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Author: Ntobeko Mangqwengqwe

CALL FOR 2023/2024 SMME’S DATABASE REGISTRATION

The George Municipality Local Economic Development Department is embarking on a drive to register all Small, Medium and Micro enterprises on the George Municipality database.

The objective of the registration is to assist local entrepreneurs with business opportunities, training, and other business development capacitation.

Entrepreneurs are invited to submit the following documents to register.

  • Database application form
  • CIPC Document
  • Identity Document
  • Business Profile
  • SARS Registration

SMMEs that have registered before are encouraged to reregister their updated information.

Application forms can be obtained from the George Municipal Website, the Economic Development Office 11 Industrial Street, George Industrial, 6529.

Completed applications must be submitted to the Economic Development Office, 11 Industrial Street, George Industrial (Workers Collection Point) by no later than 13:00 on Friday 24 March 2023. Late applications will not be considered.

Please download the application form here.

For enquiries and further information please contact Ongeziwe Mthongwana (044) 801 9173 or omthongwana@george.gov.za

WEATHER WARNING: Severe Thunderstorms: 05/03/2023 00h00 TO:05/03/2023 23h59

Orange Level 6 warning for Severe Thunderstorms resulting in heavy downpours, strong damaging winds and flash flooding leading to damage to infrastructure are expected in the Overberg and Garden Route districts on Sunday (05/03/2023).

Affected areas are: Bitou, Cape Agulhas, George, Hessequa, Kannaland, Knysna, Mossel Bay, Oudtshoorn, Overstrand, Swellendam and Theewaterskloof.

Severe Thunderstorms are expected to affect the Overberg and Garden Route during Sunday due to a cut-off low-pressure system. Heavy downpours with rainfall accumulation of 70-100mm, strong and gusty winds (50-60 km/h, gusting 70-80km), excessive lighting and large amounts of small hail (1-2 in diameter) can be expected in the mentioned districts.

Issued by the South African Weather Service

3 March 2023

CALL FOR PERSONS AFFECTED BY BOMBING OF BUS TO COME FORWARD

CALL FOR PERSONS AFFECTED BY BOMBING OF BUS TO COME FORWARD
3 March 2023

GO GEORGE is calling upon persons affected in any way by the petrol bomb attack on a bus in Pacaltsdorp on the 1st of March, to phone the GO GEORGE Call Centre on 0800 044 044 and leave their names and contact details. We would like to contact you, whether you had been injured, suffered from shock or witnessed the incident, and arrange for counselling where needed.

BEROEP OP PERSONE WAT GERAAK IS DEUR DIE BOMAANVAL OP GO GEORGE-BUS OM NA VORE TE KOM
3 Maart 2023

GO GEORGE doen ‘n beroep op persone wat op enige manier geraak is deur die petrolbomaanval op ‘n bus in Pacaltsdorp op 1 Maart, om die GO GEORGE-inbelsentrum by 0800 044 044 te skakel en hul name en kontakbesonderhede te laat. Ons wil u kontak, of u beseer is, aan skok ly of die voorval gesien gebeur het, en reël vir berading waar nodig.

The power supply has been restored in Uniondale

The power supply has been restored in Uniondale.

***

UNPLANNED ESKOM POWER OUTAGE IN UNIONDALE

An unplanned power outage has been reported in Uniondale. Eskom has been notified and they will send an operator to investigate.

Issued by George Municipality
3/3/2023 @12:10

ESKOM LOADSHEDDING UPDATE Thursday, 02 March 2023 @15:30

Loadshedding will continue to be implemented at Stage 4 until 16:00 today. Thereafter, Stage 5 load-shedding will be implemented from 16:00 today until 05:00 on Friday. Stage 4 load-shedding will again be implemented from 05:00 on Friday until 05:00 on Saturday.

George will be affected as follows:
Thursday 02/03/2023
22:00 – 00:30

Friday 03/03/2023
06:00 – 08:30
14:00 – 16:30
22:00 – 00:30

Saturday 04/03/2023
06:00 – 08:30
14:00 – 16:30
22:00 – 00:30

Sunday 05/03/2023
04:00 – 06:30
12:00 – 14:30
20:00 – 22:30

Uniondale will be affected as follows:
Thursday 02/03/2023
17:00 – 19:30

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

Saturday 04/03/2023
01:00 – 03:30
09:00 – 11:30
17:00 – 19:30

Sunday 05/03/2023
07:00 – 09:30
15:00 – 17:30
23:00 – 01:30

SWITCHING ON AFTER LOADSHEDDING – Not all areas will be switched back on at the same time!
Residents of George must please note that with the extended load-shedding, our Electrotechnical Directorate is no longer able to switch the entire city back on at the same time. Our daily notifiable demand from ESKOM has historically been set at 85MVA and on average George would use between 60 and 80MVA, although the municipality must pay ESKOM for 85MVA.

If the power is returned simultaneously to all areas when load-shedding ends, this creates a massive spike or surge in power with all geysers, freezers/fridges/batteries etc drawing power at the same time. With the extended four-hour load-shedding, the spikes for George are consistently reaching 105 – 112 MVA.

Areas will be switched on in sections, on rotation after Load-shedding.
Eskom has indicated that unless George can reduce the spikes, they will increase our notifiable demand to the highest actual usage level which will in turn increase the purchase cost to the municipality. Consumers are requested to use electricity very sparingly when power returns after load-shedding (especially a 4-hour slot).

The municipality will now in rotation, switch the power on in sections. This means if for example the load-shedding slot is scheduled from 20h00 – 22h30, there is a chance that your area may only come on at 22h45 or 23h00.

Please do not switch high-usage equipment on immediately after Load-shedding.
Consumers are therefore 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 Loadshedding 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.

Issued by George Municipal Communications Department
Office of the Municipal Manager

Mayor’s Newsletter for George Herald of 2 March 2023

Our current biggest challenge continues to be the supply of electricity. As I write this week’s newsletter we have stumbled back to Stage 4 after enduring the crippling effects of Stage 6’s four-hour stints of load-shedding that is crippling the economy.

At Stage 6, Municipality has a daily cost of R250 000 for diesel to operate generators for the water and waste-water treatment works, key pump stations and other critical infrastructure. This translates to R7,5m per month at that level of load-shedding. Industrialists have lamented about their diesel costs compared to that of electricity.

During the Council’s approval of our Adjustment Budget to see us through to June 2023, I mentioned that over the period from July 2022 to January 2023, we did not have power for 15% of the total daily hours. In December and January, it was 24%. We have budgeted that R101m of our budgeted Electricity revenue will not materialise. The costs do not stop there as we have the diesel costs and additional overtime that is needed to deal with the ongoing preventative maintenance of infrastructure that is being harmed by load-shedding. Under cover of darkness, cable theft and equipment vandalism also occur.

The effect is such a nature that it is simply impossible to reduce costs sufficiently to neutralise the loss of revenue. The effects of the Ukraine war have also led to substantial increases in the price of chemicals required for water purification. The expected shortfall totals R161m, which will undoubtedly impact cash reserves. This means that budget planning for 2023/24 will require a review of all expenditures and revenue. It is worth noting that in the financial year to June 2023, the Municipality’s total expenditure will be close to R3900m (with capital expenditure exceeding now R800m), the equivalent of R75m per week.

Residents will have noted changes to our normally efficient switch-ons following load-shedding. We have a notifiable demand agreement of 85MVA with Eskom, being the electricity that they must provide for George at any given moment in a year. On returning from load-shedding, usage spikes rise to 105-112MVA as geysers, freezers and other high-use equipment switch on. We have been informed that any spike above 85MVA will result in increased charges for electricity due to a higher notifiable demand being triggered. We now need to switch on sections of George in turn, over 30 minutes or longer to manage total usage within the limit. All our consumers should therefore assist by turning off equipment and waiting to switch it on again only after the power is restored.

Big electricity users wishing to discuss their electricity challenges with our team are welcome to email: supportbusiness@george.gov.za

Ald Leon van Wyk

Executive Mayor of George

GO GEORGE Incident Protea Road, Pacaltsdorp

GO GEORGE is confirming an incident of a petrol bomb thrown into a bus in Protea Road, Pacaltsdorp early this morning. According to early reports, 14 passengers have been taken to hospital by ambulance – five of them have been treated for burn wounds and nine for shock. The SA Police Service is investigating the incident.

GO GEORGE Manager Morné Lakay says the GIPTN regrets the incident and will assist the police with information and CCTV footage to bring the perpetrators to book.

The bus service in the area and all other routes remain fully operational.

ESKOM LOADSHEDDING UPDATE Tuesday, 28 February 2023 @16:20

Loadshedding will continue to be implemented at Stage 3 until 16:00 today. Thereafter, Stage 4 load-shedding will be implemented from 16:00 today until 16:00 tomorrow and Stage 5 load-shedding will then be implemented from 16:00 until 05:00 on Thursday.

George will be affected as follows:
Tuesday 28/02/2023
18:00 – 20:30

Wednesday 01/03/2023
06:00 – 08:30
14:00 – 16:30
22:00 – 00:30 **

Thursday 02/03/2023
00:00 – 02:30 **
06:00 – 08:30
14:00 – 16:30
22:00 – 00:30

Friday 03/03/2023
06:00 – 08:30
14:00 – 16:30

Uniondale will be affected as follows:
Tuesday 28/02/2023
21:00 – 23:30

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

Thursday 02/03/2023
01:00 – 05:30 **
09:00 – 11:30
17:00 – 19:30

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

SWITCHING ON AFTER LOADSHEDDING – Not all areas will be switched back on at the same time!
Residents of George must please note that with the extended load-shedding, our Electrotechnical Directorate is no longer able to switch the entire city back on at the same time. Our daily notifiable demand from ESKOM has historically been set at 85MVA and on average George would use between 60 and 80MVA, although the municipality must pay ESKOM for 85MVA.

If the power is returned simultaneously to all areas when load-shedding ends, this creates a massive spike or surge in power with all geysers, freezers/fridges/batteries etc drawing power at the same time. With the extended four-hour load-sheddingg, the spikes for George are consistently reaching 105 – 112 MVA.

Areas will be switched on in sections, on rotation after Load-shedding.
Eskom has indicated that unless George can reduce the spikes, they will increase our notifiable demand to the highest actual usage level which will in turn increase the purchase cost to the municipality. Consumers are requested to use electricity very sparingly when power returns after load-shedding (especially a 4-hour slot).

The municipality will now in rotation, switch the power on in sections. This means if for example the load-shedding slot is scheduled from 20h00 – 22h30, there is a chance that your area may only come on at 22h45 or 23h00.

Please do not switch high-usage equipment on immediately after Load-shedding.
Consumers are therefore 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 Loadshedding 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.

Issued by George Municipal Communications Department
Office of the Municipal Manager

GEORGE MUNICIPALITY HELD A SUCCESSFUL EVENTS COMPLIANCE AND SUPPORT WORKSHOP ON THE 24TH OF FEBRUARY 2023

A well-attended Events Compliance and Support Workshop was hosted by the George Municipality’s Tourism Department in collaboration with the various municipal departments responsible to assist all event organisers wanting to host events in George. The workshop took place on the 24th of February 2023 at the Conference Room of the George Civic Centre.

Event organisers representing sports clubs, schools, event companies, and NGO’s attended the workshop and were able to communicate relevant challenges and gave valuable contributions. Various municipal departments presented information on topics ranging from the critical aspects of population certificate applications, bookings regarding municipal sports facilities, use of open spaces, regulations regarding private land-use rights for event venues, outdoor advertising, and event marketing.

The guest speakers were from various municipal sections designated to assist with applications and event support such as Tourism (posters and banners, event funding assistance, event promotion), Emergency Services (population certificate application), Environmental (cleansing, noise control applications, open space permission applications), Sports and Corporate Sections (sports facilities and hall bookings), Building Control (outdoor advertising compliance and structural compliance), Legal Services (legal contracts), Traffic (road closures), Law Enforcement (public procession applications), Town Planning (land-use rights), and Electrotechnical Services (electrical connections and energy availability).

During the workshop, participants received information regarding the annual George Municipality Event Support Application Program which offers financial and non-financial backing to events taking place in the municipal area.

For more information on event compliance, as well as possible repeat workshops, you are welcome to contact Melanie Martins at the George Tourism Office or send an e-mail to events@visitgeorge.co.za

Ends

GEORGE MAYOR TO VISIT UNIONDALE AND HAARLEM AGRICULTURAL SECTOR

The Executive Mayor of George Municipality, Alderman Leon van Wyk will be visiting farmers in the Uniondale and Haarlem area on 9 March 2023. Agriculture is one of the key driving sectors and contributors to the local economy within George Municipality.

According to Dr Kosie Haarhoff, the Deputy Director: Strategic Growth and Development in the George Municipality, the purpose of the visit is to primarily engage with small commercial farmers within the Uniondale/Haarlem area and to discuss services offered by the Municipality, the Western Cape Department of Agriculture (WCDA), the National Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development (NDARDLR) and other government departments. Most farmers in the Haarlem area are smallholder farmers who either farm individually or in a cooperative and they need support and resources to sustain their businesses.

“The Mayor will meet with the Uniondale Agricultural Union in the morning and visit farms in the Uniondale and Haarlem areas in the afternoon. Part of the visit is to evaluate progress made on projects supported by WCDA as per its strategic objectives and to interact with farmers on issues such as infrastructure, electricity, water, storage facilities and security,” Dr Haarhoff added.

“The Mayor would furthermore assess the impact of financial and non-financial support given to farmers by the Municipality, WCDA, and NDARDLR and how the support contributes towards job creation and the alleviation of poverty in the region. Finally, the visit will also seek to enhance cooperation and coordination between all spheres of government in developing and capacitating farmers in the district,” he said.

The delegation will consist of the Executive Mayor van Wyk, Cllr Dirk Wessels ( Portfolio Chair for Finance and Economic Development), Dr Kosie Haarhoff ( George Municipality), Mr Willem Burger ( WCDA) and Mr Phillip Hendricks ( NDARDLR).

LOW WATER PRESSURE IN KRAAIBOSCH IS BEING ATTENDED TO

The Municipality is aware of the low water pressure being experienced in the Kraaibosch since this morning. The Civil Engineering Services Department confirmed that the pressure problem has been attended to for the interim. Teams have bypassed the pressure-reducing valve. The water network pressure in Kraaibosch is between 6 to 7.5 bars. Teams will be removing and servicing the pressure-reducing valve. The valve will be restored this afternoon.

Issued by George Municipality
28 Feb 2023 @13:50

Phased-in roll-out for Thembalethu

GO GEORGE has announced that the bus service to Thembalethu will be activated in three stages with the first wheels rolling down Nelson Mandela Boulevard soon. The other two stages will follow soon thereafter.
The George Council accepted that it had not been possible to make the initial November deadline, but resolved that service should roll out as soon as possible with a further announcement to be made at least one week before the activation of the routes. The current preparations are all seen as part of rolling out the service.

Three stages of roll-out
Stage 1:
Route 11 Thembalethu – GR Mall
Route 18A Thembalethu – Blanco
Route 18B Fourways – Blanco
Route 57A Jonga Community
Route 57B Ramaphosa Community
Route 57C Tabata Community

Stage 2:
Route 10 Thembalethu – George Industria
Route 57D Fourways Community

Stage 3:
Route 4A Thembalethu – CBD
Route 4A Express Thembalethu – CBD
Route 4B Fourways – CBD
Route 57E Ngcakani Community
Route 62A Jonga – Hospital
Route 62B Ramaphosa – Hospital
Route 62C Tabata – Hospital

Information about the Thembalethu service
The first phase of the Thembalethu roll-out information campaign focused on visits to businesses in town employing Thembalethu residents, followed by a three-week campaign at the Thembalethu clinic and library, and engagement with staff at schools and educational institutions. To date, these activities resulted in one-on-one engagement with 7 748 individuals.

On 7 February, the communication champions started with door-to-door engagement with residents at their homes, which to date, has covered 1 972 homes and approximately 7 888 household members. Information sheets containing route maps of the phased-in roll-out are being handed out and explained to prospective passengers. The unanimous response to the news that the buses are definitely still coming is that of excitement, relief, and gratitude.

All-over readiness
Infrastructure such as bus stops, temporary shelters and operational facilities are on schedule and mostly completed. Residents should soon see buses driving through the area testing schedules and routes.
Anyone who would like to request an informational visit to their staff or organisation can call the GO GEORGE Call Centre on 0800 044 044 from 05:00 until 20:00, seven days a week.

CAPTIONS:
Themba clinic:


These women visiting the Thembalethu Clinic were excited to learn more about the upcoming bus service to Thembalethu. From left, Phumzile Bonga, Siphokazi Goliath, communication champion Akhona Gxumisa, and Inna Adam. The name of the woman on the right is not known.

Tyron door to door:


Thembalethu residents are welcoming the GO GEORGE communication champions to their homes. Here Tyron Jeyi, GO GEORGE community liaison officer, explains to a lady what to expect from the bus service.

Door-to-door cleaning can wait:


Cleaning can wait! Vuyelwa Myali is listening attentively to communication champion Nomnikelo Bolitye explaining how she can use the bus service.

Engagement in Blanco:


From restaurants, gymnasiums and factories to nurseries and petrol stations – all over George, staff residing in Thembalethu are taking a moment to listen to what they can expect when the bus service rolls out to their area. Here, Tyron Jeyi, GO GEORGE community liaison officer, chats to workers at a garage in Blanco.

 

AFRIKAANS OP VOLGENDE BLADSY

PERSVERKLARING: Thembalethu-busdiens ingefaseer
Uitgereik: 24 Feb 2023

GO GEORGE het aangekondig dat die busdiens na Thembalethu in drie fases geaktiveer sal word met die eerste wiele wat binnekort in Nelson Mandela Boulevard af sal rol. Die ander twee fases sal kort daarna volg.
Die George-raad het aanvaar dat dit nie moontlik was om die aanvanklike sperdatum in November te haal nie, maar het besluit dat die diens so gou moontlik moet uitrol met ‘n verdere aankondiging wat minstens een week voor die aktivering van die roetes gemaak moet word. Die huidige voorbereidings word alles gesien as deel van die uitrol van die diens.

Drie fases van uitrol
Fase 1:
Roete 11 Thembalethu – GR Mall
Roete 18A Thembalethu – Blanco
Roete 18B Fourways – Blanco
Roete 57A Jonga Community
Roete 57B Ramaphosa Community
Roete 57C Tabata Community

Fase 2:
Roete 10 Thembalethu – George Industria
Roete 57D Fourways Community

Fase 3:
Roete 4A Thembalethu – CBD
Roete 4A Express Thembalethu – CBD
Roete 4B Fourways – CBD
Roete 57E Ngcakani Community
Roete 62A Jonga – Hospitaal
Roete 62B Ramaphosa – Hospitaal
Roete 62C Tabata – Hospitaal

Inligting oor die Thembalethu-diens
Die eerste fase van die Thembalethu-inligtingsveldtog het gefokus op besoeke aan besighede in die dorp wat inwoners van Thembalethu in diens het, gevolg deur ‘n drie-weke lange veldtog by die Thembalethu-kliniek en -biblioteek, en skakeling met personeel by skole en opvoedkundige instellings. Tot op hede het hierdie aktiwiteite gelei tot een-tot-een skakeling met 7 748 individue.

Op 7 Februarie het die passasiersdiensbeamptes (champions) begin met deur-tot-deur skakeling met inwoners by hul huise, wat tot op hede 1 972 huise en ongeveer 7 888 lede van huishoudings gedek het. Inligtingsblaaie wat roetekaarte van die ingefaseerde uitrol bevat, word uitgedeel en aan voornemende passasiers verduidelik. Die eenparige reaksie op die nuus dat die busse beslis nog kom, is dié van opgewondenheid, verligting en dankbaarheid.
Algehele gereedheid

Infrastruktuur soos bushaltes, tydelike skuilings en operasionele fasiliteite is op skedule en is meestal voltooi. Inwoners behoort binnekort busse deur die gebied te sien ry vir die toetsing van skedules en roetes.
Enigiemand wat ‘n inligtingsbesoek aan hul personeel of organisasie wil versoek, kan die GO GEORGE-inbelsentrum skakel by 0800 044 044 van 05:00 tot 20:00, sewe dae per week.

ONDERSKRIFTE:
Themba clinic:


Hierdie vroue wat die Thembalethu-kliniek besoek het, was opgewonde om meer te wete te kom oor die komende busdiens na Thembalethu. Van links, Phumzile Bonga, Siphokazi Goliath, passasiersdiensbeampte Akhona Gxumisa, en Inna Adam. Die naam van die vrou aan die regterkant is nie bekend nie.

Tyron door to door:


Thembalethu-inwoners verwelkom die GO GEORGE- passasiersdiensbeamptes in hul huise. Hier verduidelik Tyron Jeyi, GO GEORGE-gemeenskapskakelbeampte, aan ‘n dame wat om van die busdiens te verwag.

Door-to-door cleaning can wait:


Skoonmaak kan wag! Vuyelwa Myali luister aandagtig na die passasiersdiensbeampte, Nomnikelo Bolitye, wat verduidelik hoe sy die busdiens kan gebruik.

Engagement in Blanco:


Van restaurante, gimnasiums en fabrieke tot kwekerye en vulstasies – regoor George neem personeel wat in Thembalethu woon ‘n oomblik om te luister na wat hulle kan verwag wanneer die busdiens na hul area uitrol. Hier gesels Tyron Jeyi, GO GEORGE-gemeenskapskakelbeampte, met werkers by ‘n motorhawe in Blanco.

PUBLIC NOTICE: SWITCHING ON AFTER LOADSHEDDING – Not all areas will be switched back on at the same time!

Residents of George must please note that with the extended loadshedding, our Electrotechnical Directorate is no longer able to switch the entire city back on at the same time. Our daily notifiable demand from ESKOM has historically been set at 85MVA and on average George would use between 60 and 80MVA, although the municipality must pay ESKOM for 85MVA. If the power is returned simultaneously to all areas when loadshedding ends, this creates a massive spike or surge in power with all geysers, freezers/fridges/batteries etc drawing power at the same time. With the extended four-hour loadshedding, the spikes for George are consistently reaching 105 – 112 MVA.

Areas will be switched on in sections, on rotation after Loadshedding.
Eskom has indicated that unless George can reduce the spikes, they will increase our notifiable demand to the highest actual usage level which will in turn increase the purchase cost to the municipality. Consumers are requested to use electricity very sparingly when power returns after loadshedding (especially a 4-hour slot). The municipality will now in rotation, switch the power on in sections. This means if for example the loadshedding slot is scheduled from 20h00 – 22h30, there is a chance that your area may only come on at 22h45 or 23h00.

Please do not switch high usage equipment on immediately after Loadshedding.
Consumers are therefore 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 in to the Afterhours number or the Electrotechnical Department to report you have no power immediately after Loadshedding 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.

*

OPENBARE KENNISGEWING: AANKAKEL AAN NA LAAGGEWING – Nie alle areas sal tegelykertyd weer aangeskakel word nie!
Uitgereik George Munisipaliteit, 24 Februarie 2023

Inwoners van George moet asseblief daarop let dat met die uitgebreide beurtkrag, ons Elektrotegniese Direktoraat nie meer in staat is om die hele stad op dieselfde tyd weer aan te skakel nie. Ons daaglikse aanmeldbare eis van ESKOM is histories vasgestel op 85MVA en George sou gemiddeld tussen 60 en 80MVA gebruik, alhoewel die munisipaliteit ESKOM vir 85MVA moet betaal. As die krag gelyktydig na alle areas teruggestuur word wanneer beurtkrag eindig, skep dit ‘n massiewe piek of oplewing in krag met alle geisers, vrieskaste/yskaste/batterye ens wat gelyktydig krag trek. Met die verlengde beurtkrag van vier uur, bereik die hoë verbruik vir George konsekwent 105 – 112 MVA.

Areas sal in afdelings aangeskakel word, met rotasie na beurtkrag.
Eskom het aangedui dat tensy George die hoë verbruik kan verminder, hulle ons aanmeldbare aanvraag tot die hoogste werklike gebruiksvlak sal verhoog wat op sy beurt die aankoopkoste vir die munisipaliteit sal verhoog. Verbruikers word versoek om elektrisiteit baie spaarsamig te gebruik wanneer krag terugkeer na beurtkrag (veral ‘n 4-uur slot). Die munisipaliteit sal nou in rotasie die krag in afdelings aanskakel. Dit beteken as die beurtkraggleuf byvoorbeeld van 20h00 – 22h30 geskeduleer is, is daar ‘n kans dat jou area eers om 22h45 of 23h00 kan aanskakel.

Moet asseblief nie hoëgebruiktoerusting onmiddellik na beurtkrag aanskakel nie.
Verbruikers word dus versoek om hoë verbruik toerusting af te skakel en waar moontlik toestelle soos stowe en ketels nie aan te skakel vir minstens 30 minute ná beurtkrag nie. Dit sal die risiko verminder dat oorlading op die netwerk uitskakel en ons huidige hoë MVA-punte verminder.

Rapporteer kragonderbrekings
Moet asseblief nie na die Na-ure-nommer of die Elektrotegniese Departement inbel om te rapporteer dat u geen krag het onmiddellik nadat beurtkrag geskeduleer is om opgehef te word nie. Wees asseblief bewus van die rotasie-aanskakeling, en wag ten minste 30 minute voordat u geen krag rapporteer nie. Die direktoraat sal bewus wees of daar ‘n moontlike substasiereis was wat uitgesorteer moet word.

Garden Route Tourism Industry Data Survey

Dear Garden Route & Klein Karoo Tourism Stakeholders,

The Garden Route District Municipality launched a partnership with Wesgro, SATSA, and FEDHASA, as well as Local Tourism Offices in the Garden Route on 11 July 2022. In line with the mandate and mission of the parties to collaborate for purposes of tourism promotion, we hereby wish to invite all tourism stakeholders to participate in this survey which aims to obtain real-time, credible tourism data for the region.

Kindly assist us by distributing the survey to all tourism industry stakeholders in the Garden Route & Klein Karoo for their completion.

You’re invited to fill out a form:

Garden Route Tourism Industry Data Survey

The Garden Route District Municipality launched a partnership with Wesgro, SATSA, and FEDHASA, as well as Local Tourism Offices in the Garden Route on 11 July 2022. In line with the mandate and mission of the parties to collaborate for purposes of tourism promotion. We hereby wish to invite all tourism stakeholders to participate in this survey, which aims to obtain real-time, credible tourism data for the region.

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Garden Route District Municipality

GEORGE MUNICIPALITY SUPPORTS THE GRDM ILLEGAL DUMPING CAMPAIGN

Last week, the George Municipality heeded the call of Garden Route District Municipality to support the district municipality’s Anti-Illegal dumping campaign that was initiated by its environmental health practitioners together with various stakeholders to educate communities on the health effects of illegal dumping. The five-day campaign spanned from 13 to 17 February 2023.

In addition to a string of communication events and activities to amplify the message of combating illegal dumping, the Executive Mayor of George, Alderman Leon van Wyk released a message through a video to persuade the citizens of George to rally behind the fight against illegal dumping.

“The George Municipality supports the Garden Route District Municipality’s campaign against illegal dumping for the week of 13 – 17 February 2023. Our Community Services Department runs an ongoing campaign against illegal dumping where different teams clean open spaces in parts of George,” said Mayor van Wyk.

“Illegal dumping is anything you throw away in a place where it does not belong. If you throw your junk just anywhere, it will eventually become your problem in some way or another. Throwing stuff into sewerage drains, or flushing the wrong stuff down the toilet, will clog pipes and the sewerage will overflow into your neighbourhood.”

Mayor van Wyk encouraged the citizen of George to act responsibly and make use of the available resources to avoid illegal dumping. “Refuse is picked up in your neighbourhood once a week. Please put your waste inside refuse bags and keep them at your house until collection day.”

Meanwhile, the George Municipality’s Communication and Intergovernmental Relations division ran an awareness campaign using the Municipality’s communication platforms which consist of thousands of subscribers and followers. Messaging about illegal dumping was circulated on the Municipal Facebook page, Twitter, WhatsApp, App and website, to the local media on a daily basis during the campaign.

A radio talk was also broadcast on local radio stations to sensitise the public about the dangers of illegal dumping as well as the environmental repercussions if people do not stop illegal dumping. A feature on illegal dumping was also published in the George Herald, a local newspaper.

Let us all work together and stop illegal dumping, report illegal dumping to 044 801 6350.

Videos of Mayor Leon van Wyk on illegal dumping: English: https://youtu.be/KsEkZnp2Cm4 Afrikaans: https://youtu.be/hdqUtE5xwBs

 

Ends.

 

GEORGE MUNICIPALITY SUPPORTS THIS WEEKEND’S KICK-OFF RUGBY TOURNAMENT

The Executive Mayor of George wishes the Eight (8) rugby teams from George and Uniondale that will, this coming weekend participate in the Kick-Off Rugby Tournament, a pre-season tournament hosted in conjunction with Maories Rugby Football Club. The tournament will take place at Outeniqua Park, George this coming Saturday, 25 February 2023.

The George Municipality, according to the Portfolio Councillor for Financial and Strategic Services, Dirk Wessels, the Municipality supports this tournament that consists of emerging rugby football clubs as part of sport development in the George Municipal precincts. “The Executive Mayor has financially steered funds to this tournament to help boost the smaller clubs. We also urge the public to come in numbers and support this tournament,” Cllr Wessels said.

“I wish all the teams participating in the Kick-off Tournament that consists of clubs from George and surrounds the best of luck for this weekend’s games,” said the Executive Mayor of George, Ald Leon van Wyk. “This is a very important pre-season opportunity to raise some funds for these clubs and a good start getting ready for the upcoming season,” Mayor van Wyk added.

Councillor Brendon Adams, portfolio Councillor for Community Services, Social Development, Libraries and Sport echoed the Mayor’s message of aiding the local clubs. “The Municipality is assisting these small teams as they do not have financial support; we are intending to give another round of support to these clubs towards the end of the rugby season in November this year,” Cllr. Adams said.

The following Eight rugby teams will participate in the tournament: Maories RFC, Uniondale, Superstars, Silverstars, Blanco, Pro Stars, Black Lions and United Stars. The prizes are as follows:

1st place: R 6000
2nd R 5000
3rd R 4500
4th R 4000
5th R 3500
6th R 3000
7th R 2500
8th R 2000

The first game starts at 08:00 and the last game of the day will start at 17:00. The entry fee is R 20 for adults and R 10 for children.

 

GEORGE MUNICIPALITY PILOTS THE SMALL-SCALE EMBEDDED GENERATION ONLINE APPLICATION PLATFORM

An online Small Scale Embedded Generation (SSEG) Application Platform has been developed with support from Sustainable Energy Africa (SEA) to streamline the process of submitting and approving applications. The platform will be made available for all municipalities to use. George Municipality is once again a leader in the process as it is one of the pilot municipalities, in keeping with its proactive promotion of sustainable energy.

Small Scale embedded generator (SSEG) refers to the power generated in residential, commercial or industrial areas. These are mainly the photovoltaic (PV) systems that include other technologies such as inverters, Bi-directional meters and battery storage. An SSEG customer generates electricity on the side and synchronises with the municipal grid. Up to now, almost all municipalities have only allowed for a manual SSEG application submission. Due to the manual application process, a number of applications were delayed due to incorrect or incomplete information being submitted, causing significant delays in the approval process.

According to the Director for Electrotechnical Services in the George Municipality, Bongani Mandla, the Online Platform simplifies and speeds up the process considerably. “It immediately notifies the applicant if the information is incomplete or incorrect and will not submit the application until these and other parameters have been checked and verified,” he said.

“It also facilitates the process of checking by officials, as the platform automatically does the necessary checks and calculations, prompts for the information needed, and ensures that officials are guided through all the required assessment steps seamlessly. A GIS facility allows officials to see all registered installations to help keep an eye on network congestion in particular areas,” Mandla added.

Importantly, it alerts municipal officials of the arrival of new applications and keeps the applicant informed of stages in the process by automating email communications. A common complaint of applicants is that they have no idea if their application has been accepted, is being looked at, or needs correcting. This communication automation helps address the issue.

It further helps municipalities by keeping a record of data from all applications, making reporting to NERSA easy and enabling quick totalling of SSEG capacity registered on the platform.

Mphielo Ramotsamai, from the George Municipality’s Electrotechnical Services, has been driving this process with the help of Sustainable Energy. “Since George municipality accepts or allows the SSEG on the network, I coordinate the process from the municipality side, Ramotsamai said. “Last year we were invited by Sustainable Energy Africa to be part of the Online Platform Pilot for SSEG; this was followed by a series of meetings and training. We are happy to confirm that the system is available already to the public. http://apply.sseg.org.za.

By the end of February, the platform is expected to be ready for all municipalities to join. Municipal Distributors wanting to be included on the Platform should email support@sseg.org.za.

INVITATION TO THE NATIONAL BUILDING REGULATION AWARENESS PROGRAM TO LOCAL AUTHORITY BUILDING CONTROL OFFICIALS 2022/2023

INVITATION TO:

Building Control Officer, Building control staff and all officials concerned with Building Plan Applications as well as Building Industry Practitioners

NATIONAL BUILDING REGULATION AWARENESS PROGRAM TO LOCAL AUTHORITY BUILDING CONTROL OFFICIALS 2022/2023

The National Regulator for Compulsory Specifications – National Building Regulations Department NRCS-NBR) cordially invite all building control Officers, their staff, Fire prevention officers and Building Industry Practitioners to attend the National Building Regulation Awareness program: –

IMPLEMENTATION OF THE NATIONAL BUILDING REGULATIONS: PRACTICAL AND LEGAL ASPECTS WITH SPECIFIC REFERENCE TO SANS10400 PART-XA: ENERGY USAGE IN BUILDINGS

DATE: 11th & 12th  April 2023 – Building Control Officers, their staff, Fire prevention officers Architects / Engineers Architectural Technologists Quantity Surveyors Project Managers Building Contractors are all interested building industry stakeholders.

TIME:    8:45 for 9:00 to 12:45

VENUE George Municipality

PRESENTERS:   Rudolf Opperman – Technical Adviser Architecture and the National Building Regulations (NRCS)

COST:    Free of Charge

Who Should Attend

Architects / Engineers Architectural Technologists Quantity Surveyors Project Managers Building Contractors Building Control Officials, Fire Prevention Officers of the Local Government.

Background

The National Building Regulations and Building Standards Act of 1977 (Act 103 of 1977), is the enabling Act under which the National Building Regulations are made. The Act is supported by subsidiary legislation in the form of the SANS 10400 suite of documents referred to as the Application of the National Building Regulations standards. The suites of documents captured within the 23 SANS 10400 documents. These documents mirror images of the National Building Regulations and provide the performance methodologies that, if used, will satisfy the requirements of the National Building Regulation.

The applicable South African National Standards 10400 are listed below for clarification;

SANS Number        Title of Standard                                        Year Published          Cost

SANS 10400 Part A – General principles and requirements               2022                R 914.25

SANS 10400 Part B – Structural design                                                  2020                R 624.45

SANS 10400 Part C – Dimensions                                                        2016                R 308.20

SANS 10400 Part D – Public safety                                                     2022                R 270.25

SANS 10400 Part E – Demolition work

SANS 10400 Part F – Site operations                                                  2017                R 233.45

SANS 10400 Part G – Excavations                                                       2017                R 308.20

SANS 10400 Part H – Foundations                                                      2012                R 755.55

SANS 10400 Part J – Floors                                                                 2016                R 372.60

SANS 10400 Part K – Walls                                                                 2015                R 914.25

SANS 10400 Part L – Roofs                                                                 2020                R 914.25

SANS 10400 Part M – Stairways                                                         2018                R 345.00

SANS 10400 Part N – Glazing                                                              2012                R 401.35

SANS 10400 Part O – Lighting and ventilation                                    2011                R 540.50

SANS 10400 Part P – Drainage                                                           2010                R 801.55

SANS 10400 Part Q – Non-water-borne sanitary disposal                 2021                R 569.25

SANS 10400 Part R – Storm-water disposal                                       2012                R 308.20

SANS 10400 Part S – Facilities for disabled persons                           2011                R 717.60

SANS 10400 Part T – Fire protection                                                  2020                R 978.65

SANS 10400 Part U – Refuse disposal

SANS 10400 Part V – Space heating                                                   2018                R 270.25

SANS 10400 Part W – Fire installation                                                2011                R 372.60

SANS 10400 Part X – Environmental sustainability

SANS 10400 Part XA – Energy usage in buildings                               2021                R 801.55

 

The following altered standards were published in the last two years;

Newly Published Standards:

SANS 10400 Part A – General principles and requirements (2022)

SANS 10400 Part D – Public safety (2022)

SANS 10400 Part XA – Energy usage in buildings (December 2021)

SANS 10400 Part Q – Non-water-borne sanitary disposal (2021)

The latest SANS10400XA 2021 (Edition 2) has been promulgated and published (relating to the new energy calculations, etc.), and professionals have started attending CPD courses and are now starting to apply the new “deemed to satisfy the regulation rules.

The municipal Building Control Officer who heads up the building control function relies on the knowledge understanding and implementation of the SANS 10400 building code. How much deemed to satisfy the regulation rules are utilised, ensure buildings are constructed with integrity and in conformance to the regulations by issuing a certificate of compliance.

Why, then, are so many buildings not conforming to the code? 

To address this controversial issue, Mr Rudolf Opperman, will explain the legal role and responsibilities of Professional Practitioners in the Build Environment concerning implementing SANS 10400 Part A – General principles and requirements (2022), SANS 10400 Part D – Public safety (2022),

The founding principles of the National Building Regulations should be understood to enable the proper implementation of the legislation which is used to govern the built environment. To understand and interpret the National Building Regulations correctly, it is important to understand the philosophy and intent behind the Regulations. Although it is a piece of highly technical legislation, the functioning thereof should be grasped. The technical part thereof should be treated as a technical tick box and the user should be able to know where to obtain this information from the technical documentation available.

Purpose

The purpose of the workshop is to sensitize all the role players in the Build Environment tasked with submitting building applications to the Local Authorities about their legal responsibilities and to clarify any misconceptions about accountability and responsibility.

Format

The workshop will be presented in a lecture format with open question-and-answer sessions that would allow for healthy debate and interaction to ensure a comprehensive understanding of the subject

Programme:    11th & 12th April 2023 – Building Control Officers, their staff, Fire prevention officers, Architects, Engineers, Architectural Technologists Quantity Surveyors, Project Managers, Building Contractors, and all interested building industry stakeholders. 

The same lecture will be presented on both days. This allows for the attendance of all personnel who man public counters.

09:00 –09:10 (10min)             Opening and Introduction

09:10 –09:50(40min)             The National Building Regulations & Building Standards Act -Part 1 (Rudolf Opperman -NRCS)

09:50 –10:00 (10min)             Questions and discussion

10:00 –10:40 (45min)             The National Building Regulations -Part 2 (Rudolf Opperman -NRCS)

10:40 – 10:50 (10min)            Questions and discussion

10:50 –11:20 (30min)             Tea Break (Host city to please provide hot water and cups)

11:20 –12:15 (55min)             New SANS 10400 published standards (Rudolf Opperman -NRCS) – Part 2

12:15 – 12:45 (30min)            Discussion and closing

 

GEORGE MUNICIPALITY INVITES EVENT ORGANISERS TO THE EVENTS COMPLIANCE AND SUPPORT WORKSHOP ON 24 FEBRUARY 2023

George Municipality invites all organisers who host events within the George municipal area to participate in an Events Compliance and Support Workshop that is scheduled to take place on Friday, 24 February 2023 at the George Municipality Conference Room, from 14: 00 -16:00.

George Municipality devotes resources to support small, medium and major events hosted in the greater George area to drive economic and tourism growth. Well-planned and marketed events have the potential to strengthen the local economy, provide destination media exposure and stimulate infrastructure upgrades in the city.

Required event application procedures, compliances and regulations will be presented to create awareness about what event organisers require to host an event legally. Topics will include the population certificate, land zoning and noise exemptions, permission to use public spaces and/or book municipal venues, collecting statistics about the economic impact and media awareness.

During the workshop, organisers will also receive information regarding the annual George Municipality Event Support Application Program which offers financial and non-financial backing to events taking place in the municipal area.

GEORGE EVENTS COMPLIANCE AND SUPPORT WORKSHOP

Date: Friday, 24 February 2023
Time: 14:00 – 16:00
Venue: George Municipality Conference Hall, 71 York Street, George
RSVP: Send your contact details and event name to events@visitgeorge.co.za by Wednesday the 23rd of February 2023

For any enquiries, contact Melanie Martins at the George Tourism Office on 044 801 9299.