevoer onderbreek sal word op DONDERDAG 20 APRIL 2023 VANAF 09H00 TOT 14H00 weens instandhouding aan die Hoofwatertoevoerlyn

Sou omstandighede verhoed dat die werk gedoen kan word gedurende bogenoemde periode, sal die werk gedoen word op VRYDAG 21 APRIL 2023 VANAF 09H00 TOT 14H00.

Uigereik deur George Municipality
17 April 2023

UPDATE: UNEXPECTED POWER OUTAGES IN PARTS OF DENNEOORD, TWEERIVIEREN AND LEVALLIA

UPDATE: UNEXPECTED POWER OUTAGES IN PARTS OF DENNEOORD, TWEERIVIEREN AND LEVALLIA

The ERT to restore power supply in parts of Denneoord and Tweerivieren and Levallia is 19:00. This ETR includes the 30-minute rotational switching on and a wait of about 30 minutes after load shedding since George’s load shedding ends at 18:30.

Issued by George Municipality
17 April 2023 @15:35

GEORGE MUNICIPALITY ENCOURAGES THE CITIZENS TO PARTICIPATE IN THE IDP AND BUDGET DRAFTS

The George Municipality’s five-year Integrated Development Plan (IDP) and which was adopted in May 2022 is currently being reviewed and the Municipality encourages the citizens of George, including Uniondale and surrounds to participate meaningfully and be part of the development of the city.

George Municipality, like all local municipalities in South Africa, must use the IDP as a method to plan the future development of its area. The IDP, according to Lauren Waring, the George Municipality director for Human Settlements, Planning and Development and Property Management, the IDP is an approach to planning that involves the entire municipality and its citizens in finding the best solutions to achieve good long-term development.

“The IDP is a super plan for an area that gives an overall framework for development. It aims to coordinate the work of local and other spheres of government in a coherent plan to improve the quality of life for all the people living in an area. It should consider the existing conditions and problems and resources available for development. The plan should look at economic and social development for the area. It must set a framework for how land should be used, what infrastructure and services are needed and how the environment should be protected,” Waring added.

The Municipal Systems Act (MSA) and Municipal Finance Management Act (MFMA) require municipalities to review their five-year IDP and budget documents annually to remain relevant and respond to the municipality’s developmental needs. The MSA further requires that municipalities create an opportunity to encourage local communities to participate in municipal matters such as the IDP and budget.

Public Participation engagements underway

“Between 11 and 18 April 2023, the George Municipality conducts a series of meetings with ward committees who are representing both the geographical setting and existing sectors within the 28 wards in the George Municipal area,” Waring said. “The wards are clustered to meet at different venues to discuss the draft IDP and the draft budget.

The George Municipality furthermore extends an invitation to the citizens from all 28 wards to comment on the following documents:
• Draft 1st Review of the 5th Generation Integrated Development Plan (IDP) 2023/2024
• The Draft Medium Term and Revenue Expenditure Framework (MTREF) 2023/24 – 2025/26 and the Draft Property Taxes, Tariffs, New and Revised Budget-related Policies for 2023/24, as envisaged by Section 17 of the MFMA for the George Municipality

The above documents are available for inspection, public representation, inputs, and comments. The set of Council resolutions and all other relevant documents are made public at all libraries and ward offices during normal office hours and are also displayed on the George Municipality’s website at: www.george.gov.za. Hard copies of the above-mentioned documents are also available at all libraries and area offices in the George Municipal precinct.

Submission of IDP and budget comments

Comments must be in writing and addressed to the Municipal Manager, PO Box 19, George 6530, or to WhatsApp: 060 779 7634; or sent to the following email address: idp@george.gov.za, clearly stating “Comments: Draft Amendment of the 5th Generation IDP 2022 – 2027 or Draft Budget 2023/24 – 2025/26”.

Persons wishing to comment on the Draft Budget documentation (inclusive of the policies and tariffs/charges), but cannot read or write will be assisted during office hours by the Manager: Budgets: Mr Renaldo Coetzee at rcoetzee@george.gov.za or 044 8019122

Ward Councillors and ward committee members wishing to comment on the Amendment of the 5th Generation IDP 2022 – 2027, but cannot read or write will be assisted during office hours by the IDP Officer Mrs Ronel Le Fleur- Valla at rlefleur@george.gov.za, Fourth Floor, York Street, George. Alternatively, at 044 801 9075.

The public participation closing date for comments is Tuesday, 25 April 2023 at 16:30.

Ends.

THE N2/YORK STREET OFF-RAMP REOPENED

THE N2/YORK STREET OFF-RAMP REOPENED

The accident scene has been cleared and the off-ramp is open again. There was a motor vehicle accident on the N2/Pacatsodorp turn-off. The off-ramp into York Street was temporarily closed due to the accident.

Issued by George Municipality

17 April 2023 @12:30

***

MOTOR VEHICLE ACCIDENT ON THE N2/YORK STREET TURN-OFF

Motor Vehicle Accident occurred on the N2 / Pacaltsdorp turn-off. The turn-off to York Street is closed till further notice.

Issued by George Municipality
17 April 2023 @11:20

ESKOM LOADSHEDDING UPDATE 16 APRIL 2023

 Stage 6 to continue until further notice

George will be affected as follows:

Monday 17/04/2023
06:00 – 10:30 **
14:00 – 18:30 **
22:00 – 00:30

Tuesday 18/04/2023
06:00 – 08:30
14:00 – 18:30 **
22:00 – 00:30

Wednesday 19/04/2023
00:00 – 02:30
06:00 – 08:30
14:00 – 16:30
22:00 – 00:30

Uniondale will be affected as follows:

Sunday 16/04/2023
19:00 – 21:30

Monday 17/04/2023
01:00 – 03:30
09:00 – 13:30 **
17:00 – 21:30 **

Tuesday 18/04/2023
01:00 – 03:30
09:00 – 11:30
17:00 – 21:30 **

Wednesday 19/04/2023
01:00 – 05:30 **
09:00 – 11:30
17:00 – 19:30

SWITCHING ON AFTER LOADSHEDDING – Not all areas will be switched back on at the same time!
Residents of George must please note that with the extended load-shedding, our Electrotechnical Directorate is no longer able to switch the entire city back on at the same time. Our daily notifiable demand from ESKOM has historically been set at 85MVA and on average George would use between 60 and 80MVA, although the municipality must pay ESKOM for 85MVA.

If the power is returned simultaneously to all areas when load-shedding ends, this creates a massive spike or surge in power with all geysers, freezers/fridges/batteries etc drawing power at the same time. With the extended four-hour load-shedding, the spikes for George are consistently reaching 105 – 112 MVA.

Areas will be switched on in sections, on rotation after Load-shedding
Eskom has indicated that unless George can reduce the spikes, they will increase our notifiable demand to the highest actual usage level which will in turn increase the purchase cost to the municipality. Consumers are requested to use electricity very sparingly when power returns after load-shedding (especially a 4-hour slot). The municipality will now in rotation, switch the power on in sections. This means if for example the load-shedding slot is scheduled from 20h00 – 22h30, there is a chance that your area may only come on at 22h45 or 23h00.

Please do not switch high-usage equipment on immediately after Load-shedding
Consumers are therefore 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. This will reduce the risk of overload tripping on the network and reduce our current high MVA spikes.

Reporting power outages
Please do not phone the Afterhours number or the Electrotechnical Department to report that you have no power immediately after Loadshedding is scheduled to be lifted. Please be aware of the rotational switching on and wait at least 30 minutes before reporting no power. The directorate will be aware if there has been a possible substation trip which needs to be sorted out.

Issued by George Municipal Communications Department
Office of the Municipal Manager

ESKOM LOAD SHEDDING UPDATE, FRIDAY, 15 APRIL 2023

ESKOM LOAD SHEDDING UPDATE, FRIDAY, 15 APRIL 2023

Following the tripping of unit 2 at Koeberg Power Station this morning, Stage 6 loadshedding will be implemented from 16:00 this afternoon until further notice. Eskom will publish as soon as any significant change occurs.

George will be affected as follows:

Saturday 15/04/2023
16:00 – 18:30

Sunday 16/04/2023
00:00 – 04:30 **
08:00 – 12:30 **
16:00 – 18:30

Uniondale will be affected as follows:

Saturday 15/04/2023
19:00 – 21:30

Sunday 16/04/2023
03:00 – 07:30 **
11:00 – 15:30 **
19:00 – 21:30

SWITCHING ON AFTER LOADSHEDDING – Not all areas will be switched back on at the same time!
Residents of George must please note that with the extended load-shedding, our Electrotechnical Directorate is no longer able to switch the entire city back on at the same time. Our daily notifiable demand from ESKOM has historically been set at 85MVA and on average George would use between 60 and 80MVA, although the municipality must pay ESKOM for 85MVA.

If the power is returned simultaneously to all areas when load-shedding ends, this creates a massive spike or surge in power with all geysers, freezers/fridges/batteries etc drawing power at the same time. With the extended four-hour load-shedding, the spikes for George are consistently reaching 105 – 112 MVA.

Areas will be switched on in sections, on rotation after Load-shedding
Eskom has indicated that unless George can reduce the spikes, they will increase our notifiable demand to the highest actual usage level which will in turn increase the purchase cost to the municipality. Consumers are requested to use electricity very sparingly when power returns after load-shedding (especially a 4-hour slot). The municipality will now in rotation, switch the power on in sections. This means if for example the load-shedding slot is scheduled from 20h00 – 22h30, there is a chance that your area may only come on at 22h45 or 23h00.

Please do not switch high-usage equipment on immediately after Load-shedding
Consumers are therefore 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. This will reduce the risk of overload tripping on the network and reduce our current high MVA spikes.

Reporting power outages
Please do not phone the Afterhours number or the Electrotechnical Department to report that you have no power immediately after Loadshedding is scheduled to be lifted. Please be aware of the rotational switching on and wait at least 30 minutes before reporting no power. The directorate will be aware if there has been a possible substation trip which needs to be sorted out.

Issued by George Municipal Communications Department
Office of the Municipal Manager

ESKOM LOAD SHEDDING UPDATE, FRIDAY, 14 APRIL 2023, 14:30

ESKOM LOAD SHEDDING UPDATE, FRIDAY, 14 APRIL 2023, 14:30

Due to lower weekend demand, loadshedding will be reduced to Stage 5 from 05:00 until 16:00 on Saturday. Thereafter, Stage 6 loadshedding will be implemented from 16:00 until 05:00 on Sunday. Stage 4 loadshedding will be implemented from 05:00 until 16:00 on Sunday followed by Stage 6 loadshedding until 05:00 on Monday. Eskom will publish a further update as soon as any significant changes occur.

George will be affected as follows:
Friday 14/04/2023
16:00 – 20:30 **

Saturday 15/04/2023
00:00 – 04:30 **
08:00 – 10:30
16:00 – 18:30

Sunday 16/04/2023
00:00 – 04:30 **
08:00 – 10:30
16:00 – 18:30

Uniondale will be affected as follows:
Friday 14/04/2023
19:00 – 23:30 **

Saturday 15/04/2023
03:00 – 07:30 **
11:00 – 13:30
19:00 – 21:30

Sunday 16/04/2023
03:00 – 05:30
11:00 – 13:30
19:00 – 21:30

SWITCHING ON AFTER LOADSHEDDING – Not all areas will be switched back on at the same time!
Residents of George must please note that with the extended load-shedding, our Electrotechnical Directorate is no longer able to switch the entire city back on at the same time. Our daily notifiable demand from ESKOM has historically been set at 85MVA and on average George would use between 60 and 80MVA, although the municipality must pay ESKOM for 85MVA.

If the power is returned simultaneously to all areas when load-shedding ends, this creates a massive spike or surge in power with all geysers, freezers/fridges/batteries etc drawing power at the same time. With the extended four-hour load-shedding, the spikes for George are consistently reaching 105 – 112 MVA.

Areas will be switched on in sections, on rotation after Load-shedding
Eskom has indicated that unless George can reduce the spikes, they will increase our notifiable demand to the highest actual usage level which will in turn increase the purchase cost to the municipality. Consumers are requested to use electricity very sparingly when power returns after load-shedding (especially a 4-hour slot). The municipality will now in rotation, switch the power on in sections. This means if for example the load-shedding slot is scheduled from 20h00 – 22h30, there is a chance that your area may only come on at 22h45 or 23h00.

Please do not switch high-usage equipment on immediately after Load-shedding
Consumers are therefore 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. This will reduce the risk of overload tripping on the network and reduce our current high MVA spikes.

Reporting power outages
Please do not phone the Afterhours number or the Electrotechnical Department to report that you have no power immediately after Loadshedding is scheduled to be lifted. Please be aware of the rotational switching on and wait at least 30 minutes before reporting no power. The directorate will be aware if there has been a possible substation trip which needs to be sorted out.

Issued by George Municipal Communications Department
Office of the Municipal Manager

UPDATE: MOTOR VEHICLE ACCIDENT OUTENIQUA PASS

UPDATE: MOTOR VEHICLE ACCIDENT OUTENIQUA PASS

Outeniqua Pass is open for traffic again. One lane was closed due to a motor vehicle accident that occurred this morning. A stop-and-go was in place. The road has now been cleared.

Issued by George Municipality
14/04/2023 @08:10

 

MOTOR VEHICLE ACCIDENT OUTENIQUA PASS

There’s a motor vehicle accident in the Outeniqua Pass one lane is closed on route to George. A stop-and-go is in place.

Issued by George Municipality
14/04/2023 @07:50

PLANNED WATER SUPPLY OUTAGE: VICTORIA BAY AREA AND SEA BREEZE

PLANNED WATER SUPPLY OUTAGE: VICTORIA BAY AREA AND SEA BREEZE

THE FOLLOWING AREAS WILL BE AFFECTED:
Victoria Bay beach area and Sea Breeze

NOTICE is hereby given that water supply will be interrupted on TUESDAY 18 APRIL 2023 FROM 09H00 TO 14H00 due to maintenance on the Main Water Supply line

Should circumstances prevent the work being carried out during the abovementioned period; the work will be done on WEDNESDAY 19 APRIL 2023 FROM 09H00 TO 14H00.

Issued by George Municipality
13 April 2023

*

BEPLANDE WATER ONDERBREKING: VICTORIABAAI STRAND GEBIED EN SEA BREEZE

DIE VOLGENDE AREAS SAL GERAAK WORD:
Victoriabaai strand gebied en Sea Breeze

KENNISGEWING geskied hiermee dat water toevoer onderbreek sal word op DINSDAG 18 APRIL 2023 VANAF 09H00 TOT 14H00 weens instandhouding aan die Hoofwatertoevoerlyn.

Sou omstandighede verhoed dat die werk gedoen kan word gedurende bogenoemde periode, sal die werk gedoen word op WOENSDAG 19 APRIL 2023 VANAF 09H00 TOT 14H00.

Uitegereik deur George Munisipalitiet
13 April 2023

POWER OUTAGE IN LEVALLIA AND SURROUNDS

POWER OUTAGE IN LEVALLIA AND SURROUNDS

Levallia and surround are experiencing an unplanned power outage caused by cable joint failure attributed to load shedding power interruptions. The site has been excavated, and ETR for repairs 15:30 today.

Issued by George Municipality
13 April 2023 @09:55

ESKOM LOADSHEDDING SCHEDULE 13 APRIL 2023

Following a breakdown of a generation unit at Medupi Power Station, Stage 6 loadshedding will continue until further notice.

George will be affected as follows:
Thursday 13/04/2023
00:00 – 02:30
08:00 – 12:30 **
16:00 – 20:30 **

Friday 14/04/2023
00:00 – 02:30
08:00 – 10:30
16:00 – 20:30 **

Uniondale will be affected as follows:
Thursday 13/04/2023
03:00 – 05:30
11:00 – 15:30 **
19:00 – 23:30 **

Friday 14/04/2023
03:00 – 05:30
11:00 – 13:30
19:00 – 23:30 **

ESKOM LOADSHEDDING UPDATE: 12 APRIL 2023 @15:30

Due to a shortage of generation capacity, Stage 6 loadshedding will be implemented from 16:00 this afternoon until 05:00 on Thursday. Thereafter, Stage 5 loadshedding will be implemented until 16:00 on Thursday.

George will be affected as follows:
Wednesday 12/04/2023
10:00 – 14:30 **
18:00 – 20:30

Thursday 13/04/2023
00:00 – 02:30
08:00 – 10:30
16:00 – 20:30 **

Friday 14/04/2023
00:00 – 02:30
08:00 – 10:30
16:00 – 18:30

Uniondale will be affected as follows:
Wednesday 12/04/2023
13:00 – 17:30 **
21:00 – 23:30

Thursday 13/04/2023
03:00 – 05:30
11:00 – 13:30
19:00 – 23:30 **

Friday 14/04/2023
03:00 – 05:30
11:00 – 13:30
19:00 – 21:30