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Author: Ntobeko Mangqwengqwe

George Municipality Addresses Homelessness Through Holistic Approach

In the photo standing on the left is a facilitator of Parenting Training, Ms Sonika Bardenhorst (Social Worker at Kidstop) and sitting on the right is Mr Jonathan Gelderbloem, the Chairperson of PLOTS, Kidstop

The George Municipality is actively engaged in addressing homelessness through a comprehensive forum dedicated to working with People Living on the Streets (PLOTS). The primary focus of this initiative is reunification services, aiming to integrate people back into communities successfully. Sophia Fanelo, the Community Development Manager at George Municipality, emphasises the complexity of this process, highlighting the need to address the root causes of homelessness to ensure a permanent and successful reintegration.

The municipality coordinates a collaborative effort, bringing together various stakeholders such as the Department of Social Services (DSD), the South African Police Service (SAPS), Christian Rehabilitation Ministries to the Homeless of George (CREMHOG), People Against Substance Abuse (PASA), Smoking & Alcohol Harms Alleviation & Rehabilitation Association (SAHARA), the Department of Health, Stop Trafficking, and the Department of Justice. Fanelo invites other organisations to join the forum to collectively contribute to holistically addressing homelessness.

As part of their holistic approach, the Community Development Department at George Municipality tackles all factors influencing reunification. The ongoing jobseekers programme assists in economic empowerment by providing support in creating CVs and completing application forms for homeless individuals.

Fanelo highlights recent initiatives, including surveys conducted with SAHARA from 5 to 8 February 2024 to identify new residents on the streets and intervene accordingly. A wellness program on 16 February 2024, in partnership with the Department of Health, focused on sexually transmitted diseases and HIV testing.

The proactive efforts have resulted in positive outcomes, with three people relocating to night shelters and seven individuals successfully reunified with their families in George. Referrals are made to the Department of Social Services for minors found on the streets.

The municipality hosted a parent training from 20 to 22 February 2024 for parents currently on the streets, aiming for future reunification with their loved ones. The programme was facilitated by Kidstop. Additionally, a sewing program has been initiated, accommodating a limited number of participants due to resource constraints.

Fanelo concludes by urging collective action, emphasising that everyone can make a difference, one step at a time, and encouraging individuals to contribute solutions rather than complaints.

Garden Route Dam Level

GARDEN ROUTE DAM LEVEL
Issued 20 February 2024, George Municipality

Percentage storage at new raised dam wall height 89,72
Rainfall for the previous 7 days: 20.5 mm (Measured up to and including 20 February 2024)

The cooperation of all users of municipal water is essential and is greatly appreciated.

Mayor’s Newsletter for the week ended 23 February 2024

Alderman Leon van Wyk, Executive Mayor of George

During the past week, I have had the privilege of meeting with various role players to monitor the pulse of the economy in George.

The activities for the six months ended December 2023 for the Planning and Development Directorate report that 112 land use applications were finalised.

At Building Control, the building plans approved in the six months totalled R1403 million relating to 1094 buildings of which business and industrial buildings amount to the value of R347 million. Over this period, occupation certificates to the value of R793 million had been issued.

These statistics provide some insight into the intense level of economic activity taking place in George and the productivity of the municipal team processing these applications.

The Provincial Minister of Mobility, MEC Ricardo Mackenzie visited George so that we could engage with state entities about their readiness to manage the growth experienced in George and the Garden Route. Discussions with the Airports Company South Africa (ACSA) were held to check in on their proposed plans to expand George Airport in the coming years to handle the anticipated passenger growth. It was indicated that in 2019 there were no direct flights from the USA to Cape Town airport. At present, there are 13 weekly flights from American cities. This provides an inkling of the increase in international tourism being experienced in the Western Cape.

We also met with Transnet executives to establish their plans for maintaining and operating their infrastructure in and around George and Mossel Bay. Suggestions were made about collaboration that would be to the benefit of tourism, rail freight and the need for movement of fresh fruit and vegetable produce by rail. Transnet has indicated that they are developing new business models that include the issue of concessions to operate trains on the rail network.

These discussions reflect the increasingly important role that local and provincial government now need to play to ensure that state enterprises and departments undertake the tasks required of them to deliver services. The national government and the state enterprises have become increasingly incapable of performing their responsibilities and functions. The work being done by the Western Cape Government in terms of infrastructure development and its Growth for Jobs strategy is therefore critical for economic activity and employment. As the largest municipality outside of the City of Cape Town, we therefore welcome the support we are receiving for the growth in George.

During the week, the regional chapter of the Institute of Municipal Engineers met in George. During my short address to them, I stressed the important work that they are doing to develop and maintain infrastructure growth amidst the growth across the Garden Route.

Alderman Leon van Wyk
Executive of George

George Tourism Host Successful Events Support and Compliance Workshop

The workshop garnered significant interest and provided valuable insights to event organisers.

George Tourism, a division of the George Municipality conducted a highly successful events support and compliance workshop on Friday, 16 February 2024, at the George Municipality’s Conference Hall. The workshop garnered significant interest and provided valuable insights to event organisers on the application processes for event support, both in cash and in-kind. The event saw an impressive turnout, with a full house indicating participants’ keen interest and engagement.

Joan Shaw, Manager of George Tourism, highlighted that the workshop covered various essential topics, including the application procedures for support, relevant By-Laws for permitting and land use, marketing strategies, cleansing services, facility usage guidelines, noise pollution, legal requirements, and the significance of Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs), particularly in terms of reporting and financial accountability.

Emphasising the Municipality’s commitment to supporting events, Shaw mentioned, “George Municipality allocates approximately R 1 million annually in support of events. We encouraged delegates to focus on quality over quantity in their applications this year. Considering that only a portion of the applicants would receive support, organisers were advised to meticulously present what sets their event apart, its community benefits, job creation, business opportunities, and the Advertising Value Equivalency (AVE) in media coverage, which enhances the city’s profile nationally and internationally.”

Shaw commended her tourism team for putting together an excellent programme. Following its media appearance, the Garden Route District Municipality expressed interest in participating, specifically to address public health and health inspection units, especially concerning events featuring food stalls. Attendees lauded the city’s approach to events and compliance, engaging in informative debates and posing numerous questions about new regulations. Overall, the positive atmosphere and enthusiasm among participants bode well for receiving excellent applications in the upcoming financial year.

The event saw an impressive turnout, with a full house indicating the keen interest

Alien Invasive Plant Awareness Campaign – Cotoneaster

Municipal Plant of the Month – Cotoneaster: (glaucophyllus), (simonsii), (pannosus (Silver leaf)) and (salicifolius).

An upright or arching shrub (usually growing 3-5m tall) with many branching stems. Younger branches are reddish-brown with fine hairs; older branches become hairless and turn grey or dark brown. It flowers in white clusters in spring and summer. The flower stalk is densely hairy. The fruit, which is small and globe-shaped, turns orange-red, scarlet or a dull deep red when mature.

Invasive status: Listed as a Category 1b invasive weed, it is a habitat transformer, especially in Gauteng, the Free State and Limpopo. It must be removed as it is a significant environmental weed that forms thickets under tall trees. Dense infestations will shade the indigenous ground flora and impede the regeneration of over-storey plants. It is spread by birds as well as by fruit washed along watercourses. The fruit is poisonous to humans. This species can also act as a host for bacterial fire blight, a disease common in orchards.

Control: Seedlings can be uprooted by hand and plants up to 3 m tall sprayed with a herbicide. Taller plants should be either ring-barked and poisoned or cut down and the stump chemically treated. Regular follow-up is essential.

References: www.invasives.org.za : www.sanbi.org

Uniondale Driving Licence Testing Centre (DLTC) Working Days and hours

Please note the following operation days for Learner’s Classes, Applications for Renewals of PRDPs, Licence Renewals, Temporary Licences, and other transactions in Uniondale.

Services rendered on WEDNESDAYS only between 10:00 and 15:30:
• Learners Classes (only open for writing learner’s licence)
Services rendered on THURSDAYS only between 10:00 and 15:00:
• Applications
o Renewals of Professional Driving Permits (PRDPs)
o Licence Renewals
o Temporary licences and all other transactions

For more information on Driving and Learner’s licensing please follow this link to the George Municipality’s website: http://tinyurl.com/2xtf99nz

For telephone enquiries, please contact the Uniondale DLTC at 044 752 1024.

GARDEN ROUTE DAM LEVEL – Water Restrictions remain in place

GARDEN ROUTE DAM LEVEL – Water Restrictions remain in place
Issued 13 February 2024, George Municipality

Percentage storage at new raised dam wall height 91.52
Rainfall for the previous 7 days: 7.8 mm (Measured up to and including 13 February 2024)

The cooperation 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, Monday, 12 February 2024 @16:50

ESKOM LOADSHEDDING UPDATE, Monday, 12 February 2024 @ 16h50
Issued by George Municipality, on behalf of ESKOM

Over the past 24 hours, Eskom has returned to service five generating units which will allow the emergency reserves to be adequately replenished by Tuesday morning. This will enable the reduction of loadshedding to Stage 3 from 05:00 on Tuesday until 16:00. Stage 4 loadshedding will then be implemented from 16:00 on Tuesday until 05:00 on Wednesday. This alternating pattern of Stage 3 loadshedding from 05:00 to 16:00 and Stage 4 loadshedding from 16:00 to 05:00 will be repeated daily until further notice. Eskom will closely monitor the power system and communicate any changes to loadshedding should it be required.

George will be affected as follows:
Monday 12/02/2024
18:00 – 20:30

Tuesday 13/02/2024
00:00 – 02:30
08:00 – 10:30
16:00 – 18:30

Wednesday 14/02/2024
00:00 – 02:30
08:00 – 10:30
16:00 – 18:30

Thursday 15/02/2024
00:00 – 02:30

Friday 16/02/2024
00:00 – 02:30
08:00 – 10:30

Uniondale will be affected as follows:
Monday 12/02/2024
13:00 – 17:30 **
21:00 – 23:30

Tuesday 13/02/2024
03:00 – 05:30
11:00 – 13:30
19:00 – 21:30

Wednesday 14/02/2024
03:00 – 05:30
11:00 – 13:30
19:00 – 21:30

Thursday 15/02/2024
03:00 – 05:30

Friday 16/02/2024
03:00 – 05:30
11:00 – 13:30

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.

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/

Temporary Closure of Traffic Service Centres Due to Operational Matters

Please note that Motor Vehicle Registration (MVR) which is situated at Hibernia Street, MVR in Blanco, Driving Licence Testing Centre (DLTC) in Pacaltsdorp and Vehicle Testing Station (VTS) will be closing at 14:00 on Wednesday, 14 January 2024 for compulsory monthly meetings. Services at all the above traffic service centres will resume on Thursday, 15 February 2024.

We apologize for any inconvenience caused and appreciate your understanding.

Temporary Closure of Civic Centre Community Hall and Banquet Hall for Maintenance

The George Municipality wishes to inform the community of the City of George about some essential maintenance work that will be taking place at the Civic Centre Community Hall and the Banquet Hall, located at 71 York Street.

To ensure that these facilities continue to meet the highest standards, the George Municipality has scheduled general maintenance activities. As a result, both the Civic Centre Community Hall and the Banquet Hall will be temporarily unavailable for bookings from 1 March 2024 to 31 May 2024.

The Municipality understands the importance of these community spaces and appreciates your understanding and cooperation during this maintenance period. The Municipality’s commitment is to provide you with excellent facilities, and these efforts are essential to uphold that standard.

If you have any questions or concerns regarding this temporary closure or need assistance with alternative arrangements, please feel free to contact Mr A Joseph at 044 801 1344.

Thank you for your understanding, and we look forward to reopening these halls with improved facilities for your future events.

George Municipality appoints an environmental officer

George Municipality welcomes Ms. Lauren Josias as the newly appointed Environmental Officer, beginning her tenure on 1 February 2024.

Coming from a robust background in the private sector, Lauren has been involved in project development for accessing funds from the Global Climate Fund and Global Environment Facility for climate change adaptation projects in least developed and developing countries, as well as small island developing states.

Her experience extends to the public sector, serving as an environmental officer for a local municipality in the Western Cape. In this capacity, she managed various responsibilities including the administration of the Outeniqua Sensitive Coastal Area Extension Regulations, coastal management, pollution control and environmental planning.

Lauren holds a Postgraduate Diploma in Environmental Management from Stellenbosch University and is currently pursuing her Master’s degree. Her research is focused on ecosystem service valuation under the total economic value framework. Complementing her academic achievements, she holds a BTech in Environment Management.

In her role at George Municipality, Lauren is committed to upholding the municipality’s environmental mandates and contributing to its strategic objective of achieving environmental sustainability. Her passion lies in mainstreaming climate adaptation and mitigation efforts into urban planning and agricultural development.

With pride, confidence, and a dedicated spirit of learning, Lauren looks forward to serving the communities of the City of George, Wilderness, and Uniondale.

Mayor’s Newsletter for the week ending 9 February 2024

Ald Leon van Wyk, Executive Mayor of George

In preparation for the National and Provincial Elections to be held later this year, the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) held its second voter registration weekend on 3 and 4 February 2024 to enable citizens to register for these important elections. We are grateful that many hundreds of voters arrived to register. Many of these are citizens who have recently relocated to George from other parts of South Africa.

There appears to be a noticeable and welcoming shift among citizens towards an appreciation that the voters can and will determine the policy direction and pathway to success for our country. The almost daily reports and experiences of the ongoing crumbling of state capacity and infrastructure should be a clear signal to all citizens to pay greater attention to the crisis that we are facing.

In a recent article in Business Day, Jabulani Sikhakhane (a previous spokesperson of the National Treasury) lamented that the City of Johannesburg is collapsing with neither a plan nor any intent to save it. He wrote that SA’s largest city has now become a symbol of the country’s economic stagnation and decline. The city’s administrative and technical capacity to manage its affairs has been declining markedly for at least the past decade. The political will is also lacking. Infrastructure projects cannot be implemented without this capacity as well as political will.

Ricardo Hausmann, the director of Harvard’s Growth Lab (who has written the Growth with Inclusion report on SA) has said in a recent interview that other countries in the world have also experienced collapses in their electricity systems, but in each case, the private sector was permitted to provide solutions which they did within 3-5 years. South Africa is the only country where the government has impeded solutions for 15 years.

Our municipality is increasingly dealing on an ongoing basis with blockages and hurdles to finding solutions to a whole range of issues that negatively impact our efforts to plan and implement decisions to foster George’s growth and improvements for the well-being of citizens. Earlier this week, our municipal manager spoke at a high-level municipal finance conference in Johannesburg where she outlined impediments to our efforts to provide alternative energy for George.

The semi-grants to the Western Cape have recognised the efforts being undertaken by many municipalities in the province to strive for good service delivery in contrast to their experiences elsewhere. The work being undertaken by our municipal officials and councillors in their governance role is therefore critical as we chart our way forward to clear the legislative and red tape hurdles delaying our ability to implement progress.

It is refreshing to note that councillors regularly report back on situations where they believe that our response times in addressing complaints and faults are not at the expected standard. This dedication and desire to ensure that high standards are maintained is admirable.

However, it is important too for citizens to recognise the difference between constantly striving for excellence and what happens when that will, and determination do not exist (and we thank all those citizens who express their appreciation). It is this message that needs to be understood and shared by voters if we are to return the country to policies that encourage and drive economic growth, employment, and an improvement in the quality of life.

Alderman Leon van Wyk
Executive Mayor of George

Events Land Use Checklist

As George’s attraction for business, investment and new residents increases, so does the interest in staging local, national, and international events. Any event organiser will be aware that there are several authorisations which may be required in order to host an event. These authorisations include a population certificate for safety purposes, traffic and road closures, closure of public space and permission to erect marquees.

One of the most important permissions an event organiser must ensure that they have in hand is the land use rights to use the property for an event. The zoning scheme sets out the zoning rights for every property. To assist event organisers in determining if they need to make an application, the Town Planning Department has drafted an Events Land Use Checklist document.

There are only two scenarios where an event can be allowed without the need for a land use application. The 1st scenario is when the property has a primary right in terms of the zoning scheme. This means that the existing land rights allow events to be held on the property. If you are not sure of the zoning, you may contact the Town Planning office at 044 801 9477 for assistance.

The 2nd scenario is where the event is a once-off in the calendar year. This is called an ‘occasional use’ right. This means that the Municipality may permit one (1) occasional use activity for an event that involves the gathering of people on a property in any use zone, excluding a residential zone, per calendar year for which no land use approval from the Municipality is required. This is as long as the event is compliant with the conditions set out in the Events Land Use Checklist. Please note that a permission letter is still required from the Municipality for scenario 2 but it is a much shorter process than a full land use application.

If the event is not a primary right or does not comply with conditions to be classified as occasional use, then a land use application must be submitted to Town Planning for consideration and approval before the event may be held, from a land use perspective.

The Events Land Use Checklist can be downloaded on the following link:
https://www.george.gov.za/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/GM-Events_Land-Use-Checklist-2023.pdf

General event support information can be obtained from the following link:
https://www.george.gov.za/planning-development/local-economic-development/tourism/event-support/

It is the property owner’s responsibility to ensure that the zoning permission is in place to hold an event on the property.

Update: Unexpected Power Outages in Parts of George and Thembalethu

 

UPDATE: UNEXPECTED POWER OUTAGES IN PARTS OF GEORGE AND THEMBALETHU
Issued by George Municipality, 5 Feb 2024 @07:30

The power supply to the George CBD and Thembalethu has been restored. The George Municipal Electrotechnical Department attended to several power outages yesterday in parts of George including Bos en Dal, Groenewiede Park, Airport line, Herolds Bay Farms, George CBD and Thembalethu. The power has been restored to all areas.

***

UPDATE: UNEXPECTED POWER OUTAGES IN PARTS OF GEORGE
Issued by George Municipality, 4 Feb 2024 @21:40

The power supply has been restored at Bos en Dal, Groenewiede Park, Airport line and Herolds Bay Farms. The electricians are currently restoring the power supply to parts of the George CBD. Three mini substations will remain off until repairs have been completed. An estimated time of repair will be announced as soon as one of the cable faults has been located.

UNEXPECTED POWER OUTAGE IN PARTS OF THEMBALETHU
The George Municipality is aware of unexpected power outages in parts of Thembalethu. Electricians will be dispatched to investigate.

***

UNEXPECTED POWER OUTAGES IN PARTS OF GEORGE

Issued by George Municipality, 4 February 2024 @20:05

Unexpected power outages occurred in parts of George affecting the George CBD, Medi-clinic area, Comfersdrift, Dormehlsdrift, Blanco, Fancourt area, Groeneweide Park and Herolds Bay. The electricians are currently working on two cable faults in the CBD busy with tests. The estimated time of repair is not yet available.

Eskom Loadshedding Update 4 February 2024 @17:35


Issued by George Municipality on behalf of Eskom

Stage 3 loadshedding remains in force until 17:00 today. Thereafter, loadshedding will be reduced to Stage 2 until 16:00 on Monday. Thereafter stages 3 and 2 will be in force until further notice.

George will be affected as follows:
Monday 05/02/2024
12:00 – 14:30
20:00 – 22:30

Tuesday 06/02/2024
20:00 – 22:30

Wednesday 07/02/2024
04:00 – 06:30
20:00 – 22:30

Thursday 08/02/2024
04:00 – 06:30
12:00 – 14:30

Friday 09/02/2024
02:00 – 04:30
10:00 – 12:30
18:00 – 20:30

Uniondale will be affected as follows:
Sunday 04/02/2024
17:00 – 19:30

Monday 05/02/2024
15:00 – 17:30
23:00 – 01:30

Tuesday 06/02/2024
16:00 – 17:30
23:00 – 01:30

Wednesday 07/02/2024
07:00 – 09:30
23:00 – 01:30

Thursday 08/02/2024
07:00 – 09:30
15:00 – 17:30

Friday 09/02/2024
13:00 – 15:30
21:00 – 23:30

Eskom Loadshedding Update 4 February 2024 @10:30

ESKOM LOADSHEDDING UPDATE 4 FEBRUARY 2024 @10:30
Issued by George Municipality on behalf of Eskom

<<<Sunday, 04 February 2024: Due to the need to further replenish emergency reserves in preparation for the week ahead, Stage 3 loadshedding will be implemented from 02:00 on Sunday until further notice. Eskom will closely monitor the power system and communicate should it be required. (Eskom)>>>>

George will be affected as follows:
Sunday 04/02/2024
06:00 – 08:30
14:00 – 16:30

Monday 05/02/2024
04:00 – 06:30
12:00 – 14:30
20:00 – 22:30

Tuesday 06/02/2024
12:00 – 14:30
20:00 – 22:30

Uniondale will be affected as follows:
Sunday 04/02/2024
09:00 – 11:30
17:00 – 19:30

Monday 05/02/2024
07:00 – 09:30
15:00 – 17:30
23:00 – 01:30

Tuesday 06/02/2024
15:00 – 17:30
23:00 – 01:30

Pipe Birst in Bergsig

A pipe burst occurred on 2nd Street in Bergsig. The maintenance team is on-site busy with repairs, which are expected to take approximately 3 hours.

Eskom Loadshedding Update 2 Feb 2024 @18:50

Friday, 02 February 2024: Due to the anticipated lower weekend electricity demand and the need to replenish emergency reserves in preparation for the week ahead, loadshedding will be reduced to Stage 2 from 05:00 on Saturday until further notice. Eskom will closely monitor the power system and communicate should it be required.

George will be affected as follows:
Friday 02/02/2024
22:00 – 00:30

Saturday 03/02/2024
06:00 – 08:30

Sunday 04/02/2024
06:00 – 08:30
14:00 – 16:30

Uniondale will be affected as follows:
Friday 02/02/2024
17:00 – 19:30

Saturday 03/02/2024
01:00 – 03:30
09:00 – 11:30

Sunday 04/02/2024
09:00 – 11:30
17:00 – 19:30

Update: Unplanned Pipe Repair Blanco

Issued by George Municipality, 01 Feb 2024 @17:15

George Municipality’s Water Department this afternoon attended to a pipe burst on a main supply pipeline in Robyn Crescent, Blanco.

On investigation, the Water Distribution Personnel found that the section where the repair work is required is underneath an informal structure that can be dismantled. The structure will be dismantled over the weekend to continue with work on Monday, 05 February 2024.

Meanwhile, the Municipality is supplying the reservoir with an alternative 450mm diameter feeder pipeline, so everyone will have a water supply.

***

Issued by George Municipality, 1 February 2024 @16:30

George Municipality’s Water Department is currently attending to a pipe burst on a main supply pipeline in Robyn Crescent, Blanco. The repair of the pipeline is expected to take a bit longer than normal, due to challenging site conditions.

Currently, all residents should have water, but if anyone experiences no water or low water pressure, they should contact the After Hours Call Centre at 044 801 6300.