press-release

Front: From Left to Right: JP Rossouw (Chief Audit Executive: George Municipality); Dr M Gratz (Municipal Manager: George Municipality); Pamela Lufele (Chief Audit Executive: Garden Route District Municipality); Zareena Gabier (Manager: Manager: Financial Governance: Assurance Services: Provincial Treasury).Back: From Left to Right: Faiz Hoosain (Chief Audit Executive: Stellenbosch Municipality); Lazola Matshanda; Cedric Herrendoerfer; Itumeleng Mofokeng; Lusanda Mbeleki (Provincial Treasury Officials).

The George Municipality was honoured to host the recent Western Cape Provincial Municipal Chief Audit Executive (CAE) and Chief Risk Officer (CRO) Forums. The forums took place on 19-20 September 2023 in George and were divided into two sessions: the Chief Audit Executive (CAE) Forum for all Heads of Internal Audit in the province and the Chief Risk Officer (CRO) Forum for Risk Management Officials.

The Forums aim to promote the implementation of Internal Audit and Risk Management within municipalities in the Western Cape, while also facilitating and sharing best practices and support. Established to provide centres for learning, the forums’ agenda is guided by the most prevalent issues burdening these disciplines.

The forums have evolved considerably since inception and have become the voice of the local government CROs and CAEs at professional bodies such as the Institute of Internal Auditors South Africa, the Public Sector Audit Committee Forum, the Institute of Risk Management South Africa, National Forums, etc. The Forums were well attended by various Provincial Government officials and Internal Audit and Risk Management representatives of the various municipalities in the Western Cape.

From Left to Right: Zimasa Bulo (Senior Internal Auditor); Heybré Ellis (Manager: Internal Audit); JP Rossouw (Chief Audit Executive); Jomeila Apollis (Internal Audit Intern); Kloper Mabunda (Internal Auditor). Absent from the Photo Natacha Martins and Xolisile Sotushe (Internal Audit Interns).

The Forums were opened by the Chairperson of the CAE Forum, Mr JP Rossouw, who is also the CAE of the George Municipality; followed by a Keynote Address from the George Municipal Manager, Dr Michele Gratz. The Municipal Manager (MM) shared her insights and expertise on “What Executive Stakeholders expect from a future-fit Internal Audit Function”. This address set the tone for the Forums and contributed significantly to the discussions. The MM’s vision and experience aligned closely with the objectives for the events, and all agreed that the address left a lasting impact on the audience.

Dr Gratz’s words reminded the attendees that they must be curious, constantly learning, and embracing the exciting future ahead. Her speech covered a number of must have’s which are needed for Internal Audit to be Future-Fit – in summary: “Internal audit must ensure that it is aligned with the organisation, being a key strategic role-player and advisor. Internal Audit needs to add value, streamline operations and be versatile. For example, George is one of the first municipalities to introduce agile auditing. In other words, when an audit starts and an issue is identified, the audit can immediately change course and respond to that issue. Internal Audit must keep up with all the latest legislation and regulations and ensure that they are implemented.

Internal audit will in the future have to be much more proactive and in the rapidly changing environment within which all municipalities find themselves, the education of officials as to the purpose of Internal Audit is key. With the advent of artificial intelligence and smart city principles, internal audit will have to proactively identify risks and assist with controls and finally Internal Audit must have a positive impact on the performance of the organisation and foster a good and trusted relationship with the various stakeholders involved.”

Various speakers presented noteworthy topics addressing burning issues in the audit and risk disciplines. The day was earmarked with interactive discussions and knowledge-sharing initiatives, including Agile Auditing, Combined Assurance, Cyber Security, and Energy Resilience.

Thanks to the George Municipal Internal Audit team for all the hard work and arrangements to have hosted such a successful event.

Alderman Leon Van Wyk, Executive Mayor of George Municipality

Over the past couple of weeks, we have experienced unusual weather conditions ranging from the storm surge to disruptive rain across parts of the Western Cape that have kept disaster management teams at full stretch.

We are thankful for the efforts of our teams dealing with service delivery who have worked like trojans to clear up and restore services. In anticipation of the rain expected over the long weekend, Sanparks and the municipal teams tackled the massive amount of sand that the storm surge deposited under the Touw River bridges and in the lagoon. This has been an attempt by mankind to prevent flooding while dealing with the forces of nature.

It is awesome to note how our proactive citizens have reacted by documenting the work being done for social media while also profiling George and the Garden Route. Their efforts have attracted widespread coverage on social media that will benefit the tourism sector as we start preparations for our summer season.

From a municipal perspective, we also held our scheduled inaugural planning and preparedness meeting for the season where the task lists to deal with the tourism influx are compiled. Now is therefore the time for the broader tourism stakeholders to finalise their proposed activities and to get them listed for inclusion on the George QR code system that will be easily accessible on social media. It is anticipated that many visitors will flock to George and the Garden Route in the coming months.

I believe that our eateries can contribute to a memorable experience if each of them offers their distinctive signature dish that will make the holiday extra special. It is also so important that the tourism sector assists in sharing the message of being safe on our beaches and elsewhere with their guests.

Over the past two weeks, I have had the privilege of meeting with entrepreneurs to talk about business opportunities that they are creating in George that will translate into employment and further economic activity. In local government, it is a key objective to create an enabling environment for businesses to feel comfortable to undertake ventures and to grow them. The ultimate goal is to provide employment.

We are starting to witness the positive effect of providing a high level of services, maintaining infrastructure, upgrading systems and policies, employing skilled staff, and managing our budgets. The range of projects being launched or being planned includes infrastructure and investments in businesses that will benefit sectors such as health, housing, agriculture, tourism, sport, business services and creative arts. It is encouraging to note the passion of entrepreneurs and investors who are eager to drive ventures that will open up prospects and opportunities for our citizens.

Lunch boxes, sunglasses, ID documents, groceries, backpacks, clothing, and shoes are just some of the items typically left on the bus. Ryan Manuel shows some of the bags full of unclaimed items in the GO GEORGE office.

Nobody leaves their cell phones, wallets, umbrellas, grocery shopping, identity documents or school books on the bus on purpose. However, passengers get caught up in conversations or are in such a rush to get off the bus at the correct stop, that they forget what they have been carrying when they boarded the bus.

Although passengers are responsible for their own property and the bus company cannot take responsibility for items left on the bus, there is a system in place for managing goods found on the bus and handed in by other passengers, or found by staff at the end of their shift.

All lost and found items are handed in at the bus depot and taken to the GO GEORGE office. Here it is entered into an inventory and kept for different periods of time, depending on the nature of the item – all according to an official Lost and Found Policy.

Phone immediately
The best route to retrieve lost items is to phone the GO GEORGE Call Centre as soon as you realise that you have left something on the bus. The Call Centre agents will do everything in their power to trace the lost goods and give feedback to the passenger. If not found immediately, they will keep tabs on items brought to the office and inform the passenger of any finds.

Unclaimed goods donated
For all found items with identification, attempts will be made by GO GEORGE to contact the owner, but unclaimed goods cannot be kept indefinitely.

• Refrigerated perishable food such as meat, poultry, fish, eggs, and leftovers must be discarded after four hours, according to government health rules. If a person phones within that timeframe and their goods are found, arrangements for collection can still be made.
• Covered and sealed food will be kept from one to seven days (depending on the expiry date) whereafter it will be donated to the George Municipality for distribution while it is still good for use.
• Miscellaneous items such as clothing, cleaning materials, toys, umbrellas, sports equipment, and books will be kept for at least 30 days before being donated for use in the Municipality’s Social Relief programme.
• Valuable items such as electronic equipment, jewellery, cell phones and handbags will be kept for at least 30 days whereafter it will be taken to the Municipality to be sold at a municipal public auction to be held periodically, at least once a year. This will be duly advertised in advance.
• Unclaimed cards, such as bank cards, ID cards, and loyalty cards will be returned to the issuing authority after 30 days.
• Strict requirements are in place for the management of any flammable or hazardous materials left behind on the bus.

It should be noted that GO GEORGE and George Link staff cannot be held liable if lost items cannot be traced or found. It could have been lost elsewhere than on a GO GEORGE bus.

To prevent dishonesty or misuse of the system, people who make enquiries will have to describe their lost items clearly before they are handed over. They will also need to present proof of identification and sign for the item upon collection.

The GO GEORGE Call Centre can be reached on 0800 044 044 between 05:00 and 20:00, seven days a week.

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PERSVERKLARING: Doen Onmiddellik Navraag oor Goedere Wat op die Bus Gelaat Is

Niemand los hul selfone, beursies, sambrele, kruideniersware, identiteitsdokumente of skoolboeke doelbewus op die bus nie. Passasiers raak egter vasgevang in gesprekke of is so haastig om by die regte halte uit die bus te klim, dat hulle vergeet wat hulle gedra het toe hulle op die bus geklim het.

Hoewel passasiers verantwoordelik is vir hul eie eiendom en die busmaatskappy nie verantwoordelikheid kan neem vir items wat op die bus gelaat word nie, is daar ‘n stelsel in plek vir die bestuur van goedere wat op die bus gevind word en deur ander passasiers ingehandig word, of deur personeel aan die einde van hul skof gevind word.

Alle opgetelde items word by die busdepot ingehandig en na die GO GEORGE-kantoor geneem. Hier word dit op ‘n voorraadlys ingevoer en vir verskillende tydperke gehou, afhangende van die aard van die item – alles volgens ‘n amptelike “verlore-en-gevind” beleid.

Bel onmiddellik
Die beste roete om verlore items terug te kry, is om die GO GEORGE-inbelsentrum te skakel sodra jy besef dat jy iets op die bus gelos het. Die inbelsentrum-agente sal alles in hul vermoë doen om die verlore goedere op te spoor en terugvoering aan die passasier te gee. As dit nie onmiddellik gevind word nie, sal hulle die items wat na die kantoor gebring word, dophou en die passasier van enige opsporings in kennis stel.

Onopgeëiste goedere word geskenk
Vir alle items met identifikasie wat gevind word, sal pogings deur GO GEORGE aangewend word om die eienaar te kontak, maar onopgeëiste goedere kan nie onbepaald gehou word nie.

• Verkoelde, bederfbare kos soos vleis, pluimvee, vis, eiers en oorskiet moet na vier uur weggegooi word, volgens die regering se gesondheidsreëls. As ‘n persoon binne daardie tydraamwerk bel en hul goedere gevind word, kan reëlings vir afhaal daarvan steeds getref word.
• Bedekte en verseëlde kos sal van een tot sewe dae (afhangende van die vervaldatum) gehou word, waarna dit aan die George-munisipaliteit geskenk sal word vir verspreiding terwyl dit nog goed is vir gebruik.
• Diverse items soos klere, skoonmaakmateriaal, speelgoed, sambrele, sporttoerusting en boeke sal vir minstens 30 dae gehou word voordat dit geskenk word vir gebruik in die munisipaliteit se maatskaplike verligting-program.
• Waardevolle items soos elektroniese toerusting, juweliersware, selfone en handsakke sal vir minstens 30 dae gehou word waarna dit na die munisipaliteit geneem sal word om op ‘n munisipale openbare veiling verkoop te word wat van tyd tot tyd gehou sal word – minstens een keer per jaar (dit sal betyds geadverteer word).
• Onopgeëiste kaarte, soos bankkaarte, ID-kaarte, lojaliteitskaarte, ensovoorts, sal ná 30 dae aan die uitreikingsowerheid terugbesorg word.

Let daarop dat GO GEORGE- en George Link-personeel nie aanspreeklik of verantwoordelik gehou kan word as verlore items nie opgespoor of gevind kan word nie. Dit kon elders as op ‘n GO GEORGE-bus verlore geraak het.

Om oneerlikheid of misbruik van die stelsel te voorkom, sal mense wat navrae doen, hul verlore items duidelik moet beskryf voordat dit oorhandig sal word. Hulle sal ook bewys van identifikasie moet toon en teken vir die item.

Die GO GEORGE–inbelsentrum is tussen 05:00 en 20:00 bereikbaar by 0800 044 044, sewe dae per week.

In the photo is the visit to the East distribution zone site visit, from left: Councillor Jacqulique von Brandis (Portfolio Councillor for Civil Engineering: Capital Projects and BFI), Alderman Leon van Wyk (Executive Mayor of George), and Janie Koegelenberg (Director of Civil Engineering Services)

The George Municipality is pleased to announce that a multi-million-rand water storage expansion project aimed at ending sporadic water supply interruptions in Pacaltsdorp is taking off as the process of inviting potential contractors has commenced. Divided into two, the project will have a 14,5 megalitre (ML) reservoir and pump station in the West distribution one, and a 3 ML reservoir, elevated tower, and pump station in the East distribution zone.

This is great news for the community as it will ensure a more consistent water supply. On Tuesday, 19 September 2023, the Executive Mayor of George, Alderman Leon van Wyk accompanied by the Portfolio Councillor for Civil Engineering: Capital Projects and BFI Jacqulique von Brandis, and the Director of Civil Engineering Services Janie Koegelenberg visited the sites for the East and West water supply distribution zones for Pacaltsdorp.

According to Mayor van Wyk, this development will come as a relief to the residents and businesses in Pacaltsdorp who have been struggling with water supply shortages for some time. “The project will ensure that the water supply is stable and reliable, which will have a positive impact on the local economy. We are looking forward to seeing the positive impact this development will have on the community of Pacaltsdorp and its surrounds.”

Pacaltsdorp is located south of the main centre of George and south of the N2. The current population is approximately 20,000 people using an average of 3,5 million litres of purified water per day. Andre Scheepers, the project manager for Budget Facility for Infrastructure in the Civil Engineering Services Department of the George Municipality says Pacaltsdorp is estimated to grow to approximately 150,000 over the next 45 years, which will then use 21,5 million litres of purified water per day.

Giving background information on the existing water supply system and infrastructure for Pacaltsdorp Scheepers said the Pacaltsdorp water supply zones receive bulk purified water through two existing bulk pipelines of approximately 12 km in length each, originating from the George Main reservoirs situated close to the water treatment plants. The bulk pipelines provide water to various parts of George before it reaches Pacaltsdorp. “The Pacaltsdorp residents are vulnerable to water supply shortages due to the current limited dedicated reservoir storage (3 ML) located at the Pacaltsdorp Sports field and being reliant on the two very long bulk supply pipelines, which frequently experience supply interruptions,” Scheepers added.

The George Municipality has found a long-lasting solution to the Pacaltsdorp water supply and storage challenges. According to Jannie Koegelenberg, Director of the Civil Engineering Services Department, the Pacaltsdorp water supply area will soon have two distribution zones, West and East, each with its own dedicated reservoirs for adequate storage, elevated towers for pressure assurance, and pump stations to provide assurance of purified water supply for the next 50 years. By June 2025, both zones will be equipped with these essential facilities to ensure a reliable water supply.

“The Pacaltsdorp West supply zone will be receiving a first phase 14,5 ML reservoir and first phase pump station by June 2025, when this infrastructure will be put into operation and be connected to the existing reservoir and existing tower. The project will be constructed adjacent to and immediately south of the sports grounds,” Koegelenberg added.

Koegelenberg says the Pacaltsdorp East supply zone will be receiving a 3 ML reservoir, an elevated tower and a pump station before June 2025, when this infrastructure will be put into operation and be connected to the existing east zone water reticulation.

Future phases will consist of the construction of another 14,5Ml reservoir, a second phase pump station upgrade and elevated towers. The project for the 14,5 ML reservoir and pump station is currently out on tender for contractors to bid for the construction thereof. The project value cannot be divulged at the moment as such information might potentially interfere with the tender process. Thanks to the new development, residents in the area can look forward to significant investment into Pacaltsdorp and create job opportunities for Small Emerging Construction firms and for unskilled labour and in the long term bring a stable water supply for years to come.

West distribution zone site visit, from left: Janie Koegelenberg (Director of Civil Engineering Services), Councillor Jacqulique von Brandis (Portfolio Councillor for Civil Engineering: Capital Projects and BFI), and Alderman Leon van Wyk (Executive Mayor of George).

In the photograph from left are: Councillor Khayalethu Lose, Alderman Leon van Wyk (Executive Mayor of George), Zukile Motseki (Resident), Councillor Nosicelo Mbethe (Portfolio Councillor for Electrotechnical Services), Councillor Thembinkosi Lento (Ward 9 Councillor) and Daniel Greeff (Deputy Director Electro for Planning & Design in the Electrotechnical Services Directorate).

A ray of light shone brightly on the Thembalethu Informal settlements known as ‘Telkom’, on Wednesday, 13 September 2023. It was a day of celebration as the first 100 informal settlement dwellers finally had access to electricity. To mark this momentous occasion, the Executive Mayor of George, Alderman Leon van Wyk, officially switched on the electricity, in an event that also signifies the end of illegal connections.

“We are happy to be switching on electricity to informal settlements in this area today,” said Mayor van Wyk. “It’s a whole programme that we are running with this switch-on being the first 100 informal settlements units, and probably another 400 be switched in in the next few weeks. The initiative aims to improve safety by reducing the risk of electrocution from loose wires hanging around. At the same time, it brings electricity to the informal shack dwellers who can now buy it through a prepaid meter system.”

Mayor van Wyk says this switch-on is a significant step towards making life a little easier for our community members living in informal settlements. “We look forward to the positive impact it will have on their daily lives,” he added.

Mayor van Wyk’s entourage consisted of the Portfolio Councillor for Electrotechnical Services Nosicelo Mbethe, Ward 9 Councillor Thembinkosi Lento, Councillor Khayalethu Lose who is a resident in the area, officials from the Electrotechnical Services and the contractors. One of the residents, Zukile Motseki who opened his shack for the switch on expressed his joy for finally getting electricity from the Municipality. “This is a special day for us, I’m happy that we are able to have access to electricity and also stop Illegal connections, I’m very much grateful,” he said.

The immense growth in informal settlements has caused damage to the overall electrical infrastructure due to ongoing illegal connections, which in some instances resulted in the loss of lives. The Electrotechnical Department has drafted minimum criteria that will be adhered to for the electrification of informal areas in the future to formalize the provision of electrical services to informal settlements.

Since May 2014, up to April 2023, approximately 1600 informal structures have been added to the network at a cost of around R17 million. The cost per structure for electrification is between R10 000 – R13 000, which includes a prepaid meter. Following Council approval, the Electrotechnical Directorate embarked on the electrification construction work. The construction started at the Telkom informal area and is spreading through the Sityebi-Sityebi Informal area and thereafter Edameni.

Please watch the official switch-on of informal settlements: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WWJ98Ey_dYo

The George Municipality environmental and cleansing teams in conjunction with various other stakeholders held a clean-up operation at Schaap River, Thembalethu last week Friday as part of the International Coastal Clean Up Day.

According to Tanja Botha, Acting Manager – Cleansing and Environmental Health at George Municipality, the International Coastal Clean up Day is officially celebrated annually on 16 September 2023. She said 85 people made a massive difference in the environment by doing their part and collected an amount of 311 black bags full of refuse were collected as well as 41 blue bags with recycling items by the teams.

With George Municipality, officials from the National Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, the Western Cape Department of Environmental Affairs and Development Planning, the Garden Route District Municipality and Cape Nature all helped to make this day a success.

Botha gave a shoutout to stakeholders from the private sector included John Dory’s and Spur who also donated refreshments to the teams.

Dawie Adonis, Director: Community Services said he is very proud of the officials and the extra mile they go to keep our environment clean and always as part of the outreaches educate our communities about the harmful effects of littering and illegal dumping.

Photograph above:

Various stakeholders taking part in the cleanup operation on the day. In front are officials from George Municipality, Grace Notshokovu (Project Coordinator at George Municipality, second from left), Dawie Adonis (Director: Community Services), Tanja Botha (Acting Manager: Cleansing and Environmental Health at George Municipality, and Cllr Siphelo Manxele, Ward Councillor of Ward 21 (on far right).

 A clean riverbank right after the operation.

Refuse at Schaap River before the cleanup operation.

On the photo from the Left: Robin-lee Hector, Zanele Norawana, Ilané Huyser, Robert Janse van Rensburg and Fakazile Vava (all from the Town Planning Department).

George Municipality launched a Health and Safety Treasure Hunt Competition on 06 June 2023, which aimed to identify hazards in the workplace and come up with suggestions on how to address them. We are happy to announce that the competition was a success, with two teams from Human Settlements, Planning and Development and Properties and Civil Engineering Services participating.

The hard work and dedication of all participants in ensuring the safety of our employees and visitors to George Municipality are appreciated. In the Central Health and Safety meeting held on 29 August 2023, the committee members voted for the winning entry and unanimously voted for the Planning team as the winners of this competition.

The Winners are:
– Fakazile Vava
– Ilané Huyser
– Robert Janse van Rensburg
– Robin-lee Hector
– Zanele Norawana

Their winning suggestion, amongst others, addressed the access road along Victoria Street onto the main building’s parking area, which is also used by the public. They proposed the installation of speed reduction signs and speed humps to reduce speed. We’re grateful for their contribution to ensuring the safety of all who visit and work at George Municipality.

Alderman Leon Van Wyk, Executive Mayor of George Municipality

I recently was privileged to visit Denmark as a member of a Danish-funded renewable energy, local government and coalition government study tour.

This tour provided insights into the Danish planning, determination and ability to execute projects that will be to the benefit of citizens. In one city they are undertaking groundbreaking work by incorporating renewable energy to heat water pipes that circulate through buildings to provide internal heating. The port of Esbjerg is being re-purposed from an oil and gas industry harbour into the staging post for wind-turbine and solar PV energy equipment including the off-shore energy production fields in the North Sea. Energy lessons from the Danes are efficiency and flexibility and the management of energy demand as they transform to renewable energy.
I returned to George where we continue to face debilitating loadshedding thanks to the bad choices that our national government made. In addition, they have now run out of money.

This is the stark difference between the careful planning by the Danes and policy indecision in our country. As a result, our citizens endure rising prices with low prospects of employment. In the Western Cape there is active pursuit of driving service delivery and improvements to infrastructure to ensure sustainable economic activity. George has followed this policy approach and we are beginning to reap the benefits through investment into residential and industrial property development.

The electricity price increase that has been passed on to municipalities and consumers has no doubt affected the cash flows of all our customers making circumstances more difficult. Internally within the municipality, there is ongoing awareness around this burden and the increasingly difficult task of constant care and maintenance of electrical infrastructure that was built to operate 24/7. The management of diesel supplies for the various generators operating our water and waste-water treatment plants have become a logistical nightmare. With the constant uncertainty of which stages of loadshedding will be applicable in the days ahead, this impacts on planning diesel deliveries. At times, rationing of diesel for the vehicle fleet takes place to ensure that critical plant can operate.

At one of our plants where a generator had been installed, I was informed of the practical difficulty of manoeuvring a diesel tanker to fill the tank.
A further challenge is restoring electricity after particularly the 16h00-18h00 or 4h loadsheds when users wish to turn on all their appliances at once. Even though we have already installed advanced telemetry at certain key sub-stations, the senior official who restores the power has to ensure that George remains within its maximum capacity. The Danes advise that as part of introducing renewables, consumers will need to shift their loads, thereby reducing the demand on the system.

On the photo from left: Magmooda Sylvester (Sommer-Net-Ons-ATKV representative), Desmonique Hector (Current Youth Peer Educator), Mrs Loraine Carolus (Pacaltsdorp Primary School -PPS), Jonel Kerspuy (George Municipality)

International Literacy Day (ILD) was celebrated by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) on 08 September 2023, with the reminder that literacy is a basic human right and a necessary foundation for learning. To commemorate the ILD, the George Municipality’s Youth Development Division Section, in association with the Sommer-Net-Ons- ATKV branch, provides support at the Pacaltsdorp Primary School (PPS) to learners to help them read better to have a greater understanding of what they are learning.

This takes place through the supportive role provided by one of the Youth Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) Peer Educators to the ATKV at the school. The aim of the programme is to create a love for reading amongst the learners. The Sommer-Net-Ons-ATKV branch trains these young people, for them to provide effective support at the school. Two of the previous Youth EPWP Peer Educators, have been absorbed by PPS, after their contracts as Municipal Youth Peer Educators expired.

International Literacy Day (ILD) celebrations have taken place annually around the world Since 1967, to remind the public of the importance of literacy as a matter of dignity and human rights, and to advance the literacy agenda towards a more literate and sustainable society. UNESCO is a specialized agency of the United Nations aimed at promoting world peace and security through international cooperation in education, arts, sciences and culture.

CAPTION: The Western Cape Minister of Mobility, MEC Ricardo Mackenzie, visited the George Transport Hub last week where the feedback report of the 2022 passenger satisfaction survey was handed over to him by James Robb, Acting Public Transport Oversight Official of the George Municipality. On the photo are, from left, Morné Lakay, Acting Manager of GO GEORGE, James Robb, MEC Ricardo Mackenzie, and adv. Recardo Collins, Director, Land Transport Contracts of the Western Cape Department of Mobility.

A passenger satisfaction survey under the joint auspices of the Western Cape Government Department of Mobility and the Municipality of George will be launched shortly, aiming to determine and measure the overall socio-economic impact of the implementation of the GO GEORGE bus service in George.

Macro-, transport- and socio-economic impact measured

The overall impact will be measured in three main areas, namely macro-economic, transport-economic and socio-economic impact. Several surveys will be carried out over a six-week period, starting during the week of 18 September and ending towards the end of October 2023.

George residents will be approached for feedback by means of the following three surveys:

Passenger travel surveys, which will be carried out at GO GEORGE bus stops across the route network;
Business surveys,g., general businesses, as well as businesses and informal traders at transfer locations around the greater CBD which will be carried out primarily through telephonic and personal interviews;
Special Interest Group surveys (e.g., users with special needs and specific-interest groups), to be carried out primarily through telephonic and personal interviews as well as distribution of electronic questionnaires.

During a recent visit to George, the feedback report of the 2022 survey was handed over to the Western Cape Minister of Mobility, MEC Ricardo Mackenzie.

“I am very proud of GO GEORGE, which is a collaboration between Provincial, National and Local Governments that provides commuters with the world-class mobility service they deserve, right here in the Western Cape,” Mackenzie said. “The results of the 2022 passenger satisfaction survey demonstrate that delivering safe, reliable, and affordable public transport is possible. I thank all the passengers who contributed valuable feedback on how they experience GO GEORGE services and I encourage even greater participation in the 2023 survey. These surveys are a key tool for improving operations with an evidence-based approach so that people can get to work and school safely.”

Surveyors easily identifiable

Surveyors will be wearing GO GEORGE-branded identification cards showing the person’s photo and ID number. An appeal is made to the George community to take 10 minutes out when they are approached and to assist with the valuable feedback only obtainable from those who use the bus service or are in some way impacted by its operations.

For more information or enquiries, the GO GEORGE Call Centre can be phoned on 0800 044 044.

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GO GEORGE-opname om sosio-ekonomiese impak van busdiens te meet

‘n Passasierstevredenheidsopname onder die gesamentlike vaandel van die Wes-Kaapse departement van mobiliteit en die munisipaliteit van George sal binnekort van stapel gestuur word met die doel om die algehele sosio-ekonomiese impak van die implementering van die GO GEORGE-busdiens in George te bepaal en te meet.

Mikro-, vervoer- en sosio-ekonomiese impak gemeet

Die algehele impak sal op drie hoofgebiede gemeet word, naamlik makro-ekonomiese, vervoer-ekonomiese en sosio-ekonomiese impak. Verskeie opnames sal oor ‘n tydperk van ses weke gedoen word, met wegspring gedurende die week van 18 September en afhandeling teen die einde van Oktober 2023.

Inwoners van George sal deur middel van die volgende drie opnames vir terugvoer genader word:

Passasiersopnames, wat by GO GEORGE-bushaltes oor die roetenetwerk heen gedoen sal word;

Besigheidsopnames, byvoorbeeld algemene besighede, sowel as besighede en informele handelaars by oorklimpunte rondom die groter sakekern wat hoofsaaklik deur telefoniese en persoonlike onderhoude uitgevoer sal word;

Spesiale belangegroep-opnames (byvoorbeeld gebruikers met spesiale behoeftes en spesifieke belangegroepe), wat hoofsaaklik deur telefoniese en persoonlike onderhoude sowel as verspreiding van elektroniese vraelyste uitgevoer sal word.

Tydens ‘n onlangse besoek aan George is die terugvoerverslag van die 2022-opname aan die Wes-Kaapse minister van mobiliteit, LUR Ricardo Mackenzie, oorhandig.

“Ek is baie trots op GO GEORGE wat ‘n samewerking tussen provinsiale-, nasionale- en plaaslike regerings is wat pendelaars die wêreldklas vervoerdiens bied wat hulle verdien, hier in die Wes-Kaap,” het Mackenzie gesê. “Die resultate van die 2022-passasierstevredenheidsopname toon dat die lewering van veilige, betroubare en bekostigbare openbare vervoer moontlik is. Ek bedank al die passasiers wat waardevolle terugvoer gegee het oor hoe hulle GO GEORGE-dienste ervaar en ek moedig selfs groter deelname in die 2023-opname aan. Hierdie opnames is ‘n belangrike hulpmiddel om bedrywighede met ‘n bewysgebaseerde benadering te verbeter sodat mense veilig by die werk en skool kan uitkom.”

Navorsingsbeamptes maklik identifiseerbaar

Navorsingsbeamptes sal GO GEORGE-gemerkte identifikasiekaarte dra wat die persoon se foto en ID-nommer toon. ‘n Beroep word op die George-gemeenskap gedoen om 10 minute af te staan wanneer hulle genader word en om te help met die waardevolle terugvoer wat slegs verkry kan word van diegene wat die busdiens gebruik, of op een of ander manier deur sy bedrywighede geraak word.

Vir meer inligting of navrae kan die GO GEORGE-inbelsentrum by 0800 044 044 geskakel word.

Liam Tait, a six-year-old grade 1 learner from Holy Cross Primary School, became as far as we could establish, the youngest patron of the George Library, if not George, to publish his first book, _*The Dream of Animals.*_

When asked why he wrote the book, Liam answered that he likes animals. Liam also got a chance to read his book to his classmates at the launch and other patrons.

The youngster, who is only turning 7 in November, wrote the typical entry-level book, as a June holiday project, holidaying with his aunt, Rehelda Williams. Williams was also the one who encouraged Liam to write down his thoughts. She said he specifically used words he could spell and knew.

Liam’s mom, Phyona Tait, smiled from ear to ear with the launch of Liam’s book at George Library during Literacy Month. ”

Phyona Tait said “Liam is our shining light. Thank you to his aunt who encouraged him. Phyona said he used his artwork in the book as well.

“His first words when he saw the book was, I’m an author,” his mom said. “He is also very interested in the sales, she said gleefully.

“We are very proud and blessed to be part of what Liam created. His new interest is gemstones and maybe there is another book on the horizon,” Phyona said.

Liam’s dad, Wendell Tait, passed away from Covid in December 2020. He was a detective at George Saps.

Garelene Muller, Children’s Librarian, Liam is a true inspiration and he’s a beacon of hope to other youngsters. “Through what he’s achieved, others can see nothing is impossible. I always say to the children you can be small but mighty,” Muller said.

The book was self-published and printed by Blending.co.za. It is available on Amazon.com and Kindle.

If you want printed copies, you can phone Phyona Tait on 082 553 0052.

Photograph above:

Liam Tait and his mom, Phyona, hand over copies of his book to George Senior Librarian, Malibongwe Luyenge and his teacher, Sabrina Waters.

Liam lifts his book as proud mom, Phyona Tait (to his right looks on). Next to her is a family member, Rosaline Tait. On the other side of Liam are Zeenat Fortuin, Rehelda Williams (Liam’s aunt in red) and Veronica Tait.

Liam Tait (6) reading from his first published book, _The Dream of Animals_.

Liam Tait (6) reading from his first published book, _The Dream of Animals_.

The cover of the book.

Liam lifts his book as proud mom, Phyona Tait (to his right looks on). Next to her is a family member, Rosaline Tait. On the other side of Liam are Zeenat Fortuin, Rehelda Williams (Liam’s aunt in red) and Veronica Tait.

Everyone attending the book launch at the George Library.

Garelene Muller, Children’s Librarian at George Library with Liam at the launch.

George Municipality received a Budget Facility for Infrastructure Funding (BFI) grant to the value of R1.107 billion from National Treasury in the 2021/22 financial year and the BFI project with its various project components, has shown significant progress and expenditure in the 2022/23 financial years. George Municipality is actively working to keep our economy on the go, by ensuring adequate long-term planning and investment into our resources – that is water, sewerage and electricity.

The full BFI project is planned to be completed by 30 June 2025. George Municipality provides water services to over 243 996 residents from 67 787 households across 28 wards including the coastal areas of Kleinkrantz, Wilderness, Victoria Bay, Herold’s Bay and Gwaing in the city of George area. The objectives of the project are to ensure adequate potable water supply to meet the demand of the current population and to provide security for future development, both social and economic, and to reduce pollution of certain main water courses.

Updates on the Potable Water Security and Remedial Works components funded by BFI Grant
The project consists of 12 components, some of which will be executed in more than one construction phase.

Component 7
The rehabilitation of the Old Water Treatment Works, located at 9th Avenue Denneoord will allow for the refurbishment of the 20 Ml/ per day treatment plant.

Status: This component consists of four separate contracts and the tenders were awarded at the beginning of 2022. Construction is under way at the Old Water Treatment Works(Denneoord)  and some condition assessments of the existing infrastructure necessitated design changes at the start of the contract, causing unforeseen delays. The air extraction from the filter galleries was completed and the emergency chlorine scrubbers have been ordered. Both shipments of filter media arrived in 2022 and fence construction has reached completion, with only minor works still outstanding.

The Old Water Treatment Works  Module 1 upgrade has been  completed, with the exception of lamella pack installation. Module 2 is completed and Module 3 is partially completed.  A temporary package water treatment plant was installed and commissioned in mid-December 2022 to facilitate scheduled plant shutdowns to enable work to proceed uninterrupted. This temporary plant also increased the volume of potable water available to meet the peak holiday season demand in December 2022.

Component 8
Refurbishment of the Kaaimans River Pumpstation equipment will include the installation of six (6)  new submersible vortex impeller pumps in the sump, a strainer system and six  new high lift centrifugal pumps and includes the replacement of the electrical control equipment. The Kaaimans Pumpstation discharges into the Garden Route Dam and contributes significantly to the George raw water resource requirements.

Status: The project construction contract was awarded for an amount of R 16.5 million on 2 June 2023. The manufacturing and shipping of the twelve pumps and associated equipment will take several months, with delivery to site expected in January 2024. The planned commissioning date for the project is May 2024.

Component 9 and 10
The new 14,5 Ml Pacaltsdorp West Reservoir and Pumpstation; 3 Ml Pacaltsdorp East Reservoir, 300 kl Tower and pumpstation will address the inadequate emergency and balancing storage in this suburb.

Status: The detail designs are completed and procurement of a contractor for the construction of the works has commenced. The environmental and town planning processes are well advanced and aligned with the design and procurement timelines. It is planned that these projects will be commissioned in June 2025.

Component 11 and 12
A new pumpstation and control valves will be provided at the existing Thembalethu West Reservoir and Tower; an existing bulk supply pipeline will be upgraded, a new 8 Ml Thembalethu East Reservoir, 1000 kl Tower and Pumpstation will be provided to ensure adequate potable water storage and increase security of potable water supply to Thembalethu, as well as provide capacity to meet future development water demands.

Status:

Thembalethu West Bulk Supply Pipeline Upgrade – The procurement of a contractor has commenced. The planned completion date is June 2024.
Thembalethu West Pumpstation: The detail designs are completed and procurement of a contractor for the construction of the works will commence in due course.
Thembalethu East Reservoir, Tower and Pumpstation: The design of the works is in progress and procurement of a contractor for the construction of the works will commence mid September2023. It is planned that these projects will be commissioned in June 2025.

The Gwaiing Wastewater Treatment Works current upgrade is nearing completion and it involves maximising and upgrading the existing structures’ capacities to increase the design flow capacity from 7.3 megalitres per day to 11 megalitres per day.

The works is located next to the landfill site adjacent to the old airport road, and is already at full capacity. Substantial development has already taken place within the drainage area. The completion for the current phase is expected in October 2023. Proposals for further rapid development in this area are under review, and a process was started in October 2020 to prepare a plan for the incremental upgrade at the Gwaiing Wastewater Treatment Works to cater for current and future development. The provisional capacity extension plan was finalised in 2021 already, and a contractor was appointed in April 2022 for the current Phase 1A for approximately R24 million.

According to Jannie Koegelenberg, Director: Civil Engineering Services, “This current phase will add much needed capacity to address the short-term flow requirements until the next phase of the capacity extension can be implemented.”

He said a master plan for the Gwaiing Wastewater Treatment Works is in process to plan for the incremental expansion of the works to meet the medium term (28Ml/day) and long term (50Ml/day) requirements. This allows the Municipality to plan and budget timeously as demand increases. It is anticipated that the next phase of the upgrading of the works will commence in 2024/25, subject to funding availability.

Photograph above:

New 75kW aerator in operation.

New Motor Control panel to control new equipment at the plant.

On the photo from left: Zahoor Brey (Contractor from Zabs Enterprises), Alderman Leon van Wyk (Executive Mayor of George), Dr Michele Gratz (Municipal Manager), Dawie Adonis (Director of Community Services) and Ruan Espach, (Urban Engineer Consultants Pty).

The George Municipality is taking proactive measures to keep its citizens safe by expanding its Closed-Circuit Television (CCTV) building. This week, the Executive Mayor of George, Alderman Leon van Wyk, and the Municipal Manager, Dr Michele Gratz, visited the building as the extension and upgrading commences.

With more than 600 cameras spread throughout the city, including Municipal Buildings, criminal activities and potential threats are being monitored to protect municipal property and identify unlawful actions. This expansion is a crucial step towards making George a safer city for all.

Picture 2:
Lauren Louw and Angelo Prins
(Community Services Department)

George Municipality received a Budget Facility for Infrastructure Funding (BFI) grant to the value of R1.107 billion from National Treasury in the 2021/22 financial year and the BFI project with its various project components, has shown significant progress and expenditure in the 2022/23 financial years. George Municipality is actively working to keep our economy on the go, by ensuring adequate long-term planning and investment into our resources – that is water, sewerage and electricity.  The full BFI project is planned to be completed by 30 June 2025.

George Municipality provides water services to over 243 996 residents from 67 787 households across 28 wards including the coastal areas of Kleinkrantz, Wilderness, Victoria Bay, Herold’s Bay and Gwaing in the city of George area. The objectives of the project are to ensure adequate potable water supply to meet the demand of the current population and to provide security for future development, both social and economic, and to reduce pollution of certain main water courses.

Updates on the Potable Water Security and Remedial Works components funded by BFI Grant
The project consists of 12 components, some of which will be executed in more than one construction phase.

Component 3
The refurbishment of the existing Sludge Discharge System Phase 1 and 2 at the Eden, Meul and Schaapkop Pumpstations will improve the reliability of the aged pump stations.

Status: Construction of the first phase has reached completion at the Meul and Eden Pump Stations

Phase 1: The first phase of the upgrading and refurbishment of the Meul Sewage Pumpstation was completed in June 2023, including a new standby generator and motor control centre. This is also the case for the new motor control centre at the Eden Sewage Pumpstation.  The Schaapkop Sewage Pumpstation implementation was delayed and the tender for the Phase 1 implementation had to be cancelled.
Phase 2: Civil engineering construction on the Meul Sewage Pumpstation Phase 2 as well as the Eden Pump Station are currently in  the tender stage.  The design process is under way for Schaapkop Pump Station, incorporating both Phases 1 and 2 to be implemented as a single project.

Component 4
The upgrading of the Garden Route Dam Outlet and Supply project includes the replacement of the existing 600 mm diameter raw water pipeline from the intake tower at the Garden Route Dam to the raw water pumpstations, with a new 800 mm diameter stainless steel pipeline to accommodate a higher flowrate in accordance with the future raw water flow requirements.

Status: The project construction contract was awarded for an amount of R 34.2 million on 26 May 2023. The 800mm diameter Stainless Steel pipes are being manufactured in China and will arrive in SA in December 2023, whereafter the on-site installation will commence in early 2024. The estimated completion date for the project is July 2024.

Component 5
2 x 1250 kVA generators have been installed at the Garden Route Dam raw water pumpstation.  These generators will ensure that during loadshedding or any other power outage, raw water can continue to be pumped uninterrupted to the Water Treatment Works for processing for drinking water supply.
Construction and installation have been completed and the project has been commissioned. The generators automatically start and operate during load-shedding.

Component 6
An additional 40 million litre raw water storage and balancing dam will be constructed, as well as a 340m long 800mm diameter raw water outlet pipeline and an 800mm diameter raw water pump main extension, to secure sufficient raw water storage capacity to supply the 20Ml/day extension to the Water Treatment Works and the existing two treatment plants. The new raw water dam will supplement the existing storage dams that provide raw water to the two water treatment plants.

Status: The preliminary design process considered two alternative positions in order to select the most cost-effective solution. Final designs of the selected position have been completed and procurement of a Contractor to construct the works has commenced. It is planned that this new raw water storage dam will be commissioned in June 2025.

Follow link for update on Components 1 and 2

http://tinyurl.com/3nwbcjjt

This year we are celebrating the theme ‘Tourism for Good’ with inspiring stories of businesses impacting the local hospitality space.  Here are a few:

The Garden Route Botanical Garden (GRBG), a nonprofit and Public Benefit Organisation, is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year!  Approximately 16 hectares in size, the garden showcases and conserves the incredible biodiversity of the district. Indigenous forests, wetlands, fynbos, and coastal dunes support a wide variety of plant and animal species, including those which are threatened and endemic.  Scientists and researchers come to the garden to study the ecosystems and species, as well as make use of the herbarium. Educational programs and interpretive materials are offered.  Declared a nature reserve, there are many things to see and enjoy such as hiking, markets, guided tours, and medicinal plant lectures.  There is also a restaurant, parkrun, and indigenous nursery. The garden is a haven for birdwatchers, with numerous bird species calling it home. Bird hides and viewing platforms are available for bird enthusiasts to observe the local avian wildlife.

The Herold Meander is a secluded rural settlement of cultural and historical significance.  From an abandoned and derelict farm, it has been developed into a sustainable Agri-Village.  Environmental, water rights and heritage approvals were obtained to ensure a sustainable farming development, primarily focused on proteas, honeybush tea and sheep. The Honeybush shrub is proudly South African and grows naturally in the Garden Route and Tsitsikamma areas.  The Khoikhoi used honeybush to make medicinal tea.  Slightly sweet and caffeine-free, this herbal tea has high antioxidants and low tannins. The project has resulted in upgrades to the infrastructure, capacity building of workers, repair of historical buildings and the creation of local jobs.  Herold Meander offers honeybush tea tasting, donkey cart rides, fishing, and accommodation facilities on a pre-booking basis.

Empower is a George based NPC and PBO. In December 2022, Empower hosted a crowd-funding campaign, Run It Back.  Through the efforts of 15 volunteers who ran 5kms every day for 8 days, they raised enough funds to purchase 8 generators. Empower gifted the generators according to set criteria, in partnership with the George Business Chamber, to local businesses. 3 out of the 8 generators went to Explore our Hood, the Garden Route Botanical Garden and George Backpackers.

Explore our Hood is a Thembalethu-based tourism business with awesome, authentic township experiences.  George Backpackers offers an affordable overnight accommodation, with dormitories and private rooms.  The hosts speak English, Afrikaans, and German.

Discover more about George, Wilderness and Uniondale tourism offerings and destination stories at visitgeorge.co.za.

George Municipality received a Budget Facility for Infrastructure Funding (BFI) grant to the value of R1.107 billion from National Treasury in the 2021/22 financial year and the BFI project with its various project components, has shown significant progress and expenditure in the 2022/23 financial years.

George Municipality is actively working to keep our economy on the go, by ensuring adequate long-term planning and investment into our resources – that is water, sewerage and electricity. The full BFI project is planned to be completed by 30 June 2025.

George Municipality provides water services to over 243 996 residents from 67 787 households across 28 wards including the coastal areas of Kleinkrantz, Wilderness, Victoria Bay, Herold’s Bay and Gwaing in the city of George area. The objectives of the project are to ensure adequate potable water supply to meet the demand of the current population and to provide security for future development, both social and economic, and to reduce pollution of certain main water courses.

Updates on the Potable Water Security and Remedial Works components funded by BFI Grant
The project consists of 12 components, some of which will be executed in more than one construction phase.

Component 1 and 2
The 20 Ml/d extension to the New Water Treatment Works (New WTW) is component 2 of the 12. Component 1 adds the Water Treatment Works residuals treatment facility to the project.

Status: The first contract, valued at R263 million, was awarded for the civil engineering works and construction is continuing on site. The tender for the mechanical, electrical and instrumentation (MEI) works was awarded for R217 million. Component 1and 2 form the largest sub-projects of the overall BFI project.
• Placing of concrete is progressing well and the concrete structures are progressing above ground level. The civil engineering works on the main component currently stands at 54% complete and the most difficult parts of the construction has been completed.
• The construction on the 600m long, 900mm diameter, clear water HDPE pipeline started in late 2022, is currently at 70% completion. The river crossing is ready to commence plus the two tie-ins at the start and end of the pipeline, which will require shut downs of the clear water feed pipeline to the reservoirs.
• The concrete for the three tanks of the dewatering facility for the water treatment residuals process, are complete. This forms part of Component 2 of the BFI project and will reduce the load on the sewage conveyance system and pumpstations, as well as reduce the load on the wastewater treatment processes and the main sludge dewatering facility.
• A number of plant shutdowns are required at the new Water Treatment Works to enable tie-ins on the raw water feed to the plant, the clear water feed from the plant to the reservoirs, valve chamber construction, injection chamber construction and some refurbishment of pipework in the existing new Water Treatment Works. These shutdowns have to be carefully co-ordinated to avoid unnecessary downtime or reduction in water supply to George and also contributes to the reasoning for extended water restrictions due to the inability to supply treated water in larger quantities.
• The civil engineering construction is scheduled for completion at the end of February 2024 and the mechanical, electrical and instrumentation by December 2024