press-release

PUBLIC NOTICE: Drop-off/pick-up points for private and public transport vehicles on beaches on 1 and 2 January 2023

Issued by George Municipality, 29 December 2022

To minimise traffic congestion, the George Municipality has made alternative arrangements for the drop-off and pick-up of large groups of passengers by public transport vehicles (taxis and buses) and/or private vehicles.

George traffic officers and point service officers will be in place to ensure the smooth flow of traffic as far as possible. Traffic controllers will assist with general parking as well as at the designated drop-and-go/pick-up areas at all beaches. Clear directions are in place. These arrangements are made for the safety of all public transport users and pedestrians.

VICTORIA BAY: 1 and 2 January 2023: 07:00 – 18:00

Pick-up:

All public transport vehicles (taxis and buses): At the upper parking area at stop sign on the left where you enter Victoria Bay.

Private vehicles: Drop-and-go circle at the boom, until officials indicate otherwise.

Drop-off: Drop-and-go circle at the boom, until officials indicate otherwise.

HEROLDS BAY: 1 and 2 January 2023: 06:00 – 18:00

Drop-and-go/pick-up points at the caravan food stalls and on the left side of the public toilet facilities.

No public transport vehicles, including buses and taxis, may park at the main parking area overlooking the sea.

Motorists are also allowed to park on the sides of the R404 road, provided they are completely off the road and do not create any obstruction.

WILDERNESS BEACH: 1 and 2 January 2023: 07:00 – 18:00

All public transport vehicles, (taxis and buses): Wilderness common drop-off point and parking area

ONLY private vehicles, the elderly and persons with disabilities: Salina’s drop-and-go point.

Map key:

Yellow arrows indicate parking areas.

Purple arrows indicate beach access.

Red stars indicate location of lifeguards.

Red triangle indicates that area/access is closed.

Green arrow indicates drop-and-go point for public, elderly people, and persons with disabilities.

Blue arrow indicates public transport drop-off/pick-up point (taxis and buses).

OPENBARE KENNISGEWING: Aflaai-en-ry / oplaaipunte vir privaat en openbare vervoer-voertuie op strande op 1 en 2 Januarie 2023

Uitgereik deur George-munisipaliteit, 29 Desember 2022

Om te verseker dat verkeersopeenhopings tot die minimum beperk word, het die George-munisipaliteit alternatiewe reëlings getref vir die af- en oplaai van groot groepe passasiers deur openbare vervoer-voertuie (taxi’s en busse) en/of private voertuie.

George-verkeersbeamptes en puntdiensbeamptes sal in plek wees om die gladde vloei van verkeer so ver moontlik te verseker. Verkeersbeheerders sal help met algemene parkering sowel as by die aangewese aflaai-en-ry / oplaaigebiede by alle strande. Duidelike aanwysings is in plek. Hierdie reëlings word getref ter wille van die veiligheid van alle openbare vervoergebruikers en voetgangers.

VICTORIABAAI: 1 en 2 Januarie 2023: 07:00 – 18:00

Oplaai:

Alle openbare vervoer-voertuie (taxi’s en busse): By die boonste parkeerarea by stopteken aan die linkerkant waar u Victoriabaai binnekom.

Privaat voertuie: Aflaai-en-ry-sirkel by die valhek, totdat beamptes anders aandui.

Aflaai: Aflaai-en-ry-sirkel by die valhek, totdat beamptes anders aandui.

HEROLDSBAAI: 1 en 2 Januarie 2023: 06:00 – 18:00

Aflaai-en-ry / oplaaipunte by die karavaankosstalletjies en aan die linkerkant van die openbare toiletgeriewe

Geen openbare-vervoervoertuie, insluitend busse en taxi’s, mag by die hoofparkeerarea wat op die see uitkyk, parkeer nie.

Motoriste mag ook aan die kante van die R404-pad parkeer, mits hulle heeltemal van die pad af is en geen versperring veroorsaak nie.

WILDERNIS-STRAND: 1 en 2 Januarie 2023: 07:00 – 18:00

Alle openbare-vervoervoertuie, (taxi’s en busse): Wildernis se gemeenskaplike aflaaipunt en parkeerarea (Wilderness common)

SLEGS privaat voertuie, bejaardes en persone met gestremdhede: Salina’s aflaai-en-ry-punt.

Kaartsleutel:

Geel pyle dui parkeerareas aan.

Pers pyle dui toegang tot strand aan.

Rooi sterre dui ligging van lewensredders aan.

Rooi driehoek dui aan dat area / toegang gesluit is.

Groen pyl dui aflaai-en-ry-punt vir publiek, bejaardes en persone met gestremdhede aan.

Blou pyl dui aflaai- /oplaaipunt vir openbare vervoer (taxi’s en busse) aan.

ISAZISO SIKAWONKE-WONKE: Ukwehla nokuHamba (Drop and Go) / iindawo zokuQokelela kwiZithuthi zaBucala kunye nezoThutho lukaWonke-wonke elunxwemeni ngomhla 1& 2 Januwari 2023

Ikhutshwe nguMasipala waseGeorge, ngowama-29 Disemba -2022

Ukuqinisekisa ukuba ingxinano yezothutho iyathotywa, uMasipala waseGeorge wenze amanye amalungiselelo okwehlisa kunye nokuqokelelwa kwabakhweli beZithuthi zikaWonke-wonke (kuquka neeTaxi) kunye/okanye izithuthi zabucala.

Amagosa ezendlela eGeorge kunye nama Points-man aza kube ekhona ukuqinisekisa ukuhamba kakuhle kwezithuthi kangangoko. Abalawuli bezendlela bancedisa kwindawo yokupaka jikelele kunye nakwiindawo ezichongiweyo ze-Drop and Go / Collection kuzo zonke iilwandle. Iimpawu ezicacileyo zikhona. La malungiselelo enziwa ngeenjongo zokhuseleko loluntu olusebenzisa izithuthi zikawonke-wonke kunye nabahambi ngeenyawo.

IVictoria Bay: 1 & 2 Januwari 2023: 07:00 – 18:00

Ukukhwela:

Zonke izithuthi zikawonke-wonke (iiteksi kunye neebhasi): Kuphawu lokumisa olusekhohlo kwindawo yokumisa izithuthi ephezulu xa ungena eVictoria Bay.

Izithuthi zabucala: Kwisangqa sokwehla-ukhwelise kwisango elilawulwa yibhum, ade amagosa anike eminye imiyalelo.

Ukwehlisa: Kwisangqa sokwehla-ukhwelise kwisango elilawulwa yibhum, ade amagosa anike eminye imiyalelo.

Herold’s Bay: 1 & 2 Januwari 2023: 06:00 – 18:00

Iindawo zokuLahla kunye nokuHamba / zokuQokelelwa zikwindawo yokutyela yeKharavani kwaye ngasekhohlo kwendawo yokuGcina uLuntu.

Akukho ziThuthi zoThutho lukaWonke-wonke kuquka iiteksi neebhasi ezivumelekileyo ukuba zipake kwindawo yokupaka ejongene nolwandle.

Abaqhubi nabo bavumelekile ukuba bapake kwincam yendlela i-R404 engena kunxweme lolwandle ukuba ngaba baphumile ngokupheleleyo endleleni kwaye ababangeli mqobo.

Wilderness Beach: 1 & 2 Januwari 2023: 07:00 – 18:00

Zonke iZithuthi zoThutho lukaWonke-wonke kuquka iiteksi neebhasi: I-Wilderness Common Drop kunye ne-Go/Ndawo yokuqokelelwa

Izithuthi zabucala, abaDala kunye nabakhubazekileyo KUPHELA: I-Salina’s Drop and Go

Imephu ilivo:

Iintolo ezityheli(Yellow) zibonisa iindawo zokuPaka.

Iintolo ezimfusa (Purple) zibonisa uFikelelo eLwandle

Iinkwenkwezi eziBomvu(Red) zibonisa Indawo yabaKhuseli bokuphila

Unxantathu obomvu. Indawo / Ufikelelo luvaliwe.

Utolo oluluhlaza(Green) lubonisa UKULAHLA kunye ne-HAMBA kuluntu kunye naBakhulileyo nabaKhubazekileyo.

Utolo oluBlue lubonisa ukuLahla kunye nokuya kwiiteksi neebhasi. Amanqaku okuqokelelwa kweeTaxi.

George Municipality holds a daily Festive Monitoring Committee meeting with all directorates which includes external stakeholders such as SAPS, SANparks and NSRI. The committee jumped in and added preparation for the Storm Alert issued last week to the regular agenda about festive safety and service delivery in George as result keeping the damages to a minimum. External stakeholders such as SANPARKS made immediate arrangements to breach the Touws River in advance of any possible flooding in Wilderness.

Stormwater Clearance
Stormwater infrastructure in the usual problematic areas were cleaned days in advance after receipt of the alert and where possible damaged infrastructure was repaired in anticipation of potential flooding. The storm water division has followed a stringent programme of cleaning throughout George and surrounds prior to the festive season starting.

A total of 19 storm water complaints were received and addressed. One stormwater pipeline collapsed in Dormehlsdrift.  It  must be noted that a number of areas have recently had their stormwater networks upgraded using municipal grant funding (MIG) and that these areas had no problems over the past weekend,  highlighting the value of the investment in our neighbourhoods.

George Fire and Disaster Services
The Disaster Centre filled and issued 84 sandbags in preparation of the poor weather with sand supplied by our Civil Engineering Services Directorate. Three additional personnel were added to the Disaster Call Centre to handle the influx of calls and two additional Emergency cellphone numbers were issued for public to make contact with the Disaster Centre. A number of senior officials were tasked with moving around the city during the periods of high rainfall to continuously monitor any potential flooding and report back to the Disaster Centre for action. One motor vehicle accident was reported in the Outeniqua Pass and one informal house fire was addressed on Saturday afternoon.

Traffic control and road closures
CJ Langehoven and Courtney Street were partially closed for a short period on Friday. Traffic officials or pointsmen were placed at the critical busy intersections impacted by flooding on Friday. Additional batteries were placed at critical intersections to accommodate the extended loadshedding periods over the weekend which affected the ability of the UPS’s to recharge. Where a battery could not be added, traffic officials or pointsmen were placed for short periods to resolve traffic flow.

Debris cleanup by Community Services
Community Services teams cleared the CBD of storm debris on Saturday and continue to clear the beaches each morning with some debris visible early this morning. Cleanup generally takes place before 8am of each day.

Formal Housing
A total of 51 requests were received for gunplast in various areas for persons residing in backyards and houses with roof leakages, however in terms our policy in this regard gunplast cannot be distributed to persons living on private property and in  formal housing. Priority was thus given to persons residing in the informal settlements.

Informal Settlements
A total of 113 requests for gunplast was received from the informal areas with 43 pieces issued to date. Human Settlement officials will continue with the distribution of gunplast in the informal areas for the remaining requests.

Power outages due to inclement weather
A power outage in the Herold’s Bay farming area was weather related. Other outages in Heather Park. Blanco, Herold’s Bay beachfront, Oubaai and Breakwater Bay were related to loadshedding.

Posters at bus stops in town welcoming Thembalethu passengers; bus stops and operational facilities inside Thembalethu nearing completion; communication champions engaging with prospective passengers … These are but some of the visible signs that GO GEORGE is getting ready to roll out service to this community. Thembalethu has been waiting eagerly to share in the benefits of an affordable and scheduled bus service.

“We realise that Thembalethu residents have been disappointed before when we tried to roll out bus services to this area,” said Morné Lakay, Acting Manager of GO GEORGE. “This time, we are determinedly pushing through, even though it is taking a little bit longer than planned. It is heart-warming to hear from our engagement with Thembalethu residents, how much they are looking forward to having access to our service and the convenience and savings it will bring.”

Infrastructure

As with all previous roll-outs to other areas of town, the service to Thembalethu will launch with the infrastructure needed to roll out smoothly. This will be expanded as user patterns and passenger needs become clear once they start using the service.

To date, 11 indented bays in Nelson Mandela Boulevard and 129 bus stops for use by the Thembalethu routes have already been constructed. A limited number of bus shelters will initially be erected, just in time for roll-out.

According to Lakay, bus shelters all over the system are placed at stops where the most passengers wait to board a bus. “Since we first need to monitor user patterns after activation of the service to an area, we start out with temporary shelters and follow up with the permanent shelters which are quite costly to manufacture and install. This is not the kind of structure we would like to move.”

Information about the Thembalethu service

The GO GEORGE communications team has ben visiting businesses and organisations all over town to engage with staff residing in Thembalethu. Anyone who would like to request an informational visit to their staff can call the GO GEORGE Call Centre on 0800 044 044 from 05:00 until 20:00, seven days a week.

George Municipality has completed the installation of a temporary package plant with a very short turnaround time to help the municipality cope with the high increase in daily water demand during the peak season. Although this package plant will add an extra 5 Ml/day of treated drinking water to the daily production, there remains a high risk of not being able to meet the full daily demand for drinking water which is why water restrictions will remain in place to curb the excessive and unnecessary use of drinking water by residents and holidaymakers alike.

The package plant is also intended to supplement the available treated drinking water in 2023 while various rehabilitation work is done at the Old and the New Water Treatments Works, and availability of supply will remain constrained until the new 20Ml WTW capacity extension has been completed in 2025

Executive Mayor for George, Leon van Wyk and Portfolio Councillor for Civil Engineering Services: Capital Projects and BFI Cllr Jackie Von Brandis paid a visit to the new site of the package plant which was installed in record time. “We are extremely grateful for the work of Civil Engineering Services that managed to complete the installation of the package plant in such a short time to assist the town with portable water,” said Cllr Von Brandis.

Why are the stricter water restrictions necessary?
The problem is twofold with the Garden Route as a whole on alert that our raw water sources such as the Garden Route dam are being affected by low rainfall  – the Garden Route dam volume dropped to 45.8% last week and although rainfall of 123 mm was measured over the last 7 days (from Monday 12^th December) the dam  volume has only increased to 57.43% as measured Monday 19 December,  which gives us a grace period for which we are thankful but does not resolve the water scarcity entirely. At 57.43% the available volume is equal to approximately 165 days of raw water supply. It is expected that the volume may increase slightly with the post-rainfall runoff.

The Municipality is in the process of reviewing the Bulk Raw Water Resources Study that considers all potential resources. The public cannot assume that because we have been blessed with a short spell of decent rain that they can continue to use drinking water indiscriminately. We have no guarantee of what the rainfall patterns will bring over the next few months and we need to conserve what we have received.

The other problem lies with the production of treated drinking water – the old water treatment works (Circa 1950) is not producing drinking water at it’s original design capacity, and the Denneoord Water Treatment Works can currently produce 20Ml/day provided this is not affected by the extended ESKOM loadshedding we are currently experiencing. Remedial works is planned at both the old water treatment works and the Denneoord water treatment works to optimise the capacity of these two existing plant.

However, if residents, holidaymakers, business and industry do not reduce their daily use of drinking water there is a possibility of us running into difficulties as the demand may exceed the capacity to supply sufficient drinking water. As previously reported the construction of an additional 20Ml/day Water Treatment Works (treats raw water to drinking water standard) is underway but completion only expected for 2025.

Follow this link for the detailed Stricter Water Restrictions in English/Afrikaans and Isixhosa.
https://www.george.gov.za/george-doc-categories/public-notices/general/

Contraventions of the Water Restrictions can be reported on 0800 424477. Fines will apply and/or six months imprisonment.

Report water leaks and burst pipes to 044 801 9262/66 or after hours at 044 801 6300, as soon as you notice them.

The George Municipality’s Fire Services and Disaster Management is proud to announce that it has added a new baby to its sea rescue equipment, an 1800 CC Jetski that is combined with pontoons of rubberduck which is now called a Jetrib. They are exclusively bought from Droomers Yamaha in Cape Town which has the patent. This will be the first 1800cc Jetrib in South Africa.

“This rescue vessel is a must-have for surf sea rescue,” says the George Municipality’s Chief Fire Officer and Disaster Management, Cornelius Barnard. “The agility of the larger engine allows for faster response and movement in between the waves, the safety of the pontoon floating on top of the water increases the rescue capabilities of the Jetrib in shallow surf much more efficiently than what a normal or smaller rubber duck would provide.”

The Jetrib is operated by two people, a skipper and a rescue swimmer and then can carry a third person as a victim. “The Jetrib is an extremely versatile sea vessel, and we are very proud to have it as part of the George Municipality’s fleet of rescue equipment, especially since it is in time for the season. The Skipper, Fire Fighter Johan Troskie, is a very well-versed and skilled skipper for these vessels. The skipper, the rescue team and the new vessel together make a great contribution to our ability to do shallow surf rescue during the season,” Mr Cornelius Barnard added.

Please watch the video of the new Jetrib: https://youtu.be/yNCHf4fAKvc

Ends.

Media Release issued on behalf of NSRI

COMBATING THE DANGERS OF RIP CURRENTS IN THE GARDEN ROUTE AREA
NSRI Releases Fluoresceine Dye to highlight the danger of rip currents

15 December 2022: In the heart of South Africa’s Garden Route in the Southern Cape area you will find Herolds Bay. This is a peaceful place blessed with the songs of the wind and the ocean. However, there are dangerous RIP currents in this area.

This is according to the National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) who recently used a harmless green dye to highlight rip currents at Herolds Bay and Wilderness beach. We believe that Rip currents are the greatest danger that holidaymakers will face when they flock to the beaches during this holiday season and want to draw this danger to the attention of people holidaying at the coast.

“Many people find rip currents hard to see and so we have used Fluoresceine dye in a once-off deployment to highlight a couple of them so that we could photograph and film the dye being pulled out in the rips. We will use these photos and video as educational tools to teach beach safety,” said NSRI’s Wilderness Station Commander Mike Vonk.

“Many beaches around South Africa have powerful rip currents which can pull a swimmer away from the beach to behind where the waves form in a couple of minutes,” he continued.

“A rip current will not pull you under the water, but will pull a swimmer away from the beach,” said Mike. “If caught in a rip the most important thing is not to panic. Swim out of the current at 90 degrees to the direction in which you are being pulled and use the waves to swim back to shore. Or flip on your back and float until the current runs out of strength and you can swim back to the beach,” he added.

NSRI Drowning Prevention manager Andrew Ingram has some important advice on how to assist a person caught in a rip current. “Call NSRI for help by dialing 112 from your cell phone, save the NSRI’s National Emergency Operations Centre in your phone (087 094 9774) or Google ‘Sea Rescue emergency’ for the closest NSRI stations’ number. And never go into the water to attempt a rescue without taking something that floats with you,” adds Andrew. Our Pink Rescue Buoys are available on many beaches as well as some rivers and dams to be used as emergency flotation for anyone to use to protect themselves while they attempt to help a swimmer in distress. Surfboards or body boards are also good choices to protect yourself and help the person in difficulty if you decide to go into the water to help.”

“Out of 131 rescues that we know of, where a Pink Buoy has been used to help someone in difficulty, 96 of these people needed help because they were swimming in a rip current,” said Andrew.

“Pink Buoys save lives, and we appeal to everyone to take note of where they are placed on beaches. They are there for use in an emergency and should be put back after use,” he said. “If you see that a Pink Buoy is missing, please call the cell number on the sign and let us know.”

“We encourage people to swim at a beach that is lifeguarded and to swim between the lifeguard’s flags,” said Mike Vonk. “If lifeguards are not on duty, it is safer not to swim,” he added.

“Parents please watch your children when they are in or near water and remember that drowning is silent. Please save the emergency numbers in your cellphone before you need it and have a safe holiday,” concludes Mike.

Note to editors:

1. Fluoresceine Dye is harmless. It is used by doctors to see issues in patients’ eyes, by plumbers to detect leaking pipes and by fishermen to attract fish. The NSRI has a permit issued by DFFE to release the dye in the educational and research work that the organization is doing regarding rip currents.

2. Please see the NSRI Rip current video on our YouTube channel which explains how rip currents work – https://youtu.be/9GBUBDMENfw .

3. If anybody would like to help us with our Pink Rescue Buoy program as a Pink Buoy custodian or Pink Buoy volunteer please contact us on our social media channels or email us: pinkrescuebuoys@searescue.org.za .

Kindest Regards,
KUHLE MKIZE
COMMUNICATIONS & PR MANAGER

*Media Release: George Law Enforcement officers sweep another 241 shops for fireworks
Issued by George Municipality 15 December for immediate release*

George Municipality Law Enforcement officers have visited 241 shops in George and Uniondale areas since the last sweep in November and fined five shop owners  a total of R7500 for having fireworks in their possession. Law Enforcement officers have put up hundreds of posters about the ban on fireworks in the George Municipal area and will continue writing out warnings and issue fines to shop owners who refuse to adhere to the law.

The value of the fireworks confiscated is approximately R1700. Officers will next clamp down on Thembalethu, Rosedale and New Dawn Park. Law Enforcement official, Ashley Joseph has visited 14 shops in the Uniondale area and handed out posters. No fireworks have been confiscated. Joseph will still visit shops in Haarlem and surrounding farming areas.

We remind the public that due to the high fire risk, the setting off, and possession of fireworks, firecrackers, flares, paper lanterns and other such paraphernalia in the George municipal area is not allowed. The fireworks confiscated by our Law Enforcement officers will be handed over to the police for disposal. Confiscation notices are issued to the offending shops.

George has strict firework legislation and according to the Bylaw on Community Safety, Section 58 (13) No person may discharge fireworks outside of a designated Fire Works Area. No Fire Works area has been made available in George and should someone be caught discharging a firework, a flare, or lighting a Chinese lantern an immediate fine of R1000 is applicable as well as a potential charge of arson.

Setting off marine rocket flares for fun is hugely dangerous and irresponsible. NSRI is compelled to log and investigate every incident in case it is a real emergency which of course takes up their time and valuable resources and could detract from genuine flare sightings. It is also hugely dangerous for those setting off the flares, as they are quite costly, and sometimes also out of date.

Marine guidance notes explain that all old flares need to be disposed of correctly. Rocket flares degrade with time and there have been cases where the rocket propellant separates from the parachute, and you are left with an uncontrolled flare which then comes back down and hits the person who has fired it off.

George Municipality will firmly enforce the applicable by-laws and additional Law Enforcement officers will be deployed at various areas and beaches over the festive season to attend to fireworks complaints. This will hopefully assist in reducing the noise levels and allow people (and their pets) to plan for “noisy” periods thus allowing for a quieter, safer environment for all concerned. For some pets, especially dogs and cats with particularly noise-sensitive ears, the sound of fireworks can cause intense fear responses. Some pets will go to extremes to hide, others get startled and run away, and general anxiety caused by unexpected loud sounds can have long-lasting effects on animals.

Please report the illegal setting off of fireworks to 044 801 6350 or after hours at 044 801 6300.
Please report the illegal trade in fireworks to 044 801 6350 or after hours at 044 801 6300.

FIRE EMERGENCIES: 044 801 6311

_*Captions*_

_*Fireworks 1 and 2: Some of the fireworks and crackers confiscated in George.*_

_*fireworks 3: Ashley Joseph with hands a poster to the Jozelle shop owner, Zakir Hossin in the Uniondale CBD.*_

George Municipality wishes to congratulate and welcome a new director for Corporate Services, Krishenthrie Moodley who started on 12 December 2022 bringing extensive experience in local government spanning over 20 years.

Moodley’s local government experience started in KZN where she held the position of Director for Corporate and Community Services at the District Municipal level, and Director thereafter in the Eastern Cape as a Director for Corporate Services for the past Five (5) years. Her wealth of experience is backed by a Bachelor of Social Sciences Honours degree from the University of Natal in KwaZulu-Natal as well as Municipal Finance Management Programme (MFMP).

Sharing her vision for George, Moodley intends to contribute positively to the growth of the institution’s human capital. “As an institution of excellence, my vision for George Municipality is to embed a culture of high productivity, service delivery, good governance, and institutional efficiency.  The establishment of a leadership pipeline and digitization of training is a key focus in driving change and elevating the skills set of our Human Capital,” Moodley said.

“I look forward to being a part of the transformation of George Municipality and embracing and enhancing the human capital to reach its full potential for the benefit of individual growth and development but more importantly for the communities we serve.”

“When I’m not engrossed in affairs of local government, I enjoy spinning, renovating old furniture and reading.  I am also passionate about self-discovery through the study of spiritual literature,” Moodley concluded.

ENDS.

As part of the holiday safety awareness and welcoming programme, the Executive Mayor of George, Alderman Leon van Wyk, the members of the Executive Mayoral Committee, the Municipal Manager, and the Chairperson of the George Business Chamber welcomed tourists and visitors to the heart of the Garden Route, George, during a friendly Mayoral Roadblock that was held at the entrance to George, N9 on Wednesday, 14 December 2022.

The entourage consisted of Ald van Wyk, Dr Willie Cilliers Chairperson of the George Business Chamber, Executive Deputy Mayor Raybin Figland, Portfolio Councillor for Corporate Services and Human Resources Christiaan Neethling, Councillor Johan du Toit MPAC Chairperson, Portfolio Councillor for Community Safety Charlotte Clarke and the Municipal Manager Dr Michele Gratz who handed over holiday goody-bags to motorists.

Also present, were key stakeholders and role-players in tourism, safety and transport such as GO GEORGE represented by James Robb the Acting Public Transport Oversight Official, George Tourism (including Wilderness and Uniondale Tourism), Municipal Traffic Services, George Fire Services and Disaster Management, municipal Law Enforcement, Cluster CPF Chairperson, Rupert Pretorius and the South African Police Service (SAPS).  To add more excitement for our younger visitors, the ever-popular mascots Georgie from GO GEORGE and Daantjie Kat from the George Traffic Services were there for entertainment.

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

One of the highlights of this year’s Mayoral Friendly Roadblock was the participation of the George Business Chamber, represented by Chairperson Dr Willie Cilliers. “As the world of business, we warmly welcome our clients, and it is a great pleasure to be here to witness people coming on holiday. It is extremely important to us as businesses to get the people here and strengthen our partnership with the Municipality and other stakeholders during this annual event. We look forward to a bumper season and sustaining our business into the next year, 2023.

Municipal Manager Dr Gratz expressed her satisfaction with the success of the friendly Mayoral Roadblock. “I’m pleased with the success of the Mayoral Roadblock; this was certainly a great display of George’s readiness for the festive season. Our emergency personnel as well as all service delivery Departments are prepared to ensure maximum safety for visitors and locals and to ensure that our visitors enjoy their stay in a clean and well-run city where all services are working”.

PLEASE WATCH THE MARAL ROADBLOCK VIDEO: https://youtu.be/f9NXEcz6jek

For quick links to all the tourism information you may need in the greater George area, please follow the links below for quick access to Tourism Information, Safety for Visitors Information and Useful Municipal Contacts!

https://www.george.gov.za/…/tourism/safety-for-visitors/

https://www.george.gov.za/contact/

http://www.visitgeorge.co.za/

ENDS.

Mediavrystelling: Euwel van verstopte stormwaterdreine en kabeldiefstal lei tot groot skade en probleme met dienslewering

Uitgereik deur George Munisipaliteit 15 Desember 2022 vir onmiddellike vrystelling

Die aandag is vandeesweek weer opnuut op die euwel van verstopte stormwaterdreine en kabeldiefstal geplaas toe strate in Rosemoor, George oorstroom het en bykans onbegaanbaar was, weens ‘n drein in O’Connellstraat wat met ‘n bondel gesteelde elektriese kabels en gemors verstop was.

Amptenare van ons Siviele Ingenieursdienste moes spook om die kabels uit te kry wat aan ander vullis, soos volgestopte plastieksakke, koeldrankbottels en nog vele gemors vasgedraai was.

Ons Elektrotegniese Dienste Direktoraat het bevestig dat dit kragkabels is, wat reeds van koper gestroop is.

Volgens Lionel Daniels, adjunkdirekteur van Siviele Ingenieursdienste, kry hul afdeling gereeld klagte oor ons stormwaterstelsel wat nie behoorlik werk nie, maar sê hy hierdie is die tipiese voorvalle waarmee sy spanne bykans elke dag moet sukkel en wat dienslewering kelder.

Daniels sê in hierdie spesifieke geval het het talle strate oorspoel met die swaar reens weens die een verstopte drein.

Wonder jy ooit hoekom sekere gebiede meer oorstromings en rioolstortings as ander het? In meeste gevalle kan die probleem direk verbind word met wat in die drein afgaan.

Verkeerde goed wat toilette afgespoel of wat in stormwaterafvoerpype gegooi word, is een van die grootste oorsake van riool wat oorloop en verstopte dreine en oorstromings. Probleemitems sluit in, kosverpakking, koeldrankbottels en tot dooie diere en meubels, sanitêre produkte, babadoeke wat in die mangate en afvoerpype gegooi word.

Om dreinpype skoon te maak is duur en kos die munisipaliteit geld en mannekrag wat vir iets anders gebruik kon word. Oorstromings weens verstopte dreine kan huise, motors en eiendom beskadig en kan selfs die oorsaak van verdrinkings wees.

Ons vra die publiek om asseblief die area voor stormwatergate in die pad skoon te hou van blare en gemors. Moenie rommel strooi nie, hou dit in a swartsak tot vullisopteldag. Plaas babadoeke, koshouers, sanitêre produkte in ‘n plastiek inkopiesak, bind dit toe en plaas dit in ‘n swart sak. Moenie die toilet as ‘n vullisblik gebruik nie. Gooi bourommel, voertuigbande en ander groot goed by die munisipale stortingsterrein of binne-in ‘n skepbak in u gebied.

Verjaag enigiemand wat vir kwaadgeld rondloop en probeer om dreindeksels oop te maak of rapporteer dit.

Rapporteer onwettige stortings by Omgewingsdienste: 044 802 290

Verstopte riool en stormwaterpype by Siviele Ingenieursdienste: 044 801 9262/66

Dooie diere vir verwydering by Tuinroete DBV: 044 878 1990

Mense wat groot items in dreinpype gooi by Wetstoepassing: 044 801 6350

Dooie diere op die N2 vir verwydering by Sanral: 082 553 4878

Of na-ure by George Munisipaliteit nooddienste 044 801 6300.

Vandalisme – groot oorsaak van kragonderbrekings

Vandalisme van munisipale eiendom kos die George Munisipaliteit miljoene rande per jaar. Kabeldiefstal lei dikwels tot kragonderbrekings, wat rioolpompstasies en huishoudings beïnvloed, en dus ‘n groot invloed het op dienslewering. Gebiede waar sub-stasies, mini-substasies, straatligte en rioolpompstasies geteiken is, sluit in die industriële gebiede Tamsui en Pacaltsdorp, Rosedale, Lawaaikamp, Parkdene, Conville, Borcherds, Rosemoor, Blanco, Gwaing en Thembalethu.

George Munisipaliteit het nog steeds die probleem van kriminele wat elektriese strukture klim, en hulself en ander se lewens in gevaar plaas deur hierdie kriminele en nalatige dade. George Munisipaliteit word gedwing om groot bedrae van die belastingbetalers se geld te bestee op die herstel van elektriese (en ander) netwerke wat gevandaliseer word. Hierdie bates behoort ook aan die belastingbetalers en die munisipaliteit bestuur hierdie bates wat deur die publiek betaal word. George Munisipaliteit versoek dus alle inwoners om ons te help om ons bates te beskerm. Meld sulke oortredings soos kabeldiefstal aan by George Munisipaliteit of by u naaste polisiekantoor.

Rapporteer by 0860 044 044 of 044 801 6300 na-ure.

 Foto-onderskrif: Twee George munisipale amptenare spook om ‘n groot bondel elektriese kabels wat aan ander gemors soos volgestopte vullissakke en koeldrankbottels verstrengel geraak het, uit ‘n stormwaterdrein te verwyder. O’Connellstraat en omliggende strate in Rosemoor het vandeesweek met die swaar reens oorstroom  en was bykans onbegaanbaar weens die verstopte drein.

Public Notice: Dogs on beaches(sand area) detrimental to Blue Flag status

George Municipality wishes to inform all dog owners that in order to adhere to the Blue Flag international standards at all of our beaches, it is imperative to enforce strict rules of NO DOGS ON BEACHES (SAND AREAS) that is in line with the Municipality’s By-law, Keeping of dogs, cats and animals.

Dog excrement can contaminate the water and jeopardise the Blue Flag status of our beaches-even if the dog poop is picked up. Dog owners are therefore warned to keep dogs on a leash and off the sandy areas at the beaches. Law Enforcement officers will not hesitate to act against those that do not adhere to the By-law.

Wilderness Beach and Herold’s Bay both have full Blue Flag status and Victoria Bay has Pilot status for the 2022 festive season. 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). The Blue Flag season runs from 1 December 2022 to 31 January 2023.

Further to this By-Law no dog or other animal may be in any public street or public space (any open public space the public has access to which falls under the George Municipal jurisdiction for example beachfronts, parks, sport fields and sidewalks) except on a leash and under control. This is unless the animal is in an area designated by the George Municipality as a free-running area.

A person is not allowed to walk a dog other than a guide dog, ON A BEACHFRONT, a public street, public place, without carrying enough plastic or paper bags or wrappers, to place the excrement into, in the event of the dog defecating. Please note that dogs are allowed on the sidewalk areas, (tarred, brick-paved etc.) of beachfronts, if these conditions are adhered to.
The beach areas under the control of the George Municipality include Herold’s Bay, Gwaiing River Mouth Beach, Victoria Bay and the Leentjiesklip and Wildnerness beach areas up until the NSRI (Salina’s Restaurant). The area to the left of Salina’s Restaurant (facing the sea) falls under Sanparks.

The George Municipal By-Law may differ from that of other municipalities. Please humanely muzzle and keep dogs under control, which could be considered dangerous, vicious or ferocious. No animals should be left in an unattended and or closed vehicle or open bakkie in any public street or space. If this by-law is not adhered to, a fine from R500 and up can and will be imposed.

Animal owners leaving on vacation should please ensure that they have their animals cared for by a reliable person or at an animal boarding facility such as kennels or catteries.
We ask dog owners to familiarise themselves with a map of Sanparks attached, to see where dogs are allowed on beaches and where not.

Afrikaans

Openbare Kennisgewing: Honde op strande (sandgebied) is nadelig vir Blouvlagstatus

George Munisipaliteit wil alle honde-eienaars in kennis stel dat om aan die Blouvlag internasionale standaarde by al ons strande te voldoen, dit noodsaaklik is om streng reëls van GEEN HONDE OP STRANDE (SANDGEBIEDE) af te dwing wat in lyn is met die Munisipaliteit se Bywet, Aanhou van honde, katte en diere.
Honde-ontlasting kan die water besoedel en die Blouvlagstatus van ons strande in gedrang bring – selfs al word die honde-afval opgetel. Honde-eienaars word dus gewaarsku om honde aan ‘n leiband en van die sanderige gebiede by die strande af weg te hou. Wetstoepassingsbeamptes sal nie huiwer om op te tree teen diegene wat nie by die Verordening hou nie.
Wilderness strand en Heroldsbaai het albei volle Blouvlag-status en Victoriabaai het loodstatus vir die 2022-feesseisoen. Blouvlag is ‘n internasionale kusbestuursprogram wat strande akkrediteer wat aan standaarde van uitnemendheid in watergehalte, omgewingsbestuur, omgewingsopvoeding en -inligting sowel as veiligheid en dienste voldoen. In Suid-Afrika word die program deur die Wildlife Environmental Society of South Africa (WESSA) geïmplementeer. Die Blouvlagseisoen strek van 1 Desember 2022 tot 31 Januarie 2023.
Ingevolge hierdie Verordening mag geen hond of ander dier in enige openbare straat of openbare ruimte wees (enige oop openbare ruimte waartoe die publiek toegang het en wat onder die George Munisipale jurisdiksie val, byvoorbeeld strandfronte, parke, sportvelde en sypaadjies) behalwe aan ‘n leiband en onder beheer. Dit is tensy die dier in ‘n gebied is wat deur die George Munisipaliteit as ‘n vrylopende gebied aangewys is.
‘n Persoon word nie toegelaat om met ‘n ander hond behalwe ‘n gidshond, OP ‘N STRAND, ‘n openbare straat, openbare plek, te loop sonder om genoeg plastiek- of papiersakke of omhulsels te dra, om die ontlasting in te plaas, in die geval die hond ontlas nie. Neem asseblief kennis dat honde op die sypaadjie-gebiede, (geteer, baksteen geplaveide ens.) van strandfronte toegelaat word, indien hierdie voorwaardes nagekom word.

Die strandgebiede onder beheer van die George-munisipaliteit sluit in Heroldsbaai, Gwaiingriviermondstrand, Victoriabaai en die Leentjiesklip- en Wildnerness-strandgebiede tot by die NSRI (Salina’s Restaurant). Die gebied links van Salina’s Restaurant (wat na die see kyk) val onder Sanparke.

Die George Munisipale Verordening kan verskil van dié van ander munisipaliteite. Snoer asseblief jou hond op ‘n menslike manier,om die hond onder beheer te hou, indien die dier as gevaarlik, boosaardig of wreed beskou word. Geen diere moet in ‘n onbewaakte en/of toe voertuig of oop bakkie in enige openbare straat of ruimte gelaat word nie. Indien hierdie verordening nie nagekom word nie, kan en sal ‘n boete van R500 en hoër opgelê word.
Diere-eienaars wat met vakansie vertrek, moet asseblief seker maak dat hulle hul diere deur ‘n betroubare persoon of by ‘n diere-instapfasiliteit soos honde-herberg of katte-herberg versorg word.
Ons vra honde-eienaars om hulself te vergewis van ‘n kaart van Sanparke wat aangeheg is, om te sien waar honde op strande toegelaat word en waar nie.

At the time of writing, we are experiencing welcome soft rains in George. Water restrictions have been implemented following lower-than-normal rains in 2022 which has resulted in the level of our Garden Route Dam dropping below 50% of its increased capacity.

The catchment area for our Dam is relatively small, dependent on the run-off from the Outeniqua Mountains. In 2020 and 2021, George’s annual rainfall was over 800mm and 1000mm respectively, compared to only 600mm up to November 2022. During normal average rainfall years, inflow to the Dam would therefore be sufficient for ten months when full.

Since December 2021, the daily usage of water has risen by 17-20% partly due to in-migration. With the aging of water infrastructure, it is also evident that there are more leakages and breakages throughout the water network. Over the past two years, the municipality has progressively allocated more financial and other resources to address pipe replacement and network management. We are adding more pressure release valves, meters, smarting metering devices and telemetry to the system to improve management of the system.

Over the past year, it has become noticeable that usage levels risen from 75% to 90% of the maximum treatment capacity, even exceeding 100% on some days, before allowing for losses through pipe bursts and regular maintenance needed at treatment plants. This has periodically placed enormous pressure on the water available in the reservoirs.

Readers will be aware that construction is currently underway on a 50% increase in treatment capacity, a R480 million project which is due for completion in 2025. In the meantime, we have begun to undertake refurbishment work on some of the treatment modules at the old water works to improve their efficiency. To cater for the increased usage of water, a temporary water treatment plant that can treat an extra 5 million litres of water (roughly 15% of daily usage) is being installed. This plant will be connected into the network by mid-December. In the past few weeks, in addition to the above projects, there have been unplanned interruptions in Eskom’s supply of electricity. This combination of interruptions caused our main reservoirs to be depleted to only having 2-3 hours’ water available at times. Even though communication alerts were sent out by the municipality they were largely ignored.

The water restrictions have accordingly been introduced to appeal to consumers to understand that our water resources are limited due to lower rainfall. Water is essential for the existence of earth’s inhabitants. Our appeal is therefore that each household or business should reduce usage by 15% to ensure that we can stretch our available water until we receive sufficient rain to replenish the water stored in the Dam.

Ald L van Wyk

Executive Mayor of George

George Municipality is the first electricity provider in the country to pilot freely licensed software that automates the reading, processing, and billing of electricity smart meter data. The wheeling pilot that was approved by Council and offered limited wheeling as a service is open to everyone who wants to wheel energy.

The first wheeling transaction took place in May 2022 at George Municipality, following the signing of the use-of-system agreements in July 2021. The billing process has for many years been done manually, requiring extensive time for verification and preparation of bills once the data was retrieved from the meters.

“The need for this freely licensed software pilot became evident when we considered the scaling of wheeling and renewable energy on the George Municipality’s electricity grid. The manual billing process was one of the main challenges and resolving this meant reducing reliance and pressure on key human resources, reducing potential errors that could occur in the billing process. Engagement with Open Access Energy on showcasing their software that they license for free, has assisted in addressing the challenge for us and we are now piloting the automation of our metering and billing services.” said Mr Bongani Mandla, the director of electrotechnical services at George Municipality.

Wheeling is the delivery of electricity generated by a private operator in one location to a buyer or off-taker in another location via a third-party network (Utility or Municipality).

According to Gerjo Hoffman, Chief-Executive-Officer and co-founder of Open Access Energy, the software company aims to boost the use of renewable energy by simplifying wheeling. “Our products aim to automate wheeling and serve the needs of anyone that wants to wheel energy. Our initial focus is South Africa, but our future aspiration is to offer solutions in all emerging markets globally,” says Hoffman.

Open Access Energy currently has two products in the market. Access Energy is a freely licensed software solution that reads smart meters, stores the meter data in a meter data sharing system, and exposes that data to municipalities. The software allows the Municipality to create and load their electricity tariffs and then apply them to a bill. The final bill is sent to the municipalities Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system, which then sends the bill to the end customer.

Open Access Energy’s second product is called EnergyPro. This Software as a Service (SaaS) solution focuses on IPPs and Energy traders and assists wheelers to wheel to multiple customers. “Our clients are renewable energy producers and energy traders who want to sell their energy to customers all over South Africa,” says Hoffman.

“Mr Bongani Mandla highlighted that the current George Municipality wheeling pilot consists of trade between one generator and four off-takers through Enpower Trading (a NERSA licensed Energy Trader) and this entire process has now been automated using Open Access Energy’s software. The Municipality is working on further improvements to its wheeling projects and to incentivise the private sector (both generators and off-takers) to participate in this program. These include creating a platform for customers to view their accounts and access their consumption and billing data in real-time, forming various committees to expedite the process of standardising the use-of-system contracts as well as moving from the 30-minute reconciliation to a Time-of-Use reconciliation.

“It is essential to thank our Engineering Services team under the leadership of Mr Kobus Wilken and Mr Derek Baxter for their determination in driving this process, as well as Open Access Energy leadership for piloting this freely licensed software with George Municipality. We will continuously keep pushing hard to provide the people of George an improved electricity service,” said Mr Bongani Mandla

ENDS.

The Executive Mayor of George, Ald Leon van Wyk recently visited Emmaüs, a protective work centre for disabled adults to show appreciation for the valuable work that is being done by the centre. Mayor van Wyk visited the centre on Friday, 2 December 2022, a day before the organisation’s annual X-mas market.

According to Emmaüs, the X-mas market was a huge success. “The first Emmaüs Bazaar after Covid-19 was a huge and very successful event, and we would like to thank the Community for their excellent support.  Despite load-shedding and bad weather we still managed to host a very big fundraising event with a lovely atmosphere.  We could see that the community of George was hungry for a good old-fashioned Emmaüs get-together since 2019,” said Emmaus

We wish to thank the Executive Mayor, Ald Leon van Wyk and Municipal Manager, Dr Michele Gratz for their visit to our Centre. Also, a very big thank you to all our donors and volunteers, without their contributions and help our bazaar would not have been such a huge success.

Mayor van Wyk wishes to encourage the public, businesses, and donors to continue supporting Emmaüs as they have recently lost about 40% of their funding. This organisation is doing an amazing job and is relying heavily on public support. Emmaus can only fulfil its vision of providing adult disabled persons with optimal protection and care if the community continues to support them.

Emmaüs provides the adult disabled with accommodation, food, and therapeutic job opportunities irrespective of race, culture, sex, or religious beliefs. About 85 beneficiaries receive transport and meals daily.

Emmaüs is located at 6 Memorium Street, George, the head of the centre, Mrs. Elsabee Badenhorst can be reached on admin@emmausgeorge.co.za or 044 873 4196.

ENDS.

The Executive Mayor of George, Alderman Leon van Wyk, accompanied by Councillors Marlene Barnardt, the Chief Whip, Erika Brown councillor for Ward 3 and Donovan Gultig, councillor for Ward 18 visited the George Night Shelter on Friday, 2 December 2022. This is part of a series of visits the Executive Mayor and his entourage visited to appreciate and show support for social and community development programmes and activities in the City of George.

There are about 120 people in the night shelter every evening. The night shelter opens its doors to the homeless for R25 an evening which includes a cooked meal and breakfast. There is a permanent social worker based at the shelter who assists the homeless to apply for their IDs, helps them create CVs and assists them in applying for work. The George Night Shelter enjoys the support of both the George Municipality and the Department of Social Development (DSD), as well as donations from the community and businesses.

The assistant manager, Mr Chris Classen, gave the mayor and his delegation a tour of the shelter and spoke about their zero tolerance when it comes to the consumption of any substances. He said that occupants are expected to leave the shelter at 08h00 and return by 15h00, upon their return they are tested with a breathalyser. He also mentioned that the social worker based at the shelter tries to reunite occupants with their families. The delegation was also shown an artwork from a woman who lives in the night shelter, Tanja Roux who is pleased to share her work.

“I am highly grateful for the work being done at this night shelter. We have a homelessness problem in our town. Our service industry who are lending a helping hand should be commended for their work, the social workers, people like Mr Classen – you help make our town better with the selfless work you do,” said Alderman van Wyk.

ENDS.

The Auditor-General advised late last week that a clean audit for 2021/22 has been achieved by George Municipality. Chief Financial Officer, Riaan Du Plessis expressed his gratitude for the results and confirmed that this is testament to the hard work being put in by the administration to continuously improve service delivery whilst also maintaining the highest quality in our administrative processes.

“There remain further improvements to be made to continue our drive to modernise the municipality’s administration, but we are confident that the leadership and guidance of the Executive Mayor and Municipal Manager will direct us in the way forward, just as it did during the past financial year. The commitment and exceptional effort by our staff is inspirational and sets a sure foundation for us from which to grow George Municipality to be the best intermediate city in the South Africa,” he said.

Municipal Manager, Dr Michele Gratz noted that the management team is working hard to create a performance-driven municipality and improve service delivery. “This Auditor-General report acknowledged the great strides which the municipality has made over the past two years and specifically commended the implementation of consequence management to ensure officials do their work diligently and efficiently. Thank you to the management team and all officials involved for the commitment and hard work to achieve a clean audit, an outcome which very few municipalities achieve. We are committed to clean governance and will strive to continue to improve on systems and processes.”

Ald Leon Van Wyk offered his congratulations and expressed his thanks and appreciation to the Municipal Manager, CFO, Finance team, Directors and officials who have all contributed to this team effort. “During the past year we have worked towards the modernisation of systems while also tackling some major improvements in infrastructure and services as part of the turnaround. The achievement of a clean audit is therefore something special. The Clean Audit also cements access to additional Grant opportunities that we are applying for, that will benefit the broader George community and especially those areas requiring improvements.”

Portfolio Councillor for Finance, Dirk Wessels said that he was enormously proud to be a part of this team. “As MMC I am delighted with the audit outcome, it shows the municipality is on the right trajectory in the quest to be the best municipality in the country. I would like to thank the administration for the amazing work undertaken in difficult circumstances.”

Definitions:
Qualified Opinion – The financial statements contain material misstatements in specific amounts, or there is insufficient evidence for us to conclude that specific amounts included in the financial statements are not materially misstated.

Unqualified Opinion- The financial statements contain no material misstatements. Unless the Auditor-General expresses a “clean audit outcome”, findings have been raised on either reporting on predetermined objectives or non-compliance with legislation, or both these aspects.

Clean Audit – The financial statements are free from material misstatements (in other words, a financially unqualified audit opinion) and there are no material findings on reporting on performance objectives or non-compliance with legislation.

Issued by George Municipal Communications Department
Office of the Municipal Manager

Preparations for the GO GEORGE bus service to roll out to Thembalethu are well under way but activation of services to this area unfortunately did not make the November goal as planned.

According to George Executive Mayor, Alderman Leon van Wyk, the George Integrated Public Transport Network (GIPTN) submitted an item at the last Council meeting. The item stated that the announcement of the November date had allowed critical progress to be made but that more time is needed to ensure a smooth roll-out.

“As stated in my earlier announcement, discussions about existing agreements would continue with stakeholders,” said Van Wyk. “However, in the weeks following the announcement, new and unrealistic demands have been put on the table by these parties, some of which have created potential safety risks that are being addressed. Government remains committed to the previous undertakings made to both parties, but the team is now re-aligning all resources towards roll-out.

“The expansion of service to Thembalethu is happening. We are literally in the process of roll-out. The majority of taxi operators have come forward to honour their original agreements to turn in their licences for compensation, but a little more time is also required to conclude this process. Eleven additional buses have been delivered; construction of infrastructure in Thembalethu is almost complete; top-up vendors are being recruited. Thembalethu communication champions have been appointed and are engaging with prospective passengers, and residents will soon see buses driving through the area testing schedules and routes,” Van Wyk said.

The Council resolution states that service should roll out as soon as possible with a further announcement to be made at least one week before the activation of the routes.

Media Release: George Municipality handed over 700 home composting bins to residents

Issued by George Municipality 12 December 2022 for immediate release

George Municipality handed over 700 home composting bins the past week to residents who qualified to receive a composting bin.

According to Grace Notshokovu from Environmental Services, they’ve had a good turnout and residents are very excited to start their composting projects. This was the first cycle of the project, and it will continue to be rolled out over the next three years.

Notshokovu said people are welcome to apply for bins in the meantime. They must however be patient as bins can only be bought as funding from the Municipal budget becomes available. However, if someone fails to fetch their bin or cancels it, the next person on the database will receive a bin.

George Municipality invited households, NGO’s, churches and schools to apply for composting bins in July.  The household bin is 150 litres and the bigger bin for organisations is 200 litres. Approximately 30% of all household waste being disposed of at a landfill site consists of organic waste that could potentially be diverted from the landfill by means of household composting.

Complex residents are also encouraged to apply.

Minimum criteria

1. Must reside permanently in the George municipal area for the project (proof of address must be submitted).
2. Must generate kitchen waste e.g., raw vegetable and fruit waste.

Application forms to participate in the project are available on the George Municipal website: www.george.gov.za or can be obtained from the George Environmental Services Municipal offices, 82 Meade Street, George.

Follow the link to the application form: https://www.george.gov.za/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/HOME-COMPOSTING-PROJECT-2022-Application-Form.pdf

Submit application forms to gnnotshokovu@george.gov.za or Kvstoffels@george.gov.za or at George Environmental Services Municipal Offices, 82 Meade Street.

For more information on composting follow the link:

https://www.george.gov.za/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/Home-Composting-Guideline.pdf

To enquire, contact Grace Notshokovu/ Karin Stoffels (044 802 2900).

Compost1:

George Municipality officials at the handover of the composting bins. With them are Gaston Lehmann (second from right) a beneficiary of a composting bin.

Compost2: Gail Hagemann (beneficiary) with George Municipal officials Khayalethu Khau, Karin Stoffels, Rodriques Opperman (beneficiary) and Zikhona Thungu at the handover of the composting bins.

Compost3: Elize Herbst, Zikhona Thungu and Chris Herbst at the handover.

PRESS RELEASE: GO GEORGE schedules and hours during holiday season

Issued 12 December 2022

All GO GEORGE services will continue throughout the holidays, with special provision for shoppers and employees at the Garden Route Mall and Eden Meander shopping centre where extended business hours will be implemented.

Later buses at Garden Route Mall and Eden Meander

To accommodate later business hours, the following amendments will apply from 16 Dec 2022 to 2 Jan 2023:

Departing from the Garden Route Mall:

• Route 12 to Pacaltsdorp – 19:00 trip to depart at 19:15
• Route 16 to Parkdene – 19:08 trip to depart at 19:15 & 19:33 trip to depart at 19:40
• Route 53 via Rosemoor to CBD – 19:00 trip to depart at 19:15 & extra trip at 19:35

Departing from the CBD:

• Route 2 to Blanco: 19:30 trip from CBD to depart at 19:40

Public holidays

Buses will be running according to the Saturday schedule on 16 and 27 December, as well as 2 January. The Sunday schedule will be followed on 25 and 26 December and 1 January.

Anyone needing assistance with trip planning can phone the GO GEORGE Call Centre on 0800 044 044 – the agents take calls from 05:00 until 20:00, seven days a week, throughout the holiday season as well.

CAPTION:

The GO GEORGE schedule for the festive period has been adjusted to accommodate staff or shoppers leaving the Garden Route Mall and Eden Meander shopping centre later than usual.

PERSVERKLARING: GO GEORGE-skedules en -ure gedurende vakansieseisoen

Uitgereik 12 Desember 2022

Alle GO GEORGE-dienste sal deur die vakansie voortgaan, met spesiale voorsiening vir klante en werknemers by die Garden Route Mall en Eden Meander-winkelsentrum waar verlengde besigheidsure geïmplementeer sal word.

Later busse by Garden Route Mall en Eden Meander

Om langer besigheidsure te akkommodeer, sal die volgende wysigings van 16 Des 2022 tot 2 Jan 2023 geld:

Vertrek vanaf die Garden Route Mall:

Roete 12 na Pacaltsdorp – 19:00-rit sal 19:15 te vertrek

Roete 16 na Parkdene – 19:08-rit sal 19:15 vertrek en 19:33-rit om 19:40

Roete 53 via Rosemoor na CBD – 19:00-rit sal 19:15 vertrek en ’n ekstra rit om 19:35

Vertrek uit die middedorp:

Roete 2 na Blanco: 19:30-rit sal om 19:40 vertrek

Openbare vakansiedae

Busse sal op 16 en 27 Desember, asook 2 Januarie volgens die Saterdagskedule loop. Die Sondagskedule sal op 25 en 26 Desember en 1 Januarie gevolg word.

Enigiemand wat hulp nodig het met ritbeplanning kan die GO GEORGE-inbelsentrum by 0800 044 044 skakel – die agente neem oproepe van 05:00 tot 20:00, sewe dae per week, ook gedurende die vakansieseisoen.

ONDERSKRIF:

Die GO GEORGE-skedule is aangepas vir personeel of klante wat die Garden Route Mall en Eden Meander-winkelsentrum later as gewoonlik verlaat oor die feestyd.

With less than a month to Christmas, a period that is characterised by the exchange of gifts, care and family time, the Executive Mayor of George, Alderman Leon van Wyk, and Councillor Brendon Adams, the Portfolio Councillor for Community Services, Social Development, Libraries and Sport went out to the townships of George on Wednesday, 7 December 2022 and handed over Gas stoves to eight (8) City’s nutritional centres, formerly known as ‘soup kitchens.

“Today we were in Conville, Pacaltsdorp, Thembalethu, Rosemore and Maraiskamp. I’m sure that many children in these areas rely on a hearty cup of soup as their only meal of the day. I would like to thank these women for the wonderful work that they do in our communities,” said Mayor van Wyk.

Dina Witbooi serves 120 – 130 people a day, four times a week
Mayor van Wyk and Portfolio Councillor Adam’s first stop was at Dina Witbooi’s soup kitchen on Cain Road, Rosedale. Ms Witbooi serves 120 – 130 people a day four times a week. Handing over the stove to Witbooi, Mayor van Wyk said: “I am very happy that I had the opportunity to hand over this stove to Ms Dina to assist her in the noble work that she is doing for her community. I commend every soup kitchen for their amazing work and service.”

Witbooi could not contain her excitement and appreciation of receiving the new stove the Municipality bequeath to her. Reacting to the Executive Mayor, Ms Witbooi happily bragged to the Mayor that she will be making biryani on her new stove.

Rosina Gordon has been feeding her community for 30 years
The second stop was Ms Rosina Gordon in Jacaranda Street Pacaltsdorp. Ms Gordon told Mayor van Wyk and Cllr Adams that she has been feeding her community for 30 years and that she will be 70 years old in a little over a year.

She also indicated that they need more donations, as there is a genuine need for soup kitchens and feeding schemes in the area. “The nutritional value of these foods needs attention as well and I try my best with what I get,” Gordon said.

On the flip side, Gordon, proudly mentioned that she hosts a Christmas party for residents every year where she feeds those in need. Last year she fed over 300 people.

As Mayor van Wyk and Cllr. Adams took a tour of her home, and Ms Gordon informed them that her husband built a kitchen space for the work that she does with her soup kitchen. Upon receipt of her stove, she expressed gratitude for the stove and said that they will make space for her new stove. Gordon feeds between 250 – 300 people twice a week (Monday & Thursday).

Mayor van Wyk commended Gordon for her work and reiterated that she is a hero of her community ensuring that people, young and old, are fed. She even made sandwiches for her visitors and told Mayor that she refused to have anyone leave her home without having something to eat and that the Mayor and Cllr Adams would not be an exception.

Ms Stella Lottering in Blanco feeds 85 people three times a week
The last stop on the Mayor’s tour was to Ms Stella Lottering in Blanco. She feeds 85 people three times a week.

“Today I have met a few heroes in our society. I have so much admiration and appreciation for the work that all these amazing women do for their communities. These stoves will go a long way in aiding them in their pursuit.” Mayor van Wyk concluded.

Ms Stella thanked Mayor van Wyk and Cllr Adams and said that they will never fully understand how much this means to her. She thanked the municipality for this contribution. People wanting to support the nutritional centres can contact 044 802 2000.

ENDS.