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George Municipality mourns the death of Councillor Michael Daniels who passed earlier today, 7 May 2021.

George Executive Mayor Alderman Leon van Wyk said the municipality was saddened to hear of the passing of Cllr Daniels who served as Ward Councillor for Ward 24 (Haarlem) from August 2016.

“The George Municipality Council and Administration extend our deepest condolences to his family, friends and colleagues and share in the grief of their loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family during this difficult time.”

 

CONTACT US / KONTAK ONS / QHAGAMSHELANA NATHI

George Municipality has noted that the public is either emailing or WhatsApping  individual officials directly with their queries and complaints. We kindly request that the formal procedure set up for queries and complaints is followed instead,  so that the query or fault is officially acknowledged and logged on our internal online system which generates a reference number.

Emailing or WhatsApping individuals can lead to delays in the query or complaints being allocated to the correct directorate for action and response. Without a reference number, it becomes problematic to ensure that the query or fault has been resolved adequately.

Please direct all EMAIL CORRESPONDENCE to the George Municipality on the EMAIL ADDRESS  gmun@george.gov.za  or use one of the dedicated email addresses listed below if applicable to your fault or query.

The EMAIL ADDRESS gmun@george.gov.za is manned during working hours and your email will be received, acknowledged, and redirected to the correct Directorate for response and/or action.  Please ensure that you include your contact details as well as full details of your query and/or complaint.

George Municipality has formal procedures in place to assist our residents with logging complaints and/or faults. Please see details below.

CONTACT NUMBERS

  • Switchboard: 044 801 9111
  • Municipal Emergencies: 044 801 6300 (24/7)
  • FIRE  Emergencies Only: 044 801 6311 (24/7)
  • Report Fraud: 0860 044 044
  • GO GEORGE Call Centre:  0800 044044

DEDICATED EMAIL ADDRESSES
Human Resources: HRAdmin@george.gov.za
Account Queries: accounts@george.gov.za.
Meter Readings: meterreadings@george.gov.za.
Proof of Payment: payments@george.gov.za
Tourism: info@visitgeorge.co.za
Land use applications: town.planning.application@george.gov.za
Town Planning Complaints: town.planning.complaints@george.gov.za
Building Control Complaints: building.control.complaints@george.gov.za
Motor Vehicle Registration: mvr@george.gov.za
Supply Chain Management: scm@george.gov.za
Report Fraud: fraud@george.gov.za
GO GEORGE: info@gogeorge.org.za


HOW DO I REPORT A FAULT?
Online Reporting via Municipal APP.
Phone in via 044 8019111 to the relevant department and request a reference number.
Email to gmun@george.gov.za with all details and request a reference number. Provide a clear description of fault, address details and contact details of resident if possible.
Visit our Area offices – coordinators will log faults and generate a reference number on your behalf.

REPORT A FAULT ON THE APP
You can log complaints and get municipal news updates on the George Municipality Mobile Application. Follow this link, which will take you to the place where you can download the George Municipality Application (App) on your phone or computer (as long as it can connect to the internet).

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=za.co.comunity.george&hl=en_ZA

 

WALK IN AREA OFFICES
Area offices are open to the public on weekdays 8am-4.30pm.

Services available include reporting essential services faults such as water and electricity problems, all other municipal complaints, account enquiries, indigent
applications, housing waiting list enquiries, property valuation roll queries and general inquiries:

Blanco: 044 803 9275
Conville: 044 803 9261
Pacaltsdorp: 044 803 9286
Protea Park: 044 801 9111 extension 2796
(Tuesday, Thursday)
New Dawn Park: 044 801 9111 extension 2797
Rosedale: 044 803 9295
Rosemoor: 044 801 9379 (Monday, Wednesday, Friday)
Touwsranten/Wilderness/Kleinkrantz: 044 803 9280
Thembalethu: 044 801 9448

GO GEORGE Smart Card Kiosks  05:00 – 20:00, 7 days a week
Located  at George Transport Hub in Cradock Street; York Street, next to Civic Centre; Garden Route Mall ; Blanco triangle

GO GEORGE Info Kiosk  at Transport Hub:  Mon – Fri 08:00 – 17:00 and Sat 08:00 – 13:00

 

Paulse officially new head of Community Services

Allen Paulse was officially appointed Director: Community Services as from 1 May 2021.
Paulse is a qualified attorney and practiced law during his earlier years. He studied at the University of the Western Cape. Paulse has vast experience in managing public institutions and is well known in local government circles for having a great strategic approach in the workplace. He has been Municipal Manager to Oudtshoorn Municipality, Bitou Municipality and Breede Valley Municipality from 2002 until October 2020. He acted in his current position from January 2021.

Georgians would be glad to hear that George is not at all alien to Paulse. He has worked at George Municipality between February 1999 to December 2001 as Deputy to the Town Clerk.

The Community Services Directorate includes Refuse Removal and Waste Management, Libraries, Parks and Recreation, Sport Development, Community Development (Social), Environmental Services and the Extended Public Works Programme (EPWP) with a total of 235 staff members.

Paulse says he will be applying strategic functioning to the units and sections in the Directorate, without taking away from core functions of each unit. “My overall approach will be to re-align the directorate strategically along core principles relating to people management, financial management and more.
“I will be output driven by way of training motivating and directing my subordinates to optimise work place productivity.” Some of his financial management planning and planning towards quality outputs are already in use.

Paulse says one of his most important tasks will be to replace the culture of mediocracy and complacency with one of productivity and proudness to be part of the Community Services Directorate, through acknowledging and rewarding excellence.

On a personal note, Paulse is married to wife, Adré, and they have 4 children, Dino (deceased), Curnick, Adlen and Iviwe. He hails from Paarl.

Ten schools on board for George Municipality’s Poster Making Competition on Energy Sustainability

Ten schools, seven Primary Schools and three High Schools have confirmed the that they will be taking part in the George Municipality’s POSTER MAKING COMPETITION on the topic of Energy Sustainability. Primary and High Schools were invited to take part in the competition. The idea is for learners to reflect their understanding of Energy Sustainability in the poster.

Interns from the Electrotechnical Services Directorate, who are spearheading the campaign, delivered stationery for the purposes of making the posters to participating schools.
George Municipality is part of the Energy Efficiency and Demand Side Management (EEDSM) programme funded by the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy. The Municipality received grant funding of R4.5 million for the solar pv project at the George Municipality Main Building parking area and part of the requirements is to spend 1% of that grant funding on creating an energy awareness campaign.

The rules of the competition are as follows, the poster should be accompanied by a half page paragraph of text, explaining the message conveyed by the poster. The maximum number of learners allowed to take part in making the poster is 10 learners per school with the aid of 2 teachers. Primary Schools will be competing with each other, as will the High Schools, for fairness. A non-response from a school will be interpreted as not interested.

The selection criteria for the winning poster is as follows: (a) does the message conveyed show the learners understanding of the topic, and is it factually correct? (b) is the poster neat, organised and well presented?

The finished poster can be dropped off at the George Municipality Electrotechnical Services Office in 16 Brick Road, George Industria, 6529. Alternatively, the schools can call the judges on the following numbers 044 801 9255 / 044 801 9221 and the poster entries will be collected. Please ensure that each poster is clearly marked on the back with the name of the school, name of the teacher, name of the pupil, age of the pupil and grade as well as the contact details for the school. Unmarked posters will unfortunately not be judged.
The closing date for the competition is the 21st of May 2021.

George Municipality will retain the posters on completion of the competition. Enquiries about the competition can be send to Thabo Yiga on tyiga@george.gov.za

The winning school will receive a prize to the value of R5 000, and the winning poster will be advertised in the George Herald Newspaper. All participating learners will receive goody bags as tokens of appreciation.

Sustainable energy is power which is able to be replenished within a human lifetime and so cause no long-term damage to the environment. Sustainable energy includes all renewable energy sources, such as hydroelectricity, biomass, geothermal, wind, wave, tidal and solar energies.
The schools taking part in the competition are: Mzoxolo Primary School, Parkdene High School, Hibernia Primary School,
Holy Primary School, Dellville Park Primary School, McKinley Reid High School,Thembalethu Primary School, Kretzenshoop Primary School and
Outeniqua Primary School and Outeniqua High School.

Caption Mari Coetzee, teacher at Outeniqua High School receives stationery from Mphielo Ramotsamai (Electrotechnical Services Directorate: George Municipality).

Activities at George Libraries

Activities at George Libraries

Captions:
1. World book day: Youngsters enjoyed a story hour at Conville Library on World Book Day on 23 April. With them are George Mayor, Leon van Wyk (in the grey jacket), who popped in after the session to meet and greet everyone and Cllr Sean Snyman, Portfolio Councillor for Community Services (in the white shirt). Some of the library staff members dressed up as book characters. The Mayor had a full programme with the youngsters and read to them himself.

2. Garelene Muller, Children’s Librarian at George Library, demonstrates and reads to children from the Association of Disabled People using a wordless picture book during the demonstration at the Conville Library.

3. George Library obtained a valuable set of reference material when bird enthusiast and author, Peter Ginn, donated his latest glossy, full colour double-volume guide for birding enthusiasts to the library. From left are Peter Ginn, Cllr Sean Snyman, Portfolio Councillor for Community Services and Malibongwe Luyenge, Senior Librarian at George Library, at the handover at Conville Library recently.

4. Staff members of George Library Service completed a Book sharing for Families week training during April 2021 at Pacaltsdorp Library. From left with their Certificates are Anneli Booysen (library assistant), Annidean Kramer (EPWP Worker), Sakhile Zungu (of Mikhulu Trust Foundation) and Petro Ruiters (George Library). At the back are Freddie Rheeder (George Library, library assistant) and the Facilitator of the Training, Rosslyn Damon of the Seven Passes Initiative.

Vandalised bus shelters repaired at huge cost

VANDALISED BUS SHELTERS REPAIRED AT HUGE COST

Repair work to vandalised GO GEORGE bus shelters is currently in process all over town after a budget provision of R1,3 million has been made available by the George Municipality for this purpose.
Of the 124 shelters already put up at bus stops, 92% have been damaged structurally by breaking the glass or laminate panels, while vinyl stickers with passenger information inside the shelters need to be replaced continuously when torn down or defaced by graffiti.

The glass side panel of the bus shelters seem to be targeted most by vandals. After extensive research and testing, an even stronger, shatterproof glass is now being used in replacements, as well as in new shelters being erected. The glass panels were chosen for safety reasons to ensure visibility of passengers inside the shelter, as well as passengers’ need to see oncoming buses.

If all goes according to plan, the current repair work will be completed before winter sets in, to provide shelter during cold and wet weather conditions. The budget does not make provision for new damage, which has to be discouraged and curbed at all cost.
Call for public’s help

GO GEORGE Manager, James Robb, says the community’s support is needed to help turn around the habit of destruction. “By vandalising and damaging these structures, the culprits deprive their own communities of the facilities. Investigation, putting out tenders and executing repair work on damaged shelters take time, and until this is concluded, passengers are the victims who are inconvenienced and exposed to the elements,” he said. “The same goes for the senseless stoning of GO GEORGE buses. Taking buses out of service for repairs reduces the level of service we are aiming to provide, when passengers have to wait longer for their bus to arrive or have to use a bus carrying more passengers than they feel safe to join.”

George Acting Municipal Manager, Dr Michelle Gratz, has spoken out strongly against this criminal conduct. “Three men have been arrested recently after being caught red-handed, breaking the rear window of a bus. The Municipality has a zero-tolerance approach to criminality, but we need the public to come forward if they have information that can help us bring these perpetrators to justice. Take a photo if you can, and please phone the GO GEORGE Call Centre at 0800 044 044 with information about what happened, where and when it happened, and who did it.”

CAPTION:
The glass side panel of the bus shelters seem to be targeted most by vandals. Here, workers are replacing glass panels at a bus stop in Knysna Road. After extensive research and testing, a stronger, shatterproof glass is now being used in replacements, as well as in new shelters being erected.

GEVANDALISEERDE BUSSKUILINGS HERSTEL TEEN GROOT KOSTE

Herstelwerk aan gevandaliseerde GO GEORGE-busskuilings is tans oral in die dorp aan die gang nadat ‘n begrotingsvoorsiening van R1,3 miljoen vir dié doel deur die George-munisipaliteit beskikbaar gestel is.
Van die 124 skuilings wat reeds by bushaltes opgerig is, is 92% struktureel beskadig deur die glas of gelamineerde panele te breek, terwyl vinielplakkers met passasiersinligting binne die skuilings voortdurend vervang moet word wanneer dit deur graffiti bederf of afgeskeur word.

Die glas-kantpaneel van die busskuilings blyk die meeste geteiken te word deur vandale. Ná uitgebreide navorsing en toetsing word ‘n nog sterker, breekvaste glas nou in vervangings gebruik, asook in nuwe skuilings wat opgerig word. Die glaspanele is om veiligheidsredes gekies om sigbaarheid van passasiers in die skuiling te verseker, asook om passasiers in staat te stel om aankomende busse te sien.

As alles volgens plan verloop, sal die huidige herstelwerk voltooi word voordat die winter begin om skuiling te verskaf tydens koue en nat weerstoestande. Die begroting maak nie voorsiening vir nuwe skade nie, wat ten alle koste ontmoedig en bekamp moet word.
Oproep vir publiek se hulp

GO GEORGE-bestuurder James Robb sê die gemeenskap se ondersteuning is nodig om te help om die gewoonte van vernietiging en vernielsug om te keer. “Deur hierdie strukture te vandaliseer en te beskadig, ontneem die skuldiges hul eie gemeenskappe van die fasiliteite. Om ondersoeke, die uitgee van tenders en herstelwerk aan beskadigde skuilings uit te voer, neem tyd, en totdat dit afgehandel is, is passasiers die slagoffers wat ongerief verduur en blootgestel word aan die elemente,” het hy gesê. “Dieselfde geld vir die sinnelose klipgooiery na GO GEORGE-busse. Om busse uit diens te neem vir herstelwerk verminder die vlak van diens wat ons poog om te voorsien wanneer passasiers langer moet wag vir hul bus om op te daag, of ‘n bus te moet gebruik wat meer passasiers dra as wat hulle veilig voel om mee saam te ry.”

George se waarnemende munisipale bestuurder, dr Michelle Gratz, het haar sterk uitgespreek teen hierdie kriminele gedrag. “Drie mans is onlangs in hegtenis geneem nadat hulle op heterdaad betrap is terwyl hulle die agterste venster van ‘n bus breek. Die munisipaliteit het ‘n zero-verdraagsaamheidsbeleid teenoor misdaad, maar ons het die publiek nodig om na vore te kom as hulle inligting het wat ons kan help om hierdie oortreders aan die pen te laat ry. Neem ‘n foto as jy kan, en skakel asseblief die GO GEORGE-inbelsentrum by 0800 044 044 met inligting oor wat gebeur het, waar en wanneer dit gebeur het, en wie het dit gedoen.”
Byskrif:
Die glas-kantpaneel van die busskuilings blyk die meeste geteiken word deur vandale. Hier vervang werkers glaspanele by ‘n bushalte in Knysnaweg. Ná uitgebreide navorsing en toetsing word ‘n sterker, breekvaste glas nou in vervangings gebruik, asook in nuwe skuilings wat opgerig word.

Live Conferencing Webinar focuses on reigniting local Tourism

MEDIA STATEMENT: Live Conferencing Webinar focuses on reigniting local Tourism
Issued 19 April 2021

Over one hundred local entrepreneurs attended George, Wilderness and Uniondale Tourism’s first ever live conferencing webinar, aimed at rejuvenating local tourism. The conference took place on the 13th to the 15th of April. Attendees included hotel, guest house and restaurant owners, as well as activity providers and tour operators. Fourteen speakers representing local, national, and international travel brands delivered up-to-date research, designed to help local tourism operators boost their bookings. Delegates participated in the virtual conference on Zoom and were able to interact with an array of speakers from ATTA, Expedia, South African Tourism, George Municipality, Wesgro and Thompsons Holidays.

The host and moderator for the webinar was Dirk Wessels, the portfolio councillor for Strategic Services. Joan Shaw, Tourism Manager of George Municipality, opened the conference by encouraging local businesses to “take George into a new era, together”. She emphasised the need for collaboration and partnership between local businesses in making the region a strong travel destination.

On Wednesday the 14th of April, award-winning tour operator, Thompsons Holidays, indicated that they are currently looking for tourism product partners in George and Wilderness, affording a rare opportunity for products to go into the consideration pool with the wholesale giant. Trudie Jacobs, Senior Product and Operations Manager with Thompsons, went on to explain what qualities tour operators search for when looking to add local hotels and activities to their Garden Route portfolio. Jacobs provided a wealth of advice to tourism business owners on how to boost their businesses. She recommended collaboration with other local businesses to produce creative package deals that include accommodation and activities.

“Exceptional value-added packages can be created around special holidays, including Mother’s Day, youth packages for school holidays or Women’s Month,” said Jacobs. She further advised business owners to focus on domestic travellers by modifying their pricing and adopting flexible cancellation policies.

“International tourists are dreaming of their next holiday to South Africa,” according to Gillaume Massey, of the Expedia Group in UAE and Africa. The Senior Business Development Manager shared global market research insights to help George grab a larger share of the tourism market. Massey described evidence of a large increase in online searches for flights to South Africa. He further described the major international trend towards ‘last-minute travel’ and had good news for tourism when he revealed that international travellers are starting to trickle back to South Africa, currently booking for July 2021. He added that many travellers are now spending 3 to 4 times more on their international holidays than before lockdown.

Massey advised local tourism operators to inspire potential travellers; “Tourists are seeking rejuvenation,” he said, “there is a huge demand for holidays which offer rest, relaxation and a focus on mental health”. Gil Massey also advised local tourism providers to ensure that their marketing material provides strong reassurance to potential travellers of COVID safety protocols.

On Thursday the 15th of April, Monika Iuel, the new CMO at WESGRO, shared an overview of the Remote Working, Remote Living campaign’s results to date, as well as highlighting the safetravels.capetown website. Ilse van Schalkwyk described the Western Cape’s Tourism Blueprint 2030. The Chief Director of Economic Sector Support for the Department of Economic Development and Tourism said the ten-year strategy is designed to stimulate tourism throughout the region. She advised local tourism providers to focus on branding the Garden Route as an ‘active outdoor region’. Van Schalkwyk had welcome news when she announced that George has been identified as a secondary business hub for the Western Cape. It is set to benefit from a growing business events industry and attract investment for a large conference facility.

Note:
Tourism establishments interested in partnering with Thompsons should email George, Wilderness and Uniondale Tourism to get in touch with Trudie Jacobs, the Senior Product and Operations Manager: marketing@visitgeorge.co.za

George Libraries will be celebrating World Book Day on April 23rd with a book read by local author

George Libraries will celebrate World Book Day, Friday, 23rd April 2021, a symbolic day for the Literature society as they celebrate the enjoyment of books and reading, with a recorded read by local author Michelle Benjamin of her latest book, Its My Horn.

Benjamin is no stranger to the reading society and the recording of her reading her children’s publication will be uploaded to the George Municipality Youtube account and the link will be shared on the George Municipality Facebook page, George Municipal App, George Municipal website, www.george.gov.za as well as on the George Municipality Twitter account. The recording is for the enjoyment of the public on the day and will be available from early 08h00 on the day.

Benjamin lives in George and is a digital artist, and owner of Lime E-publishing. She has made a number of donations (books and cushions for children to be used during story hour) and made donations of her latest book to the George libraries as well.

According to Rachel Williams, Manager of George Libraries, the said book is an amazing children’s book set in the Kruger National Park and deals with rhino conservation.

Caption: Cover of the children’s book It’s My Horn.

No free bus trips when top-up vendors are offline

No free bus trips when top-up vendors are offline
Issued 20 April 2021

The GO GEORGE Smart Card system allows passengers to manage their travel expenditure and save even more on the already affordable cost of travelling by bus. With good planning, this cashless way of boarding the bus is convenient and in line with Covid-19 safety precautions.

As with any other online business systems such as credit or debit card purchases, technical glitches between the business and the bank do pop up from time to time. GO GEORGE does not have any control over this and strongly advises passengers to top up their cards while they still have trips left. Passengers will not be allowed to board a bus for free only because they could not top up on their way to the bus.

Abuse of system will not be allowed
According to James Robb, GO GEORGE Manager, the initial issue of Pacaltsdorp vendors repeatedly being offline has been addressed through various interventions. “This was a major concern, but we are satisfied that the technical shortcomings brought to our attention have been rectified. Unfortunately, some passengers are now abusing the concessions made at the time, by demanding free trips when they have not topped up in time. The only time when free trips might be considered is when all vendors are offline, and only after verification,” Robb said.

Top up before you run out of trips
For passengers’ convenience and as a way of creating business opportunities, independent businesses are being signed up all over town and in residential areas, acting as Smart Card top-up agents in addition to their main business. Passengers are encouraged to support these local businesses, but they can also top up their cards at any of the fixed or mobile GO GEORGE Smart Card kiosks.

Cheaper the more you buy
Smart Card trips bought in bundles of 10 or more cost R10 per trip, bundles of two to eight trips cost R11 per trip and single trips cost R12. A passenger who uses the bus five days per week, could save up to R88 per month by buying bundles of 10 trips and more, instead of loading one trip at a time.
Trips on the Smart Card never expire, so there is no risk of losing trips, even if you don’t travel by bus regularly.
For more information about the bus service, your nearest top-up vendor or the mobile kiosk schedule, please phone the GO GEORGE Call Centre on 0800 044 044.

CAPTION:
Pacaltsdorp has the highest concentration of top-up vendors with numerous alternatives for passengers wanting to top up when a chosen vendor is offline.

Geen gratis busritte wanneer herlaaipunte van lyn af is nie
Uitgereik 20 April 2021

Die GO GEORGE Slimkaartstelsel laat passasiers toe om hul vervoeruitgawes te bestuur en selfs nog meer te bespaar op die reeds bekostigbare koste om per bus te reis. Met goeie beplanning is hierdie kontantlose manier om op die bus te klim gerieflik én in ooreenstemming met Covid-19-veiligheidsvoorsorgmaatreëls.
Soos met enige ander aanlyn-besigheidstelsels soos krediet- of debietkaartaankope, kom tegniese foute tussen die onderneming en die bank wel van tyd tot tyd voor. GO GEORGE het geen beheer hieroor nie en raai passasiers sterk aan om hul kaarte te herlaai voordat alle ritte opgebruik is. Passasiers sal nie toegelaat word om gratis op ‘n bus te klim net omdat hulle nie op pad na die bus kon herlaai nie.

Misbruik van stelsel sal nie toegelaat word nie
Volgens James Robb, GO GEORGE-bestuurder, is die aanvanklike probleem van herlaaipunte in Pacaltsdorp wat herhaaldelik van lyn af was, aangespreek deur verskeie ingrypings. “Dit was ‘n groot bron van kommer, maar ons is tevrede dat die tegniese tekortkominge wat onder ons aandag gebring is, reggestel is. Ongelukkig misbruik sommige passasiers nou die toegewings wat destyds gemaak is deur gratis ritte te eis wanneer hulle nie betyds herlaai het nie. Die enigste keer wanneer gratis ritte oorweeg mag word, is wanneer alle verkopers van lyn af is, en eers ná verifikasie,” het Robb gesê.

Herlaai voordat jou ritte op is
Vir passasiers se gerief en as ‘n manier om sakegeleenthede te skep, word onafhanklike besighede regoor die dorp en in woongebiede geregistreer om as Slimkaartherlaai-agente op te tree, bykomend tot hul hoofbesigheid. Passasiers word aangemoedig om hierdie plaaslike besighede te ondersteun, maar hulle kan ook hul kaarte by enige van die vaste of mobile

GO GEORGE Slimkaartkiosks herlaai.
Goedkoper hoe meer jy koop
Slimkaartritte wat in bondels van 10 of meer gekoop word, kos R10 per rit, bondels van twee tot agt ritte kos R11 per rit en enkelritte kos R12. ‘n Passasier wat die bus vyf dae per week gebruik, kan tot R88 per maand bespaar deur bondels van 10 ritte en meer te koop, in plaas daarvan om een rit op ‘n slag te laai.
Ritte op die Slimkaart verval nooit nie, so daar is geen risiko om ritte te verloor nie, selfs al ry jy nie gereeld bus nie.
Vir meer inligting oor die busdiens, jou naaste herlaaipunt of die mobiele kiosk se skedule, skakel gerus die GO GEORGE-inbelsentrum by 0800 044 044.

Byskrif:
Pacaltsdorp het die hoogste konsentrasie herlaaipunte met talle alternatiewe vir passasiers wat wil herlaai wanneer ‘n gekose onderneming van lyn af is.

Deputy Mayor welcomes Phelophepa Train

The Phelophepa Health Care Train (Transnet Heritage Foundation) is at the George Station this week. George Executive Mayor Charlotte Clarke visited the train yesterday, welcomed train personnel to the city and thanked them for their service.

Eye testing inside the train
George Executice Deputy Mayor Charlotte Clarke (back) was given a tour of facilities on the train. She thanked medical personnel while George Municipality Protection Services official Vernon Peterson (front left), Phelophepa acting train manager Bheki Mendlula (back right) and GM Community Development manager Sophia Fanelo looked on.
From left to right: George Municipality Community Development Manager Sophia Fanelo, George Municipality Protection Services official Vernon Peterson, George Executice Deputy Mayor Charlotte Clark, Phelophepa acting train manager Bheki Mendlula and municipality coordinator for Phelophepa Peter Noble.
From left to right: Phelophepa Western Cape Social Facilitator Wajdi Abrahams, George Executice Deputy Mayor Charlotte Clarke and Phelophepa acting train manager Bheki Mendlula.

Silver lining around the cloud of Wellington Street delays

A number of unforeseen delays and extra funding turned the initially limited road improvements in Wellington Street from a minor rebuild into a full upgrade and resultant public transport-standard road that will benefit road users far beyond the project’s initial scope.

George Municipality Acting Director Civil Engineering Services Lionel Daniels said the rebuilding of Wellington Street between Courtenay and Aspeling had initially been a minor upgrade because of limited funding. The project was scheduled for completion in November 2020 which is now set for end-May 2021.

“The public and municipality had been equally frustrated by the snags that felt relentless during this project, but the delays had worked out for the good and the resulting road and infrastructure will ultimately provide a significant improvement to this transport route.”

Mr Daniels said a series of factors outside the municipality’s control had delayed the project from the start, including excessive rain during critical stages of the project, poor subgrade conditions because of subsurface water, and the presence of third-party underground services (such as old or incorrectly placed telephone and optic fibre lines) that had to be removed or relocated before construction could start.

“While delays were slowing down construction, the extra time allowed for additional money becoming available that could fund the upgrading of sidewalks on both sides of the road to universal standards, but the construction programme had to be extended to allow for the additional work.

“As often happens when excavating in older parts of town, the preparation for the sidewalks revealed aging municipal water and stormwater infrastructure and the municipality decided to make the most of the already excavated areas to replace and upgrade the pipes – which would result in further programme delays at the time but would avoid old infrastructure-related issues later.

“The contractors also came upon electricity and fibre lines in the sidewalk zone that had not been deep enough or not where indicated on the original plans, which required relocation and further related delays. Because we were working in areas where access to properties were important, the way in which we move services are unfortunately also slower.

“The George Municipality realises the enormous impact that this roadwork has had on properties and road users in this zone, but we believe the end is finally in sight and that the completed road and sidewalks will ultimately benefit everyone who use it.

“To expedite the construction programme, we have asked the contractor to bring in extra construction teams where practicable and the project is expected to be done by the of May 2021.

“We thank all stakeholders for their ongoing cooperation and patience during this project and ask that they continue to take care during the final phases of this project,” said Mr Daniels.

Municipality and Khaya Lam help ‘buyers’ from 1994 own their land

A flourishing new partnership between the George Municipality and the Khaya Lam Land Reform Project has facilitated the issuing of title deeds to 12 people in Pacaltsdorp who could never afford the transfer fees to take ownership of properties they bought from the municipality in 1994. The municipality is optimistic that the remaining 113 will be finalised in a similar fashion in the foreseeable future.

George Municipality Human Settlements Director Charles Lubbe said 874 plots of open municipal land had been sold at minimal cost to beneficiaries in Andersonville during land reformation in the 1990s, but many could not afford the legal fees for the title deeds to be transferred to their names. “It had been very frustrating for everyone involved, mostly because the collective legal costs of so many properties (in George and the rest of the country) were beyond the financial reach of government and many charities.

“Through the years 761 title deeds in the Andersonville project had been registered since 1994 as money was raised, but 125 beneficiaries were still without title deeds last year.”

Then, in mid-2020, George Executive Mayor Leon van Wyk connected the municipality’s Existing Housing section with the Khaya Lam Project, a programme of the Free Market Foundation that secures the legal fees through donations from mostly wealthy individuals to pay for the transfers. Since then, 12 title deeds have been finalised and is currently being handed over to owners.

The Existing Housing section has been reaching out to the other beneficiaries from the 1994 Andersonville land sale and hopes to update relevant information as soon as possible so title deeds can continue for those properties also.

Mr Lubbe said the first 12 title deeds in this renewed effort signalled a major victory for the ‘new’ owners and the department. “Finally, after 26 years, people can take ownership of their land and we rejoice with them in this major break-through. We are so grateful towards Khaya Lam, and in this case businessman Brian Benfield who sponsored these first 12 title deeds, for making a significant difference in the lives of our people in such a practical life-changing way.

“While Covid-19 precautions prevent us from making a bigger deal out of the handover of title deeds, we thank all roleplayers on behalf of the owners for making their dreams a reality and we look forward to making this happen for the remainder of people in this project, and beyond.”

Land Reform Project Manager Perry Feldman commended the determination and tenacity of Existing Housing Manager Willene Daries who had driven the process to get a memorandum of understanding signed amidst the complications of Level 5 lockdown last year and officials who had gone out of their way to help albeit from home offices via online meetings. “It is really special to hand over these title deeds to people like Elizabeth Fortuin who had come in the rain to pick up this treasured piece of paper this morning, she was so grateful that this was finally resolved,” said Ms Daries.

Participants in the Andersonville housing project of 1994 who had not made recent contact with the Existing Housing section about the title deeds for these properties must please urgently update their information by calling 044 801 9113 or 044 801 9078 or visiting the offices behind the Main Building in York Street (next to the clinic).

Caption
Elizabeth Fortuin (right) came all the way from Pacaltsdorp in the rain today to pick up the title deed to the property she had bought in 1994. Existing Housing Manager Willene Daries was delighted to hand it over.

GO GEORGE schedules on Public Holidays

GO GEORGE SCHEDULES ON PUBLIC HOLIDAYS
With two public holidays coming up, GO GEORGE calls on passengers to take note of the schedules that will be followed on these days.
On both Freedom Day (Tuesday 27 April) and Workers’ Day (Saturday 1 May), the Saturday schedule will apply on all routes.
For any enquiries or assistance with trip planning, phone the GO GEORGE Call Centre on 0800 044 044, or visit the GO GEORGE Facebook page for the latest news.

GO GEORGE-SKEDULES OP VAKANSIEDAE
Met twee openbare vakansiedae voor die deur, vestig GO GEORGE passasiers se aandag op die skedules wat op hierdie dae gevolg sal word.
Op Vryheidsdag (Dinsdag 27 April) sowel as Werkersdag (Saterdag 1 Mei) sal die Saterdagskedule geld op alle roetes.
Vir enige navrae of hulp met ritbeplanning, skakel gerus die GO GEORGE-inbelkantoor by 0800 044 044, of besoek die GO GEORGE Facebook-blad vir die jongste nuus.

GEORGE MUNICIPALITY SERVICES DURING COVID-19 APRIL 2021

Latest update: 16 April 2021 (current Level 1 amended)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Motor Vehicle Registration and Licencing
Please note the email addresses for proof of payment of online payments have changed.
Hibernia Street (next to train station) 044 801 9310
Open to the public weekdays 8am-3pm, except Wednesdays when closed at 2pm due to compulsory training, or if otherwise indicated as per Covid-19 measures.
Access control is from the gate at the street, when necessary.
Please consider ONLINE RENEWAL of vehicle licenses as per details below instead of in-person renewals at the vehicle licencing centre as Covid-19 regulations significantly impacts on the amount of people that can be served in a day.
Bulk transactions are being handled separately or after hours when required. Pregnant women, the elderly and disabled can pre-arrange preferential treatment by calling 044 801 9310.
While vehicle licence RENEWALS CAN be done online, the REGISTRATION of vehicles CANNOT be done online as RICA requirements stipulate that the owner of the vehicle must physically appear in front of the official and the documentation must be original – this is, among other things, a measure against fraudulent registration of vehicles.
ONLINE ELECTRONIC PAYMENT OF VEHICLE LICENCE RENEWALS
1. The customer starts by registering a profile online at https://online.natis.gov.za/#/ or download the RTMC mobile application for Android from Google PlayStore.
2. Choose between registering as an individual or business.
The following information will be required:
Individual: initial, name, surname, ID number, driving license number, contact details via mobile phone or email.
Organisation: name of business, ID number of proxy, driving license number of proxy, contact details via mobile phone or email.
3. A one-time pin will be sent to your email or mobile phone number, which you must enter online.
4. Go to the ‘View motor vehicle renewals’ section and verify the information of the vehicle for which you are renewing the licence.
5. Access and/or download your electronic motor vehicle license RENEWAL NOTICE (also known as a MVL2 notice).
6. If your licence disk is valid but near expiry or if it has expired but is still in the 21-day grace period after expiry, the amount for the renewal of your vehicle will be on the notice.
7. If your license has already expired beyond the grace period, it will not indicate an amount on the system and clients must please phone the George Motor Vehicle Licensing office at 044 801 9310 to confirm the amount due.
8. Pay the amount due into the George Municipality, FNB Public Sector Cheque Account, Number 62869623150 (Branch Code 210554). Use the relevant vehicle license number as a reference such as CAW ###### / Private number ##### WP.
9. Email the proof of payment to payments@george.gov.zaand mvr@george.gov.za. Please note the forementioned email addresses are no-reply addresses and are set up for proof of payments only and cannot be used for enquiries. Please phone 044 801 9310 for enquiries.
10. Keep a copy of your proof of payment in the relevant car until you receive your license disk but keep your expired disk on your window in the meantime. Traffic law requires officials to still issue you with a ticket for displaying an invalid disk, but you can appeal the fine and submit the proof of payment as part of your request to have the fine cancelled (details for the appeal process is on the back of the fine).
11. Once payment reflects on the municipality’s bank statement, the vehicle license will be processed, and you will be contacted to arrange collection. Please do not collect unless pre-arranged and notified via telephone – you won’t have to queue in the transaction lines when you collect.
If you want the licence posted to you, please give the person who phones you the address to which you require it posted.
Licences that have not been collected within two weeks from the notification phone call, will be posted to the address listed on the NaTIS system – onus is on the vehicle owner to ensure the correct address is logged on the national system.
The turnaround time for online license renewals is about two weeks.

CIVIL ENGINEERING SERVICES
Administration offices (old City Hall) and Customer Services (corner York and Progress Streets) remain closed to the public.
Urgent appointments that cannot be dealt with via online meetings on MS Teams or other electronic means will be attended to by prior arrangement. Please phone 044 801 9354 or 044 801 9277 to obtain relevant email address.
Report water leaks and burst pipes, sewerage blockages, leaks and spillages and urgent road and stormwater issues to:
044 801 9262/6 (7.45am-4.30pm)
044 801 6300 (after hours)
Estimated response times are 24-48 hours from recorded time of complaint at the above numbers.

ELECTROTECHNICAL SERVICES
Services continue as usual and the administration offices are open to the public weekdays 7.45-4.30pm.
Two people are allowed in the foyer at any given time and members of the public will be allowed into offices following screening at the security desk.
Planned maintenance continues and essential repairs for which planned outages are required will be communicated.
Please report power outages, broken street lights and faulty traffic lights to:
044 801 9222 (7.45am-4.30pm)
044 801 9202
044 801 6300 (after hours)
Estimated response times from recorded time of complaint at above numbers:
Low voltage electricity – within 24 hours.
High voltage electricity faults – can be longer than 24 hours depending on type of fault.
Street lights – three to four weeks.
Pre-paid electricity queries to Itron/Ontec: 044 873 5474 (8am-4pm).

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Municipal sport facilities and public swimming pools are closed to the general public but open to sport federations and associations with approved ministerial plans. Most municipal sporting facilities are multi code facilities used by a variety of codes and clubs and this should be factored in when compiling safety plans for the respective venues.
Take note that neither the compliance nor the policing of compliance to the conditions set out for the return to sport is the responsibility of the George Municipality and includes, but is not limited to, the amount of people allowed on the premises, screening and sanitation of those involved, the wearing of masks etc.
Enquiries Gerald de Villiers 044 801 9488/gdevilliers@george.gov.za

Community Development offices behind the Main Building are open on weekdays 7.45am-4.30pm. Contact 044 802 2000 or ejcorner@george.gov.za

The municipality continues to support 129 municipal soup kitchens. Strict social distancing and hygienic practices apply. Emergency essential social services enquiries 072 693 3488.

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

All libraries are open with protocols in place. Opening hours remain reduced and admittance to the George Main Library remains by appointment only, while community libraries are access-restricted based on the amount of people inside the library according to the size of the facility.
A new service is available in which patrons can select books via the online library portal (see details below) and email a list of materials they want to loan. Librarians will make up piles of available materials and arrange a time for collection. You can also phone your librarian to inquire about a book-by-phone service.
Library services remain limited as follows:
Issue and return of books.
Ten books per library member for lending period of a month at a time.
Admittance to adults and children older than 12.
Children’s section is closed to children, but adults can take out books on behalf of children.
Research and reference services arranged by phone and/or email.
Internet services – preference given to pre-booked patrons, maximum two people at any given time.
Study area limited in compliance with regulations.
Wearing of masks and sanitising of hands are compulsory.
Your temperature will be taken before entering the library area, no admittance if it is 37.5C and higher.
Library materials handed in will be quarantined for 72 hours as per national and Western Cape safety standards and plastic covered materials wiped with sanitiser before being made available for loan.
Avontuur Library: 044 752 3351 avontuurbiblioteek@gmail.com – Monday 12pm-3pm, Tuesday 11am-2pm, Wednesday and Thursday 10am-1pm.
Blanco Library: 044 870 7047 gmblancobib@gmail.com – Monday to Friday 9am-4pm
Conville Library: 044 801 9320 Jrhode1@george.gov.za – Monday 9am-4pm
George Library: 044 801 9288 mluyenge@george.gov.za – Monday to Friday 9am-4pm, Saturday 9am-12pm
Haarlem Library: 044 763 1023 shonisemichels@yahoo.com – Monday, Thursday and Friday 2pm-5pm, Tuesday and Wednesday 2pm-5pm
Noll Library: 044 745 1014 dieprivierprim@gmail.com – Monday and Wednesday 12pm-3pm, Saturday 9am-12pm
Pacaltsdorp Library: 044 803 9340 pacsbib@george.org.za – Monday to Friday 9am-4.30pm
Thembalethu Library: 044 803 9260 xakortman@george.gov.za – Monday to Friday 9am-4.30pm
Touwsranten Library: 044 803 9285 touwsbib@george.org.za – Monday to Friday 9am-4pm
Uniondale Library: 044 752 1024 fortuinelton@yahoo.com – Monday to Friday 10am-4.30pm
Waboomskraal Library: angiefigeland@gmail.com – Monday to Friday 10am-2pm
George Municipality library portal link: wc.slims.gov.za/desktop/desktopwcgeplge
You can search online according to author, title, subjects, keyword, publisher or ISBN number.
Type in your library number on your card to check your library materials status including due date and opportunity to renew your books yourself.

CORPORATE SERVICES
Records are open to the public weekdays 8am-4pm unless otherwise announced as per temporary Covid-19 measures.
Central Records Main Building: 044 801 9286/9431/9125/9178
Building Plan Records (corner York and Progress Streets) 044 801 9367
Emergency Records Queries Only: Timothy Craak 082 459 4522

Area offices are open to the public on weekdays 8am-3pm and contactable by phone until 4.30pm as per below list unless otherwise announced as per temporary Covid-19 measures. After-hours emergencies to 044 801 6300.
Covid-19 protocols are in place and thresholds apply as to how many people are allowed into each applicable building.
Services available at area offices and service points include reporting essential services faults such as water and electricity problems, all other municipal complaints, account inquiries, indigent applications, housing waiting list enquiries, property valuation roll queries and general inquiries.
Blanco: 044 803 9275
Conville: 044 803 9261
Pacaltsdorp: 044 803 9286
Protea Park: 044 801 9111 ask for extension 2796 (Tuesday, Thursday)
New Dawn Park: 044 801 9111 ask for extension 2797
Rosedale: 044 803 9295
Rosemoor: 044 801 9379 (Monday, Wednesday, Friday)
Touwsranten/Wilderness/Kleinkrantz: 044 803 9280
Thembalethu: 044 801 9448

Thusong Centres reception are open weekdays 8am-3pm, but other departments’ tenants are open as per their usual individual office hours.
Waboomskraal Thusong Centre: 044 886 0040
Thembalethu Thusong Centre: 044 801 9448
After hours emergencies: 044 801 6300

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

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

HUMAN SETTLEMENTS
Human Settlements administration offices are open to the public weekdays 7.45am-4pm. Covid-19 protocols are in place and only two people are allowed into the foyer at any given time.
For basic services (water and sanitation in informal areas) queries and complaints in informal settlements please contact 044 802 2003.
For assistance with emergency structures following disaster (fire, flooding etc) please phone 044 802 2029.
Queries and complaints for water leakages and sewerage complaints (indigent cases)can be reported at the office on above times, but preferably by phone on 044 801 9210/9994/9453 or pshelane@george.gov.za or ddlouw@george.gov.za

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

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

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

Land use applications
Submit Land use applications: town.planning.application@george.gov.za
Town Planning Complaints: town.planning.complaints@george.gov.za
Land use applications can be submitted as per instruction sheets on website. See ‘Covid 19 Level 1 Land Use Applications Submission Guidelines – March 2021’ and ‘Public Participation Instructions Covid 19 Level 1 – March 2021’ on the link https://www.george.gov.za/george-documents/land-use-applications/land-use-submissions/
Enquiries land use applications as below:
Erven and farm portions ending with an even number (i.e. 0, 2, 4, 6, 8): Primrose Nako 044 801 9416 pnako@george.gov.za
Erven and farm portions ending with an odd number (i.e. 1, 3, 5, 7, 9): Marina Welman 044 801 9171 mhwelman@george.gov.za

Building Control
Building plans can be submitted online. See https://www.george.gov.za/planning-development/building-control/ for more information.
Building Control General enquiries: 044 801 9019 / 044 801 9370 / 044 801 9166
Building Control Complaints: building.control.complaints@george.gov.za
Request for existing building plans (Registration Department):
Phindiswa Lingani: 044 801 9370 pmlingani@george.gov.za
Sinazo Moshani: 044 801 9019 smoshani@george.gov.za
Musa Dyakop: 044 801 9166 mdyakop@george.gov.za
Status on building plan approvals: Vasti Laws: 044 801 9509 vnlaws@george.gov.za
Andrea Griessel: 044 801 9502 agriessel@george.gov.za
Please contact Building Inspectors directly during office hours:
James Vollenhoven: 076 823 0412
Fuzisa Siguba: 083 949 8651
Erasmus Supra: 083 675 4472
Illegal activity: Nolan Noemdoe 083 757 3717

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

Economic Development
Cathedral Square office is open to the public 9am-4pm, strict protocols apply.
Business queries: Joan Shaw 081 412 9995
Other queries: 044 801 2820 bduplessis@george.gov.za
Worker Collection Point is open to the public, strict protocols apply.
Worker Collection Point, food gardens and informal traders enquiries:
Amy Kearns 044 801 9173 / 073 621 0099 akearns@george.gov.za

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

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

George Tourism
Open to the public weekdays 8.30am-4.30pm, strict protocols apply.
044 801 9295 info@visitgeorge.co.za
Wilderness Tourism
Open to the public weekdays 8.30am-4.30pm, strict protocols apply.
044 877 0045 info@visitgeorge.co.za

FINANCE
The Finance Hall in the Main Building is open to the public weekdays from 8am-3.30pm.
Covid-19 protocols are in place and only six people are allowed inside the Finance Hall at any given time.
Estimated waiting time is 20 minutes depending on the type of queries of the customers ahead of you in the queue.
While electronic payments are recommended (see details below), the Finance Hall is open for account payments in addition to municipal account queries, opening of accounts, new connections, duplicate accounts, arrangements on arrears, indigent applications etc.
Printed municipal accounts are being issued every month. If you have not received your account by the due date of the 15th of each month, please contact us to forward an email copy or pay your monthly average amount. Online accounts via email have not been affected by lockdown. If you want to receive your account via email please mail a request to accounts@george.gov.za.
Ratepayers are requested to use one of the below-mentioned methods to make payments.
Accounts can be paid via electronic transfer (EFT – see details below), via pay@ mobile applications (see details below) and at Pick n Pay, Checkers, Shoprite, USave and SPAR.
Please take your most recent available account statement with you so that the shop can access the bar code that connects your payment to your GRG account number.

Meter readings
Online submissions of water meter readings are welcomed and can be provided via the below email address along with the accountholder’s name, contact details and GRG account number.
Please note that meter readings are done per area at different times of the month and it is important that your meter reading email is submitted around the same time as your area’s reading time. Please check the date of the previous reading at the bottom of your account to determine your meter reading slot. A new service provider, Electro Cuts, has commenced water meter reading services for George Municipality
Consumers must please note the change in email address to meterreadings@george.gov.za.
Enquiries: accounts@george.gov.za

Bank Details for electronic payment (please note bank details changed 1 December 2020)
The old account is being phased out so please amend as soon as possible. For now it is still active and payments made so far will have been received.
If you have a debit order on your account, details will automatically be updated. If you have created an account for online banking, please delete the old account and create a new one with the details as below.
First National Bank (FNB)
Account Type: Public Sector Cheque Account
Account Name: George Municipality
Account Number: 62869623150
Branch Code: 210554
Swift Code: FIRNZAJJ
Reference: your GRG account number
Proof of payment to be sent to payments@george.gov.za

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

Prepaid electricity purchases
www.prepaid24.co.za
https://home.ontec.co.za
www.ipay.co.za
The electricity token is automatically sent to the client via SMS or email.
Mobile apps belonging to banks also have a pre-paid electricity purchase function.
For prepaid enquiries please contact 044 873 5474.
General enquiries to accounts@george.gov.za or 044 801 9111.
Please provide your GRG account number with all enquiries.
Please note that limited assistance is available as personnel may be working offline.
Credit Control enquiries: 044 801 9111

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

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

Distributed by George Municipality Communications Department

MEDIA STATEMENT: Update on Ebb and Flow Water failure

 

The George Municipal 35 000 litre water tanker is stationed at the Superette in Touwsranten and is being used to refill the five water tankers currently servicing Hoekwil and Touwsranten.

 

The Civil Engineering Department has been battling a pipeburst which started on Wednesday 14th April when the bulk watermains burst near the Wilderness Water Treatment Works. The repairs have either burst elsewhere  along the pipeline or couplings failed due to the high pressure required to force the water uphill through the system.

The current repair site is located at Ebb and Flow on the bridge. The team are working with very old steel pipelines which are no longer manufactured or kept in stock. The repair team has attempted to modify couplings and manufacture gaskets to facilitate the repair, but due to the variable high pressures and unstable ground conditions, the HDPE pipes are not holding with the couplings repeatedly failing.

A permanent solution to the repairs entails the manufacture and assembly of the full length of the failed sections in steel. The work entails the cutting and assembling of precise lengths of steel piping, including a number of specific sized bends and modified or new manufactured couplings. The manufacturing will be completed as quickly as is possible and is estimated at half a day. Following manufacture the new steel piping will need to be installed and tested before the system can become fully operational again.

 

The site of the pipeline failure at Ebb and Flow Bridge has been secured in preparation for the installation of the new manufactured steel pipes tomorrow.

 

 

George Municipality apologizes for the inconvenience and continues with the operation of water tankers to alleviate the water outage.
Water tankers will remain in Touwsranten and Hoekwil until 21h00 tonight and return to site Monday morning by 06h00.

Currently the George Municipal 35 000 litre water tanker has been placed at the Touwsranten Superette  and which will be used to refill the five water tankers currently in operation in both areas.

The water tankers are  stationed at
1. Mountain View Street / Begonia Street;
2. Adonis Street;
3. Jasper Street;
4. Thyz Jacobz Retirement Village (Church Street, Hoekwil) ;
5.  Denneboom Street (roaming).

A smaller civils vehicle will be moving through the streets to ascertain where the water tankers must be moved to as the need arises.
Queries must please be directed to our after -hours number 044 801 6300.

 

Kariba Weed management ongoing at Garden Route Dam

Kariba Weed management on the surface of the Garden Route Dam is going well and remains ongoing.

George Municipality Superintendent Parks and Recreation Priscilla Burgoyne said chemical and biological treatment since February was very successful. “The weed at the Kat River continues to die off. This takes time, so the visual presence of dying weed gives the incorrect impression that it is not under control. We are satisfied with the control of this section for now.

“Our integrated Kariba Weed management plan should be completed this month. The plan is currently being developed with the help of aquatic specialist Dr Jackie Dabrowski and will comprise biological control, manual removal and spraying when necessary. We will be connecting with other departments in the hope of securing funding and assistance for measures including the installation of a floating boom at the Kat River entrance into the dam to further curtail spread.

“There are plans for distribution of another set of weevils this month at the Swart River entrance to the dam where an increase of live plants has been spotted. The weevils had proven highly successful where they had been introduced in the Kat River earlier this year and we continue to work with the researchers from the Aquatic Weeds Programme at the Rhodes University Centre for Biological Control (CBC) in this regard. A site has been identified at the Garden Route Botanical Gardens for the establishment of a weevil biocontrol station, funded by the CBC, where students will be keeping weevils for the purpose of ongoing treatment of Kariba Weed in the Garden Route dam where necessary. Work on the construction of the biocontrol station will start next month (May 2021).

The municipality will pursue as many controlling measures as possible and takes into consideration contributing factors such as inevitable contamination from nearby built-up areas and human habitation. “We are hopeful that general pollution and associated phosphate levels will remain minimal and Kariba Weed will decrease to negligible pockets that are easily managed,” said Ms Burgoyne.

The municipality reported in March that weevils of the species Cyrtobagous salviniae were released mid-February 2021 at the Kat River inlet into the dam and near the dam wall where most of the Kariba weed occurred. Upon follow-up investigation, studies confirmed a 91% infection uptake. Since the weevils eat the plant, a significant reduction in the amount of dead plant material is expected once the weevils have established. During a visit to the infection sites at the time, the CBC indicated that the infestation was not a concern as the surface coverage was proportionally small compared to overall size of the dam and could be effectively addressed with a few interventions.

“The municipality reiterates that this matter is well in hand, is being addressed by learned experts in their fields, and that there is no current threat of oxygen depletion or eutrophication as had been speculated,” said Ms Burgoyne.

Local author launch his book in celebrating World Book day

Local author launch his book in celebrating World Book day

A local blind author, Richard Albertse, will be launching his book “Vision: The story of a seeing blind man” on the 8th of May at George Library as part of World Book Day that is celebrated officially on the 23rd of April. The launch will start at 10h00. The book was recently published by the National Library of South Africa’s Centre for the Book.

According to Rachel Williams, Manager: George Libraries, is the book a novel packed with adventure, comedy, romance and drama. It depicts the life of a person who had to cope with the reality of slowly losing his eyesight. Albertse said about the book, “the reader will discover in the pages of this book inspiration and courage to tackle and better overcome life’s more difficult challenges. The book is a relaxing read. It also makes a fine gift.”

Albertse is a blind and a long-time standing member of the SA Library for the Blind in Grahamstown. “I so enjoy reading books. If I say read, of course I mean listen to. The Grahamstown library has volunteers who read books that are captured in audio on compact disk. The library then lends out these “books” to their members – members that consist of people who cannot read normal print.”

“After winning the follow-up prize in a short story writing competition (Sunbeam in Voices of Disability) in 2015, I embarked on writing a short novel depicting the story of my life (a person who had to learn to cope with gradually losing his sight), he says.

After completing the book, he came to hear of a competition by the National Library of South Africa’s Centre of the Book where one author a year stands a chance of winning a grant to have his/her book published by them. So three years ago he submitted his work and won the grant. First there was a budget problem, then there were the restrictions of Covid-19, but finally his book was published early this year.

Albertse and his wife Riana, moved to George in 1988. He and his wife are both blind and they have a son, a daughter-in-law, and a beautiful granddaughter. He tells of how he and his wife met in school, fell in love and got married in 1981.

Albertse is a telephone switchboard operator at ABSA. “Lord-willing, this year October I will be 40 years at the bank. On my desk at work are 3 computers that are furbished with screen readers. I manage 16 branches’ calls,” explains Albertse. He says his wife cooks, bakes, cleans the house, does the washing, iron and mend clothing. She knits jerseys and looks after their two dogs and three pet birds. Albertse says he keeps the paving clean, he enjoys doing gardening and carpentry, and can fix almost anything. They love to listen to music and they both play different musical instruments. He says they make use of the latest technology to their advantage – technology that’s affordable to them.

If the public wants to attend please RSVP to richard.albertse@absa.africa before 23 April 2021 or contact Elmine Vorster at George Library on evorster@george.gov.za for more information.

Photo: Richard Albertse

George Municipality’s Poster Making Competition for schools – Deadline extended

George Municipality’s Poster Making Competition for schools on Energy Sustainability – Deadline for application extended

George Municipality has decided to extend the deadline for application for the POSTER MAKING COMPETITION on the topic of Energy Sustainability with schools, to 23 April. Primary and High Schools are invited to take part in the competition. The idea is for learners to reflect their understanding of Energy Sustainability in the poster.

According to Thabo Yiga from the Electrotechnical Services Directorate, who is spearheading the campaign with other interns in the Directorate, they have received interest from schools, during the past week. Although, most schools still needed more time to get ready for the competition, since public schools were busy with exams and other schools have been on an Easter holiday break.

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

The rules of the competition are as follows, the poster should be accompanied by a half page paragraph of text, explaining the message conveyed by the poster. The maximum number of learners allowed to take part in making the poster is 10 learners per school with the aid of 2 teachers. Primary Schools will be competing with each other, as will the High Schools, for fairness. For planning purposes, all schools wishing to participate must please reply by 23 April 2021. A non-response from a school will be interpreted as not interested.

The selection criteria for the winning poster is as follows: (a) does the message conveyed show the learners understanding of the topic, and is it factually correct? (b) is the poster neat, organised and well presented?

The finished poster can be dropped off at the George Municipality Electrotechnical Services Office in 16 Brick Road, George Industria, 6529. Alternatively, the schools can call the judges on the following numbers 044 801 9255 / 044 801 9221 and the poster entries will be collected. Please ensure that each poster is clearly marked on the back with the name of the school, name of the teacher, name of the pupil, age of the pupil and grade as well as the contact details for the school. Unmarked posters will unfortunately not be judged.
The closing date for the competition is the 21st of May 2021.

George Municipality will retain the posters on completion of the competition. Enquiries about the competition can be send to Thabo Yiga on tyiga@george.gov.za

The Electrotechnical Directorate will provide basic poster making materials to those schools that require it. This will be A3 poster papers, coloured pens and pencils and glues. Schools who already have the materials or want to use any other materials are allowed to do that. The winning school will receive a prize to the value of R5 000, and the winning poster will be advertised in the George Herald Newspaper. All participating learners will receive goody bags as tokens of appreciation.

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