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Author: Nadine Payle

Eskom load shedding update, 01 August 2023 @ 12h46

Due to some improvement in the generation capacity this afternoon, loadshedding will be reduced to Stage 1 from 05:00 until 16:00 on Wednesday.
Thereafter, Stage 4 loadshedding will be implemented from 16:00 until 05:00 on Thursday. This pattern will be implemented daily until further notice..

George will be affected as follows:
Tuesday 01/08/2023
14:00 – 16:30
22:00 – 00:30

Wednesday 02/08/2023
22:00 – 00:30

Thursday 03/08/2023
06:00 – 08:30
22:00 – 00:30

Friday 04/08/2023
14:00 – 16:30
22:00 – 00:30

 

Uniondale will be affected as follows:
Tuesday 01/08/2023
17:00 – 19:30

Wednesday 02/08/2023
01:00 – 03:30
17:00 – 19:30

Thursday 03/08/2023
01:00 – 03:30
09:00 – 11:30
17:00 – 19:30

Friday 04/08/2023
01:00 – 03:30
17:00 – 19:30

Consumers are reminded to use electricity sparingly after power returns, especially after a 4-hour Loadshedding slot
Please do not switch high-usage equipment on immediately after Load shedding. Consumers are urged to turn off high-usage equipment and where possible to not switch on appliances such as stoves and kettles for at least 30 minutes after load shedding. This will reduce the risk of overload tripping on the network and reduce our current high MVA spikes.
Reporting power outages
Please do not phone the after-hours number or the Electrotechnical Department to report that you have no power immediately after load shedding is scheduled to be lifted. Please be aware of the rotational switching on and wait at least 30 minutes before reporting no power. The directorate will be aware of a possible substation trip that needs to be sorted out.
Receive Eskom loadshedding notifications by downloading the free EskomSePush app from Google Play Store at https://sepush.co.za/

Public Notice: Planned Power Outage for a Portion Of George East

Beplande Krag Onderbreking: Kennisgewing van die onderbreking
van die elektriese toevoer.

DIE VOLGENDE AREAS SAL GERAAK WORD:
GEDEELTE VAN GEORGE -OOS
MEYER STR, STEVENS STR, 3DE STR, 4DE STR, GEELHOUT STR, WOODFIELD LAAN, MIMOSA LAAN

KENNISGEWING geskied hiermee dat die elektriese toevoer onderbreek sal word op DONDERDAG 03 AUGUSTUS 2023 VANAF 09H00 TOT 17H00 met die doel om veranderings aan elektriese hoofleidings te maak. Klante word gewaarsku om die installasie as lewendig te beskou vir die volle periode aangesien die toevoer enige tyd gedurende die periode aangeskakel mag word.

Sou omstandighede verhoed dat die werk gedoen kan word gedurende bogenoemde periode, sal die werk gedoen word op
VRYDAG 04 AUGUSTUS 2023 VANAF 09H00 TOT 17H00

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

Planned Power Outage: Notification of the interruption
of the electricity supply.

THE FOLLOWING AREAS WILL BE AFFECTED:
PORTION OF GEORGE EAST
MEYER STR, STEVENS STR, 3RD STR, 4TH STR, GEELHOUT STR, WOODFIELD AVENUE, MIMOSA AVENUE

NOTICE is hereby given that the electricity supply will be interrupted on THURSDAY 03 AUGUST 2023 FROM 09H00 TO17H00 for the purpose of doing alterations to the electrical mains. Consumers are warned to treat the installation as being live for the full duration as the supply may be resumed at any time within the notified period.

Should circumstances prevent the work being carried out during the abovementioned period; the work will be done on
FRIDAY 04 AUGUST 2023 FROM 09H00 TO 17H00

The Blanco Drive-through- How it works

 

The public is reminded that the Blanco Drive-through Motor Vehicle Licence Renewal offices can ONLY ASSIST CUSTOMERS registered on E-Natis who have already received an MVL2 SMS or EMAIL renewal notification from E-NATIS.

Please register your vehicle/s on E-Natis – Note: once you have registered you do not have to re-register annually UNLESS your cellphone number OR email address has changed.

HOW TO REGISTER ON E-NATIS
Start by registering a profile online at https://online.natis.gov.za/#/ Choose between registering as a business or individual.

1. Enter the following details for Individual: Identification type, Identification number, Initials and Surname.
2. Enter the following details for businesses: Business/Company details – Identification type, Identification number, Company name. Proxy details – Identification type, Identification number, Initials, Surname.
3. Please enter the CAW number of any of the vehicles registered in your name/company name in order to register and then proceed to the next step.
4. Enter your latest cell phone number and E-mail address accurately, along with your chosen Username and password and click on NEXT.
5. You or your company are now registered on the online E-Natis system and will receive your Electronic MVL2 via E-mail or Notice number via SMS, a month in advance of your motor vehicle license expiry date. (Please note the Road Traffic Management Corporation
(RTMC) no longer allows you to print a copy of your MVL2 from E-Natis.)

6. The amount for the renewal of your vehicle will be on the MVL2 Notice along with all your motor vehicle particulars.
7. If you have previously registered on E-Natis, please ensure that your most recent E-mail address and cell phone number is updated in order to receive notification of your license expiry.
8. Once you receive either an MVL2 notice via E-mail or Notice number via SMS, you may present this to the licensing office for your renewal.
9. Please note that OVERDUE licenses may not be renewed with the MVL2 and Notice number. A green ALV form is required to renew OVERDUE licenses and cases where the Owner/Company did not receive any of these notifications.

Drive Through Services
1. Only Motor Vehicle Licence Renewals can be done at the Drive-through window. (All other transactions must be handled at the Hibernia Street premises.)
2. Please have your MVL2 printout or notice number ready. You cannot be assisted without this documentation. (Please note the Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) no longer allows you to print a copy of your MVL2 from E-Natis.)
3. Please note a maximum of two licenses can be processed per visit, per person. No cash payments will be accepted, payment is via card only.
4. You must as a vehicle owner, Register on E-Natis in order to receive a notification of the expiry of your Motor Vehicle Licence.

VEHICLE LICENCES
Your vehicle licence expiry date is indicated at the bottom of your current vehicle licence disk, and you are advised to diarise the licence renewal time in advance to ensure timely renewal.
Vehicle licences are valid for a year from the date of renewal. The owner has 21 days from the date of expiry on the disk to renew the license.

Applying via RTMC Own Online Licence Renewal Process
The municipal MVR offices do not have access to the RTMC’s Online Renewal System. The public must note that this is a new online process brought in by RTMC. If you are experiencing any challenges, please use the following email address for queries: onlinevehdiscs@rtmc.co.za or use the TOLL-FREE Number 0861400 800

Blanco Satellite Office
9 George Street, Blanco
Open weekdays 8am-3pm, except Wednesdays closed at 2pm due to compulsory training.

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

PUBLIC NOTICE: George Landfill Site Open for Heavy Vehicles

Issued by George Municipality 31 July 2023

Please note that the George Landfill site is open for heavy motor vehicles at own risk. Due to the muddy road surface caused by severe weather conditions, access to the Landfill site can be challenging. Security guards are on-site, to direct smaller vehicles to the correct dumping location.

We apologize for the inconvenience.

Netball World Cup Murals at the Rosemore Stadium

The Department of Correctional Services assisted George Municipality with maintenance at the Rosemore Stadium prior to the opening of the Fan Park last week Friday.

One of their offenders put his incredible talents to work and painted these murals in support of the Netball World Cup 2023.

These murals are open for public viewing at the Rosemore Stadium during the live games at the Rosemore Fan Park from 09h00 in the morning up until the last game is done.

 

GO GEORGE passenger satisfaction measured through survey

CAPTION:
Parents all over town welcome the safe travel option for their children to get to school and back home.

The latest results of an annual passenger satisfaction survey conducted among users of the GO GEORGE bus service have confirmed that most passengers are highly satisfied with the GO GEORGE service and the opportunities it provides in terms of accessibility and mobility. They appreciate the flexibility of the system and say it is safer and more secure and affordable than their means of transport before the implementation of the GO GEORGE service.

The survey done on behalf of GO GEORGE by research specialists in the socio-economic field aims to determine the overall socio-economic impact of GO GEORGE, including the macro-economic and transport economic impact.

According to Morné Lakay, Acting GO GEORGE Manager, the outcome of the survey is compared with previous results for benchmarking and to guide GO GEORGE regarding specific areas that need to be addressed.

“In this way, we continuously work to improve overall user satisfaction and ensure a high-quality, reliable, affordable system that addresses the needs of all users – both existing and potential future users,” he said.

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

Safety on the bus scores almost 100%

99,63% of interviewees reported feeling safe and secure on-board the GO GEORGE buses.

Lakay says this “statement of trust” would have been celebrated under normal circumstances. “However, the incident earlier this year of the petrol bombing of a bus carrying passengers is casting a shadow over this positive result that was recorded at the end of last year. Still, the bus service is not vulnerable because of one isolated incident.

Criminality is ultimately a social issue that needs to be addressed. Although GO GEORGE does not have control over criminal actions from outside, we want to provide a safe travel experience for our passengers as far as possible and will continuously reinforce resources and efforts to do so,” he said.

Accessibility

With accessibility such a high priority for GO GEORGE, it was gratifying to learn that most passengers with disabilities and other special needs find GO GEORGE very accessible, both at bus stops and on board the buses, addressing their travel requirements. It was interesting to note that 35% of interviewees indicated that they have special needs when travelling. This includes people who are disabled, elderly, pregnant, travelling with small children or who experience some form of mobility challenge.

Affordability

By using GO GEORGE, 92% of passengers interviewed have noted that they pay less for transport than before. The fact that passengers do not pay again to transfer between buses within one hour from starting their journey, significantly contributes to reducing their monthly travel expenses.

“This kind of feedback is heart warming,” commented Lakay. “The prioritisation of public transport investment is no longer a nice to have; it is an absolute necessity. Government subsidises public transport – GO GEORGE trips included – so that nobody should have to turn away a job opportunity because they cannot afford to travel to work.”

George Municipality’s Home Composting Project

The George Municipality is initiating a household composting project in the George municipal area.

Permanent residents within the George Municipal area are urged to apply and join the project to turn organic household waste into compost.

Approximately 30% of all household waste being disposed of at a landfill site consists of organic waste that could potentially be diverted from the landfill by means of household composting. Residents in Housing Complex’s are encouraged to also apply.

Minimum criteria

  1. Only residents permanently living in the George municipal area may apply.
  2. Proof of residents to be submitted along with your application form.
  3. Must generate organic material e.g., raw vegetable and fruit peels, eggshells, grass cuttings.
  4. Material that does NOT qualify as organic material: Meat or related meat products, oil, fat or grease, diseased plant material, sawdust or woodchips from treated wood, dog or cat faeces, weeds that have seeds, dairy products, coal ash, cooked foods, nappies and used tissues, glossy or coloured paper.

How to apply.

  1. Download the application form. https://www.george.gov.za/george-doc-categories/public-notices/application-forms/
  1. Email the completed application form along with your proof of residency to gnnotshokovu@george.gov.za  or Kvstoffels@george.gov.za

Alternatively, you can collect an application form from our George Environmental Services Municipal offices at 82 Meade Street, George.

NB: Please note that only new applicants will be provided with a composting container/ bin.

Netball Friyays in Rosedale

Caption: Four teams came together last Friday in Rosedale. The clubs played are Rising Stars, Active United, Teenage stars and Peace Lovers.

In the build-up to receiving the Vitality Netball World Cup Trophy last Friday, 7 July 2023 four of our local school teams partook in a friendly game last Friday.

In support of the Netball World Cup, the schools will be playing friendly games around various parts of George.

The school tournament will be taking place at the Fanpark at Rosemore Stadium from 28 July to 6 August 2023 where we will be displaying the 2023 Vitality Netball World Cup on a big screen.

We urge the public to come out in numbers to share and bring the Gees to this fun-filled family event.

A maximum of six stalls will be successful. To download an application form, click on the link: https://www.george.gov.za/george-document/gm-netball-world-cup-informal-trading-application-form/

Watch the Youtube clip:
https://bit.ly/3JVJFtc

Netball Friyays in Lawaai Kamp, George

Western Cape Government Cultural Affairs and Sport

Netball World Cup 2023

Last week Friday our girls turned up the heat in Lawaai Kamp, George. This time around, we had eight teams playing it out on the field as they passionately entertained their fans.

The public is once again reminded that George Municipality will be hosting a fan park for all our netball enthusiasts to come out and enjoy the day with their families and friends while enjoying the world cup games on the big screen that will be put up at the Rosemore stadium from 28 July to the 6 August.

Watch: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IBveY3T5VEc

GO GEORGE SCHEDULES ON NATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY, 9 August 2023

GO GEORGE GEORGE SCHEDULES ON NATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY

With National Women’s Day coming up on Wednesday 9 August, GO GEORGE passengers need to take note that the Saturday bus schedules will be followed on this public holiday.

For any enquiries, please phone the GO GEORGE Call Centre on 0800 044 044, or visit the GO GEORGE Facebook, or the web page (www.gogeorge.org.za) where all routes, maps and schedules can be viewed and downloaded.

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

GO GEORGE GEORGE-SKEDULE OP VROUEDAG
Met Nasionale Vrouedag voor die deur, is dit belangrik vir GO GEORGE-passasiers om kennis te neem dat die Saterdagskedules gevolg sal word op hierdie openbare vakansiedag, Woensdag 9 Augustus.

Vir enige navrae, skakel gerus die GO GEORGE-inbelkantoor by 0800 044 044, of besoek die GO GEORGE Facebook- of webblad (www.gogeorge.or.za) waar alle roetes, kaarte en skedules besigtig of afgelaai kan word.

Ordinary Council Livestream meeting,

Ordinary Council Meeting today 27 July 2023 at 09h00
The Council meeting will be live -streamed on the municipality’s official YouTube channel.

Please like and subscribe to the channel to view

Issued George Municipality
Thursday 29 June 2023 @ 08h59

PALOTTI SUBSTATION GETS PROTECTION UPGRADE

From left: Alderman Leon van Wyk (Executive Mayor of George), Cllr Nosicelo Mbethe (Portfolio Councillor for Electrotechnical Services & Fleet), Dr Michele Gratz (Municipal Manager), Bongani Mandla (Director of Electrotechnical Services), Kobus Wilken (Deputy Director of Electrotechnical Services), Jacques Lawrence (Senior Manager: Distribution and Thembani Mzekeli (Manager Testing and Protection).

In its pursuit of continuously making use of the latest technological equipment, the George Municipality has now upgraded its protection of the Palotti substation from the conventional telemetry integration to the new intelligent type of equipment to obtain data from the substation.

According to Kobus Wilken, a deputy director in the Electrotechnical Services, the George Municipality started implementing substation integration instead of conventional telemetry in the early 2000s. Only a few Municipalities are currently using this method of obtaining data from substations.

Wilken says that the Palotti substation’s protection was the latest to be upgraded to the new intelligent type of equipment.  “This method has many advantages over the conventional way of protecting the power system and obtaining valuable substation information. Some of the advantages are that the George Municipal network control centre will continuously receive information regarding the state of the 11kV substation equipment.” 

“Whenever the power system protection equipment detects a fault, it switches off the particular circuit breaker to isolate the fault.  Information regarding the fault is then automatically sent to the control and SMSs are sent to electricians to notify them of the trip.   Response times are also greatly reduced because of the information that is sent to the network control centre for immediate action,” Wilken added.

The Executive Mayor of George, Alderman Leon van Wyk, accompanied by the Portfolio Councillor for Electrotechnical Services Nosicelo Mbethe and the Municipal Manager George Dr Michele Gratz recently visited the Palotti substation to familiarise themselves with how it works. “I’m very much impressed with how the Municipality continues to move with times to use the latest technology for service delivery,” Mayor van Wyk said.

Bongani Mandla, the director of the George Municipality’s Electrotechnical Services said the Municipality will eventually have all their substations’ protection upgraded using this type of technology as part of the drive towards a smart city.

George Municipality introduces the new Visual Artwork Management Policy 2023

Three-dimensional representative or abstract forms by carving stone or wood or by casting metal or plaster- Photo credit: Jack Youngerman

The Visual Artwork Management Policy was adopted by the Mayoral Committee on 19 June 2023.
This policy was developed to provide guidelines for the submission and evaluation of proposals by individuals or organizations to create and display visual artwork in the public realm, viewing the built environment as an urban canvas.

The policy aims to enable artistic expression in various forms through different mediums and serves the George municipal area as a mechanism to enhance the cultural and aesthetic appeal and would contribute to a unique sense of place and tourist attraction.

Illuminated artwork- Photo credit: Logan Arts

Different forms of visual art are addressed and include:
Illuminated Artwork
Application can be made for Permanent artwork, over a period exceeding 5 years or temporary artwork for a period less than 12 months.
The policy contains guidelines relating to the location, design, quality, safety, maintenance and removal of the artwork. Proposals for artwork must be done in consultation with the community and surrounding property owners.

The proposal submitted to the municipality must include an illustration of the intended work and the ability of the applicant to execute the work successfully along with an indication of how consideration was given to the guiding principles of the policy.
Artwork may be permitted on public property or private property and does not include outdoor advertising.

The policy enables the municipality to identify designated spaces, which may serve as practice spaces for temporary mural art forms and is regarded to be spaces where upcoming artists can develop their skill.

Applications may be addressed to the Directorate:Human Settlements, Planning and Development via e-mail to znorawana@george.gov.za.

A copy of the policy is available on request or may be downloaded from the municipal website via this link: https://www.george.gov.za/…/planning-and-development…/

The municipality values the talent that is held by our diverse community and the sincere aim is to create a platform for expression and join hands with the art community in enhancing the unique qualities of our city and its people.

NOTIFICATION OF EMERGENCY INTERRUPTION OF THE ELECTRICITY SUPPLY.

NOTIFICATION OF EMERGENCY INTERRUPTION
OF THE ELECTRICITY SUPPLY.

THE FOLLOWING AREAS WILL BE AFFECTED:
PORTION OF THEMBALETHU- ZONE 7
INFORMAL SETTLEMENT- DUBE VILLAGE
34TH, 37TH,38TH STREETS

NOTICE is hereby given that the electricity supply will be interrupted on TUESDAY 25 JULY 2023 FROM 09H00 TO 16H00 for the purpose of doing alterations to the electrical mains. Consumers are warned to treat the installation as being live for the full duration as the supply may be resumed at any time within the notified period.

Should circumstances prevent the work from being carried out during the abovementioned period; the work will be done on
WEDNESDAY 26 JULY 2023 FROM 09H00 TO 16H00

*****************************************************************
KENNISGEWING VAN DIE NOOD ONDERBREKING
VAN DIE ELEKTRIESE TOEVOER.

DIE VOLGENDE AREAS SAL GERAAK WORD:
GEDEELTE VAN THEMBALETHU- ZONE 7
INFORMELE NEDERSETTING- DUBE VILLAGE 34STE, 37STE ,38STE STRATE

KENNISGEWING geskied hiermee dat die elektriese toevoer onderbreek sal word op DINSDAG 25 JULIE 2023 VANAF 09H00 TOT 16H00 met die doel om veranderings aan elektriese hoofleidings te maak. Klante word gewaarsku om die installasie as lewendig te beskou vir die volle periode aangesien die toevoer enige tyd gedurende die periode aangeskakel mag word.

Sou omstandighede verhoed dat die werk gedoen kan word gedurende bogenoemde periode, sal die werk gedoen word op WOENSDAG 26 JULIE 2023 VANAF 09H00 TOT 16H00

What you should know about this year’s GRIFF in Iconic Mossel Bay

What you should know about this year’s GRIFF in Iconic Mossel Bay

Mossel Bay , Garden Route (July 2023) 

The Garden Route International Film Festival (GRIFF) showcases a diverse range of local, national, and international films, including features, short films, and documentaries. This year’s festival takes place at Diaz Beach Hotel & Resort in Mossel Bay from August 2 to 5. Read on to find out why it’s not only for those already in the film industry.

GRIFF provides a platform for filmmakers to present their work while fostering cultural exchange and appreciation of the art of filmmaking. The festival includes screenings, workshops, panel discussions, and networking opportunities, allowing filmmakers and film enthusiasts to engage and connect.

The event kicks off with a Green Carpet Opening Night, including a film screening, on Wednesday, August 2. The line-up from Thursday to Saturday includes daily films shown on big screens, workshops, seminars, networking functions, and youth training courses in various film-related disciplines.

 

A must-do on Thursday, August 3 will be an evening of Music of the Movies, with not only musical entertainment but also a movie quiz, wine tasting, and film screening. Friday night’s live music show, Denim, and Diamonds is a tribute to Neil Diamond and also features a tasting and screening.

The event concludes on the evening of Saturday the 5th, with an award and closing function. But leading up to that grand finale will be an incredible amount of information sharing, most notably among those involved in the value chain of filmmaking, such as service providers and suppliers.

The GRIFF Industry Program guides businesses to benefit from this booming trade’s supply chain. In 2022, about R36-million was poured directly into the district through film production; on the receiving end were suppliers of accommodation, catering, medical services, transport hire, and photography.

Also, in the value chain are those who provide building materials and props, purchased from over 200 retailers and suppliers. In addition, local crews are trained and available to work on productions in the region.

The Industry Program offers a range of workshops, presentations, and panel discussions, led by industry experts. These sessions cover an array of topics related to filmmaking, such as screenwriting techniques, job opportunities in film, social media, film tourism and financing, distribution strategies, cinematography tips, and emerging trends.

The GRIFF Youth Program targets ages 13-18, with various workshops and amazing movies to view at no cost, from August 3-5. Further information will be posted on social media, in the press, and through Mossel Bay Tourism. Visit www.griff.co.za to get your VIP Pass, movie and event tickets, and for additional information.