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Author: Nadine Payle

Eskom Load shedding schedule update 2: 31 August 2023 at  14:01

Stage 4 loadshedding will continue to be implemented daily until 05:00 on Sunday. Thereafter, stage 2 will be implemented until 16:00.

George will be affected as follows:
Thursday 31/08/2023
16:00 – 18:30

Friday 01/09/2023
06:00 – 08:30
14:00 – 16:30
22:00 – 00:30

Saturday 02/09/2023
06:00 – 08:30
14:00 – 16:30
22:00 – 00:30

Sunday 03/09/2023
06:00 – 08:30

Uniondale will be affected as follows:
Thursday 31/08/2023
19:00 – 21:30

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

Saturday 02/09/2023
01:00 – 03:30
09:00 – 11:30
17:00 – 19:30

Sunday 03/09/2023
01:00 – 03:30
09:00 – 11:30

ROTATIONAL SWITCH ON AFTER LOADSHEDDING – reduce power to avoid network tripping
Consumers are reminded to PLEASE 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 is scheduled to return. This will reduce the risk of overload tripping on the network.
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 i.e. areas are switched on one by one and not all at the same time to avoid overloading the system. Please wait at least 30 minutes before reporting no power. The Electrotechnical 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/

Eskom Load shedding schedule update: 31 August 2023 @07:46

Stage 4 loadshedding will be maintained until 16:00 today. This is due to the loss of 3 generation units last night, and the need to replenish the emergency generation reserves. Eskom will publish another update this afternoon.

George will be affected as follows:

Thursday 31/08/2023
08:00 – 10:30
16:00 – 18:30

Friday 01/09/2023
14:00 – 16:30
22:00 – 00:30

Uniondale will be affected as follows:

Thursday 31/08/2023
11:00 – 13:30
19:00 – 21:30

Friday 01/09/2023
01:00 – 03:30
17:00 – 19:30

ROTATIONAL SWITCH ON AFTER LOADSHEDDING – reduce power to avoid network tripping

Consumers are reminded to PLEASE 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 is scheduled to return. This will reduce the risk of overload tripping on the network.

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 i.e. areas are switched on one by one and not all at the same time to avoid overloading the system. Please wait at least 30 minutes before reporting no power. The Electrotechnical 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/

Unexpected water outage due to a pipe-burst: 30 August 16:49

Unexpected water outage due to a pipe-burst

An unexpected pipeburst occurred at the Corner of Hops and Harriot Street. A Water truck will be roaming the area.

The following streets are also affected, Hops, Kamassie and Harriot Street. We would like to urge the public to consider diverting through Grysbok, Parakiet and Kammasie Street.
Please avoid Hops Drive.

The estimated time of repair is 5 hours.

George Municipality’s Dynamic Women Fuzisa Nomlala

Join us today in celebrating our very own dynamic woman from the George Municipality: Fuzisa Nomlala, Plans Examiner

“I am consistently a woman of integrity, kind and supportive. A beautiful personality makes a woman special at every turn, be it at home, work or in society.” Fuzisa said.

Since October 2020 Fuzisa has been working as a Plans Examiner. Her daily duty is to scrutinise and evaluate building plan applications but is also responsible for other Building Control matters including inspections, enforcement and administration.

Fuzisa joined George Municipality in October 2018 as an Assistant Building Control Officer. Academically, she holds a Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, National Diploma in Building Science and has just completed her Master’s degree in Town and Regional Planning.

Eskom Load shedding schedule update: 29 August 2023 at 14:26

Stage 4 loadshedding will be implemented until 05:00 on Wednesday

George will be affected as follows:

Tuesday 29/08/2023
16:00 – 18:30

Wednesday 30/08/2023
00:00 – 02:30
08:00 – 10:30
16:00 – 18:30

Thursday 31/08/2023
00:00 – 02:30
16:00 – 18:30

Friday 01/09/2023
14:00 – 16:30
22:00 – 00:30

Uniondale will be affected as follows:

Tuesday 29/08/2023
19:00 – 21:30

Wednesday 30/08/2023
03:00 – 05:30
11:00 – 13:30
19:00 – 21:30

Thursday 31/08/2023
03:00 – 05:30
19:00 – 21:30

Friday 01/09/2023
01:00 – 03:30
17:00 – 19:30

ROTATIONAL SWITCH ON AFTER LOADSHEDDING – reduce power to avoid network tripping

Consumers are reminded to PLEASE 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 is scheduled to return. This will reduce the risk of overload tripping on the network.

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 i.e. areas are switched on one by one and not all at the same time to avoid overloading the system. Please wait at least 30 minutes before reporting no power. The Electrotechnical 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/

How to get in touch with your Ward Councillor on your My Smart City App

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

[Watch] bit.ly/3DkkTz1

#Cityofgeorge
#cityforallreasons
#forwardthinking

Eskom Load shedding schedule update- 29 August 2023 at 08: 39

Tuesday, 29 August 2023: Due to the loss of 3 generation units last night, loadshedding will be increased to Stage 2 from 05:00 until 16:00 today. Eskom will publish another update this afternoon.(Eskom)

George and Uniondale loadshedding times remains unaffected.

George will be affected as follows:

Monday 28/08/2023
18:00 – 20:30

Tuesday 29/08/2023
00:00 – 02:30
08:00 – 10:30

Wednesday 30/08/2023
00:00 – 02:30
16:00 – 18:30

Thursday 31/08/2023
16:00 – 18:30

Friday 01/09/2023
22:00 – 00:30

Uniondale will be affected as follows:

Monday 28/08/2023
21:00 – 23:30

Tuesday 29/08/2023
03:00 – 05:30
11:00 – 13:30

Wednesday 30/08/2023
03:00 – 05:30
19:00 – 21:30

Thursday 31/08/2023
19:00 – 21:30

Friday 01/09/2023
17:00 – 19:30

Risk of Email Hacking

George Municipality kindly asks that all ratepayers, and Municipal clients please be vigilant when it comes to especially financial transactions/payments made to the municipal bank account by following the strict procedures for sending proof of payment as indicated to avoid falling victim to a potential Cybercrime.

The Municipality has just recently experienced a single hacking incident within a department of the municipality. Additional preventative security measures have been put in place by our ICT division to mitigate the risk of this happening again, but it must be noted that Cyber criminals constantly challenge any measures put in place and clients are asked to be vigilant.

The public are urged to carefully check and confirm the municipality’s banking details as received on a municipal invoice. It remains your responsibility as the payer (ratepayer, citizen, business, client of the Municipality etc.) to ensure that the correct banking details are captured when making payments to George Municipality as the insurance companies and banks also do not accept any risk if a transaction approved and authorised by yourself ends up being to fraudulent sources.

BANK DETAILS FOR GEORGE MUNICIPALITY

Bank: First National Bank (FNB)

Account Name: George Municipality

Account Type: Public Sector Cheque Account

Account Number: 62869623150

Branch Code: 210554

Swift Code: FIRNZAJJ

Use your GRG municipal account details as a reference and send proof of payment to payments@george.gov.za

For traffic fines only:

Bank: First National Bank (FNB)

Account Name: George Municipality

Account Type: Public Sector Cheque Account

Account Number: 62869623168

Branch Code: 210554

Swift Code: FIRNZAJJ

Use the traffic fine number as a reference.

Please follow these steps to update George Municipality as a beneficiary on your online banking:

Delete your current George Municipality beneficiary.
Create a new George Municipality beneficiary:
Search for George Municipality as the Institution name and click select,
Continue filling in the required information until the transaction is complete.

Should you require any assistance in updating George Municipality as a beneficiary, please feel free to contact our Finance offices on 044 801 9111.

NO LIFEGUARDS ON THE BEACHES

As of 3 May 2023, until 1 December 2023, there will be no lifeguards deployed at the beaches and swimming pools.

Beach Safety

Beaches and swimming pool that fall under the George Municipality’s jurisdiction
Wilderness Main Beach
Wilderness Lagoon
Wilderness Steps
Wilderness Lientjiesklip
Victoria Bay Beach
Gwaing River Mouth
Herold’s Bay Beach and Tidal pool
Conville Municipal swimming pool
Uniondale Municipal swimming pool

Essential phone numbers to keep close this summer
The National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) Station 23 at Wilderness Beach supports the municipality. The NSRI can be reached on 082 990 5955.

George Fire Department FIRE 044 803 6311
George Municipality AFTER HOURS 044 803 6300

How can people keep themselves safe and protected on the beach and in the water?

Learn to swim: Learning to swim is the best defence against drowning. Teach children to swim at an early age. Children who are not taught when they are very young tend to avoid swim instruction as they age, probably due to embarrassment. Swimming instruction is a crucial step in protecting children from injury or death.

Swim near a lifeguard: statistics show that the chance of drowning at a beach without lifeguard protection is almost five times greater than drowning at a beach with lifeguards.

Swim with a buddy: Many drownings involve single swimmers. When you swim with a buddy if one of you has a problem the other may be able to help, including signalling for assistance from others. At least have someone onshore watching you.

Check with the lifeguards: Lifeguards work continually to identify hazards that might affect you. They can advise you on the safest place to swim, as well as places to avoid. They want you to have a safe day. Talk to them when you first arrive at the beach and ask them for their advice.

Use sunscreen and drink water: Everyone loves a sunny day, but exposure to the sun affects your body. Without sunscreen, you can be seriously burned. The sun’s rays can also cause life-long skin damage and skin cancer. To protect yourself always choose “broad spectrum” sunscreen rated from 15 to 50 SPF, or clothing that covers your skin, and reapply sunscreen regularly throughout the day. The sun can also dehydrate you quickly. Drink lots of water and avoid alcohol, which contributes to dehydration. Lifeguards treat people for heat exhaustion and heat stroke from time to time. If you feel ill, be sure to contact a lifeguard.

Obey Posted Signs and Flags: It sometimes seems as though there are too many signs, but the ones at the beach are intended to help keep you safe and inform you about local regulations. Read the signs when you first arrive and please follow their direction. Flags may be flown by lifeguards to advise of hazards and regulations that change from time to time. You can usually find informational signs explaining the flags’ meaning or just ask the lifeguard.

Keep the Beach and Water Clean: Nobody likes to see the beach or water littered with trash. Even in places where beach cleaning services pick up trash daily, it may linger on the beach for hours, causing an unsightly mess and threatening the health of birds and animals. Broken glass also holds a great risk of injury to beach users. Do your part. Pick up after yourself and even others. Everyone will appreciate you for it.

Learn Rip Current Safety: 80% of rescues by lifeguards at ocean beaches are caused by rip currents. These currents are formed by surf and gravity because once surf pushes water up the slope of the beach, gravity pulls it back. This can create concentrated rivers of water moving offshore. Some people mistakenly call this an undertow, but there is no undercurrent, just an offshore current. If you are caught in a rip current, don’t fight it by trying to swim directly to shore. Instead, swim parallel to shore until you feel the current relax, then swim to shore. Most rip currents are narrow and a short swim parallel to shore will bring you to safety.

Enter Water Feet First: Serious, lifelong injuries, including paraplegia, occur every year due to diving headfirst into unknown water and striking the bottom. Bodysurfing can result in a serious neck injury when the swimmer’s neck strikes the bottom. Check for depth and obstructions before diving, then go in feet first the first time; and use caution while bodysurfing, always extending a hand ahead of you. Be careful even at the swimming pool.

Wear a Life Jacket when on Watercrafts: Some 80% of fatalities associated with boating accidents are from drowning. Most involve people who never expected to end up in the water but fell overboard or ended up in the water when the boat sank. Children are particularly at risk and should wear life jackets whenever they are aboard boats.

Public Swimming pools
The lifeguards are available at the Conville and Uniondale pools until 02 May 2023, as per the following swimming pool operating hours.
• Monday to Friday: 13:00 – 16:00 (with 2 Lifeguards on Duty)
• Saturdays and Sundays (Public Holidays): 09:00 – 12:00 and 13:00 – 16:00 with 2 Lifeguards on Duty and one Lifeguard on standby.

The following safety precautions are to be adhered to:
• Do not dive into a pool you have never been in before
• Listen to the lifeguards
• Do not swim alone
• Do not let small children swim in the big pool.
• No diving. No pushing
• Children under the age of 12 must be escorted by an adult (Please note that the small pool at Conville is closed for repairs)
• No weapons
• No alcohol is allowed at the swimming pools
• Right of admission reserved.

The tariffs for entry into both Conville and Uniondale swimming pools are as follows:
Non-Sporting events:
• Entrance fee: Adult (Including children 16years and above): R 15, 00 per person
• Children (15 years & under): R 5, 00 per child
• Swimming tuition: per person: R 11, 00 (Both adult and children)

Sporting events:
Hire of Conville Swimming Pool:
o Galas for Adults: R1 400 ,00 / day
o R 800, 00 / half day
o Floodlights: R 300, 00 / hour
o Touchpads: R 4 000, 00 / day
o PLEASE NOTE: Entry fee to the Swimming Pools is VAT INCLUSIVE

For enquiries/bookings: Conville Swimming Pool
Tel: 044 801 9488

Contact persons:
Mr G de Villiers Email: gbdevilliers@george.gov.za – Sport Development Assistant
Ms LY Botha Email lybotha@george.gov.za – Sport Development Officer
Mr R Swart Email rswart@george.gov.za
Ms S Velembo Email svelembo@george.gov.za

For enquiries/Bookings: Uniondale Swimming Pool
Tel: 044-8019020 / 044 7521024 (Uniondale Office)

Eskom Load shedding schedule update- 28 August 2023 at 15:11

Loadshedding stage 1 and stage 3 to resume as previously communicated

George will be affected as follows:

Monday 28/08/2023
18:00 – 20:30

Tuesday 29/08/2023
00:00 – 02:30
08:00 – 10:30

Wednesday 30/08/2023
00:00 – 02:30
16:00 – 18:30

Thursday 31/08/2023
16:00 – 18:30

Friday 01/09/2023
22:00 – 00:30

Uniondale will be affected as follows:

Monday 28/08/2023
21:00 – 23:30

Tuesday 29/08/2023
03:00 – 05:30
11:00 – 13:30

Wednesday 30/08/2023
03:00 – 05:30
19:00 – 21:30

Thursday 31/08/2023
19:00 – 21:30

Friday 01/09/2023
17:00 – 19:30

George Municipality’s Dynamic Women

Join us today in celebrating our very own dynamic woman from the George Municipality- Janine Wells
Manager: Traffic and Licensing

“Working in a male-dominated environment and still remaining a woman, able to juggle work, family and home, makes me unique as a woman,” Janine said.

Janine manages the Traffic Department which includes traffic law enforcement which is general traffic law enforcement, parking enforcement, training and education for creches, schools, universities, old age homes, pedestrian awareness and any other non-motorised transport mode as well as public transport which includes buses, taxis, scholar transport, freight and speed enforcement.

The Traffic Chief is also in charge of the learner and driving license section, traffic fine management, motor vehicle registration and licensing and vehicle testing.

Janine is responsible for the implementation of all relevant policies, amended legislation, and adherence to relevant municipal legislation including directives received from the National Department of Transport and the Western Cape Government: Mobility Department.

She is responsible for the development of a strategic plan and annually reviews the plan, to provide for new developments.

PUBLIC NOTICE 5: UPDATE ON LEGAL MARCH PROCEEDINGS – 24 AUGUST @ 12h45

George Municipality confirms that the legal march to the main municipal building has concluded and all participants have dispersed.
The municipality would like to thank the convenors and participants for the peaceful manner in which the process was addressed.

Parking at the Civic Centre will be reopened for use shortly. We thank the public for their patience.

 

PARKING AROUND MAIN MUNICIPAL BUILDING CORDONED OFF FOR TODAY  – THURSDAY 24 AUGUST

George Municipality would like to advise residents and all Eisteddfod participants that parking around the Municipal Civic Centre has been cordoned off due to the legal march being held today.
Progress Street, York Street (front of Civic Centre) and Victoria Street parking will not be available until after the march disperses. The expected duration of the march is from 09h00 – 15h00

Eisteddfod parents are requested to make use of on street parking further away from the main municipal building (along York Street) and George Municipal Traffic Wardens will be on hand to direct parents and learners to the main entrance of the Civic Centre.

Roads/ Streets affected along the planned route include:
Ngcakani Road
Tabata Street

Thembalethu Bridge

Nelson Mandela Boulevard

Hope Street (Intersection with NMB)

Cradock Street (Intersection with NMB)

Hibernia Street (Intersection with Cradock St)

Victoria Street (Intersection with Cradock St)

Market Street (Intersection with Cradock St)

Hibernia Street  (Intersection with Meade Street)

York Street (Intersection with Hibernia St)
Progress Street

Road Closures
No road closures are planned. Traffic Officials will monitor and redirect traffic as the group proceeds. Updates will be posted to keep residents informed.

Municipal Switchboard 044 801 9111

After Hours Emergency Number 044 801 6300

Dedicated Fire Only Number 044 801 6311

George Municipality’s Dynamic Women- Grace Notshokovu

Join us today in celebrating our very own dynamic woman from the George Municipality- Grace Notshokovu, Project Coordinator: Street Cleansing

Grace plans, organises, coordinates, and directs waste management programmes or long-term projects in the Cleansing and Environmental department. She usually spearheads the cleaning of illegal dumping sites with the help of other officials, volunteers from the community and other state departments.

Some of Grace’s duties include inspecting waste/ dumping sites, storage containers and facilities, characterizing waste, and documentation of solid, liquid, hazardous, and/or mixed waste. “All in all, part of my job is to ensure that the community’s needs are met for service delivery,” Grace explained.

“What makes me, and being a woman, special is being a mother, which has given me the ability of being selfless,” Grace said

The George Municipality’s Dynamic Women- Tahseen Raiman

Dear all,

Join us today in celebrating our very own dynamic woman from the George Municipality- Tahseen Raiman
Civil Engineering Services, Manager: Water Distribution (middle management category)
Tahseen is middle management and is relatively new to the George Municipality. Her job is to ensure the efficient running of the Water Distribution Section so that all residents of George Municipality receive potable, clean drinking water.

Part of her job is to make strategic corporate decisions as a member of the Strategic Management Team representing the Civil Engineering Directorate. She is involved in devising new policies, decision-making and in financial and functional planning.

Tahseen manages, controls and co-ordinates all the key performance areas related to the water distribution network within the jurisdiction of the George Municipality in order to comply with the National Standards prescribed by South African Bureau of Standards and enforced by the applicable National Departments (Departments of Water Affairs and National Treasury).

“What makes me special is being a problem solver and proactive in my field,” Tahseen said

Logging a Fault On Your My Smart City George App

How to Log any Municipal-related issue on your My Smart City App.

A Step-by-Step Guide
• Tap on the App.
• Tap on My Municipality in the bottom left corner.
• Tap on Report an Issue
• Select or fill in the location of the issue.
• Tap on Create a Report in the bottom left of the screen.
• Select your issue from the list.
• Take an image of the issue or upload it from your gallery.
• Add a comment to give more details.
• Tap the Report button.
• Screenshot or save your reference number.

[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

South Africa’s Internal Auditor of the Year Award brought home to George

Caption: CAE JP Rossouw was presented with the National Internal Auditor of the Year Award by on his left, Arlene-Lynn Volmink (CEO of the IIASA) and on his left, Tshepo Mofokeng (Chairman of the IIASA Board) at the IIASA Gala Dinner held in Johannesburg this week.

George Municipality’s Chief Audit Executive (CAE), Mr. Jean-Pierre Rossouw, has been announced this week as the recipient of the coveted National Award for Internal Auditor of the Year for 2023 in South Africa, along with the Excellence in Internal Audit (Public Sector) Award. These prestigious accolades were presented to Mr Rossouw by the Institute of Internal Auditors South Africa (IIASA) at a Gala Dinner held in Johannesburg on August 15th.

Mr Rossouw was nominated for these prestigious awards based on stringent criteria. His ability to demonstrate exponential growth and a deep understanding of internal auditing processes, while consistently adding value to the department, as well as his embodiment of high-level integrity and the promotion of ethical conduct, were among the key factors considered. IIASA, a professional body and a part of the international network representing the interests of internal auditors globally, annually hosts these awards with the aim of recognizing and rewarding excellence and professionalism in internal audit. The awards encompass both the public and private sectors, including the banking industry.

Caption: Chief Audit Executive for George Municipality, JP Rossouw proudly displays his awards.

In addition to the strict criteria for each award category, recipients are selected based on their ability to exhibit exponential growth and a profound understanding of internal auditing processes. They are recognized by their peers as exceptional professionals, standing out for their unwavering dedication to the profession and consistent display of passion. Their track record should reflect trailblazing, innovation, mentorship, diversity advocacy, and being a game changer.

This achievement marks a significant milestone for the young professional, as well as for George Municipality, which receives national recognition for its outstanding work in this specialized field. Mr. Rossouw’s exceptional growth in the internal audit profession and the significant impact he has made within the organizations he has served, including George Municipality, are noteworthy.

Dr Michele Gratz, Municipal Manager, congratulated Mr Rossouw on his remarkable achievements, stating, “George Municipality takes immense pride in having JP as a part of our management team. His outstanding performance within a short span of time has set a benchmark for internal auditing within the province. These accolades are a testament to his dedication and expertise. This recognition underscores the commitment to excellence within George Municipality and the broader field of internal auditing, “ she said.