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Press Release Archive

New Electrotechnical Services Director welcomed

George Municipality welcomes Mr Bongani Mandla as Director for the  Electrotechnical Services Directorate.

Mr Mandla comes to George with more than 10 years’ experience in the operations and maintenance and management space. Prior to joining George Municipality, he was in the employ of Transnet Port Terminals as the Senior Engineering Manager responsible for Plant Maintenance. He has also worked for ESKOM Distribution in the Western Cape in various roles, including Acting as Senior Manager for Operations and Maintenance, Zone Manager (Atlantic and Protea Zones) focused on operations and maintenance execution for the 29 Customer Network Centre’s (CNC) throughout Western Cape; Plant Management Manager focused on plant refurbishments, planning and scheduling of maintenance as well as network performance  and quality of supply management. He is not a stranger to the George area, having spent more than 7 years as the Field Service Engineer and Field Service Area Manager for the ESKOM Distribution.

He has also  served on various committees in a variety of roles including: ESKOM Western Cape Distribution Provincial Executive Committee (WC-PEXCO); Chairperson, Employment Equity and Skills Development (EE&SD) Committee and Champion for Energy Losses Committee (WCOU).

Bongani holds a Bachelor in Engineering (Electrical and Electronics) from the University of Stellenbosch. He is a registered Professional Engineer (ECSA), a member of the South African Institute of Electrical Engineers (MSAIEE) and passed the Government Ticket (GCC). He was selected and completed the Middle Management Talent Programme with Henley Business School in collaboration with Eskom, as well as the Technology Leadership Programme with the Eskom Leadership Academy. He is currently studying towards a Masters of Business Administration.

Bongani looks forward to working with the electrotechnical team, and with his passion for the development of people, he is hopeful that together the team can streamline their processes and reignite their passion to service customers. “My immediate focus will be on fixing the basics and ensuring we capacitate the directorate to deliver on our core output. With a solid foundation in place, we will be able to deliver sustainable results as well as form strategic partnerships for growth. My vision is underpinned by the drive to build a better tomorrow, today!”

Bongani is married to Amanda and is blessed with three children, Anda, Bonga and Sinobomi.

Unauthorized use of the George Municipal Logo

The public, business and organisations are herewith advised that the George Municipal Logo and Crest are registered as the intellectual property of the George Municipality, and as such  can only be used by the George Municipality for official purposes, unless otherwise authorised by Council. The Office of the Municipal Manager has noted  where several organisations and individuals have made use of the George Municipal logo for their own marketing purposes without the necessary approvals. No business, organisation and/or individual has the right to use the George Municipal logo in any social or printed media, and or including any marketing items such as caps, tshirts, banners, posters and flyers etc.

Where a business, organisation or individual is collaborating with a municipal department on a project,  prior approval must always be requested before using the municipal logo in any format. This will be granted on condition that the project and/or event is endorsed by the municipality officially, and that the product or marketing material which is produced is in good taste, not offensive and adheres to the guidelines as set out by the George Municipal Corporate Identity Manual.

 

OPENBARE KENNISGEWING:Gebruik van die George Munisipale Kenteken

Die publiek, sakeondernemings en organisasies word hiermee in kennis gestel dat die George-munisipaliteit se Kenteken en Wapen as die intellektuele eiendom van die George-munisipaliteit  geregistreer is, en as sodanig slegs deur die George-munisipaliteit vir amptelike doeleindes gebruik kan word, tensy die Raad anders magtig. Die kantoor van die Munisipale Bestuurder het opgemerk dat verskeie organisasies en individue die George Munisipale-kenteken vir hul eie bemarkingsdoeleindes gebruik, sonder die nodige goedkeurings. Geen besigheid, organisasie en/of individue het die reg om die George Munisipale-kenteken in sosiale of gedrukte media te gebruik nie, en/of enige bemarkingsitems soos pette, t-hemde, baniere, plakkate en strooibiljette ens.

Waar ‘n onderneming, organisasie of individu met ‘n munisipale departement saamwerk aan ‘n projek, moet vooraf goedkeuring gevra word voordat die munisipale kenteken in enige formaat gebruik word. Dit word toegestaan ​​op voorwaarde dat die munisipaliteit die projek en/of die geleentheid amptelik onderskryf, en dat die produk of bemarkingsmateriaal wat geproduseer word in goeie smaak is, nie beledigend is nie en voldoen aan die riglyne soos uiteengesit deur die George Munisipale Korporatiewe Identiteitshandleiding.

 

ISAZISO SIKAWONKE-WONKE: UKUSETYENZISWA OKUNGAGUNYAZISWANGA KOPHAWU LORHWEBO LUKAMASIPALA WASEGEORGE

uLuNtu, amashishini kunye nemibutho bayaziswa ngale ncwadi ukuba uphawu lorhwebo lukaMasipala waseGeorge kunye nendwe zibhaliswe njengophawu lukaMasipala waseGeorge, kwaye ngenxa yoko lunokusetyenziswa kuphela nguMasipala waseGeorge ngeenjongo ezisemthethweni, ngaphandle kokuba kugunyaziswa ngenye indlela liBhunga. i-Ofisi yoMphathi kaMasipala iqaphele apho imibutho eyahlukeneyo kunye nabantu basebenzisa uphawu lorhwebo lukaMasipala ngeenjongo zabo zokuthengisa ngaphandle kweemvume eziyimfuneko. Akukho shishini, mbutho kunye/okanye mntu unelungelo lokusebenzisa uphawu lorhwebo lukaMasipala waseGeorge kuzo naziphi na izinto zokusasaza iindaba zoluNtu okanye ezishicelelweyo, kunye okanye kuquka  naziphina izinto zorhwebo ezinje ngeekepusi, izikipa, izibhengezo ezibhaliweyo  kunye neeflaya njl njl.

Apho ishishini, umbutho okanye umntu esebenzisana nesebe likaMasipala kwiprojekthi, imvume yangaphambili kumele icelwe ngalo lonke ixesha phambi kokusetyenziswa kophawu lorhwebo lukaMasipala ngalo naluphi na uhlobo. Oku kuya kuvunyelwa phantsi kwemiqathango yokuba iprojekthi kunye/okanye umsitho uvunyelwe nguMasipala ngokusemthethweni, kunye nokuba imveliso okanye izinto zentengiso ezivelisiweyo ziyakholisa, azicaphukisi kwaye zibambelela kwizikhokelo njengoko zibekiwe yiNcwadi yeSazisi seQumrhu kaMasipala waseGeorge.

 

George Heraldic Embleem Logo

George Municipality backs local surfer, Bianca Buitendag for the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games

GEORGE MUNICIPALITY BACKS LOCAL SURFER, BIANCA BUITENDAG FOR THE 2020 TOKYO OLYMPIC GAMES

George Municipality has partnered with local, soon- to be- Olympian, Bianca Buitendag, a surfer who has qualified for the upcoming global event, in her quest to win a medal at the Tokyo Olympic Games. This partnership shall see the municipality support the Victoria Bay born and raised Bianca Buitendag in her preparation for the Olympic Games set for 23 July to 8 August 2021 in Japan. Owing to the challenges caused by the Covid-19 pandemic, the municipality decided to support and extend financial assistance to the local superstar in their bid to support local talent, while at the same time promoting the destination as a premier surfing destination.

Bianca is a well-seasoned surfer who has been competing on the World Surfing League (WSL) Championship Tour from 2013 to 2019 as South Africa’s top female surfer. In 2019 she was the captain of the South African team at the International Surfing Association (ISA) 2019 World Championships where she finished 3rd (Bronze) and subsequently qualified for the Olympic Games together with Jordy Smith. Out of the water, she holds a Bachelor of Science in Finance & Accounting Management attained at North-Eastern University in Boston, USA.
Surfing will be featuring in the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games for the first time ever and South Africa shall be represented by Bianca and Jordy Smith.

Bianca will be an ambassador for George and a key asset in promoting George as a tourist, and particularly a great surfing destination. George Municipality is situated in the Garden Route District of the Western Cape, often revered as “the Garden Route’s crown” owing to its majestic views and pristine beaches. The partnership will be the first of its kind for George Municipality, with the Olympic Games providing the perfect platform.
Commenting on the significance of this partnership, Bianca said, “Having grown up and raised in Victoria Bay, it’s an absolute privilege to represent my community and make them proud as I compete at the Olympic Games”. George offers some of the best surfing conditions owing to its high-performance waves at Victoria Bay and she hopes her efforts at the Olympics will be good enough to inspire young girls from across South Africa to pursue their dreams.

George Municipality will benefit from Bianca’s significant social media following along with her support for locally based charity initiatives. She is currently involved in several local projects and hopes to make a bigger impact working much more closely with the Municipality than ever before. “We look forward to partnering with Bianca to promote the town as an attractive tourist destination. Bianca’s profile and professionalism are exemplary to the kind of role models the town wishes to produce and inspire; we wish her all the best of luck at the Olympic Games”, says Executive Mayor of George Municipality, Alderman Leon van Wyk. Commenting on the developments, Joan Shaw, George’s Tourism Manager remarked, “George is fortunate to have a high-calibre surfing beach and we are delighted that our waves have played a role leading up to Bianca competing at the Olympics, the pinnacle of her surfing career so far. We are thrilled that a surfer at her level of influence will be promoting our destination to surfers worldwide as a preferred destination to enjoy the waves. We wish her all the best as she competes – George is rooting for you!”

For further information, please contact:

Head of Sponsorships: Kudzi Nzombe – Accelerate Sport
+27 (0)736402029/021 671 7573
kudzi@acceleratesport.com

Photographs by Ian Thurtell

George Mayor announces winners of Municipal Poster Competition on Energy Sustainability

George Mayor announces winners of Municipal Poster Competition on Energy Sustainability

The George Municipality’s Poster Competition on Energy Sustainability came to an end on Monday 7th June, when the two winning schools in the high school and primary school categories, Outeniqua High School and Outeniqua Primary School were announced and the Mayor of George presented them with their prizes.

Mayor van Wyk was in awe of the standard of work of both the primary and high school learners. He told the learners that he is not only impressed by their artwork but by their thinking. “We are all experiencing the inconvenience of loadshedding. We need to move into other forms of energy by wind, sun and other methods. This is the future of our world and our world is changing rapidly. It is awesome that you are part of that change,” he said.
Van Wyk said to the learners that you are the generation that will use renewable energy and it is great that you had this opportunity to showcase your thoughts. He congratulated the winners and thanked all of the schools that participated and made the competition a success.

The first prize winners (Primary and High School) both received a R5000 stationery voucher. The second prize in the primary school category went to Mzoxolo Primary school who received a R2000 stationery voucher. The third prize winner in the Primary School category is Holy Cross Convent and won a R1000 stationery voucher.
The second prize winner in the High School category is Parkdene High School and won a R1500 stationery voucher. There is no third prize for high schools as there were only 3 participating schools.

In total 10 schools participated, 3 High Schools and 7 Primary Schools. All the learners who participated in the competition received goody bag packages as a token of appreciation. The other schools that participated were Kretzenshoop Primary School, Hibernia Primary School, Dellville Park Primary School, McKinley Reid High School and Thembalethu Primary School.

Thabo Yiga from the Electrotechnical Directorate who drove the project with the other interns at the Directorate, thanked all the ten schools for participating in the George Municipality’s Energy Sustainability Competition. “The posters clearly show that the learners took the competition seriously and worked hard to produce quality work,” Yiga said.

Learners were meant to reflect their understanding of Energy Sustainability in the poster. The posters were judged by effort, art and creativity and message.
Some of the teachers and learners shared their experiences during the competition.
Leoni Selzer, Art teacher at Outeniqua Primary School said the process taught them how very important it is to save the world we live in and it was an incredibly great opportunity for the learners to research their own work and work on their art pieces.

Kyla Nel (12), a grade 6 learner, said she wanted to make people aware that our earth is dying.
Linske Steenkamp (11), also a grade 6 learner, said she drew an eye with the idea to change people’s view on how they saw the world, how we are to fix people’s eyes on the problem we need to solve.

An-Sophie Buchholz (12), a grade 7 pupil, said her painting depicted the earth warming up to the extent that it has a detrimental effect on the survival of wildlife like the polar bear.
Mari Coetzee, Art teacher at Outeniqua High School, said it was important to them to participate in the competition to get our younger generation thinking about preserving nature and thinking of alternative solutions to our energy needs.

Marlo Barnard (16), a grade 11 learner, said it was great coming together as a team, while his teammate, Wessel Janse van Rensburg (17), grade 11, said they are grateful for the opportunity and had loads of fun. They have used recycled paper from old exam books and magazines for the task.

George Municipality is part of the Energy Efficiency and Demand Side Management (EEDSM) programme funded by the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy. The Municipality received grant funding of R4.5 million for the solar PV project at the George Municipality Main Building parking area and part of the requirements is to spend 1% of that grant funding on creating an energy awareness campaign.

Sustainable energy is power which is able to be replenished within a human lifetime and so cause no long-term damage to the environment. Sustainable energy includes all renewable energy sources, such as hydroelectricity, biomass, geothermal, wind, wave, tidal and solar energies.

Captions:

Outeniqua High School: Outeniqua High School is the winner out of the three competing high schools in the George Municipality’s Energy Sustainability Poster Competition. Here Mayor Van Wyk hands over the winning cheque to principal Christo Vorster (with black jacket). At the back from left are Mphielo Ramotsai, Electrotechnical Directorate, two of the winning learners with the winning poster, Wessel Janse van Rensburg, Marlo Barnard, Art teacher Mari Coetzee and Thabo Yiga, Electrotechnical Directorate. The poster that was made mostly of recycled material says: Power “of” Nature. The “of” word is cleverly formed and hidden into one of the windmills. All the prize-winners are mentioned in the full page advert in the George Herald 10 June 2021.

Outeniqua Primary: Outeniqua Primary School is the winner in the category Primary Schools, in the George Municipality’s Energy Sustainability Poster Competition. They have beaten six other schools to the first prize. In the middle of the picture is the Executive Mayor of George, Ald Leon van Wyk (with the dark suit) handing the winning cheque of R5000 to Dr Nico Venter, School Principal. To the Mayor’s left are Mphielo Ramotsai and Thabo Yiga, Electrotechnical Directorate who drove the project. To Dr Venter’s right is the Art teacher that assisted the learners in the project, Leoni Selzer. Around them are all the learners who are part of the group that won the competition.

Thembalethu’s new 66 kV Substation to improve reliability and provide adequate capacity of electrical supply

Thembalethu’s new 66 kV Substation to improve reliability and provide adequate capacity of electrical supply
Issued George Municipality, 28 June 2021, for immediate release

A new 66 kV municipal substation planned for Thembalethu will not only provide adequate capacity for growth in the area, but also improve the reliability of the electrical supply and provide additional job opportunities as the electrification projects are completed. The planning for the substation goes as far back as 20 years ago, when the Ballots Bay 11 kV substation in the southern part of Thembalethu was established. This 11 kV substation project at the time also made provision for a 66 kV substation. The electrical masterplans for George indicated that a 66 kV substation would be needed in the future. An Environmental Impact Study (EIA) was finalized in 2008 to gain approval for the 66 kV powerline routes to the various proposed substations in George which included the powerlines to Thembalethu.

In 2011, the new 132 kV Schaapkop substation was established to provide sufficient capacity after the existing ESKOM bulk supply had reached capacity in George, following the growth in electricity demand in George and Thembalethu. The bulk municipal electrical supply to Thembalethu also reached capacity and had to be increased to enable the electrification program to continue.
A presentation was made to the George Council in 2013 to acquire funds for the first phase of the establishment of the municipal 66 kV substation in Thembalethu. Funds were provided and the 66 kV power line from SS Protea in Pacaltsdorp to Thembalethu was built in 2014/15. This power line is energized at 11 kV to supplement the capacity and will be energized at 66 kV to supply the new 66 kV substation once it is completed.
During a UISP* (Upgrading of Informal Settlements Programme ) community presentation in Thembalethu on July 2014, the public was updated about an analysis completed to determine the impact of the additional electrical load on the existing Thembalethu electrical network as a result of the electrification projects that had been completed. At this stage the first section of the 66 kV power line between Protea substation and Thembalethu’s 66/11 kV substation would have to be established and operated on 11 kV before any further electrification can take place. Further urgent upgrades included the establishment of the municipal 66/11 kV substation.

The electrification of the formalised, as well as informal areas in Thembalethu, cannot continue without the upgrading of the bulk services in Thembalethu. The establishment of the substation is a key project in this regard. Subsequently, the 66 kV power line section between Thembalethu and the Glenwood Substation in Knysna Road has also been completed to place the new Thembalethu 66 kV substation on a ring feed.

Thembalethu 66 kV Substation
The position of the 66 kV substation was changed slightly to accommodate the final 66 kV line route that is aligned to the proposed main southern arterial road and a revised EIA for the new position was approved in 2016. The detailed planning of the substation began in 2017. The substation’s construction consists mostly of the manufacturing, supply and installation of 11 kV and 66 kV equipment, two new 66/11 kV 20MVA power transformers and ancillary protection and control equipment. The construction and commissioning of the substation requires specialized engineers and artisans.

Following standard supply chain processes, the tender was awarded this year and the appointed contractor has provided all of the initial procurement documentation, and is in the process of completing the final construction designs and drawings based on the equipment to be supplied. The construction of the civil work can begin as a construction work permit has been issued by the Department of Labour. Once completed, this will be the biggest 66/11 kV substation in the Southern Cape, and one of the biggest electrical capital expansion projects embarked on by the George Municipality over the last decade.

The first phase of the substation, which will include the commissioning of the 66 kV yard, first power transformer and 11 kV switchgear, should be completed in 18 months. It is envisaged that the complete project will be completed over 3 years, as and when funding becomes available.

*THEMBALETHU UISP HOUSING PROJECT
The project approved in 2010 will provide 4350 families with a serviced site with access to water, sanitation and electricity. The top structures will incrementally follow. As at 30 June 2021, 662 top structures had been built and handed over to beneficiaries and 2126 sites were serviced. Phase One of the Upgrading of Informal Settlements Programme (UISP) which delivered 1746 serviced sites was completed in June 2016, with 662 top structures to date. Phase two is currently underway with 380 serviced sites completed to date. The UISP is funded by the Western Cape Department Human Settlements with the George Municipality acting as the developer.

George en distrik baat by 2023 NETBAL-WêRELDBEKERTOERNOOI

GEORGE EN DISTRIK BAAT BY 2023 NETBAL – WêRELDBEKERTOERNOOI

Die 2023 Netbal Wêreldbeker-toernooi word in Kaapstad aangebied – die eerste keer dat die toernooi in Afrika gehou sal word en die Wes-Kaapse platteland mag ook daarby baat.

Dié uitgelese toernooi volg op verskeie ander, baie suksesvolle Wêreldbeker-byeenkomste wat in die verlede in Suid-Afrika aangebied is. Groot infrastruktuurontwikkeling het veral die Wêreldbeker-rugby, die Wêreldbeker-sokkertoernooi en die Wêreldbeker-kriekettoernooi voorafgegaan.

Die land het egter ook die Wêreldbeker-toernooi vir vroue (2005) en die A1 GP-wêreldbeker van Motorsport (2006) aangebied, ‘n prestasie wat weinig ander lande ter wêreld Suid-Afrika kan nadoen.
In afwagting op die Netbal Wêreldbeker-toernooi in 2023, word infrastruktuur regoor die Wes-Kaap ontwikkel, en beide Mosselbaai-munisipaliteit en George-munisipaliteit het ruim voordeel getrek uit befondsing wat deur die Wes-Kaapse regering se departement kultuursake en sport bewillig is. Netbalbane in die distrik sal opgegradeer of nuut aangebou word om te voorsien in toekomstige streeks-, nasionale-, selfs internasionale toernooie wat in die vooruitsig gestel word.

Die Wes-Kaapse LUR vir kultuursake en sport, Minister Anroux Marais, het die onderskeie netbalspanne van die Suidwestelike Distrikte, en spesifiek atlete van Groot-Brakrivier, aangemoedig om nou reeds te begin met voorbereiding vir die 2023-wêreldbekernetbal. Na verwagting mag van die wegwedstryde en voorbereidings vir die toernooi in die Eden-distrik plaasvind.

Voorsitter van die Eden Netbalfederasie, Rene Booysen, het atlete herinner aan die voordele van georganiseerde sport vir die groter gemeenskap. Sy beklemtoon die voordele wat spanwerk, dissipline, toewyding en respek – kenmerke van spansport – vir die groter gemeenskap meebring. Enige atleet wat sukses in die sportsoort van sy keuse bereik, slaag dikwels ook op ander fasette omdat sport die grondslag vir deursettingsvermoë en ‘n wenkultuur gelê het.”

Minister Marais het die jeug en veral jong meisies aangemoedig om by sport betrokke te raak. “Sport bied geleenthede en uitdagings. Die gemeenskap moet hul jongmense aanmoedig om netbal te speel om voordeel te kan trek uit die talle geleenthede wat dié en ander sport meebring.”
Die minister en haar personeel het ook die geleentheid benut om besoek te bring aan die area waar ‘n nuwe sokkerveld vir Groot-Brakrivier gebou word.

Raadsheer Harry Levendal, Mosselbaai se Uitvoerende Burgemeester, het uit eie ondervinding gepraat oor die waarde wat sport vir jongmense en afrigters meebring.
Voorsitter van die Eden Netbalfederasie Rene Booysen, ‘n gebore Grootbrakker, het die hoop uitgespreek dat Groot-Brakrivier se jongklomp met oorgawe die geleenthede van opgeknapte netbalbane sal benut in die oploop na die 2023 Wêreldbeker-netbaltoernooi.
Benewens ‘n ruim bewilliging vir die opgradering en bou van netbalbane, het die Wes-Kaapse LUR vir kultuursake en sport, Minister Anroux Marais ook ‘n ruim skening van netbaltoerusting aan die voorsitter van die Eden Netbalfederasie, Rene Booysen, gemaak.

Raadsheer Harry Levendal, Mosselbaai se Uitvoerende Burgemeester ontvang die befondsing vir die opgradering van plaaslike netbalfasiliteite van die Wes-Kaapse LUR vir kultuursake en sport, Minister Anroux Marais.
Die Wes-Kaapse LUR vir kultuursake en sport, Minister Anroux Marais, het ook geld bewillig aan die George-munisipaliteit wat deur die uitvoerende burgemeester, Raadsheer Leon van Wyk, ontvang is.
Die spelreëls vir netbal is in isiXhosa vertaal en kopië van die reëlboekie is aan die Voorsitter van die Eden Netbalfederasie Rene Booysen, oorhandig.

Onderskrif vir foto: Die Wes-Kaapse Minister van Kultuursake en Sport, Anroux Marais oorhandig ‘n tjek van R700 000 ter oprigting van netbalbane en fasiliteite by die Outeniqua Stadion aan Rdh. Leon van Wyk, Uitvoerende Burgemeester van George by ‘n onlangse oorhandingingseremonie in Groot Brakrivier.

George Tourism drives winter accommodation bookings

George, Wilderness and Uniondale Tourism has launched an extensive digital campaign featuring the three towns across Facebook, Instagram, and Google Adwords.

The campaign, targeting Cape Town and Gqeberha, aims to create brand awareness for the destination, prompting users to take a mid-year break, whilst driving accommodation bookings for the upcoming winter season.

Accommodation product members were invited to participate in a deal to offer prospective visitors up to 25% off. A great response to the call has highlighted the need for more direct marketing to help tourism businesses to increase their occupancy levels.

The results of the campaign are being tracked and will show a return on investment for the destination, as well as the members who are partnering with the George Municipality’s Tourism Department to increase interest in and business to the area. Enquiries are being tracked digitally and in real time to evaluate the success of the campaign.

Joan Shaw, Tourism Manager at George Municipality says: “It is more important than ever that the Tourism Department and the accommodation products partner to get the best results from marketing campaigns. Marketing actions executed by George Municipality are mainly for the benefit of the Tourism Business Community. I am confident that our partners who are will see the benefits in, what is generally, a slow winter season.

This campaign supports and extends the recent highly successful radio campaign featured on both KFM and Radio 702, ensuring listeners keep George, Wilderness and Uniondale top of mind when wanting to take a winter break

1. Acorn Guesthouse in the warm heart of George is just one of the properties offering up to 25% off for the campaign.
2. Moontide Guesthouse, on the river in Wilderness, is one of the properties offering up to 25% off the campaign.
3. Cinnamon Boutique Hotel is one of the amazing properties offering up to 25% off for the campaign.
4. Escape to the Beach, says it all – one of the luxury properties offering up to 25% off for the campaign.
5. Beach Villa  Wilderness, one of the spectacular properties offering up to 25% off for the campaign.

For more information contact Joan Shaw 081 412 9995

Update on municipal main building solar project

The municipal solar project which entails the installation of a 300 kilo-Watt Peak grid tied PV generating plant at the officials parking area is progressing well and nearly completed.
The construction of the steel support structures which will serve as carports as well, has been completed and  the pv panels are currently being laid on the newly built structures. In total, 692 PV panels will be installed, with each panel rated at 435 Watts, making the system size equal to 692*435 = 301 kiloWatts peak. All of the inverters which will convert DC power from the panels into AC electricity, have been installed in a closed compartment room.

Thabo Yiga, Intern, Candidate Engineer for Electrotechnical Services, who is responsible for the project, was pleased to advise that a weather monitoring station will also be installed. This station is equipped with sensors to measure parameters such as solar irradiation, wind speed, wind direction, humidity, pv panels temperature, and so on. The  site specific measured data collected will be used to calculate the Performance Ratio (PR) of the pv plant on an annual basis to determine plant performance.

The project includes an upgrade with vehicle parking lines to be painted for the carport structures, as well as the installation of LED solar lights to provide additional lighting at night.  The project is expected to end 20th July and commissioning tests will begin on the last week of July. The plant will be energized by August.

Background information: The PV plant will reduce the peak load demand of the main building and reduce the amount of electricity purchased from Eskom. The plant will also enable the building to meet carbon emission reduction targets by powering most of the required load with energy generated from a clean and renewable source. The total savings in carbon dioxide emissions, would be in the region of 9027 tonnes of CO2 over the plants 25 year lifetime. 500 000 kilo Watt Hours (kWh) of energy is expected to be produced by the PV plant annually, and the system is projected to pay itself off within 7 years of the 25 year estimated lifetime.

The 500 000 kilowatt-hour of electricity that the PV plant will generate annually is the equivalent of the power consumption of 55 households using 25 kwh of electricity per day (or approximately 9000 kwh pa).  The project is funded by the Department of Energy under the Energy Efficiency Demand Side Management (EEDSM) programme. The current public parking area located immediately in front of the municipal building will not be affected during the construction at all.

 

Brand new railings for Gwaing promenade

The promenade at Gwaing Beach boasts with brand new stainless steel railings, installed yesterday (23 June) to replace the existing wooden railings. The railings installed at a cost of R90 000, have been crafted out of stainless steel for durability and still have to be polished up with a burnishing compound. The crossbar design allows for stronger sections to accommodate potential rough seas, as well as allowing for easier repair or replacement. The wooden railings will be removed. Budget used in this project is drawn from the 2020/21 Financial year.

Update for June 2021: George Municipal services during COVID-19

GEORGE MUNICIPALITY SERVICES DURING COVID-19
Latest update: 18 June 2021 (current Level 3 amended)

George Municipality hereby confirms that it is open for business, services are being rendered and administration buildings are open except for halls, venues and sport stadiums.

While in-person services are rendered where required, we appeal to the public to consider doing transactions and business online, per telephone or via email to avoid coming to the municipality in person and helping to reduce the risk of spreading the virus. During the Covid-19 crisis period, certain staff may be working from home or on rotation, which means contact details and office hours of some services may differ from usual operations. Please see below for more details per directorate.

Please note access to all municipal buildings by members of the public, when open, is subject to Covid-19 protocols which include registration, temperature-checking, sanitising of hands and always wearing a face mask.

Depending on the size of foyers and reception areas, the number of people allowed into a specific department or section may differ and you will be advised accordingly upon arrival. We kindly request the public to be patient and to allow for extra waiting time.

GENERAL
Depending on the requirements of a specific department, staff are working on rotation or from home, and access by the public may be limited.
Please phone or email as far as possible as per details below.
Switchboard: 044 801 9111
All after-hours George Municipality emergencies: 044 801 6300
General public email for all matters: gmun@george.gov.za
Garden Route District Municipality Disaster Management emergencies: 044 805 5071 (all hours)

PROTECTION SERVICES
Protection Services administration offices are closed to the public.
Law Enforcement is open to the public, but limited to the foyer, one person at a time.
Fire emergencies only: 044 801 6311 (all hours)
General fire department enquiries: 044 801 6300
Law Enforcement: 044 801 6350/89
Anti-Land Invasion: 044 801 6310
GIPTN PTOO: 044 801 6345
All after-hours emergencies: 044 801 6300

Traffic Department Offices, Driving and Learners Licences:
Mission Street, Pacaltsdorp 044 878 2400
Open to the public Monday to Friday 8am-3pm unless otherwise announced as per Covid-19 measures.
The department is open for new appointments for driving and learner’s licences as per usual rules (see Driving and Learners Licence section under Protection Services at www.george.gov.za for details).
Pick-up times for newly issued driving licences from the Pacaltsdorp offices: Monday to Friday 8am to 3pm, except if your confirmation SMS indicates a Saturday collection opportunity. Please bring your ID document and show the pick-up confirmation SMS to the official at the entrance.
Please note that learner’s licences, driving licences, temporary driving licences and professional driving permits which expired from 26 March 2020 up until 31 December 2020 are deemed valid and validity is extended for a further grace period ending 31 August 2021.

Traffic fines
To pay your traffic fines online, use the account details below and use the traffic fine number printed on the fine as reference.
Bank: First National Bank (FNB)
Account Name: George Municipality
Account Type: Public Sector Cheque Account
Account Number: 62869623168
Branch Code: 210554
Swift Code: FIRNZAJJ

Vehicle Testing Station
Hibernia Street (next to train station) 044 801 9312
Open to public Monday to Friday 8am-3pm, access control from gate at the street.

Motor Vehicle Registration and Licencing
Please note the email addresses for proof of payment of online payments have changed.
Hibernia Street (next to train station) 044 801 9310
Open to the public weekdays 8am-3pm, except Wednesdays when closed at 2pm due to compulsory training, or if otherwise indicated as per Covid-19 measures.
Access control is from the gate at the street, when necessary.

Please consider ONLINE RENEWAL of vehicle licenses as per details below instead of in-person renewals at the vehicle licencing centre as Covid-19 regulations significantly impacts on the amount of people that can be served in a day.

Bulk transactions are being handled separately or after hours when required. Pregnant women, the elderly and disabled can pre-arrange preferential treatment by calling 044 801 9310.
While vehicle licence RENEWALS CAN be done online, the REGISTRATION of vehicles CANNOT be done online as RICA requirements stipulate that the owner of the vehicle must physically appear in front of the official and the documentation must be original – this is, among other things, a measure against fraudulent registration of vehicles.

ONLINE ELECTRONIC PAYMENT OF VEHICLE LICENCE RENEWALS
1. The customer starts by registering a profile online at https://online.natis.gov.za/#/ or download the RTMC mobile application for Android from Google PlayStore.
2. Choose between registering as an individual or business.
The following information will be required:
Individual: initial, name, surname, ID number, driving license number, contact details via mobile phone or email.
Organisation: name of business, ID number of proxy, driving license number of proxy, contact details via mobile phone or email.
3. A one-time pin will be sent to your email or mobile phone number, which you must enter online.
4. Go to the ‘View motor vehicle renewals’ section and verify the information of the vehicle for which you are renewing the licence.
5. Access and/or download your electronic motor vehicle license RENEWAL NOTICE (also known as a MVL2 notice).
6. If your licence disk is valid but near expiry or if it has expired but is still in the 21-day grace period after expiry, the amount for the renewal of your vehicle will be on the notice.
7. If your license has already expired beyond the grace period, it will not indicate an amount on the system and clients must please phone the George Motor Vehicle Licensing office at 044 801 9310 to confirm the amount due.
8. Pay the amount due into the George Municipality, FNB Public Sector Cheque Account, Number 62869623150 (Branch Code 210554). Use the relevant vehicle license number as a reference such as CAW ###### / Private number ##### WP.
9. Email the proof of payment to payments@george.gov.zaand mvr@george.gov.za. Please note the forementioned email addresses are no-reply addresses and are set up for proof of payments only and cannot be used for enquiries. Please phone 044 801 9310 for enquiries.
10. Keep a copy of your proof of payment in the relevant car until you receive your license disk but keep your expired disk on your window in the meantime. Traffic law requires officials to still issue you with a ticket for displaying an invalid disk, but you can appeal the fine and submit the proof of payment as part of your request to have the fine cancelled (details for the appeal process is on the back of the fine).
11. Once payment reflects on the municipality’s bank statement, the vehicle license will be processed, and you will be contacted to arrange collection. Please do not collect unless pre-arranged and notified via telephone – you won’t have to queue in the transaction lines when you collect.
If you want the licence posted to you, please give the person who phones you the address to which you require it posted.
Licences that have not been collected within two weeks from the notification phone call, will be posted to the address listed on the NaTIS system – onus is on the vehicle owner to ensure the correct address is logged on the national system. The turnaround time for online license renewals is about two weeks.

CIVIL ENGINEERING SERVICES
Administration offices (old City Hall) and Customer Services (corner York and Progress Streets) remain closed to the public.
Urgent appointments that cannot be dealt with via online meetings on MS Teams or other electronic means will be attended to by prior arrangement. Please phone 044 801 9354 or 044 801 9277 to obtain relevant email address.

Report water leaks and burst pipes, sewerage blockages, leaks and spillages and urgent road and stormwater issues to:
044 801 9262/6 (7.45am-4.30pm)
044 801 6300 (after hours)
Estimated response times are 24-48 hours from recorded time of complaint at the above numbers.

ELECTROTECHNICAL SERVICES
Services continue as usual and the administration offices are open to the public weekdays 7.45-4.30pm.
Two people are allowed in the foyer at any given time and members of the public will be allowed into offices following screening at the security desk.
Planned maintenance continues and essential repairs for which planned outages are required will be communicated.

Please report power outages, broken street lights and faulty traffic lights to:
044 801 9222 (7.45am-4.30pm)
044 801 9202
044 801 6300 (after hours)
Estimated response times from recorded time of complaint at above numbers:
Low voltage electricity – within 24 hours.
High voltage electricity faults – can be longer than 24 hours depending on type of fault.
Street lights – three to four weeks.
Pre-paid electricity queries to Itron/Ontec: 044 873 5474 (8am-4pm).

COMMUNITY SERVICES
Community Services Administration, 82 Meade Street, is open to the public on weekdays 7.45am-4.30pm unless otherwise indicated as per temporary Covid-19 measures.
One person is allowed in the foyer at any given time.
Please contact the specific person via telephone or email as listed below to arrange for online meetings if necessary. Face-to-face meetings with officials by appointment only.

Reception/all departments: 044 802 2900 ccunningham@george.gov.za or ykibido@george.gov.za
Office of the Director: 044 802 2904 and imlubbe@george.gov.za
Parks and Recreation complaints: 044 802 2921 and bmbondweni@george.gov.za
Uncollected BLACK bags 044 802 2900/20/27 or ymali@george.gov.za / jstuurman@george.gov.za
Uncollected GREEN and BLUE bags: 044 878 0688/ lgewaste@george.gov.za mabotha@george.gov.za /jstuurman@george.gov.za
Environmental Health: anontshikiza@george.gov.za / tabotha@george.gov.za
Transfer Station: edraghoender@george.gov.za

Landfill Site and Transfer Station, Airport Road, open to public weekdays 7am-6pm and Saturdays 7am-1pm. Covid-19 protocols in place, bring your own pen to sign in for extra safety. edraghoender@george.gov.za

Street cleaning crews continue to operate in and around the CBD and entrance roads to the city at selected hours, seven days a week.

Public toilets at the CBD taxi rank and Doneraile Square are open every day, toilets at Shoprite are open on weekends.

Please report illegal dump sites to 044 802 2900 or aapril@george.gov.za or kvstoffels@george.gov.za. The municipality appeals to communities to remain safe and to not dump waste, which is illegal and can be hazardous to their health.

Attendance of funerals is limited to 100 persons or less provided that no more than 50 percent of the capacity of a venue is being used. Attendees must observe a distance of at least 1.5m, wear face masks and adhere to all health protocols. Night vigils and ‘after-tears’ are not allowed. Visitation to cemeteries by small groups are allowed at weekends provided that all Covid-19 protocols are observed.

Municipal sport facilities and public swimming pools are closed to the general public but open to sport federations and associations with approved ministerial plans. Most municipal sporting facilities are multi code facilities used by a variety of codes and clubs and this should be factored in when compiling safety plans for the respective venues.
Take note that neither the compliance nor the policing of compliance to the conditions set out for the return to sport is the responsibility of the George Municipality and includes, but is not limited to, the amount of people allowed on the premises, screening and sanitation of those involved, the wearing of masks etc.
Enquiries Gerald de Villiers 044 801 9488/gdevilliers@george.gov.za
Community Development offices behind the Main Building are open on weekdays 7.45am-4.30pm. Contact 044 802 2000 or ejcorner@george.gov.za
The municipality continues to support 129 municipal soup kitchens. Strict social distancing and hygienic practices apply. Emergency essential social services enquiries 072 693 3488.

The Extended Public Works Programme (EPWP) unit is open to the public by appointment only, weekdays 7.45am-4.30pm. Contact 044 802 2010 or gesau@george.gov.za to arrange appointments or phone 072 070 7234 for emergencies only.
EPWP Unemployment Data Base Registration and Enquiries: Charlton Van Wyk 044 802 2011/2036 chvanwyk@george.gov.za
CIDB (Construction Industry Development Board) Grade 1 Registration: Thembakazi Silimeni 044 802 2012 tsilimeni@george.gov.za
Central Supply Data Base registrations daily at the office but by appointment only as above.

All libraries are open with protocols in place. Opening hours remain reduced and admittance to the George Main Library remains by appointment only, while community libraries are access-restricted based on the amount of people inside the library according to the size of the facility.
A new service is available in which patrons can select books via the online library portal (see details below) and email a list of materials they want to loan. Librarians will make up piles of available materials and arrange a time for collection. You can also phone your librarian to inquire about a book-by-phone service.

Library services remain limited as follows:
Issue and return of books.
Ten books per library member for lending period of a month at a time.
Admittance to adults and children older than 12.
Children’s section is closed to children, but adults can take out books on behalf of children.
Research and reference services arranged by phone and/or email.
Internet services – preference given to pre-booked patrons, maximum two people at any given time.
Study area limited in compliance with regulations.
Wearing of masks and sanitising of hands are compulsory.
Your temperature will be taken before entering the library area, no admittance if it is 37.5C and higher.
Library materials handed in will be quarantined for 72 hours as per national and Western Cape safety standards and plastic covered materials wiped with sanitiser before being made available for loan.

Avontuur Library: 044 752 3351 avontuurbiblioteek@gmail.com – Monday 12pm-3pm, Tuesday 11am-2pm, Wednesday and Thursday 10am-1pm.
Blanco Library: 044 870 7047 gmblancobib@gmail.com – Monday to Friday 9am-4.30pm
Conville Library: 044 801 9320 Jrhode1@george.gov.za – Monday 9am-4.30pm
George Library: 044 801 9288 mluyenge@george.gov.za – Monday to Friday 9am-4.30pm, Saturday 9am-12pm
Haarlem Library: 044 763 1023 shonisemichels@yahoo.com – Monday, Thursday and Friday 2pm-5pm, Tuesday and Wednesday 2pm-5pm
Noll Library: 044 745 1014 dieprivierprim@gmail.com – Monday and Wednesday 12pm-3pm, Saturday 9am-12pm
Pacaltsdorp Library: 044 803 9340 pacsbib@george.org.za – Monday to Friday 9am-4.30pm
Thembalethu Library: 044 803 9260 xakortman@george.gov.za – Monday to Friday 9am-4.30pm
Touwsranten Library: 044 803 9285 touwsbib@george.org.za – Monday to Friday 9am-4pm
Uniondale Library: 044 752 1024 fortuinelton@yahoo.com – Monday to Friday 10am-4.30pm
Waboomskraal Library: angiefigeland@gmail.com – Monday to Friday 10am-2pm

George Municipality library portal link: wc.slims.gov.za/desktop/desktopwcgeplge
You can search online according to author, title, subjects, keyword, publisher or ISBN number.
Type in your library number on your card to check your library materials status including due date and opportunity to renew your books yourself.

CORPORATE SERVICES
Records are open to the public weekdays 8am-4.30pm unless otherwise announced as per temporary Covid-19 measures.
Central Records Main Building: 044 801 9286/9431/9125/9178
Building Plan Records (corner York and Progress Streets) 044 801 9367
Emergency Records Queries Only: Timothy Craak 082 459 4522

Area offices are open to the public on weekdays 8am- 4.30pm and contactable telephonically as per below list unless otherwise announced as per temporary Covid-19 measures.
After-hours emergencies to 044 801 6300.
Covid-19 protocols are in place and thresholds apply as to how many people are allowed into each applicable building.

Services available at area offices and service points include reporting essential services faults such as water and electricity problems, all other municipal complaints, account inquiries, indigent applications, housing waiting list enquiries, property valuation roll queries and general inquiries.
Blanco: 044 803 9275
Conville: 044 803 9261
Pacaltsdorp: 044 803 9286
Protea Park: 044 801 9111 ask for extension 2796 (Tuesday, Thursday)
New Dawn Park: 044 801 9111 ask for extension 2797
Rosedale: 044 803 9295
Rosemoor: 044 801 9379 (Monday, Wednesday, Friday)
Touwsranten/Wilderness/Kleinkrantz: 044 803 9280
Thembalethu: 044 801 9448

Thusong Centres reception are open weekdays 8am-4.30pm.
Waboomskraal Thusong Centre: 044 886 0040
Thembalethu Thusong Centre: 044 801 9448
After hours emergencies: 044 801 6300

Community halls and venues are closed to the public. Enquiries to Rozendra Thysse on 044 8019111/5 or rsthysse@george.gov.za and Alwyn Joseph 044 801 9005.
Acting Superintendent Halls: 060 823 3607 (on rotation with Maintenance)
Acting Superintendent Maintenance: 083 418 4588 (on rotation with Halls)

Human Resources offices are closed to the public unless otherwise arranged, HR functions continue. Enquiries to HRAdmin@george.gov.za

HUMAN SETTLEMENTS
Human Settlements administration offices are open to the public weekdays 7.45am-4pm. Covid-19 protocols are in place and only two people are allowed into the foyer at any given time.

For basic services (water and sanitation in informal areas) queries and complaints in informal settlements please contact 044 802 2003.
For assistance with emergency structures following disaster (fire, flooding etc) please phone 044 802 2029.
Queries and complaints for water leakages and sewerage complaints (indigent cases)can be reported at the office on above times, but preferably by phone on 044 801 9210/9994/9453 or pshelane@george.gov.za or ddlouw@george.gov.za

Existing Housing Offices
Existing Housing offices are open to the public weekdays 7.45am-4pm.
Covid-19 protocols are in place and only two people are allowed into the foyer at any given time.
Enquiries: 044 801 9113 or 044 801 9078

New Housing
New Housing Department (St Johns Street) offices are open to the public weekdays 7.45am-4pm.
Covid-19 protocols are in place and only two people are allowed into the foyer at any given time.
Please note only the person making the enquiry will be allowed access.
There may be a waiting period and/or the person can leave their contact details and enquiry on the form provided at the security point where after an official will make contact.
Enquiries: 044 802 2003

PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT
Please note Town Planning, Building Control and Property Management offices are closed until further notice but officials can still be contacted by phone or email or can arrange a virtual Zoom or Microsoft Teams appointment with the relevant official to discuss any matters.
Town Planning General enquiries: 044 801 9477
Property Transfer Certificates: Marina Welman mhwelman@george.gov.za / 044 801 9171
Zoning Certificates: Lorraine Malangeni lxmalangeni@george.gov.za / 044 801 9477
Zoning Rectifications: Jeanne Fourie jfourie@george.gov.za / 044 801 9138 and Ilané Huyser ihuyser@george.gov.za / 044 801 9550
Illegal Land Use Complaints: Robin Hector rlhector@george.gov.za / 044 801 9475 and Mawethu Bonga mbonga@george.gov.za / 044 801 9520
Neighbouring property owner address details: Marisa Arries 044 801 9473 marries@george.gov.za

Land use applications
Submit Land use applications: town.planning.application@george.gov.za
Town Planning Complaints: town.planning.complaints@george.gov.za
Land use applications can be submitted as per instruction sheets on website. See ‘Covid 19 Level 3 Land Use Applications Submission Guidelines – and ‘Public Participation Instructions Covid 19 Level 3 – on the link https://www.george.gov.za/george-documents/land-use-applications/land-use-submissions/

Enquiries land use applications as below:
Erven and farm portions ending with an even number (i.e. 0, 2, 4, 6, 8): Primrose Nako 044 801 9416 pnako@george.gov.za
Erven and farm portions ending with an odd number (i.e. 1, 3, 5, 7, 9): Marina Welman 044 801 9171 mhwelman@george.gov.za

Building Control
Building plans can be submitted online. See https://www.george.gov.za/planning-development/building-control/ for more information.
Building Control General enquiries: 044 801 9019 / 044 801 9370 / 044 801 9166
Building Control Complaints: building.control.complaints@george.gov.za
Request for existing building plans (Registration Department):
Phindiswa Lingani: 044 801 9370 pmlingani@george.gov.za
Sinazo Moshani: 044 801 9019 smoshani@george.gov.za
Musa Dyakop: 044 801 9166 mdyakop@george.gov.za
Status on building plan approvals: Vasti Laws: 044 801 9370 vnlaws@george.gov.za
Andrea Griessel: 044 801 9166 agriessel@george.gov.za
Please contact Building Inspectors directly during office hours:
James Vollenhoven: 076 823 0412
Fuzisa Siguba: 083 949 8651
Erasmus Supra: 083 675 4472
Illegal activity: Nolan Noemdoe 083 757 3717

Property Management
Donald Gelderbloem: Manager Property Management 044 801 9073 dmgelderbloem@george.gov.za
Leasing of properties: Josephine Mpembe 044 801 9190 jmpembe@george.gov.za
Sale of properties: René Hendricks 044 801 9472 rehendricks@george.gov.za
General enquiries: Monique Isaks 044 801 9375 misaks@george.gov.za

Economic Development
Business queries: Joan Shaw 081 412 9995
Other queries: 044 801 2820 bduplessis@george.gov.za
Worker Collection Point is open to the public, strict protocols apply.
Worker Collection Point, food gardens and informal traders enquiries:
Amy Kearns 044 801 9173 / 073 621 0099 akearns@george.gov.za

IDP Office
Closed to the public but contactable during office hours.
Ronel le Fleur: 044 801 9075 / 071 870 7887 rlefleur@george.gov.za

Ward committee operations
Closed to the public but contactable during office hours.
Paulina Saaiman: 044 801 9074 / 060 579 6829 pasaaiman@george.gov.za

George Tourism
Open to the public weekdays 8.30am-4.30pm, strict protocols apply.
044 801 9295 info@visitgeorge.co.za

Wilderness Tourism
Open to the public weekdays 8.30am-4.30pm, strict protocols apply.
044 877 0045 visit: info@visitwilderness.co.za

Uniondale Tourism
Virtual assistance only
info@visituniondale.co.za

FINANCE
The Finance Hall in the Main Building is open to the public weekdays from 8am-3.30pm.
Covid-19 protocols are in place and only six people are allowed inside the Finance Hall at any given time.
Estimated waiting time is 20 minutes depending on the type of queries of the customers ahead of you in the queue.

While electronic payments are recommended (see details below), the Finance Hall is open for account payments in addition to municipal account queries, opening of accounts, new connections, duplicate accounts, arrangements on arrears, indigent applications etc.

Printed municipal accounts are being issued every month. If you have not received your account by the due date of the 15th of each month, please contact us to forward an email copy or pay your monthly average amount. Online accounts via email have not been affected by lockdown. If you want to receive your account via email please mail a request to accounts@george.gov.za.

Ratepayers are requested to use one of the below-mentioned methods to make payments.
Accounts can be paid via electronic transfer (EFT – see details below), via pay@ mobile applications (see details below) and at Pick n Pay, Checkers, Shoprite, USave and SPAR.
Please take your most recent available account statement with you so that the shop can access the bar code that connects your payment to your GRG account number.

Meter readings
Online submissions of water meter readings are welcomed and can be provided via the below email address along with the accountholder’s name, contact details and GRG account number.
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. A new service provider, Electro Cuts, has commenced water meter reading services for George Municipality
Consumers must please note the change in email address to meterreadings@george.gov.za.
Enquiries: accounts@george.gov.za

Bank Details for electronic payment (please note bank details changed 1 December 2020)
The old account is being phased out so please amend as soon as possible. For now it is still active and payments made so far will have been received.
If you have a debit order on your account, details will automatically be updated. If you have created an account for online banking, please delete the old account and create a new one with the details as below.

First National Bank (FNB)
Account Type: Public Sector Cheque Account
Account Name: George Municipality
Account Number: 62869623150
Branch Code: 210554
Swift Code: FIRNZAJJ
Reference: your GRG account number
Proof of payment to be sent to payments@george.gov.za

pay@ mobile applications
Download Masterpass, Snapscan or Zapper application on your mobile phone and complete your profile.
Load your credit or debit card.
To pay the account, open ‘Wallet’ inside the App you have downloaded and scan the QR code (the black square with the little squares inside it on the bottom right of your account).
Enter the amount you are going to pay and complete the transaction.
The App will confirm your successful, secure transaction.
You can also use the following link for payment of your account:
https://payat.io/qr/11413
Click on the link and enter the Pay@ reference number (number starting with 11413) which appears on your account. Your customer information will appear with payment options to choose from.

Prepaid electricity purchases
www.prepaid24.co.za
https://home.ontec.co.za
www.ipay.co.za
The electricity token is automatically sent to the client via SMS or email.
Mobile apps belonging to banks also have a pre-paid electricity purchase function.
For prepaid enquiries please contact 044 873 5474.

General enquiries to accounts@george.gov.za or 044 801 9111.
Please provide your GRG account number with all enquiries.
Please note that limited assistance is available as personnel may be working offline.

Credit Control enquiries: 044 801 9111

MUNICIPAL COURT
The George Municipal Court is open to the public on weekdays 7.45am-4.30pm unless otherwise indicated due to temporary Covid-19 measures.
Please note the office of the Clerk of the Court is closed every day 1pm-1.45pm for representations and other transactions.
Enquiries: 044 801 9400

UNIONDALE/HAARLEM
Offices are open to the public on weekdays 7.45am-4.30pm (not open over lunch 1pm-1.45pm) unless otherwise indicated due to temporary Covid-19 measures.
Fire: 044 752 1225
Switchboard and fault reporting: 044 752 1024
Tourism: 044 752 1076
Haarlem: 044 763 1013
After hours: 044 801 6300

Lighting a candle of hope on Youth Day

The Youth Office of the George Municipality this week hosted a small programme in celebration of National Youth Day. Municipal staff and partner organisations, such as Social Health Empowerment (SHE) and George Youth, joined in the celebrations. The programme concluded with a candle of hope ceremony, to motivate the youth to shine and participate as active citizens.

Revived food gardens project continues to grow

The George Municipality’s Food Garden Project continues to grow with 680 gardens established since its revitalisation at the end of last year.
George Municipality Communications Manager Chantel Edwards-Klose said communities across the municipal area had embraced the project as word of it spread. “We kicked the programme off with 80 gardens in November 2020, which expanded to 105 gardens by the end of January, 265 by the end of the summer planting season and now stands at 680 (June 2021).
“We are excited about the project’s potential as a consistent food source and income generator and are deeply inspired by the communities’ sense of pride in bringing food to the table to their own homes and those of neighbours. It is the latter that has motivated the handing over of the project from the municipality’s Economic Development Unit to our Community Development section so the food gardens can be integrated with other social projects such as municipal soup kitchens and creches. Economic Development will, however, continue to provide support to gardeners that may be able to extend their food production beyond subsistence.
“Among our most inspiring stories is Thembalethu resident Asanda Toyise who has had such an abundant crop of spinach and beetroot this winter he could sell the excess to visitors at the local clinic,” said Ms Edwards-Klose. (see picture attached, man holding beetroot)
The project continues to be run by coordinators who identify possible gardeners in communities and oversee the establishment of small vegetable gardens in their backyards.
The coordinators guide the process from soil preparation to harvest and visit regularly to mentor and check on their needs and progress. The aim is that the gardens will become sustainable throughout the year according to the seasons and that gardeners will ultimately not only put food on the tables of their own families but also have extra to share, sell or barter with.
George Municipality continues to distribute seeds to participating gardeners in Blanco, Touwsranten, Rosemoor, Thembalethu, Rosedale, Conville, Borchards, Geelhoutboom, Waboomskraal, Haarlem, Uniondale and Pacaltsdorp.
Each garden is expected to yield a crop to feed 5 to 10 people, depending on a range of factors including garden size and growing conditions.
“Persons in vulnerable communities interested in starting food gardens can contact the project coordinators on details below.
“The municipality welcomes involvement and support from business, NGOs and individuals who can assist in the long-term sustainability of the project. Ongoing needs include seeds, compost, pesticides, gardening tools and rainwater tanks.
“We believe the Food Gardens Project can become a life-changing beacon of hope,” said Ms Edwards-Klose.
Enquiries: Amy Kearns 044 801 9173 until 30 June 2021
Sophie Fanelo 044 802 2000 from 1 July 2021
Caption
Thembalethu resident Asanda Toyise had such an abundant crop of winter vegetables he could sell to visitors to the local clinic.

George Mayor announces winners of Municipal Poster Competition on Energy Sustainability

Captions:
Outeniqua Primary: Outeniqua Primary School is the winner in the category Primary Schools, in the George Municipality’s Energy Sustainability Poster Competition. They have beaten six other schools to the first prize. In the middle of the picture is the Executive Mayor of George, Ald Leon van Wyk (with the dark suit) handing the winning cheque of R5000 to Dr Nico Venter, School Principal. To the Mayor’s left are Mphielo Ramotsai and Thabo Yiga, Electrotechnical Directorate who drove the project. To Dr Venter’s right is the Art teacher that assisted the learners in the project, Leoni Selzer. Around them are all the learners who are part of the group that won the competition.

Outeniqua High School: Outeniqua High School is the winner out of the three competing high schools in the George Municipality’s Energy Sustainability Poster Competition. Here Mayor Van Wyk hands over the winning cheque to principal Christo Vorster (with black jacket). At the back from left are Mphielo Ramotsai, Electrotechnical Directorate, two of the winning learners with the winning poster, Wessel Janse van Rensburg, Marlo Barnard, Art teacher Mari Coetzee and Thabo Yiga, Electrotechnical Directorate. The poster that was made mostly of recycled material says: Power “of” Nature. The “of” word is cleverly formed and hidden into one of the windmills. All the prize-winners are mentioned in the full page advert in the George Herald 10 June 2021.

Text: The George Municipality’s Poster Competition on Energy Sustainability came to an end on Monday 7th June, when the two winning schools in the high school and primary school categories, Outeniqua High School and Outeniqua Primary School were announced and the Mayor of George presented them with their prizes.
Mayor van Wyk was in awe of the standard of work of both the primary and high school learners. He told the learners that he is not only impressed by their artwork but by their thinking. “We are all experiencing the inconvenience of loadshedding. We need to move into other forms of energy by wind, sun and other methods. This is the future of our world and our world is changing rapidly. It is awesome that you are part of that change,” he said.
Van Wyk said to the learners that you are the generation that will use renewable energy and it is great that you had this opportunity to showcase your thoughts. He congratulated the winners and thanked all of the schools that participated and made the competition a success.
The first prize winners (Primary and High School) both received a R5000 stationery voucher. The second prize in the primary school category went to Mzoxolo Primary school who received a R2000 stationery voucher. The third prize winner in the Primary School category is Holy Cross Convent and won a R1000 stationery voucher.
The second prize winner in the High School category is Parkdene High School and won a R1500 stationery voucher. There is no third prize for high schools as there were only 3 participating schools.
In total 10 schools participated, 3 High Schools and 7 Primary Schools. All the learners who participated in the competition received goody bag packages as a token of appreciation. The other schools that participated were Kretzenshoop Primary School, Hibernia Primary School, Dellville Park Primary School, McKinley Reid High School and Thembalethu Primary School.
Thabo Yiga from the Electrotechnical Directorate who drove the project with the other interns at the Directorate, thanked all the ten schools for participating in the George Municipality’s Energy Sustainability Competition. “The posters clearly show that the learners took the competition seriously and worked hard to produce quality work,” Yiga said.
Learners were meant to reflect their understanding of Energy Sustainability in the poster. The posters were judged by effort, art and creativity and message.
Some of the teachers and learners shared their experiences during the competition.
Leoni Selzer, Art teacher at Outeniqua Primary School said the process taught them how very important it is to save the world we live in and it was an incredibly great opportunity for the learners to research their own work and work on their art pieces.
Kyla Nel (12), a grade 6 learner, said she wanted to make people aware that our earth is dying.
Linske Steenkamp (11), also a grade 6 learner, said she drew an eye with the idea to change people’s view on how they saw the world, how we are to fix people’s eyes on the problem we need to solve.
An-Sophie Buchholz (12), a grade 7 pupil, said her painting depicted the earth warming up to the extent that it has a detrimental effect on the survival of wildlife like the polar bear.
Mari Coetzee, Art teacher at Outeniqua High School, said it was important to them to participate in the competition to get our younger generation thinking about preserving nature and thinking of alternative solutions to our energy needs.
Marlo Barnard (16), a grade 11 learner, said it was great coming together as a team, while his teammate, Wessel Janse van Rensburg (17), grade 11, said they are grateful for the opportunity and had loads of fun. They have used recycled paper from old exam books and magazines for the task.
George Municipality is part of the Energy Efficiency and Demand Side Management (EEDSM) programme funded by the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy. The Municipality received grant funding of R4.5 million for the solar PV project at the George Municipality Main Building parking area and part of the requirements is to spend 1% of that grant funding on creating an energy awareness campaign.
Sustainable energy is power which is able to be replenished within a human lifetime and so cause no long-term damage to the environment. Sustainable energy includes all renewable energy sources, such as hydroelectricity, biomass, geothermal, wind, wave, tidal and solar energies.

Local Libraries continue to assist with registration process for Covid-19 vaccination

George Municipality has provided venues for the  public to receive assistance with their registration process on the Electronic Vaccination Data System (EVDS) for the Covid-19 vaccination. The system is currently only open for persons over 60 years of age, and healthworkers. Members of the public are encouraged to get help with their registration at various libraries throughout George. Our librarians have been specially trained to assist with the process which takes no more than five minutes.

If you or a senior family member do not have access to the internet or data, please visit one of the libraries listed below Monday to Friday and our librarian will assist you with the EVDS registration process. Please ensure you bring your ID Book or ID number; if you belong to a Medical Aid then the Medical Aid Card and or the number;  and a working cellphone number,  as you will be receiving a follow up SMS from the system about where to go for your vaccination.

Those who have registered will then receive an SMS with a date, time and venue. SMS messages will be sent out a few days in advance in order for clients to make the necessary arrangements. Please do not visit vaccination sites if you have not received your SMS to confirm your appointment.

If you are over 60 and registered for your COVID-19 vaccine, you can expect:

  • An SMS confirming your registration.
  • A second SMS with an appointment date and the place – for those who have already registered this should come in the next 2-3 weeks.
  • Get vaccinated with your first dose.
  • Proof of vaccination card.
  • An appointment date for your second dose (if two-dose vaccine).

Additional Venues for Registration, 08:00 – 16:00 Monday -Friday
Please note all Covid-19 protocols are in place and no access without a mask will be allowed.

Thembalethu Thusong Centre (Cnr Jeriko Street & Sandkraal Road) – Cape Access Centre Office
Waboomskraal Thusong Centre (Main Road)  – Cape Access Centre Office

The following libraries will be assisting members of the public to register from 9:00 – 16:30 daily from Monday – Friday.
Please note all Covid-19 protocols are in place and no access without a mask will be allowed.

Blanco Library (3 George Avenue)
Conville Library (Cnr Pienaar Street &Nelson Mandela Boulevard)
Pacaltsdorp Library (Mission Street)
Thembalethu Library ( Bacella Street)
Touwsranten Library (Bestert Street)
George Library (Caledon Street)

The times for registration vary at our smaller libraries:
Avontuur Library (Ou Bains Road)
Monday 12:30 – 15:00 / Tuesday 10:30 – 13:00 / Wednesday 12:30 – 15:00 / Thursday 12:30 – 15:00 / Friday 12:00 – 14:00

Haarlem library (Hope Street) 14:00 – 17:00 daily Monday – Friday

Noll Library (Dieprivier Primary School, Nolls Halte) Mondays & Wednesdays 12:00- 15:00

Waboomskraal Library 10:00 – 11:00 daily Monday  – Friday

Uniondale  Library (39 Voortrekker Road)  10:00 – 16:30 daily Monday  – Friday

Please be reminded that our librarians are only able to assist you with the registration process for the Vaccination and
cannot assist with any medical related queries with regard to Covid-19 and/or the vaccination. See details below for any further queries you might have.

Access to Internet – Self Registration on EVDS
If you or a family member do have access to the internet, please register your over 60 family members and friends as soon as possible.
To register for the vaccine, you will need to visit: https://vaccine.enroll.health.gov.za/#/. This portal can also be found via www.westerncape.gov.za
You can also dial *134*832# and follow the prompts (FREE on all South African Networks), or WhatsApp the word REGISTER to 0600 123456.
Should you need assistance with the registration process, do not hesitate to visit www.sacoronavirus.co.za/evds/support/ or contact the call centre on 0860 142 142

 

George Municipality partners with THE MUT

George Municipality is excited to announce a partnership with Mountain Ultra Trail (MUT) for the George Mountain Ultra Trail  otherwise known as the George MUT or THE MUT, an event scheduled to take place the weekend of the 26th June 2021. The weekend will include the hosting of the Vancouver International Mountain Film Festival, the main event on Saturday with the 60km, 25km, 10km and a family fun event 5km and on Sunday 27th June the Vertical Kilometer Challenge up George Peak will take place.

Joan Shaw, Tourism Manager for George is thrilled to have an event of this calibre on board which will showcase the stunning Outeniqua Mountain range. “Feedback from the event held in 2019 was overwhelming positive and competitors were in awe of the majestic mountains, incredible scenery as well as the professionalism of the organisation of the race itself.  This route boasts everything from big climbs, rocky trails, technical downhills and views of the Outeniqua Mountain Range to keep all athletes engaged and motivated.”

“We are excited to once again host THE MUT as one of the first class sporting events to showcase George’s many Sporting Event hosting and  tourism opportunities.  George Municipality remains committed to the cause of identifying and partnering with great events to stimulate and develop the George economy”, said Dirk Wessels, Portfolio Councillor for Strategic Services and Finance.

Team Ecobound, the organisers are clear on their goal of hosting an international standard Trail Running event and to create a well-respected long standing event  that provides enjoyment in an environmentally responsible manner. Zane Schmahl for TEAM Ecobound,  noted that entrants for the 2021 event are growing daily with a massive growth in participation for the challenging 60km trail run. “The George MUT has been a dream for a while, ever since Jacques Mouton and I ran the very first 60km to figure out the route we have been planning and dreaming of showcasing our mountains and our town and present an international standard event to celebrate the Outeniqua’s, with our City Council’s backing for the first time it feels like it might just be possible,” said Zane Schmahl.

For further details on how to enter please see  https://www.georgetrailrun.co.za/

#GeorgeMunicipality #GeorgeTourism
#GeorgeMUT #MUT #MUTlife #OuteniquaMountains #GardenCity

Social Media 

https://www.facebook.com/MUTGeorge

https://www.instagram.com/georgemountainultratrail/

https://twitter.com/EcoBoundEvents

 

 

MEDIA STATEMENT: George Municipality statement on unprotected strike action

Further to the unprotected (illegal) strike that took place on Friday 4th June, George Municipality has been made aware that certain municipal workers will continue their strike action today, Monday 7th June. Today’s strike action remains unprotected and therefore illegal, as there are certain procedural aspects which must be complied with in order to embark on a protected strike. These include referring a dispute to the Bargaining Council and allowing for a period of 30 days to afford parties to the dispute an opportunity to resolve the dispute. The intention to strike should be submitted to the employer with 48 hours’ Notice, which has not happened. George Municipality will not tolerate illegal action, and as such will adopt a no work, no pay stance as well as implementing procedures for dismissal where applicable.

As stated to the media on Friday, the strike action revolves around a request for “danger payment” i.e. in addition to their full monthly salaries already received, for work performed during the Covid-19 Lockdown. The work performed which is referred to, are the standard tasks undertaken as per each worker’s job description. Organised labour has demanded a sum of R20 000 per person, for a period of 9 months, which totals a lumpsum of R64 million rand. This demand is unable to be met by George Municipality, given the losses and financial impact Covid-19 has had on the municipality itself. The payment of R64 million would essentially financially cripple the municipality at a time when there are huge infrastructure demands for the city and place the burden directly on the public in the form of additional rate increases.

It must also be noted that statements made to the media by members of the action on Friday, inaccurately refer to a sum of R20 billion paid out by National Government for the intention of Covid19 relief to local municipalities. George Municipality can categorically state that the only funds received from the provincial government during Covid19 lockdown, was a sum of R1 million for the provision of food parcels to affected residents, and R500 000 for the supply of chemical toilets, during the hard lockdown. No other financial support was given to George Municipality and the onus for the purchase of all protective equipment etc for staff, was undertaken by the Municipality using own funding. Given the financial impact of Covid-19 on our local economy, the management of the municipality also deems the demand as unreasonable given that all municipal workers retained their full salaries at a time when many private sector employees had their salaries either reduced or in fact lost their jobs. The municipal workers also received annual bonuses which many workers in the private sector did not receive.

During the ongoing negotiations, the administration has offered the workers instead two (2) additional days of paid leave, subject to approval from Council. The Unions are expected to follow the correct procedures should they wish to oppose the offer made and as indicated refer a dispute to the Bargaining council. No dispute has been referred in the matter and neither has a certificate of non-resolution been issued.

Acting Municipal Manager, Dr Michele Gratz confirms that the administration will endeavour to ensure that all services will continue with alternative arrangements put in place. Residents are requested to put out their refuse bags as per normal for Monday collection areas noting that collection will take place, albeit possibly later than usual. Further updates with regard to services which may be affected will be issued on an ongoing basis and we ask the public to please check our social media channels and website for updates.

Compressor operators certificates for fire and rescue staff

George Fire and Rescue earned Compressor Operators Certificates following the acquisition of a new compressor for the department recently. The training focused on the safe refilling of Breathing Apparatus Cylinders and the required legislation around pressure vessels.
From left to right are: Station Commander Johan Crouse, Fire Fighter Johan Troskie, Fire Fighter Wilton October, Senior Fire Fighter Andre Nelson, Senior Fire Fighter Amos Ningi, Platoon Commander Machiel Troskie, Fire Fighter Elvis Masoka, Fire Fighter Nico Rossouw, Fire Fighter Joseph Fortuin and Chief Fire Officer Neels Barnard.

Radio Stations in on Winter Break

Tourism is grabbing the bull by the horns and ensuring that the destination, that is George, Wilderness & Uniondale, are top of mind for upcoming mid-year winter breaks! Brand awareness campaigns are being run on popular KFM and 702 radio stations targeting the greater Western Cape and the Gauteng regions, which are George Municipality’s two top domestic source markets.

KFM Presenter, Tracey Lange and 702 Presenter, Azania Mosaka  highlighted George as a destination, focusing on why George, Wilderness and Uniondale are must-see places.  The destination also featured  in Tracy Lange’s “Game of Travels” which has high listener engagement.  The campaign consists of 20-second Live Reads that promote different aspects of the city and includes Traffic sponsorships, digitally branded content articles and promotion through the respective radio stations social media platforms.  Listen out for the EWN Traffic highlights at 16:39 on 702 and 16:43 on Kfm from 31 May to 04 June.

Market leader stations, KFM targets a Western Cape audience, while 702 targets a Gauteng audience.  Both have listeners in higher LSM categories, who travel and take leisure breaks.

#exploregeorge  #explorewilderness  #exploreuniondale

NEW LOOK GEORGE TENS SPORTS FESTIVAL CONFIRMED FOR GARDEN ROUTE – DEC 2021

The George Tens sports festival has announced dates for 2021. Returning to Outeniqua Park and surrounds, the all-new and improved George Tens will see a week of exciting Tens rugby coupled with additional sporting code events including women’s rugby, golf, mountain biking, netball and bowls.

Do not miss the opportunity to be a part of this multi-disciplinary event in the Garden Route from 2 – 5 December 2021 for the return of the all-new George Tens.

Co-founder of the new George Tens is former Springbok Coach Heyneke Meyer said today: “It’s an enormous privilege to be involved with this festival.  Outeniqua Park is where I cut my teeth as a rugby coach. I’ve journeyed with regional rugby in the Southern Cape since the start of my career, and now to return here with this magnificent George Tens festival is a genuine honour.” says Meyer. “One of the elements I’m most looking forward to is how the local community will benefit from George Tens. Many local tourism and other businesses have been hard hit during pandemic and we are optimistic that this beautiful town and the surrounding areas will benefit greatly.”

Some of SA’s biggest rugby icons will be at the George Tens in 2021, and don’t think it’s  just rugby!  Highlights include 3 days of golf at three of the Garden Route’s premium golf courses, as well as coaching clinics and special events.

Speaking on behalf of the city council, Dirk Wessels, Portfolio Councillor for Finance and Strategic Services said:  “In the words of Nelson Mandela, sport can break down barriers. We as the George Municipality are over the moon about the involvement of Heyneke Meyer and his team in the George Tens sports festival, that will surely take the event to the next level, building on the inaugural event of 2019. We remain committed to our cause in identifying new events in order to stimulate and develop the George economy. We would like this to be one of the premier sporting events in the country. We are really excited to be a part of this journey, and we encourage all role players in the George economic community to get behind this initiative. “

Festival co-founder IG van der Merwe explains “Our vision with George Tens is to bring a festival of sport and recreation to the Southern Cape. The goal is to give the local economy a boost as well as to give the local community something to look forward to. This will encourage South Africans from right around the country to visit the Southern Cape. Sport has meant so much to me in my life and I’d like to see it make the same impact on our community”.

The George Tens sport festival will be subject to applicable Covid regulations at the time of the event.  More information around ticket sales, match dates and more will be announced in the weeks to come.

Follow @George10s on Facebook to stay up to date on all the latest details. To find out more about Team entries and Sponsorship opportunities, contact juanita@invictusinternational.co.za and for local business opportunities, contact jshaw@george.gov.za.

Municipality announces GO GEORGE tariff increase

Municipality announces GO GEORGE tariff increase

The George Municipality has announced the annual increase in the GO GEORGE bus fares from 1 July 2021. The increase forms part of the annual municipal tariff adjustments.

Bundles still the best buy
Smart Card trips bought in bundles of 10 or more will increase by only 50c per trip to R10.50 and bundles of less than 10 trips will cost R11.50 per trip (also a 50c increase). The price of single trips increases with R2 to R14. The bundles of 10 trips and more remain the best buy and can save a passenger who travels to work or school and back home five days per week, R110 per month in travel expense, compared to single trips loaded on the card.

Free trips for first-time card buyers
The cost of the Smart Card is R25, with first-time buyers getting two free, preloaded trips when they present a valid form of identification.

Trips loaded on a Smart Card never expire. This means that trips bought before the tariff increase stay valid. Passengers are welcome to buy more trips than usual before the increase to save money but are cautioned to keep their cards safe – if lost or stolen, the trips cannot be transferred to a new card.

For more information, please call the GO GEORGE Call Centre at 0800 044 044, or send an email to info@gogeorge.org.za.
CAPTION:
To stay in line with Covid safety measures, passengers are advised to top up their Smart Cards when kiosks and vendors are not too busy, to avoid long queues and crowding.

Munisipaliteit kondig GO GEORGE-tariefverhoging aan

Die George-munisipaliteit het die jaarlikse verhoging van die GO GEORGE-bustariewe vanaf 1 Julie 2021 bekendgemaak. Hierdie verhoging is deel van die jaarlikse munisipale tariefaanpassings.
Bondels steeds die beste koop
Slimkaartritte wat in bondels van 10 of meer gekoop word sal met slegs 50c per rit verhoog na R10.50 en bondels van minder as 10 ritte sal R11.50 per rit kos (ook ’n 50c-verhoging). Die prys van enkelritte verhoog met R2 na R14. Die bondels van 10 ritte en meer bly die beste koop en kan ’n passasier wat vyf dae per week werk of skool toe en terug huis toe ry, R110 per maand in vervoeruitgawes spaar, vergeleke met enkelritte wat op die kaart gelaai word.
Gratis ritte vir eerstekaartkopers
Die prys van die Slimkaart is R25 met kopers van hul eerste kaart wat twee gratis, voorafgelaaide ritte op die kaart kry indien hulle ‘n geldige bewys van identiteit toon.

Ritte wat op die Slimkaart gelaai is, verval nooit nie. Dit beteken dat ritte wat voor die tariefverhoging gekoop is geldig bly. Passasiers is welkom om voor die verhoging meer ritte as gewoonlik te koop om geld te spaar, maar word gemaan om hul kaarte veilig te hou – indien dit wegraak of gesteel word, kan die ritte nie op ’n nuwe kaart oorgedra word nie.

Vir meer inligting, skakel gerus die GO GEORGE-inbelsentrum by 0800 044 044, of stuur ’n e-pos na info@gogeorge.org.za.
ONDERSKRIF:
Om aan te sluit by Covid-veiligheidsmaatreëls word passasiers aangeraai om hul Slimkaarte te herlaai op tye wanneer die kiosks en herlaaipunte nie te besig is nie. Sodoende kan hulle lang rye en samedromming van mense vermy.