press-release

The Community Services Directorate, division Community Safety has developed a new by-law relating to the use of Remotely Piloted Aircraft and Model Aircraft in Public Open Spaces and Streets.

DRAFT NEW BY-LAW Relating to the Use of Remotely Piloted Aircraft and Model Aircraft in Public Open Spaces and Streets

In terms of the by-law a “model aircraft” means a heavier-than-air aircraft of limited dimensions, with or without a propulsion device, unable to carry a human being and to be used for competition, sport or recreational purposes rather than unmanned aeronautical vehicles (UAV) developed for commercial or governmental, scientific, research or military purposes, and not exceeding the specifications as set by the Federation Aeronautique Internationale as more fully described in the Schedule hereto.

The municipality has a duty to promote a safe and healthy environment for all its residents and to protect municipal property. The municipality therefore adopts this by-law to regulate and manage the operation of remotely piloted aircraft which is operated from a remote pilot station (drone)  and model aircraft in all public places and streets in the municipal area and to regulate behaviour that endangers or is likely to endanger municipal property or members of the public.

The municipality is proposing an application process be followed for permission (issue of permit) and this process considers the potential impact on bird- or wildlife; safety of users of public places or streets; potential damage to municipal property; noise disturbance; weather conditions; compliance with the Regulations; or any other criteria the municipality may find necessary to consider.

https://www.george.gov.za/george-doc-categories/documents/bylaws-and-regulations/protection-services/

PUBLIC PARTICIPATION DETAILS for COMMUNITY SERVICES DIRECTORATE – COMMUNITY SAFETY SERVICES
Written comments to the intention of the Municipality as outlined above, if any, must be lodged at:  via mail to reach Ms Lee-Anne Meiring, Community Safety, P.O. Box 19, George, 6530 before 12 June 2023; or via e-mail with subject line “Comment to Community Safety By-laws” to lmeiring@george.gov.za and copied to post@george.gov.za

Any person who is unable to write, can submit their input, verbally to the Council’s offices where they will be assisted by a staff member to put their comments in writing. Enquiries can be directed to Ms Lee-Anne Meiring (044- 801 6350).

The month of May is International Internal Audit Awareness Month and the Internal audit professionals play an important role in raising awareness and elevating the Internal Audit (IA) profession. Therefore, it is an ideal opportunity to showcase The George Municipality’s Internal Audit Team and the value-adding Role of Internal Audit.

The Municipality’s internal audit has taken up the challenge to launch an awareness campaign as part of the celebrations. According to JP Rossouw, the George Municipality’s Chief Audit Executive, the Municipal IA has been engaging its stakeholders and has also collaborated with the Municipal communication and media office to create content that will be published on the municipal social media platforms throughout the month of May in celebration of International Internal Audit Awareness month.

“The George IA Team is truly proud to be associated with such an amazing profession. Being able to Add Value and improve processes of the municipality should be one of the key drivers for young South Africans to choose a career in internal audit,” Rossouw said.

Below, Rossouw explains the purpose of Internal Audit, motivates why young South Africans choose a career in internal auditing, simplifies internal audit for someone who has never studied internal audit and introduces George Municipality’s Internal Audit team.

Purpose of Internal Audit

The George Municipality’s internal audit activity aims to provide independent, objective assurance and consulting services designed to add value and improve the municipality’s operations. The internal audit activity helps the municipality accomplish its objectives by bringing a systematic, disciplined approach to evaluate and improve the effectiveness of governance, risk management, and control processes.

To elaborate on the functions and importance of Internal Auditing, we have used this opportunity to showcase our Internal Audit Team and the Role of Internal Audit within the municipality with some frequently asked questions.

Why should young South Africans choose a career in internal auditing?

Internal Auditing is a very exciting career. One where you can change any organisation’s direction by improving efficiency and effectiveness based on internal audit observations and recommendations. You get exposed to all aspects and levels of a business, making Internal Audit a perfect development environment for other strategic management positions.

Internal Auditors assist management to address the business’s high strategic risks and assist the organisation to achieve their goals and objectives. We act as Change Catalysts to initiate and manage strategic and procedural change by providing assurance, advice, and insight at Board and Organisational levels.

How would you define internal audit to someone who has never studied internal audit?

All organizations have goals and objectives. However, there are risks/ events that will hamper the organisation in achieving those goals and objectives. That is why the organisation institute various controls in place to govern and manage those risks and processes. Now Internal Audit assists organizations to achieve those goals and objectives.

We do this by providing a comprehensive service (what we call assurance and advisory services) to add value and improve the organization’s processes. This is done by assessing and reviewing the organization’s risks, controls, and governance processes. We are independent and impartial in providing these services. (Independence is maintained by a dual reporting line: administratively to the Accounting Officer and functionally to the Council / Audit Committee).

The Internal Audit Activity strives to provide value-added service to an organisation by providing workable and sustainable solutions.

George Municipal Internal Audit Team: 

• Jean-Pierre Rossouw (Chief Audit Executive)
• Heybré Ellis (Manager: Internal Audit)
• Zimasa Bulo (Senior Internal Auditor)
• Kloper Mabunda (Internal Auditor)
• Natacha Martins (IA Intern)
• Xolisile Sotushe (IA Intern)
• La-Chuney Jansen (Admin Intern)
• Sinovuyo Robile (Admin Intern)

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CAPTION: From Left: Zimasa Bulo (Senior Internal Auditor), Natacha Martins (Intern: Internal Audit), La- Chuney Jansen (Intern: Internal Audit), Sinovuyo Robile (Intern: Internal Audit), Jean-Pierre Rossouw (Chief Audit Executive), Heybré Ellis (Manager: Internal Audit), Xolisile Sotushe (Intern: Internal Audit) and Kloper Mabunda (Internal Auditor).

The Western Cape Government (WCG) on Friday, 12 May 2023 held a Strategic Integrated Municipal Engagement (SIME) with the George Municipality in the George Council Chambers.

This follows the completion of the assessment of the George Municipality’s tabled budget, Integrated Development Plan (IDP), Spatial Development Framework (SDF) and related documents. The province’s assessment of the municipality was discussed during the SIME engagement as well as a strategic discussion on key developmental priorities over the medium term.

During the discussions with the Provincial representation, the George Municipality was represented by the Executive Mayor, Alderman Leon van Wyk, the Portfolio Councillor for Financial & Strategic Services Dirk Wessels, George Municipal Manager Dr Michele Gratz, Chief Financial Officer Riaan du Plessis and senior management from various Municipal Departments.

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As part of the ongoing tasks of our management team to consistently deliver services of a high standard, there are also the ongoing challenges of electricity and the creation of an enabling environment for the economy.

We continue to experience 4 hours of loadshedding at Stage 6. In the last week we experienced damage to electrical installations caused by loadshedding resulting in prolonged outages requiring repairs to electrical installations. At one stage, an Eskom sub-station tripped in the early evening creating additional difficulties for households. Of major concern is the spiking caused by excessive loads on the municipal grid and the risk of the entire network tripping. To protect the municipal grid and to avoid exceeding the maximum capacity of our main sub-stations, George’s Electro-tech team is forced to switch on zones one by one. The charging of batteries by consumers is no doubt adding to this pressure. We do require the assistance of citizens to exercise discipline in not turning on geysers and appliances in the first half-hour after a loadshedding period to avoid tripping the grid.

Over the past couple of years discussions have taken place with CapeBPO, a strategic partner of Wesgro to explore the prospects of Business Process Outsourcing businesses opening offices in George. CapeBPO has attracted overseas companies to the Western Cape to set up operations to offer contact centre services for companies and their customers located elsewhere in the world. The industry is particularly attractive to young persons, often in the 25 and younger age group, to receive training and employment in a sector that already employs 50000 persons in Cape Town.

One of these global analytics and digital solutions companies that services the insurance, healthcare, banking and financial services industries is about to open offices in George that will then service clients in the United States and elsewhere. This US based company is already a big employer in Cape Town and will therefore add to the diversity of employment opportunities in George.

We have received a high-level presentation on the Western Cape Growth for Jobs Strategy 2023-2035. The target is to achieve a R1 trillion inclusive economy growing at 4-6% per annum in partnership with the private sector.

To achieve this objective, we need to create opportunities through enabling the economic environment, stimulating market growth and supporting growth opportunities.

Over the first three year period this means driving economic opportunities through investment, stimulating market growth through exports and domestic markets, increasing energy resilience and water security, promoting technology and innovation, improving infrastructure and connectivity, as well as improving access to the economy and employability.

The strategy includes the tripling of revenue from the exports of goods, services and tourism by 2035.

The George Municipality is pleased to announce the appointment of Dawie Adonis as the Director of Community Services with effect from 1st May 2023. The Community Services Directorectorate incorporates two components; the environmental services which comprise solid waste, environmental health, refuse removal, street cleaning & ablution, parks & recreation, and sports. The second component of the directorate’s responsibility is community Safety which includes traffic services, law enforcement, fire, rescue and disaster management, anti-land invasion and customer care.

The Malmesbury-born Adonis comes with 39 years of local government experience from various municipalities across the Western Cape and occupied a range of different positions. His first job in local government dates to 1984 as a Housing Clerk for the Malmesbury Municipality, now known as Swartland Municipality and thereafter joined the Saldanha Municipality as Housing Officer in 1988.

In his pursuit of growth and better work opportunities, Adonis joined the management echelon of the local government in 1994 as Town Secretary, of the then-disestablished Caledon Municipality. In 2001, he was appointed Director of Corporate Services at Theewaterskloof Municipality (TWK). He played a pivotal role in the historic amalgamation of seven disestablished municipalities into one and developed an organisational structure without any external support.

Adonis’ vast experience in local government includes serving in different municipalities such as Langeberg Municipality (Ashton, Robertson), Knysna Municipality, Cederberg Municipality and Overberg District Municipality holding various positions from manager of human settlements, Manager of Parks and Recreation, Director of Community Services to Municipal Manager between 2001 to 2023. Adonis’ experience is backed by an Honours Degree in Public Administration and a Diploma in Public Accountability.

“Local government is my passion. I spent my entire working life serving communities. As a senior manager at George Municipality, I will strive to take the Directorate of Community Services to a level of excellence and responsiveness when executing our service delivery mandate,” said Adonis.

Adonis is an ardent motorsport enthusiast and keen golfer in his leisure time. He is married and has two children.

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Following a number of incidents of unauthorised cutting and pruning of trees by residents where the trees are located on municipal land, the George Municipality’s Parks and Recreation department and the George Tree Committee would like to communicate details of George Municipality Tree Management Policy for public awareness. According to Nosidima Vumindaba, Manager: Parks and Recreation, George Municipality has a Tree Management Policy that is a guide to a uniform approach for the management of trees. The municipality strives to manage trees in a professional manner under the guidance of skilled professionals.

Tree Management Policy

The Tree Management Policy regulates the protection, planting, and removal of trees by ensuring an integrated city-wide approach based on sound arboriculture practices. Integrated spatial development frameworks and service level agreements between Municipal Directorates to prevent unnecessary damage to trees during construction works or related activities. Vumindaba says the tree management policy seeks to develop partnerships with suppliers, property developers, ratepayers’ organizations, environmental groups (and others) to promote tree planting and the importance of trees within the urban context and promote the protection of arboreal landscapes, tree lanes and tree avenues of heritage significance.

She said the tree management strives to improve understanding and awareness of the importance of lifecycles of trees within the habitats and environments found in George, including their contribution to reducing the Municipality’s carbon footprint, together with oxygen production.

Tree Removal according to the Tree Management Policy:

• The premise that underpins the management of trees in George is that all trees are valuable and therefore any request or decisions for removal of trees need to be carefully considered on a case-by-case basis by the Parks and Recreation section.
• No person may prune or remove a tree planted on Municipal land without prior authority from the Parks and Recreation Department. In the event of a person or persons being guilty of such an act, the municipality may impose the necessary fines as a result of contravention.
• Trees declared as a protected species in terms of the Forest Act, 1998 (Act 84 of 1998) may not be pruned or removed without the permission from the Ministery of Forestry Fisheries and the Environment.
• In order to prevent unnecessary damage to trees during construction work, all developers and utility companies/contractors should obtain a wayleave from Parks and Recreation prior to commencing construction work.
• Pruning or removal of all trees on municipal property shall be done by Parks and Recreation or its appointed service providers. In the event of a person or persons being guilty of such an act, the municipality may impose the necessary fines as a result of contravention.

The municipality has also noted the ongoing destruction of Camphor trees through bark stripping especially in forested areas. Bark stripping damages the tree and might expose the trees to insect diseases. Harvesting of bark of the Camphor trees located on municipal land is illegal. The George Municipality urges the community to immediately report any suspicion of unauthorized cutting , pruning of trees and harvesting of barks of trees to the Parks Department.

For further information you can make contact with the Parks and Recreation department on 044 802 2900 or email nvumindaba@george.gov.za

DRAFT WATER SERVICES BY-LAW TO RESTRICT THE USE OF WATER

The purpose of the Water Restrictions by-law is to regulate and restrict the use of potable water in the George Municipal Area.  South Africa’s status as a water-scarce country is reflected in the formulation of our legislative framework pertaining to water. This legislation has placed emphasis on water scarcity and the effective management of national resources coupled with the need to rectify historical inequalities and promote justice and equity in the availability and use of water resources.

The three principal sources of national water legislation are the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa Act 108 of 1996, the National Water Act 36 of 1998 and the Water Services Act 108 of 1997. The executive power to deliver water services falls, in terms of the Constitution, on local government. The statutory legislative framework for effective management of local government consists of the Local Government: Municipal Structures Act 117 of 1998, the Local Government: Municipal Systems Act 32 of 2000 and the Local Government: Municipal Finance Management Act 56 of 2003.

The Water Restriction by-law provides a mechanism for the George Municipality to secure, control, manage and protect our highly valued water resources.  Minor amendments were made and the By-law deals with the restriction of the supply of water services under certain circumstances, measures for the promotion of water conservation and the procedure to institute such restrictions. One of the Water Restriction “triggers” is linked to dam levels and other raw water resources in terms of the Drought Management Policy that is currently under review (as part of the Bulk Raw Water Resources Study update/review). This policy allows the introduction of water restrictions for any number of valid reasons. The Tariff Policy will also be amended in 2023/24 to remove any reference to a specific cause as related to the Emergency Tariffs.

DRAFT WATER AND SANITATION BY-LAW
The purpose of the Water and Sanitation bylaws are to regulate the provision of water and sanitation services in the area of jurisdiction of the George Municipality and to provide for matters connected therewith.  South Africa’s status as a water-scarce country is reflected in the formulation of our legislative framework pertaining to water. This legislation has placed emphasis on water scarcity and the effective management of national resources coupled with the need to rectify historic inequalities and promote justice and equity in the availability and use of water resources. The executive power to deliver water and sanitation services falls, in terms of the Constitution, on local government.

The Water and Sanitation by-law provides a mechanism for the George Municipality to secure, control and manage water and sanitation services within the sphere of local government as highlighted above.  Some of the improvements entail the following:

The amended by-law makes provision for improved water quality control and will ensure that potable water distributed for consumption will comply with the standards as prescribed in SANS 0241. The amended by-law also allows for the testing of defective water meters. If a consumer has reason to believe that a water meter is defective, he or she may apply in writing to the Municipality to have the meter tested free of charge. Many more improvements on the existing water and sanitation bylaw were made by officials and representatives of the George Municipality.

NEW DRAFT PUBLIC TRANSPORT BY-LAW
The Public Transport By-Law is an important new addition to Council’s By-Laws which sets out to better regulate and manage matters related to all modes of public transport, including minibus taxis and buses. The by-Law deals with matters such as the use of public transport infrastructure, controlled facilities, administrative matters, as well as conditions related to the behaviour of both passengers and public transport operators and drivers. This by-Law also greatly strengthens the enforcement framework within which traffic and law enforcement officers can effectively ensure the safety and security of public transport passengers and road users alike.

The principles and objectives of this By-law are to:-

1. Provide a regulatory framework for the public transport service provided within the municipal area, subject to and in addition to the Act and other legislation, and to provide for ancillary aspects such as a framework for safety and security in relation to public transport.
2. Ensure that the provision of public transport services within the municipal area are provided for and executed in a safe and secure environment that is regulated and managed appropriately.
3. Control and regulate the use of public transport facilities for public transport services and their operations.
4. Promote the effective and efficient operation of public transport that serves the travelling public within the municipal area.
5. Provide for the promotion of non-motorised transport in support of public transport infrastructure and operations, and
6. Provide for the promotion of universal access, to the maximum extent possible, in the provision of public transport infrastructure, support infrastructure and services provided.

The aim of this By-Law is to ensure that all road users and public transport passengers, irrespective of the modal choice, experience a safer journey and that Municipal public transport infrastructure is well-managed and efficiently utilised.

PUBLIC PARTICIPATION
Full particulars of the proposed amendments to the above By-laws and the proposed adoption thereof are available for inspection at the following places:

1. Old Town Hall Building: York street, Civil Engineering Services
2. Libraries: George Library; Blanco Library; Conville Library; Pacaltsdorp Library; Thembalethu Library; Uniondale / Haarlem Library;
3. Municipality’s Website: https://www.george.gov.za/george-doc-categories/documents/bylaws-and-regulations/civil-engineering-services/

Written comments to the intention of the Municipality as outlined above, if any, must be lodged:

1. via mail to reach the Director: Civil Engineering Services, P.O. Box 19, George, 6530 before 12 June 2023 ; or
2. via e-mail with subject line “Comment to CES By-laws ” to gvanniekerk@george.gov.za and copied to post@george.gov.za

Any person who is unable to write, can submit their input, verbally to the Council’s offices where they will be assisted by a staff member to put their comments in writing. Enquiries can be directed to Mr Jannie Koegelenberg (044 801 9278 ).

GEORGE TOURISM AT AFRICA’s TRAVEL INDABA

Media Release:  5 May 2023 – For Immediate Release

Tourism Manager, Joan Shaw will be attending the South African Tourism Indaba from 8^th to 11^th of May in the City of EThekwini (Durban).

Africa’s Travel Indaba brings together tourism stakeholders from across the African continent to promote diverse tourism products and experiences. In doing so, all exhibitors contribute to showcasing that Africa is a vibrant region that is geared up to cater to various traveller needs, and the Garden Route is an ever-popular destination.

The George Tourism Office has been buzzing with preparations for the show where Joan will meet more than 30 hosted buyers and media in a packed calendar of meetings and events, armed with a new Trade presentation, information brochures, loaded USB’s, maps and other promotional goodies.

Although many of the traditional markets are being targeted (UK, Germany, Netherlands), Joan has many meetings with byers and media from the USA, which is proving to be a growing market for George and the Garden Route.  George has also targeted eastern European countries as well as the Middle East, for meetings to showcase what the region has to offer.

With a huge target to return to Pre COVID-19 attendance and participation numbers and to contribute to driving sustainable economic growth and development, this year’s Africa’s Travel Indaba, is really the platform for showcasing new ideas and innovations and for connecting businesses with potential partners and investors.

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The New Natal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) project is one that the Junior City Council has been running since 2022. Beanies, jackets, and booties are knitted and then donated to the George Hospital. These clothes are used for babies in the hospital that are premature and in Intensive Care Unit (ICU).

Tuesday 2 May 2023 was the first drop-off for 2023! Glenwood, as well as York High’s knitting club, contributed immensely, and two members of York High were present at the drop-off.

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BEST OF LUCK to our George Firefighters participating in International Firefighters Day hosted in Stellenbosch today, 4 May 203. In the photograph from left to right are, Bethwell Grootboom, Denzil Muller, Thabiso Keketsi, Warrick Fisher, Ricardo Micheals, Joseph Fortuin and Fire Chief Neels Barnard.

Issued George Mun, 5 May 2023

The George Municipality would like to urge private landowners to act and clear Cortaderia selloana, commonly known as Pampas grass which is invading the George Area. George Municipality is currently clearing the Pampas grass on Municipal property in line with its Alien Vegetation Management Plan. The Pampas grass has become inundated around the industrial areas, along the highways, local dams, and factory areas.

The George Municipality has given notices to Transnet to clear the Pampas grass on their land and they have made the commitment to act as soon as possible. The pampas grass seeds can be dispersed by wind and human activities. Pampas grass can germinate quickly after they flower causing them to spread rapidly.

It would be advisable to get rid of the grass in its early growth stage before it flowers and produce seeds which can be easily dispersed by wind. The methods that can be used to remove pampas grass include digging, burning, and using herbicides.

The process of eradicating pampas grass is not a one-size-fits-all, but it is important to note that the most effective way to remove pampas grass is to use both the physical and chemical methods simultaneously. Private landowners can contact the George Municipality Parks and Recreation Department for details on registered and approved herbicides for the control of Pampas grass.

To contact the Parks and Recreation division for enquiries place visit the offices as follows:
Parks and Recreation
82 Meade Street, George
044 802 2900
parks@george.gov.za (all complaints via this address)

The Planning and Environment Section of the George Municipality’s Directorate for Human Settlements, Planning and Development and Property Management recently hosted the George Environmental Management Stakeholders Forum on a virtual platform to discuss topical issues in the environmental sector that affects George. This engagement was the first of what the Directorate intends to host as bi-annual engagements aimed at sharing knowledge, creating awareness, and keeping participants abreast of planned projects, investigations and challenges relevant to the environmental sector.

According to Delia Power, Deputy Director for Planning and Environment in the George Municipality the stakeholders’ forum which took place on the 27th of March 2023 was well attended by a spectrum of environmentalists and related stakeholders from George and surrounds. Participants were informed of the quarterly municipal outreach engagements held between the Municipality and the Western Cape Department of Environmental Affairs and Development Planning (DEADP) whose mandate is to “enable a resilient, sustainable, quality and inclusive living environment for all”. The Municipality thanks DEA&DP for their attendance and participation in this engagement, wherein a summary of its policies, interventions, and projects that impacts the George Municipal Area was shared.

The George Municipal Planning and Development team led a presentation on the amended Municipal Spatial Development Framework, a core component of the Integrated Development Plan. Delia says that City’s MSDF is to Develop George as a resilient, regional development anchor of excellence for prosperity, inclusive and smart growth. It furthermore comprises six key themes which are: Infrastructure, Economic Growth, Growth Management, Integrated Housing, Natural assets & resilience, and Heritage.

The highlights of the discussion during the forum meeting focussed on the mechanism applied to ensure environmental sustainability in everyday planning and development practices, a task which becomes increasingly difficult as our community and economy grow. With many newcomers to our area, it is essential that environmental awareness is raised and strategies to protect natural resources and improve resilience are embedded in our legislation. To this end, the link between the MSDF and Zoning Scheme By-Law was explained.

The Municipality shared information on operating instruments and programmes being applied and undertaken in our day-to-day operations and included:
• An overview of the OSCA/E Portal which was launched in 2022 to promote ease of doing business and enable applicants to track their applications. Environmental practitioners were advised that all applications are now being processed via this portal and are encouraged to report any challenges experienced as the system is constantly being improved to ensure its efficiency.
• An overview of new environmental layers added to the Municipal Geographical Information Systems (GIS), which may be accessed under the Public Viewer tab of the municipal GIS portal. Participants were made aware that these resources are applied by decision-makers over the course of deciding on new applications.
• The Directorate for Community Services outlined the municipality’s alien clearing programme and the principles related to the Adopt-a-spot Policy and shared information relating to coastal management practices.
• Participants were informed of efforts to conserve threatened vegetation through approved offsets, management of conservation areas and proposed development of environmental management plans for riverine areas.

Progress relating to the development of Protected Area Management Plans for the Katriver, Van Kervel and Fort Koppie local conservation areas was shared by the service provider and the initiative was well received by CapeNature. The next engagement will be held in the next semester where more participants will be added to the list of speakers and continued updates will be provided on the progress of projects and investigations undertaken by the respective sector departments of the municipality. The municipality thanks each of the participants for their contribution to the meeting and looks forward to forging sound partnerships with practitioners and stakeholders in the environmental sector.

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The George Integrated Zoning Scheme By-law was first promulgated in terms of section 13 of the Local Government Municipal Systems Act, 2000 (Act 32 of 2000) on 1 September 2017 by virtue of P.N 017/2017. The amendment is in terms of Section 27 of the Spatial Planning and Land Use Management Act, 2013 (Act 16 of 2013). The draft amended George Integrated Zoning Scheme By-Law was tabled before Council on 26 April for adoption in principle to proceed with public participation.

The intent of this By-law is to:
• Make provision for appropriate rural and urban zoning categories;
• Consider environmental management instruments adopted by relevant environmental management authorities – coastal management setbacks, wetlands, etc;
• Include provisions to permit the incremental management and upgrading of rural areas;
• Include provisions to promote the inclusion of affordable housing in residential land development;
• Provide incentives to promote the effective implementation of the municipality’s spatial development frameworks and other development policies;
• Include provisions that promote the effective implementation of national and provincial government policies;
• Give effect to the Municipal Spatial Development Framework and the Integrated Spatial Development Plan.

The following are the most important changes to the current by-law:
• The present list of consent uses was revisited to see which can become primary uses;
• Establishing special zones (overlay zones) to address development priorities in the municipal areas;
• Providing for minor deviations from the conditions (land use development parameters) of the zoning scheme, excluding deviations which have a material effect on the use;
• To accommodate the business tourist, we make accommodation in the zoning scheme for guest accommodation in town – like guest houses, bed and breakfasts, and hotels.
• The eco-tourist may stay longer, want other types of accommodation – resorts, farm cottages, guesthouses on The beach, self-catering rooms.
• Accommodating the eco-tourist must not however come at the expense of other objectives such as the protection of the natural environment (rivers, wetlands, dunes, forests, etc) or agricultural activities on farms.

Public Participation Details
The George Integrated Zoning Scheme (Draft Amendments March 2023) will be published on 4 May 2023 in the George Herald, on the Municipal Website and Municipal social media sites. The George Integrated Zoning Scheme (Draft Amendments March 2023) will be available on our website for review.

Follow this link for the documentation on our website https://www.george.gov.za/george-doc-categories/documents/bylaws-and-regulations/planning-and-development/

Hard copies will be provided at all public libraries in George for review. Feedback is required by no later than 5 June 2023.

Comments and inputs can be emailed to, kmeyer@george.gov.za phoned in to 044 801 9435 or submitted in person at the George Municipality, 5th Floor, 71 York Street, George, 6530.

Enquiries to Clinton Petersen (cpetersen@george.gov.za); Ilane Huyser (ihuyser@george.gov.za) or Jeanne Muller (jmuller@george.gov.za).

Promulgated in Western Cape Provincial Gazette
A municipal by-law may be enforced only after it has been published in the official gazette of the Western Cape Province on request of the local municipality. The promulgated by-law is then uploaded to the municipal website for easy access by the public. Transgression of a by -law is treated the same as a normal law, if you break a by-law, you can be fined or prosecuted. Most transgressions are handled in the George Municipal Court.

DRAFT INFORMAL TRADING BY-LAW
The draft informal trading by-law was provisionally approved by Council on 23 February 2023 and a public participation process was also approved.

The intent of this by-law is to:

• provide for the right to engage in informal trading;
• to establish informal trading areas and informal trading sites on municipal property;
• to provide for the granting of trading permits to trade on municipal property;
• to restrict and prohibit informal trading in certain areas;
• to regulate the conduct of informal traders;
• to regulate informal trading at special events;
• to provide for measures to ensure health and safety;
• to create offences and penalties;
• to provide for the repeal of laws; and
• to provide for matters incidental thereto.

The following are the most important changes to the current by-law:

• Adoption of Trading Zones in areas where there is significant overlap between formal and informal trading;
• changes to types of trading- roving traders who can move around from place to place in the municipal area;
• food trucks/mobile trading- which is regarded as trading from caravans, trailers, light delivery vehicles or a trolley or a similar device;
• transfer of payments in certain cases;
• boundaries of trading; and
• demarcation of trading areas.

PUBLIC PARTICIPATION DETAILS
The draft Informal Trading By-Law notice will be published in he George Herald, on the Municipal Website and municipal social media sites. The draft Informal Trading By-Law will be available on our website, follow this link https://www.george.gov.za/george-doc-categories/documents/bylaws-and-regulations/planning-and-development/

Hard copies will be provided at all public libraries in George for review. Deadline for feedback is 5 June 2023. Comments and inputs can be emailed to, khaarhoff@george.gov.za  phoned in to 044 801 9148 or submitted in person at the George Municipality Ground Floor ,71 York Street, George ,6530

Enquiries to Dr Kosie Haarhoff khaarhoff@george.gov.za

George Municipality, acting under the Constitution and relevant legislation, and being aware of its duty to control the use of streets and sidewalks and to manage any work undertaken in such streets and sidewalks so as to provide a safe environment for all people within the municipal area, adopts this by-law to provide mechanisms and guidelines for such control and management.

The Streets, Sidewalks and Public Places By-law was first promulgated in 2010. Minor amendments have been made to the existing document. The by-law addresses a wide variety of actions that may or may not be permitted on a street, a sidewalk or a public place:

• Advertisements in streets
• Animals or objects causing an obstruction
• Trees or growth causing an interference or obstruction
• Refuse, motor vehicle wrecks, waste material, etc.
• Parking of heavy vehicles and caravans
• Parking attendants
• Encroachments
• Vehicle repairs in streets
• Games and other acts in streets
• Use of explosives
• Conveyance of animal carcasses or other waste products through streets
• Fences on street boundaries
• Building materials in streets
• Balconies and verandas
• Drying of washing on fences on boundaries of streets
• Damaging of noticeboards
• Street, door-to-door collections and distribution of handbills
• Poison in streets
• Roller-skating and skating on skateboards
• Persons to be decently clad
• Amusement shows and devices
• Animals in a street
• Restriction of access to streets
• Use of vehicles that may damage street surface
• Obstruction on streets
• Work in streets
• Discharge of water on streets
• Prohibited conduct
• Street numbers
• Closure of or restriction of access to streets
• Construction, maintenance and naming of streets
• Declaration of streets
• Processions

PARTICIPATION DETAILS
The draft Streets, Sidewalks and Public Places By-Law notice will be published in the George Herald, on the Municipal Website and municipal social media sites. The document is available on our website, follow this link https://www.george.gov.za/george-doc-categories/documents/bylaws-and-regulations/civil-engineering-services/ Hard copies will be provided at all public libraries in George for review. Feedback is required within 30 days.

We encourage the residents of George to keep an eye out for the notices and to provide input. Once the input has been received from the public and addressed, the final by-law then goes back to Council for approval. Comments and inputs can be emailed to Lionel Daniels, rldaniels@george.gov.za phoned in to 044 801 9111 or submitted in person at the Civil Engineering Services Building, Corner of Market and York Street, George ,6530

By-laws differ between municipalities.
The Constitution of South Africa gives municipalities the power to pass their own legislation, in the form of by-laws, for subject areas. These by-laws hold the same power and force as other national and provincial legislation but are laws managed by the individual municipality in order to regulate the affairs and the services it provides within its area of jurisdiction.  The details of by-laws can differ from one municipality to another, and the public is always advised to check their local municipal by-laws which can be found on the relevant municipal website.

Promulgated in Western Cape Provincial Gazette
A municipal by-law may be enforced only after it has been published in the official gazette of the Western Cape Province on request of the local municipality. The promulgated by-law is then uploaded to the municipal website for easy access by the public. Transgression of a by -law is treated the same as a normal law, if you break a by-law, you can be fined or prosecuted. Most transgressions are handled in the George Municipal Court.

The new Stormwater By-law focuses on stormwater drainage from domestic as well as trade (business and industrial) premises. This includes open areas discharging to the George Municipality stormwater system and natural streams or rivers.

Stormwater management was previously dealt with under the George Municipality Water and Sanitation Services By-law and the By-law Relating to Streets, Sidewalks and Public Places.

The need for a separate By-law which deals exclusively with stormwater management was therefore identified. The purpose of the by-law is to regulate stormwater management and activities that may have an adverse impact on the development, operation and maintenance of the stormwater system.

PUBLIC PARTICIPATION DETAILS
The draft Stormwater By-Law notice will be published in the George Herald, on the Municipal Website and municipal social media sites. The document will be available on our website, follow this link https://www.george.gov.za/george-doc-categories/documents/bylaws-and-regulations/civil-engineering-services/ copies will be provided at all public libraries in George for review.

Feedback is required within 30 days. We encourage the residents of George to keep an eye out for the notices and to provide input. Once the input has been received from the public and addressed, the final by-law then goes back to Council for approval.

Comments and inputs can be emailed to Lionel Daniels, rldaniels@george.gov.za phoned in to 044 801 9111 or submitted in person at the Civil Engineering Services Building, Corner of York and Market Street, George ,6530

The Community Services Directorate, division Community Safety has amended three of its by-law’s recently and which were approved in draft format in Council on 20 April 2023, and are now published for public participation purposes. These by-laws hold the same power and force as other national and provincial legislation but are laws managed by the individual municipality in order to regulate the affairs and the services it provides within its area of jurisdiction.

DRAFT BY-LAW RELATING TO IMPOUNDMENT OF ANIMALS

The intent of this by-law is to provide for, interalia:

• The control over the number of dogs , cats and other animals that may be kept, the breeding with these animals, and the control over these animals by their owners.
• Impoundment of stray animals as mentioned in this chapter, the prevention of nuisances and the provision for incidental matters.

The following are the most important changes to the current by-law:

• An authorised officer and powers of the authorised officer.
• The terms of Nuisance in relation to comfort, convenience , peace and quiet of other people or which adversely effects the safety of people.
• The Definition of the establishment of the Municipality was corrected with reference to Section 12 of the Local Government: Municipal Structures Act,1998 ( Act 117 of 1998).
• The definition of a Municipal Manager in Terms of Section 54 A of the Municipal Systems Act 32 of 2000 and an acting Municipal Manager was included in the definitions.

DRAFT BY-LAW RELATING TO THE REGULATING OF THE KEEPING OF DOGS AND CATS AND OTHER ANIMALS

The intent of this by-law is to provide for, interalia:

• The control over the number of dogs , cats and other animals that may be kept, breeding with such animals, and the control of these animals by their owners.
• Impoundment of stray animals as mentioned in this chapter, and the prevention of nuisances as well as the provision for incidental matters.

The following are the most important changes to the current by-law:

• The clarification of the Director Community services and the relevant scope of appointment, in Terms of Sec 56 of the Municipal Systems Act.
• An authorised officer and powers of the authorised officer.
• Defining the terms of Nuisance in relation to comfort, convenience , peace and quiet of other people or which adversely effects the safety of people.

DRAFT BY-LAW ON LIQUOR TRADING DAYS AND HOURS

The intent of this by-law is to:

• Provide for the days and hours on which the holder of a Liquor license may sell liquor to the public.

The following are the most important changes to the current by-law:

• The definition of Municipality with reference to George Municipality in terms of Section 12 of the Municipal structures act, 117 of 1998.
• The Appeal process for people who feel their rights has been affected, with relevant terms and references, inclusive of how the process must be directed.
• The By-Law Trading days and hours promulgated in the Provincial Gazette 7102 dated 8 March 2013, are repealed.
• The Trading Days and Hours known as the George Municipal By-law on Liquor Trading would come into  operation on the date of the publication thereof in the Provincial Gazette.

PUBLIC PARTICIPATION DETAILS

Notices will be published in the George Herald, on the Municipal Website and municipal social media sites. Please follow this link to access the Community Services By-Law documentation https://www.george.gov.za/george-doc-categories/documents/bylaws-and-regulations/protection-services/  Hard copies will be provided at all public libraries in George for review. Feedback is required within 30 days. Comments and inputs can be emailed to Ms Lee-anne Meiring lameiring@george.gov.za , phoned in to 044 801 6367 or submitted in person at the George Municipality Law Enforcement Offices, 25 B Cathedral Street, George.

DRAFT ELECTRICITY SUPPLY BY-LAW
The draft Electricity Supply by-law was provisionally approved by Council on 20 April 2023 and a public participation process was also approved. The main purpose of the by-law is to supplement the Electricity Regulation Act, 2006 (Act 4 of 2006) and the Occupational Health and Safety Act, 1993 (Act 85 of 1993) issued to regulate the supply of electricity within the George Municipality jurisdictional area.

The objective of the by-law is to improve organizational efficiency and articulate the rules concerning the processes and practices in the electricity supply that are otherwise not expressed in the Act, thereby providing additional clarity on the aspects addressed in the draft by-law.

The proposed by-law elaborates and provides clarity on the following aspects pertaining to electricity supply including;
• approval required for all small scale embedded generation;
• unauthorized connections and reconnections;
• notified maximum demand;
• offences and penalties;
• and appeals.

PUBLIC PARTICIPATION DETAILS
The draft Electricity Supply By-Law Notice will be published in the George Herald, on the Municipal Website and municipal social media sites. Follow this link https://www.george.gov.za/george-doc-categories/documents/bylaws-and-regulations/electrotechnical-services/ to find the draft by-law on our website. Hard copies will be provided at all public libraries in George for review. Feedback is required by no later than 12 June 2023. Comments and inputs can be emailed to, njikija@george.gov.za phoned in to 044 801 9148 or submitted in person at the George Electrotechnical Services Offices, Brick Road, George Industria.

Enquiries to Edward Nqumse Ennqumse@george.gov.za and copy Nolubabalo Jikija njikija@george.gov.za

Promulgated in Western Cape Provincial Gazette
A municipal by-law may be enforced only after it has been published in the official gazette of the Western Cape Province on request of the local municipality. The promulgated by-law is then uploaded to the municipal website for easy access by the public. Transgression of a by -law is treated the same as a normal law, if you break a by-law, you can be fined or prosecuted. Most transgressions are handled in the George Municipal Court.

Issued on Behalf of George Municipal Communications Department, Office of the Municipal Manager

The Executive Mayor of George, Alderman Leon van Wyk accompanied by the Portfolio Councillor for Electrotechnical Services and Fleet Management Nosicelo Mbethe did a sod turning in an approximately 1ha open land in the George Industrial area, to mark the beginning of the construction of 1 MWp solar farm.

“This plant is the forerunner of our fleet of 10MW plants that we will be erecting in George over the next couple of years to provide electricity not only to support our infrastructure that is owned by the Municipality but also to provide electricity into George’s grid so that we are ultimately able to get off stage 1 and stage 2 of load-shedding that we are suffering under and we wish to complete this project to get off stage 2 by the end of 2024,” said Mayor van Wyk.

The renewable energy power that will be generated through this plant, will be connected to the grid to reduce the municipal bulk purchases. This sod turning, therefore, signals the beginning of our initiative to take George off Stages 1 and 2 off load-shedding by the end of 2024.

The 1MWp PV plant will consist of approximately 1728 PV Panels & 10 x 110kW inverters at a total cost of R 24 843 090.36. The plant is expected to generate in the order of 1780 MWh per year.

Ends.