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Author: Ntobeko Mangqwengqwe

GEORGE MUNICIPALITY’S CHIEF AUDIT EXECUTIVE APPLAUDED FOR RE-ELECTION AS CAE FORUM CHAIRPERSON

The Municipal Manager of the George Municipality, Dr Michele Gratz commended the municipality’s Chief Audit, Jean-Pierre Rossouw for his re-election as the Chairperson of the Western Cape Local Government Chief Audit Executive (CAE) Forum recently.

 “We are proud to have an official of Mr Rossouw’s calibre and we wish him well with the task ahead of him for the new term,” said Dr Gratz.

Rossouw shared the news of his re-election on his LinkedIn account on Tuesday, 18 September 2022: “I’m truly honoured to have been re-elected as the Chairperson of the Western Cape Local Government Chief Audit Executive (CAE) Forum for a second term. I’m looking forward to continuing to add value to the municipal internal audit environment,” Rossouw said.

“Today we held yet another successful CAE Forum. Attendees included delegates from National Treasury, Western Cape Provincial Treasury, the IIASA, invited guests and presenters, as well the CAEs and CROs from municipalities throughout the Western Cape Province. Covering topics such as the NT FMCMM; AC induction and training; IIASA Feedback; Importance of MFMA Circular 65.”  

“We also had a very interesting knowledge-sharing session on the practical implementation of Agile auditing. I am thoroughly enjoying my role as Chairperson of such a vibrant forum,” he concluded.

Ends.

MAYOR’S NEWSLETTER FOR GEORGE HERALD: 22 SEPTEMBER 2022

As South Africans, we have learnt to be resilient and shown the ability to adapt to circumstances. The recent experiences of enduring Stages 5 and 6 of load shedding require us all to make adaptations to how we manage our lives. I was recently privileged to attend an Energy Summit where the Eskom CEO, Andre de Ruyter spoke about the power station fleet that had been operated at maximum capacity for too long. This means that maintenance needs to be undertaken to avoid complete breakdowns. New generating capacity will have to be built over the next 15 years.

On an ongoing basis the municipality is examining a range of projects to mitigate the risks in supplying electricity to our customer base:

  • We have installed 25 generators at our critical installations ranging from water and waste-water treatment works, and critical pump stations to buildings. These generators need to be constantly re-fuelled with diesel as we attempt to keep operations going under conditions where Eskom is unable to provide electricity for up to eight hours per day.
  • We are concerned about key businesses and installations that are large employers, energy-intensive users or who need to operate 24/7. We are searching for solutions that can assist them.
  • We are progressing with plans to implement renewable energy plants that will reduce bulk purchases from Eskom to avoid implementation of some load shedding stages.

Our customers can assist in this adaptation process by “shifting their loads” to reduce the maximum electricity capacity that they use through an awareness of not operating too many high-capacity appliances at the same time. The objective is to reduce peaks experienced in the early morning and evening. Success in this adaptation will strengthen our negotiations with Eskom to start avoiding painful load shedding Stages.

We have recently undertaken road-building activity on some of our Provincial roads and Go George routes. We receive grants equivalent to 80% of the project cost on provincial roads that requires spending within defined timelines. Fortunately, the Langenhoven Road and Market Street projects are approaching completion. Work will shortly also be undertaken on York Street. We appreciate how our citizens have adapted their travel routines to ensure the completion of these projects.

Communication is currently underway to appeal to our citizens living close to the forest and mountains to provide advice on co-existence with baboons who periodically enter living areas in search of food. The 2018 George Fire severely damaged their habitat and food sources. Scientific advice is that humans make small adaptations to their routines to improve co-existence.

We express our gratitude to our citizens for their patience in dealing with the adaptations they have been making as we work together building a well-run city.

Ald Leon van Wyk

Executive Mayor of George

 

FILM TRAINING FOR MUNICIPAL STAFF

Five officials from the George Municipality received training in creative filmmaking on the 13th and 14th of September 2022 at the George Tourism office to enhance local tourism marketing strategies. Local filmmaking experts conducted the training as part of a service level agreement with the Garden Route Film Commission.

According to the George Tourism manager, Joan Shaw, the objective of the training which is intended for Municipal staff is to have a better understanding of the film industry, and what is required, as film productions are a target market for Tourism and Economic Development. “As part of the tourism marketing strategy, we want to empower staff that work with social media and projects, and general photography, which requires filming skills to improve the quality of their shoots.  We also encourage creativity and keeping up with trends in this fast-paced industry to keep relevant and get noticed,” Shaw said.

Three of the five trainees were officials from the Tourism office and two from the office of the municipal manager and the communication department, and they all never had experience in filmmaking. One of the trainees, Aphiwe Jack from the office of the municipal manager, said: “The film training was highly informative and fun at the same time. I learnt about the different types of gadgets being used in the film industry, from cameras, lenses, and stabilizers to lights and video editing software. Our team was amazing, thanks to all of them for making it such a wonderful experience for me, and finally, a huge thanks to the facilitators for such a splendid job showing us all the hard work it takes to become professionals in the film industry,” Jack added.

The training was conducted by Letitia Cunningham (Director Garden Route Film Commission), Megan Cunningham a multi-creative and a youth developer and Calvin Claassen an independent content creator and designer in the film industry. To add lustre to the training which included the outdoor taking of video shots, Pamela Pelser, a line dance choreographer from Step Together Line Dance School introduced a few dance moves to the trainees who responded fluently, and smoothly to the movements.

Ends.

Caption:

From left: Megan Cunningham (Facilitator), Letitia Cunningham (Facilitator), Lindi Harley (Tourism Officer – Membership), Aphiwe Jack (receptionist – office of the Municipal Manager), Luthando Ndende (Tourism Intern), Heloine America (Tourism Officer), Joan Shaw (Tourism Manager), Ntobeko Mangqwengqwe (Senior Communication & Intergovernmental Relations Officer), and in front Calvin Claassen (Facilitator).

PUBLIC NOTICE: HOW TO SUBMIT YOUR WATER METER READING ONLINE OR GIVE ACCESS TO A MUNICIPAL-APPOINTED METER READER ON YOUR PROPERTY

Physical water and electricity meter reading by Electro Cuts (Service Provider)

To ensure a correct and efficient billing process, the George Municipality has appointed a service provider, Electro Cuts to do meter reading services throughout the City of George.

1. Each month, Electro Cuts workers visit properties to take water readings on Mondays to Friday between 07:00 am and 05:00 pm, and after hours from 05:00 pm to 07:30 pm. Weekends and public holidays from 08:00 am to 03:00 pm. For identification purposes, the water meter readers will be carrying an identification card and will be wearing s reflective jackets. Should a property owner have any questions/enquiries please call Electro Cuts on Cell: 0623693779 or Cell: 0647431718.
2. Residents can easily determine how much water is used – deducting the current reading from the previous reading will tell you how many units of water have been used.
3. Consumers who have in the past sent water meter readings via email to the previous service provider, Ikapa, must please note the change in an email address for this purpose to meterreadings@george.gov.za
4. If your bill seems incorrect or suspiciously high, it is most likely due to:
• Water leak
• Human Error

Online submissions of water meter readings

Online submissions of water meter readings are welcome and can be provided via email address to meterreadings@george.gov.za along with the accountholder’s name, contact details and George Municipal account number, and date of reading.

Please note that meter readings are done per area at different times of the month, and it is important that your meter reading email is submitted around the same time as your area’s reading time. Please check the date of the previous reading at the bottom of your account to determine your meter reading slot.

We remain committed to ensuring efficient water meter reading and accurate billing. The George Municipality’s Finance Department is always ready and willing to assist any resident with a query on their water bill.

Enquiries regarding water meter readings may be directed to: accounts@george.gov.za

Issued by George Municipality

USE WATER SPARINGLY DURING LOAD SHEDDING STAGE 6

Issued by George Municipality, 18 Sept @09:15

With Stage6 load shedding being implemented, the consumers are requested to use water in and around the house sparingly. Both the treatment processes of raw water and the distribution of potable water will be under pressure due to a lack of electricity and similarly, will the Wastewater Infrastructure (pump stations, Treatment Works, etc). George Municipality wishes to thank the residents for their cooperation in this regard.

ESKOM LOAD SHEDDING STAGE 6 UPDATE 18 SEPT 2022

ESKOM LOAD SHEDDING STAGE 6 UPDATE
Issued by George Municipality on Sunday, 18 September 2022

Following the tripping of a generation unit each at Kusile and Kriel power stations, Stage 6 loadshedding was implemented effective 04:16. Eskom appeals to the public to help conserve electricity.

George will be affected as follows:
18/Sep/2022
14:00 – 18:30
22:00 – 00:00

19/Sep/2022
00:00 – 02:30
06:00 – 08:30
14:00 – 16:30
22:00 – 00:30

Uniondale will be affected as follows:
18/Sep/2022
09:00 – 11:30
17:00 – 21:30

19/Sep/2022
01:00 – 05:30
09:00 – 11:30
17:00 – 19:30

VERY IMPORTANT PLEASE
ONLY USE ESSENTIAL APPLIANCES WHEN POWER IS RESTORED Consumers are reminded to use electricity sparingly especially when power returns after load shedding. This will reduce the risk of overload tripping on the network. Consumers are requested, where possible to not switch on appliances such as stoves and kettles for at least 30 minutes after load shedding.

ESKOM LOAD SHEDDING STAGE 5 UPDATE, SAT 17 SEPT 2022

ESKOM LOAD SHEDDING UPDATE
Issued by George Municipality on Saturday, 17 September 2022

Stage 5 load shedding is to be implemented from 10:00 today until 05:00 Monday 19/09/2022.

George will be affected as follows:
Saturday 17/09/2022
14:00 – 18:30
22:00 – 00:30

Sunday 18/09/2022
06:00 – 08:30
14:00 – 16:30
22:00 – 00:30

Monday 19/09/2022
00:00 – 02:30

Uniondale will be affected as follows:
Saturday 17/09/2022
09:00 – 11:30
17:00 – 21:30

Sunday 18/09/2022
01:00 – 03:30
09:00 – 11:30
17:00 – 19:30

Monday 19/09/2022
01:00 – 05:30

VERY IMPORTANT PLEASE
ONLY USE ESSENTIAL APPLIANCES WHEN POWER IS RESTORED Consumers are reminded to use electricity sparingly especially when power returns after load shedding. This will reduce the risk of overload tripping on the network. Consumers are requested, where possible to not switch on appliances such as stoves and kettles for at least 30 minutes after load shedding.

ESTIMATED TIME OF REPAIR FOR THE CABLE FAULT IN PACALTSDORP IS 00:00 TONIGHT

ESTIMATED TIME OF REPAIR FOR THE CABLE FAULT IN PACALTSDORP IS 00:00 TONIGHT
Issued by George Mun, 16 Sept 2022 @ 15:20

Two mini sub-station in Pacaltsdorp remained off after load shedding due to a cable fault. The affected areas are Noord Street, Mountview Avenue, Hillcrest, East Street, Poplar Avenue, and a portion of Beach Road. Electricians have been working on this situation since the early hours of today. The affected areas will be restored after repairs are done. ETR is 00:00 tonight, due to the complexity of the two 11kV joints that must be done.

12TH FUNDA MZANTSI CHAMPIONSHIP

Friday, 16 September 2022

12TH FUNDA MZANTSI CHAMPIONSHIP

The National Library of South Africa (NLSA), in conjunction with the Department of Correctional Services and George Municipality is proud to host the 12th Funda Mzantsi Championship (FMC).

FMC is a reading competition for book clubs with the objective of stimulating and encouraging a reading culture among South Africans. The Championship has been held on an annual basis from 2010 until 2019.  In 2020, the Competition was postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic and in 2021, FMC was hosted in a hybrid format.  This year, FMC will be held in George, in the Western Cape Province from 3 to 7 October 2022.

In preparation for the Competition, book clubs are required to read selected books from a specific list, including titles from the NLSA’s Reprint of South African Classics project.  Furthermore, participants are assessed in four categories – impromptu reading, debating, spelling bee and book reviewing in all official South African languages.  The much-acclaimed book “The Yearning” by Mohale Mashigo is expected to be reviewed by participants in this year’s competition.

The National Library of South Africa takes pride in contributing toward Outcome 14 of the National Development Plan which deals with Nation Building and Social Cohesion. Through the Funda Mzantsi Championship, the NLSA brings together minds – both young and old, breaking the racial, gender and social status boundaries, in pursuit of a common goal.

The NLSA’s Executive Director responsible for Core Programmes will officiate the opening ceremony on 3 October and the National Librarian and CEO, Mr Kepi Madumo will grace the closing ceremony on 5 October 2022.

Members of the media are invited to cover the Championship as follows:

 

DATE TIME ITEM LANGUAGE/S VENUE
DAY 1
Day 1

3 October

 09H00-12H00

 

 

12H00-13H00

 Impromptu Reading, Spelling-Bee, Debate and Book Review

 

Opening Ceremony

 English Eden Church
Day2

4 October

 09H-00-16H00 Impromptu Reading, Spelling-Bee, Debate and Book Review English Eden Church
CONCURRENT SESSIONS ON DAY 3 AND 4

 
Day 3 and 4

5 and 6 October

 08H30-16H00 Impromptu Reading, Spelling-Bee, Debate and Book Review Sesotho

Setswana

Sepedi

 Eden Church
Day 3 and 4

5 and 6 October

 08H30-16H00 Impromptu Reading, Spelling-Bee, Debate and Book Review Afrikaans

IsiNdebele

Xitsonga

Tshivenda

 

 Conville Community Hall
Day 3 and 4

5 to 6 October

 08H30-16H00 Impromptu Reading, Spelling-Bee, Debate and Book Review IsiXhosa

IsiZulu

Siswati

 

 Thembalethu Community Hall
DAY 5

 
Day 5

7 October

 08H30-12H00 Closing ceremony and announcement of winners Eden Church

 

ENDS

Issued by the National Library of South Africa

Notes to the Editor

The National Library of South Africa (NLSA) is the custodian and provider of the nation’s key knowledge resources. The NLSA is mandated by the National Library of South Africa Act to collect and preserve published documents and to make them accessible, thereby ensuring that knowledge is preserved for posterity and that information is available to all.

www.nlsa.ac.za

ESKOM LOAD SHEDDING UPDATE: 16 September 2022

ESKOM LOAD SHEDDING UPDATE
Issued by George Municipality on Friday, 16 September 2022

Breakdowns of a generating unit each at Kriel, Majuba and Tutuka power stations over the past 24 hours have necessitated the continuation of load shedding at Stage 4 until Sunday at 05:00.

Thereafter load shedding will be implemented at Stage 3 until 05:00 on Monday. On Sunday Eskom will provide the outlook of the load shedding stages for the week ahead as the teams are working around the clock to return units to service.

George will be affected as follows:

Friday 16/09/2022
16:00 – 18:30

Saturday 17/09/2022
06:00 – 08:30
14:00 – 16:30
22:00 – 00:30

Sunday 18/09/2022
06:00 – 08:30
14:00 – 16:30
22:00 – 00:30

Uniondale will be affected as follows:

Friday 16/09/2022
19:00 – 21:30

Saturday 17/09/2022
01:00 – 03:30
09:00 – 11:30
17:00 – 19:30

Sunday 18/09/2022
01:00 – 03:30
09:00 – 11:30
17:00 – 19:30

Monday 19/09/2022
01:00 – 03:30

VERY IMPORTANT PLEASE
ONLY USE ESSENTIAL APPLIANCES WHEN POWER IS RESTORED There is a high risk of tripping due to overload conditions and your assistance in curbing this will be appreciated. Consumers are requested, where possible to not switch on appliances such as stoves and kettles for at least 30 minutes after load shedding.

PARTS OF PACALTSDORP TO REMAIN OFF AFTER THE CURRENT LOAD SHEDDING DUE TO A CABLE FAULT

PARTS OF PACALTSDORP TO REMAIN OFF AFTER THE CURRENT LOAD SHEDDING DUE TO A CABLE FAULT
Issued by George Mun, 16 Sept 2022 @ 09:23

Two mini sub-station in Pacaltsdorp will remain off after the current load shedding due to a cable fault. The affected areas are Noord Street, Mountview Avenue, Hillcrest, East Street, Poplar Avenue, and a portion of Beach Road. Electricians are attending to the situation. The affected areas will be restored after repairs are done. ETR will be communicated shortly.

ESKOM LOAD SHEDDING UPDATE: 16 SEPT 2022

ESKOM LOAD SHEDDING UPDATE
Issued by George Municipality, 16 Sept 2022

Please note: Load shedding stage 4 is to continue until Saturday 17 September 2022 at 05:00.

George will be affected as follows:
Friday 16/09/2022
08:00 – 10:30
16:00 – 18:30

Saturday
06:00 – 08:30
14:00 – 16:30

Uniondale will be affected as follows:
Friday 16/09/2022
11:00 – 13:30
19:00 – 21:30

Saturday 17/09/2022
01:00 – 03:30
09:00 – 11:30
17:00 – 19:30

VERY IMPORTANT PLEASE
ONLY USE ESSENTIAL APPLIANCES WHEN POWER IS RESTORED There is a high risk of tripping due to overload conditions and your assistance in curbing this will be appreciated. Consumers are requested, where possible to not switch on appliances such as stoves and kettles for at least 30 minutes after load shedding.

PUBLIC NOTICE: POLICY FOR THE INSTALLATION OF SERVICES IN ROADS RESERVES

PUBLIC NOTICE: POLICY FOR THE INSTALLATION OF SERVICES IN ROADS RESERVES

The George Municipal Council approved the Policy for the installation of services in road reserves in July 2022. This Policy aims to provide clear guidelines on the standards that all applicants must comply with when installing services within the George Municipality’s road reserves.

The George Municipality’s road reserves are acquired at a large cost to the Council to ensure that the Municipality delivers on its constitutional requirements.  Private services in a public road reserve must be coordinated within the available space restriction of the road reserves and surroundings.

Public road reserves are Municipal property and accommodate numerous municipal services, including roadways, signage, stormwater systems, water networks, sewer conveyance networks, electricity networks, sidewalks, and trees.

Private services in a public road reserve must be coordinated and well managed within the available space restriction of the road reserve and surroundings. Installation of private services must also be carefully managed and controlled to protect municipal services from immediate damage during installation of these private services and that may also result in future damage during Municipal maintenance and/or upgrades to their services.

These services may also not restrict the Municipality should the need arise to maintain, refurbish, or upgrade municipal services. This policy provides clear guidelines on the standards that all applicants must comply with when installing services within the George Municipality’s road reserves.

Wayleave Application and Approval Process

The following documents must be prepared and submitted with the Wayleave Application.

  1. Application letter: Addressed to the Municipal Manager on the Applicant’s letterhead and signed by an authorized person, and indicating contact details (address/telephone/cellular/e-mail), an area map indicating the position of the proposed works, project details, and scope;
  2. Layout plan / Engineering Plans indicating proposed services, to scale and dimensioned from either erf boundary or kerb line, details of proposed services, existing and proposed structures, existing fibre installations of all service providers along the full route, and traffic/pedestrian accommodation drawings.
  3. Professional Civil Engineering Consultant’s appointment;
  4. Confirmation that all Network Licensees have been contacted regarding the proposed installation and possible trench sharing;
  5. Proof that all other affected and/or relevant external or public entities have been consulted and positions of their services, and approvals, acquired;
  6. Proof of payment of the applicable fees and tariffs;
  7. Proof of contractor’s CIDB registration;
  8. Confirmation of quantities regarding proposed trenching; and
  9. Preliminary construction programme with the proposed commencement date.

A Wayleave Application Fee will be applicable as included in the Municipal annual approved Tariff List. Payment of the Application fee must be made with the submission of the Wayleave Application, with all other fees payable on the Wayleave Approval.

For more information please contact: Civil Engineering Services Department on Tel: 044 801 9348 or email to: fabrahams@george.gov.za

 

Issued by George Municipality

NOTICE NO. COM052/2022 – PROPOSED INTEGRATED WASTE MANAGEMENT BYLAW

NOTICE NO. COM052/2022

PROPOSED INTEGRATED WASTE MANAGEMENT BYLAW

Notice is hereby given in terms of Section 12(3)(b) of the Municipal Systems Act, 32 of 2000, that the Municipality of George intends to implement the abovementioned By-law.

Full particulars of the proposed By-law are available for inspection at the following places:

  1. Municipal Offices: 82 Meade Street, Environmental Services; Municipal offices in Uniondale;
  2. Libraries: George Library; Blanco Library; Conville Library; Pacaltsdorp Library; Thembalethu Library; Uniondale / Haarlem Library;
  3. Municipality’s Website: https://www.george.gov.za/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/Integrated-Waste-Management-By-law-English-Draft.pdf

Written comments to the proposed By-law, if any, must be lodged:

  1. Via mail to reach the Director: Community Services, P.O. Box 19, George, 6530 before 21 October 2022; or
  2. Via e-mail with subject line “Comment to Proposed Integrated Waste Management By-Law, 2022” to jfernold@george.gov.za and copied to post@george.gov.za

Any person who is unable to write, can submit their input, verbally to the Municipal offices, where they will be assisted by a staff member to put their comments in writing.

Enquiries can be directed to Mrs. Janine Fernold (044) 802 2900 / jfernold@george.gov.za

 

UPDATE: POWER OUTAGES IN PARTS OF GEORGE

UPDATE: POWER OUTAGES IN PARTS OF GEORGE
Issued by George Mun, 12 Sept @20:55

Most power supply has been restored in Stockenstroom. The current load is still too high to restore Adderley Street. Power supply to the George Airport area and Herolds Bay have also been restored. Only 3 farms in Herolds Bay remain off whilst electricians patrol the last portion of the line.

UNEXPECTED POWER OUTAGE PARTS OF GEORGE

UNEXPECTED POWER OUTAGE PARTS OF GEORGE
Issued by George Mun, 12 Sept @18:40

The 66kv tripped and the Tasmui substation went down. This has affected a large portion of George including Tamsui Industrial, Portions Pacaltsdorp, Groeneweide Park, George Airport area, portions of Herolds Bay, Bos En Dal, George South and Delville Park.

Most of the Tamsui substation power supply has been restored. However, there is still a fault in the line feeding Rosedale. Electricians are on site.

A fibre contractor damaged a cable in Oersen Buys Street, electricians are on their way to attend to the problem.

EMERGENCY REPAIRS IN A PORTION OF SYFERFONTEIN

EMERGENCY REPAIRS IN A PORTION OF SYFERFONTEIN
Issued by George Mun, 12 Sept @17:55

Portion Syferfontein will be switched off shortly for emergency repairs. Five (5) farms and Syferfontein informal settlement will be affected. ETR once switched off will be 2.5 hours.

REPAIR OF STOCKENSTROOM STREET POWER OUTAGE UNDERWAY

REPAIR OF STOCKENSTROOM STREET POWER OUTAGE UNDERWAY
Issued George Mun, 12 Sept @16:30

Stockenstroom Street has been experiencing a power outage since yesterday. This is due to damage to a feeder cable that goes through 2 properties, underneath a boundary wall. Repairs are currently underway and the ETR is 4hrs.

UPDATE: UNPLANNED POWER OUTAGE IN GEORGE CBD

UPDATE: UNPLANNED POWER OUTAGE IN GEORGE CBD
Issued by George Mun, 12 Sept @16:00

Unplanned power outage in CBD. Affecting 1 mini-substation. The George Municipality’s Community Services offices situated at 82 Meade Street have also been affected by the power outage. Therefore, the department’s telephone lines 044 8922900/11 are out of order.

PIPE BREAK IN A PART OF GEORGE CBD

PIPE BREAK IN A PART OF GEORGE CBD
Issued by George Mun, 12 Sept @15:10

The contractor is attending to a water pipe break in Market Street (Section between Merriman and Hope Street) ETR is 2 hours.