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press-release

CWP Clean green team assisting George Municipal Cleansing team

CWP Clean green team assisting George Municipal Cleansing team

More than 200 workers from the Community Worker’s Programme of government are assigned to a clean and green project to assist the Community Services Directorate’s cleansing department. These workers work twice a week to pick up litter on sidewalks and illegal dumping sites. They are assigned to work in Rosemoor, Parkdene, Borcherds, Blanco, Uniondale and Pacaltsdorp. The Community Work Programme (CWP) was established to provide an employment safety net to eligible members of target communities by offering them a minimum number of regular days of work each month.

The governmental programme targets unemployed people. The stipends participants receive from the government programme supplement their existing livelihood means and provide them with a basic level of income security. They also assists those whose livelihood activities are insufficient to lift them out of abject poverty.

The programme provides them with extra cash to support them in their search for full-time or part-time employment. Programme participants do community work thereby contributing to improvements that benefit all community members.

Captions:
1.The clean green team cleans in Rosedale.

WESTERN CAPE GOVERNMENT STATEMENT: PROTESTS 14 July 2021

WESTERN CAPE GOVERNMENT STATEMENT: PROTESTS
Western Cape Disaster Centre Provincial Update @ 09h30

The Western Cape Provincial Disaster Management Centre (PDMC) PDMC can confirm as of 09h30 there have been no verified incidents of looting reported for any region in the Western Cape. There has been a report of taxi related violence on the N2 but no further incidents have been reported.

Premier Alan Winde was briefed this morning by the Minister of Community Safety, Albert Fritz, and Alderman JP Smith in the City of Cape Town. “I am pleased that there have been no reports of looting across the Western Cape and that we continue to have calm in our communities. I want to thank every resident for continuing to stay calm, for respecting the law and for rejecting violence. I would also like to thank all our hard-working officers, be they in SAPS or local law enforcement, as well as our Neighborhood Watches and volunteers, for helping keep the Western Cape safe.”

The Minister of Local Government, Environmental Affairs and Development Planning, Anton Bredell, continues to urge the public not to share unverified information pertaining to social unrest on social platforms including WhatsApp and twitter.
“We do receive whatsapp messages that are alarmist and all messages are provided to the South African Police who follows the messages up immediately. Rest assured all concerns are looked into and monitored.”
Bredell says the public will be informed about the situation continuously and people are advised to keep an eye on the Western Cape Government website and social media pages as well as the social media pages for the premier.

“The Premier will release a further statement later today. The PDMC maintains ongoing contact with all regions across the province as well as all national partners involved including the SAPS, in managing the ongoing situation.”

Members of the public are urged – in the event of any emergency – to contact the emergency services immediately. The easiest number to remember is 112. This is a tollfree number and can be dialled from any cell phone.

Additional regional numbers for reporting emergencies in the Western Cape:
• City of Cape Town – 107 or 021 480 7700 and 080 911 4357
• Overberg – 028 425 1690
• West Coast – 022 433 8700
• Garden Route – 044 805 5071
• Central Karoo – 023 449 8000
• Cape Winelands – 021 886 9244 / 021 887 4446

Mayor visits Gwaing to view upgrades and replacements

Executive Mayor Leon van Wyk accompanied by Mr Sivuyile Mtila, new Senior Manager Environmental Services as well as Tyrone April, Superintendent Parks and Recreation for the Community Services Directorate, visited Gwaing Beach on Friday afternoon (9 July 2021) to inspect the newly replaced balustrades along the promenade.  The brand new stainless steel railings were installed in June to replace the existing wooden railings at a cost of R90 000.

The ablution facilities at the beach were vandalised in March this year with toilets, windows and pipes all damaged and/or  broken. a door at the campsite was vandalised. The windows and frames have been replaced at a cost of R60 000 and additional security measures will be put in place to mitigate further vandalism of this nature. Both projects were completed using budget from the 2020/21 Financial year.

George Municipality appeals to the public to please come forward if they have any information about vandalism against municipal property or assets. Help us to look after your community’s safety and wellbeing and allow the George Municipality to keep improving our service delivery. Contact the George Municipality on 044 801 9111 or 044 801 6300. Make use of the four W’s – Stick to the factual details and tell us Where it happened, What happened, When it happened and Who did it? Help the George Municipality to Keep George Safe.

Tyrone April, Superintendent Parks and Recreation; Sivuyile Mtila, new Senior Manager Environmental Services and the Executive Mayor of George, Leon van Wyk inspect the new stainless steel railings on the Gwaing Beach promenade.

GEORGE MUNICIPALITY partners to promote trails with legend, Ryan Sandes

George Municipality has collaborated with local company oZONE to promote George’s trails in partnership with world leading trail runner, Ryan Sandes, who is currently in the area to train for the Ultra Trail Mount Blanc (UTMB).

George’s trails cover an expanse of over 1,000km and are one of the main reasons the area is known as an outdoor paradise.  Trail runners, hikers and mountain bikers can enjoy a variety of terrains and verticals and one particular trail legend has decided it is just right for him.

South African trail running legend, Ryan Sandes, is the first person to have won an ultra-race on all 7 continents and is considered one of the world’s leading ultra-trail runners.  Sandes has been training in the Outeniqua Mountains to prepare for the grueling UTMB and as a by-product, has deemed George’s trails world class.  Sandes is also fast becoming more than just a visitor, after running the local trails in May alongside Kane Reilly.

Local adventure company oZONE approached George Municipality for a partnership where George’s trails could be highlighted for their first-rate offering in collaboration with Sandes.  Ozone Africa is a collaboration between award-winning photojournalist and photographer, Jacques Marais and adventure specialist, Zane Schmahl.  Jacques regularly contributes to a wide selection of premium adventure-, travel- and outdoor magazines around the globe. As a premier columnist for the Media 24 national newspapers, his photographs and articles are published widely, and he has authored more than a dozen outdoor books and guides.  Zane has been central to a range of trendsetting outdoor sporting events as both Project Manager and Race Director, most recently the George MUT 2021.

Portfolio Councillor for Strategic Services, Dirk Wessels himself a keen trail runner said as a municipality we are very proud to be associated with the likes of Ryan Sandes. “Ryan has done remarkable things, and I certainly feel that the Outeniqua mountains hold some of the most beautiful trails in the world. Together with our local trail running organizers and the tourism industry, I am very excited to make George the hub of adventure sport in the country.”

“We’ve always known that George has fantastic trails,” said Joan Shaw, Tourism Manager.  “If you look at the variety of scenery one gets to enjoy – forested sections, beautiful blue mountainous area contrasted against green fynbos sections, trails that wind through farmlands and next to our magnificent dam – that alone makes them very special.  But for an elite athlete to use them as his training ground tells us something else.  It says they are challenging enough for the great trail runners of our time; they are world-class.”

Media content and a collaboration on social media are taking place to create awareness about the magnificent trails and to let the trail running world know that George’s trails are not only stunning to run,  but have been graced by an elite athlete in the pursuit of pushing greater limits, making them worthy of the best-of-the-best.

Learn more about trails in George here www.georgetrails.org.za and see what else the area offers at www.visitgeorge.co.za.

In the photograph, Ryan Sandes, leading trail runner is preparing for the UTMB – Ultra Trail du Mont-Blanc, a 106 miler (160km) race with almost 10000m of vertical gain (the tallest summit in the Alps). Ryan photographed yesterday in George,  preparing  for this gruelling event.

George backs the Karoo to Coast

George Municipality has partnered with the 100km Karoo to Coast mountain bike challenge due to take place on the 26 September 2021. The 100km challenge is an extreme endurance off-road race from Uniondale over the Prince Alfred’s Pass and ends at the Knysna High School sports field. This will be the 22nd race which jointly belongs to the Uniondale and Knysna Lions Clubs with all proceeds going to charity and is formally titled the CCPP Lions Karoo to Coast. The 2020 event was cancelled due to Covid-19 and the 2021 event will be held with all Covid-19 protocols in place.

The small town of Uniondale is flooded every year with 4500 riders all ready and eager to take on the hard challenge ahead of them. The event organisers have indicated that the 2021 event is fully subscribed, this year at 2500 riders, making the already coveted race in even greater demand (taking into account Covid-related protocols required).

The race is focused on the safety of athletes and crew while not forgetting about the exceptional experience riders come back for, year after year.  Not for the faint of heart, the sinewy Prince Alfred’s Pass dirt road is a masterpiece to ride, and the race’s quirky shotgun start makes it all the more memorable.

When asked why the municipality is partnering with the event, Joan Shaw, George Municipality’s Tourism Manager  highlighted the need for events as drivers of Tourism.  “George Municipality has consistently supported a mixture of events to stimulate travel to the destination.  The Karoo to Coast has been voted as the ‘Top MTB Ultra-Marathon in South Africa’ and is an official seeding event of the 2021 Cape Town Cycle Tour.  While it is one of the premier events on the Garden Route calendar, as with all events this past year, the Karoo to Coast was hit hard by not being able to take place in 2020 due to COVID-19.

This event is critical to tourism in the Uniondale area, as it has created a keen interest in mountain biking through Uniondale’s open plains and passes.  Karoo to Coast entrants often book trips to Uniondale throughout the year to get a lay of the land and ride the area pre-event, thereby supporting tourism in an otherwise very quiet area.

This is evidenced through our own Tourism Office insights and again highlighted in the Wesgro Cape Garden Route and Klein Karoo Visitor Trends report for 2019, which indicates that the main reason for visiting Uniondale is Sport (34%).  Uniondale is the only town in the Garden Route where sport is a top driver of Tourism, according to the same Wesgro data.  George Municipality is committed to doing all we can to help events, like the Karoo to Coast, survive our current climate”, says Shaw.

To maximise enjoyment of the event, Race Director Zandile Meneses encourages riders to train sufficiently for the scenic but challenging route.  “The George and Uniondale area are rich in mountain biking trails and have a variety of terrains which offer the perfect training ground leading up to the race” says Meneses.

Riders looking for accommodation can get great deals in the George and Wilderness area.  With Uniondale selling out yearly, establishments in George and Wilderness have come on board to offer participants discounted deals for their stay.  Activity providers have also chimed in, to allow  riders and their supporters extending their stay, to enjoy the area’s offerings.

Find exclusive deals for Karoo to Coast riders and their supporters here www.visitgeorge.co.za/Blog/BlogItem/?id=33 and check out the 2019 Super Sport video to see just how special the Karoo to Coast route really is: https://vimeo.com/369267319

Voter Registation Weekend Rescheduled to 31 July – 1 August.

Electoral Commission delays voter registration weekend by two weeks
Centurion – The Electoral Commission has postponed the voter registration weekend
by two weeks in the light of the third wave of the COVID-19 pandemic currently
sweeping the country.

At a special meeting today, the Commission resolved to reschedule the voter
registration weekend from 17-18 July to the weekend of 31 July – 1 August.
The decision was made following a review of the current conditions including rate of
infections and hospitalizations over the past seven days and its impact on preparations
for the registration weekend.

The Commission also considered concerns raised by political parties through the
National Party Liaison Committee of proceeding with voter registration as well as
warnings from health officials and other experts during last week’s oral submissions
before the Moseneke Inquiry regarding the risks of proceeding with a voter registration
weekend under the current conditions. Health experts told the Inquiry last week that
the current third wave of infections was likely to persist until at least the end of the
month.

Taking into consideration the various factors including the constitutional timeframe
which requires the elections to be held before 1 November 2021 and the minimum
period required for the election timetable, the Commission resolved to postpone the
voter registration weekend to the latest possible date which is 31 July – 1 August.

The two-week postponement will have a knock-on effect on certain dates and activities
associated with the proclamation and election including delaying proclamation by four
days until 6 August. However, the Commission remains confident that successful
elections can be held within a reduced election timetable of 82 days rather than the
original 86 days.

The Electoral Commission today briefed the National Party Liaison Committee on the
decision and the revised timelines and plans.

The Commission has taken this very difficult decision in the interests of saving lives of
voters, election staff, party representatives and all citizens while still preserving the
Constitutional requirement to hold elections.

While the Commission accepts that two weeks’ delay may not be ideal to allow the
third wave to begin to decline in all provinces, the Commission has very limited scope
to move the registration weekend without postponing the elections themselves.
Most party representatives at the meeting welcomed the decision to postpone for two
weeks although parties in favour of a postponement of the elections urged for a longer
postponement.

The Commission is still awaiting the final report of the Moseneke Inquiry into whether
the elections can be free and fair if they proceed as scheduled on 27 October. The
Inquiry is being led by Former Deputy Chief Justice Dikgang Moseneke who is
scheduled to present his report and its recommendations to the Commission by 21
July 2021.

The Commission will continue to monitor developments regarding the COVID-19
pandemic, the outcome of the Moseneke Inquiry and all other relevant factors over the
coming weeks.

Any further changes to the election plans will be made in consultation with political
parties, government authorities and other key stakeholders and will be communicated
with all stakeholders.
ENDS
ISSUED BY THE ELECTORAL COMMISSION
Ensuring free and fair elections

Let’s talk investment – Twelve reasons to do business in George

George Municipality, the third largest municipality in the Western Cape, is reaching for the stars and developing an Integrated Economic Growth Strategy, which will put it on the map as a premier business and investment destination in Southern Africa. So why is it such a great idea to locate your business in George?

  1. A well-governed city
    George Municipality applies sound financial planning and budgeting, clean governance, high levels of execution and a zero-rated approach to corruption to it’s financial and corporate management. It delivers excellent services to residents and offers highly efficient bulk services to the business community in sectors such as light industry, agro-processing, property development and financial services.
  2. A growing city
    Established in 1776 by the Dutch East India Company as an outpost for the provision of timber and covering an area of 5,191 square kilometres in the Garden Route and Little Karoo regions, George is one of the oldest cities in South Africa. With a population of over 220 000 people from almost 70 000 households George Municipality includes the City of George, the pristine coastal areas of Kleinkrantz, Wilderness, Victoria Bay, Herolds Bay and Gwaing as well as the beautiful rural hamlets of Herold, Waboomskraal, Uniondale and Haarlem. And George has room to grow.
    It boasts the largest economy in the Garden Route, one of the lowest unemployment rates nationally, a diversely skilled population, a healthy measure of business confidence, and a mix of contemporary urban and attractive rural spaces. The city and its surrounds offer premium residential and business development opportunities for the astute investor.

3. A competitive, connected city
When you do business in George, it means you will rub shoulders with several respected national and international corporate. Businesses such as Lancewood, Badger Holdings, Tekkie Town, Mr. Tekkie, Tradelink and Data-Dot are headquartered in George, where well-structured business and residential districts enjoy a solid road network, a high level of security, a ready and skilled labour pool, and guaranteed and efficient services. Businesses can access a basket of attractive incentives which ease the process of starting up; and, growth in provision of business services such as broadband access, are ahead of the curve. By 2025, the entire business district will have high speed fibre connectivity and there is already an excellent coverage in almost every area of George and surrounds via a network of service providers.

4. Tourist mecca of note
George has a sophisticated infrastructure with banks, conference facilities, businesses and shopping centres including the Garden Route Mall and Eden Meander, transport and sporting facilities, yet retains its small-town atmosphere. The city is also a major accommodation centre. George has numerous world-class golf courses, some designed by famous golfers. The most well-known is Fancourt Golf Estate, which hosted the Presidents Cup in 2003 and is often the host to high-profile golf tournaments. Throughout the year George hosts a wide variety of events to promote the City, its region and the vast array of opportunities offered.

5. Easy access
George boasts access to the full array of transport modalities. It is situated on the N2 motorway halfway between Cape Town and Gqeberha; is home to the George airport; within 40 km from the nearest harbour; and on a major rail line.  This means producers can get their products to major markets quickly and efficiently.  The George Airport facilitates +- 850 000 passengers annually on scheduled flights, has daily unscheduled private flights, three flight training schools, and several general aviation activities. The airport prides itself on being a green, innovative space which houses its own solar plant and is carbon.   A completed masterplan for the airport will include increased cargo operations and infrastructure upgrades to increase accommodation to 1.5 million passengers per annum. The public bus service branded GO GEORGE launched in 2014 with routes covering a significant portion of the city.

6. Contemporary urban, beguiling rural
Nestled in the pristine beauty of the Garden Route, George has sophisticated urban living spaces range from trendy and affordable, to sophisticated and upmarket, gated complexes such as Kraaibosch, Kingswood, an
d the majestic Fancourt is regarded as one of the world’s top lifestyle estates. The quaint smaller hamlets such Uniondale and Haarlem offer tranquil rural living spaces for those wanting to get away from it all.

7. Local excellence for internationally competitive businesses
The excellent local infrastructure managed and maintained by George Municipality includes a well-developed, sophisticated road network providing good vehicular access. The N2 link runs north-south through the municipal area, guaranteeing ease of access to transport for incoming and outgoing goods.
A drive through George reveals fertile lands and orchards, cheek-by-jowl with some of the largest and most sophisticated agro-processing capability in the country, such as cold-storage and processing facilities. This makes George the go-to place for a wide range of agricultural products – fresh and processed – for both local consumption and the export market.

8. A manufacturing hub
George is a thriving manufacturing hub, with sector representation in textiles, dairy & juice products, furniture & timber products, charcoal with related barbeque products and more. Businesses are attracted by the range of state-of-the-art bulk services and business services on offer. The next ten years will see new light industrial and commercial business hubs developing in the area as well.

9. Quality education
The Garden Route is establishing itself as a skills mecca, and George is central to this vision. There are over 50 schools in the area providing a wide array of quality education opportunities. Schools include the Afrikaans-medium George High School established in 1947 and Hoërskool Outeniqua established in 1923. The largest English medium high school is York High School and there is also a dual medium technical school named Eden Technical High School. Many independent schools have been established such as Glenwood House, an English medium co-ed school from Grade 000 to Grade 12.

George is the tertiary hub of the Southern Cape, with several public and private institutions providing education at various campuses. The South Cape College is a public further education and training college, comprising six campuses. The Nelson Mandela University, at Saasveld Campus, offers two centres of excellence – the Centre for Resource Management and the Centre for Business and Information Technology studies.
These institutions offer brilliant facilities for a range of tertiary studies to support the needs of the growing business and industrial sectors.

10. Solid artisan skills base
The manufacturing infrastructure in George is underpinned by a skilled artisan cohort, and with the increased focus on artisan training, this resource is set to grow, making it an appealing location for businesses that are reliant on skilled artisans.  Various institutions are geared at the development of artisans by offering apprenticeships for plumbers, welders, electricians, bricklayers, carpenters, furniture makers, hairdressers and many more also focussing on alternative energy installations.  Learnerships and IT training bolster the set of skills on offer for George businesses and entrepreneurs.

11. Beautiful surroundings
George is nestled within the Outeniqua mountains, the name derived from the Khoi word meaning “man laden with honey”. The eastern, coastal belt is home to a series of ancient lakes originated at the end of the last era of the ice ages. The  Wilderness Lakes and beach from Mossel Bay to Sedgefield provide ample opportunities for eco-tourism, adventure sports, boating and related ventures. As one traverses the Outeniquas the lush coastal thicket makes way for the sparsely vegetated plains of the Little Karoo.  Rivers, forests and scenic view-points emphasise why this area is called the Garden Route.

12. Quality of Life
According to a well-known Quality of Life Index, which assesses a number of factors that impact the lifestyle of a city’s residents  George offers the overall highest quality of life in the country.  Numbeo’s research proves that with the highest safety rating, good climate, a relatively affordable cost of living, low traffic and low pollution levels, George is the place to be!

Contact George Municipal Economic Development: 044 801 9173, 62 Cathedral Street
Director Planning and Development, Lauren Waring;  Acting ED Manager, Joan Shaw;
www.george.gov.za

Progress on Outeniqua Wastewater Treatment Works Construction

The final phase of pre-construction required for the installation of the mechanical, electrical and instrumentation works at the Outeniqua Wastewater Treatment Works Upgrade  is currently under way with significant progress to date

Several structures were completed in 2019 and included the new concrete structure 10 Ml/d biological reactor, a blower and electrical motor control centre housing facility as well as other site and flow control structures to prepare for the switch over and flow splitting between the existing and new facilities. The contract includes an odour control facility at the inlet works to contain and treat odours originating from this part of the treatment works.

A number of construction activities are currently taking place on site and are mostly civil engineering construction activities in preparation for the awaited mechanical and electrical equipment:

  • A crane has been installed in the blower room for the handing of the equipment during installation and for maintenance purposes
  • Road construction is under way to create access to the new reactor
  • Various cable trenches have been excavated for the upgrading of the electrical system
  • The cone-shaped structure around the centre column in the settling tank has been constructed to prepare for the rotating bridge installation on the tank
  • Excavation is taking place around the inlet works for the indoors skips handling facility, odour control facility and a rock catcher septage receiving structure

The majority of the mechanical and electrical designs have now been approved and orders have been placed for equipment. The delivery of the imported items to site is expected by the end of September 2021. Local suppliers  are busy with off-site manufacturing of steel structures to house some of the mechanical equipment.   A wide range of  equipment to be installed includes;  3 blower units to provide air for the fine bubble aeration system, 10 mixers, 2 Archimedean screw pumps, 4 vertical shaft surface aerators, 3 perforated mechanical screens, 1 hydro conveyor, 2 screenings washers, 1 septage unit, an odour control system and a chlorine gas scrubber plus various minor items. Various pumps, actuated valves and sluice gates are also required.

The existing carousel reactor on site is also due for an upgrade as part of this project  and will predominantly involve the replacement of the aged aerators in the reactor with larger aerators to provide additional capacity. This work is scheduled to begin once the  assessment of the 30 year old concrete and reinforcement steel has been finalised. The assessment will provide input on the strengthening of the existing structure to handle the additional loading of the heavier new aerators. Current indications are that the new plant will be operational by mid-2022 with all  construction completed in early 2023.

 

The cone-shaped structure around the centre column in the settling tank has been constructed
to prepare for the rotating bridge installation on the tank

George mourns the loss of two officials

George Municipality is saddened by the loss of two officials in the past week.

Mr Melvin Jansen, Acting Supervisor: Cemeteries for Community Services has worked at the George Municipality for 15 years in various roles with the management of burial areas and beaches resorting under his care. Melvin was 51 years old and will be sorely missed by his colleagues who will miss his jokes and hard work ethic.

Mr Freddy Booysen, a Civil Engineering official worked at the Municipality for 35 years and was a Process Controller in the Sewer Network Department, Pump Stations. Acting Municipal Manager Dr Michele Gratz extended the municipality’s condolences to the families, loved one’s and colleagues of both officials.


Freddy Booysen


Melvin Jansen

YOUTH MONTH: GO GEORGE focuses on youngsters and Covid safety

The GO GEORGE bus service has made extra effort during Youth Month to get the Covid-safety message across to the youth and to create awareness of the role each member of society needs to fulfil during the pandemic.

Engaging with learners in a safe way without visiting schools and addressing groups of children, the GO GEORGE communication champions have been visiting bus stops near the schools to hand out small, refillable bottles of hand sanitiser branded with a message from Georgie, the GO GEORGE mascot: Your safety, our concern. Learners were also reminded to keep a safe distance, to wear their masks correctly, covering both the mouth and nose, and never to pull it down when talking to someone.

Commemorating Youth Month, young people between the ages of 12 and 20 were invited to participate in a lucky draw which could be accessed from the GO GEORGE Facebook page. The lucky winner has received a GO GEORGE drawstring bag with a variety of branded items.

For more information or any bus-related enquiries, please phone the GO GEORGE Call Centre on 0800 044 044, visit the website www.gogeorge.org.za, or follow the GO GEORGE Facebook page for the latest news and service updates.

CAPTION:
The George High School learners were surprised and happy to be handed a pocket-sized and refillable bottle of hand sanitiser from the GO GEORGE communication champions.

JEUGMAAND: GO GEORGE fokus op jongmense en Covid-veiligheid
Uitgereik 5 Julie 2021

Die GO GEORGE-busdiens het gedurende Jeugmaand ekstra moeite gedoen om die Covid-veiligheidsboodskap aan die jeug oor te dra en om bewustheid te skep van die rol wat elke lid van die gemeenskap tydens die pandemie moet vervul.
Om op ‘n veilige manier met leerders te kommunikeer sonder om skole te besoek en groepe kinders toe te spreek, het die GO GEORGE-passasiersdiensbeamptes bushaltes naby die skole besoek om klein, hervulbare botteltjies handreiniger uit te deel. Leerders is ook daaraan herinner om ‘n veilige afstand te hou, hul maskers korrek te dra, beide die mond en neus te bedek, en dit nooit af te haal wanneer hulle met iemand praat nie.

Ook om Jeugmaand te gedenk, is jongmense tussen die ouderdomme van 12 en 20 genooi om deel te neem aan ‘n gelukstrekking via die GO GEORGE Facebook-blad. Die gelukkige wenner het ‘n GO GEORGE-toerygsak ontvang met ‘n verskeidenheid handelsmerkitems.
Vir meer inligting of enige busverwante navrae, skakel asseblief die GO GEORGE-inbelsentrum by 0800 044 044, besoek die webwerf www.gogeorge.org.za, of volg die GO GEORGE Facebook-blad vir die jongste nuus- en dienskennisgewings.

Byskrif:
Die Hoërskool George-leerders was verras en bly om ‘n sakgrootte, hervulbare botteltjie met handreiniger van die GO GEORGE- passasiersdiensbeamptes te ontvang.

Garden Route COVID Update 5 July 2021

The Garden Route District has seen a 95 % increase in cases the last 7 days compared to 7 – 14 days ago. The district had an increase of 2 311 new cases the past 7 days. All sub-districts had large percentage increases.
District hospitals are seeing an increase in admissions, especially Mossel Bay Hospital. George Hospital continues to admit a large number of patients with COVID-19. The hospital currently has 44 COVID-19 patients of which 15 are in high care. All sub-districts are de-escalating non-essential services to cope with the increased load at primary health care facilities and hospitals.

COVID-19 stats as of 5 July 2021

Sub-district TOTAL Active Recovered Deaths
Bitou 3 029 115 2 811 103
George 14 277 1 433 12 373 471
Hessequa 2 278 190 1 974 114
Kannaland 997 71 877 49
Knysna 5 367 350 4 850 167
Mossel Bay 9 412 1 188 7 978 246
Oudtshoorn 4 532 243 3 985 304
Sub-total 39 892 3 590 34 848 1 454

Vaccination roll-out
A total of 46 902 vaccines have been administered since the start of the vaccine program. This includes healthcare workers, old age homes and public sites.

Registration for people 50 years and older frequently asked questions:

Has registration opened for people of 50 years and older?
Yes, people 50 years and older who want to receive the vaccine can now register on the available platforms.
Will people aged 50 – 59 years receive their appointments now?
Yes, the EVDS system will start allocating available appointments as from 5 July 2021.
What about people of 60 years and older who have still not received their 2nd SMS, will they be prioritised?
Yes, people aged 60 years and older will be prioritised over those of 50 – 59 years. We ask that those older than 60 who have not received their first dose to please come to a vaccination site as a walk-in, where they will receive their vaccination.
Will people of 60 years and older who must receive their second dose be prioritised over people aged 50 – 59 years? Yes, our current priority is those above 60 years, for both their first and second dose of the vaccination.
Will sites assist walk-in people aged 50 – 59 years who are registered? Yes, if the site has enough vaccines, you will be assisted. However, those with appointments will be assisted first.

The following sites in the Garden Route District will administer vaccinations on the following days for week 5 – 9 July.

SUB-DISTRICT Town Dates 5 – 9 July
Knysna sub-district Knysna Community Day Centre 5 – 9 July
Knysna sub-district Knysna Town Hall 5 – 9 July
Knysna sub-district Sedgefield Clinic 5, 8, 9
Knysna sub-district Keurhoek Satellite Clinic 9
Bitou sub-district Plettenberg Bay Clinic 5 – 9 July
Bitou sub-district Kranshoek clinic 8
Bitou sub-district Kwanokuthula Community Day Centre 5, 9
Bitou sub-district Crags Clinic 6
George sub-district Harry Comay TB Hospital 5 – 9 July
George sub-district Thembalethu CDC (Sandkraal road) 5 – 9 July
George sub-district George Central Clinic 5 – 9 July
George sub-district Uniondale Hospital 5 – 9 July
George sub-district George & Herald Mobile Routes 5 – 9 July
George sub-district Touwsranten Clinic 9
George sub-district Pacaltsdorp Clinic 5 – 9 July
Hessequa sub-district Riversdale Civic Centre 5 – 9 July
Hessequa sub-district Heidelberg Duivenhoks Hall 6, 7 , 9
Hessequa sub-district Albertinia Theronsville Hall 5, 8, 9
Hessequa sub-district Melkhoutfontein Satellite Clinic 7
Hessequa sub-district Still Bay Civic Centre 5, 6, 8, 9
Hessequa sub-district Slangrivier Satellite Clinic 5 ,9
Hessequa sub-district Witsand de Duine Hall 8
Hessequa sub-district Gouritsmond Hall 6
Kannaland sub-district Ladismith DRC Church Hall 5
Kannaland sub-district Zoar Sports Club 7
Kannaland sub-district Calitzdorp DRC Church Hall 8,9
Kannaland sub-district Van Wyksdorp Kerksaal 6
Mossel Bay sub-district Alma Community Day Centre 5 – 9 July
Mossel Bay sub-district Wolwedans Community Hall 5 – 9 July
Mossel Bay sub-district Hartenbos NG Kerksaal outreach 6
Mossel Bay sub-district Mossel Bay Town Hall 5 – 9 July
Mossel Bay sub-district Rheebok outreach 5
Mossel Bay sub-district D’Almeida Community Hall 5 – 9 July
Oudtshoorn sub-district Toekomsrust Community Hall 5 – 9 July
Oudtshoorn sub-district Dysselsdorp Clinic 6
Oudtshoorn sub-district De Rust (Blommenek) Clinic 8
Oudtshoorn sub-district Oudtshoorn Clinic 5 – 9 July

Disclaimer: Dates and sites are subject to change.

New Electrotechnical Services Director welcomed

George Municipality welcomes Mr Bongani Mandla as Director for the  Electrotechnical Services Directorate.

Mr Mandla comes to George with more than 10 years’ experience in the operations and maintenance and management space. Prior to joining George Municipality, he was in the employ of Transnet Port Terminals as the Senior Engineering Manager responsible for Plant Maintenance. He has also worked for ESKOM Distribution in the Western Cape in various roles, including Acting as Senior Manager for Operations and Maintenance, Zone Manager (Atlantic and Protea Zones) focused on operations and maintenance execution for the 29 Customer Network Centre’s (CNC) throughout Western Cape; Plant Management Manager focused on plant refurbishments, planning and scheduling of maintenance as well as network performance  and quality of supply management. He is not a stranger to the George area, having spent more than 7 years as the Field Service Engineer and Field Service Area Manager for the ESKOM Distribution.

He has also  served on various committees in a variety of roles including: ESKOM Western Cape Distribution Provincial Executive Committee (WC-PEXCO); Chairperson, Employment Equity and Skills Development (EE&SD) Committee and Champion for Energy Losses Committee (WCOU).

Bongani holds a Bachelor in Engineering (Electrical and Electronics) from the University of Stellenbosch. He is a registered Professional Engineer (ECSA), a member of the South African Institute of Electrical Engineers (MSAIEE) and passed the Government Ticket (GCC). He was selected and completed the Middle Management Talent Programme with Henley Business School in collaboration with Eskom, as well as the Technology Leadership Programme with the Eskom Leadership Academy. He is currently studying towards a Masters of Business Administration.

Bongani looks forward to working with the electrotechnical team, and with his passion for the development of people, he is hopeful that together the team can streamline their processes and reignite their passion to service customers. “My immediate focus will be on fixing the basics and ensuring we capacitate the directorate to deliver on our core output. With a solid foundation in place, we will be able to deliver sustainable results as well as form strategic partnerships for growth. My vision is underpinned by the drive to build a better tomorrow, today!”

Bongani is married to Amanda and is blessed with three children, Anda, Bonga and Sinobomi.

Unauthorized use of the George Municipal Logo

The public, business and organisations are herewith advised that the George Municipal Logo and Crest are registered as the intellectual property of the George Municipality, and as such  can only be used by the George Municipality for official purposes, unless otherwise authorised by Council. The Office of the Municipal Manager has noted  where several organisations and individuals have made use of the George Municipal logo for their own marketing purposes without the necessary approvals. No business, organisation and/or individual has the right to use the George Municipal logo in any social or printed media, and or including any marketing items such as caps, tshirts, banners, posters and flyers etc.

Where a business, organisation or individual is collaborating with a municipal department on a project,  prior approval must always be requested before using the municipal logo in any format. This will be granted on condition that the project and/or event is endorsed by the municipality officially, and that the product or marketing material which is produced is in good taste, not offensive and adheres to the guidelines as set out by the George Municipal Corporate Identity Manual.

 

OPENBARE KENNISGEWING:Gebruik van die George Munisipale Kenteken

Die publiek, sakeondernemings en organisasies word hiermee in kennis gestel dat die George-munisipaliteit se Kenteken en Wapen as die intellektuele eiendom van die George-munisipaliteit  geregistreer is, en as sodanig slegs deur die George-munisipaliteit vir amptelike doeleindes gebruik kan word, tensy die Raad anders magtig. Die kantoor van die Munisipale Bestuurder het opgemerk dat verskeie organisasies en individue die George Munisipale-kenteken vir hul eie bemarkingsdoeleindes gebruik, sonder die nodige goedkeurings. Geen besigheid, organisasie en/of individue het die reg om die George Munisipale-kenteken in sosiale of gedrukte media te gebruik nie, en/of enige bemarkingsitems soos pette, t-hemde, baniere, plakkate en strooibiljette ens.

Waar ‘n onderneming, organisasie of individu met ‘n munisipale departement saamwerk aan ‘n projek, moet vooraf goedkeuring gevra word voordat die munisipale kenteken in enige formaat gebruik word. Dit word toegestaan ​​op voorwaarde dat die munisipaliteit die projek en/of die geleentheid amptelik onderskryf, en dat die produk of bemarkingsmateriaal wat geproduseer word in goeie smaak is, nie beledigend is nie en voldoen aan die riglyne soos uiteengesit deur die George Munisipale Korporatiewe Identiteitshandleiding.

 

ISAZISO SIKAWONKE-WONKE: UKUSETYENZISWA OKUNGAGUNYAZISWANGA KOPHAWU LORHWEBO LUKAMASIPALA WASEGEORGE

uLuNtu, amashishini kunye nemibutho bayaziswa ngale ncwadi ukuba uphawu lorhwebo lukaMasipala waseGeorge kunye nendwe zibhaliswe njengophawu lukaMasipala waseGeorge, kwaye ngenxa yoko lunokusetyenziswa kuphela nguMasipala waseGeorge ngeenjongo ezisemthethweni, ngaphandle kokuba kugunyaziswa ngenye indlela liBhunga. i-Ofisi yoMphathi kaMasipala iqaphele apho imibutho eyahlukeneyo kunye nabantu basebenzisa uphawu lorhwebo lukaMasipala ngeenjongo zabo zokuthengisa ngaphandle kweemvume eziyimfuneko. Akukho shishini, mbutho kunye/okanye mntu unelungelo lokusebenzisa uphawu lorhwebo lukaMasipala waseGeorge kuzo naziphi na izinto zokusasaza iindaba zoluNtu okanye ezishicelelweyo, kunye okanye kuquka  naziphina izinto zorhwebo ezinje ngeekepusi, izikipa, izibhengezo ezibhaliweyo  kunye neeflaya njl njl.

Apho ishishini, umbutho okanye umntu esebenzisana nesebe likaMasipala kwiprojekthi, imvume yangaphambili kumele icelwe ngalo lonke ixesha phambi kokusetyenziswa kophawu lorhwebo lukaMasipala ngalo naluphi na uhlobo. Oku kuya kuvunyelwa phantsi kwemiqathango yokuba iprojekthi kunye/okanye umsitho uvunyelwe nguMasipala ngokusemthethweni, kunye nokuba imveliso okanye izinto zentengiso ezivelisiweyo ziyakholisa, azicaphukisi kwaye zibambelela kwizikhokelo njengoko zibekiwe yiNcwadi yeSazisi seQumrhu kaMasipala waseGeorge.

 

George Heraldic Embleem Logo

George Municipality backs local surfer, Bianca Buitendag for the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games

GEORGE MUNICIPALITY BACKS LOCAL SURFER, BIANCA BUITENDAG FOR THE 2020 TOKYO OLYMPIC GAMES

George Municipality has partnered with local, soon- to be- Olympian, Bianca Buitendag, a surfer who has qualified for the upcoming global event, in her quest to win a medal at the Tokyo Olympic Games. This partnership shall see the municipality support the Victoria Bay born and raised Bianca Buitendag in her preparation for the Olympic Games set for 23 July to 8 August 2021 in Japan. Owing to the challenges caused by the Covid-19 pandemic, the municipality decided to support and extend financial assistance to the local superstar in their bid to support local talent, while at the same time promoting the destination as a premier surfing destination.

Bianca is a well-seasoned surfer who has been competing on the World Surfing League (WSL) Championship Tour from 2013 to 2019 as South Africa’s top female surfer. In 2019 she was the captain of the South African team at the International Surfing Association (ISA) 2019 World Championships where she finished 3rd (Bronze) and subsequently qualified for the Olympic Games together with Jordy Smith. Out of the water, she holds a Bachelor of Science in Finance & Accounting Management attained at North-Eastern University in Boston, USA.
Surfing will be featuring in the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games for the first time ever and South Africa shall be represented by Bianca and Jordy Smith.

Bianca will be an ambassador for George and a key asset in promoting George as a tourist, and particularly a great surfing destination. George Municipality is situated in the Garden Route District of the Western Cape, often revered as “the Garden Route’s crown” owing to its majestic views and pristine beaches. The partnership will be the first of its kind for George Municipality, with the Olympic Games providing the perfect platform.
Commenting on the significance of this partnership, Bianca said, “Having grown up and raised in Victoria Bay, it’s an absolute privilege to represent my community and make them proud as I compete at the Olympic Games”. George offers some of the best surfing conditions owing to its high-performance waves at Victoria Bay and she hopes her efforts at the Olympics will be good enough to inspire young girls from across South Africa to pursue their dreams.

George Municipality will benefit from Bianca’s significant social media following along with her support for locally based charity initiatives. She is currently involved in several local projects and hopes to make a bigger impact working much more closely with the Municipality than ever before. “We look forward to partnering with Bianca to promote the town as an attractive tourist destination. Bianca’s profile and professionalism are exemplary to the kind of role models the town wishes to produce and inspire; we wish her all the best of luck at the Olympic Games”, says Executive Mayor of George Municipality, Alderman Leon van Wyk. Commenting on the developments, Joan Shaw, George’s Tourism Manager remarked, “George is fortunate to have a high-calibre surfing beach and we are delighted that our waves have played a role leading up to Bianca competing at the Olympics, the pinnacle of her surfing career so far. We are thrilled that a surfer at her level of influence will be promoting our destination to surfers worldwide as a preferred destination to enjoy the waves. We wish her all the best as she competes – George is rooting for you!”

For further information, please contact:

Head of Sponsorships: Kudzi Nzombe – Accelerate Sport
+27 (0)736402029/021 671 7573
kudzi@acceleratesport.com

Photographs by Ian Thurtell

George Mayor announces winners of Municipal Poster Competition on Energy Sustainability

George Mayor announces winners of Municipal Poster Competition on Energy Sustainability

The George Municipality’s Poster Competition on Energy Sustainability came to an end on Monday 7th June, when the two winning schools in the high school and primary school categories, Outeniqua High School and Outeniqua Primary School were announced and the Mayor of George presented them with their prizes.

Mayor van Wyk was in awe of the standard of work of both the primary and high school learners. He told the learners that he is not only impressed by their artwork but by their thinking. “We are all experiencing the inconvenience of loadshedding. We need to move into other forms of energy by wind, sun and other methods. This is the future of our world and our world is changing rapidly. It is awesome that you are part of that change,” he said.
Van Wyk said to the learners that you are the generation that will use renewable energy and it is great that you had this opportunity to showcase your thoughts. He congratulated the winners and thanked all of the schools that participated and made the competition a success.

The first prize winners (Primary and High School) both received a R5000 stationery voucher. The second prize in the primary school category went to Mzoxolo Primary school who received a R2000 stationery voucher. The third prize winner in the Primary School category is Holy Cross Convent and won a R1000 stationery voucher.
The second prize winner in the High School category is Parkdene High School and won a R1500 stationery voucher. There is no third prize for high schools as there were only 3 participating schools.

In total 10 schools participated, 3 High Schools and 7 Primary Schools. All the learners who participated in the competition received goody bag packages as a token of appreciation. The other schools that participated were Kretzenshoop Primary School, Hibernia Primary School, Dellville Park Primary School, McKinley Reid High School and Thembalethu Primary School.

Thabo Yiga from the Electrotechnical Directorate who drove the project with the other interns at the Directorate, thanked all the ten schools for participating in the George Municipality’s Energy Sustainability Competition. “The posters clearly show that the learners took the competition seriously and worked hard to produce quality work,” Yiga said.

Learners were meant to reflect their understanding of Energy Sustainability in the poster. The posters were judged by effort, art and creativity and message.
Some of the teachers and learners shared their experiences during the competition.
Leoni Selzer, Art teacher at Outeniqua Primary School said the process taught them how very important it is to save the world we live in and it was an incredibly great opportunity for the learners to research their own work and work on their art pieces.

Kyla Nel (12), a grade 6 learner, said she wanted to make people aware that our earth is dying.
Linske Steenkamp (11), also a grade 6 learner, said she drew an eye with the idea to change people’s view on how they saw the world, how we are to fix people’s eyes on the problem we need to solve.

An-Sophie Buchholz (12), a grade 7 pupil, said her painting depicted the earth warming up to the extent that it has a detrimental effect on the survival of wildlife like the polar bear.
Mari Coetzee, Art teacher at Outeniqua High School, said it was important to them to participate in the competition to get our younger generation thinking about preserving nature and thinking of alternative solutions to our energy needs.

Marlo Barnard (16), a grade 11 learner, said it was great coming together as a team, while his teammate, Wessel Janse van Rensburg (17), grade 11, said they are grateful for the opportunity and had loads of fun. They have used recycled paper from old exam books and magazines for the task.

George Municipality is part of the Energy Efficiency and Demand Side Management (EEDSM) programme funded by the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy. The Municipality received grant funding of R4.5 million for the solar PV project at the George Municipality Main Building parking area and part of the requirements is to spend 1% of that grant funding on creating an energy awareness campaign.

Sustainable energy is power which is able to be replenished within a human lifetime and so cause no long-term damage to the environment. Sustainable energy includes all renewable energy sources, such as hydroelectricity, biomass, geothermal, wind, wave, tidal and solar energies.

Captions:

Outeniqua High School: Outeniqua High School is the winner out of the three competing high schools in the George Municipality’s Energy Sustainability Poster Competition. Here Mayor Van Wyk hands over the winning cheque to principal Christo Vorster (with black jacket). At the back from left are Mphielo Ramotsai, Electrotechnical Directorate, two of the winning learners with the winning poster, Wessel Janse van Rensburg, Marlo Barnard, Art teacher Mari Coetzee and Thabo Yiga, Electrotechnical Directorate. The poster that was made mostly of recycled material says: Power “of” Nature. The “of” word is cleverly formed and hidden into one of the windmills. All the prize-winners are mentioned in the full page advert in the George Herald 10 June 2021.

Outeniqua Primary: Outeniqua Primary School is the winner in the category Primary Schools, in the George Municipality’s Energy Sustainability Poster Competition. They have beaten six other schools to the first prize. In the middle of the picture is the Executive Mayor of George, Ald Leon van Wyk (with the dark suit) handing the winning cheque of R5000 to Dr Nico Venter, School Principal. To the Mayor’s left are Mphielo Ramotsai and Thabo Yiga, Electrotechnical Directorate who drove the project. To Dr Venter’s right is the Art teacher that assisted the learners in the project, Leoni Selzer. Around them are all the learners who are part of the group that won the competition.

Thembalethu’s new 66 kV Substation to improve reliability and provide adequate capacity of electrical supply

Thembalethu’s new 66 kV Substation to improve reliability and provide adequate capacity of electrical supply
Issued George Municipality, 28 June 2021, for immediate release

A new 66 kV municipal substation planned for Thembalethu will not only provide adequate capacity for growth in the area, but also improve the reliability of the electrical supply and provide additional job opportunities as the electrification projects are completed. The planning for the substation goes as far back as 20 years ago, when the Ballots Bay 11 kV substation in the southern part of Thembalethu was established. This 11 kV substation project at the time also made provision for a 66 kV substation. The electrical masterplans for George indicated that a 66 kV substation would be needed in the future. An Environmental Impact Study (EIA) was finalized in 2008 to gain approval for the 66 kV powerline routes to the various proposed substations in George which included the powerlines to Thembalethu.

In 2011, the new 132 kV Schaapkop substation was established to provide sufficient capacity after the existing ESKOM bulk supply had reached capacity in George, following the growth in electricity demand in George and Thembalethu. The bulk municipal electrical supply to Thembalethu also reached capacity and had to be increased to enable the electrification program to continue.
A presentation was made to the George Council in 2013 to acquire funds for the first phase of the establishment of the municipal 66 kV substation in Thembalethu. Funds were provided and the 66 kV power line from SS Protea in Pacaltsdorp to Thembalethu was built in 2014/15. This power line is energized at 11 kV to supplement the capacity and will be energized at 66 kV to supply the new 66 kV substation once it is completed.
During a UISP* (Upgrading of Informal Settlements Programme ) community presentation in Thembalethu on July 2014, the public was updated about an analysis completed to determine the impact of the additional electrical load on the existing Thembalethu electrical network as a result of the electrification projects that had been completed. At this stage the first section of the 66 kV power line between Protea substation and Thembalethu’s 66/11 kV substation would have to be established and operated on 11 kV before any further electrification can take place. Further urgent upgrades included the establishment of the municipal 66/11 kV substation.

The electrification of the formalised, as well as informal areas in Thembalethu, cannot continue without the upgrading of the bulk services in Thembalethu. The establishment of the substation is a key project in this regard. Subsequently, the 66 kV power line section between Thembalethu and the Glenwood Substation in Knysna Road has also been completed to place the new Thembalethu 66 kV substation on a ring feed.

Thembalethu 66 kV Substation
The position of the 66 kV substation was changed slightly to accommodate the final 66 kV line route that is aligned to the proposed main southern arterial road and a revised EIA for the new position was approved in 2016. The detailed planning of the substation began in 2017. The substation’s construction consists mostly of the manufacturing, supply and installation of 11 kV and 66 kV equipment, two new 66/11 kV 20MVA power transformers and ancillary protection and control equipment. The construction and commissioning of the substation requires specialized engineers and artisans.

Following standard supply chain processes, the tender was awarded this year and the appointed contractor has provided all of the initial procurement documentation, and is in the process of completing the final construction designs and drawings based on the equipment to be supplied. The construction of the civil work can begin as a construction work permit has been issued by the Department of Labour. Once completed, this will be the biggest 66/11 kV substation in the Southern Cape, and one of the biggest electrical capital expansion projects embarked on by the George Municipality over the last decade.

The first phase of the substation, which will include the commissioning of the 66 kV yard, first power transformer and 11 kV switchgear, should be completed in 18 months. It is envisaged that the complete project will be completed over 3 years, as and when funding becomes available.

*THEMBALETHU UISP HOUSING PROJECT
The project approved in 2010 will provide 4350 families with a serviced site with access to water, sanitation and electricity. The top structures will incrementally follow. As at 30 June 2021, 662 top structures had been built and handed over to beneficiaries and 2126 sites were serviced. Phase One of the Upgrading of Informal Settlements Programme (UISP) which delivered 1746 serviced sites was completed in June 2016, with 662 top structures to date. Phase two is currently underway with 380 serviced sites completed to date. The UISP is funded by the Western Cape Department Human Settlements with the George Municipality acting as the developer.

George en distrik baat by 2023 NETBAL-WêRELDBEKERTOERNOOI

GEORGE EN DISTRIK BAAT BY 2023 NETBAL – WêRELDBEKERTOERNOOI

Die 2023 Netbal Wêreldbeker-toernooi word in Kaapstad aangebied – die eerste keer dat die toernooi in Afrika gehou sal word en die Wes-Kaapse platteland mag ook daarby baat.

Dié uitgelese toernooi volg op verskeie ander, baie suksesvolle Wêreldbeker-byeenkomste wat in die verlede in Suid-Afrika aangebied is. Groot infrastruktuurontwikkeling het veral die Wêreldbeker-rugby, die Wêreldbeker-sokkertoernooi en die Wêreldbeker-kriekettoernooi voorafgegaan.

Die land het egter ook die Wêreldbeker-toernooi vir vroue (2005) en die A1 GP-wêreldbeker van Motorsport (2006) aangebied, ‘n prestasie wat weinig ander lande ter wêreld Suid-Afrika kan nadoen.
In afwagting op die Netbal Wêreldbeker-toernooi in 2023, word infrastruktuur regoor die Wes-Kaap ontwikkel, en beide Mosselbaai-munisipaliteit en George-munisipaliteit het ruim voordeel getrek uit befondsing wat deur die Wes-Kaapse regering se departement kultuursake en sport bewillig is. Netbalbane in die distrik sal opgegradeer of nuut aangebou word om te voorsien in toekomstige streeks-, nasionale-, selfs internasionale toernooie wat in die vooruitsig gestel word.

Die Wes-Kaapse LUR vir kultuursake en sport, Minister Anroux Marais, het die onderskeie netbalspanne van die Suidwestelike Distrikte, en spesifiek atlete van Groot-Brakrivier, aangemoedig om nou reeds te begin met voorbereiding vir die 2023-wêreldbekernetbal. Na verwagting mag van die wegwedstryde en voorbereidings vir die toernooi in die Eden-distrik plaasvind.

Voorsitter van die Eden Netbalfederasie, Rene Booysen, het atlete herinner aan die voordele van georganiseerde sport vir die groter gemeenskap. Sy beklemtoon die voordele wat spanwerk, dissipline, toewyding en respek – kenmerke van spansport – vir die groter gemeenskap meebring. Enige atleet wat sukses in die sportsoort van sy keuse bereik, slaag dikwels ook op ander fasette omdat sport die grondslag vir deursettingsvermoë en ‘n wenkultuur gelê het.”

Minister Marais het die jeug en veral jong meisies aangemoedig om by sport betrokke te raak. “Sport bied geleenthede en uitdagings. Die gemeenskap moet hul jongmense aanmoedig om netbal te speel om voordeel te kan trek uit die talle geleenthede wat dié en ander sport meebring.”
Die minister en haar personeel het ook die geleentheid benut om besoek te bring aan die area waar ‘n nuwe sokkerveld vir Groot-Brakrivier gebou word.

Raadsheer Harry Levendal, Mosselbaai se Uitvoerende Burgemeester, het uit eie ondervinding gepraat oor die waarde wat sport vir jongmense en afrigters meebring.
Voorsitter van die Eden Netbalfederasie Rene Booysen, ‘n gebore Grootbrakker, het die hoop uitgespreek dat Groot-Brakrivier se jongklomp met oorgawe die geleenthede van opgeknapte netbalbane sal benut in die oploop na die 2023 Wêreldbeker-netbaltoernooi.
Benewens ‘n ruim bewilliging vir die opgradering en bou van netbalbane, het die Wes-Kaapse LUR vir kultuursake en sport, Minister Anroux Marais ook ‘n ruim skening van netbaltoerusting aan die voorsitter van die Eden Netbalfederasie, Rene Booysen, gemaak.

Raadsheer Harry Levendal, Mosselbaai se Uitvoerende Burgemeester ontvang die befondsing vir die opgradering van plaaslike netbalfasiliteite van die Wes-Kaapse LUR vir kultuursake en sport, Minister Anroux Marais.
Die Wes-Kaapse LUR vir kultuursake en sport, Minister Anroux Marais, het ook geld bewillig aan die George-munisipaliteit wat deur die uitvoerende burgemeester, Raadsheer Leon van Wyk, ontvang is.
Die spelreëls vir netbal is in isiXhosa vertaal en kopië van die reëlboekie is aan die Voorsitter van die Eden Netbalfederasie Rene Booysen, oorhandig.

Onderskrif vir foto: Die Wes-Kaapse Minister van Kultuursake en Sport, Anroux Marais oorhandig ‘n tjek van R700 000 ter oprigting van netbalbane en fasiliteite by die Outeniqua Stadion aan Rdh. Leon van Wyk, Uitvoerende Burgemeester van George by ‘n onlangse oorhandingingseremonie in Groot Brakrivier.

George Tourism drives winter accommodation bookings

George, Wilderness and Uniondale Tourism has launched an extensive digital campaign featuring the three towns across Facebook, Instagram, and Google Adwords.

The campaign, targeting Cape Town and Gqeberha, aims to create brand awareness for the destination, prompting users to take a mid-year break, whilst driving accommodation bookings for the upcoming winter season.

Accommodation product members were invited to participate in a deal to offer prospective visitors up to 25% off. A great response to the call has highlighted the need for more direct marketing to help tourism businesses to increase their occupancy levels.

The results of the campaign are being tracked and will show a return on investment for the destination, as well as the members who are partnering with the George Municipality’s Tourism Department to increase interest in and business to the area. Enquiries are being tracked digitally and in real time to evaluate the success of the campaign.

Joan Shaw, Tourism Manager at George Municipality says: “It is more important than ever that the Tourism Department and the accommodation products partner to get the best results from marketing campaigns. Marketing actions executed by George Municipality are mainly for the benefit of the Tourism Business Community. I am confident that our partners who are will see the benefits in, what is generally, a slow winter season.

This campaign supports and extends the recent highly successful radio campaign featured on both KFM and Radio 702, ensuring listeners keep George, Wilderness and Uniondale top of mind when wanting to take a winter break

1. Acorn Guesthouse in the warm heart of George is just one of the properties offering up to 25% off for the campaign.
2. Moontide Guesthouse, on the river in Wilderness, is one of the properties offering up to 25% off the campaign.
3. Cinnamon Boutique Hotel is one of the amazing properties offering up to 25% off for the campaign.
4. Escape to the Beach, says it all – one of the luxury properties offering up to 25% off for the campaign.
5. Beach Villa  Wilderness, one of the spectacular properties offering up to 25% off for the campaign.

For more information contact Joan Shaw 081 412 9995

Update on municipal main building solar project

The municipal solar project which entails the installation of a 300 kilo-Watt Peak grid tied PV generating plant at the officials parking area is progressing well and nearly completed.
The construction of the steel support structures which will serve as carports as well, has been completed and  the pv panels are currently being laid on the newly built structures. In total, 692 PV panels will be installed, with each panel rated at 435 Watts, making the system size equal to 692*435 = 301 kiloWatts peak. All of the inverters which will convert DC power from the panels into AC electricity, have been installed in a closed compartment room.

Thabo Yiga, Intern, Candidate Engineer for Electrotechnical Services, who is responsible for the project, was pleased to advise that a weather monitoring station will also be installed. This station is equipped with sensors to measure parameters such as solar irradiation, wind speed, wind direction, humidity, pv panels temperature, and so on. The  site specific measured data collected will be used to calculate the Performance Ratio (PR) of the pv plant on an annual basis to determine plant performance.

The project includes an upgrade with vehicle parking lines to be painted for the carport structures, as well as the installation of LED solar lights to provide additional lighting at night.  The project is expected to end 20th July and commissioning tests will begin on the last week of July. The plant will be energized by August.

Background information: The PV plant will reduce the peak load demand of the main building and reduce the amount of electricity purchased from Eskom. The plant will also enable the building to meet carbon emission reduction targets by powering most of the required load with energy generated from a clean and renewable source. The total savings in carbon dioxide emissions, would be in the region of 9027 tonnes of CO2 over the plants 25 year lifetime. 500 000 kilo Watt Hours (kWh) of energy is expected to be produced by the PV plant annually, and the system is projected to pay itself off within 7 years of the 25 year estimated lifetime.

The 500 000 kilowatt-hour of electricity that the PV plant will generate annually is the equivalent of the power consumption of 55 households using 25 kwh of electricity per day (or approximately 9000 kwh pa).  The project is funded by the Department of Energy under the Energy Efficiency Demand Side Management (EEDSM) programme. The current public parking area located immediately in front of the municipal building will not be affected during the construction at all.