last-news

As the traditional New Year and New Year’s Eve events approach, George Municipality’s integrated services are geared up for all possibilities. Our disaster management team is actively monitoring the situation, including the anticipated rainy weather that may lead to floods.

Approximately 1000 people visited the beaches on Christmas afternoon. We are prepared for the expected crowds during the coming weekend.

Ensuring the safety of our visitors and residents remains our top priority during this Festive Season. Beach monitors and law enforcement officials are patrolling the beaches, addressing any incidents that may arise. They are actively searching for and confiscating any alcohol found, maintaining a zero-tolerance policy. They are also ensuring compliance with regulations, including no dogs or other animals on Blue Flag beaches. The public is reminded that the setting off of fireworks is prohibited in the George Municipal Area and offenders will be fined.

With three beaches holding full Blue Flag status, one with pilot Blue Flag status, and one Green Coast Award, visitors can be assured of high standards and safe, clean beaches. All teams are working collaboratively to meet Blue Flag requirements.

To enhance traffic management, additional wardens are deployed, implementing a drop-and-go system at all beaches to streamline parking. Additional cleaning staff are ensuring pristine beaches and clean facilities. Well-trained and equipped lifesavers are stationed at the beaches.

Daily management meetings address any arising matters, reflecting our commitment to service delivery. George Municipality aims to welcome visitors with open arms, benefiting local businesses and the economy.

PUBLIC NOTICE: Drop-off/pick-up points for private and public transport vehicles on beaches on 1 and 2 January 2024

To minimise traffic congestion, the George Municipality has made alternative arrangements for the drop-off and pick-up of large groups of passengers by public transport vehicles (taxis and buses) and/or private vehicles.

George traffic officers and point service officers will be in place to ensure the smooth flow of traffic as far as possible. Traffic controllers will assist with general parking as well as at the designated drop-and-go/pick-up areas at all beaches. Clear directions are in place. These arrangements are made for the safety of all public transport users and pedestrians.

VICTORIA BAY: 1 and 2 January 2024: 07:00 – 18:00
Pick-up:
All public transport vehicles (taxis and buses): At the upper parking area at stop sign on the left where you enter Victoria Bay.
Private vehicles: Drop-and-go circle at the boom, until officials indicate otherwise.
Drop-off: Drop-and-go circle at the boom, until officials indicate otherwise.

HEROLDS BAY: 1 and 2 January 2024: 06:00 – 18:00
Drop-and-go/pick-up points at the caravan food stalls and on the left side of the public toilet facilities.
No public transport vehicles, including buses and taxis, may park at the main parking area overlooking the sea.
Motorists are also allowed to park on the sides of the R404 road, provided they are completely off the road and do not create any obstruction.

WILDERNESS BEACH: 1 and 2 January 2024: 07:00 – 18:00
All public transport vehicles, (taxis and buses): Wilderness common drop-off point and parking area
ONLY private vehicles, the elderly and persons with disabilities: Wilderness Main beach drop-and-go point.

Map key:
Yellow arrows indicate parking areas.
Purple arrows indicate beach access.
Red stars indicate location of lifeguards.
Red triangle indicates that area/access is closed.
Green arrow indicates drop-and-go point for public, elderly people, and persons with disabilities.
Blue arrow indicates public transport drop-off/pick-up point (taxis and buses).

***
OPENBARE KENNISGEWING: Aflaai-en-ry / oplaaipunte vir privaat en openbare vervoer-voertuie op strande op 1 en 2 Januarie 2024

Om te verseker dat verkeersopeenhopings tot die minimum beperk word, het die George-munisipaliteit alternatiewe reëlings getref vir die af- en oplaai van groot groepe passasiers deur openbare vervoer-voertuie (taxi’s en busse) en/of private voertuie.

George-verkeersbeamptes en puntdiensbeamptes sal in plek wees om die gladde vloei van verkeer so ver moontlik te verseker. Verkeersbeheerders sal help met algemene parkering sowel as by die aangewese aflaai-en-ry / oplaaigebiede by alle strande. Duidelike aanwysings is in plek. Hierdie reëlings word getref ter wille van die veiligheid van alle openbare vervoergebruikers en voetgangers.

VICTORIABAAI: 1 en 2 Januarie 2024: 07:00 – 18:00
Oplaai:
Alle openbare vervoer-voertuie (taxi’s en busse): By die boonste parkeerarea by stopteken aan die linkerkant waar u Victoriabaai binnekom.
Privaat voertuie: Aflaai-en-ry-sirkel by die valhek, totdat beamptes anders aandui.
Aflaai: Aflaai-en-ry-sirkel by die valhek, totdat beamptes anders aandui.

HEROLDSBAAI: 1 en 2 Januarie 2024: 06:00 – 18:00
Aflaai-en-ry / oplaaipunte by die karavaankosstalletjies en aan die linkerkant van die openbare toiletgeriewe
Geen openbare-vervoervoertuie, insluitend busse en taxi’s, mag by die hoofparkeerarea wat op die see uitkyk, parkeer nie.
Motoriste mag ook aan die kante van die R404-pad parkeer, mits hulle heeltemal van die pad af is en geen versperring veroorsaak nie.

WILDERNIS-STRAND: 1 en 2 Januarie 2023: 07:00 – 18:00
Alle openbare-vervoervoertuie, (taxi’s en busse): Wildernis se gemeenskaplike aflaaipunt en parkeerarea (Wilderness common)
SLEGS privaat voertuie, bejaardes en persone met gestremdhede: Wildernis hoof-strand aflaai-en-ry-punt.

Kaartsleutel:
Geel pyle dui parkeerareas aan.
Pers pyle dui toegang tot strand aan.
Rooi sterre dui ligging van lewensredders aan.
Rooi driehoek dui aan dat area / toegang gesluit is.
Groen pyl dui aflaai-en-ry-punt vir publiek, bejaardes en persone met gestremdhede aan.
Blou pyl dui aflaai- /oplaaipunt vir openbare vervoer (taxi’s en busse) aan.

***
ISAZISO SIKAWONKE-WONKE: Ukwehla nokuHamba (Drop and Go) / iindawo zokuQokelela kwiZithuthi zaBucala kunye nezoThutho lukaWonke-wonke elunxwemeni ngomhla 1 & 2 Januwari 2024

Ukuqinisekisa ukuba ingxinano yezothutho iyathotywa, uMasipala waseGeorge wenze amanye amalungiselelo okwehlisa kunye nokuqokelelwa kwabakhweli beZithuthi zikaWonke-wonke (kuquka neeTaxi) kunye/okanye izithuthi zabucala.
Amagosa ezendlela eGeorge kunye nama Points-man aza kube ekhona ukuqinisekisa ukuhamba kakuhle kwezithuthi kangangoko. Abalawuli bezendlela bancedisa kwindawo yokupaka jikelele kunye nakwiindawo ezichongiweyo ze-Drop and Go / Collection kuzo zonke iilwandle. Iimpawu ezicacileyo zikhona. La malungiselelo enziwa ngeenjongo zokhuseleko loluntu olusebenzisa izithuthi zikawonke-wonke kunye nabahambi ngeenyawo.

IVictoria Bay: 1 & 2 Januwari 2024: 07:00 – 18:00
Ukukhwela:
Zonke izithuthi zikawonke-wonke (iiteksi kunye neebhasi): Kuphawu lokumisa olusekhohlo kwindawo yokumisa izithuthi ephezulu xa ungena eVictoria Bay.
Izithuthi zabucala: Kwisangqa sokwehla-ukhwelise kwisango elilawulwa yibhum, ade amagosa anike eminye imiyalelo.
Ukwehlisa: Kwisangqa sokwehla-ukhwelise kwisango elilawulwa yibhum, ade amagosa anike eminye imiyalelo.

Herold’s Bay: 1 & 2 Januwari 2024: 06:00 – 18:00
Iindawo zokuLahla kunye nokuHamba / zokuQokelelwa zikwindawo yokutyela yeKharavani kwaye ngasekhohlo kwendawo yokuGcina uLuntu.
Akukho ziThuthi zoThutho lukaWonke-wonke kuquka iiteksi neebhasi ezivumelekileyo ukuba zipake kwindawo yokupaka ejongene nolwandle.
Abaqhubi nabo bavumelekile ukuba bapake kwincam yendlela i-R404 engena kunxweme lolwandle ukuba ngaba baphumile ngokupheleleyo endleleni kwaye ababangeli mqobo.

Wilderness Beach: 1 & 2 Januwari 2024: 07:00 – 18:00
Zonke iZithuthi zoThutho lukaWonke-wonke kuquka iiteksi neebhasi: I-Wilderness Common Drop kunye ne-Go/Ndawo yokuqokelelwa
Izithuthi zabucala, abaDala kunye nabakhubazekileyo KUPHELA: I-Wilderness Main beach Drop and Go

Imephu ilivo:
Iintolo ezityheli(Yellow) zibonisa iindawo zokuPaka.
Iintolo ezimfusa (Purple) zibonisa uFikelelo eLwandle
Iinkwenkwezi eziBomvu(Red) zibonisa Indawo yabaKhuseli bokuphila
Unxantathu obomvu. Indawo / Ufikelelo luvaliwe.
Utolo oluluhlaza(Green) lubonisa UKULAHLA kunye ne-HAMBA kuluntu kunye naBakhulileyo nabaKhubazekileyo.
Utolo oluBlue lubonisa ukuLahla kunye nokuya kwiiteksi neebhasi. Amanqaku okuqokelelwa kweeTaxi.

In the photograph above are Zelda Barnard from Stop Trafficking, Brian Faul from SAHARA and Estelle Fredericks from George Municipality on Christmas day during the Christmas Drive.

On Christmas day members from the People Living on the Streets Forum (PLOTS) with the help of Zelda Barnard from Stop Trafficking and Brian Faul from SAHARA and Estelle Fredericks from George Municipality distributed much-needed food, sanitary packs and snack parcels to the homeless population all over George.

According to Fredericks, this initiative has become an annual tradition to have a Christmas drive. Fredericks said rendering services and giving hope to each and every vulnerable homeless person on Christmas day and spreading goodwill to those less fortunate than ourselves gives them as the givers much joy.

She said the aim is to give people back their dignity and reduce the number of people living on the streets.

The packages delivered to people living on the streets this Christmas.

At the beginning of December, the George Municipality excitedly announced the switching on of Christmas Lights through a lights Festival that took place in Pacaltsdorp, an event that helps create a festive atmosphere throughout the Festive Season. Sadly, some of the lights, particularly in York Street in the George CBD, and at the Unity Park Circle, have been vandalised. Not only have the power lines been vandalized, but also the controller unit, which makes the repair work more costly for the Municipality and can take longer to repair.

The Municipality’s Electrotechnical Department Services has already started the repair work and replacement of the vandalised material.

The Municipality urges the members of the public to refrain from destroying their property. Vandalism is a crime and ultimately costs ratepayers’ money. Please report people tampering, painting, breaking, or stealing municipal property to the SAPS and George Municipality Law Enforcement (044 801 6350 or 044 801 6300 after hours) as soon as you see it happening. If you can take pictures of the culprits in the act without endangering yourself, it will help a lot. Thank you in advance for helping us protect our infrastructure.

Reward
George Municipality offers an amount of R2500 as a reward for information that leads to the successful conviction of vandalism in a court of law. The witness will have to go on record with the authorities, giving his/her name and contact details to testify, but his/her identity will be protected. Report to 0860 044 044 to be eligible for the reward.

By now the holiday season is well underway and we trust that visitors to George are thoroughly enjoying themselves as they select from the 60 plus activities available to them. On checking daily scheduled air traffic into George, it is evident that there are almost the equivalent of nine Boeing 737 flights flying in from Johannesburg. It is also noticeable that additional markets have opened this season to display their wares to visitors and locals. The entrepreneurs entering this space are applauded as it opens opportunities for crafters to offer quality products increasing employment.

We recently did a briefing to the tourism stakeholder sector as part of the preparedness for their role in accommodating, feeding and providing activities. All of our municipal services will be extremely active on beaches and at events to assist in providing a safe and peaceful holiday for our visitors. We thank all working teams and volunteers who offer their time and services for the thousands of visitors to our region.

Many visitors may be impressed with the municipal services that are offered in George in comparison to the dysfunctionalities found elsewhere around the country. This achievement flows from a relationship of trust and respect between the political leadership and the administration.

We expect our teams to deliver services at a high standard while also encouraging them to constantly seek better solutions. As a result, this work ethic has driven initiatives to seek improvements and innovations. One such example is how our water team strives to improve the management of water quality and thereby better our rankings. A similar ethos exists across all the other services whether it relates to the time it takes to approve building plans through to the work being done by fire and emergency services and even to increasing collection rates for outstanding debtors. Just recently, the project engineers managing the capital projects proudly announced that they had passed R500 million mark in spending on the R1,2 billion water and waste-water infrastructure project. In terms of total capital and operating expenditure among the 19 intermediate cities in the country, George now ranks at number 11 with an average budgeted weekly expenditure of R78 million for the 2023/24 financial year.

We trust that the pride and work ethic that is demonstrated by the George municipal teams will serve as hope to encourage citizens elsewhere in South Africa to work together to achieve collaboration to strive for better service standards and the maintenance of infrastructure.

We extend best wishes to all our citizens and visitors for an enjoyable festive season as they celebrate Christmas and the New Year with family and friends. Please remain safe on the beaches, during activities and while travelling.

In the photo: Beach monitors

In a proactive measure to enhance safety along its beaches, George Municipality proudly announces the recruitment of 38 dedicated Beach Monitors. These monitors will play a pivotal role in supporting the Municipal Law Enforcement teams, fostering a safer environment for both residents and visitors during the festive season.

The Beach Monitors undergo briefing every morning to be ready for the daily actions and attend to any problems to ensure a secure and enjoyable beach experience for everyone. Their primary responsibilities include monitoring and maintaining order along the beachfront, responding to incidents, and assisting law enforcement initiatives.

George Municipality remains steadfast in its dedication to providing a secure and welcoming atmosphere for beachgoers. The Beach Monitors serve as valuable additions to the municipality’s efforts to promote safety and enjoyment at its beaches.

George Municipality is thrilled to announce the expansion of its solar power initiative for traffic lights, marking the successful installation of solar panels in Pacaltsdorp. This comes on the heels of the initial pilot project in Knysna Road and the Witfontein Road intersection in Blanco.

The solar panels are designed to charge batteries and supply excess energy to power traffic lights, contributing to sustainability and reducing the municipality’s carbon footprint. This initiative aligns with George Municipality’s commitment to green processes and resource efficiency.

George Municipality remains committed to exploring additional opportunities for integrating renewable energy into its infrastructure projects, contributing to the creation of a more sustainable and eco-friendly city.

In the photo above, Elmine Vorster, initiator of the programme, “Make your Mark” with an installation on Virginia Woolf by local artist, Arleen Duff, behind her.

George Library recently celebrated locals who made their mark and the boundaries of literature alone were transcended, and the emphasis was on harmonious interaction between the literary text and visual art.

According to Elmine Vorster, George librarian, “Make YOUR Mark 2023” explored the interplay between literary text and visual art, emphasizing how these mediums can enhance and inspire each other.

Workshops and demonstrations were held to showcase the creative process and highlighted the fusion of words and visual material. Two creative writing workshops were presented by Michele Damstra in the reading area of the library. A poetry workshop was presented by Dr. Mike Hagemann and several “Found” poems were created and will be on display in the library in the new year.

Archie Swanson, South African poet, discussed his poems and photography with Wolfgang Schreuder, bookshop owner of ‘Blue Forest”.  A local Artist, Thanduxolo Juta, displayed sculptures of sport heroes and people from different cultures.Children from “Classical Conversations”, create a timeline with their creative posters and displayed it in the foyer. Koos Meyer, a local writer, wrote on his laptop in the foyer and donated his first published book to the library. Ina Meyer, a local award- winning quilter, displayed her quilt: “The book thief” in the library.

Hannes Visser, an AVBOB poetry winner, delivered a copy of his debut novel to George Library.

Vorster said, “Make your Mark” has inspired sustainable initiatives, including ALICE for Adults” meetings held monthly at the George library over the past year and a half. These meetings bring the community together for continued creative exploration and connection.

The last meeting of ALICE for Adults was devoted to the book of curator artist, Lien Botha, “Vin”. This art novel with a link to a website, led to an interactive experience: A rabbit hole of information on books from the library collection and artists from far and near. People from the community received a chapter from the book to use as inspiration for installations displayed in the library.

Vorster said engaging the creative mind with words and visual expression lead to personal growth and community enrichment.

She said the significance of community involvement must be underlined, our library served as a platform for community creativity and collaboration and “Make YOUR Mark” was  an opportunity for everyone to share their unique gifts and contribute to our vibrant cultural landscape.

The George Library has served as a catalyst for creativity, learning and community engagement, “Make YOUR Mark” showcased the power of community collaboration and the library’s pivotal role in fostering creative connections. Vorster said “our mission was accomplished – a space was provided where individuals could explore their artistic potential and connected with others who share a passion for creativity. A public library served to be so many things for so many individuals from our diverse community.

Marietha Smid at her watercolour painting depicting the motto in the book: a quotation from Lewis Carroll’s book: “Alice in wonderland”.

Karin Haremse explaining the bronze sculpture of the boat.

 A poem by Colleen Venter on chapter eight.

As we approach the end of another year, I want to take a moment to usher in the festive season ahead. For many of us, the holidays are a time when we gather together with our loved ones and celebrate the joys of life. It is a time of year where we reminisce on the days and months gone by, a time of year where we look back on the things that we are most thankful for.

During this time of joy and festivities, we must also remember those who are less fortunate and may not have the privilege to celebrate in the way that we are able to. Let us invoke the spirit of the season we are celebrating, open our hearts and share the festive cheer by lending a helping hand to those who need it the most and in any way that we can. I would like to encourage all our citizens to take this moment to try and effect positive change and impact in any way within our communities and our surrounding areas. Let’s spread the festive spirit and cheer wherever we can.

As the Executive Mayor of George Municipality, I would like to extend a hearty welcome to each and every visitor to our beautiful area. While I encourage you to explore everything that our city has to offer, I would also like to implore our visitors and residence to adhere to the protocols that we have put in place to ensure the safety of all our frequenters.  Be safe on our roads, at our beaches and swimming pools and have the most enjoyable time with your friends and loved ones.

To our Christian residents and visitors, I would like to wish you all a very Merry Christmas as you observe the birth (y) our Lord and Saviour.  Have a blessed and safe festive season.

Season’s greetings to you all.

Alderman Leon Van Wyk

Executive Mayor: George Municipality

Burgemeester Feesseisoenboodskap

Soos ons die einde van nóg ‘n jaar nader, wil ek ‘n oomblik neem om die feestyd wat voorlê in te lui. Vir baie van ons is die vakansie ‘n tyd wanneer ons saam met ons geliefdes bymekaarkom en die vreugdes van die lewe vier. Dit is ‘n tyd van die jaar waar ons terugdink aan die dae en maande wat verby is, ‘n tyd van die jaar waar ons terugkyk op die dinge waarvoor ons die meeste dankbaar is.

Gedurende hierdie tyd van vreugde en feesvieringe moet ons ook diegene onthou wat minderbevoorreg is en dalk nie die voorreg het om fees te vier op die manier wat ons kan nie. Kom ons maak ons ​​harte oop in die gees van die seisoen en deel die feestelike vrolikheid deur ‘n helpende hand uit te reik aan diegene wat dit die nodigste het, en op enige manier wat ons kan. Ek wil graag al ons burgers aanmoedig om hierdie oomblik te gebruik om positiewe verandering en impak te bring op enige manier binne ons gemeenskappe en in ons omliggende gebiede te probeer bewerkstellig. Kom ons versprei die feesgees en vrolikheid waar ons ook al kan.

As die Uitvoerende Burgemeester van George Munisipaliteit wil ek elke besoeker verwelkom in ons pragtige gebied. Terwyl ek jou aanmoedig om alles te verken wat ons stad bied, wil ek ook ons ​​besoekers en inwoners versoek om by bywette en wetgewing te hou wat ons ingestel het om die veiligheid van al ons besoekers te verseker. Wees veilig op ons paaie, by ons strande en swembaddens en geniet die lekkerste tyd saam met jou vriende en geliefdes.

Aan ons Christen-inwoners en besoekers wil ek julle almal ‘n baie Geseënde Kersfees toewens terwyl julle die geboorte van ons Here en Verlosser vier. Geniet ‘n geseënde en veilige feesseisoen.

Seisoengroete aan julle almal.

Raadsheer Leon Van Wyk

Uitvoerende Burgemeester: George Munisipaliteit

In the photo from Left: Georgie from GO GEORGE, Ms Lauren Waring (Acting Municipal Manager), Cllr Marais Kruger (Portfolio Councillor for Community Safety), Cllr Erika Brown (Ward 3 Councillor), Cllr Marlene Barnardt (Chief Whip), Ald Leon van Wyk (Executive Mayor of George), Cllr Raybin Figland (Executive Deputy Mayor) and Daantjie Kat from the George Traffic Services.

In a festive display of holiday safety awareness and warm welcome, the Executive Mayor of George, Alderman Leon van Wyk, and members of the Executive Mayoral Committee hosted a friendly Mayoral Roadblock at the entrance to George, N9, on Thursday, 14 December 2023.

The entourage, including Ald Van Wyk, Executive Deputy Mayor Raybin Figland, Portfolio Councillor for Community Services: Community Safety, Cllr Marais Kruger, Ward 3 Councillor Erika Brown, Chief Whip Cllr Marlene Barnardt, and Acting Municipal Manager Ms. Lauren Waring, distributed holiday goody-bags to motorists.

Key stakeholders and role-players in tourism, safety, and transport, such as GO GEORGE, George Tourism (including Wilderness and Uniondale Tourism), Municipal Traffic Services, George Fire Services and Disaster Management, municipal Law Enforcement, and members of the South African Police Service (SAPS), were also present. Mascots Georgie from GO GEORGE and Daantjie Kat from the George Traffic Services added excitement for younger visitors.

Ald Van Wyk said, “Today we are conducting a holiday safety awareness programme to welcome visitors to George who will be spending their holidays here; we are accompanied by our community safety services and display of equipment, to demonstrate our readiness to receive and host our visitors and tourists and to ensure a safe, festive holiday for all.”

Cllr Marais Kruger, Portfolio Councillor for Community Safety, expressed satisfaction with the success of the Mayoral Roadblock, emphasizing George’s preparedness for the festive season. He added, “Our emergency personnel as well as all service delivery Departments are prepared to ensure maximum safety for visitors and locals and to ensure that our visitors enjoy their stay in a clean and well-run city where all services are working.”

For quick access to tourism information, safety for visitors’ information, and useful municipal contacts in the greater George area, visit the following links:
George Tourism: https://visitgeorge.co.za/
George Municipal Contacts: https://www.george.gov.za/contact/

George Municipal Superintendent for Water Purification, Melvin Koopman was thrilled to attend a Western Cape Blue Drop, Green Drop and No Drop recognition ceremony held at the Hotel Verde, Cape Town on Monday 11 December following the national announcements made on 5 December. Koopman gladly received a Blue Drop Award for George Water Treatment Works (Old and New Water Treatment Works) on behalf of the Civil Engineering Services team.

George Municipality improved their Blue Drop score with 12% , from 2014, placing us third in the Western Cape and with a top score for a local and own-managed water treatment system. The overall average for the George, Wilderness, Uniondale and Haarlem Water Treatment Works is 94.95%.

Portfolio Councillor for Civil Engineering Services: Operating Aspects, Browen Johnson expressed his delight at the accolade. “I am extremely proud of this achievement, which highlights our unwavering dedication to maintaining high standards and ensuring the best water quality for the citizens of George. It reflects our ongoing commitment to excellence in service delivery.”

The municipality also received an Outstanding No Drop performance, one of eight local municipalities. The No Drop asesses the status of water losses and nonrevenue water, and the degree to which the drinking water distribution systems of the municipality supplies water efficiently. No Drop Certification means that a municipality is accomplished in its water conservation and water demand management practice and receives public accolade and acknowledgement of its excellence in water supply management against a set of strict criteria.

Importantly all four water treatment systems, George – Old and New Water Treatment Works, Wilderness Ebb and Flow Water Treatment Works, Uniondale Water Treatment Works and Haarlem Water Treatment Works scored 100% with low risk attributed.

Summary of Results for George Municipality:
💧2023 Blue Drop Score 95.1% awarded to George Water Works (2014 82.8%)
💧 2023 Blue Drop Score AVERAGE 94.95% awarded to George, Wilderness, Uniondale and Haarlem Water Treatment Works
💧 Outstanding No Drop Performance (1 of 8 local municipalities)
💧Score of 84% for Total System Analysis (TSA) for George New Water Treatment Works
💧 All 4 systems (100%) in low risk positions (George – Old and New Water Treatment Works, Wilderness Ebb and Flow Water Treatment Works, Uniondale Water Treatment Works and Haarlem Water Treatment Works)

Caption: Seen at the Western Cape Recognition Ceremony from the left are Melvin Koopman (George Superintendent for Water Purification), Ntombizanele Bila-Mupariwa (Provincial Head Department of Water Services), Dr Phakamani Buthelezi (CEO Overberg Water Board), Dr Badroodien (MAYCO Member Water and Sanitation, COCT).

FOR INFORMATION: Blue and No Drop Process Explained:
The Blue Drop and Green Drop Certification Programmes are forms of Incentive-based Regulation (IBR) pioneered by the South African Water Sector since 2008. Legislation, Water Services Act; Act 108 of 1997, Section 82 d, e & f.
The programme seeks to focus on Improvement in Performance, Compliance and Efficiency. The Blue Drop Programme which allows for proactive management and regulation of drinking water quality through the introduction of excellence requirements based upon legislated norms and standards, as well as international best practice.

The objective of the Blue Drop Programme is:
i. To encourage and acknowledge continuous improvement and performance excellence in drinking water services management in South Africa through the use of incentive, risk and benchmarking
ii. To provide the South African public with credible and transparent results on the status of their drinking water quality and the water services institutions that supply their water.

The Department of Water and Sanitation developed the No Drop Programme to draw attention to and encourage progress in water use efficiency and water loss / Non-revenue Water management in the South African municipal sector. No Drop Certification means that a municipality is accomplished in its water conservation and water demand management practice and receives public accolade and acknowledgement of its excellence in water supply management against a set of strict criteria. The No Drop has been developed in a similar framework to the Blue Drop (drinking water quality) in 2013, followed by a partial roll out to all 152 municipalities in 2014 and a full roll out to all 8 metropolitan municipalities in 2014/15.

The objective of the No Drop Certification Programme is to:
i. To encourage and acknowledge continuous improvement and performance excellence in water use efficiency, water loss and NRW management in South Africa through the use of incentive- risk-based regulation and benchmarking.
ii. To provide the South African public with credible and transparent results on the status of water use efficiency and the management thereof, in their cities and towns.

In the photo: Executive Mayor Leon van Wyk in deep discussion with Richard Hetem, Side Street Adventures.

George, Wilderness and Uniondale Tourism hosted an official festive season launch on Wednesday, 06 December at the George Museum. Attendees could enjoy a free self-tour of the museum upon arrival and were then welcomed by MANCO Chairperson for the George Museum, Dr Okkie Stander, who explained the importance of the museum which preserves the history of the town with a special focus on the timber industry.

Executive Mayor Leon Van Wyk provided a Keynote Address on Festive Season Readiness which was followed by Q&A from the floor with several municipal officials attending, including Dr Michele Gratz (Municipal Manager), Lauren Waring (Director Human Settlements, Planning and Development), Janine Wells (Traffic Chief), and Neels Barnard (Disaster and Fire Chief), along with comments by the Chief Whip, Cllr Marlene Barnardt.

Sharon House, Acting Manager for Tourism at the time, presented a fun formatted presentation of the 60+ things to do in greater George, which is now presented in a stunning flyer due to be handed out to all tourism establishments this coming week. Ricardo Classen, responsible for statistics at the tourism office, delivered the good news that accommodation forward bookings for this festive season are already 10% up, according to Online Travel Agent data, from the same period last year, with the very peak days already in the 70 to 80 percents – indicating another bumper festive season for George Municipality. Further tourism stakeholder information was shared, highlighting useful season information and resources, and tourism office planned activations.

The robust question and answer session was followed by snacks and networking between guests. “Thank you to all who attended the function, as well as to the George Museum for warmly hosting us. We wish you every success over the December and January period,” says Acting Tourism Manager, Sharon House. “There’s still time to fetch maps, table talkers and flyers to distribute to your guests, so please do stop past the George Visitor Information Centre,” adds House.

In the photo: Release of red and white balloons by Cllrs Adams and Jantjies

In collaboration with the Department of Health and various stakeholders, the George Municipality HIV & AIDS Sub-Section hosted a commemoration event for World AIDS Day 2023 on 1st December 2023 at the Rosemore sports field. The event brought together high school students, and mothers caring for orphans and vulnerable children (OVCs), and featured health-related tests conducted on gazebos erected on the sports field.

Ward Councillor (Cllr) Jayzee Jantjies of Ward 6 addressed the community, emphasising the importance of maintaining a healthy community. The event included sports activities, motivational speakers, and the release of red and white balloons by Portfolio Councillor for Community Services: Social Development, Libraries and Sport, Cllr Brandan Adams, and Ward Cllr Jayzee Jantjies in remembrance of loved ones who lost their lives to the HIV pandemic.

The organizers conveyed a message of hope, emphasizing that individuals living with HIV/AIDS and using Antiretroviral medicine can still enjoy life and maintain a healthy lifestyle.

World AIDS Day, observed on December 1st each year, has become a globally recognized health day, providing an essential opportunity to raise awareness, remember those who have passed away, and celebrate achievements such as increased access to treatment and prevention services.

The theme for this year’s World AIDS Day, “World AIDS Day 35: Remember and Commit,” marked the 35th commemoration, highlighting the theme “LET COMMUNITIES LEAD.”

In the photo: Young adults living with disabilities on a journey into the forest

In commemoration of the International Day for Persons Living with Disabilities on Sunday, 3 December 2023, the George Municipality’s Gender and Disability Desk joined hands with the Association of People with Disability (APD) George and Garden Route National Park to facilitate a day of nature exploration and empowerment.

A group of 20 young adults living with disabilities was taken on a meaningful journey into the forest to take a walk to the Big Tree, where they were educated about nature. Those who were able also participated in 1 kilometre walk into the forest. Nature has such a positive effect on the human body just think of the calming effect the fresh air had on this group.

After the visit to the forest, we went to San Parks to go canoeing with the group, some of them were quite scared of the river, but we managed to take a few for canoeing. Through this program persons with a disability could showcase that they can do anything an able-bodied person can do.

This initiative not only provided a day of enjoyment and exploration but also served as a platform for challenging stereotypes and promoting inclusivity. By showcasing the capabilities of persons with disabilities, the event aimed to break down barriers and inspire a more inclusive community.

In the photo: Various Stakeholders at the 16 days of Activism in Uniondale

George Municipality, in collaboration with various stakeholders including the Department of Social Development, UNIEP, Working on Fire, Uniondale SAPS, and EMS, spearheaded a campaign against gender-based violence. The campaign, held from 23rd November 2023 to 7th December 2023, featured different speakers addressing the purpose and effects of gender-based violence, highlighting new amendments to the law, spiritual dancing, and a keynote address.

Campaign Highlights:
20 November 2023: Last planning meeting for 16 Days of Activism with 17 stakeholders present.

23 November 2023: Opening event in Haarlem marked the commencement of the 16 Days of Activism campaign, attended by 40 individuals.

24 November 2023: Launch of the 16 days with a March in Uniondale, drawing the participation of 91 attendees.

27 & 28 November 2023: Puppet shows conducted at creches in Uniondale, Avontuur, and Haarlem, reaching 170 children.

30 November 2023: Program for parents to inform them about their rights and responsibilities, reaching 30 individuals.

The purpose of the campaign is to raise awareness about all forms of abuse, encourage reporting, and discourage silence. The active involvement of various stakeholders reflects a community-wide commitment to combatting gender-based violence.

In the photo above the concrete foundations are the bases of the equipment to be installed. Following this, is to put up the steel structure and once this is done, the equipment can be mounted on it.

George Municipality has made great strides in its efforts to supply citizens with a more reliable power supply by installing transformers of which one is at the Glenwood substation. According to Daniel Greeff, Deputy Director: Planning and Design, Electrotechnical Services, work on the project was hampered by rain but the various foundations for the 66kV equipment have now been completed.  Next up will be the steel structures whereafter the equipment can be mounted. Greeff noted that this is very precise work give the equipment must be mounted at specified heights and the structure itself must be signed off by a structural engineer to ensure that it can withstand the forces on the equipment during a possible fault.

Greeff noted that the oil containment system is also on track with the fencing and stormwater management channel completed. The “oil containment dam” can also be seen in the pictures. This is required during emergencies for the collection of the oil.  The firewalls which prevent a fire at one transformer from affecting or spreading to another have been completed.

Greeff said there will be three transformers at the plant and two smaller transformers with forced cooling. “The existing two transformers will be upgraded to the specifications of the new third transformer. The existing two forced cool transformers will be reused at the Protea Substation to increase the capacity there. The new transformers have been ordered and will be delivered on or before June 2024 according to current planning,” Greeff said. The Glenwood transformer is a 20 MVA 66kV/11kV and will be added to the existing two 20 MVA transformers to assist with the growing demand in the east of George and surrounds.

Mayor Leon van Wyk said previously, that the installation of these transformers solidifies the municipality’s quest to capacitate and supply adequate electricity to the city of George while also catering for growth.

 The oil containment system is also on track at the Glenwood substation.

In the photograph above: Mzimkhulu Mabhoza, Buysile Ngemtu from the California Settlement and Ward Councillor Siphelo Manxele, with representatives from Buffalo Tanks, Jürgen Graupe, Co-owner and Manager: Sanitation, Ruben Graupe, Junior Project Manager and Siegfried Graupe Co-owner and Manager: Administration and Design.

George Municipality recently rolled out the first project of an alternative sanitation solution, a bio-separator toilet system in California Informal Settlement, Thembalethu, by Buffalo Tanks.

According to Wendy Mentor: Manager: New Housing at George Municipality, the system contains a tank that is completely submerged underground where the sludge is being treated and it disintegrates from there. There is no way that people can reach the tank. The system was approved by the Water Services Board, which tested the technology. “Our pilot system is going excellent, we’ve had no complaints with the 13 toilets that have been installed,” Mentor said.

Mentor said the George Municipality advertised a tender for the implementation of an alternative sanitation solution in Informal Settlements where the area cannot be connected to the sewer network.  “A pilot project was launched for three months to test the implemented technology.  Buffalo Tanks was awarded the contract for the implementation over three years,” Mentor said.

Mentor said the California Informal Settlement was chosen as a pilot as the Councillor of Ward 21 discussed the need and shortage of toilets in this settlement. There is a total of 203 structures in the settlement and only had 3 flush toilets and one chemical toilet, before the installation of the 13 alternative sanitation solution toilets.

According to Jürgen Graupe, co-owner of Buffalo Tanks, that installed the system, they only used people living in the area for labour and workers were paid per toilet. Buffalo Tanks did the coupling of the toilets. The toilets are anchored securely, and the raw materials used for the toilets are also manufactured in George. Graupe said the material of the toilet is also UV resistant, so the sun cannot damage it. It is built so that no pipes or features can be vandalised.

Buffalo Tanks were also awarded a month-to-month contract to service the toilet system. Graupe said the servicing involves only the adding of enzymes and bacteria into the system to assist the biological process and to make sure everything is clean and neat and working properly. As the project grows and more toilets are installed, the company trains and pays local people to do the maintenance.

Mentor said people were a desperate need of additional toilets as the national norm is 1 toilet for 5 structures.

According to Lauren Waring, Director of Planning, Human Settlements and Development at George, this project aims to replace the use of chemical toilets (funding permitting) over the next three years with the new alternative sanitation technology as it is a fully flush unit.

After the award of the contract, a funding request was submitted to the Department of Infrastructure for the roll-out to Informal Settlements where we cannot connect to the sewer system.

Ward Councillor of Ward 21, Cllr Siphelo Manxele, thanked the Municipality for this excellent project. He said he is looking forward to seeing more of these projects in his ward and the rest of Thembalethu.

The end-users in the settlement are happy with this new technology and indicated that their dignity has been restored and that it is an upgrade from the chemical toilets and much more hygienic.

In the photograph above the festive lights were switched on in Pacaltsdorp

The Pacaltsdorp Lights Festival was a resounding success and attracted between 900 to 1100 people inside and outside the Kaptein Dikkop Amphitheatre. Cllr Raybin Figland, Deputy Mayor of George officially opened the festive season by switching the festive lights on at the Kaptein Dikkop Amphitheatre. He wished Georgians and visitors alike a blessed and joyous Festive Season. The line-up of artists and choirs that performed at the event focussed on the spirit of Christmas with well-loved Carols.

The Pacaltsdorp Minister’s Fraternal with their spouses were part of the celebrations with Cllrs Theresa Jeyi, Marchelle Kleynhans and Ebrahim America supporting the event on behalf of George Council. George Municipality thanked the Fraternal for their involvement and support of the festival.

The Pacaltsdorp Lights Festival remains a very important event on the yearly calendar of George Municipality as it aims to contribute to the start of a good and cheery festive season for all, showcasing some of George’s best talent, entertaining the children and providing much-needed opportunities to local traders that had food and arts/crafts stalls at the event.

Cllr Figland thanked all George Municipality’s departments involved in making the festival a success and also thanked the South African Police Services (SAPS), Pacaltsdorp and local Neighbourhood Watch groups that kept everyone safe during the festivities. A big thank you to all the choirs and artists that performed and made the event a success.

Executive Deputy Mayor of George, Cllr Raybin Figland, with member of the Pacaltsdorp Minister’s Fraternal and their spouses at the Pacaltsdorp Lights Festival.

A buzzing of people at the stalls at the event.

Deputy Mayor Raybin Figland officially switches the Christmas lights after the Pacaltsdorp Mass choir assisted him in the countdown.

People from all over George gathered earlier on Sunday to enjoy the Lights Festival at the Kaptein Dikkop Amphitheatre.

In the group photograph from left to right are Kaelyn Haffern, Jemma Kelly, Cllr Marlene Barnardt, Susan Burger ( WRRA Exco) and Joletta Eichweber (WRRA Exco).

George Municipality approved the Visual Artwork Management Policy this year and was thrilled when Kaelyn Haffern, a 17-year-old student at Glenwood House High in George and street artist, approached the George Municipality and the Wilderness Ratepayers and Residents Association (WRRA) offering her time and talent towards beautifying some of the building exteriors on Station Road leading to Leentjiesklip beach, Wilderness.

“The wilderness is such a beautiful place, and I felt the buildings around and in it needed to reflect the natural beauty. Art not only brings people together but also impacts the mood of a person walking past. I wanted to try to make the Wilderness a brighter place. Painting makes me happy and watching the impact art can have on the people around it, is really moving. I wanted to give back to the beautiful place I call home and help others appreciate it as much as I do,” said Kaelyn. Her artistic journey began at the age of 6 under the guidance of renowned artist Arabella Leggat in Johannesburg. The family relocated to Wilderness in 2022 and Kaelyn firmly believes that art has the power to make communities stronger by encouraging creativity, expression, and unity. In 2018, she created a whale-themed calendar with artwork that was sold in a Plettenberg Bay whale safari shop to raise awareness about whale poaching.

Kaelyn is passionate about community building and has a strong commitment to environmental causes participating in the Wildlife Conservation Schools Art Challenge, winning the runner-up award. Her winning submission was showcased at the Wilderness Art Festival in April 2023. Exploring various artistic media is Kaelyn’s forte, and she is excited to bring her street art inspired creativity to the George Municipal initiative.

Ward Councillor Marlene Barnardt was thrilled at Kaelyn’s offer to upgrade the look of the wall and substation along Station Road. “ The road takes a lot of traffic to Leentjiesklip and is incredibly busy during season. Upgrading it is definitely adding some holiday zing! If you haven’t taken a drive on Station Road in the last week, please do so! And take a look at what can be achieved by people who take the initiative to actually be the change they want to see in our beautiful Wilderness village!”

Cllr Barnardt thanked Director for Human Settlements, Planning and Development, Lauren Waring who assisted Kaelyn through the municipal approval processes required by the Visual Arts Management Policy as well as Susan Burger of the WRRA who arranged for the sponsorship of the paint. Follow Kaelyn’s artistic adventures on Instagram @ArtByKae.h

On ladder Kaelyn Haffern and in front Jemma Kelly.

Abby Craft (7) is the youngest learner at Up With Down’s. She found Anna Lavin’s soft shoulder “just right” to cuddle against.

With November being Disability Rights Awareness Month, GO GEORGE once again collaborated with key stakeholders who take an interest in people with disabilities, to raise awareness and achieve greater efficiency towards an inclusive public transport service. The focus is on the attributes of GO GEORGE that make it accessible to all and empower the community to access work, economic, social and educational opportunities.

Persons with disabilities include those who have perceived or actual physical, psychosocial, intellectual, neurological and/or sensory impairments and who, as a result of various attitudinal, communication, physical or information barriers, are hindered from participating fully and effectively in society on an equal basis with others.

Attitude change

According to Morné Lakay, Acting GO GEORGE Manager, the bus service aims to empower frontline staff such as Call Centre agents, information officers and communication champions with skills to support persons with disabilities.

“We also want to assist with the process of attitude change among passengers. People’s intentions might be pure, but they might not know how to approach a person with a disability when offering assistance. We need to keep in mind that not all disabilities are visible when we interact with people in public and that many people might require different ways of interaction. People might refer to ‘wheelchair-bound’ people while the correct terminology is wheelchair users – that is the kind of mindset change we want to help bring about. Once we see passengers voluntarily getting up from a priority seat in the bus to offer it to a person with special needs, we’ll know that we’ve achieved our objective,” Lakay said.

The red-backed priority seats meant for passengers with disabilities and other special needs are clearly discernible on the lower floor of the bigger buses as well as on the minibus, and offer more leg space.

Awareness activities

A sensitisation workshop with GO GEORGE frontline staff is presented annually to empower communication champions and Call Centre agents to better understand and support persons with disabilities. Especially for new staff, this is an enlightening experience and conveys insight they are eager to share and apply.

GO GEORGE staff always enjoy their visits to the Up with Down’s Centre for children and adults with Down’s syndrome and other special needs. Latching on to the school’s current theme of safety during the holidays, they requested assistance to arrange an educational bus trip to empower young adults on the autism spectrum to use the bus service independently. The younger learners had their own joy ride.

Anyone with a disability who feels uncertain about using the GO GEORGE bus service is welcome to phone the GO GEORGE Call Centre on 0800 044 044 to request personal guidance and assistance from passenger support staff.

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Staff UA training: Universal Access specialist Colette Fransolet takes a group of GO GEORGE communication champions through an interactive training session regarding engagement with passengers with different disabilities.

Up with Downs young adults: An educational bus trip to empower young adults on the autism spectrum to use the bus service independently latched on to Up with Down’s current theme of safety during the holidays.

Theo Arries boarding bus: Theo Arries from Conville uses a wheelchair and although he can hear, he communicates through sign language. Theo uses the bus service daily, transfers from the community bus to the main route to the city centre all on his own and finds the service most convenient.

Passenger in priority seat DRAM: The red-backed priority seats meant for passengers with disabilities and other special needs are clearly discernible on the lower floor of the bigger buses as well as on the minibus, and offer more leg space.

AFRIKAANS OP VOLGENDE BLADSY

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MAAND VIR BEWUSMAKING VAN GESTREMDES

GO GEORGE fokus op houdingsverandering onder busgebruikers

Aangesien November bewustheidsmaand vir die regte van persone met gestremdhede is, het GO GEORGE weer eens met sleutelbelanghebbendes saamgewerk om bewustheid te verhoog en groter doeltreffendheid vir ‘n inklusiewe openbare vervoerdiens te bewerkstellig. Die fokus is op die kenmerke van GO GEORGE wat dit vir almal toeganklik maak en die gemeenskap bemagtig om toegang tot werk-, ekonomiese, maatskaplike en opvoedkundige geleenthede te verkry.

Persone met gestremdhede sluit in diegene met fisiese, psigososiale, intellektuele, neurologiese en/of sensoriese gestremdhede en wat as gevolg van verskeie houdings-, kommunikasie-, fisiese of inligtingstruikelblokke verhinder word om ten volle en effektief en op gelyke basis in die samelewing deel te neem.

Houdingsverandering

Volgens Morné Lakay, waarnemende GO GEORGE-bestuurder, het die busdiens ten doel om frontliniepersoneel soos inbelsentrumagente, inligtings- en passasiersdiensbeamptes te bemagtig met vaardighede om persone met gestremdhede te ondersteun.

“Ons wil ook help met die proses van houdingsverandering onder passasiers. Mense se bedoelings kan suiwer wees, maar hulle weet dalk nie hoe om ‘n persoon met ‘n gestremdheid te benader wanneer hulle hulp aanbied nie. Ons moet in gedagte hou dat nie alle gestremdhede sigbaar is wanneer ons met mense in die openbaar omgaan nie en dat baie mense verskillende maniere van interaksie benodig. Mense kan na ‘rolstoelgebonde’ mense verwys, terwyl die korrekte terminologie rolstoelgebruikers is – dit is die soort ingesteldheidsverandering wat ons wil help bewerkstellig. Sodra ons sien hoe passasiers vrywillig van ‘n prioriteitsitplek in die bus opstaan om dit aan ‘n persoon met spesiale behoeftes te bied, sal ons weet dat ons ons doelwit bereik het,” het Lakay gesê.

Die prioriteitsitplekke met rooi rugleunings wat vir passasiers met gestremdhede en ander spesiale behoeftes bedoel is, is duidelik onderskeibaar op die laer vloer van die groter busse sowel as op die minibus, en bied meer beenruimte.

Bewusmakingsaktiwiteite

‘n Sensitiseringswerkswinkel met GO GEORGE-frontliniepersoneel word jaarliks aangebied om passsiersdiensbeamptes en inbelsentrumagente te bemagtig om persone met gestremdhede beter te verstaan en te ondersteun. Veral vir nuwe personeel is dit ‘n leersame ervaring en dra dit insig oor wat hulle gretig is om te deel en toe te pas.

GO GEORGE-personeel geniet altyd hul besoeke aan die Up with Down’s-sentrum vir kinders en volwassenes met Down-sindroom en ander spesiale behoeftes. In aansluiting by Up with Down’s se huidige tema van veiligheid gedurende die vakansie het die personeel ‘n opvoedkundige busrit gereël om jong volwassenes op die outismespektrum te bemagtig om die busdiens onafhanklik te gebruik

onafhanklik te gebruik en aan te sluit by die skool se huidige tema van veiligheid gedurende die vakansie. Die jonger leerders het hul eie plesierrit onderneem.

Enigiemand met ‘n gestremdheid wat onseker voel oor die gebruik van die GO GEORGE-busdiens, is welkom om die GO GEORGE-inbelsentrum by 0800 044 044 te skakel om persoonlike leiding en hulp van passasiersdiensbeamptes aan te vra.