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Author: Ntobeko Mangqwengqwe

Multi-journey top-ups on Smart Card much cheaper

GO GEORGE Smart Card top-up vendors all over town and in residential areas are clearly marked with branded signage.

Buy before tariff increase and save
Buying bulk is the smart choice when you top up your Smart Card with bus trips – it’s much cheaper and also more convenient. Top up before you have completely run out of trips, and do so when you’re not in a rush to get to work or school.

This is the core message conveyed by GO GEORGE in the period running up to the annual tariff increase this weekend, on Saturday 1 July 2023.

Cheaper the more you buy
From 1 July, Smart Card trips bought in bundles of 10 or more will cost R11.90 per trip and remain the best buy. Bundles of two to eight trips will cost R13.20 per trip, and single trips will cost R16. A passenger who uses the bus five days per week could save up to R180 per month by buying bundles of 10 trips and more, instead of loading one trip at a time.

Buy before tariff increase and save
Trips on the Smart Card never expire, so there is no risk of losing trips, even if you don’t travel regularly. For the same reason, it is a smart move to load more trips before the tariff increase kicks in, but passengers are advised to treat their Smart Cards as cautiously as they would treat cash, since trips on a lost or stolen card cannot be refunded.

Top up in time
Passengers are advised not to wait until they have no trips left, and to always keep at least two emergency trips on their Smart Cards. Having to top up on your way to work or school could be frustrating when the queues are long, or when vendors experience connectivity issues due to loadshedding. It would be better to top up outside of peak times, and at a time when you’re in no rush to be somewhere on time.

You can top up at any of the Smart Card kiosks and mobile kiosks, as well as 105 top-up vendors all over town. Look out for the GO GEORGE vendor signage, “TOP UP YOUR SMART CARD HERE”, or for a detailed list of all top-up vendors, visit the GO GEORGE website at www.gogeorge.org.za. Alternatively, phone the Call Centre on 0800 044 044 where agents are on duty from 05:00 until 20:00, seven days a week. Enquiries can also be e-mailed to info@gogeorge.org.za.

Multirit-aankope op Slimkaart baie goedkoper

Koop voor tariefverhoging en spaar
Om grootmaat te koop, is die slim keuse as jy jou Slimkaart met busritte aanvul – dit is baie goedkoper én boonop geriefliker. Herlaai voordat jy geen ritte oor het nie, en doen dit wanneer jy nie haastig is om by die werk of skool te kom nie.

Dit is die kernboodskap wat GO GEORGE oordra in die tydperk wat die jaarlikse tariefverhoging op 1 Julie voorafgaan.

Goedkoper hoe meer jy koop
Slimkaartritte wat in bondels van 10 of meer gekoop word, kos vanaf 1 Julie R11.90 per rit en bly die beste koop. Bondels van twee tot agt ritte sal R13.20 per rit kos, en enkelritte R16. ‘n Passasier wat die bus vyf dae per week gebruik, kan tot R180 per maand bespaar deur bondels van 10 ritte en meer te koop, in plaas daarvan om een rit op ‘n slag te laai.

Koop voor tariefverhoging en spaar
Ritte op die Slimkaart verval nooit nie, so daar is geen risiko om ritte te verloor nie, selfs al ry jy nie gereeld bus nie. Om dieselfde rede is dit ‘n slim skuif om meer ritte te laai voordat die tariefverhoging inskop. Passasiers word egter aangeraai om hul Slimkaarte so versigtig soos kontant te hanteer aangesien ritte op ‘n verlore of gesteelde kaart nie terugbetaal kan word nie.

Herlaai betyds
Passasiers word aangeraai om nie te wag totdat hulle geen ritte oor het nie, en om altyd ten minste twee noodritte op hul Slimkaarte te hou. Om op jou pad werk of skool toe te herlaai, kan frustrerend wees wanneer die rye lank is, of wanneer herlaaipunte probleme ondervind weens beurtkrag. Dit sal beter wees om buite spitstye te herlaai op ‘n tyd wanneer jy nie jaag om betyds by jou bestemming te wees nie.

Jy kan by enige van die Slimkaartkiosks en mobiele kiosks ritte koop, asook by 105 herlaaipunte regoor die stad. Wees op die uitkyk vir die “HERLAAI JOU SLIMKAART HIER”-uithangborde, besoek die GO GEORGE-webblad by www.gogeorge.org.za vir ’n volledige lys, of skakel die inbelsentrum by 0800 044 044. Agente is van 05:00 tot 20:00, sewe dae per week aan diens. Navrae kan ook per e-pos gestuur word aan info@gogeorge.org.za.

Herlaaipunte vir Slimkaartritte regoor die stad en in woonbuurte word aangedui met duidelike uithangborde.

UPDATE: PIPE BURST REPAIRS DONE SUCCESSFULLY IN UNIONDALE

UPDATE: PIPE BURST REPAIRS DONE SUCCESSFULLY IN UNIONDALE

Repairs to the water-rising mains in Le Roux Street were completed successfully. Water is currently being pumped into the water network. Please allow for 2-3 hours for the network to stabilize.

We once again wish to apologize for the inconvenience and thank the public for their patience.

Issued by George Municipality
26/06/2023 @19:00

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UPDATE: UNEXPECTED WATER OUTAGE IN UNIONDALE DUE TO A BURST

Unexpected water outage in Uniondale due to a burst on the water rising mains in Le Roux Street. Unfortunately, there are complications with the pipe repair which is causing a delay. Municipal staff are on-site and busy with the repair. Certain high-lying areas will be without water or experience low water pressure. The expected time of repairs is 2 hrs. Water trucks are dispatched and the position of water trucks will be communicated once the impact is assessed.

We apologize for any inconvenience caused and request the public’s patience in this regard.

Issued by George Municipality
26June 2023 @15:45

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UNEXPECTED WATER OUTAGE IN UNIONDALE

Unexpected water outage in Uniondale due to a burst at a different location on the water rising mains in Le Roux Street. A water team was dispatched to isolate the mains. Certain high-lying areas will be without water or experience low water pressure. The expected time of repairs is 4hrs. The position of water trucks will be communicated once the impact is assessed.

Issued by George Municipality
26/06/2023 @07:40

UPDATE: WATER SUPPLY RESTORED ON THE AIRPORT MAIN WATER PIPELINE

UPDATE: WATER SUPPLY RESTORED ON THE AIRPORT MAIN WATER PIPELINE

The water supply has been restored at the Airport’s main water pipeline that supplies potable water to Herolds Bay and Oubaai areas. The Water supply interruption was caused by a pipe burst earlier today.

Issued by George Municipality
24 June 2023 @13:00

***

PIPE BURST ON THE AIRPORT MAIN WATER PIPELINE: CONSUMERS URGED TO USE WATER SPARINGLY

The Water teams are attending to a pipe burst that occurred this morning at the Airport main water pipeline that supplies potable water to Herolds Bay and Oubaai areas. The estimated time of repair is 4 hours. No water truck has been dispatched. Affected consumers are requested to use water sparingly.

Issued by George Municipality
24 June 2023 @09:45

UNEXPECTED WATER OUTAGE IN UNIONDALE

UNEXPECTED WATER OUTAGE IN UNIONDALE

Unexpected water outage in Uniondale due to a burst of water rising mains in Le Roux Street. A water team was dispatched to isolate the mains. Certain high-lying areas will be without water or experience low water pressure. The expected time of repairs is 4hrs. The position of water trucks will be communicated once the impact is assessed.

24 June 2023 @07:25

CODE OF CONDUCT FOR COUNCILLORS

Councillors are elected to represent local communities on municipal councils, to ensure that municipalities have structured mechanisms of accountability to local communities, and to meet the priority needs of communities by providing services equitably, effectively, and sustainably within the means of the municipality.

In fulfilling this role, councillors must be accountable to local communities and report back at least quarterly to constituencies on council matters, including the performance of the municipality in terms of established indicators.

To ensure that councillors fulfil their obligations to their communities and support the achievement by the municipality of its objectives set out in section 19, the attached Code of Conduct is established.

Watch a video on the Code of Conduct for Councillors: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_4VdUjH_5Pc Download the circular of code of conduct for councillors regulations: https://www.george.gov.za/george-document/gm-circular-code-of-conduct-for-councillors-regulations/   Download the code of conduct for councillors poster: https://www.george.gov.za/george-document/code-of-conduct-for-councillors-poster/

 

YOUTH SUMMIT ON ECONOMIC FUNDING AND MENTORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES WAS A SUCCESS

Attendees of the Youth Summit that was focusing on economic funding and mentorship opportunities

The Economic Development Division of the George Municipality hosted a two-day Youth Summit on 14 and 15 June 2023 in the Pacaltsdorp Community Hall as part of the commemoration of the Nationally celebrated Youth Month. The focus of the two days was on economic funding and mentorship opportunities that young people can access.

The first day was attended by 17 youth-owned Companies and the second day by 15 youth-owned Companies. Fifty-nine (59) attendees attended on day one and 45 on day two.

According to Dr Kosie Haarhoff, the George Municipality’s Deputy Director for Strategic Growth and Development, the summit was a success. “We are confident that the youth who attended the summit came back armed with a wealth of information for their businesses and will grab the growth opportunities that are out there.”

“Some great news that was shared during the summit is that Youth Stakeholders such as The South African National Roads Agency Limited (SANRAL) and the Landbank of South Africa have set aside targets for youth in their procurement processes,” Dr Haarhoff added.

“We also had an Entrepreneur from the United States of America, Justin Cheesman, who has invested and specialises in start-ups in South Africa. Cheesman shared his experiences with the audience and information to provide support through training and capacity building.

The following Stakeholders shared information with the youth:

1. Garden Route Skills Mecca
2. Africa Skills
3. SANRAL
4. The Landbank of South Africa
5. Department of Agriculture
6. Department of Economic Development and Tourism
7. The Office of the Consumer Protector
8. First National Bank
9. The George Municipality Electro-Technical Department
10. Gabex Enterprises- Energy Company
11. Empower- A NPC who provides opportunities to Youth Companies

The George Municipality would like to take the opportunity to thank all the stakeholders who supported the Youth Summit, and we are grateful for the economic opportunities that our youth can access.

Dr Kosie Haarhoff, Deputy Director for Strategic Growth and Development says the Youth Summit was a success

The Municipality is confident that the youth came back armed with a wealth of information for their businesses

GARDEN ROUTE DAM LEVEL – Water Restrictions remain in place

Percentage storage at new raised dam wall height 99,92
Rainfall for previous 7 days: 32mm (Measured up to and including 19 June 2023)

The co-operation of all users of municipal water is essential and is greatly appreciated.

Follow this link for the detailed Stricter Water Restrictions in English/Afrikaans and IsiXhosa.
https://www.george.gov.za/george-doc-categories/public-notices/general/

Contraventions of the Water Restrictions can be reported on 0800 424477.
Report water leaks and burst pipes to 044 801 9262/66 or after hours at 044 801 6300, as soon as you notice them.

FLOODS SAFETY TIPS, SANDBAGS INFORMATION & EMERGENCY NUMBERS

Following the urgent weather warning that was issued, please take note of the attached Floods Safety Tips.

Also note that, in flood-prone areas, keep useful items at home such as Sandbags which can be bought at all hardware stores.

For floods related enquiries, please contact the Emergency Services and After Hours contact 0448016300 / Fire Only Number 044 8016311

PLANNED INTERRUPTION OF THE ELECTRICITY SUPPLY: PORTION OF BLANCO

PLANNED INTERRUPTION OF THE ELECTRICITY SUPPLY: PORTION OF BLANCO

THE FOLLOWING AREAS WILL BE AFFECTED:
PORTION OF BLANCO
COENIE APPEL STREET

NOTICE is hereby given that the electricity supply will be interrupted on THURSDAY 22 JUNE 2023 FROM 09H00 TO 17H00 for the purpose of doing alterations to the electrical mains. Consumers are warned to treat the installation as being live for the full duration as the supply may be resumed at any time within the notified period.

Should circumstances prevent the work being carried out during the abovementioned period; the work will be done on FRIDAY 23 JUNE 2023 FROM 09H00 TO 17H00.

Issued by George Municipality
19 June 2023

*

PLANNED ONDERBREKING VAN DIE ELEKTRIESE TOEVOER: GEDEELTE VAN BLANCO

DIE VOLGENDE AREAS SAL GERAAK WORD:
GEDEELTE VAN BLANCO
COENIE APPEL STRAAT

KENNISGEWING geskied hiermee dat die elektriese toevoer onderbreek sal word op DONDERDAG 22 JUNIE 2023 VANAF 09H00 TOT 17H00 met die doel om veranderings aan elektriese hoofleidings te maak. Klante word gewaarsku om die installasie as lewendig te beskou vir die volle periode aangesien die toevoer enige tyd gedurende die periode aangeskakel mag word.

Sou omstandighede verhoed dat die werk gedoen kan word gedurende bogenoemde periode, sal die werk gedoen word op VRYDAG 23 JUNIE 2023 VANAF 09H00 TOT 17H00.

Issued by George Municipality
19 June 2023

THE GARDEN ROUTE PRIDE WALK/MARCH

The public is invited to attend the Garden Route Pride Walk/March on Saturday, 17 June 2023 at St Mark’s Square at 12:00 pm. The Executive Deputy Mayor, Cllr. Raybin Figland will do the official opening and welcoming of the March.

According to organisers, the Garden Route Pride Walk/March is a highlight event. The March will take place on York Street in the George CBD, with the gathering point at St Mark’s Square at 12 pm, and the march will commence at 1 pm, down York Street providing an opportunity for the community to come together and advocate for inclusivity. The March will end at Shenanigans Pub, where the Pride after-party will take place. The public is invited to support and join this event.

For more information contact Jonathan Fortuin, the organiser of the pride festival on 061 624 7431 or 044 802 2000. https://www.george.gov.za/garden-route-pride-festival-14-17-june-2023/

GARDEN ROUTE PRIDE FESTIVAL 14 – 17 JUNE 2023

George is preparing for its first-ever Pride event, the Garden Route Pride Festival, which is fully supported by organisations such as Social Health and Empowerment (SHE), Love Life, Forum for the Empowerment of Women (FEW) and the George Municipality.

Speaking on behalf of the organisers, Jonathan Fortuin said: “This exciting festival will feature a week-long program of events from 14-17 June 2023 aimed at promoting inclusivity and embracing diversity.

The organisers are inviting the public members to support the pride festival which will take place as follows:

WEDNESDAY, 14 JUNE 2023, PRIDE GALA AND ACHIEVEMENT CEREMONY
The festival kicks off on 14 June 2023 with the Pride Gala and Achievement Ceremony, a night dedicated to celebrating the accomplishments of the LGBTQI+ community. The Gala dinner is not open to the public, we will only accommodate 50 selected delegates from the LGBTQI+ Sector.

THURSDAY, 15 JUNE 2023, PRIDE WORKSHOP/SENSITISATION
The Pride Workshop will provide an opportunity for education and discussions on important topics. This event is open to the public and will take place at the George Municipality’s Banquet Hall between 09:00 and 12:00.

FRIDAY, 16 JUNE 2023, MR & MISS GARDEN ROUTE PRIDE COMPETITION
The Mr & Miss Garden Route Pride Beauty Pageant is a public event that will take place at Club which is situated at Beach Road. It will start at 21:00 till late. Before the event, a motorcade will gather at the Conville Community Hall at 15h30, drive through Conville, Maraiskamp, and Parkdene and end off at Conville Community Hall.

SATURDAY, 17 JUNE 2023, THE GARDEN ROUTE PRIDE WALK/MARCH
According to organisers, the Garden Route Pride Walk/March is a highlight event. The March will take place on York Street in the George CBD, with the gathering point at St Mark’s Square at 12 pm, and the march will commence at 1 pm, down York Street providing an opportunity for the community to come together and advocate for inclusivity. The March will end at Shenanigans Pub, where the Pride after-party will take place. The public is invited to support and join this event.

Fortuin says they are excited about this event and look forward to seeing the Garde route there. For more information contact Jonathan Fortuin, the organiser of the pride festival on 061 624 7431 or 044 802 2000.

 

ALIEN INVASIVE PLANT AWARENESS CAMPAIGN – Municipal Plant of the Month -Canna: Canna indica (Indian Shot)

Issued by George Municipality, 15 June 2023

Alien invasive plants destroy biodiversity. Biodiversity is the link between all organisms on earth, binding all into interdependent ecosystems.  

Municipal Plant of the Month –Canna: Canna indica (Indian Shot).  Listed as a Category 1b invader and habitat transformer.  It must be removed and destroyed.  Any form of trade or planting is strictly prohibited.  Hybrid cultivars are excluded from the category.

In the Garden Route C.indica is a common sight. Wherever garden refuse that includes canna stems and rhizomes is casually tipped ‘over the side’ onto vacant land we see these plants establishing themselves with the greatest of ease.

Identification: The plants are perennial with erect, un-branched, leafy shoots 1 – 2 met. tall. The leaves are large, narrowly ovate to elliptic and sheath the stems. Foliage range in colour from green to purple-bronze. The flowers are attractive and colourful but non-fragrant and quite small in comparison to those of the large showy hybrids. C.indica’s flowers are usually red or orange above and yellow below. Flowering time is generally from September to April and in some regions throughout the year. The fruits are green, spiny, three-valved capsules. It multiplies readily from rhizomes and forms large clumps, invading stream banks, moist sites, forests, and plantation edges.

Control: No herbicide is currently registered and physical removal and destruction of the plant material is the most practical solution. Kaput, if applied to the cut stem at the rhizome level, will weaken the rhizome. Rhizomes need to be shredded, desiccated, or rotted before throwing onto the compost heap.

References:  www.invasives.org.za: www.sanbi.org: https://www.george.gov.za/notices/public-notice-alien-invasive-plants/  (search under COMMUNITY SERVICES and NEWS tabs.

ENDS.

 

 

UPDATE: ELECTROTECHNICAL SERVICES ATTENDING TO POWER OUTAGES IN PARTS OF GEORGE

UPDATE: ELECTROTECHNICAL SERVICES ATTENDING TO POWER OUTAGES IN PARTS OF GEORGE
Issued by George Municipality, 14 June 2023 @16:30

Due to the storm, parts of George have been experiencing unplanned power outages since this morning.

AREAS THAT ARE STILL EXPERIENCING POWER OUTAGES

Plover/Hillwood Streets (These streets should be finished before load shedding)
The fire department is at the FM Tower line with the cutting of trees.
Tienmylaan
7 Passes
Bosplaas

The contractor just got the material and repairs will continue.

Kindly report power outages to:
044 801 9222 (07h45 – 16h30)
044 801 9202/9258 (07h45 – 16h30)
WhatsApp Number 067 350 3295 (07h45 – 16h30)
Uniondale: 044 752 1024 (7.45am-4.30pm)

Emergency /After Hours 044 801 6300

TOUWSRANTEN POWER OUTEAGES: CONTACT ESKOM

TOUWSRANTEN POWER OUTEAGES: CONTACT ESKOM

The George Municipality is aware of power outages at Touwranten. This area falls directly under Eskom. Consumers must call Eskom’s Customer Care directly on 086 003 7566.

Issued by George Municipality

14 June 2023 @16:00

UPDATE: ELECTROTECHNICAL SERVICES ATTENDING TO POWER OUTAGES IN PARTS OF GEORGE

UPDATE: ELECTROTECHNICAL SERVICES ATTENDING TO POWER OUTAGES IN PARTS OF GEORGE
Issued by George Municipality, 14 June 2023 @15:25

Due to the storm, parts of George have been experiencing unplanned power outages since this morning.

POWER HAS BEEN RESTORED IN THE FOLLOWING AREAS:
Hoekwil
Saasveld being switched on.

AREAS THAT ARE STILL EXPERIENCING POWER OUTAGES
Wilderness Heights
7 Passes
Watsonia Road
Pine Due line

Kindly report power outages to
044 801 9222 (07h45 – 16h30)
044 801 9202/9258 (07h45 – 16h30)
WhatsApp Number 067 350 3295 (07h45 – 16h30)
Uniondale: 044 752 1024 (7.45am-4.30pm)

Emergency /After Hours 044 801 6300

UPDATE: ELECTROTECHNICAL SERVICES ATTENDING TO POWER OUTAGES IN PARTS OF GEORGE

UPDATE: ELECTROTECHNICAL SERVICES ATTENDING TO POWER OUTAGES IN PARTS OF GEORGE
Issued by George Municipality, 14 June 2023 @12:10

Parts of George have been experiencing unplanned power outages since this morning, due to the storm.

POWER HAS BEEN RESTORED IN THE FOLLOWING AREAS:

De Swart Line
Newton, Wetzel and Palgrave Streets
George South
Duiwerweg
Mission Street, Pacaltsdorp
Caledon Street and Camphersdrift

Kindly report power outages to:
044 801 9222 (07h45 – 16h30)
044 801 9202/9258 (07h45 – 16h30)
WhatsApp Number 067 350 3295 (07h45 – 16h30)
Uniondale: 044 752 1024 (7.45am-4.30pm)

Emergency /After Hours 044 801 6300

ELECTROTECHNICAL SERVICES ATTENDING TO POWER OUTAGES IN PARTS OF GEORGE

Issued by George Municipality, 14 June 2023 @10:30

Parts of George have been experiencing unplanned power outages due to the storm.

POWER RESTORED
Heatherlands (College Rd, Plantasie Rd, Hope Str)

NETWORKS STILL AFFECTED BY POWER OUTAGES ARE:
Denneord
Newton & Palgrave

Pacalsdorp: Mission Streets

MEDIUM VOLTAGE FAULTS
Wilderness heights
De Swaart line x15 Transformers
Modderfontein x1 Transformer
Erica line US 22, 30, 31, 46, 47

NMMU Saarsveld line
Bitou line

Kindly report power outages to:
044 801 9222 (07h45 – 16h30)
044 801 9202/9258 (07h45 – 16h30)
WhatsApp Number 067 350 3295 (07h45 – 16h30)
Uniondale: 044 752 1024 (7.45am-4.30pm)

Emergency /After Hours 044 801 6300

IT’S FIRE WITH FIRE AS GEORGE APPOINTS BRAND TO JOIN THE MUNICIPALITY’S FIRE AND RESCUE DIVISION

George Municipality is proud to introduce its newly appointed Divisional Commander for Fire and Rescue Service; Johan Brand (53), who assumed his duties on the 1st of May 2023. Brand, whose surname in Afrikaans is brand, means fire, brings 33 years of experience to the George Municipality’s Fire Brigade.

Brand started his career in the Fire and Rescue services in January 1990, in Vereeniging, in the Vaal Triangle, Gauteng. He moved up the ranks in the firefighting pyramid in Municipal Fire Services in Gauteng and Mpumalanga, holding various positions such as Junior Firefighter, Firefighter, Senior Firefighter, and Leading Fire Fighter, where he was introduced to the first level of management in the business. In 2001, he ventured into industrial Fire service as a Fire Officer at Columbus Stainless in Middelburg, to expand his knowledge in industrial rescues and fire prevention, for 14 years.

In 2014, he also studied further in Fire Technology at various institutions and finally achieved his higher diploma with the South African Emergency Services Institute. One of the highlights of Brand’s career is when he had to face the devastating fires of Knysna and George in 2017 and 2018 as the Garden Route District Municipality’s Fire and Rescue Services Station Commander for mountain veld and bushfires.

“I would like to thank George Municipality and our Heavenly Father for this opportunity, and I hope to contribute positively to the service and share my knowledge and skills of the past 33 years with the next generation of young firefighters.”

When cooling off from fighting fire blazes and rescue operations, Brand enjoys watching and playing sports. He played Rugby and Volleyball and achieved provincial colours in Volleyball for Mpumalanga in 2002.

Brand affirms a saying that, “behind every successful man there a standing woman”, as he attributes his career success to his wife, Lynette, who has been his “support and inspiration”. “We were blessed with two beautiful children Bianca and Werner, who have already left the nest and are flying on their own by the grace of The Almighty,” he concluded.

JOYOUS MOMENTS AS A NEW DRIVING LICENCE AND TESTING CENTRE OPENS IN UNIONDALE

 

In the Photo, from left: Dawie Adonis (Director of Community Services – George Municipality), Dr Michele Gratz (George Municipal Manager), Cllr Justin Fry (Ward 24 Councillor), Cllr. Jarques Esau (Ward 25 Councillor), Ald Leon van Wyk (Executive Mayor of George), Charlton Majiedt (Department Mobility (WCG), Janine Wells (Manager: Traffic Services – George Municipality), Randal Barreiro – Department Mobility (WCG), Japie Mobele (Deputy Director Driving License Standards from the National Department of Transport).

It was a day of jubilation in Uniondale last week when a new Driving Licence and Testing Centre (DLTC) was officially opened in Uniondale to mark the end of approximately 120 kilometres of travelling for citizens of Uniondale and Haarlem to George to acquire learners license into an era of accessing this service in these residents’ locality.

 
The Executive Mayor of George, Alderman Leon van Wyk officially opened the new facility on Monday, 29 May 2023 and was accompanied by the councillors of Uniondale and Haarlem Cllr Justin Fry for Ward 24 and Councillor Jarques Esau for Ward 25, the Municipal Manager Dr Michele Gratz, the newly appointed director of Community Services Mr Dawie Adonis and officials from the National Department of Transport, the Western Cape Department of Mobility and George Municipality particularly Uniondale and surrounds. Representatives from key partners and stakeholders such as the Ward Committees, local schools, South African Police Service (SAPS), Department of Correctional Services (DCS), Churches, Uniondale Business Chamber and driving schools attended.
 
Reflecting on the journey that was travelled to merge George, Uniondale and Haarlem, Mayor van Wyk said: “We’ve travelled this journey for a while for Uniondale and Haarlem, it was a bit of a challenge to have Uniondale and Haarlem as part of the George Municipality, particularly the financial responsibilities that we had to take over as George. At the time, we did not receive sufficient financial support from the National Government to be able to deliver services successfully for both George and Uniondale.
 
Uniondale is situated approximately 120 kilometres northeast of George. The area Uniondale / Haarlem and the Rural Areas became one area after the Local Government Elections in 2000. This area previously known as DMA (DISTRICT MANAGEMENT AREA), was in JULY 2011, transferred to George Municipality and wards 24 (Haarlem, Avontuur ext) and ward 25 Uniondale and rural area was formed.
 
“Today, however, we are thrilled to have reached this stage to officially open a Driving Licence Testing Centre (DLTC), which was one of the priorities for Uniondale as it was quite a distance for Uniondale and Haarlem residents to travel to renew their licences including acquiring learner’s licenses. Even though it took years to fulfil, I’m excited to confirm that we are at the point of being able to deliver this much-needed service to this community.”
 
According to the director for Community Services Dawie Adonis, the George Municipality’s Department of Community Services did an assessment of all services required for the town. “One of the key needs for the town was the establishment of a driving license testing centre since the community had to travel 110km to the closest town for the renewal of driving licenses and Professional Driving Permits (PrDPs) as well as applications for learners’ licenses and the actual learners license testing. In the meantime, the municipality transported applicants to and from Uniondale and Haarlem to complete mentioned applications. This service has been terminated,” Adonis said.
 
“In March 2021, the George Municipality’s Traffic Department approached the Western Cape Department of Mobility for the establishment of a Grade E Driving License Testing Centre and with the assistance of the Western Cape Government (WCG) and the National Department of Transport (NDoT), the facility was registered for Grade E – Conversions of driving licenses (old ID, foreign licenses)/renewals of driving licenses cards/temporary licenses/duplicate learners/driving licenses,” he added.
 
SERVICES TO BE PROVIDED:
• Renewal of driving licenses and PrDPs
• Application, writing and issuing of learners’ licenses.
 
Driving License Testing Centre operational times:
Wednesday & Thursday
• Wednesday: Learners Class
• Thursday: All applications for Learners Licenses and Renewal Driving Licenses & PrDP
 
Already provided – Motor-vehicle registration transactions:
• motor-vehicle registration & licensing “renewal of vehicle licenses”
• change of ownership
• de-registration of motor-vehicles
• issuing of permits (special permits and temporary permits)
• duplicate registrations
• personalised and special license number plates
• motor-trade numbers
• change of particulars
• issuing request information on a vehicle or a person
• export of a motor vehicle to another country
• exemptions of motor-vehicles
• issuing of police clearances
• transactions to be authorised by Western Cape Government.
 
The Uniondale Driving Licence and Testing Centre can be reached at 044 752 1024 during office hours.
 
“Thank you to everyone who worked together to reach this stage of the opening of this facility, this is an important day to the citizens of Uniondale and Haarlem,” Mayor van Wyk concluded.
Dr Michele Gratz testing the eye-test machine
Attending were stakeholders such as the Ward Committees, local schools, SAPS, DCS, Churches, Uniondale Business Chamber and driving schools