press-release

In the photo: Beach monitors

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Karin Haremse explaining the bronze sculpture of the boat.

 A poem by Colleen Venter on chapter eight.

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

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

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

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

Season’s greetings to you all.

Alderman Leon Van Wyk

Executive Mayor: George Municipality

Burgemeester Feesseisoenboodskap

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

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

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

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

Seisoengroete aan julle almal.

Raadsheer Leon Van Wyk

Uitvoerende Burgemeester: George Munisipaliteit

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

A buzzing of people at the stalls at the event.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

On ladder Kaelyn Haffern and in front Jemma Kelly.

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

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

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

Attitude change

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

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

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

Awareness activities

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

AFRIKAANS OP VOLGENDE BLADSY

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MAAND VIR BEWUSMAKING VAN GESTREMDES

GO GEORGE fokus op houdingsverandering onder busgebruikers

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

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

Houdingsverandering

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

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

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

Bewusmakingsaktiwiteite

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

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

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

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

In the photo above: Pieces of new stainless-steel pipes transported to the Garden Route Dam and offloaded.

George Municipality has awarded a construction contract for the upgrade (enlargement) of the raw water suction supply pipe from the intake tower in the Garden Route Dam to the two raw water pumpstations. The work will be completed by July 2024 and will not impact recreational activities around the dam for most of the construction duration including the festive season. There will be a short period of time next year when the contractor will do some upgrading off the approach road to the parking area and the public will be notified timeously when that occurs.

The construction on site has started with delivery of the new 800 mm diameter stainless steel pipes and installation of a crawl beam in the tunnel under the dam wall. The current raw water supply pipe is an aged 600 mm diameter asbestos-cement pipe, which requires upgrading to cater for the additional capacity required in future years. The new pipe will have a capacity of 1200 litres per second, which will be able to supply both pumpstations and allow them to operate simultaneously. The pumpstations will then in future be able to pump up to 100 million litres of raw water per day to the balancing dams and water treatment plants to supply in the medium to long term future potable water demand for George.

During the construction period, involving the removal of the old existing pipe and installation of the new stainless-steel pipe, the raw water supply to the pumpstations will be pushed through an existing adjacent pipe, which will be connected to the pumpstations through a new cross-connection. After completion of the installation of the new stainless steel supply pipe, this existing adjacent pipe will be closed off from the tower intake and pumpstations and be returned to function as a dedicated dam scour pipe. The adjacent pipe can also be used in emergencies. The project also includes other minor upgrades to the access and surrounds of the dam and pumpstations to improve various safety aspects.

Photos:

Pieces of new stainless-steel pipes transported to the Garden Route Dam and offloaded.

Workers busy with the crawl beam installation. It is used to remove the 3-meter old pipeline pieces and in turn also used to bring in and move the stainless pipe pieces to where they need to be installed. The installation is permanent and is also being done with safety measures in mind.

Pieces of new stainless-steel pipes transported to the Garden Route Dam and offloaded.

Workers busy with the crawl beam installation. It is used to remove the 3-meter old pipeline pieces and in turn also used to bring in and move the stainless pipe pieces to where they need to be installed. The installation is permanent and is also being done with safety measures in mind.

The Rosemoor route was one of the first to roll out in December 2014. Today, 34 bus routes serve communities all over town over a distance of 145 km.

Celebrating nine years of service to the community of George, there is an extra bounce in the step of all GO GEORGE stakeholders this year, sparked by the long-awaited addition of Thembalethu to the list of communities that can enjoy the service.

Nine years ago on 8 December 2014, the bus service rolled out four routes with 14 beautiful buses that caught the eye and made residents’ hearts beat proudly as the long, shiny bodies drove down the streets of George. Eight months later, 35 minibuses with hydraulic hoists for wheelchairs were added to the fleet. The minibuses were designed and built especially for GO GEORGE and remain the only public service minibuses in South Africa that have this feature.

Today the bus service is operated over 145 km on 34 routes with 54 standard buses, 33 midibuses and 35 minibuses traversing the streets of George and enabling residents to travel to work and school as well as to medical and community services and shops throughout town. A total of 97 buses are operational during peak hours, with a specified number of backup buses and buses undergoing routine maintenance or repairs at the depot.

Gradual roll-out to Thembalethu
The service to Thembalethu is being rolled out gradually to accommodate the traffic challenges on the Thembalethu/N2 bridge. The first route, between Thembalethu and Blanco, was introduced on 5 November and was welcomed with great excitement and gratitude by the residents of Thembalethu. Altogether 30 028 trips were undertaken on this route in November alone.
Announcements about which routes come next will be made when the construction work on the bridge and other factors allow.
“We are very proud of everything we have achieved thus far,” says GO GEORGE Acting Manager, Morné Lakay. “But this year, we are mostly grateful to have rolled out to Thembalethu. Even though we activated only one route, the Thembalethu residents now believe that we are determined to include them in the benefits offered by this affordable, scheduled transport service.”

More people travel by bus
Aside from the expansion to Thembalethu, it is clear that people increasingly choose the bus service as their means of transport.
Last year, GO GEORGE carried 41 581 passengers during Black Friday weekend. This year, the weekend saw 43 998 boardings. The average weekday trips have also increased over the past year, from 17 635 in November 2022 to 19 979 last month – an increase of more than 2 000 trips per day.

“This trend is gratifying since, besides offering benefits to our passengers, public transport also aims to alleviate the impact of toxic exhaust fumes on the environment. When we encourage George residents to make use of the bus service – even if they own a car – we explain this as the environmentally friendly choice,” Lakay said.
For more information about the bus service, the GO GEORGE Call Centre is operational from 05:00 until 20:00, seven days a week, and can be called toll-free on 0800 044 044.

GO GEORGE vier nege jaar diens aan die gemeenskap 

Met die viering van nege jaar se diens aan die gemeenskap van George is daar vanjaar ‘n ekstra huppel in die stap van alle belanghebbendes by GO GEORGE, aangevuur deur die langverwagte byvoeging van Thembalethu op die lys van gemeenskappe wat die voordeel van die busdiens kan geniet.
Nege jaar gelede op 8 Desember 2014 het die busdiens vier roetes uitgerol met 14 pragtige busse wat oë laat rek en harte trots laat klop het wanneer die lang, blink lywe in die strate van George afry. Agt maande later is 35 minibusse met hidrouliese hystoestelle vir rolstoele by die vloot gevoeg. Die minibusse is spesiaal vir GO GEORGE ontwerp en gebou en is steeds die enigste minibusse in openbare diens in Suid-Afrika wat oor hierdie fasiliteit beskik.
Vandag word die busdiens oor 145 km op 34 roetes bedryf met 54 standaardbusse, 33 midibusse en 35 minibusse wat die strate van George deurkruis en inwoners in staat stel om werk en skool toe as ook na mediese- en gemeenskapsdienste en winkels oral in die dorp te ry. Altesame 97 busse is in bedryf tydens spitstye, met ’n bepaalde aantal rugsteunbusse en busse wat roetine-onderhoud of herstelwerk ondergaan in die depot.

Geleidelike uitrol na Thembalethu
Die diens na Thembalethu word geleidelik uitgerol om die verkeersuitdagings op die Thembalethu/N2-brug te akkommodeer. Die eerste roete, tussen Thembalethu en Blanco, is op 5 November geaktiveer en is met groot opgewondenheid en dankbaarheid deur die inwoners van Thembalethu verwelkom. Altesaam 30 028 ritte is net in November op dié roete onderneem.
Aankondigings oor watter roete(s) volgende aan die beurt kom, sal gemaak word wanneer die konstruksiewerk op die brug en ander faktore dit toelaat.

“Ons is baie trots op alles wat ons tot dusver bereik het,” sê GO GEORGE se waarnemende bestuurder, Morné Lakay. “Maar vanjaar is ons grotendeels dankbaar dat ons na Thembalethu kon uitrol. Al het ons net een roete geaktiveer, glo die Thembalethu-inwoners nou dat ons vasbeslote is om hulle in te sluit by die voordele wat hierdie bekostigbare, geskeduleerde vervoerdiens bied.”

Al hoe meer mense ry bus
Afgesien van die uitbreiding na Thembalethu, is dit duidelik dat mense toenemend die busdiens as hul vervoermiddel kies.
Verlede jaar het GO GEORGE 41 581 passasiers tydens Swart Vrydag-naweek vervoer. Vanjaar is daar oor dié naweek 43 998 ritte onderneem. Die gemiddelde ritte per weeksdag het ook die afgelope jaar toegeneem, van 17 635 in November 2022 tot 19 979 verlede maand – ‘n toename van meer as 2 000 ritte per dag.

“Hierdie tendens is verblydend aangesien openbare vervoer – tesame met die voordele aan ons passasiers – ook daarop gemik is om die impak van giftige uitlaatgasse op die omgewing te verlig. Wanneer ons inwoners van George aanmoedig om van die busdiens gebruik te maak – selfs al besit hulle ‘n motor – verduidelik ons dit as die omgewingsvriendelike keuse,” het Lakay gesê.
Vir meer inligting oor die busdiens kan die GO GEORGE-inbelsentrum tolvry geskakel word op 0800 044 044, met agente aan diens van 05:00 tot 20:00, sewe dae per week.

ONDERSKRIF:
Die Rosemoor-roete was een van die eerstes wat in Desember 2014 uitgerol is. Vandag is daar 34 busroetes wat gemeenskappe regoor die dorp oor ’n afstand van 145 km bedien.

As we enter our busy holiday period, readers will probably have noticed the preparations being made to ensure that our visitors have a pleasant stay. From the beginning of December, there is a daily season preparedness meeting to ensure that all our services function optimally. Once again, we are enduring loadshedding and doing our best to operate within these constraints. This year beachgoers will notice that we have partnered with the NSRI who will be managing the teams of lifesavers on duty at our beaches.

Over the past couple of weeks, George has been called upon to assist Knysna Municipality where difficulties have been experienced by the municipality in transporting refuse to the regional landfill site and in providing water to households where there have been supply interruptions. This has meant that we have sent in some of our refuse compactors and water tankers to assist a neighbouring municipality.

George takes enormous pride in ensuring that our core services function effectively and that when repairs are necessary, they are undertaken in the fastest possible time with the proviso that the applicable faulty parts can be sourced rapidly.

Readers may be interested to note that the Western Cape Government has recently released the MERO report for 2023-24 for the province which is the Municipal Economic Review and Outlook.
This report follows the Census 2022 report which has revealed that the Western Cape’s population has grown to 7,4 million with the City of Cape Town at 4,8 million people. The substantial increase in population has raised the demand for basic services, housing, education, and health services. George as well as the Province will be addressing these challenges in the coming months. While unemployment has decreased, it is evident that the informal sector is largely responsible for job growth.

In terms of the Gross Domestic Product per Region (“GDPR”), the Cape Metro, George and Drakenstein are the biggest contributors to growth with George growing at an estimated 3,3% in 2022. The GDPR for the Garden Route for 2021 is R57,3 billion with George at R22,8 billion or 40% of the region and 3% of the Province. The 2022 population of George at 294929 is 35,2% of the region’s 838457 persons. As of 2021, there is an indication of 73193 persons being in employment with an estimated job gain of 4650 for 2022.

It is interesting to note that in respect of the regional tourism performance bed-nights occupied in 2022 had recovered to 72,9% (13,32m) for the Cape Metro when compared to pre-Covid-19 in 2019, whereas in the Garden Route, the recovery was at 74,7% (6,8m).

Readers interested in obtaining the full report are welcome to email mayor@george.gov.za

Ald Leon van Wyk
Executive Mayor of George

Above photograph of Veronique Ferndale who will be performing at the Pacaltsdorp Lights Festival.

The George Municipality wishes to confirm that Pacaltsdorp Lights Festival programme will run from 18h00 to 20h00 on Sunday, 10 December 2023, and the line-up of artists will focus on the spirit of Christmas with well-loved Carols.

Map of the road closures at Pacaltsdorp Lights Festival.

The T.B.C group

Zintle Langa

Geraldo Lewis

Accompanied by members of his MAYCO from left back, Cllr Nosicelo Mbete, Cllr Brendan Adams, Mr Bent Nicolajsen (Danish Liberal Democracy Programme), Cllr Johan Stander, Cllr Christiaan Neethling and Cllr Johan Du Toit. Front row Chief Whip Marlene Viljoen, Rebecca Carter Smith, NSRI Lifeguard Operations Manager and Adam Helling, NSRI Lifeguard Area Manager, Ald Van Wyk hoisted the blue flag to cheers.

The Executive Mayor for George, Leon Van Wyk made a quick stop in Herold’s Bay on Friday 1 December to officially hoist the first Blue flag of the season assisted by Bent Nicolajsen, from the Danish Liberal Democracy Programme.

Ald Van Wyk had just finished with a site visit to the George 1 MW Solar Plant and the Outeniqua Wastewater Treatment Works with Mr Nicolajsen. After a pleasant stop in the sunshine at Herold’s Bay, the itinerary continued with a visit to the Denneoord Water Treatment Works and the George Fire Station and Control Room.

The day ended with a visit to Redberry Farm. Mr Bent Nicolajsen is the project manager for the Danish Liberal Democracy Programme, a programme funded by the Danish Government that promotes democracy and coalitions. Mr Nicolajsen made a short visit to George to view some of our infrastructure and to gain a better understanding of George as intermediate city. The Executive Mayor, Leon Van Wyk was a participant on a recent study tour to Denmark which focussed on energy and coalitions and was led by Mr Nicolajsen.