press-release

In the photo above: Elethu Ntazini and Asisebenzele Josias live in Lawaaikamp and travel by bus to Pacaltsdorp Secondary School. GO GEORGE communication champion Janell Gelant helped them understand how different routes can take them to school and home.

Elethu Ntazini en Asisebenzele Josias woon in Lawaaikamp en ry bus na Pacaltsdorp Sekondêre Skool toe. GO GEORGE-passasiersdiensbeampte Janell Gelant het hulle gehelp om te verstaan hoe verskillende roetes hulle skool toe en huis toe kan neem.

After a successful programme last year, GO GEORGE has embarked on another round of school visits, familiarising grade 8 learners who take the bus to school with their different route options. Senior learners also use this opportunity to learn how to use the network of routes and fixed schedules to their advantage.

School children are an important component of passengers using the GO GEORGE bus service daily.
“Although most know their route to school, those who start high school this year might not be aware of the different routes and transfers available to get them to their new schools,” says Morné Lakay, Acting GO GEORGE Manager. “We see learners waiting at bus stops, hoping to get onto a bus that might already be full by the time it reaches them, while another more convenient route is available on our network that connects the different areas in town.”

A unique map depicting the different options available to school and back home has been created for each school and is being handed out and explained to the young passengers at bus stops near the schools or during group visits to the school. These maps can also be downloaded from the GO GEORGE website at www.gogeorge.org.za/school-routes.
Any schools that would like to request a visit from the GO GEORGE communications team can leave a message at the Call Centre by phoning 0800 044 044. The Call Centre agents are also well-informed and equipped to assist passengers with trip planning.

CAPTIONS:

Jonah Wolhuter and Steven Uithaler are learners at Van Kervel School. GO GEORGE communication champion Ferdie Geduld helped them plan their trips to school and back home.

Theahandre Holland was surprised by the different options of travelling to Outeniqua High School, as explained by GO GEORGE communication champion Khadija Luangula.

Tyron Jeyi, GO GEORGE Community Liaison Officer, explained to the grade 8 learners at Heatherlands High School how the bus system works and how the network of routes allows passengers to travel from any area in town to their destination by transferring between routes.

Ends

AFRIKAANS
GO GEORGE help leerders om die beste roete te beplan

Ná ‘n suksesvolle program verlede jaar het GO GEORGE nog ‘n rondte skoolbesoeke aangepak om graad 8-leerders wat bus ry skool toe vertroud te maak met hul verskillende roete-opsies. Senior leerders gebruik ook hierdie geleentheid om te leer hoe om die netwerk van roetes en vaste skedules tot hul voordeel te gebruik.
Skoolkinders is ‘n belangrike komponent van passasiers wat daagliks van die GO GEORGE-busdiens gebruik maak.
“Hoewel die meeste hul roete skool toe ken, is die leerders wat vanjaar met hoërskool begin dalk nie bewus van die verskillende roetes en oorklimpunte wat beskikbaar is om hulle by hul nuwe skole te kry nie,” sê Morné Lakay, waarnemende GO GEORGE-bestuurder. “Ons sien leerders wat by bushaltes wag en hoop om op ‘n bus te klim wat dalk reeds vol is teen die tyd dat dit hulle bereik, terwyl nog ‘n geriefliker roete op ons netwerk beskikbaar is wat die verskillende areas in die dorp verbind.”
‘n Unieke kaart wat die verskillende opsies skool toe en huis toe uitbeeld, is vir elke skool geskep en word by bushaltes naby die skole of tydens groepbesoeke aan die skool uitgedeel en aan die jong passasiers verduidelik. Hierdie kaarte kan ook afgelaai word vanaf die GO GEORGE-webwerf by www.gogeorge.org.za/school-routes.
Enige skole wat ‘n besoek van die GO GEORGE-kommunikasiespan wil aanvra, kan ‘n boodskap by die inbelsentrum laat deur 0800 044 044 te skakel. Die inbelsentrumagente is ook goed ingelig en toegerus om passasiers met ritbeplanning te help.

BYSKRIFTE:
2.
Jonah Wolhuter en Steven Uithaler is leerders aan die Van Kervel-skool. GO GEORGE-passasiersdiensbeampte Ferdie Geduld het hulle gehelp om hul ritte skool toe en terug huis toe te beplan.
3.
Theahandre Holland was verras deur die verskillende opsies om met die bus by Hoërskool Outeniqua uit te kom, soos verduidelik deur GO GEORGE-passasiersdiensbeampte Khadija Luangula.
4.
Tyron Jeyi, GO GEORGE-gemeenskapskakelbeampte, het aan die graad 8-leerders by Hoërskool Heatherlands verduidelik hoe die busstelsel werk en hoe die netwerk van roetes passasiers toelaat om van enige gebied in die dorp na hul bestemming te ry deur tussen roetes oor te klim.

Einde

Alderman Leon van Wyk Executive Mayor of George

George Municipality has issued numerous media releases over the past week about the recent busy and successful tourism season. We had anticipated an influx of visitors as we commenced our season preparedness meetings in late September. This was our third season of daily meetings to ensure planned law enforcement, safety, care and clean beach facilities, management of traffic and creating a welcoming environment for our visitors over the 6-week peak. This programme is now running smoothly with many of these meetings being completed in less than 30 minutes.

The NSRI were excellent in managing the lifeguard program with our incident command vehicle regularly being stationed at Dolphin’s Point to keep a watchful over the entire Wilderness beach with the aid of its cameras and drone. We need to thank the full municipal and support team for their excellent, friendly service and dedication to ensure a safe and well-functioning season.

The managed and safe environment enabled tourism sector providers to conduct their business. While we are still gathering accurate statistics about the season, it is evident that accommodation establishments, restaurants, activity, and other service providers had a successful season. Our domestic visitors came from across the country and stakeholders noted a marked increase in international visitors.

The economy in the 2023 year was relatively tough for most citizens; nevertheless, we have seen shifts towards online business trading and more markets that popped up. It was noticeable how some tourism operators successfully adapted their offerings, being more agile to produce pleasing results relative to other providers.

In tracking air travel movements, it would appear that passenger movement through George Airport compared well with Cape Town’s (positive) passenger arrivals taking into account the relative size differential. Throughout most of the key peak period, there were 12 flights per day landing from Johannesburg with a daily carrying capacity of 1700-1800 visitors arriving in the Garden Route. One airline had 3 aircraft departing from Johannesburg by 07h30 each morning.

As statistics for the recent holiday period become available, analysts will examine whether holidaymakers have preferred visits to the Western Cape in preference to KwaZulu-Natal where pollution has been impacting the quality of seawater. During 2023, it became evident that many municipalities in other parts of the country were struggling to maintain sustainable standards of service delivery.

Since late November, George has received requests to provide assistance to Knysna Municipality on an ad hoc basis to deal with refuse removal and its transfer to landfill facilities and to provide tankers to deliver water to communities where network failures have occurred. Our advice has been that a comprehensive recovery plan needs to be formulated for Knysna and supported by the administration, council and residents to address and remedy these shortfalls.

Early in December, we were pleased to be informed that we had been placed in 7th position nationally in the Blue Drop Water ratings for excellence in water quality and related systems. Over the last few years, George has been re-building its ratings amidst the combination of pipeline breakages and flood-rated damage, water usage that is often exceeding water treatment capacity and the substantial construction underway to expand treatment capacity by 50%. Since 2021, there has been considerable investment in technology as part of the renewal of ageing infrastructure. These efforts will assist us as we constantly strive to improve.

We extend our best wishes to all residents for 2024.

Alderman Leon van Wyk
Executive Mayor of George

In the photo: Bird’s-eye-view of Wilderness beach, with popular paragliders soaring overhead

George experienced a bustling holiday season, particularly from 22 December 2023 to 3 January 2024, with accommodation levels reaching 80% to full occupancy. Shorter stays, around 4 to 5 days, were common, with increased domestic visitors from major cities like Gauteng, Cape Town, and Gqeberha. International visitors also showed growth, pleasing tourism stakeholders. The Local Tourism Bureau, comprising George, Wilderness and Uniondale Tourism were delighted to receive mostly positive feedback from tourism businesses about how the festive season is going for their businesses.

Reflecting on the recent festive season, Executive Mayor Alderman Leon van Wyk expressed satisfaction with George’s tourism performance. “Comparatively, the Garden Route region fared well, aligning with the success seen in Cape Town. Daily flights and passenger numbers reflected similar positive trends, with accommodation levels consistently above 80%, often reaching full capacity,” Mayor van Wyk said.

Mayor van Wyk credited the success to the innovative approaches of participants in the tourism sector and the Municipality’s thorough preparedness for the tourist season. “What we’ve also seen is that those providers who have been able to be adaptive, agile and have novel ideas, have done extremely well. We as the Municipality have also prepared very well for our tourism season and that has certainly helped in giving a pleasurable experience,” he added.

George Tourism conducted a WhatsApp poll with local tourism members, representing restaurants, activities, accommodations, and tour operators. Sixty per cent (60%) of respondents indicated they were busier than last year and 37% said business was similar to last year, with only 3% indicating that business was quieter than the previous season.

The Outeniqua Powervan, a tram-train trip from the Transnet Transport Museum up the Outeniqua Mountains, reported a bumper season. According to Directors Vivia and Charl Marais, they were fully booked from 11 December until this Saturday, 13 January 2024. It has been such a pleasure helping locals and visitors enjoy the history of our rails and the beauty of our mountain. We transported 32% more passengers than last December and unfortunately had to turn many, many more people away due to capacity.

Some outdoor adventure operators reported they generally had a good season but that late December wet days slowed down their numbers. Feedback from restaurants was mixed – with some restaurateurs continuing to do exceptionally well, and others reporting fewer feet and spend per head. A tour and transfers operator remarked that the roads were the busiest they’ve ever experienced, creating delays, and the Garden Route to Cape Town trip was particularly busy, even on the traditionally quieter times like Christmas. Laetitia Kotze, owner of the popular Boerevintage Gift Market at Redberry Farm, said they received a remarkable 44 000 visitors over 15 trading days. Several tourism stakeholders remarked that they were back to pre-Covid figures.

By extracting data from software that aggregates information from top Online Travel Agent (OTA) platforms, the Tourism office reported an average occupancy of 77% across George Municipality from 15 December 2023 until 09 January 2024. The best-performing dates on these OTA platforms, where occupancies exceeded 80%, were from 23 December 2023 until 03 January 2024. Twenty-nine December was the crème de la crème, recording the highest average occupancy for the season – at 88%. More good news followed when it was calculated that the destination’s average occupancy had increased by 5% compared to the same period last year. These statistics exclude trade and direct bookings, and through anecdotal feedback, it seems that accommodation was mostly full.

Domestic tourism is still king, with 47% of visitors to the George municipal area originating from within South Africa. The top 5 domestic source markets were Cape Town, Johannesburg, Centurion, Pretoria and Gqeberha. 43% of December visitors were from an international source market, predominantly travellers from Germany, the United Kingdom, and the United States. The average reservation window for December was 80 days, with an average length of stay of 4 days. There were also 62 more properties recorded in December than the previous year, and 118 more properties in January, across OTA platforms measured.

The OTA data also shows that George slightly outperforms its neighbouring Garden Route towns, as well as Hermanus, in terms of occupancy for December 2023. However, Plett, Knysna and Hermanus have more properties on Airbnb.

George’s Tourism office team were out and about over the festive season, distributing tourism information to travellers to help them find things to do, as well as promotional items. “Thank you to the Outeniqua Family Market, the Africa Skills George Tens Festival, as well as the George Airport for hosting the George, Wilderness and Uniondale Tourism Info team over the festive season. This was a great service to travellers and the community, who could pick up tourism maps, brochures, and other information conveniently while exploring the area,” says Joan Shaw, Tourism Manager. Tourism info activations also took place at various beaches across the municipal footprint.

“Additionally, a big thank you to our local private sector stakeholders for providing timely feedback. We appreciate your prompt responses in helping us to obtain a sense of what is taking place during the season beyond the accommodation statistics the office subscribes to”, adds Shaw.

The Wilderness Visitor Information Centre opened slightly later at 09:30 and closed at 18:00 while operating from 11:00 until 15:00 on Saturdays and public holidays. For those planning their next vacation, or still on holiday, get in touch with George, Wilderness and Uniondale Tourism or go to visitgeorge.co.za for more information.

• GEORGE TOURISM 124 York Street, George Central, George, 6529 | +27 44 801 9295 | info@visitgeorge.co.za | FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM
• WILDERNESS TOURISM 198 George Road, Wilderness, 6560 | +27 44 877 0045 | info@visitwilderness.co.za | FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM
• UNIONDALE TOURISM Virtual assistance | +27 44 518 0030 | info@visituniondale.co.za | FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM

The George Municipality looks at the festive season wrap in numbers during the Festive Season period from the beginning of December to 8 January 2024.

BLUE FLAG STATUS

EMERGENCY SERVICES STATISTICS

NON-ALCOHOL CAMPAIGN STATISTICS

FIREWORKS BAN ENFORCEMENT

JOINT TRAFFIC SERVICES

PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT SERVICE DELIVERY STATISTICS

While many municipalities across the country closed during the festive period, George Municipality stood out by keeping its offices open, ensuring continuous service delivery to citizens and businesses. The decision to remain open allowed the municipality to respond effectively to various cases and maintain essential services.

STATISTICAL INFORMATION FOR TOWN PLANNING

GO GEORGE OPERATIONS DURING FESTIVE SEASON

Amidst the diligent efforts of emergency personnel, law enforcement agencies, municipal officials, and stakeholders during the festive season, the George Municipality highlights some lighter moments that added a touch of humour and positivity to the bustling period:

• One notable lighter moment was the innovative ways people devised to hide alcohol while visiting the beaches. Alcohol was found smuggled onto the beaches, including hiding it between food, clothing, camping equipment, and on their bodies.
• Seagulls made an unexpected appearance, chasing a drone operated by a member of the public who assisted in spotting six sharks on Saturday.
• Dolphins unexpectedly joined lifeguards in their rescue efforts, swimming alongside them in the waves.
• In an unexpected turn of events during the festive season, law enforcement officials encountered a few spirited individuals running nude in the streets on their way to the midnight swim in Herolds Bay.

The George Municipality expresses hearty appreciation for the recognition of its hard work by the public and visitors. Positive feedback received on various social media platforms from residents, businesses, and visitors includes:

• “These ablutions are beautiful” – a visitor commenting on the public toilets at Leentjiesklip Beach
• “An enormous THANK YOU again to the teams involved for the dedication and hard work that went into making the season feel safe and welcoming. It makes Wilderness a very attractive December destination and a huge benefit to us all.”
• A Facebook Reel featuring a visitor’s positive impressions of the beach, lifeguards, security, and clean facilities. https://www.facebook.com/reel/2174446229585768 Kom maak ‘n draai as jy lus is vir ‘n lekker dag op die strand. Hier is lewensredders en sekuriteit. Die toilette lyk goed en die strand is mooi skoon. Sien juller hier. (English: Come and have a look if you feel like a nice day on the beach. There are lifeguards and security here. The toilets look good and the beach is pretty clean. See you here).

“The municipality is pleased to have achieved its goal of ensuring consistent service delivery during the busy festive period and maintaining the efficient functioning of George,” said Dr. Michele Gratz, the Municipal Manager of George.

NSRI lauded the successful management of this past festive season

A notable highlight of the Festive Season Monitoring Committee and operations was the successful collaboration with SANParks and the National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) Wilderness. Michael Vonk, Chief Executive Officer of the George Regional Hospital and Station Commander for National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) Station 23 lauded the successful management of this past festive season, which was one of the busiest in recent years.

“The close collaboration, teamwork, and partnerships between all role players to ensure the necessary preventative measures were in place, along with a coordinated emergency response were extremely effective in limiting the number of serious incidents on our beaches. Particularly, local law enforcement officials for their rigorous approach to curbing alcohol use on the beaches, together with lifeguards who work long days during the season are to be commended for their tireless efforts in keeping our beaches safe for the public to enjoy,” Vonk said.

Jonathan Britton, Senior Section Ranger for the Wilderness National Park, expressed appreciation for the focused collaboration with the Municipality, contributing to the overall success of the festive season. “SANParks actively participated in the George Municipality-led collaboration that underpinned and guided all planning and operations to ensure that Wilderness is a safe and attractive destination for our visitors and residents. The holiday season in Wilderness sees an influx of visitors spending their holidays enjoying the attractions of the National Park that is interwoven with the town of Wilderness,” Britton said.

“To create a safe and attractive holiday destination in an open-access National Park requires an integrated and collaborative approach between various role players and stakeholders to achieve these objectives. Law Enforcement Officials and SANParks Rangers in Wilderness worked side by side to achieve this common goal. The result of this focused collaboration could be seen in the many visitors and their families enjoying all the attractions and creating lasting memories in Wilderness. We look forward to building on the successes of the past season to have an even more successful season in 2024/2025,” Britton concluded.

George Municipality’s Headquarters

While many municipalities across the country closed during the festive period, George Municipality stood out by keeping its offices open, ensuring continuous service delivery to citizens and businesses. The decision to remain open allowed the municipality to respond effectively to various cases and maintain essential services.

In the Human Settlement Division, seven emergency fire cases and one natural disaster case were addressed during December 2023. Assistance was provided to three families in accordance with the approved Emergency Accommodation and Assistance Policy. Five other affected families were informed about outstanding documentation needed for assistance. No Breaking New Ground (BNG) houses affected by fires were reported for December 2023.

The Planning Development Compliance Section remained active, addressing both new and existing complaints, updating matters, and conducting follow-up inspections. Three meetings with attorneys were held to discuss current cases, and three new matters were referred to the legal section. Inspections for land use contraventions numbered 21, resulting in nine notices served to landowners. Six consultations were held with property owners who received notices to discuss the way forward in their matters.

Statistical Information for the Town Planning Division from December 1 to December 21, 2023:
• Building plans processed: 251
• Approved building plans: 119 (110 residential, 9 non-residential)
• New applications in circulation: 60 (56 residential, 4 non-residential)
• Certificates of Occupancy issued: 70 (61 residential, 9 non-residential)
• Building Control inspections conducted: 117 (6 commencement, 18 drainage, 2 ad hoc, 91 completion)
• Complaints addressed by Building Control: 27

The George Municipality remains dedicated to delivering efficient services and ensuring the well-being of its

Law enforcement officials and beach monitors detected and confiscated the alcohol to ensure the safety of beachgoers

George Municipality has successfully upheld its strict no-alcohol policy on beaches, confiscating a total of 395 litres of alcohol valued at approximately R 31,000 this festive season. Despite individuals attempting innovative methods to smuggle alcohol to the beaches, including hiding it between food, clothing, camping equipment, and on their bodies, law enforcement officials and beach monitors detected and confiscated the alcohol to ensure the safety of beachgoers. All confiscated alcohol has been handed over to the South African Police Service (SAPS) for proper disposal.

A collaborative effort involving Neighbourhood Watch Groups, Private Security Companies, SANPARKS, NSRI, Community Police Forums, and SAPS contributed to ensuring community safety during the festive season. Additionally, the Department of Forensic Pathology Services for George provided the armbands to Law Enforcement, allowing for the inclusion of details about relatives in case of separation from children.

Fireworks Ban Enforcement
George Municipality maintained a complete ban on the ignition of fireworks, firecrackers, flares, paper lanterns, and similar items in the municipal area. A total of 331 visits were conducted to various retail outlets, resulting in the confiscation of an estimated R 1500 worth of fireworks. The municipality acknowledges and appreciates the adherence of retail outlets to applicable regulations, as reflected in the decline in the value of fines and confiscations compared to the previous year.

On the photo with the Executive Mayor of George, Ald Leon van Wyk the GO GEORGE communication champion and mascot Georgie joined by the municipal team at the mayoral roadblock welcoming visitors to the town.

GO GEORGE continued to provide uninterrupted services throughout the holiday season, with special provisions for extended trips catering to shoppers and employees at the Garden Route Mall and Eden Meander shopping centres, where extended business hours were implemented.

Statistics for December 2023 reveal a significant increase in GO GEORGE bus trips, with a total of 480,854 trips recorded. This marks a notable uptick of 10% compared to the 430,799 trips registered in December 2022.

Throughout the festive season, the GO GEORGE Communication Champions, Call Centre Agents, and other frontline staff remained on duty to assist passengers with information on bus schedules and route planning. The team actively supported first-time bus users, visitors, and individuals with special needs, ensuring they could use the bus service effectively. Notably, passengers in Thembalethu were able to access the bus service for the first time since its introduction to the suburb in November.

In addition to their operational duties, the GO GEORGE communications team played a crucial role in supporting events hosted by the Municipality. They shared information about the bus service with the public, including passengers and visitors, at the annual festive welcome roadblock of the Executive Mayor and the Festival of Lights held in Pacaltsdorp.

Throughout the festive season, traffic officials managed high-pressure points

The concerted efforts between George Traffic Services and the Western Cape Provincial Traffic have once again contributed to a safer festive season in George. Active patrolling of all municipal areas, regular vehicle checkpoints focusing on drunk driving, and managing traffic flow at congested intersections were among the key strategies employed.

Traffic services prioritized critical intersections such as N2/Victoria Bay, Garden Route Mall, Knysna Road exit ramp to Mossel Bay, N2/Station Road (Wilderness), N2/Caltex (Wilderness), N2/Sanparks, and N2/Salinas. Additionally, they regulated traffic on provincial roads surrounding the local airport due to increased flights.

Temporary road signs and traffic cones were strategically placed at hazardous locations to ensure compliance and prevent illegal parking, obstruction, or encroachment on roadways. Each beach had designated areas for Drop and Go, with staff deployed to assist in various capacities.

Throughout the festive season, traffic officials managed high-pressure points, regulated traffic on Nelson Mandela Boulevard and Sandkraal Road during Thembalethu/N2 bridge construction and provided support for funeral escorts and various events within George.

During this period, 38 vehicle accidents were attended to, including 10 with injuries and one fatal incident. Traffic officials issued 413 notices for various traffic and vehicle offences, carried out 32 impoundments, and collected fines totalling R151,100.

To enhance road safety, the Vehicle Testing Station offered free 10-point checks before long-distance travel, with seven motorists taking advantage of this opportunity. The same service will be available from 8th to 12th January 2024 at the Vehicle Testing Station on Hibernia Street from 08:30 to 15:30.

George Municipality Celebrates Blue Flag Success and Beach Maintenance

Wilderness Main Beach, Herold’s Bay Beach, and Victoria Bay proudly retain their full Blue Flag status until 31 January 2024, while Leentjiesklip maintains its Pilot Blue Flag status throughout this festive season. The Blue Flag designation signifies compliance with international standards, ensuring high levels of water quality monitoring, public safety, lifeguard services, and well-maintained coastal amenities.

Despite the challenges posed by a storm surge in September last year, extensive repairs were completed, including the construction of a new walkway in Herold’s Bay, showcasing the municipality’s commitment to maintaining and enhancing its beach infrastructure.

Municipal beach cleaning teams demonstrated dedication by working from 06:00 until 21:00 on numerous nights to guarantee pristine beaches. Their efforts extended to keeping beach ablution facilities in excellent condition, despite heavy usage. Additionally, the Central Business District (CBD) cleansing teams ensured the town remained clean and inviting for all visitors.

The George Municipality takes pride in these achievements and remains committed to providing residents and visitors with clean, safe, and well-maintained coastal environments.

Zero fatalities at George beaches despite a busy period

This festive season concludes with emergency services celebrating a commendable achievement – zero fatalities at George beaches despite a busy period with thousands of visitors, particularly at popular spots like Herold’s Bay and Victoria Bay.

The mobile Joint Operational Centre and the Fire Brigade drone were strategically deployed, showcasing the effective use of technology for sea condition assessments, shark spotting, locating missing persons, and rescue operations. This collaboration between George Municipality and the National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) proved highly beneficial in enhancing safety measures.

Emergency services reported a total of 849 preventive actions, 7 non-fatal drownings, and 63 rescues, with rip currents accounting for 36% of rescue incidents. The NSRI Lifeguards, NSRI volunteers, and other emergency personnel at various beaches managed 46 first-aid incidents and provided 13 emergency medical assistance services during the festive season.

The NSRI, contracted by George Municipality, oversaw professional lifeguards deployed at Gwaing Beach, Herold’s Bay, Victoria Bay, Wilderness Leentjiesklip, Steps, Wilderness Main, and Conville Public Swimming Pool daily throughout the season. Their collaborative effort resulted in zero fatalities on George beaches in December.

The George Municipal Emergency Services were equally busy addressing fires across parts of George. The Fire Brigade responded to 9 formal structure fires, 19 informal structure fires, 34 veld fires, 2 building fires, 4 motor vehicle fires, 26 motor vehicle incidents, and 10 other emergency incidents.

Cornelius Barnard, Chief Fire Officer and Disaster Management in the George Municipality, expressed pride and gratitude for the swift responses that led to saving lives. The successful outcomes in preventing drownings and controlling fires underscore the commitment and dedication of the emergency services to the George community and its visitors.

George Municipality Showcases Commitment to World-Class Service Delivery

The George Municipality has once again underscored its dedication to providing high-quality service delivery to both citizens and visitors during the recent festive season. A Municipal-led multi-stakeholder Festive Season Monitoring Committee, conducting daily meetings from December 1, 2023, to January 8, 2024, played a central role in planning and evaluating operations throughout the festive season.

Attended by municipal and external stakeholders such as NSRI, SANParks, and others, the daily committee meetings aimed to assess available resources, identify potential risks, and implement action plans to address these risks, ensuring a smooth experience for holidaymakers. The municipality’s objective was to maintain consistent service delivery during this bustling period, keeping George running efficiently.

Alderman Leon van Wyk, the Executive Mayor of George, expressed commendation for the tireless efforts of officials in ensuring effective service delivery during the festive season. He extended gratitude to all municipal departments, stakeholders, fellow councillors who dedicated their time to monitor the festive season, and Municipal Manager Dr Michele Gratz for her exceptional leadership.

With the new academic year starting next week, parents’ transport schedules will take on the regular frenzy of dropping off and picking up their children at school. Parents of learners who use the GO GEORGE bus service to get to school are encouraged to help their children get equipped in time.

It is important to get a GO GEORGE Smart Card, load enough trips before schools start, and not wait until they have no trips left before topping up again. The Smart Card should be treated with the same care as any bank card or cash; if it gets lost, trips on the card cannot be refunded or transferred to a new card.

Check expiry date on card

Learners who already have Smart Cards should check the expiry date on the front of the card.

Similar to bank cards, GO GEORGE Smart Cards expire every five years.  A batch of cards expired at the end of December 2023. Those with expired cards should buy a new card (R35) before schools start or use another existing card in their possession that is still valid. Trips can be transferred from an expired card to a new or valid existing card.

Smart Cards can be bought at any of the GO GEORGE Smart Card kiosks at the Transport Hub in Cradock Street, Blanco Triangle, Garden Route Mall and Nelson Mandela Boulevard in Thembalethu. Two mobile kiosks are scheduled to rotate service between the Protea terminus in Pacaltsdorp, the Eve bus stop in Rosedale, Cheap Foods in Nelson Mandela Boulevard near the entrance to Parkdene, and the Jonga circle in Thembalethu. Feel free to phone the Call Centre on 0800 044 044 for the exact mobile kiosk location at a specific time.

School route maps

GO GEORGE communication champions will be present at the bus stops near high schools during the first few weeks of the school term to hand out route maps and inform learners about the different routes to school. Unique maps depicting the different options available to school and back home have been created for each school. These maps can also be downloaded from the GO GEORGE website by visiting www.gogeorge.org.za/school-routes.

Learners are advised to discuss the best boarding time, route and transfers with the champions. In most cases, there will be different options to avoid full buses during peak times.

To request an on-site visit and direct engagement from GO GEORGE, schools are welcome to phone the GO GEORGE Call Centre on 0800 044 044 or send an email to info@gogeorge.org.za.

CAPTION:

Taking the bus to school is a safe and reliable mode of transport for learners.

AFRIKAANS:

MAAK GEREED OM VEILIG BUS TE RY SKOOL TOE

Met die nuwe akademiese jaar wat volgende week afskop, begin ouers se uitdaging met dol vervoerskedules om hul kinders by die skool af te laai en op te tel. Ouers van leerders wat van die GO GEORGE-busdiens gebruik maak om by die skool uit te kom, word aangemoedig om hul kinders te help om betyds alles hiervoor gereed te kry.

Dit is belangrik om ‘n GO GEORGE-slimkaart te kry en genoeg ritte te laai voordat skole begin, en nie te wag totdat leerders geen ritte oor het voordat hulle weer herlaai nie. Die Slimkaart moet met dieselfde sorg as enige bankkaart of kontant hanteer word; as dit wegraak, kan ritte op die kaart nie terugbetaal of na ‘n nuwe kaart oorgedra word nie.

Hou vervaldatum op kaart dop

Leerders wat reeds slimkaarte het, moet die vervaldatum voor op die kaart nagaan. Soortgelyk aan bankkaarte, verval GO GEORGE-slimkaarte elke vyf jaar.  ‘n Bondel kaarte het einde Desember 2023 verval. Diegene met kaarte wat verval het, moet ‘n nuwe kaart (R35) koop voordat skole begin of ‘n ander bestaande kaart in hul besit wat steeds geldig is, gebruik. Ritte kan van ‘n vervalle kaart na ‘n nuwe of geldige bestaande kaart oorgedra word.

Slimkaarte kan by enige van die GO GEORGE-slimkaartkiosks by die vervoerkern in Cradockstraat, Blanco-driehoek, Garden Route Mall en in Nelson Mandela-boulevard in Thembalethu gekoop word. Twee mobiele kiosks gaan dienste roteer tussen die Protea-terminus in Pacaltsdorp, die Eve-bushalte in Rosedale, Cheap Foods in Nelson Mandela Boulevard naby die ingang van Parkdene, en die Jonga-sirkel in Thembalethu. Skakel gerus die inbelsentrum by 0800 044 044 vir die presiese ligging van die mobiele kiosks op ‘n spesifieke tydstip.

Skoolroetekaarte

Go GEORGE-passasiersdiensbeamptes sal gedurende die eerste paar weke van die skoolkwartaal by die bushaltes naby skole wees om leerders in te lig oor die verskillende roetes skool toe. Unieke kaarte wat die verskillende opsies skool toe en terug huis toe uitbeeld, is vir elke skool geskep. Hierdie kaarte kan ook afgelaai word vanaf die GO GEORGE-webwerf deur www.gogeorge.org.za/school-routes te besoek.

Leerders word aangeraai om die beste opklimtyd, roete en oorklimhaltes met die passasiersdiensbeamptes te bespreek. In die meeste gevalle sal daar verskeie opsies wees om vol busse tydens spitstyd te vermy.

Om ‘n besoek op die skoolterrein en direkte skakeling met die leerders aan te vra, is skole welkom om die GO GEORGE-inbelsentrum by 0800 044 044 te skakel of ‘n e-pos na info@gogeorge.org.za te stuur.

BYSKRIF:

Busvervoer is ’n veilige en betroubare manier vir leerders om by te skool te kom.

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).

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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.