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.