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Author: Chantel Edwards

GM FMC NOTICE 5 – TEMPORARY BLUE FLAG STATUS UPDATE FOR VICTORIA BAY BEACH

Issued by George Municipality, Festive Monitoring Committee, 20 December 2024 @ 10:30

Victoria Bay Beach’s Blue Flag has been temporarily lowered, and swimming and water activities are currently not advised due to water quality monitoring. This precautionary measure aligns with Blue Flag regulations and ensures compliance with the highest standards of public health and safety. Regular water sampling is conducted by an accredited service provider at key locations, including areas near potential sources of pollution. All results are verified by independent laboratories to ensure accuracy.

The Blue Flag will be reinstated once new sample results confirm that water quality meets the required standards. We understand the inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your cooperation as we work to protect public health. Updates will be provided as soon as new information becomes available.

GEORGE MUNICIPAL FMC NOTICE 4 –  Access to Gwaing River Mouth

George Municipality is aware of inaccurate statements circulating regarding public access to the Gwaing River Mouth. The area being referred to is a natural system, and altering its composition—such as by removing rocks—can destabilize the shoreline and lead to erosion. According to Section 13(1) of the Integrated Coastal Management Act (ICMA), every person in the Republic is entitled to use and enjoy coastal property, provided their use does not adversely affect the rights of other members of the public to enjoy coastal property, does not hinder the State in fulfilling its duty to protect the environment, and does not cause adverse environmental effects.

In line with these requirements, the municipality cannot implement any man-made access interventions at the Gwaing River Mouth that may trigger activities resulting in environmental harm or instability. Section 20(1) of the ICMA outlines the responsibilities of municipalities in managing coastal access land. This section mandates that municipalities, within whose jurisdiction coastal access land falls, must ensure that the provision and use of such land and its associated infrastructure do not result in any adverse environmental effects.

The Gwaing River Mouth and Beach has been awarded the Green Coast Award for the second year in a row, which recognizes the area’s exceptional environmental quality and conservation efforts. The municipality remains committed to preserving this pristine natural environment for future generations while balancing public access needs. We thank the public for their cooperation in maintaining the ecological integrity of this sensitive area.

 

Public Notice Update: George Municipality Addresses Low Water Pressure Issues in Kingswood Golf Estate and Heather Park area

George Municipality is aware of the ongoing low water pressure affecting Kingswood, Golf Estate. The low pressure, typically experienced between 08:30 and 11:00, is believed to be caused by faulty valves in the network and increased water use during this timeframe. Efforts are ongoing to restore water pressure to acceptable levels. Residents can expect to see George Municipality teams in the area working on the problem. As the low pressure is cyclical, the results of repairs will only be visible in the following days or a week after the repair and is affected by the high daily use of water.

As the valves are checked and repaired, residents may experience temporary water loss or low pressure. Should the water outage be longer than 2 hours, or low pressure experienced, residents are urged to report the fault to the Complaints Desk on 044 801 9266/9262. This will assist the Municipality to pinpoint areas which require work, and where areas have improved after remedial measures.

The Municipality remains committed to resolving this issue and will continue to keep residents informed of any progress.

George Municipality Launches Illegal Dumping Campaign with EPWP Workers

The George Municipality has launched an Illegal Dumping Campaign to address waste management and littering challenges across the wards of the city on Wednesday 13 December bringing together 101 Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) workers at the Civic Centre. Executive Mayor Jackie von Brandis and Chief Whip Teresa Jeyi engaged with EPWP workers, emphasizing their vital role in the initiative.

Illegal dumping is a persistent issue despite available waste services. This campaign tackles the problem through daily waste removal, street cleaning, and targeted interventions such as cleaning ablution facilities and removing bulky waste. Mayor Von Brandis stressed the importance of community cooperation and law enforcement. “Illegal dumping affects everyone. We need all residents to help keep our spaces clean,” she said.

The campaign is part of the 2024/2025 Business Plan, aiming for a cleaner, more sustainable future. With support from EPWP workers, municipal leaders, and the community, the initiative seeks to make a lasting impact.

GEORGE MUNICIPAL FMC NOTICE 1 –  Fake Rumours of Sewer Spill in Touws River

Issued by George Municipality, Festive Monitoring Committee, 12 December 2024 @ 13:00

George Municipality has received several reports about an alleged sewer spill in the Touws River. The George Festive Monitoring Committee addressed the matter during this morning’s daily meeting and confirmed that the George Civil Engineering Services inspected all municipal infrastructure in and around the Touws River yesterday and found no leaks or spills. Additionally, water quality tests for Escherichia coli and Intestinal Enterococci (Faecal Streptococci) are being conducted regularly at the mouth of the Touws River, in compliance with Blue Flag beach requirements for Wilderness Main Beach (Salina’s).

The latest water quality test results were published on the municipal website yesterday and show compliance with the required standards.  These results can be accessed https://www.george.gov.za/george-doc-categories/season-water-quality-test-results/ Please note that Blue Flag Beach water quality testing follows the schedule mandated by WESSA.

SANParks Regional Communications Manager, Phokela Lebea confirmed that regular water quality testing is also conducted at the Wilderness Ebb and Flow Restcamp. SANParks technical teams continuously monitor and maintain all infrastructure related to the National Park. The latest results show no traces of E. coli. The Garden Route District Municipality is responsible for monitoring the water quality of all rivers in the district. Monthly test results are shared with the relevant local municipalities.

We kindly request the public to report any suspected spills or leaks with the exact location and, if possible, photographs to facilitate a swift response.

Report suspected spills or leaks (sewer-related) to George Municipality:
Switchboard: 044 801 9111 (7:45 AM – 4:30 PM)
Water Leaks, Pipe Bursts, Sewerage: 044 801 9262/6 (7:45 AM – 4:30 PM)
After-Hours and Emergencies: 044 801 6300
Toll-Free Disaster Number: 087 152 9999

PUBLIC NOTICE: Closure of George Municipal offices, refuse site and libraries during Festive Season

The George Municipal Offices will close for the upcoming Public Holidays and Festive Season.

• PUBLIC HOLIDAY: Monday, 16 December 2024.
• FESTIVE SEASON: George Municipal Offices will close on 24 December 2024 at 12:00 and re-open on 6 January 2025 at 7:45.

Emergency and essential services will continue as usual during this period.

FINANCE AND ACCOUNTS INFORMATION
DEBTBACK and ONTEC will be open for emergency assistance ONLY.
DEBTPACK: Victoria Street, from 8:00 until 16:00 daily, excluding 27 December 2024 and public holidays. Phone: 044 250 5011
ONTEC: Eagle View Building, Progress Street, from 8:00 until 13:00 daily, excluding public holidays. Phone: 044-8735474

Ratepayers are requested to use one of the below-mentioned methods to make payments:

Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT)
Bank Details for electronic payment
First National Bank (FNB)
Account Type: Public Sector Cheque Account
Account Name: George Municipality
Account Number: 62869623150
Branch Code: 210554
Swift Code: FIRNZAJJ
Reference: your GRG account number (please enter your account number without the GRG in front and without any spaces in between)
Proof of payment to be sent to payments@george.gov.za

Unipay
Pay accounts by clicking on the Unipay link www.unipay.co.za or by scanning the QR code on their account.

Pay Your Account via the Website
George Municipality has installed a Pay Your Account button on the municipal website – pay your account with one click! https://tinyurl.com/2p8t83ax
Go to our website on www.george.gov.za

My Smart City App
Ratepayers can register, view and pay their accounts on the MY SMART CITY George Municipal App. Download the NEW My Smart City – George APP via the Apple App Store, the Google Play Store or the My Smart City website www.mysmart.city or Scan the QR Code which can also be found on your current municipal statement! Should you have any issues with registering please contact support@mysmart.city

Pay at the following retail outlets.
• Pick and Pay, Woolworths, BOXER, GAME, SPAR, PEP ACKERMANS, SHOPRITE, AND USAVE
• Please take your most recent available account statement with you so that the shop can access the bar code that connects your payment to your GRG account number.
• If you do not have a printed account, ensure that you have the 20-digit number written down to provide the teller with.
• Ratepayers in Uniondale can get hard copies of their accounts and pay at the Uniondale Post Office, Pep Stores and Uniondale Municipal Office, 39 Voortrekker Steet. To register you can email accounts@george.gov.za
or phone 044 752 1024 for more information.
• Haarlem ratepayers can get hard copies and pay their accounts at the Haarlem Municipal Office, 99 Berg Street, to register you can email accounts@george.gov.za or phone 044 763 1013.

Meter readings
Residents who have not had a SMART Water Meter installed yet will have their meter read every month or can submit a reading via email or via the My Smart City – George App.
Submit your meter reading by email to meterreadings@george.gov.za
Include the accountholder’s name, contact details and George Municipal account number, date of reading and attach a photo of a meter. Please note that meter readings are done per area at different times of the month, and it is important that your meter reading email is submitted around the same time as your area’s reading time. Please check the date of the previous reading at the bottom of your account to determine your meter reading slot.
Enquiries: accounts@george.gov.za

Prepaid electricity purchases
Purchase via your online banking
or via George Municipal Website https://george.ontec.co.za/index.html
Or accredited service providers www.prepaid24.co.za or https://home.ontec.co.za or www.ipay.co.za

MUNICIPAL COURT
George Municipal Court will close on 24 December 2024 at 12:00 and re-open on 06 January 2025 at 07:45. No cases shall be enrolled during this period. E-mail representations to abfelix@george.gov.za.

MUNICIPAL REFUSE SITE OPERATING HOURS
Building rubble, garden waste and other stuff not suitable for bags can be dropped off at the George Municipality refuse site on R102 (Airport Road).
Open on:
• Monday to Friday 7 am to 6 pm
• Saturday 7:00 am-3:00 pm
• Public holidays (except 25 December): 7:00 am-3:00 pm

MUNICIPAL LIBRARIES
All of the Municipal Libraries will close on 24 December 2024 at 12:00 and reopen on 6 January 2025.
Patrons are advised to return or borrow sufficient books in advance to enjoy over the holiday season. We encourage patrons to visit their nearest library before the closure to ensure they have ample reading material during this period.

GENERAL CONTACT INFORMATION
• Municipal Switchboard 044 801 9111 (divert to emergency services)
• Toll-Free George Disaster Centre Number 087 152 9999
• Fire Emergencies 044 801 6311
• All after-hours George Municipality (including Uniondale and Haarlem) 044 801 6300
• Garden Route District Municipality Disaster Management emergencies 044 805 5071 (all hours).

PUBLIC WARNING – Choppy Sea Conditions at All Beaches

Lifeguard services will be active daily from 1 December 2024 to 31 January 2025

The South African Weather Service has issued a Yellow Level 1 Warning for wind and waves. Fire Chief and Disaster Manager, Neels Barnard, strongly cautions all residents and visitors about rough and choppy sea conditions caused by strong winds and high waves currently being experienced at all George beaches.

The public is notified that swimming is not recommended and small vessels and personal watercraft are at risk.
Spring tide this weekend could further worsen conditions, increasing the risk of strong currents and surges.

Beachgoer Safety Tips:
Avoid swimming as the current conditions make it unsafe. Stay out of the water.
Follow lifeguards’ instructions: Pay attention to their guidance and the warning flags on the beach:

* Red flag: No swimming permitted.
* Yellow flag: Caution; be extra vigilant.
* Green flag: Safe to swim, but remain alert.
* Crossed white flags: This indicates that lifeguards are not on duty. If displayed:
* No lifeguard services are available, and swimming is at your own risk. Exercise extreme caution or avoid swimming altogether, especially during rough or hazardous conditions. Consider visiting alternative beaches with active lifeguards.
* Keep a safe distance: Stay well away from the shoreline, particularly during high tide and surges.

Your safety is our priority. Please exercise extreme caution, respect the signals and instructions, and help us ensure a safe beach environment for everyone.

Mayoral Festive Message 2024

Dear fellow citizens,
I can hardly believe that the festive season is upon us already, yes, we have reached the end of yet another year! It
is in this spirit that I want to take a moment to usher in the festive season ahead of us.

As we celebrate the upcoming season, I am reminded of the many accomplishments and milestones we achieved, but
also the tragedy that we experienced earlier this year. The Victoria Street Building collapse was a devastating event that brought our community
to a standstill, our thoughts and prayers are still with the survivors and families who were directly affected. I want to extend my deepest
condolences to those who will be celebrating the festive season with a void left by a loved one who sadly perished in
this tragedy. Please know that we are thinking of you during this time. I would also like to express my heartfelt gratitude
to our residents for their unwavering support and resilience in the face of adversity. As a community, we came together
to do our part to help wherever we could, and I am forever grateful for the outpouring of kindness and compassion
that defined our response.

As we celebrate the joy and spirit of the season, I would like to extend a warm welcome to each and every visitor who
will be joining us in our beautiful region. I encourage you to take in the ocean, the lush greenery and all that George has
to offer – naturally. To residents and visitors alike, I implore you to adhere to the protocols that we have put in place to
ensure the safety of all. Be safe.

As a municipality, we are committed to maintaining our high standards of service delivery throughout the festive
season. We will continue to work tirelessly to ensure that our services are not disrupted, and I am excited to
announce that we will be hosting Lights Festivals in various parts of the municipal area, including George, Uniondale,
and Haarlem to bring the festive spirit to all our residents.

To our Christian residents and visitors, I would like to wish you all a very Merry Christmas as you observe the birth of
our Lord and Saviour. To each and all, I wish a blessed and safe festive season!

***********************************************************************

Geagte medeburgers,
Ek kan skaars glo dat die feestyd reeds op hande is, ja, ons het die einde van nog ‘n jaar bereik!
Dit is in hierdie gees dat ek ‘n oomblik wil neem om die feestyd wat vir ons voorlê in te lui.
Terwyl ons die komende seisoen vier, word ek herinner aan die vele prestasies en mylpale wat
ons behaal het, maar ook die tragedie wat ons vroeër vanjaar beleef het.

Die Victoriastraatgebou ineenstorting was ‘n verwoestende gebeurtenis wat ons gemeenskap tot stilstand gebring het, ons gedagtes en
gebede is steeds by die oorlewendes en families wat direk geraak is. Ek wil my innige meegevoel betuig aan diegene
wat die feestyd gaan vier met ‘n leemte wat gelaat is deur ‘n geliefde wat ongelukkig in hierdie tragedie omgekom het.
Weet asseblief dat ons in hierdie tyd aan julle dink.

Ek wil ook my hartlike dank uitspreek teenoor ons inwoners vir hul onwrikbare ondersteuning en deursettingsvermoë te
midde van teëspoed. As ‘n gemeenskap het ons saamgekom om ons deel te doen om te help waar ons ook al kon, ek is
ewig dankbaar vir die oorweldigende bedagsaamheid en deernis wat ons reaksie bepaal het.

Terwyl ons die vreugde en gees van die seisoen vier, wil ek graag elke besoeker wat by ons in ons pragtige streek gaan
aansluit, hartlik verwelkom. Ek moedig u aan om die see, die welige groenigheid en alles wat George bied, in te neem
– natuurlik. Aan inwoners sowel as besoekers, ek doen ‘n beroep op u om te voldoen aan die protokolle wat ons
ingestel het om die veiligheid van almal te verseker. Wees veilig.

As ‘n munisipaliteit is ons daartoe verbind om ons hoë standaarde van dienslewering regdeur die feesseisoen te
handhaaf. Ons sal voortgaan om onverpoosd te werk om te verseker dat ons dienste nie ontwrig word nie, en ek is
opgewonde om aan te kondig dat ons liggiefeeste in verskeie dele van die munisipale gebied, insluitend George,
Uniondale en Haarlem gaan aanbied om die feesgees na al ons inwoners te bring.

Aan ons Christen-inwoners en besoekers wil ek julle almal ‘n baie Geseënde Kersfees toewens terwyl julle die geboorte
van ons Here en Verlosser waarneem. Aan ieder en elk wens ek ‘n geseënde en veilige feestyd toe!

********************************************************************************

Bemi abathandekayo,
Andikholelwa ukuba sele lifikile ixesha leholide zehlobo, ewe, sele sifikelele esiphelweni somnye unyaka. Kungalo
moya ndifuna ukuthabatha umzuzwana ndiningenise kwixesha leholide zehlobo eziphambi kwethu.
Njengoko sibhiyozela ixesha leholide zehlobo ezizayo, ndikhunjuzwa ngezinto ezininzi esizifezileyo kunye neziganeko
ezibalulekileyo esizizuzileyo, noko kunjalo, ndikwakhumbula nentlekele esiye sadibana nayo ekuqaleni
kwalo nyaka. Ukuwa kwesakhiwo sesitalato i-Victoria yaba sisiganeko esixhel’ umphefumlo esiye samisa ngxi uluntu
lwethu, iingcinga nemithandazo yethu isekunye nabasindileyo kunye neentsapho ezichaphazeleke ngokuthe ngqo.
Ndifuna ukudlulisa amazwi ovelwano olukhulu kwabo bazakube bebhiyozela ixesha leziyunguma ngesikhewu esishiywe
ngumntu omthandayo obhubhele ngokulusizi kule ntlekele.

Nceda uyazi ukuba sicinga ngawe ngeli xesha. Ndikwathanda ukuvakalisa umbulelo ongazenzisiyo kubahlali
bethu ngenkxaso yabo engagungqiyo kunye nokunyamezela kwabo ngexesha lobunzima. Siluluntu, sadibana
ukuze senze indima yethu ukunceda naphina apho sinakho kwaye ndihlala ndinombulelo ngokuthululwa kobubele
kunye novelwano oluchaze indlela esayisingatha ngayo lentlekele.

Njengoko sibhiyozela ulonwabo kunye nomoya welixesha lonyaka, ndingathanda ukwamkela ngokufudumeleyo wonke
umtyeleli ozakube ekunye nathi kwingingqi yethu entle. Ndiyakukhuthaza ukuba uthathe ulwandle, uhlaza oluchumileyo
kunye nayo yonke into eyenziwayo eGeorge – ngokwemvelo.

Kubahlali kunye neendwendwe ngokufanayo, ndiyanibongoza ukuba nibambelele kwimithetho ebekiweyo
ukuqinisekisa ukhuseleko lomntu wonke. Yiba ngokhuselekileyo. Njengomasipala, sizimisele ukugcina imigangatho yethu
ephezulu yonikezelo lweenkonzo ngexesha leeholide. Siza kuqhubeka sisebenza ngokuzimisela ukuqinisekisa ukuba
iinkonzo zethu aziphazamiseki, kwaye ndinochulumanco ukwazisa ukuba siza kubamba iminyhadala yokukhanyiswa
kwezibane kwiindawo ezahlukeneyo zikamasipala, kuquka iGeorge, iUniondale, neHaarlem ukuzisa umoya wolonwabo
kubo bonke abahlali bethu. Kubahlali bethu abangamaKristu kunye neendwendwe, ndingathanda
ukuninqwenelela iKrisimesi emyoli kakhulu njengoko niqwalasela ukuzalwa kweNkosi noMsindisi wethu.

Kumntu ngamnye kubo bonke, ndininqwenelela ixesha leeholide
elisikelelekileyo nelikhuselekileyo!

Media Statement: Garden Route Dam Cleanup following Filming Activities

George Municipality acknowledges community concerns regarding the Garden Route Dam following recent filming activities. We urge residents to review the detailed information below and allow the cleanup and restoration process to conclude as planned. Claims that no cleanup has taken place are incorrect. No indigenous vegetation removal has taken place, and the Municipality confirms again that existing trails were used for access (construction, operation as well as decommissioning).

The production team, led by Red Pepper Productions and its CEO Cecil Barry—a self-professed environmentalist —has undertaken this project with a strong commitment to environmental responsibility. It is important to note that heavy rains prior to filming brought flotsam, jetsam, and litter into the dam several times. The production team actively cleaned these materials throughout the preproduction, filming, and postproduction phases. Currently, local workers remain on site to assist with further cleanup efforts around the construction areas, contributing to both environmental care and local economic development.

The rafts used during filming were made with white plastic floaters. After filming ended, 13 floaters were initially reported missing following a count. In response, the production team hired a service provider who used an electric boat to thoroughly search the full dam perimeter. All 13 floaters were successfully retrieved, along with residual wood chips, logs linked to filming activities. This process also resulted in the collection and proper disposal of three black bags of litter collected which was not generated by the production crew.

In addition, a George-based small business specializing in vegetation management was engaged to address black wattle infestations around the filming site. The contractor, an expert in indigenous and non-indigenous plant species, has ensured that this work enhances the ecological balance of the area. Further wattle removal and rehabilitation, including the planting of indigenous vegetation, will be carried out in the relevant areas utilized for the production..

George Municipality and Red Pepper Productions understand the environmental significance of the Garden Route Dam as a vital community resource. Both parties remain committed to preserving and restoring this natural gem.

The municipality is, however, concerned about uninformed criticism directed at both the production company and the municipality. Filming activities, along with the ongoing cleanup efforts, demonstrate a continued commitment to meeting the strict environmental conditions outlined in the permits, which include monitoring by a professional environmental practitioner. These conditions were fully adhered to before, during, and after filming.

We respectfully request the public’s patience while the planned cleanup and restoration efforts are completed. It is worth noting that constructing the filming infrastructure took over three months, and a thorough cleanup cannot be accomplished in a single day. George Municipality will conduct a final inspection to ensure compliance with all environmental standards before declaring the project complete.

Further updates will be provided as progress continues.

GO GEORGE celebrates 10 years of service with their passengers


The City of George is vibrating with excitement as the community celebrates their very own public bus service’s 10th anniversary on 8 December 2024. The service started out with 3 routes and 12 buses – today a fleet of 133 different-sized buses criss-cross the streets of George on a network of 34 routes, and it’s still expanding!

 

NOTICE: ORDINARY COUNCIL MEETING TO START AT 10AM

Issued George Municipality, 5 December @ 08:35

Please note that the Ordinary Council Meeting for 5th December will now start at 10am and not 9am as previously indicated.
The You Tube link will be issued prior to the start of the meeting.

We apologize for any inconvenience.

PUBLIC NOTICE: OFFICIAL FIRE SEASON: No more controlled burns or permits

Please be reminded the George Municipality will not allow controlled burns or issue permits for controlled burns in the municipal area as of 1 December 2024.

A controlled burn permit is valid for 12 months from the date of issue but may not be used during the official fire season, which in the Western Cape is usually from November/December to February/March each year.

As a general measure, the municipality prefers that controlled burns are done for agricultural purposes (clearing fields for regrowth) only and NOT for biomass reduction – please consider alternatives such as chipping.

The municipality appeals to the public to always be fire aware, no matter what time of the year it is – please always exercise extreme caution, make fires in protected and designated areas only, and dispose of cigarette butts safely. Burning of garden refuse in residential areas is illegal.

Control burns with a valid permit will resume 1 April 2025 subject to the prevailing weather conditions. An updated notice will be issued by the George Municipality.

TOLL-FREE DISASTER NUMBER: 087 152 9999
FIRE EMERGENCIES: 044 801 6311

UPDATE: WATER OUTAGE – CENTRAL BUSINESS DISTRICT (CBD) – Meade Street / Nelson Mandela Boulevard

 

Our Water Maintenance Team is still attending to a water pipe burst at the intersection of Meade and Hibernia Street, George CBD.

The repair work is taking longer than expected due to the presence of major services (water, fiber, sewer, etc), making it difficult to excavate with a machine, thus all excavations was done by hand. The repairs will take approximately another 2 hours.

Some businesses/households in the affected area might experience low water pressure or no water.

A water truck currently roam the area to provide potable water.

The water pipe burst at the intersection of Meade and Nelson Mandela Boulevard was repaired and water flow was restored.

We apologize for any inconvenience as a result of this and thank the public for their patience.

WATER OUTAGE – CENTRAL BUSINESS DISTRICT (CBD) – Meade Street and Nelson Mandela Boulevard

Our Water Maintenance Team is currently attending to a water pipe burst at the intersection of Meade and Hibernia Street, George CBD.

The repair work will take approximately 4 hours.

While attending to the above burst, another water pipe burst occured at the intersection of Meade and Nelson Mandela Boulevard. This section of damaged pipe was isolated, but due to the presence of major services (water, fiber, sewer, etc) it will be difficult to excavate with a machine, thus the expected time of repair is currently expected at 6-7 hours.

Some businesses/households in the affected area might experience low water pressure or no water.

A water truck will roam the area to provide potable water.

We apologize for any inconvenience as a result of this and thank the public for their patience.