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Author: Nadine Payle

My Smart City George App- Easily Access The Go George Bus Route Via The App

My Smart City George App

How to plan your trip on the GO GEORGE bus service by using links in the App

1. Go to your Apps home screen
2. Scroll down and tap the GO GEORGE Icon
3. Choose any of the three options you would like more information on
4. View the route maps or any of the timetables for routes within George

Watch:

Download NEW My Smart City – George APP via the Apple App Store, the Google Play Store or via 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

 

 

SARS Language Unit visits George

From left; Yoland Gelderbloem (Manager: Expenditure); Aletia Ollewagen (SARS); Amy Lesibanie (Senior Accountant: Creditors) and Vanessa Francis (Assistant Accountant: Creditors & Cheque Administration).

Copies of the Tax Terminology booklet were gratefully received by officials from the Finance Directorate

SARS recently launched it’s first volume of Tax Terminology (in all 11 languages) in March 2022. The SARS Language Service Unit has since been travelling across South Africa to hand these booklets out to as many stakeholders as possible.

Aletia Ollewagen, the Afrikaans Operational Specialist for the SARS Language Service Unit paid a visit to George Municipality last week.

 

 

Welcoming the Vitality World Cup Netball Trophy 2023 in George

Caption 1: From left: Deputy Mayor Raybin Figland, Letsatsi the Netball Meerkat, Minister of Cultural Affairs and Sport, Anroux Marais, Mayor Leon van Wyk, Netball South Africa President Cecilia Molokwane

On Wednesday 5 July, the city of George was graced with the presence of the long-awaited

Vitality Netball World Cup trophy. Litsatsi together with our very own Daantjie kat and Georgie,  showed the crowd how to bring gees to the George fans by illustrating how to #Putyourhandsup in support of our own Spar Proteas netball team.

Litsatsi the Netball Meerkat Mascots’ name means “Sun” to honour our bright future. Her colourful outfit covered with South African beads represents our rich culture.

The trophy has been traveling around the country bringing awareness and celebrating in the pride of South Africa, being the first African country to host the NETBALL WORLD CUP.

The Netball World Cup kicks off on 28 July at the CTICC in Cape Town. George residents will be able to share in the experience at the Fan Park hosted at the Rosemore stadium from the 28  July 2023  – where live games will be broadcast on a big screen.

 

Tickets to the tournament  in Cape Town are available at https://nwc2023.org.za/tickets/

Caption 2: George Netball Supporters loving celebrations at Unity Park, George

Caption 3:  The mascots Daantjie kat, President of Netball South Africa, Cecilial Molokwane, Georgie  and Letsatsi the Netball Meerkat making moves on the stage.

 

 

Eskom Load shedding schedule update: 9 July 2023 at 17:06

Due to consistent available generation capacity, loadshedding will continue to be suspended from midnight until 16:00 and Stage 3 loadshedding will remain in force from 16:00 today until midnight. This pattern will be repeated daily until further notice.

George will be affected as follows:

Sunday 09/07/2023
18:00 – 20:30

Monday 10/07/2023
18:00 – 20:30

Tuesday 11/07/2023
18:00 – 20:30

Wednesday 12/07/2023
None

Thursday 13/07/2023
16:00 – 18:30

Friday 14/07/2023
16:00 – 18:30

Uniondale will be affected as follows:

Sunday 09/07/2023
21:00 – 23:30

Monday 10/07/2023
21:00 – 23:30

Tuesday 11/07/2023
21:00 – 23:30

Wednesday 12/07/2023
None

Thursday 13/07/2023
19:00 – 21:30

Friday 14/07/2023
19:00 – 21:30

Consumers are reminded to use electricity sparingly after power returns.
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 afterhours 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 if there has been a possible substation trip which needs to be sorted out.
Receive Eskom loadshedding notifications by downloading the free EskomSePush app from Google Play Store

George Mayor hosts Craven Week Function

Caption 1: The Mayoral Function was attended by SARU executives, provincial coaches & team managers. In the photograph are from left Christo Vorster, Headmaster for Outeniqua High School; Mrs Karen Vorster; Ald Leon Van Wyk and Mrs Gail Van Wyk.

George Executive Mayor Leon Van Wyk together with his wife Gail hosted a successful Mayoral Function last night at The Apprentice in celebration of the U18 Craven Week currently on at Outeniqua Park Stadium.

Christo Vorster , Headmaster for Outeniqua High School applied to host the Craven Week during the school’s Centenary Year, a process that started in 2019.

The Craven Week has been running since Monday 3rd July and finishes tomorrow Saturday 8th July. This prestigious SA Rugby schoolboy’s tournament is regarded as an avenue into the sport on a professional level.

Caption 2: Ald Leon Van Wyk with Fillip Venter, Deputy Headmaster Outeniqua High School and WP Bosch, Head of Rugby for Outeniqua High School.

George is the proud host city of the U18 Craven Week 2023 tournament, which last took place in the city in 1999.
The Craven Week was initially scheduled to take place at Outeniqua High School in George, but after realising that the school’s fields would not be able to handle the heavy workload due to the high volume of rain that has fallen in the area in recent weeks it was decided to move the Craven Week to Outeniqua Park, the home ground of the South Western Districts Eagles. Outeniqua High School who are celebrating their centenary this year – will still host four matches on their C-Field on Saturday 8 July.

REHABILITATION OF THE SWART RIVER DAM ACCESS ROAD

The repair to slip failures and rehabilitation of the access road to the Swart River Dam,
will have an impact on the public users (pedestrians, runners and cyclists) from mid July 2023.
The estimated construction duration is 5 months.

PROJECT:
SWART RIVER DAM:
REHABILITATION OF ACCESS ROAD
DESCRIPTION:Repairs to slip failures will be done where severe erosion and flooding caused wash-aways and failure of the roadway.

Work includes rehabilitating a portion of the existing gravel road, upgrading stormwater infrastructure, construction of gabion walls and construction of a reinforced concrete slab at a stream-crossing.

PROJECT PERIOD:
Mid-July 2023 to November 2023

SERVICE DISRUPTION:
No Municipal services will be affected however access to pedestrians, runners and cyclists is not permissible.

WORKING HOURS:
07h00 – 17h00, Mondays – Fridays

IMPACT – PLEASE TAKE NOTE
The construction area will be FULLY CLOSED to the public.
No pedestrians/runners/cyclists may access the area throughout the duration of the construction period.

Cyclists and pedestrians are to take extreme caution as large earth-moving machinery will be active on the surrounding roads driving to and from site as well and an increase in traffic volumes on the surrounding municipal streets is unavoidable over this period.

Adherence to flag persons, temporary road signage is required at all times.

ACCESS TO SITE:
Access to the site will be strictly controlled. No member of the public will be allowed access to the construction area, in terms of the Occupational Health and Safety Act.

PROJECT ENQUIRIES: Mr Adrian van Molendorff – 082 77 33 535
The George Municipality apologises for any inconvenience and appeals to all users to be patient and exercise caution during the rehabilitation.

Please look out for all temporary road signage and construction personnel.

Eskom Load shedding schedule update: 6 July 2023 at 15:53

Stage 1 loadshedding is currently underway until 16:00 today. Thereafter, Stage 3 loadshedding will be implemented until midnight. Loadshedding will then be suspended from midnight until 05:00 on Friday. This pattern will be repeated on Friday and Saturday. Loadshedding will be suspended from midnight on Saturday until 16:00 on Sunday, followed by Stage 3 loadshedding until midnight.

George will be affected as follows:
Thursday 06/07/2023
20:00 – 22:30

Friday 07/07/2023
05:00 – 06:30
20:00 – 22:30

Saturday 08/07/2023
12:00 – 14:30

Sunday 09/07/2023
18:00 – 20:30

Uniondale will be affected as follows:
Thursday 06/07/2023
16:00 – 17:30
23:00 – 00:30

Friday 07/07/2023
07:00 – 09:30
23:00 – 00:30

Saturday 08/07/2023
15:00 – 17:30

Sunday 09/07/2023
21:00 – 23:30
Consumers are reminded to use electricity sparingly after power returns.

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 afterhours 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 if there has been a possible substation trip which needs to be sorted out.

Receive Eskom loadshedding notifications by downloading the free EskomSePush app from Google Play Store.

 

George Tourism  and Garden Route Eisteddfod Join Forces to Empower Amateur Artists in the Region

[George, 3 July 2023] – Garden Route Eisteddfod is thrilled to announce their partnership with George Tourism, a division of the George Municipality, aimed at promoting and supporting the vibrant arts community in the George and Garden Route area. This collaboration marks an exciting milestone in the region’s cultural development and reinforces the commitment to nurturing local talent.

 

The Garden Route Eisteddfod, an esteemed platform for amateur artists to showcase their skills and creativity, expresses profound gratitude to George Tourism  for their valuable contribution. The partnership will enable Garden Route Eisteddfod to expand its reach and create more opportunities for the talented individuals within the region with the aim to create an enabling environment for the growth and development of amateur artists, fostering a sense of pride and accomplishment.

Garden Route Eisteddfod will be hosting a wide range of events throughout the year. The collaboration will enhance the visibility and accessibility of the arts, offering aspiring artists a platform to showcase their talents and gain recognition within their community and beyond.

“We are delighted to join hands with Garden Route Eisteddfod and contribute to the thriving arts scene in our region,” said George Tourism Manager, Mrs Joan Shaw. “This partnership aligns perfectly with our commitment to promoting the cultural richness and diversity of George and the Garden Route. Together, we aim to foster an environment where amateur artists can flourish and reach their full potential.”

The Garden Route Eisteddfod committee expressed their gratitude, saying, “We are thrilled to announce this partnership with George Tourism. We believe that this collaboration will have a transformative impact on our local arts community, allowing them to shine on a stage that welcomes their local community and audience members from all over the world to the beautiful culturally rich George and Garden Route region.”

 

 

 

 

ESKOM LOADSHEDDING UPDATE: 4 July 2023

Stage 3 loadshedding will be implemented from 16:00 today until midnight. On Wednesday and Thursday, Stage 1 loadshedding will be implemented from 05:00 until 16:00, followed by Stage 3 loadshedding from 16:00 until midnight on both days. The implementation of Stage 1 loadshedding is due to an increase in generation unit failures. Loadshedding will be suspended from midnight on Thursday until 16:00 on Friday and Stage 3 loadshedding will be implemented again from 16:00 until midnight

George will be affected as follows:

Tuesday 04/07/2023
None

Wednesday 05/07/2023
20:00 – 22:30

Thursday 06/07/2023
20:00 – 22:30

Friday 07/07/2023
20:00 – 22:30

Uniondale will be affected as follows:

Tuesday 04/07/2023
17:00 – 19:30

Wednesday 05/07/2023
16:00 – 17:30
23:00 – 00:30

Thursday 06/07/2023
16:00 – 17:30
23:00 – 00:30

Friday 07/07/2023
23:00 – 00:30

Consumers are reminded to use electricity sparingly after power returns.
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 afterhours 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 if there has been a possible substation trip which needs to be sorted out.
Receive Eskom loadshedding notifications by downloading the free EskomSePush app from Google Play Store at

MFMA Section 116(3) for the Proposed Amendment of Existing Contract: Professional Services for the Establishment of the Regional Waste Management Facility – Open for Comments

MFMA Section 116(3) for the Proposed Amendment of Existing Contract: Professional Services for the Establishment of the Regional Waste Management Facility – Open for Comments

29 June 2023

Notice is hereby given in terms of Section 116 (3) (a) and (b) of the Local Government: Municipal Finance Management Act, 2003 (Act 56 of 2003) that it is the intention of the Garden Route District Municipality to amend the following existing contract:

TENDER NUMBER:
GRDM/29/20-21

DESCRIPTION:
Provision of Professional Services for the Design, Drafting of Tender Documentation and Contracts Supervision for New Regional Waste Management Facility and Associated Infrastructure to be Established for Garden Route District Municipality

SUPPLIER NAME:
Zutari (PTY) Ltd.

AMENDMENT:
As per Council Item F1 which served at the Special Council Meeting held on 9 June 2023.

Notice is hereby further given in terms of Section 21 and 21A of the Local Government: Municipal Systems Act, 2000 (Act 32 of 2000) that the local community and affected parties are invited to submit comments or representations on the proposed amendment of the existing contract with Zutari (Pty) Ltd.

The reasons for the amendment and variation of the existing contract have been considered and accepted by the Municipal Council at its special Council meeting held on 09 June 2023 under item F1 of which a copy will be made available to all interested parties on request via the e-mail address indicated below.

Such comments or representations must be submitted by no later than 13 July 2023 at 12:00.

Comments or representations must be submitted in a sealed envelope clearly endorsed “COMMENTS ON NOTICE OF AMENDMENT OF EXISTING CONTRACT” and be physically submitted at the Garden Route District Municipality Reception located at 54 York Street, George.

No faxed or e-mailed comments will be considered.

For any information about the above, please contact Johan Gie via e-mail at johang@gardenroute.gov.za or at telephone number 044 693 0006.

Closing date: 13 July 2023

Read more and download the Official Notice here:
https://www.gardenroute.gov.za/2023/06/29/29-july-2023-public-notice-mfma-section-1163-for-the-proposed-amendment-of-existing-contract-professional-services-for-the-establishment-of-the-regional-waste-management-facility-open-for-comm

What’s new on YOUR My Smart City- George App

How to get in touch with your Ward councillor
Follow the below steps to get in touch with your ward councillor.
1) Tap on Ward Councillors
2) Search for your Councillor or type in your area in the search column.
3) Get their details.
4) Get in touch with your councillor
5) You can also access the step-by-step video on how to find your councillor by clicking on the below link.

 

Download the NEW My Smart City – George APP via the Apple App Store, the Google Play Store or via 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

 

Netball Friyay in Pacaltsdorp!

Front: New Dawn Park Primary School; Middle: Young stars Green Team; From the back: Young starts Red Team

Young netball enthusiasts from Pacaltsdorp, created much excitement last week Friday as the teams competed in a friendly game at the New Dawn Netball court, in Pacaltsdorp. Girls and boys from New Dawn Primary School and the Young Stars Netball Team played an impressive game, noticeably showing how much they love the sport.

In support of the Netball World Cup 2023, the girls and boys showed off their artwork of all the various countries that will be competing this year. Some of our own staff at the George municipality showed their support by having a bit of their own fun. In partnership with the Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport and George Municipality will host the World Cup Trophy Tour on 5th July and a Netball World Cup 2023 Fan Park at Rosemore Stadium from the 28 July to 6th August. The trophy will be received with great excitement, by Executive Mayor Leon Van Wyk and Western Cape MEC for Cultural Affairs and Sport upon its arrival in George on the 5th of July at Unity Park.

Watch video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c78eg84ztsU

Alongside municipal officials are the girls and boys showing off their artwork of various countries competing in the World Cup this year.

PUBLIC NOTICE: Invasive beetle threatening our urban forest

The invasive borer beetle is now spreading rapidly. This pest poses a serious threat to our urban forest as infested trees need to be chipped immediately. We request residents to report sightings to their local municipalities.

Important: Do not remove infested trees from your property as it will spread the pest to other areas.

Do not buy and move fire wood from areas with known PSHB infestation

Symptoms of infested trees:

  • Branch dieback – cracks on the branch, discoloured leaves, dry and leafless branches
  • Gumming – blobs of goo coming out of the bark, oozing of liquid and gum from the beetle holes
  • Very small entry and exit holes on the bark of the tree
  • Staining – brown or dark stains on the bark of the tree from the property will spread the pest to other areas.

What to do:

  • Chip the tree, place the infested material in refuse bags, seal it and put these in direct sunlight as the heat will help kill the beetle
  • Dump the chips in your compost heap as the heat build-up in the composting process will kill the beetle
  • Burn infected wood at appropriate incineration facility
  • Burn it at appropriate incineration facility or bag and leave in the sun for minimum of 6 weeks.
  • Seek assistance of properly trained & equipped service provider

Important: Pesticides and fungicides are not effective, the only way to get rid of the beetle is to chip the infected material

 

JUNE 2023 MUNICIPAL NOTES / MUNISIPALE NOTAS

General Valuation Roll / Algemene Waardasierol / Uluhlu loQingqo-maxabiso Jikelele

All objections lodged against the new General Valuation Roll are being assessed and results will be available in July 2023. The new General Valuation Roll valuations will be implemented in the municipal accounts at the end of July 2023.

/ Alle besware wat ontvang is aangaande die Algemene Waardasie Rol word tans evalueer en gebruikers sal terugvoer ontvang vanaf Julie maand. Die nuwe waardasie rol waardes word intussen geimplimenteer vanaf einde Julie 2023.

/ Zonke izibheno ezifakwe ngokuchasene noLuhlu olutsha loQingqo-maxabiso Jikelele ziyavavanywa, kwaye iziphumo ziya kufumaneka kweyeKhala 2023. ULuhlu olutsha loQingqo-maxabiso Jikelele luya kuphunyezwa kwii-akhawunti zikamasipala ekupheleni kweyeKhala 2023.

GM NEWSLETTER Volume 66 JUNE 2023
https://www.george.gov.za/george-doc-categories/documents/media-documents/gm-newsletter-with-accounts/

GO GEORGE ANNUAL TARIFF INCREASE 1 JULY 2023 / GO GEORGE JAARLIKSE TARIEFVERHOGING 1 JULIE 2023

Municipality announces GO GEORGE tariff increase from 1 July 2023

MY SMART CITY – GEORGE APP
Log & report faults, pay municipal bills, submit self-meter readings and more with the My Smart City App. Become a part of the Improvement Movement with George and My Smart City. Improve your city. Be part of the change. / Teken aan en rapporteer foute, betaal munisipale rekeninge, dien selfmeterlesings in en meer met die My Smart City-toepassing. Word deel van die Verbeteringsbeweging saam met George en My Smart City.
Click on the link below on How to Use the App or Use the QR Code to download the New My Smart City App

CURRENT POWER OUTAGES – 15 JUNE @ 13:49

10 consumers remain without power currently on the Witfontein and
Rondebossie Lines.
Report power outages to:
044 801 9222 (07h45 – 16h30)
044 801 9202/9258 (07h45 – 16h30)
WhatsApp Number 067 350 3295 (07h45 – 16h30)
Uniondale: 044 752 1024 (7.45am-4.30pm)
Emergency /After Hours 044 801 6300

Youth Day Expo -16 June 2023- Transport Arrangements

The Western Cape Provincial government will be hosting a Youth Expo in George on the 16th of June 2023 at the George Civic Centre from 09h00 to 17h00. Young people are encouraged to attend the event as a variety of exciting opportunities will be discussed that will empower them.

Transport will be available on the 16th of June from 08h00 at the following pick-up points:

Thembalethu
Thembalethu Primary School, Truns, Puma Garage.

Lawaaikamp
Community Hall

Parkdene
Parkdene High School (gate on the side of the School Hall)

Conville
Clinic Parking

Borcherds
Kidstop

Rosemoore
Community Hall

Protea Park /Lavalia
Protea Park Municipal Area Office
Rosedale Area Office

Pacaltsdorp
Pacaltsdorp Community Hall, New Dawn Park Sports Field and Police Station

Rosedale
Community hall
China Shop

Blanco
Community Hall

WEATHER AND ROAD UPDATE – 14 JUNE – 09h48

Garden Route Mall Traffic Intersection accident cleared, all lanes open
Arbour Road Cleared
Strawberry Farm R404 Cleared
21 Charles Street, Camphersdrift Cleared

Seven Passes Road – Road remains closed due to electrical cables that fell with tree.

Kindly report fallen trees and/or obstructed roads to George Emergency Services 044 8016300