press-release

THE GEORGE TENS SPORT & LIFESTYLE FESTIVAL IS ALMOST HERE! HERE’S YOUR LINE-UP!

Team registrations are heating up for the George Tens Sport & Lifestyle Festival. Will we see you there?

Returning to Outeniqua Park and surrounds, the 2022 George Tens takes place on 15 – 18 Dec 2022. The event will see a week of exciting Tens rugby coupled with additional events including Women’s Rugby, ladies & mixed teams Netball, Touchies, Volleyball, Golf, Trail running, Mountain biking …. and just for a bit of extra fun, ‘boeresport’!

“The response to the announcement of the festival has been incredible!” says Heyneke Meyer, co-founder of the festival and former Springbok Coach. “We are getting emails and calls from right across the country as sports lovers prepare to enter their teams for the range of events. Some of SA’s biggest rugby icons will also be joining us this year.

Join legends like Anton Leonard, Wynie Strydom, Victor Matfield, Johan Kapp & more on Oubaai Hotel, Golf & Spa or Pieter Hendriks, Vlok Cilliers, Meyer Bosman & Hein Truter on Pinnacle Point Golf Estate on 15 December ’22!

From there, we hit the beach at Wilderness Beach on 16 & 17 Dec ’22 for Touchies & Beach Volleyball! Oh, and for warm-up we thought a bit of old fashioned ‘Boeresport’ will be just the thing!

Rugby & Netball is starting at Outeniqua Park on 16 December and Trail Running & Mountain Biking will hit the ground from the park on 17 & 18 Dec respectively!

BUT THAT’S NOT ALL! ….. closing off the festivities daily, is the 1925 Band, opening for Heuwels Fantasties on 16 Dec, Spoegwolf on 17 Dec & Early B on the 18th!

“The George Municipality is delighted to support this important event and I encourage all role-players in the George economic community, but also the rest of the country, to once again join us for this epic event” says Portfolio Councillor for Finance and Strategic Services, Dirk Wessels.

“Working with Heyneke Meyer is a delight and this event has the promise of stimulating and developing the George economy in a tremendous way. An ethos that we as the George Municipality live by and aspires to uphold! “

Meyer reiterates, “I am grateful for the support from the George Municipality and that of the George community! We kicked off the festival in 2021 amidst a lot of Covid restrictions. This year, all are welcome, and we can’t wait to welcome YOU! It’s going to be SPECTACULAR!

Follow @George10s on Facebook and www.georgetens.co.za to stay up to date on all the latest details.

Here follows the registration information for the all the specific codes:

All prices, registration information and more on www.georgetens.co.za

Golf

15 December

Oubaai Golf Resort & Spa & Pinnacle Point Golf Estate

Women’s & Men’s Rugby

16, 17 & 18 December

Outeniqua Park

Schools: Bulletjies, Primary Schools, High Schools

Students:

Social: Amateurs: (U/35), Veterans (Above 35)

Premier Division: Professional, Semi-Professional

Ladies & Mixed teams Netball

16 – 17 December

Outeniqua Park

School: Primary Schools, High Schools

Students

Social: Social/Amateurs (U/35), Veterans (O/35)

Touchies

16 December

Wilderness

Volleyball

17 December

Wilderness

Professionals

Schools: Primary Schools, High Schools

Social: Amateurs (U/35) / Veterans (Above 35)

Mountain Biking,

17 December

20km

Trail Running

18 December

5 km

14km

20km

ENDS

Social Media Tags / Handles:

#GeorgeTENS

#Festival

#GeorgeTENSFestivalVillage

#Wilderness

#georgetourism

#georgemunicipality

#georgevents

#visitgeorge

#tourismgeorge

Website: www.GeorgeTENS.co.za

Facebook: George TENS

Invictus Sport and Entertainment

Instagram: @invictussportan

MEDIA 7 INTERVIEW QUERIES

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The 1000mm diameter Glass Reinforced Polymer (GRP) potable water supply pipeline, one of the Western area’s main water supply pipelines suffered stormwater damage during the November 2021 flooding events has been repaired. The value of the repairs is just over R 500 000, inclusive of VAT.

According to Deon de Jager, the deputy director of the George Municipality’s Civil Engineering Services Directorate the November 2021 floods caused a leak to the pipeline, leading to the need for repair and replacement. We have replaced about 6 meters of GRP pipe.

“The work was executed successfully with minimal disturbance to the water distribution system.  The Directorates operational teams ensured that the areas affected by the pipe failure could still obtain water by feeding the affected areas through other parts of the network,” de Jager added.

The Municipality appointed one of the panel contractors ‘a specialist contractor’ to assist the Directorate with remedial measures to ensure that the supply is restored to its full potential.

Ends.

NSRI Station 23 in Wilderness received a pre-festive season visit from Ald Leon Van Wyk last week. The station manned entirely by volunteers has been a fixture in Wilderness since 1984. Ald Van Wyk (centre)is photographed with the team of Sea Rescue volunteers at Station 23, Wilderness.

“As we approach our traditional holiday season, we have begun with preparations to benefit and assist the tourism sector and our visitors. The George daily Festive Monitoring Committee meetings kick off on 1 December and NSRI forms a valuable part of the stakeholders who attend. The successful season hosted for 2021 in terms of beach safety and little to no serious incidents taking place can be attributed to the excellent working relationships between municipal departments and civil society organisations. I want to thank our citizens for all their efforts either through employment, as volunteers or as part of civil society who work so hard to make George a better place,” said Ald Van Wyk.

The NSRI need to be commended for constantly training and practicing their skills, conducting maintenance to their life-saving equipment and always being available 24/7. As a volunteer service they are a critical asset to George and we encourage all citizens and visitors to acquaint themselves with the publicity about safe swimming areas and practices when visiting our beaches.

Follow this link for information on visitor safety https://www.george.gov.za/planning-development/local-economic-development/tourism/safety-for-visitors/

Get to know George – 11 NOVEMBER 2022

#gettoknowgeorge

 HIDDEN GEMS AND TOURISM NEWS

Tourism news and lesser-known gems to inspire you:

 1. New! Blue Flag Full Status for Dreamy Herolds Bay

 It’s a yay for Herolds Bay!  Our family-friendly cove has officially joined the ranks of our other full status Blue Flag beach, Wilderness.  This warm, Indian Ocean beach is situated at the bottom of a long and winding hill and features a tidal pool, lawn area and promenade, beach showers and ablutions, as well as ice cream and food vendors for a truly enjoyable day soaking up the rays.

 2. Hidden Gem Bucketlist – Microlight flight at Louvain

Did you know that the captivating Louvain Guest Farm offers exhiliarating microlight flights? Flights are enjoyed over the mountain to the Garden Route coastline or to the north over the Kammanassie Mountains and the Langkloof Valley or in the Klein Karoo, departing at sunrise.  Costs range from R500 to R1500.  We recently sent Travel Bug Rose on this experience; see her first-person experience Facebook video here.

3. New Art Gallery in Wilderness – Ninette Steyl

Enjoy a visit to the new gallery at the Palms Square Centre in Wilderness. Steyl’s work is an emotive portrayal of feelings experienced at a specific setting.

4. When’s the last time you visited Timberlake Village?

 Did you know that Timberlake Village is home to several small local businesses which feature mohair, gemstones, wine, fine art, leather, resin art, pottery and driftwood sculptures?  There’s a trendy bakery, proper coffee roastery, oyster bar and a German deli. And Acrobranch tree top adventures recently-ish added a giant zipline over the village where you can zip down and enjoy a fun ride.  Timberlake has play areas for children and a Faerie Garden walk where kids can meet strange and wonderful creatures.  Fur babies of the canine variety are also welcome.  The village is a member of the Paradise Ridge conservancy, which means that they capture rain water, recycle grey water, compost wet waste, use no harmful chemicals, plant trees (400+ to date) and clear alien Wattle annually.  Isn’t that awesome!  A skillfully crafted driftwood sculpture exhibition of South African wildlife is also on display; these pieces are sold to collectors all over the world. Timberlake is open 7 days a week.

UPCOMING EVENTS

 There’s a full line up of local events you can participate in and enjoy from now until the end of the year.

 MARKETS

WHAT’S HAPPENING IN NOVEMBER

WHAT’S HAPPENING IN DECEMBER

Is your event not yet listed here?  Please let us know at info@visitgeorge.co.za

 JOIN THE CONVERSATION!

When exploring the destination, share your photos and experiences on social media with the hashtags:

#visitgeorge #exploregeorge

#visitwilderness #explorewilderness

#visituniondale #exploreuniondale

We’d love to see your adventures and experiences, and may even share them on our official social media pages (with your permission, of course!).

VISITOR INFORMATION CENTRES

Find information about things to do, places to stay, upcoming events, eateries and gastronomic experiences as well as tourism transport at visitgeorge.co.za or pop in at our Visitor Information Centres where our friendly staff are ready to assist you.

•  GEORGE TOURISM

124 York Street, George Central, George, 6529 | +27 44 801 9295 | info@visitgeorge.co.za

facebook.com/tourismgeorge | instagram.com/georgetourism_official

• WILDERNESS TOURISM

198 George Road, Wilderness, 6560 | +27 44 877 0045 | info@visitwilderness.co.za

facebook.com/wildernesstourism | instagram.com/ wildernesstourism

• UNIONDALE TOURISM

Virtual assistance | +27 44 518 0030 | info@visituniondale.co.za

facebook.com/uniondaleinfo | instagram.com/uniondaletourism

Link to Ald Van Wyk discussing progress of the upgrades at the OWWTW https://youtu.be/w6sM_vsY_vE

Portfolio Councillor for Civil Engineering Services: Capital Projects and BFI, Jackie Von Brandis and Ald Leon Van Wyk inspect the aeration basin at the works with Gerard De Swardt, George Civils Project Manager: BFI.

The upgrading and capacity extension of the Outeniqua Wastewater Treatment Works (OWWTW) will allow for an increased capacity from 15Ml/dl to 25Ml/dl. The total additional number of households benefiting from the proposed wastewater treatment works upgrade is calculated at 19 049. The number of people per household was calculated at an average family size of 4.25 persons estimating the total then at 80 958 persons.

The recent development and future growth requirements necessitate the need to increase the capacity of the Outeniqua WWTW. The area to be served by the proposed upgrades to the treatment plant include newly developed and proposed low-cost housing units for the Pacaltsdorp West zone.

George Municipality is proud to be hoisting two Blue Flags and one Pilot Blue Flag Boards at our beaches for the 2022 festive season. Wilderness Beach has retained full Blue Flag status, Herold’s Bay has gained full blue Flag status and Victoria Bay has Pilot status following application by the George Municipality. Executive Mayor Leon Van Wyk and Municipal Manager Dr Michele Gratz took receipt of the flags and certifications at an event held in Plettenberg Bay together with George Municipal Superintendent Parks, Tyrone April and Wessa National Coastal Coordinator, Tevya Lotriet.

Blue Flag is an international coastal management programme that accredits beaches that meet standards of excellence in water quality, environmental management, environmental education and information as well as safety and services. In South Africa the programme is implemented by the Wildlife Environmental Society of South Africa (WESSA).

Dr Gratz said Blue Flag status offered many benefits including improved tourism facilities, enhanced management of coastal ecosystems, increased awareness of the coast and capacity building of coastal municipalities. “Blue Flag status has significant international merit and the achievement of such accolades is important to stimulate and confirm international and high-end interest in the city and district as a desirable, quality tourism and lifestyle destination. We thank SANParks Garden Route National Park who shares jurisdiction of Wilderness beach with the George Municipality.”

The Blue Flag season runs from 1 December 2022 to 31 January 2023. Compliance includes high standards of water quality monitoring, public safety and lifeguard services, and well-maintained coastal amenities. South Africa has participated in the Blue Flag programme since 2001.

Marlene Van Staden, Executive Mayor for Modimolle-Mookgophong Municipality was thrilled to return to George this week with a team of senior management for a thorough technical visit. They were welcomed on Monday morning by George Municipal Manager, Dr Gratz together with Ald Leon Van Wyk and his MAYCO members. Modimolle-Mookgophong Municipality visited the Southern Cape in July this year sponsored by Friedrich Naumann Foundation, a German foundation for liberal and libertarian politics. At the time Ald Van Staden expressed the wish to return with her senior management for in-depth technical site inspections.

The programme over the two days included in-depth presentations on a number of aspects where George Municipality has implemented technology to streamline process such as our online grave booking system, drive-through motor vehicle licencing office, fleet management, disaster management as well as extensive site visits to our Civil and Electrotechnical projects including the Wastewater Treatment Works, Water Purification Plant, Municipal Roads Workshop and Glenwood Substation.

Back Row: Portfolio Councillor Jacqulique Von Brandis (George Municipality’s Civil Engineering Services: Capital Projects & BFI), Portfolio Councillor Henry Hill (George Municipality’s Planning & Development), Ald Gert Niehaus (George Municipality’s GIPTN Chairperson), Councillor Sean Snyman (George Municipality’s Speaker), Councillor Marlene Barnardt (George Municipality’s Chief Whip) and Portfolio Councillor Nosicelo Mbethe (George Municipality’s Electrotechnical Services & Fleet Management)

Front Row: Councillor Johan Prinsloo (Executive Committee member – Modimolle-Mokgophong Municipal Council), Dr Michele Gratz (Municipal Manager – George Municipality), Councillor Marlene van Staden (Executive Mayor of Modimolle-Mookgophong Municipality), Ald Leon van Wyk (Executive Mayor of George) and Councillor Joel Mphedi (Chairperson: Planning and Economic Development – Modimolle-Mookgophong Municipality)

Newly appointed Director for  the Civil Engineering Services Department, Mr Jannie Koegelenberg seen here at the Waste Water Treatment Works in Pacaltsdorp with Ald Van Wyk, Dr Gratz, Portfolio Councillor Jackie Von Brandis (Civil Engineering Services: Capital Projects and BFI), Portfolio Councillor Browen Johnson (Civil Engineering Services: Operating Aspects) and the Modimolle-Mookgophong delegates.

Jacques Lawrence,Senior Manager: Substations Electrotechnical Services, George Municipality (right) and next to him, Bongani Mandla, Director of Electrotechnical Services as well as Portfolio Councillor for Electrotechnical Services and Fleet Management, Nosicelo Mbete (in the yellow dress) with representatives of the Modimolle-Mookgophong Municipality in Limpopo at the Glenwood substation that had a breather and transformer maintenance earlier this year. Extensive maintenance of Power Transformers at various substations were done to guarantee long-term life expectancy. The importance of these preventative measures and to keep key infrastructure well maintained, was explained to the visitors to ensure consumers don’t bear the brunt.

Representatives from the Modimolle-Mookgophong Municipality in Limpopo went walkabout with the Acting Director: Corporate Services, Edward Ganza visiting the George Civic Centre where the Main Hall and Banquet Hall is situated. In the photo taken in front of the George Civic Centre are from left, Cllr Joel Mpedi, Portfolio Chairman of Planning and Local Economic Development at Modimolle-Mookgophong Municipality (MMM), Patrick Shika, Director: Corporate Services, MMM, Marlene van Staden, Mayor of MMM, Ganza and Magda Berrange, Director: Social and Community Services.

Western Cape’s first drive-through service for motor vehicle license renewals was officially launched on Monday, 7 November 2022 in George by the Western Cape Minister of Mobility MEC Daylin Mitchell and the Executive Mayor of George, Alderman Leon van Wyk during a special ribbon-cutting event that marks the inception of this cutting-edge and innovative service.

George Municipality’s traffic services turned what was a dilapidated building into a brand-new Motor Vehicle and Registration (MVR) satellite office which includes a drive-through service for the renewal of motor vehicle licenses. This MVR centre, which is located at 9 George Street in Blanco, a suburb situated north-east of George is an extension of the existing MVR centre that will handle drive-through service for customers to renew up to a maximum of two Motor Vehicle Licence’s at a time and will also handle bulk MVR services at the inside counters.

MINSTER MITCHELL CONGRATULATES GEORGE FOR BEING INNOVATIVE TO IMPROVE ACCESS TO SERVICES

Minister Mitchell congratulated the George Municipality for pushing the boundaries to establish the first drive-through Motor vehicle registration centre in the Western Cape to make services easily and conveniently accessible to the citizens.

“What stood out for me in this facility is the conversion of what was an old and neglected infrastructure into an innovative service delivery point, I think that this model is a good example of what government should and can be if different spheres of government come together and provide on service delivery. I am very proud to be part of this first Western Cape drive-through centre for vehicle licence registration.”

Turning to Ald van Wyk, the Mayor of George, Minister Mitchell said: “Mayor, thank you for this initiative, this is a legacy you and the team can be proud of, I will introduce this model to the rest of the province, and let’s hope this initiative will land across the country for other municipalities to follow suit.”

Our aim is to ensure that services are accessible and affordable and that citizens get the services they deserve. The Department of Transport Provincially is working with the various Municipalities as the planning authority for all these services that are directly delivered to citizens to see how we can innovate that space.

COME TO THE DRIVE-THROUGH, HAND OVER YOUR REGISTRATION DOCUMENT, PAY AND THEN HAVE YOUR LICENCE PRINTED IMMEDIATELY, SAYS MAYOR VAN WYK

“George is growing at a rapid pace and what we found at our existing motor vehicle registration centre is that it was starting to get cramped, and people that came for services needed to stand in a queue. This situation forced us to think creatively and innovatively, and so we started improving the services by providing an undercover space for the customers, thereafter, introducing an online system so that a customer can pay online and come to collect the actual licence afterwards,” said Mayor van Wyk.

“Today, we are proud to launch the drive-through service that we’ve established as an extension of our existing MVR, which also serves, particularly, the bulk dealers, which are motor dealers who come with multiple motor registration items. People do not have to necessarily stand in long queues as we have widened the options to receive MVR services one could come to the drive-through, hand over your registration document, pay and then have your licence printed immediately, and be over and done with, within two to three minutes,” Ald van Wyk added.

SENIOR CITIZEN FEELS VERY SPECIAL TO BE THE FIRST IN THE DRIVE-THROUGH

“I feel very special!” said an ecstatic senior citizen, John Allenby Stoffels, the first resident to renew his motor vehicle licence in a brand new and the first drive-through service for licence disk renewals in George.

“I never thought that I’d renew my car disk in the comfort of my car, just like buying food from a drive-thru restaurant, it’s is always a challenge for us senior citizens to stand in long queues waiting for a service; the George Municipality has now made it easily accessible for us, this is great, and I’m happy to have been the first to experience this,” said an obviously delighted Stoffels who experienced this special moment in the presence of his wife and daughter who were in the car with him.

Also in attendance were the George Municipality’s members of the Executive Committee, the Municipal Manager, Dr Michele Gratz, acting director for Community Services, Mr Sivuyile Mtila, the acting manager for traffic services, Mr Vernon Petersen and officials from the Motor vehicle registration.

Ends.

George Municipality embraces World Food Day

George Municipality embraced the concept of World Food Day recently by providing 150 homeless persons with a meal.  Chronic hunger is a reality, especially among the homeless.

The Municipality that forms part of the People living on the Street (Plots)Forum wanted to do something special for the homeless because of hunger. World Food Day is celebrated across the world on 16 October.

According to Janine Edwards from Social Development at George Municipality, people living on the streets often go for days without food and when food is available, it is not always nutritious. To make the programme successful, the PLOTS Forum received donations of food items and wishes to thank all sponsors involved.

Programmes such as this one to reach out to the homeless, are  made possible by the public. George Municipality appeals to Georgians and visitors to become a part of the solution of People living on the Streets by rather giving donations to organisations such as the George Night Shelter or Kidstop, instead of giving money or handouts to adults or children begging at streets intersections, as this has increasingly become a concern.

According to Estelle Fredericks from the Municipality Social Development department, there has been an increase in new arrivals of People living on the streets following the Covid lockdown period and exacerbated by the current economic situation. She said that giving such persons money or handouts on the streets, will only encourage them to keep living on the streets and has negative long-term effects.

The PLOTS (People Living on The Streets) forum was established in 2018 by George Municipality to holistically address the many factors associated with homeless people. The forum includes representatives from George Municipal Social Development Services, the South African Police Service (SAPS), Kid Stop (focuses on children living on the Streets), People Against Substance Abuse (PASA), Smoking & Alcohol Harms Alleviation & Rehabilitation Association (SAHARA), Christian Rehabilitation Ministries to the Homeless of George (Cremhog)  and the National Departments of Social Development and Health.

The PLOTS Forum aims to eradicate the issue of homelessness. Night outreaches take place to quantify the number of persons currently living on the streets and these surveys also serve as a tool to identify the needs of the individuals, and to assess how they can be assisted going forward.

George Municipality continues to provide clothing and toiletries to persons living on the street. The toiletries include soap, facecloths, toothpaste, toothbrushes, roll-on and sanitary pads. The municipality maintains a clothing bank where residents of George donate clothing for this purpose. Many of the homeless ask for clothing or toiletries to be presentable and a register is kept for this purpose. It would really assist the Municipality if more residents could donate clothing and toiletries for this purpose as no funding is available for this purpose.

The Municipal Social Development division runs a job seekers programme where we motivate the homeless to seek jobs, even if it is in the informal market. The department assists with the drawing up of CV`s and registering of the homeless on the EPWP database for job opportunities. Through other stakeholders, reunification services are also planned for those individuals who indicate that they want to reunite with their families. The issue of homelessness is a vast challenge and assistance from all spheres is needed to address the issue properly.

Living on the streets is not a crime and therefore these people cannot be arrested or moved without their consent. Our Social Development and Law Enforcement department’s mandate is limited as the bulk of the functions to assist people living on the streets, falls under SAPS and the National Department of Social Development.

George Residents, Business Owners and organisations, who want to help the homeless and or submit innovative ideas on how to help the homeless are invited to join the PLOTS monthly meeting. You can contact Estelle Fredericks on 044 802 2000, ext 2015 during office hours for more information.

The public may also contact these organisations: Freddy Trout, PASA (People Against Substance Abuse) on 068 487 4848, Jonathan Gelderbloem, YFC Kidstop on 044 874 2624/044 875 1794, Department of Social Services on 044 814 1920 or Andre Olivier from Cremhog on andre.olivier1962@gmail.com

In the mayoral speech to Council on 27 October 2022, I reflected on the work being undertaken to improve lives of citizens across the whole of George. Examples of some of these projects are mentioned below.

During this year we are budgeting R5,6m of our own funds for the electrification of informal settlements, significantly higher than in previous years with R1m already spent in Thembalethu with a further R2,1m having been spent on streetlights, substations and other upgrades. The construction of the Thembalethu 66/11kV substation has started with R13m spent to date.

Spending on roads upgrades in Thembalethu have amounted to R43,5m while the R10m road upgrade in Dellville Park commences in February 2023. Similar upgrades, repairs to streets and a stormwater canal are being undertaken in Uniondale and Haarlem.

We are currently planning or implementing water and sanitation projects to the value of R168m in Thembalethu with R137m to be spent in Pacaltsdorp in the near future.

Through the Social Development section, we contribute R3,4m annually to 126 soup kitchens to feed almost 53 000 vulnerable and hungry residents while we also support over 500 food gardens in the community. We also assist our vulnerable members of society through a clothing bank and a youth summit on economic development.

Turning to sport, the long-awaited upgrade of the Rosemore tartan track is due to commence soon with netball courts in Rosemore and Pacaltsdorp to be upgraded ahead of the World Cup next year. A vlakkie cricket league has been successfully introduced providing another dimension to recreation.

As part of the increasing focus on improving safety and security for communities, equipment and containers have been bought for various Neighbourhood Watches. Additional CCTV cameras are being introduced in Pacaltsdorp, Eden Park, Blanco, Rosemore, Borchards, Parkdene, Thembalethu and the CBD.

Consultants are working on the planning for the Neighbourhood Development Planning Grant funded node in Thembalethu with similar work underway for the Pacaltsdorp SMME node and the Ossie Urban Industrial development.

The Feasibility Report for the Crocodile Farm Social Housing project of 400 housing units has been finalised and will shortly be tabled in Council.

Engagements have been hosted for informal trading, skills development and training opportunities, including: How to Pitch, Business Skills, Business Etiquette, How to submit tenders.

Work has been done on a funding proposal for a three-year incubator for SMME’s along with the roll out of various entrepreneurship programs, emerging developer and contractor training, with guidelines to be tabled shortly for the implementation of mobile businesses (e.g. food trucks).

Each of our wards will soon undertake small projects to the value of R1,4m.

These snapshots provide some insight into the many unheralded ongoing projects being undertaken in this financial year.

Water losses are common challenges for municipalities in South Africa, with pressure management being considered one of the most beneficial, important, and cost-effective leakage management activities, the George Municipality’s Civil Engineering Services (CES) directorate has embarked on a pressure management study a move to reduce water losses and to enhance revenue.

“Most pipe bursts occur not only because of high pressure but rather due to ongoing pressure fluctuations forcing the pipes to continuously expand and contract, resulting in stress fractures,” says Deon de Jager a deputy director in the George Municipality’s CES directorate. Pressure builds up during night flows when demand is low, causing pipe failures (normally between 10pm and 4am).

“A pressure zone is defined as the area bounded by both a lower and upper elevation, all of which receive water from a given hydraulic grade line (HGL) or pressure from a set water surface.”

The CES directorate is, according to de Jager in the process of finalizing the pressure management study. Meanwhile, the department also installed and connected 60 smart bulk water meters to our Telemetry and SACADA system during the 2021/2022 and 2022/2023 financial years.  This is an ongoing effort as the Directorate`s main goal is to convert the Municipal current water network into a smart water network.

“Currently, we have 18 pressure management zones in our water reticulation network. CES is planning to create an additional 60 new pressure management zones.  From December 2021 CES started logging all pipe bursts in our network and populating the data into our IMQS water master plan.”

“Normal water distribution systems are designed to withstand pressures varying between 24 meters and 90 meters (meaning 2.4 bars minimum and 9 bars maximum).   Most of the pipe failures occur during night flows when the water demand is low, and there is a build-up of pressure in the networks. Most of the areas experiencing regular pipe bursts/failures are situated above the 90m pressure contour.”

It must be realized that water reticulation network leakages during night flows are much higher due to elevated pressure.  Controlling the critical areas will enhance the potable water in hand, this is revenue enhancement.

“CES is making plans to address these critically affected areas by creating pressure management zones and controlling the high-pressure areas during night flows.  The proposed upgrades will cost the council about R35 million. Even though the project has not yet been funded, it has been on the Municipal Infrastructure Support Agency (MISA) wish list of projects for possible funding, pending the study’s conclusion,” concluded.

Ends.

The innovative Drive-through service implemented by the George Municiality opens to the public on 7^th November 2022. An unused municipal building has been upgraded and converted into a brand-new Motor Vehicle and Registration (MVR) satellite office which opened to bulk dealers this week.

Cllr Charlotte Clarke, Portfolio Councillor for Community Safety is thrilled that the facility is due to open to the public and said that it will assist in relieving the pressure on our officials and will aid to improve service delivery. “George wants to move with the times with the new drive-through service and we have heeded calls from the public to increase our capacity,” Clarke said.

The Blanco MVR office will handle bulk services at the inside counters, and the drive-through service will only be for customers to renew up to a maximum of two Motor Vehicle Licence’s at a time.

The public must please note that no assistance can be given to anyone with a LATE MOTOR VEHICLE LICENCE OR WITHOUT A NOTICE NUMBER / MVL2 NOTICE at the Drive-through.

The Blanco offices will unfortunately not be able to provide assistance during any periods of LOADSHEDDING until a generator is installed at the premises in early January 2023.

Please see details below for how to renew your Motor Vehicle Licence using the drive-through service.

Blanco Satellite Office

9 George Street, Blanco

Open weekdays 8am-3pm, except Wednesdays closed at 2pm due to compulsory training.

Drive Through Services

1. ONLY Motor Vehicle Licence Renewals can be done at the Drive-through window. (All other transactions must be handled at the Hibernia Street premises.)
2. An official on site will guide vehicles and proceedings at the drive-through in the initial stages.
3. Please have your MVL2 printout or notice number ready. You cannot be assisted without this documentation. (Please note the Road Traffic Management Corporation
   (RTMC) no longer allows you to print a copy of your MVL2 from E-Natis.)
4. Late Motor Vehicle Licence renewals can not be processed at the Drive-through.
5. Please note a maximum of two licenses can be processed per visit, per person.
6. No cash payments will be accepted, payment is via card on
7. You must as a vehicle owner, REGISTER on E-Natis in order to receive a notification of the expiry of your Motor Vehicle Licence.

This is how you register on E-Natis:
Start by registering a profile online at https://online.natis.gov.za/#/  Choose between registering as a business or individual.

1. Enter the following details for Individual: Identification type, Identification number, Initials and Surname.
2. Enter the following details for businesses: Business/Company details – Identification type, Identification number, Company name. Proxy details – Identification type, Identification number, Initials, Surname.
3. Please enter the CAW number of any of the vehicles registered in your name/company name in order to register and then proceed to the next step.
4. Enter your latest cellphone number and E-mail address accurately, along with your chosen Username and password and click on NEXT.
5. You or your company are now registered on the online E-Natis system and will receive your Electronic MVL2 via E-mail or Notice number via SMS, a month in advance of your motor vehicle license expiry date. (Please note the Road Traffic Management Corporation
   (RTMC) no longer allows you to print a copy of your MVL2 from E-Natis.)
6. The amount for the renewal of your vehicle will be on the MVL2 Notice along with all your motor vehicle particulars.
7. If you have previously registered on E-Natis, please ensure that your most recent E-mail address and cell phone number is updated in order to receive notification of your license expiry.
8. Once you receive either an MVL2 notice via E-mail or Notice number via SMS, you may present this to the licensing office for your renewal.
9. Please note that OVERDUE licenses may not be renewed with the MVL2 and Notice number. A green ALV form is required to renew OVERDUE  licenses and cases where the Owner/Company  did not receive any of these notifications.

Bulk Motor Vehicle Registration Counters

Two Bulk Dealer MVR Counters are located inside the Blanco premises.

Motor Vehicle Registration and Licencing

Hibernia Street (next to train station) 044 801 9310 or 044 801 9311 or mvr@george.gov.za
(License renewals, registrations, duplicate registration certificates, permits etc)

Open to public weekdays 8am-3pm, except Wednesdays closed at 2pm due to compulsory training.

This period marks the beginning of a new phase in your academic career – you are starting your final examinations. Despite all the challenges that you have faced in these past two years as a result of the pandemic, you have made a series of choices that brought you to where you are today, and we have never been prouder.

You have commenced with what is now the most important exam in your scholastic career, this may result in some trepidation, but this is Normal – all adults experienced this. This should not discourage you – please approach this next chapter with the determination and focus that you have shown throughout your many years of schooling. You are now faced with some more choices that will determine your future. Choose success, choose to be triumphant over every hurdle you will encounter. Make that decision every single time you prepare and every single time you pick up a pen to write that exam.

It will be good to keep calm during the exams. Stay focused and keep your eyes on the prize – to achieve great results that will open doors for you and shape your entire future.

To the Matric class of 2022, this is your moment. Use the time you have been given to prepare, wisely. You have the backing, well wishes, thoughts and prayers of the entire George municipal area behind you. Do not be discouraged, face this challenge, and conquer it.

Good luck to all of you, make us all proud,

Your Executive Mayor, Leon Van Wyk

MEDIA RELEASE: Youth Stakeholders Forum Established

The Youth Development section of George Municipality held a Youth Summit recently with various stakeholders from within the George Municipal area to take the youth agenda forward and a Youth Stakeholder’s Forum has been established. In future, the forum will provide the necessary platform for networking, growth and stronger partnerships.

A Youth Directory has been developed and will remain a working document as details of more organisations will be added. Jonel Kerspuy, Coordinator of the Youth Development section at the Municipality invites more organisations, that are working with young people, to make contact with them at (044) 802 2000.

Discussions took place under the following Commissions: Education/ Training and Skills Development, Economic Development and Entrepreneurship, Health and well-being, Social Cohesion and National well-being, Sport and Recreation, Media and Arts and Government Services.

Various stakeholders were in attendance, with Councillors Melvin Roelfse, Thandiswa Qatana and Marais Kruger giving messages of support at the George Civic Centre where the summit was held. Dr Zille North from the Department of Health informed the plenary about the Planet Youth programme, with support provided by the Department of Social Development and Education. The Various stakeholders were able to share the valuable work that they are doing within the community of George. In the photo are some of the stakeholders attending the summit.

George Municipality in collaboration with other stakeholders held Youth Skills Transfer Workshops

The Youth Development section of George Municipality arranges Youth Skills Transfer Workshops to equip young people, with the skills and knowledge to become employable and or start their own businesses.

According to Jonel Kerspuy, Coordinator of the Youth Office section at George Municipality, these workshops are rolled out by the Youth Development office in collaboration with the Pacaltsdorp Community Business Association, Inkcubeko Youth and Science Centre with the assistance of the following facilitators Sylvia Ncazelo, Noxolile Tshandu and Pam Lesibanie. These partners provide venues and skills transfer sessions, which include beading, upcycling of recyclable goods, sewing, knitting and crocheting. A skills transfer programme is planned for Uniondale  next year and youngsters will be taught how to make goods out of leather.

Kerspuy says basic business training and mentoring have been provided to previous groups of youngsters, as well as a market to sell some of their products. The same training will be done with the current group. The sessions also provide a platform where valuable life skills, leadership development, career guidance, job readiness, mentoring and other sessions are offered to the youth in attendance.

“The programme addresses youth entrepreneurship, whilst at the same time bridging the generational and skills gap”, said Kerspuy.

Captions:

Youthskills: Luwayda Trantraal from the Pacaltsdorp Community Business Association (in the middle with blue dress) and Pam Lesibanie retired from SAPS and an entrepreneur (in the middle with pink) and to the far right is Jonel Kerspuy, Coordinator of the Youth Development section at George Municipality with some of the youngsters attending a skills transfer session.

Youthskills1: Noxolile Tshandu (facilitator in pink jersey busy with beading) and Sylvia Ncazelo ( facilitator with the white top) from Inkcubeko Youth and Science Centre busy with a beading programme in Thembalethu with the youth.

Youthskills2: An example of the beading is done.

Youthskills3: Pam Lesibanie does arts and crafts with the youth in teaching them skills they can use to make products and sell them.

Youthskills4: Some of the recycled wood is used to make welcoming frames for homes or decorations.

George Municipality is sensitive to the problems our residents experience because of the baboon population in the northern areas of town, but it is also important that all stakeholders should work together to find solutions to this complex situation. Residents need to learn to co-exist with the baboons, as we as humans have encroached on the natural habitat of the primates.

According to primatologist Dave Gaynor, baboons have been in the fynbos ecosystem for millions of years and have been a major population in terms of biomass. He noted in an article on Showme Plettenberg Bay, “One can confidently say that if they are removed, it is 100 percent sure to affect the fynbos. Baboons play a significant role in plant dispersal and reproduction”. The primates also keep scorpions, snakes and rats out of the areas that they roam.

Research done in Pringle Bay by Erin Guth in 2005 showed exactly that. It is clear that baboons play an important role in the ecosystem and that we need them to forage in the fynbos. However, the residential areas and villages can be a tempting alternative with the possibility of high-calorie foods. For example, just half a loaf of brown bread is equal to four hours of foraging in the fynbos for a female baboon, making up her daily nutritional supplement.

There is no option but to deter them as much as possible, because baboons will not be captured, relocated, or put down unless there is reasonable cause for this. Translocations and elimination of problem animals have sometimes yielded satisfying short-term results but rarely solved the problem. This will still not solve any problem as a male leader will just be replaced by another rival.

Further, aggressive responses to problem animals (i.e. shooting, threatening) often result in transferring the problem to neighbours. It has also been reported to increase aggressive behaviours from wildlife towards humans (and between humans), worsening the situation.

It is therefore of vital importance that all involved must keep the baboons from consuming human food by denying them access to refuse and using baboon-proof bins. Residents can even go further and baboon-proof their homes so they don’t raid fridges. When it comes to gardens, preserve the fynbos and cage as far as possible from vegetable gardens and fruit trees. And never feed the baboons directly.

According to Dr Chloe Guerbois, Nelson Mandela University, Sustainability Research Unit, who led a team of researchers in gaining some insights for the development of appropriate management options for human-baboon conflicts in George. She said although the experience of the negative impact by some residents should not be underplayed, the baboon situation in George is not yet as bad as in other towns. Guerbois also warns that it is now the time to act as the costs could still be kept low both for humans and baboons.

Dr Guerbois’ research found that the appointment of three wildlife monitors by the George Municipality in September 2015 certainly resulted in reducing the number of baboon incidents in 2016.

Up to 60 residents from Denneoord and Eden were interviewed and almost 90% of these people have experienced baboon encounters near their residence at least once. The baboons were mostly rummaging through refuse bags, searching for food, and passing through private property. Refuse bags were the primary target and fruit trees.

Dr. Guerbois’s recommendation is proactive collaborative solutions such as improved waste management and adapted farming and gardening practices at the edge of the urban areas for long-term options to ease human-baboon co-existence.

“The baboon issue is a real social dilemma and not (only) a financial one as it requires both personal and cooperative engagements for sometimes intangible, indirect, or delayed benefits. It is a deep transformation process which does not only apply to the baboon issue but to the global climate and biodiversity crisis,” Guerbois said.

George Municipality and CapeNature are in regular discussion with all stakeholders regarding baboon management, especially in mountainous areas or in the northern parts of George where these animals tend to raid properties for food. George Municipality Law Enforcement Officers patrol the various troops in the Blanco, Denneoord, Genevafontein, Saasveld, Victoria Bay, and Wilderness areas.

Amended Refuse Collection Times for affected areas in Blanco, Denneoord, Genevafontein, Saasveld, Victoria Bay and Wilderness

As a new measure to assist residents in the Blanco, Denneoord, Genevafontein, Saasveld, Victoria Bay and Wilderness areas who are affected by baboons, arrangements have been put in place to ensure that refuse removal will take place first in these areas, on their SPECIFIC REMOVAL DAYS from Monday to Friday.

Mayor Leon van Wyk said: “We as a Municipality set out the timelines with start and end time commitments for refuse collection that we will strive to meet 95% of the time and make sure that crews understand this. The refuse trucks will also use the most optimal routes to follow in the suburbs so that the baboons do not get the message of delays before the public receives them.”

For this to work, residents of these areas are requested to PLEASE put their sealed refuse bags out between 07h00 and 08h00 (the time is dependent on whether residents have to leave their premises or are staying at home. If the residents are at home, they can put the refuse out by 07h30, if not, and they must leave earlier, they can put it out by 07h00 ONLY ON their day of collection.

George Municipal refuse collection takes place within scheduled times and the change of routes within the highlighted areas already starts at 08h00 on the SPECIFIED REFUSE REMOVAL DAY. The measures taken will be subject to operational matters and we will endeavour to meet our commitment to sustainable, efficient services.

REFUSE REMOVAL DAYS
MONDAY: Blanco, Victoria Bay
TUESDAY: Wilderness
WEDNESDAY: Denneoord

THURSDAY: Wilderness Heights
FRIDAY: Genevafontein

What else can you do?
Living and holidaying in the natural surroundings of the Garden Route means sharing space with wildlife such as baboons and monkeys. When winter sets in and natural food sources become scarcer, baboons and monkeys are more likely to forage in residential areas.

Please review the standard tips around the handling of refuse, food and other tips.

While George Municipality and CapeNature assist with some aspects of baboon management, residents and visitors can assist greatly by reducing access to potential food sources:

• Keep your dustbins closed, sliding doors bolted and windows and doors shut, especially when leaving the house and/or when troops are in the vicinity.
• If you want to keep windows open, install burglar bars with gaps smaller than 8 cm.
• Do not leave pet food outside.
• Do not feed wild birds and animals on the property, as this often attracts baboons.
• Do not plant fruit trees, or vegetable gardens or make compost heaps unless they can be caged in or surrounded by electric fencing.

For mitigating measures to be most effective, all residents in baboon-visited neighbourhoods should make a concerted effort to ensure there is no easy access to food – as baboons are more likely to move on if there is nothing for them to eat.

Residents suspecting that a particular baboon or troop is a significant problem are encouraged to photograph and record incidents of destructive and dangerous behaviour, as well as any details of distinguishing features that would make identification of problem baboons easier. Such information can be emailed to the address below. If proven data of a particular problem individual exisst, baboon management measures may include euthanasia as a last resort.

George Municipality Baboon Management: 044 801 6350 (office hours) and 044 801 6300 (after hours) and sprins@george.gov.za

For advice on mitigating measures contact CapeNature Conservation Services on 044 802 5300 or https://www.capenature.co.za/

Executive Mayor of George, Alderman Leon van Wyk, accompanied by the Portfolio Councillor for Civil Engineering Services: Capital Projects & BFI, Jacqulique Von Brandis, visited the recently completed upgrading of Airway Road.

“We would like to thank the public for their patience and consideration in allowing the contractor to finalise the required work,” said Mayor van Wyk. “These infrastructure rehabilitation projects are important in terms of the maintenance of our roads, improving safety and extending the useful life of municipal infrastructure.”

According to Ricus Fivaz, Manager for Land Development at the George Municipality’s Civil Engineering Services Directorate, this rehabilitation project was prioritized in terms of the Road Pavement Management System, and the implementation of the construction was accelerated when funding became available to execute this priority upgrade.  

The work comprised the rehabilitation of 685m of Airway Road and entailed the milling of the existing bituminous surface layers and gravel base layers, whereafter a new cold in-situ recycled subbase layer, new bituminous base and surface layers were constructed. In the process, several kerbs and existing services were also replaced.  In addition, the entry and exit radii and associated layer works of three roundabouts, between Meent Street and Plattner Boulevard, in Heather Park were improved to allow for better traffic flow and safety.

TABATA STREETS UPGRADES

Phase 1 of the upgrading and improvement of Tabata Street was completed at the beginning of 2022, and phase 2 commenced in June 2022 and is set for completion in January to early February 2023.  The current work on phase 2 is progressing very well and the Municipality would like to use this opportunity to thank the community of Thembalethu (especially zones 12, 13 & 15) and all role players for their cooperation, patience, and support.

Once completed the improvements to this main arterial through Zones 12, 13 and 15 will most certainly improve the experience of road users, pedestrians, and the lives of residents.  The Municipality has applied for additional grant funding to complete the upgrading of Tabata Street up to the Tabata Street/Nelson Mandela Boulevard southern intersection. This will most probably be implemented in two phases, subject to the securing of the required funding.

GOLF STREET

Unfortunately, the equally important upgrading of Golf Street has been delayed due to a lack of available funding but is currently the highest priority on the list of roads for upgrading are concerned. Should the Municipality’s application for additional grant funding be successful this project will proceed to construction as soon as possible. In the interim various minor and temporary improvements are implemented on an ongoing basis to ensure a determined level of service is maintained

Please watch Mayor van Wyk’s visit to Airway Road: https://youtu.be/KsgNXBJ3uJE

A number of George Municipal departments attended the Garden Route Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Annual Wellness Day on Friday 19 October 2022 held at the Uniondale Sports grounds.

Various stakeholders such as Uniondale SAPS, Department of Correctional Services (Uniondale), Bethesda, EMS Garden Route and Central Karoo District, Uniondale Working on Fire, Cape Nature, Uniep and Uniondale Elderly Club all participated at this event. Ward 25 Councillor Jarques Esau opened the proceedings.

The program consisted of a variety of sports codes involving government officials in the various districts who participated in swimming, cycling, netball, and tug of war, sprinting relay, volleyball, Cricket, passing the ball and much more.