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Author: Nadine Payle

Condolences on sudden passing of Ald Van Staden, Modimolle-Mookgophong Municipality

Executive Mayor for George, Leon Van Wyk offered his warmest condolences today, 8 June 2023 on behalf of Council and George Municipality on the sudden passing of Mayor Marlene Van Staden of the Modimolle-Mookgophong municipality.

Ald Van Staden who was Mayor at Modimolle-Mookgophong from 2016 visited George twice over the past two years, with her senior management and MAYCO members  on fact-finding missions around technology in place and other best practice as implemented by George.

 

“Ald Van Staden was a vibrant, bright personality filled with enthusiasm and dedication to her municipality and its residents. I offer my deepest condolences to her family, friends, and the entire community of Modimolle-Mookgophong during this difficult time”

Group photograph: Mayor van Staden standing behind George Municipal Manager, Dr Michele Gratz and Ald Leon Van Wyk at a group photograph taken with senior management from both George and Modimolle-Mookgophong Municipality.

Group pic 2: Taken November 2022 during the second visit to George : Back Row: Portfolio Councillor Jacqulique Von Brandis (George Municipality’s Civil Engineering Services: Capital Projects & BFI), Portfolio Councillor Henry Hill (George Municipality’s Planning & Development), Ald Gert Niehaus (George Municipality’s GIPTN Chairperson), Councillor Sean Snyman (George Municipality’s Speaker), Councillor Marlene Barnardt (George Municipality’s Chief Whip) and Portfolio Councillor Nosicelo Mbethe (George Municipality’s Electrotechnical Services & Fleet Management)

NOTIFICATION OF THE INTERRUPTION OF THE ELECTRICITY SUPPLY.

NOTIFICATION OF THE INTERRUPTION
OF THE ELECTRICITY SUPPLY.

Tel: 044 803 9200
Date Issued: 08\06\2023
CONTACT PERSON: P VAN DER WALT

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 WEDNESDAY 14 JUNE 2023 FROM 08H30 TO17H30 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
THURSDAY 15 JUNE 2023 FROM 08H30 TO 17H30

DIRECTOR: ELECTROTECHNICAL SERVICES

PLANNED POWER OUTAGE – Portion of Hoekwil – 15 June

NOTIFICATION OF THE INTERRUPTION OF THE ELECTRICITY SUPPLY

 THE FOLLOWING AREAS WILL BE AFFECTED:

PORTION OF HOEKWIL

CHURCH STR , OLIFANTSHOEK RD, PLATRUG  STR ,KAMMASIE STR , LOERIE AVENUE

NOTICE is hereby given that the electricity supply will be interrupted on  THURSDAY 15 JUNE 2023  FROM  08H30 TO 18H30 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

MONDAY 19 JUNE 2023 FROM  08H30 TO 18H30

 

 

ESKOM LOADSHEDDING UPDATE – 6 JUNE @ 15H25

Due to further improvement on the available generation capacity, Stage 3 loadshedding will be implemented over the evening peak periods from 16:00 today until midnight. Loadshedding will be suspended from midnight until 16:00 tomorrow. This pattern where loadshedding is suspended from midnight until 16:00 and Stage 3 loadshedding is implemented from 16:00 until midnight will be repeated daily until further notice.

George will be affected as follows:

Tuesday 06/06/2023
20:00 – 22:30

Wednesday 07/06/2023
20:00 – 22:30

Thursday 08/06/2023
None

Friday 09/06/2023
18:00 – 20:30

Uniondale will be affected as follows:

Tuesday 06/06/2023
16:00 – 17:30
23:00 – 00:30

Wednesday 07/06/2023
23:00 – 00:30

Thursday 08/06/2023
16:00 – 17:30

Friday 09/06/2023
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 at https://sepush.co.za/

Public Notice: Eye test machines down at Traffic Department in Pacaltsdorp 6 June 2023

Public Notice: Eye test machines down at Traffic Department in Pacaltsdorp
Please note that there’s a national problem with the LEU systems (eye test machines). The machines are not operational at the Traffic Services Department(DLTC) in Pacaltsdorp.
Technicians are busy working on the problem and the public is asked to be patient.
No renewals of driving licences and or tests can be done until further notice.
We will inform the public of any developments. For more information contact the Traffic Department in Pacaltsdorp on 044 878 2400.

ESKOM Loadshedding Schedule- Stage 4 Tuesday, 06 June 2023

Due to an improvement in available generation capacity, loadshedding will be suspended from 08:00 until 16:00 today. Thereafter, Stage 4 loadshedding will be implemented from 16:00 as per the latest schedule published previously. Eskom will communicate if any significant changes occur.(Eskom)

 

Eskom load shedding Stage 4

Tuesday 06/06/2023

04:00 – 05:00

20:00 – 22:30

Wednesday 07/06/2023

04:00 – 06:30

20:00 – 22:30

 

Uniondale will be affected as follows:

Tuesday 06/06/2023

16:00 – 17:30

23:00 – 01:30

Wednesday 07/06/2023

07:00 – 09:30

16:00 – 17:30

23:00 – 01:30

 

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 https://sepush.co.za/

Eskom load shedding Stage 4 update: 5 June 2023

 

Tuesday 06/06/2023
04:00 – 05:00
20:00 – 22:30

Wednesday 07/06/2023
04:00 – 06:30
20:00 – 22:30

Uniondale will be affected as follows:

Tuesday 06/06/2023
16:00 – 17:30
23:00 – 01:30

Wednesday 07/06/2023
07:00 – 09:30
16:00 – 17:30
23:00 – 01:30

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 https://sepush.co.za/

GARDEN ROUTE DAM LEVEL – Water Restrictions remain in place

Issued 5 June 2023, George Municipality

Percentage storage at new raised dam wall height                           99
Rainfall for the previous 7 days:                                                        47.1mm  

(Measured up to and including 5 June 2023)
                               

The co-operation of all users of municipal water is essential and is greatly appreciated.

Follow this link for the detailed Stricter Water Restrictions in English/Afrikaans and IsiXhosa.
https://www.george.gov.za/george-doc-categories/public-notices/general/

 

Contraventions of the Water Restrictions can be reported on 0800 424477.
Report water leaks and burst pipes to 044 801 9262/66 or after hours at 044 801 6300, as soon as you notice them.

 

GO GEORGE SCHEDULE ON PUBLIC HOLIDAY- Schedule for Youth Day

With national Youth Day coming up on Friday, 16 June, GO GEORGE passengers need to take note that the Saturday schedule (which is different to the weekday schedule) will be followed on all routes 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.

Wrapping Up International Audit Month – May 2023

Caption 1: Left-right:  Jean Pierre Rossouw (Chief Audit Executive), Heybré Ellis (Internal Audit Manager) Lauren Waring (Director- Human Settlements, Planning and Development and Property Management), Xolisile Sotushe (Intern: Internal Audit) Kloper Mabunda (Internal Auditor)

George Municipality employees were pleasantly surprised on Wednesday morning as the team from the Internal Audit did a final walkabout to the various internal departments handing out flyers and sweet treats. Over the month of May, the Communications Department has issued several informative emails to give our internal departments a greater understanding of the role of Internal Audit.

“We will continue to create awareness and promote the value-adding role Internal Audit (IA) can play within the municipality. Huge thanks for the warm welcome received from all of the departments visited. I hope this initiative assists all officials with an understanding of what IA does. Our team cannot succeed if we do not have the support and buy-in from Senior Management and all Municipal Officials.  We are privileged at the George Municipality to have the continued support of all our stakeholders” said Jean- Pierre Rossouw, Chief Audit Executive.

Caption 2: Jean – Pierre Rossouw (Chief Audit Executive), Heybré Ellis (Internal Audit Manager), Monique Isaks (Senior Administrator: Investment Properties: Human settlements, Planning and Development and Property Management) Rene Hendricks (Senior Administrator: Investment Properties: Human settlements, Planning and Development and Property Management) Xolisile Sothushe (Intern: Internal Audit) Kloper Mabunda (Internal Auditor)

Caption 3: Xolisile Sothushe (Intern: Internal Audit) Zimasa Bulo (Senior Internal Auditor) Krishenthrie Moodley (Director- Corporate Services) Jean – Pierre Rossouw (Chief Audit Executive).

Caption 4: Megan Hopewell (Prosecutor: Corporate Services), Kloper Mabunda (Internal Auditor)

Junior Traffic Training Centre opens to delight of all

Photo 1: Mayor van Wyk spent a happy morning assisting toddlers on tricycles along the various ramps and Stop Streets.

The George Junior Traffic Training Centre was a scene of great joy and much laughter on Wednesday last week when it opened its doors to the public for the first time. The centre which is intended to enable children to learn more about general road safety aspects, was officially launched on Wednesday the 24th May with groups of very excited toddlers from Heeltyd Speeltyd, Esethu Kwakhanya and Pacaltsdorp creche enjoying Daantjie Kat at top volume. One very lucky toddler was presented with a prize by Daantjie Kat for her astounding vocal abilities.

Executive Mayor Leon Van Wyk and Municipal Manager, Dr Michele Gratz spent a happy morning assisting toddlers on tricycles along the varous ramps and Stop Streets.  Executive Mayor Leon Van Wyk thanked the department for this initiative and the efforts that went into getting the centre opened and launched. “ It is very important to know when and where we cross the road and at what time. This is a big opportunity to educate our youth and we encourage schools in our area to make use of this facility so that we all benefit from this centre”, said Ald Van Wyk.

As the day progressed the children were trained on various road safety aspects such as buckling up when getting into a vehicle, crossing the road when safe and how to educate their parents to do the same. The George Junior traffic centre has specifically incorporated a foot bridge, in order to teach children the correct method of how to use and when to use it. A road map with various landmarks including road signs painted by Carl Thomas from Human Settlements, gives children a fun way to learn about road safety measures. Director for Community Services, Dawie Adonis applauded and thanked previous employees and political figures who had all played a part in bringing the junior traffic centre to life.

Watch our video on our YouTube channel by clicking: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JRKJ4xHYAtg

Photo 2: Mayor Leon van Wyk, Carl Thomas, from the Directorate of Human Settlements, George Municipality and Dr Michele Gratz, George Municipal Manager, at some of the traffic sign artwork Thomas did at the George Junior Traffic Training and Road Safety Centre. 

Photo 3: Daantjie Kat (Danny Cat), the Road Safety Mascot for Traffic Services, finally arrived in a traffic vehicle after the children called him a few times at the top of their lungs. One of the children even received a prize for screaming the loudest for Danny Cat to make his appearance. He sang and demonstrated to the children to buckle up with their safety belts when in a vehicle. 

 

 

 

GARDEN ROUTE DAM LEVEL – Water Restrictions remain in place

GARDEN ROUTE DAM LEVEL – Water Restrictions remain in place

Percentage storage at new raised dam wall height 97,50
Rainfall for previous 7 days: 14mm (Measured up to and including 29 May 2023)

The co-operation of all users of municipal water is essential and is greatly appreciated.

Follow this link for the detailed Stricter Water Restrictions in English/Afrikaans and IsiXhosa.
https://www.george.gov.za/george-doc-categories/public-notices/general/

Contraventions of the Water Restrictions can be reported on 0800 424477.
Report water leaks and burst pipes to 044 801 9262/66 or after hours at 044 801 6300, as soon as you notice them.

ESKOM LOADSHEDDING UPDATE: 29 MAY 2023

ESKOM LOADSHEDDING UPDATE – Monday, 29 May 2023

Due to the delays in returning ten generating units to service, Stage 6 loadshedding will be implemented from 16:00 this afternoon until 05:00 on Tuesday. Thereafter, Stage 4 loadshedding will be implemented from 05:00 until 16:00 on Tuesday. This pattern will be repeated daily until further notice.

George will be affected as follows:
Monday 29/05/2023
16:00 – 18:30

Tuesday 30/05/2023
00:00 – 02:30
08:00 – 10:30
16:00 – 20:30 **

Wednesday 31/05/2023
00:00 – 02:30
08:00 – 10:30
16:00 – 20:30 **

Thursday 01/06/2023
06:00 – 08:30
14:00 – 18:30 **
22:00 – 00:30

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

Uniondale will be affected as follows:
Monday 29/05/2023
19:00 – 21:30

Tuesday 30/05/2023
03:00 – 05:30
11:00 – 13:30
19:00 – 23:30 **

Wednesday 31/05/2023
03:00 – 05:30
11:00 – 13:30
19:00 – 23:30 **

Thursday 01/06/2023
01:00 – 03:30
09:00 – 11:30
17:00 – 21:30 **

Friday 02/06/2023
01:00 – 05:30 **
09:00 – 11:30
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/

Celebrating Africa Day

Caption: Coffee art- proudly showcasing our appreciation for our local artist 

The George Library celebrated Africa day by showcasing the diverse African artwork in a pop-up exhibition of work by Arleen Duff last week. Various art can still be viewed at the library during office hours.

Caption 2: Various artist displaying their talents at the George library 

Caption 3: “My Africa” artwork. 

Mondays to Thursdays @ 09h00 – 19h00
Fridays 10h00 – 17h00
Saturdays 09h00 – 12h00

George Library can be contacted on 044 801 9288

George Municipality ranking third place in the Top Run Municipalities of 2022

George Municipality ranked third in the 2022 Municipal Financial Sustainability Index (MFSI) by Ratings Afrika. The survey ranks the 112 largest municipalities and eight metros, out of 257 municipalities in total.

The MFSI rates municipalities and metros on a scale of one to 100, based on six financial components: operating performance, liquidity management, debt governance, budget practices, affordability, and infrastructure development.

https://www.citizen.co.za/business/sas-top-municipalities-midvaal-saldanha-bay/

Mayors newsletter for George Herald of 25 May 2023

This newsletter is being written on the eve of completing my third year in office as Executive Mayor. What an honour and privilege it has been to participate in taking George forward! On this occasion, I am reporting on some engagements that have recently taken place in relation to our economy and in shaping the strategy and approaches for increased economic activity.

Over the past two weeks, our management team have held their requisite engagements with both of Provincial and National Treasury (George is one of 17 cities in SA who report directly to National Treasury) for our draft budget to be assessed according to the criteria of being credible and fundable. George has been commended for the thorough preparation and presentation of the budget and its financial position and received approval for the presentation to Council for formal approval of the budget for 2023/24.

These engagements also enabled discussions about approaches to and complexity of incorporating renewable solutions, the maintaining and improving of infrastructure, and on economic activity.

We were invited to make a presentation to property development clients of a legal firm and a bank specialising in this sector. We covered progress over the past three years in improving management, the strategy of growing infrastructure and the work being done to update the spatial development framework and planning sphere.

A meeting with the country head of the multi-national business that has started its contact centre operations also proved to be fruitful. This enthusiastic company is already exploring how to grow their work force that will enable expansion into another workstream. This analytics, digital and AI business opens up opportunities for matriculants in the under 25 age bracket to receive training and work in the fast growing outsourcing sector where work is conducted internationally from South Africa.

I have also had the opportunity to meet Provincial Ministers for Education, Infrastructure and Economic Development to discuss the needs of a growing George. Many schools experience challenges in accommodating the growing pool of learners. The Minister is assessing the alternatives to either expand existing campuses and/or to build new facilities. As a result of financial limitations, it is likely that new financial models to fund schools will become necessary.

Detailed discussions will shortly take place regarding the build programme for roads infrastructure around George and how improvements to gravel roads can be done for key sectors such as agriculture. The need to provide additional housing at an affordable level continues to receive attention. We continue with engagements to determine the best approach and strategy to facilitate economic development across key sectors where George is a suitable location.

As always, the supportbusiness@george.gov.za email address can be used for smart ideas.