press-release

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.

The Meul sewage pump station, one of George’s most critical pump stations, which has in recent years experienced frequent and costly breakdowns that threaten the integrity of the sewage system it serves and the surrounding environment, is currently being upgraded.

According to the George Municipality’s Civil Engineering Services (CES) Department, the current upgrade will provide more energy-efficient pumps with higher capacity that meet future flow needs, as well as provide additional reliability by adding an emergency power generator to keep the installation operational during load shedding, amongst other critical upgrades. This upgrade comprises three main components: civil engineering construction, mechanical refurbishment and upgrading, and a new electrical and control installation.

The Executive Mayor of George, Alderman Leon van Wyk was accompanied by the Portfolio Councillor for the Civil Engineering Services: Capital Projects & BFI, Jacqulique Von Brandis recently visited the site to see the progress that has been made so far.

“We have come to visit one of the three pump stations in George, the Meul pump station. The work that is being carried out is more than refurbishing, it’s a total rebuild of this pump station,” said Mayor van Wyk. “These pump stations are 1975 vintages and they have reached the end of their life span; hence we welcome the rehabilitation and rebuilding that is now taking place. Thanks to the National Treasury’s Budget Facility Infrastructure (BFI) award to George last year which makes this upgrade a reality.”

The contract value for the phase 1 upgrade is approximately R31.67 million and this first phase of the upgrade is expected to be completed in the next 12 months. The CES department further confirmed that civil construction is underway while the contractor already possesses the procured generator and pumps. The pump station requires refurbishment to rehabilitate the current equipment as well as upgrading to provide sufficient capacity.

“The civil engineering upgrades entail repairs to the pump station that includes the refurbishment of the internal of the pump station, a new Motor Control Centre (MCC) room, a generator room and permanent backup generator, and a new valve chamber to the rising main and sump modifications,” said Gerard de Swardt, a project manager in the Civil Engineering Services directorate.

The mechanical component includes new pumps, pipework, valves, screens and equipment, while the electrical upgrade comprises electronic and instrumentation refurbishment and new bulk electrical works, a new motor control centre, a permanent standby generator, instrumentation and related cables.

Phase 2 of the upgrade will follow shortly after the completion of the phase one contract and will include mechanical equipment at the inlet works to remove screenings and grit automatically, and the replacement of a portion of the rising main. Site access and security will also be improved as part of the upgrade.

To Watch the Executive Mayor’s visit to the Meul Sewage Pump Station, please follow this link: https://youtu.be/3MVDtj3t9ig

ENDS.

Link to Video Ald Van Wyk reviewing York Street upgrade progress https://youtu.be/o5duhWd78wA

Ald Van Wyk and Portfolio Councillor for Civil Engineering Services: Capital Projects Jackie Von Brandis last week paid a visit to York Street for an update on the nearly complete northbound lanes.
The works on the southbound lanes are due to start this week. The section in question is located between Nelson Mandela Boulevard in the south and Courtenay Street in the north and will include the repair of kerbs and stormwater repairs.

Funding is received from the Western Cape Provincial Government for the upgrading and maintenance of Proclaimed Roads which includes CJ Langehoven (already completed) and York Street  must be fully spent by 31 December. As far as is possible major construction work is scheduled annually for completion by December , or for commencement in January of the next year. George is a major tourist and holiday destination, and the annual December-January peak holiday season is also the peak economic season for many businesses in George, both big and small . Apart from its abundant natural attractions, George’s main attraction is also its excellent services and infrastructure. These road upgrades will significantly improve the main accesses to George, as well as other well-travelled routes.

Traffic congestion can be expected and there will be height differences between the two lanes while milling and asphalt construction work is in progress. Drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians must please  exercise extreme caution, especially during wet conditions and when visibility is poor and at night. Vehicles with low profile tyres and motorcyclists must take extra care. For the duration of the construction period, Traffic officials and/or point duty officers will be utilized during peak hours where possible to try and assist with traffic flow.

PROJECT ENQUIRIES: iX Engineers – 084 653 2220

Load Shedding has become a regular occurrence in South Africa. Apart from its negative effect of power outages, it has an enormous impact on consumers and businesses as it is more likely to cause damage to appliances brought on by power surges and dips.

When the Load Shedding stages increase, so do the frequency of the rotational power cuts, which in turn results in an increased risk of damage to sensitive electronic items due to power surges, fire, and criminal vandalism.

REDUCE NUISANCE TRIPPING

George Municipality strongly encourages residents to reduce the risk and occurrence of nuisance tripping by switching off equipment such as geysers, television decoders, microwave ovens, and swimming pool filters BEFORE a scheduled Load-shedding takes place. Also take care to shut down all electronic equipment such as computers and laptops, unplug cell phone chargers and leave one light on to indicate the return of the supply. The strong surge of power coming back can easily damage sensitive electronic equipment.

Nuisance tripping is another issue that sometimes occurs as the technical staff are in the process of restoring the power supply. This is when the power supply is restored to an area and fails to come back on in some parts. When the electrical connection is restored by Eskom, the start-up load on a transformer might exceed the capacity of the network, causing the circuit breaker to trip. We are only able to reset the circuit breaker once the peak load is reduced.

DAMAGE TO ELECTRICITY NETWORKS

Continuous bouts of load shedding are affecting our electricity networks, especially from stages 4 and above. While our normal peak usage is at 85 MVA, this can shoot up to 110 MVA when the power is returned after load shedding which negatively impacts on the network. This results in trips or faults occurring which require our maintenance teams to effect repairs often during the night.

DANGERS OF FIRE

George has recently experienced fires at domestic and business premises that could possibly be associated with periods of load shedding. Additional care and safety measures should therefore be taken with appliances connected to the circuits.
Fire Safety Equipment requirements, please contact 044 801 6300.

• Building Control can be contacted on 044 801 9176 with any queries about structural integrity, hazardous materials and a valid Certificate of Occupation.
• Electrical related compliance please contact 044 801 9222.

Apart from load shedding, the George Municipality continues to assure residents and businesses that the service departments are constantly busy dealing with repairs, maintenance and laudably getting to planned preventative maintenance.

Recently there have been queries about whether sufficient maintenance was being done to our infrastructure. Residents can be assured that the service departments are constantly busy dealing with repairs, maintenance and laudably getting to planned preventative maintenance.

A few weeks ago, a communique went out about the progress being made on upgrading the bulk sewer mains in Wards 11 and 15 in Thembalethu that will allow for the decommissioning of an old sewer pump station while also catering for increased capacity and future housing developments. In the past week, while planned maintenance was being undertaken on a water pipeline in Zone 9, Thembalethu, an unexpected problem occurred while working in difficult conditions resulting in the repair becoming complex and residents experiencing a shortage of water. These are but two examples of work that takes place daily across George.

There is a planned strategy to deal with the maintenance of our electricity networks whereby high-impact equipment has received attention over the past year, with work progressively moving to the medium voltage networks for protection and preventative maintenance. Scheduled maintenance outages are regularly taking place in various parts of George to deal with identified defects.

Continuous bouts of load shedding are affecting our electricity networks, especially from stages 4 and above. While our normal peak usage is at 85 MVA, this can shoot up to 110 MVA when the power is returned after load shedding which negatively impacts on the network. This results in trips or faults occurring requiring maintenance teams to effect repairs often during the night.

Our communications to customers have highlighted the need to switch off appliances during load shedding and only to switch on progressively thereafter to minimise the load factor referred to and damage to installations. We have recently experienced fires at domestic and business premises that appear to be associated with periods of load shedding. Additional care and safety measures should therefore be taken with appliances connected to the circuits.

Recent news reports refer to challenges with water supplies being experienced in the Gauteng cities. Over the past two years, our focus has been to ensure that improvements to and maintenance of infrastructure receive attention. On an ongoing basis, we will be continuing to assess the risks, make forward plans and increase access to data for decision-making purposes.

As our electricity supply woes continue, we are meeting regularly to explore ways in which we can accelerate access to renewable energy sources to provide relief to our business and domestic consumers. We are fully aware of the tough conditions being experienced by businesses that are trying to maintain operation and production levels. Research is ongoing to find technical and financial solutions that will comply with the legal framework within which we operate.

Alderman L van Wyk

Executive Mayor of George

The George Municipality is pleased to announce that the Department of Environment, Forestry & Fisheries (DFFE) which is responsible for protecting, conserving, and improving the country’s environment and natural resources, has recently approved just over R 18 million for the establishment of an integrated waste management solution for George.

This funding will be steered towards the construction of the composting facility over a multiyear time frame (22/23, 23/24). The composting facility project was approved in line with the National Government’s Operation Phakisa, an initiative that was designed to fast-track the implementation of solutions to critical development issues. Operation Phakisa is an innovative and pioneering approach to translating detailed plans into concrete results through dedicated delivery and collaboration. “Phakisa” means “hurry up” in Sesotho and the application of this methodology highlights the government’s urgency to deliver.  It plays a crucial role in accelerating the delivery of some of the development priorities.

According to the acting director for the George Municipality’s Community Services, Sivuyile Mtila, this project consists of the construction of platform 1 which includes access roads, platform 2, a Retention Pond, Ancillary infrastructure, a new dry recycling facility, upgrades to the transfer station, project Management and administration, design and supervision of construction works and upgrades to the transfer station

“The project is not listed on the George Municipality’s budget but is managed by the DFFE,” said Mtila. “This means that the department will also undertake the supply chain management process in collaboration with the George Municipality, to source a suitably qualified consulting engineering firm in accordance with the International Federation of Consulting Engineers (FIDIC) conditions of contract for plant and design-build and engineering works as the contractor for the design-build of an integrated waste management facility inclusive of a composting facility, dry recyclables facility and ancillary infrastructure.”

Ends.

Youth Stakeholders Forum Established
Issued George Mun, 19 October 2022 for immediate release

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 warmly congratulates Overstrand Municipality on the announcement of their winning the Green Economy Change Champions Event for 2022.

Our Electrotechnical Department is proud to have been nominated as one of the top five green sustainability initiatives with their Electricity Wheeling Project.

The Green Economy Change Champions event is hosted by GreenCape and the Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Freedom (FNF).

“Our wheeling project remains a pioneering first step for George towards a competitive energy market. Looking into the future, this may lead to an energy model where different energy generators supply power to the end-users making use of the existing Municipal infrastructure. This will also provide an opportunity for more renewable energy sources to be introduced to the Municipal grid. The result would be a reduction of dependency on carbon-based fuels as well as relieving the burden on Eskom to generate,” said Daniel Greeff, Deputy Director: Planning and Design for Electrotechnical Services.

https://www.greencape.co.za/content/overstrand-municipality-wins-2022-municipal-green-economy-change-champions-showcase/

The George Municipality’s sports team that participated in the Garden Route Sport and Recreation Day on the 30 of September in Riversdale, came back victorious as the team grabbed two gold medals.

The two gold medalists are Grant November for golf and Randy Wesso for table tennis. The netball also went through to the semi-finals and won 9/7. The George netball team was supposed to play in the finals, but the game did not take place due to logistics. However, based on the goal average, the George Municipal netball team was the top team.

The Executive Mayor of George, Alderman Leon van Wyk congratulated the team for their success. “We are thrilled to hear that you went out there and represented George Municipality. When you left George, you told me that you would make us proud, and I am thrilled that you made this a reality. Congratulations to the officials who attained Gold and to our netball team who reached the final. Well done to all competitors. you have made us proud!”

The Garden Route Sport and Recreation Day is an annual sports event that is hosted by Sport and Recreation Services of the Western Cape Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport involving government officials in the various districts of the province as well as in the metropole to try their hand at soccer, mini-cricket, volleyball, tug of war, chess, athletics, and many other codes. The George Municipality has always been part of the Garden Route Sport and Recreation Day, formerly known as the “Better Together Games” since its inception in 2007 and successfully brought back gold, silver and bronze medallions and gone through to the final games.

Ends.

TOURISM UPDATE: WHAT’S HAPPENING IN GEORGE, WILDERNESS AND UNIONDALE

Each month the tourism section of George Municipality, which represents the tourism offices for George, Wilderness and Uniondale, will be sharing snippets to help you get to know more about all that is available to you and your visiting friends and family.

EVENTS
Have a squiz at a selection of events taking place over the next month and get in touch with your local tourism office for the full events calendar.

15 October 2022: Herlaai at the Outeniqua Park Stadium in George
This Saturday, Herlaai is bringing an epic line up of Afrikaans artists to George! Don’t miss Refentse, Spoegwolf, Bok van Blerk, Elandré and others for an evening of loud and live music concerts and Afrikaner ‘gees’! The gates open at 2pm with shows starting at 4:30pm. Tickets range from R75 to R250 and children under 12 are free. Get tickets at herlaai.co.za.

15 October: Outeniqua Chair Challenge
The OCC, a wheelchair race exclusively for disabled athletes and one of George’s most loved events, is also taking place this weekend. Athletes in racing wheelchairs, adapted bicycles, hand cycles, basketball chairs and ordinary wheelchairs participate in this premier South African sporting event, with athletes travelling from as far as Namibia, Ghana and Zimbabwe. There is a 42.2km marathon, 21.1km half marathon, 10km race and 5km events, starting between 6:30am until 2pm at Carpe Diem School.  It’s not too late to get involved! If you would like to push an athlete, contact Alewijn Dippenaar on 082 457 5675 and be there latest by 09:45.  Get more info at georgeocc.co.za or via facebook.com/OCC.Wheelchairchallenge

Prince George mountain bike race between Prince Albert and George.

15 October: Prince George, from Prince Albert to George
Travel 165km from the Karoo to the Coast in the Prince George MTB, covering vast landscapes including a world heritage site and two mountain ranges!  This monumental race traverses the Swartberg Mountains at the northern slopes in the Great Karoo, goes through the Klein Karoo region, over the Montagu Pass with dense forest plantation and finishes at the coast in George.  This non-technical route still has space for a few line entries at registration. For more info go to princegeorge.co.za or facebook.com/PrinceGeorge100Miler

Spectators can look forward to high performance surfing at ‘Vic’ Bay.

27-30 October: South African Surfing Championships at Victoria Bay in George
The 56th South African Surf Championships will be held on our very own home turf at Victoria Bay, where our beach hamlet has become a popular contest venue in South Africa.  This premier event is our country’s best-of-the-best; the competition every surfer wants to win.  8 surfing districts from across the country compete for the overall winning team, and surfers will also be individually competing for the Men’s and Women’s Crown Champions titles. The 48 men and 24 women participating athletes represent talented former and current National Team members and champions. The event is presented by Surfing South Africa, the national governing body for the sport, and hosted by our very own Eden Surfriders.  Spectators are welcome!  Make your way down to Vic Bay between 7am – 5pm on the Friday and Saturday, with Finals expected to take place at 2pm on the Sunday.  Follow the action via the Eden Surfriders Facebook page.

05 November: Nina’s Wine Fest at Nina’s Cafe in George
Enjoy wine, live music and food stalls at local favourite, Nina’s Cafe! There are a few tickets left for the 11am – 3pm event, which includes your very own Riedel wine glass.

The Trail Girl Trail Run is based at the Fairy Knowe Hotel situated on the glorious Touw River in Wilderness.

12-13 November: Trail Girl Trail Run at the Fairy Knowe Hotel in Wilderness
Trail Girl events are ideal mini-break experiences and girls-only weekend getaways. It’s the perfect introduction to multi-day trail running events without the stress of racing. Treat yourself to a weekend of trail running, new friends and fun you deserve!  Trail runs start at the Kleinkrantz beach and finish at Fairy Knowe Hotel situated on the glorious Touw River, with access to beautiful SANParks and Cape Nature areas along the route.  There’s even chill time with live entertainment and massages!  This two-day event is limited to 100 entries, with only a few more spots left. Go to trailgirl.co.za for more info.

LOCAL MARKETS
Hinenni Community Market
Situated in Rondevlei, this vibrant hub supports local farmers and entrepreneurs.  You’ll be able to find arts and crafts, farm fresh produce and eggs, homemade meals, baked goods such as breads, cakes and bakes, homemade pickles and preserves, Kimchi, Kombucha, yoghurt and so much more.

Every Wednesday from 08:30-15:00 | 63 Bo-Langvlei Road, Rondevlei, Wilderness. More info: facebook.com/ HinenniFS

Outeniqua Family Market
Showcasing the best mouth-watering local produce, as well as a large variety of craft stalls, this market is popular with locals as a weekend hang out. Live music, acres of parking, a huge kiddies play area and plentiful shaded seating make this a weekend winner.

Every Saturday from 08:00-14:00 | N2, George. More info: outeniquafamilymarket.co.za

Sunday Funday Market
The Milkwood Village is situated in the heart of Wilderness, with a variety of shops and restaurants, as well as a craft market in the centre of the village. Every Sunday morning the market has live music and a craft market. There is a dedicated kids zone with a big lawn to play ball and relax.

Every Sunday 10:00-15:00 | Milkwood Village, Beacon Street, Wilderness. More info: milkwoodvillage.co.za

BLOG – 20 REASONS WE LOVE SUMMER IN WILDERNESS
Now that the weather is getting warmer and we can enjoy more and more sunny outdoor days, have you seen our blog ‘20 Reasons We Love Summer in Wilderness’?  Read the full post at visitgeorge.co.za/blog.

VISIT YOUR LOCAL TOURISM OFFICE
Want to know more about what you can see, do, eat and where you can stay? Pop in at one of our Visitor Information Centres or go to our website visitgeorge.co.za.  We’re also on social media!  Follow us on Facebook and Instagram.

George Tourism
044 801 9295
info@visitgeorge.co.za
124 York Street, George Central, George, 6529
facebook/tourismgeorge
instagram/georgetourism_official
#exploregeorge

Wilderness Tourism
+27 44 877 0045
info@visitwilderness.co.za
198 George Road, Wilderness, 6560
facebook/wildernesstourism
instagram/wildernesstourism
#explorewilderness

Uniondale Tourism
+27 44 518 0030
info@visituniondale.co.za
Virtual assistance
facebook/uniondaleinfo
instagram/uniondaletourism #exploreuniondale

Transporting 16 070 passengers per weekday, the GO GEORGE bus service has become part of the daily routine for a large part of the George community who can now travel freely from different parts of town to attend school, go to work or medical facilities, do their shopping, or visit relatives and friends.

Over the past year, from September 2021 until August 2022, GO GEORGE buses have travelled 5 692 713 kilometres, operated 357 537 bus trips, and conveyed 4 580 776 passengers.

Bus fleet
Having started out with 10 buses in December 2014, the GO GEORGE fleet currently consists of 54 standard buses, 33 midibuses and 35 minibuses. Additional buses will be available for the Thembalethu service.

Road network
The road network coverage on the current 26 routes is 142 kilometres, with the expansion to Thembalethu adding another 30 kilometres. This is the total length of the roads travelled on by GO GEORGE buses. Road upgrades are continuously being done on these roads as funding allows. This includes roads that are currently being used to provide the public transport service as well as roads that will be needed in future for the service.

Passenger satisfaction counts
An annual, independent survey is conducted among users of the bus service to determine the overall socio-economic impact of GO GEORGE in three main areas: macro-economic, transport economic, and socio-economic impact.

The latest results have confirmed that most passengers are pleased with the GO GEORGE service and the opportunities it provides in terms of accessibility and mobility. They appreciate the flexibility of the system, and say it is safer and more secure and affordable than their means of transport before the implementation of the GO GEORGE service

User satisfaction scores have improved significantly from the previous year, confirming the continued commitment from GO GEORGE to provide a public transport service of high quality, resulting in a positive passenger experience.

Accessibility scores high
With accessibility such a high priority for GO GEORGE, it was gratifying to learn that all passengers with disabilities and 98% of passengers with other special needs find GO GEORGE very accessible, both at bus-stops and on board the buses, addressing their travel requirements. It was interesting to note that 40% of interviewees indicated that they have special needs when travelling. This includes people who are elderly, pregnant, travelling with small children or experience some form of mobility challenge.

Passengers are also satisfied with the proximity to bus stops, both from their home and destination. Considering that less than 30% of George residents have access to a private car, GO GEORGE is dedicated to ensuring that residents have access to the transport system.

Affordability
By using GO GEORGE, passengers have noted that they have more money available for other needs. The fact that passengers do not pay again to transfer between buses within one hour from starting their journey, contributes to a saving on their total travel expense, and reducing their monthly travel expenses.

“This is the kind of feedback we want to hear,” commented James Robb, Acting Public Transport Oversight Official of the George Municipality. “The prioritisation of public transport investment is no longer a nice to have; it is an absolute necessity. Government subsidises public transport – GO GEORGE trips included – so that nobody should have to turn away a job opportunity because they cannot afford to travel to work.”

George Municipality has been announced as winner of the Top Performing Municipality (Category B Municipality) by the Association of Municipal Electricity Utilities (AMEU) on 4^th October. The  68^th AMEU Convention hosted in the first week of October ended with a gala dinner and the award was presented to Electrotechnical Services Director, Bongani Mandla as part of the AMEU President’s Legacy Awards Programme.  The award celebrates the Electrotechnical Services department of a top performing category B municipality with the focus on revenue management, repairs and maintenance, infrastructure capital expenditure, electrification amongst other areas.

The participating municipalities were compared on a number of aspects where performance had to be indicated. These aspects included non-technical losses, which are measure d by subtracting the technical losses from our total Losses. George Municipality performance in this regard equated to 4.87%. Other aspects reviewed were revenue collection, electrification of formal houses as well as un-proclaimed areas, indigent customers with access to Free Basic Electricity, Unplanned Outages that are restored to supply within industry standard timeframes and capital expenditure.

TOP PERFORMING LOCAL MUNICIPALITY (CATEGORY B MUNICIPALITY)
An award celebrating a top performing category B municipality with focus on revenue management, repairs and maintenance, power purchase, BBBEE procurement spend, training and development, infrastructure CAPEX spend and electrification

As part of enhancing biodiversity awareness the Executive Mayor of George, Alderman Leon van Wyk encourages the citizens of George and the Garden Route to participate in the Great Southern Bioblitz (CSB) competition that will run between 28 – 31 October 2022.

According to Christine Ridge-Schnaufer of The Wildlife and Environment Society of South Africa (WESSA) Eden, the ‘Great Southern BioBlitz’, or ‘GSB’ for short, “is an international period of intense biological surveying to record all the living species within several designated areas across the Southern Hemisphere in Spring.”

“The purpose of this event is to highlight both the immense biodiversity spread across the Southern Hemisphere in the flourishing springtime, as well as to engage the public in science and nature learning using the citizen science platform iNaturalist,” said Ridge-Schnaufer.

“By the end of October, the natural world is on full throttle. Flowers are blooming, insects are emerging, birds are singing, and reptiles are coming out of their winter hibernation. It makes sense for the Southern Hemisphere to observe life at this time of year. The Garden Route has participated in the international City Nature Challenge (CNC) and GSB since 2020 and has been amongst the leaders for biodiversity each time – not really surprising.”

To mark the end of Tourism month (September), Mayor van Wyk visited the Garden Route Botanical Gardens in George on the 27^th of September, as one of the sports to show off tourism attractions in George. Cornè Brink of the Garden Route Botanical Gardens took Mayor van Wyk through the tour.

“As the George Municipality, we encourage all the citizens in the George young and old to take pictures using cameras and cellphones of all natural living things on the iNaturalist website throughout the Garden Route Municipality,” said Mayor van Wyk.

“I think it would be great if all of us take a little look at nature out there and start recording this and be part of this whole competition in this wonderful and beautiful natural world we live in.

It is important to know how many wild animals and plants can be found in the area. Are there any threatened species? It is all about Conservation, sustainability, community involvement, making a difference, thinking global and acting global, and of course just wanting to be out in the veld too!

Photos / Observations can be taken using a cell phone or camera (with GPS data) and after registering on iNaturalist www.inaturalist.org must be uploaded onto the website.

Online tutorials are available and answers to any questions can also be found online.

The artificial intelligence of iNaturalist helps with Identifications but is not infallible.

BUT hundreds of experts internationally use iNaturalist (e.g. SANBI) and search for new observations of their specialist field and fine-tune Observations made by Citizen Scientists (you and I !) –  depending on the quality of the photos. And all free of charge.

As each individual becomes more familiar with the functions of iNaturalist, more and more nodes of information can be found, studied and extracted.

https://greatsouthernbiobl.wixsite.com/website/about
Twitter @GSBioblitz
Instagram gsbioblitz
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/GSBioblitz/
https://www.inaturalist.org/projects/great-southern-bioblitz-2022-garden-route
https://www.inaturalist.org/projects/great-southern-bioblitz-2022-umbrella
https://www.greatsouthernbioblitz.org/

PRESS RELEASE: GO GEORGE READY TO ROLL OUT TO THEMBALETHU
Issued 7 Oct 2022

George Executive Mayor, Alderman Leon van Wyk, announced that the next set of routes of the GO GEORGE bus service will be activated in November 2022, expanding the bus service to Thembalethu and thereby doubling the current reach of the system.

Following this resolution at a special council meeting held on Wednesday 28 September 2022, the Mayor expressed his delight that this point was eventually reached. “This is a momentous occasion. We acknowledge and appreciate the dedication of the Uncedo Taxi Association, the George Community Forum, the Western Cape Government and the municipal team who have been in discussion for a long time. We ackowledge that all concerns will not have been resolved by the time of roll-out, but we remain committed to continue engaging with one another, ensuring that GO GEORGE delivers a dignified service to the people of Thembalethu who have been waiting for so many years,” he said.

Thembalethu routes
With 10 main routes departing in Thembalethu, passengers will be able to travel directly to the city centre, industrial area, Blanco and the Garden Route Mall. Five community routes will crisscross over Thembalethu, making it easy to travel within the area or to join one of the main routes connecting Thembalethu with existing GO GEORGE routes operating in and between the CBD, Pacaltsdorp, Denneoord, Loerie Park, Rosemoor, Blanco, Heatherlands, Heather Park, and the Garden Route Mall. Three early-morning routes will transport hospital staff to their places of work in time for their early shifts.

Community engagement
The GO GEORGE communications team is looking forward to start engaging with the Thembalethu community shortly, explaining to new bus users how the system works.

Contact GO GEORGE by phoning the Call Centre (0800 044 044) or sending an email (info@gogeorge.org.za), or like the GO GEORGE Facebook page to stay up to date with developments.

CAPTION: George Executive Mayor, Alderman Leon van Wyk, during a visit to the George Link bus depot.

ENDS.

PERSVERKLARING: GO GEORGE GEREED OM UIT TE ROL NA THEMBALETHU
Uitgereik 7 Okt 2022

Die uitvoerende burgemeester van George, raadsheer Leon van Wyk, het aangekondig dat die volgende stel roetes van die GO GEORGE-busdiens in November 2022 geaktiveer sal word om die busdiens na Thembalethu uit te brei, wat die huidige reikwydte van die stelsel sal verdubbel.

Na aanleiding van hierdie besluit tydens ‘n spesiale raadsvergadering wat op Woensdag 28 September 2022 gehou is, het die burgemeester sy vreugde uitgespreek dat hierdie punt uiteindelik bereik is. “Dit is ‘n belangrike geleentheid. Ons erken en waardeer die toewyding van die Uncedo-taxivereniging, die George-gemeenskapsforum, die Wes-Kaapse regering en die munisipale span wat al lank in gesprek is. Ons weet dat alle kwelpunte nie teen die tyd van die uitrol opgelos sal wees nie, maar ons bly daartoe verbind om gesprek met mekaar voort te sit en te verseker dat GO GEORGE ‘n waardige diens lewer aan die mense van Thembalethu wat al soveel jare wag,” het hy gesê.

Thembalethu-roetes
Met 10 hoofroetes wat in Thembalethu vertrek, sal passasiers direk na die middestad, nywerheidsgebied, Blanco en die Garden Route Mall kan reis. Vyf gemeenskapsroetes sal Thembalethu deurkruis, wat dit maklik maak om binne die gebied te reis of om by een van die hoofroetes aan te sluit wat Thembalethu verbind met bestaande GO GEORGE-roetes wat in en tussen die middestad, Pacaltsdorp, Denneoord, Loeriepark, Rosemoor, Blanco, Heatherlands, Heatherpark en die Garden Route Mall bedryf word. Drie vroegoggendroetes sal hospitaalpersoneel betyds vir hul vroeë skofte na hul werkplekke vervoer.

Gemeenskapskakeling
The GO GEORGE communications team is looking forward to start engaging with the Thembalethu community shortly, explaining to new bus users how the system works.
Die GO GEORGE-kommunikasiespan sien uit daarna om binnekort met die Thembalethu-gemeenskap te begin skakel om te verduidelik hoe die stelsel werk.

Maak kontak met GO GEORGE deur die Inbelsentrum te skakel by 0800 044 044, ‘n e-pos te stuur (info@gogeorge.org.za), of volg die GO GEORGE Facebook-blad om op hoogte te bly van verwikkelinge.