Skip to content Skip to left sidebar Skip to right sidebar Skip to footer

Press Release Archive

GO GEORGE survey to measure economic impact of bus service

An independent study under the joint auspices of the Western Cape Government Department of Transport and Public Works and the Municipality of George will be launched next week, aiming to determine and measure the overall economic impact of the implementation of the GO GEORGE bus service in George.

The 2021 George Integrated Public Transport Network (GIPTN) Macro-, Transport- and Socio-Economic Study (MTSES) will be carried out from October 2021 until May 2022 in George.

Macro-, transport- and socio-economic impact measured
The overall impact will be measured in three main areas, namely macro-economic, transport-economic and socio-economic impact. Several surveys will be carried out over a two-month period, starting on 18 October 2021 and ending towards middle December 2021.

George residents will be approached for feedback by means of the following four surveys:
• Passenger travel surveys, which will be carried out at GO GEORGE bus stops across the route network;
• Household surveys, which will be carried out door-to-door at individual households across various suburbs in George, Wilderness and surrounding areas;
• Business surveys (e.g. general businesses, GIPTN service providers as well as businesses at transfer locations around the greater CBD) which will be carried out primarily through telephonic and personal interviews;
• Special Interest Group surveys (e.g. users with special needs and specific-interest groups), to be carried out primarily through telephonic and personal interviews as well as distribution of electronic questionnaires.

Surveyors easy to identify
Surveyors will be wearing GO GEORGE-branded identification cards showing the person’s photo and ID number. An appeal is made to the George community to take five minutes out when they are approached and to assist with the valuable feedback only obtainable from those who use the bus service, or are in some way impacted by its operations.

Data obtained through the surveys will be captured and analysed starting around middle November 2021, to be carried out until April 2022, with final results, conclusions and reporting to be completed at the end of May 2022.

For more information or enquiries, the GO GEORGE Call Centre can be phoned on 0800 044 044.

CAPTION:
Surveyors approaching individuals or visiting households in the George area will carry identification cards. Here Siphiwo Mathys is working through a questionnaire with Patience Tisani, a passenger residing in Thembalethu.

GO GEORGE-navorsingstudie om ekonomiese impak van busdiens te meet
Uitgereik 11 Oktober 2021

‘n Onafhanklike studie onder die gesamentlike vaandel van die Wes-Kaapse departement van vervoer en openbare werke en die George-munisipaliteit sal volgende week van stapel gestuur word met die doel om die algehele ekonomiese impak van die implementering van die GO GEORGE-busdiens in George te bepaal en te meet.

Die 2021 makro-, vervoer- en sosio-ekonomiese studie van die George Geïntegreerde Openbare Vervoernetwerk (GIPTN) sal van Oktober 2021 tot Mei 2022 in George uitgevoer word.

Makro-, vervoer- en sosio-ekonomiese impak gemeet
Die algehele impak sal gemeet word in drie hoofareas, naamlik makro-ekonomiese, vervoer-ekonomiese en sosio-ekonomiese impak. Verskeie opnames sal oor ‘n tydperk van twee maande gedoen word, van 18 Oktober 2021 tot middel Desember 2021.

George-inwoners sal genader word vir terugvoer deur middel van die volgende vier opnames:
• Passasiersopnames wat by GO GEORGE-bushaltes oor die netwerk van roetes uitgevoer sal word;
• Huishoudelike opnames, wat deur-tot-deur by individuele huishoudings oor verskeie voorstede in George, Wildernis en omliggende gebiede uitgevoer sal word;
• Besigheidsopnames (bv. algemene besighede, GIPTN-diensverskaffers sowel as besighede by oorklimplekke rondom die groter besigheidskern) wat hoofsaaklik deur telefoniese en persoonlike onderhoude uitgevoer sal word;
• Spesiale belangegroep-opnames (bv. gebruikers met spesiale behoeftes en spesifieke belangegroepe), wat hoofsaaklik uitgevoer sal word deur telefoniese en persoonlike onderhoude asook die verspreiding van elektroniese vraelyste.

Navorsingsbeamptes maklik om te identifiseer
Navorsingsbeamptes sal GO GEORGE- identifikasiekaarte met die persoon se foto- en ID-nommer dra. ‘n Beroep word op die George-gemeenskap gedoen om vyf minute af te staan wanneer hulle genader word en te help met die waardevolle terugvoer wat slegs bekombaar is van diegene wat die busdiens gebruik, of op een of ander manier deur die busdiens se bedrywighede geraak word.

Data wat deur die studie verkry word, sal opgeteken en ontleed word vanaf middel November 2021 tot April 2022, met finale resultate, gevolgtrekkings en verslae wat aan die einde van Mei 2022 voltooi moet word.

Vir meer inligting of navrae kan die GO GEORGE-inbelsentrum by 0800 044 044 044 gebel word.

BYSKRIF:
Navorsingsbeamptes wat individue nader of huishoudings in die George-omgewing besoek, sal identifikasiekaarte dra. Hier werk Siphiwo Mathys deur ‘n vraelys met Patience Tisani, ‘n passasier wat in Thembalethu woon.

Better roads all over

George Municipality is spending R14-million this financial year (2021-22) upgrading roads in the municipal area, half of which is for the paving of gravel roads and the remainder for resealing of existing tar roads.

George Municipality Acting Director Civil Engineering Services Lionel Daniels said the municipality had already resealed 22 of the 25 roads identified as high priority upgrades through its Pavement Management System for this financial year, and paving of ten out of 12 gravel roads were underway. Work on the remainder of roads will commence as soon as contractors have been appointed.

“In addition to municipal funding, there are also several projects underway or completed that are financed by provincial funding. These include rehabilitation and upgrade of CJ Langenhoven Street (a proclaimed road) which was completed earlier this year and public transport infrastructure grant funding for the upgrades in Market Street that are currently underway,” said Mr Daniels.

George Executive Mayor Alderman Leon van Wyk said the municipality was committed to optimise road upgrades across the city. “While budget restraints require that we prioritise roads in poor to very poor condition, we continually pursue other sources of funding to address as many issues as possible,” said Mr Van Wyk.

More information on how road repairs are prioritised in George is available at https://www.george.gov.za/civil-engineering/streets-storm-water/

Get your vaccine now for a safe summer season – Distributed by the Department of Health

Those who have not yet received their vaccine should do so now. If you want to be fully vaccinated by 1 December, the start of the festive season, you will need to:

• Receive your first dose of Pfizer by no later than 20 October 2021.
• Receive your second dose 42 days after. This means that you will have received your second dose by 1 December 2021 latest.

It takes approximately two weeks from full vaccination (after your second jab) for you to develop maximum immune protection. This means if you get your second jab on 1 December, you will have the best possible protection from around 14 December – just around the time that many people have planned to start their festive season plans.
Western Cape Government Health has set December as the target to ensure that residents have a summer that they can look forward to and aims to fully vaccinate 70% of those over 50 years old by December and 70% of the eligible population with at least one dose.

The recently held Vooma vaccination weekend drive saw 59 429 vaccines administered in the Western Cape of which 1104 were administered in the Garden Route.

“Although the turn-out was much less than anticipated, we commend every person who came for their vaccination, despite rainy and very cold weather. We want to encourage our communities to take up the offer of vaccination as it has been demonstrated to offer significant protection against severe COVID related disease and death”, said Mr Zee Brickles (Health Director: Garden Route and Central Karoo).

“We all want to enjoy the festive season which is why I have also launched the jabs b4jol campaign to encourage especially young people to get vaccinated. Vaccines are safe and very effective. We are seeing a lot fewer hospitalisations and deaths in people who get vaccinated. While some people have minor reactions after getting vaccinated like headaches or fever, these are often easily managed at home, and the benefit of getting vaccinated is much greater than being unvaccinated and getting COVID-19. Please use any one of our vaccine sites. Many who are 18 years and older, who received their jabs from 20 August, are now eligible for their second shot. Please do not hesitate, fully vaccinate”, said Minister of Health, Dr Mbombo.

Caption: Walk-about at Harry Comay Hospital’s Vooma vaccination site from left front: Mr Jewel Jonkers (Director Education Garden Route), Mr Memory Booysen (Garden Route mayor), Sr Linda Geweld (Nursing Manager Harry Comay Hospital), Back: Dr Terence Marshall (Health), Mr Zee Brickles (Health Director: Garden Route and Central Karoo District), Mr Leon van Wyk (George mayor), Dr Zilla North (medical manager George subdistrict)

Operation Borcherds, Conville, Parkdene and Lawaaikamp yields 4600 black bags of rubbish

Phase two of Operation Clean up swung into action last week in areas Borcherds, Conville, Parkdene and Lawaaikamp with cleaning teams from Community Services moving in to clear up illegal dump sites and raise awareness around the dangers of illegal dumping. A total of 4600 black bags of refuse was collected and cleared over a seven (7) day period.

Illegal Dumping Awareness – George Municipal Officials for Community Services Aneliswa Igwilo, discusses the dangers of illegal dumping at the Corner Shop, Borchards.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Conville Library Colour Competition for local Creches
Conville Library Assistant Hazel Springfield set up two interesting displays explaining the consequences of Illegal Dumping. Four local creches took great delight in participating in a colouring-in-competition run by Conville Library. Parkdene Creche, Monica’s Nest, Siembamba Speelgroep and Sonneblom Kleurterskool each received a Children’s Book, Disney: Die Klokluier van Notre Dame, as a prize for their participation.

 

 

 

 

 

Road markings upgraded
Civil Engineering Services took the opportunity to walk along all of the main sewer lines in the areas of Borcherds, Parkdene, Lawaaikamp and Conville. Two problems were immediately addressed. A catchpit repair was undertaken in De Villiers Street, Borcherds. In a number of instances road markings and street signage was either reinstated/ or repaired.

 

Road Safety Awareness Campaign

George Municipal Traffic Department participated in Operation Borcherds, Conville, Parkdene and Lawaaikamp on Friday 1ast October with the team stationed outside Conville Clinic.

Executive Mayor Leon Van Wyk visited the team on the day and spent some time reviewing the technology at the department’s disposal. The new mobile traffic vehicle is fully equipped with Automatic Number Plate Recognition cameras (ANPR)  which can view an oncoming vehicle, and indicate whether there are any outstanding traffic fines linked to the licence plate. The fines can be printed inside the mobile bus. If the fine is a warrant of arrest, payment is immediately payable, either on the bus or the individual can be escorted to the Traffic Department. For any other fines, the driver is notified of the fine and cautioned to pay before due date.

“This vehicle allows our traffic officials to issue drivers with notices of their outstanding fines. Outstanding fines are always a cause of great concern for Council, as well as the municipality due to the expenditure on traffic policing. We know that fines for misconduct by road users are issued, but some of them just simply do not get paid. It is important that drivers adhere to road rules and pay fines when notified to avoid the process of a summons that will follow due to non-payment”,  said Ald Van Wyk.

 

The Mayor was impressed by the devices available to test drivers who might be under the influence of alcohol. Mr. Ruben Lakata, Assistant Director, Road Safety Management, Department of Transport and Public Works explained step for step how the disposable breathalyzer’s must be used and the meaning of the different colours that will display for example, yellow shows no alcohol present and green shows alcohol present.

“ It was a very proud moment for me as the Executive Mayor of our municipality to see our traffic officials at work and to witness the technology in action. With the Covid-19 Alert level having been changed to level one, and a number of relaxations having been affected, that does not mean that we should ignore the rules and regulations of the road. We want our drivers to keep safe, as well as drive safe.”

During a light-hearted moment Ald Van Wyk tested goggles that simulate the effects of drunk driving noting that it’s very sobering  on viewing the video of himself afterwards, to see how poor your judgement becomes when under the influence.

Daantjie Kat was on hand to hand out colouring books, crayons, reflective bands and more to local children to raise awareness around traffic safety. In the main photograph Mayor Van Wyk and Daantjie Kat (in the middle) and George Traffic Services officials hand over pamphlets, crayons and colour in books to children from left,  Shireen Jordaan (9),  Patriano Davids (6), Joshua Hofmeester  (9), Melenicia Hess (9), Haylene Jordaan (4) and Jay lee-anne Davids (8).

 

 

Thembalethu substation construction to commence

George Municipality held a sod-turning ceremony last week to signal the beginning of construction of a 66/11 kV 40 MVA electrical substation in Thembalethu, one of the largest of its kind in the Southern Cape and a major bulk infrastructure milestone for the city.

George Executive Mayor Leon van Wyk said the new substation would alleviate load on the substations that were currently supplying Thembalethu and therefore served as an important catalyst for investment funding from both the state and business.

“George Municipality is a key growth area for many investors, but it requires certain very expensive bulk infrastructure to support the growth. The allocation of supportive funding from the national Department of Mineral Resources and Energy to build this substation signals trust in the local authority to facilitate growth and service delivery. In turn, the municipality can provide the kind of infrastructure required for outside manufacturers and business to invest and for housing supportive facilities to be developed across the municipal area,” said Mr Van Wyk.

Municipality Director Electrotechnical Services Bongani Mandla said the completed Thembalethu substation would be one of the largest 66/11 kV substations in the Southern Cape. “It will provide power to Thembalethu and other suburbs east of the N2 that are currently supplied from substations across the highway. The overall impact on the city’s grid will be adequate capacity for a growing city and more reliable supply to especially the eastern areas,” said Mr Mandla.

Construction on the Thembalethu 66kV substation commences this month (October 2021) and will run across three financial years. The first phase, costing about R30-million, is funded two thirds by the municipality and the rest by the Integrated National Electrification Programme grant (INEP) of the national Department of Mineral Resources and Energy. The entire project is costed at an estimated R58 million.

The substation’s construction consists mostly of the manufacturing, supply and installation of 11 kV and 66 kV equipment, two new 66/11 kV 20MVA power transformers and ancillary protection and control equipment.

The first phase of the substation, which will include the commissioning of the 66 kV yard, first power transformer and 11 kV switchgear, is expected to be completed in the first quarter of 2023.

Caption
At the sod turning ceremony of the new Thembalethu 66 kV substation, back from left to right: Deon Esterhuysen (George Municipality), Chris Spies (George Municipality), Alwyn Huisamen (VE Reticulation), Electrotechnical Services Portfolio Councillor Nosicelo Mbete, Jurgens Bosman (VE Reticulation), Executive Mayor Alderman Leon van Wyk, Joubert Theart (Zutari) and Danie de Vries (BDE Consulting), and front from left are George Municipality Electrotechnical Services Director Bongani Mandla and Kevin Grunewald (BDE Consulting).

Meulen River cleanup Thembalethu

The George Municipality cleansing team and the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) conducted a clean-up at Meul River, Thembalethu recently which is located near Tyhaliti Close.
The purpose of this clean-up was to show community members that illegal dumping should become something of the past and that it affects everyone in the community in terms of health . Besides the obvious health risks, it has become a bad habit for residents as it attracts snakes and rats and more. While the group were cleaning, they found three snakes in the rubble. This could have very serious consequences for children, as most of them like to play in these dumping locations.
The campaign was undertaken by 36 individuals from different departments.

Caption:Information on illegal dumping and its consequences were distributed in areas near the cleanup.

VACCINATION WEEKEND Garden Route

The Vooma Vaccination Weekend is on our doorstep, taking place from 1 to 3 October nationally.  The aim of this vaccination drive is to vaccinate 70% of adults by the end of the year – that’s 17 million more people. If we achieve that, projections are that we will save at least 20 000 lives.

The Garden Route has administered 256 879 vaccines to date.  The percentage of the Garden Route population over 18 years who have received at least one dose vaccine stands at 41% . If you are 18 or older, don’t wait any longer! Go and get vaccinated at a site near you. The vaccination is free to everyone living in South Africa, whether you are a South African or from another country.

VOOMA weekend sites:

Sub-District Site Operating Hours

2 Oct 2021

Operating Hours

3 Oct 2021

George Harry Comay TB Hospital 08h00 – 16h00 08h00 – 16h00
Hessequa Riversdale Civic Centre 08h00 – 16h00 08h00 – 16h00
Hessequa Heidelberg Duivenhoks Hall 08h00 – 14h00  
Hessequa Albertinia Theronsville Hall 08h00 – 14h00  
Hessequa Witsand de Duine Hall 08h00 – 14h00  
Kannaland Ladismith Town Hall 08h00 – 16h00  
Kannaland Calitzdorp DRC Church Hall   08h00 – 16h00
Knysna Knysna CDC 08h00 – 16h00  
Mossel Bay Alma CDC 08h00 – 16h00  
Mossel Bay D’Almeida CDC   08h00 – 16h00
Oudtshoorn Bongolethu Clinic 08h00 – 16h00 08h00 – 16h00
Bitou Plettenberg Bay Clinic   08h00 – 16h00

 

COVID cases
The district is still showing a decrease in the total number of new cases over the last 7 days compared to 7 – 14 days ago. George Regional Hospital is also experiencing decreased pressure in wards as well as the critical care unit. Today there are 26 COVID patients in the COVID ward and 10 patients in the critical care unit. Harry Comay Hospital, a step-down facility for George Hospital has 7 COVID-19 patients. All district hospitals have decreased pressure except for Oudtshoorn Hospital, which although less busy, still has a high number of COVID inpatients.

 

New mobile incident command unit can meet a crisis where it’s at

George Fire and Rescue has taken delivery of a state-of-the-art mobile incident command unit that will be used to manage administration and support on the scene of a crisis, disaster or rescue situation.

“The custom-built minibus is effectively a mini crisis command centre that can collect and distribute real-time data that will empower decisionmakers and roleplayers that are not on the scene to respond appropriately to a given situation,” said Chief Fire Officer Neels Barnard.

“The diverse circumstances of the George municipal area often result in extraordinary emergency situations that range from mountain, cliffside and sea rescues and recoveries to runaway fires, floods, wind damage and more. Most of these happen far from crisis centre hubs, which require constant scene-to-management feedback and updates which in turn draws essential emergency workers off site and away from the important work of saving lives and property.

“The Type-3 mobile command unit is equipped with technology that bridges the gap so that emergency personnel can stay on site and get on with their work, while providing online, real-time information and footage to decisionmakers that support and finance the work on the ground. The communications capacity also means the ability to synchronise multi-agency situations that require communication to Joint Operations Centres, government roleplayers and other stakeholders almost anywhere in the world.”

The unit can be set up almost anywhere in a short timeframe. It is the first of its kind in the country with a super-high roof to allow for standing room and additional above-counter space. The technology onboard includes two computerised workstations, radio frequency transceivers and internet access, an electric generator and solar panels, and a fixed camera with live footage capability to allow remote monitoring.

It can operate in an environment with little or no basic facilities, including no electrical service and phone lines, and has own power generation capacity to operate independently for at least three days.

The back section of the vehicle incorporates a Type-3 hazardous materials response unit with a mobile decontamination unit, hazardous materials suits and equipment for detecting chemicals, harmful gasses and radiation.

The vehicle was financed with Western Cape grant funding and kitted out using municipal funds. “We are grateful that provincial government and Council recognise the diverse challenges of firefighting in the George Municipality and surrounds. We continue to see the significant difference it makes in the field where lives and properties are saved every day,” said Mr Barnard.

In the main photograph, Western Cape Deputy Director Disaster Manager Rowena Page officially handed over the municipality’s new mobile incident command centre to George Chief Fire Officer Neels Barnard and Executive Alderman Mayor Leon van Wyk last week.

George Executive Mayor Leon van Wyk (left) fist bumps Brandon Woolley of Ramcom, the company that fitted the vehicle for its advanced requirement.

George alternative energy system used as training example for others

George Municipality’s metering and billing system for alternative energy sources is being used in national training as a good example for other municipalities in the country to follow.

Electrotechnical Services Director Bongani Mandla said installation of alternative energy sources, also known as small scale embedded generation (SSEG) systems, had steadily increased in the region over the past few years. “The need had arisen for a system that could take on metered energy and possibly compensate consumers with financial credit for excess energy fed back into the municipal electricity grid.

“George Municipality’s electrotechnical measurements section has over the past few years successfully implemented bidirectional metering and time-of-use tariffs at registered SSEG sites, mostly solar energy plants, in the George municipal area.”

George is one of very few B-type municipalities in the country to have implemented such a metering and billing system successfully, which is now being used in a national SSEG training course on the national SSEG Municipal Resource Portal as an example to other municipalities on how to introduce such systems into their distribution networks. The Resource Portal is backed by Sustainable Energy Africa, CSIR, GIZ and SALGA, which makes the achievement even more commendable.

Mr Mandla commended the measurements section and in particular senior engineering technician Adam Willems and manager measurements Derek Baxter, for their dedication to implement this system.

“We are proud to be at the forefront in implementing a new system that enhances service delivery and contributes to long-term sustainability and responsible resource management. We believe it is important for municipalities to allow SSEG customers onto their system and hope our example will inspire others to follow,” said Mr Mandla.

More information about the registration of SSEGs and related information is available on the municipal website at https://www.george.gov.za/electro-technical/

In the photograph: The dedication of senior engineering technician Adam Willems (left) and manager measurements Derek Baxter (right) was key to the successful implementation of the SSEG system, under the management of deputy director engineering services Kobus Wilken.

Operation Thembalethu

The Department of Community Services supported by other directorates recently undertook a number of projects in and around Thembalethu recently.

Planting of trees
The municipality is focusing on the cleaning and greening of the environment, and Thembalethu has been a focus point since the beginning of August into September 2021 when Arbor Month is celebrated. Thembalethu was picked due to the illegal dumping taking place in the area.  A team from the George Municipality’s Environmental department planted trees at the Inkubeko Youth and Science Centre in Thembalethu. There were 3 trees planted, namely Celtis africana, Trimeria grandifolia, Tarchonanthus camphoratus. There were additional trees left at the site for the employees to plant. All the trees were donated by Precious Tree Project and other donors.

Library hosts painting demonstration

Thembalethu Library hosted several artists including Anthony Noble, Ernest Ntseke and Bob Bulelani who held painting demonstrations with the theme of Illegal dumping. Several displays with regards to this subject matter (Illegal dumping) were set up for all to see, at the entrance of the library.

 

 

The importance of recycling was also covered and depicted. During National Book Week which took place from 6-10 September 2021, pupils at the different schools were invited to either write a poem or essay about illegal dumping. All poems and essays will be exhibited inside the library.

 

 

Thembalethu Sports Grounds
The Sport Development section is mandated to create an enabling environment for the delivering of sport services in George. As part of their continuous effort to ensure that a favourable environment exist the team launched an intensive effort to clean up the entrance to the Thembalethu Sports Grounds to ensure a welcoming environment.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Soccer opportunities
After engagement with the local football association, an initiative was launched that will assist in providing more opportunities for the youth to partake in soccer and enter into the sport. In collaboration with the Directorate Civil Engineering Services, three mini-soccer courts were painted on the paved area at the Thembalethu Sport grounds. These courts will go a long way in assisting the facilitation of soccer development programmes, as well as holiday programmes aimed at the youth.

Weeds and removal of trees
The Tree and Cemeteries team focused on the eradication and herbicide application for weeds all along the main roads in Thembalethu, as well as on sidewalks and municipal open spaces.

Several problem trees were removed including four in Nelson Mandela Boulvevard, a dead oak tree at the T Junction, two trees at the Thembalethu Thusong Centre and a pine tree in Ncamanza Street. Trees were trimmed on Ncamanza and Tshefu Street to improve street visibility.

Illegal Dumping clearing of Nelson Mandela Boulevard

This project commenced in late August with Nelson Mandela Boulevard as the starting point. The purpose of this project was to target the Illegal Dumping sites, through clearing them to try and prevent or reduce ongoing dumping there. Unfortunately, Thembalethu is the biggest hotspot for Illegal Dumping in the George area. Information flyers on the dangers of illegal dumping were also handed out from door to door to remind residents of why they should report; and or prevent illegal dumping in their communities.

George Traffic Department road safety outreach
The Traffic Department recently focused on Road safety in Thembalethu with the aim to educate drivers on sharing the road with one another, not to speed and to be tolerant on the road. Officers distributed road safety educational pamphlets to educate pedestrians on safe walking and the proper method of crossing roads. The road safety mascot, Danny Cat, also visited schools Tyholora and Thembalethu Primary Schools where officers spoke about road safety and used the opportunity to explain the importance of sanitising your hands.

George Olympians Honoured

George Olympians Honoured Issued George Municipality, 20th September 2021

George Municipality hosted an intimate gathering this week on Wednesday to honour two of our Olympian athletes who competed in this year’s 2021 Tokyo Olympics held in July. Executive Mayor Leon Van Wyk together with Deputy Mayor Charlotte Clarke, Director for Planning Lauren Waring, Tourism Manager Joan Shaw and Portfolio Councillor for Finance and Strategic Services, Dirk Wessels collectively applauded marathon runner Elroy Gelant and surfer Bianca Buitendag of George, for their dedication, talent and Olympic performance.

Quoting from Malcolm Gladwell’s popular book “Outliers” which discusses the 10,000-hours concept, Ald Van Wyk acknowledged the time, energy, sheer will and determination that got Elroy and Bianca to the Olympics this year. “Outliers”, according to Gladwell are the best and the brightest, the most famous and the most successful. He asks the question: what makes high-achievers different? And determines that 10 000 hours of practice plays a substantial role in the incredible achievements of elite artists, athletes and musicians.”

Yvonne and Stephen Gelant proud parents of Elroy Gelant, who is lecturing at Potchefstroom University, received a framed photograph of the George Mountains for their son, who competed for South Africa at the 2021 Tokyo Olympics earlier this year. Bianca Buitendag, professional surfer was the Silver Medal winner for Women’s shortboard competition at the 2021 Tokyo Olympics was thrilled with her framed photograph of a surfer standing on the rocks at Victoria Bay photographed by local Melanie Marè.

George Municipality is proud to announce that we will financially support and host the annual Elroy Gelant Night Race this year, to be held in Pacaltsdorp in December, a sporting and fun event for the whole family. The annual event is aimed at developing local athletics and promoting sports. The race falls within the approved SWD athletics calendar. In 2016 the race was named after local athlete Elroy Gelant, from Pacaltsdorp, in honour of him becoming an Olympic athlete in that year.

George Municipality partnered with Bianca Buitendag supporting her financially in her quest to win a medal at the Tokyo Olympic Games. Bianca was appointed as an ambassador for George and proved to be a key asset in promoting George as a tourist and great surfing destination. A spinoff of this support is a girl’s social surf which will be hosted by Bianca Buitendag at Victoria Bay in October, where she hopes to inspire young surfers to reach for their dreams. Watch the press for details.
>
Photographs: Please note all Covid-19 protocols were observed at the gathering. Masks were removed for photographs only.
Bianca Buitendag with SA flag taken on day of her Silver Medal win in Tokyo.
>

Wilderness now serviced by its own fire station

Wilderness area is now being served by its own satellite fire station, which was officially opened on Friday, 17 September 2021.

Situated near the Caltex The Waves circle on the N2, the new station was built to serve the diverse fire and rescue needs of the area east of the Kaaimans River Bridge, which had until recently been addressed from the main fire station in the George CBD 14km away.

George Chief Fire Officer Neels Barnard said a satellite station in Wilderness had been a long-term goal of the department to cover the area’s fire and rescue risks more effectively. “We now have quick and easy access to the N2 for vehicle accidents and hazardous materials spills, the Wilderness beach and lakes for water incidents and rescues as well as significant fire risks such as fuel stations, hotels, dense vegetation and agricultural land.”

The Wilderness station is also the first in the Southern Cape to be a double-storey facility with a fireman’s pole.

The 440sqm station comprises 348sqm bottom-floor space for vehicles and equipment and 92sqm above for staff quarters. It has three spaces for specialised vehicles including a major fire appliance, 4×4 off-road firefighting vehicle and a jetski, quadbike and rubber duck. The facility is manned around the clock by four firefighters.

“There are many advantages of having a fire station in an expanding and diverse community such as Wilderness and surrounds, including the much faster response times to road accidents and fires. Its location next to the Wilderness police station is ideal as there are several overlapping services and administration between the SAPS and municipal emergency services during and after an incident.

“The department is grateful to its Municipal Council for recognising the diverse fire and rescue needs that exist in the area and for supporting an ongoing programme to equip the Fire and Rescue department with specialised gear and facilities to continue protecting land and property.

“We also thank donors Peter Grindlay and Mikaila Hendrikz of Dotsure and Jenny Harding of Delightful Gardens for their contributions towards the interior design and beautifying of the Wilderness Fire Station,” said Mr Barnard.

At the official opening George Executive Mayor Alderman Leon van Wyk commended Mr Barnard and his department for their pursuit of excellence. “I am very proud of their hard work – their persistence in continuance expansion of capacity will pay off for decades to come,” said Ald van Wyk.

Wilderness is the municipality’s third satellite station in addition to Thembalethu and Uniondale.

Caption
In front of the shiny new Wilderness fire station from left are Platoon Commander Santa Sternsdorf, Platoon Commander Shane Fisher, George Station Commander Johann Crouse, Chief Fire Officer Neels Barnard, George Executive Mayor Alderman Leon van Wyk, Deputy Executive Mayor Charlotte Clarke and Wilderness Ward Councillor Marlene Barnardt.

GO GEORGE female staff juggling work, family and Covid

GO GEORGE female staff juggling work, family and Covid
Issued 23 Aug 2021

Each August, we celebrate women. We point out their strength, their achievements, their invaluable contributions; in the case of GO GEORGE, often in a so-called “man’s world”.
In August 2020, everybody was still in shock and hoping to beat the virus within a few months. This year, women’s voices sound different. Some talk of hope, of caring, of doing what’s got to be done. Others don’t see light at the end of the tunnel; actually, they don’t see the end of the tunnel.
Unlike previous years when it was interesting and enlightening to sit around a table with a number of female bus drivers, for instance, GO GEORGE now requested feedback from female staff members about their experience of womanhood during the Covid-19 pandemic via a short list of questions.
Most of the women who have responded, work shifts, from as early as 04:30 in the morning, only getting home after 20:00 when they start later. Many are single mothers. Most have a support system for their children’s care, be it a grandmother, neighbour or elder siblings, or husbands when their work hours allow. However, many still need to help children with “lockdown schoolwork” after they get home, on top of daily household duties. Noticeable was how many taught their children who couldn’t attend school for long periods of time, how to carry out essential household chores.
“I just find it sad to tell my children they cannot go play with friends. We try to keep them busy indoors, but it’s not easy, and it’s not good,” one mother said. Without exception, they try to answer their children’s many questions and to keep their hopes up, that life will get better and easier again, that “this too shall pass”.
Many remain positive. “I can’t wait for Covid-19 to get over and done with. I can summarise the past year as me being retrenched by a previous employer, employed again, becoming a promoter of good hygiene, a teacher, infected (asymptomatic), but refusing to get tired, and defined by my desire to be even more!”
Those with younger children struggle from time to time: “2021 is a very hard time for me as I have to leave my kids alone at home because they are doing turns at school and the aftercare is closed due to Covid,” says a mother of two children, aged eight and 12.
Depending on their personal circumstances, some struggle to stay positive. “I don’t see any future anymore, no hope and no dreams. I am worried about my child’s future.”
Apart from one young woman, those interviewed are all mothers, some single, some wives or partners, daughters to their parents, and pillars in their communities.
Stanley Fortuin from George Link says the perseverance and courage to face all the challenges of a bus driver is handled with grace and responsibility by their female drivers. “Although they admit that it is some days harder than others, they still find balance between motherhood, being a wife and their profession. You will seldom hear our ladies complain and we really want to thank every one of them this month, for the incredible contribution they make in their personal lives to their families as well as their vital service to our community.”
“The women working for GO GEORGE are specialists in their respective fields, dedicated workers who keep the wheels of the bus service rolling,” says James Robb, GO GEORGE Manager. “We celebrate, salute and applaud our female staff for their contribution to our service, the way in which they carry out their duties under the most difficult and uncertain circumstances, always going the extra mile. Because every step these days, is a marathon.”
Box:
GO GEORGE asked:
What does it feel like to be a woman in 2021?
• Awesome, challenging, protective yet exciting to be alive.
• Wow, a lot of responsibility, but very happy when I see the appreciation and love in my family’s eyes.
• Sometimes anxious and frustrated by the uncertainty, but then I remember that I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
• The love for my child and the need to protect her makes me strong.
• I’m scared for the future of our kids.
• I will always be a rock, no matter what the situation is.

CAPTIONS:
Campions early morning:
The GO GEORGE communication champions start work when it’s still dark and work mostly outdoors, engaging with passengers. Here Dieketseng Mosesane (champions’ supervisor) reminds some learners how to stay safe when using the bus service.
Call Centre agent coming home:
Mandie Bayman is a GO GEORGE Call Centre agent whose early shift starts at 04:30. On such days, four-year-old Raynechia sees her mom for the first time when she welcomes her back home after lunch.

GO GEORGE vroulike personeel balanseer werk, familie en Covid
Uitgereik 23 Aug 2021

Elke jaar in Augustus vier ons vroue. Ons wys op hul krag, hul prestasies, hul waardevolle bydraes; in die geval van GO GEORGE, dikwels in ‘n sogenaamde “manswêreld”.
In Augustus 2020 was almal nog in skok en vol hoop om die virus binne ‘n paar maande te klop. Hierdie jaar klink vroue se stemme anders. Sommige praat van hoop, van omgee, van doen wat gedoen moet word. Ander sien nie lig aan die einde van die tonnel nie; eintlik sien hulle nie die einde van die tonnel nie.
Anders as vorige jare toe dit interessant en insiggewend was om saam met ‘n aantal vroulike busbestuurders om ‘n tafel te sit, het GO GEORGE hierdie jaar via ‘n kort vraelys terugvoer van vroulike personeellede versoek oor hul ervaring van vrouwees tydens die Covid-19-pandemie. vrae.
Die meeste van die vroue wat gereageer het, werk skofte, van so vroeg as 04:30 in die oggend, en kom na 20:00 eers tuis wanneer hulle later in die dag begin. Baie van hulle is enkelmoeders. Die meeste het ‘n ondersteuningstelsel wat hom om hul kinders te versorg, hetsy dit ‘n ouma, buurvrou, ouer broers en susters of hul mans is wanneer hul werksure dit toelaat. Baie moet egter steeds kinders help met “inperking-skoolwerk” nadat hulle by die huis kom, en nog daaglikse huishoudelike pligte ook afhandel. Opvallend was hoeveel van die vroue hul kinders wat vir lang tydperke nie skool kon bywoon nie, geleer het hoe om noodsaaklike huishoudelike take uit te voer.
“Ek vind dit net hartseer om vir my kinders te sê hulle kan nie saam met maats gaan speel nie. Ons probeer om hulle in die huis besig te hou, maar dit is nie maklik nie, en dit is nie goed nie,” het een ma gesê. Sonder uitsondering probeer hulle hul kinders se baie vrae beantwoord en om hul hoop dat die lewe weer beter en makliker sal word, dat “dit ook sal verbygaan” aan die gang te hou.
Baie bly positief. “Ek kan nie wag vir Covid-19 om verby te kom en klaar te kry nie. Ek kan die afgelope jaar opsom as ek wat deur ‘n vorige werkgewer afgelê word, weer in diens geneem word, ‘n promotor van goeie higiëne, ‘n onderwyser, en (asimptomaties) siek word met Covid, maar weier om moeg te word, en steeds gedefinieer word deur my begeerte om selfs meer te wees!”
Diegene met jonger kinders sukkel van tyd tot tyd: “2021 is ‘n baie moeilike tyd vir my, want ek moet my kinders alleen by die huis los omdat hulle beurte maak by die skool en die nasorg is gesluit weens Covid,” sê ‘n ma van twee kinders tussen die ouderdomme van agt en 12.
Afhangende van hul persoonlike omstandighede, sukkel party om positief te bly. “Ek sien geen toekoms meer nie, geen hoop en geen drome nie. Ek is bekommerd oor die toekoms van my kind.”
Afgesien van een jong vrou, is diegene met wie onderhoude gevoer is almal moeders, sommige enkellopend, sommige eggenote of lewensmaats, dogters vir hul ouers en pilare in hul gemeenskappe.
Stanley Fortuin van George Link sê die deursettingsvermoë en moed om al die uitdagings van ‘n busbestuurder die hoof te bied, word met grasie en verantwoordelikheid deur hul vroulike bestuurders hanteer. “Hoewel hulle erken dat dit ‘n paar dae moeiliker is as ander, vind hulle steeds balans tussen moederskap, vrouwees en hul beroep. Jy sal ons dames selde hoor kla en ons wil regtig elkeen van hulle vandeesmaand bedank vir die ongelooflike bydrae in hul persoonlike lewens aan hul families, sowel as hul noodsaaklike diens aan ons gemeenskap.”
“Die vroue wat vir GO GEORGE werk, is spesialiste op hul onderskeie gebiede, toegewyde werkers wat die wiele van die busdiens aan die rol hou,” sê James Robb, GO GEORGE-bestuurder. “Ons vier, salueer en loof ons vroulike personeel vir hul bydrae tot ons diens en die manier waarop hulle hul pligte onder die moeilikste en onsekerste omstandighede uitvoer en altyd die ekstra myl loop. Want deesdae is elke tree ‘n maraton.”

Kassie:
GO GEORGE het gevra:
Hoe voel dit om in 2021 ‘n vrou te wees?
• Wonderlik, uitdagend, beskermend, maar tog opwindend om te lewe.
• Sjoe, baie verantwoordelikheid, maar baie gelukkig wanneer ek die waardering en liefde in my familie se oë sien.
• Soms angstig en gefrustreerd weens die onsekerheid, maar dan onthou ek dat ek alles kan doen deur Christus wat my versterk.
• Die liefde vir my kind en die behoefte om haar te beskerm, maak my sterk.
• Ek is bang vir die toekoms van ons kinders.
• Ek sal altyd ‘n rots wees, maak nie saak wat die situasie is nie.

ONDERSKRIFTE:
Campions early morning:
Die GO GEORGE-passasiersdiensbeamptes begin werk wanneer dit nog donker is en werk meestal buitenshuis om met passasiers te skakel. Hier herinner Dieketseng Mosesane (passasiersdienstoesighouer) ‘n paar leerders hoe om veilig te bly wanneer hulle die busdiens gebruik.
Call Centre agent coming home:
Mandie Bayman is ‘n GO GEORGE-oproepsentrumagent wie se vroeë skof om 04:30 begin. Op sulke dae sien die vierjarige Raynechia haar ma vir die eerste keer wanneer sy haar ná middagete terug van die werk af verwelkom.

Female fleet manager retires from a career in a man’s world

George Municipality Fleet Manager Manon McDonald, aged 56, this month retires from a lifetime career in a ‘man’s world’. Manon is an electrical engineering technician who in later years took on municipal fleet management as part of her job in Knysna. As fleet manager in George since 2015 she has been responsible for more than 1000 vehicles and associated equipment.

Manon became an electrical engineering student because she wasn’t good at typing. “I didn’t know what to do after school and was looking at courses at the local Klerksdorp Technikon to see if there was anything I could see myself doing for a living. I had a head for administration, so a secretarial course seemed a logical choice, but I was really bad at typing, which was still a major part of office management in the 1980s,” says Manon.

The only other thing that appealed was a qualification as electrical engineering technician, mostly because she liked maths and science that were core subjects in the course. “I was the only woman in a man’s world for most of my career which was unusual for everyone, not just the men, but people got used to me being there and it became less of a thing. Sometimes the men would take the mickey out of me, but it made me stronger, more committed and more determined.”

A decision that would stand her in good stead was pushing through to obtain the advanced NQ6 electrical engineering diploma. “To this day most people will qualify with the NQ4 technician qualification and there are very few women in South Africa with NQ6. The extra two years were much tougher, especially the maths, but it facilitated key career opportunities that became very important when life threw me a few curve balls.”

Good marks and references convinced the electrical engineer at Klerksdorp Municipality to take a chance on Manon, the first female electrical technical assistant to be appointed at the local authority in 1990. Despite irregular hours, extreme weather conditions and the inherent danger of electricity Manon thrived. “I loved that the work was different every day, that much of it was outdoors and very interesting.”

Eight years later when she needed a change, a glowing reference secured Manon the principal technician post at Knysna Municipality. “I arrived in this small town, recently widowed with an 18-month-old baby and no support system at home. It is a great testament to the men in that department at the time who not only accepted a female boss but one who sometimes brought a sleeping baby to after-hours callouts. Everyone would keep an ear out for my son, Rüttger, in case he would wake up and start crying, but he was very good and seldom even stirred while we did our jobs nearby.

“Although I did not strictly have to go out on all the calls at night, it was important for me to do so at least in the beginning while I was getting to know the people and the area. I wanted them to see that I was committed and willing to do what it takes, that I wouldn’t use my child as an excuse to not do my job.”

Knysna’s vehicle fleet was the responsibility of the electrotechnical department, and its management formed part of Manon’s job. “My dad was a motor vehicle mechanic, and I spent most days after school in his workshop, so this felt like familiar territory.”

Her job included buying new vehicles, overseeing the mechanical workshop and petrol and diesel filling station, vehicle licencing, insurance and a whole lot of related administration. Fleet management meant less afterhours work than electrical, which motivated Manon to apply for a position as fleet manager at George Municipality, which she got in 2015.

The George Municipality vehicle fleet consists of more than 1000 items ranging from sedans, bakkies and trailers to roadworks equipment, graders, refuse trucks, water tankers, fire trucks and GO GEORGE busses.

“Vehicles are expensive but essential for service delivery, which makes budgeting challenging in a growing municipality with limited resources. It is frustrating for everyone when an old truck that should really be replaced is in the workshop more than on the road, but it is our reality and we make the best of the circumstances.”

In the six years she has worked here, Manon has facilitated the purchasing of 176 vehicles and trucks, many of which have specialist requirements. Among these is the municipality’s first truck tractor which pulls a 35 000-litre stainless steel water tank as a movable water source during firefighting and South Africa’s first extra-high panel van in red for the Fire Department’s new mobile control centre.

Manon also had the fuel pumps upgraded so both pumps could issue dual product (petrol and diesel), managed renovations in the office to maximise space and facilitated the purchasing of a 31 000-litre above-ground storage tank that will be completed next month.

“Running a municipality’s fleet is not just about the vehicles in the current fleet, but about overall sustainability. For instance, the department may weigh up the pros and cons of buying a recovery vehicle for heavy vehicles versus the costs of a service provider, or whether the benefits of an inhouse workshop outweigh implications such as additional staff, space and equipment costs. A fleet is also about thousands of people who drive and travel in those vehicles every day – their safety and capacity to do their work as efficiently as possible are all inherent to this job.”

No matter the job description, Manon almost always had men reporting to her and some handled this better than others. “Some were quite blatantly disrespectful and adamant that they would not come to me for anything. I made a concerted effort to not take offense or get angry, or to be snide or vengeful when they eventually had no choice but to come to me for help or support. It was important to me to not rub my power and authority in their face and hoped they would eventually realise that I could be an ally.

“I always considered myself a lady and never swore at somebody or about any situation. I instinctively knew that I couldn’t be one of the boys and didn’t think it was necessary for me to try. I am my own person, not defined by my work or my gender.”

Manon and her husband Johan intend moving to Agulhas later this year.

 

Profile by Athane Scholtz, Communications Officer, George Municipality

Conville “informal” cricket pitch under discussion

Issued George Municipality, 16 August 2021

Caption: Executive Mayor Leon van Wyk visited the site of the Conville “informal” cricket pitch recently together with the Deputy Mayor, Charlotte Clarke and the Portfolio Councillor for Community Services, Sean Snyman to consider how this is dealt with going forward.

George Municipality is aware of the “informal” cricket pitch established recently in Conville on a piece of open municipal ground. The municipality recognizes that cricket is a favoured sport in this area, as well as the need for such amenities for the children of the area. However, the community needs to take cognizance of the due process that is meant to be followed in such matters. A piece of ground belonging to a government entity cannot be appropriated and changed in any way to suit the purposes of a few residents.
The Community Services Directorate has for a while been looking into establishing a multi-terrain sporting ground for the residents in this neighbourhood which would provide a fully functional and safe sporting terrain for the community i.e an all-terrain pitch which will allow for different types of sport to be played including cricket, 5-a-side soccer and so on.
Ald Van Wyk stressed that communities must follow due process in such instances and participate in ward committee meetings, raising their needs during public participation actions. “These processes are the link between the municipality and our residents, and we need the public to participate to be able to identify the best solution for this field and then take into account what the our residents are saying.
Standing on the field, you realise the risk to residents and their homes. This needs due process, so projects such as these, can be functional and address the needs of the community safely. The state this “informal pitch’ is in now, poses a safety threat to those who play on it as well. If a child were to fall and hurt themselves while playing on it, who would be responsible for this? We need community buy in for a sports terrain as well as a play park.”

Covid-19 Economic Recovery Plan to become integral part of municipal planning

George Municipality Directorate Planning and Development last week presented its Risk-Aligned Economic Recovery Plan to the municipal mayoral committee.

The plan, which was compiled as a response to the short and long-term socio-economic effects of Covid-19, aligns with and informs several other George Municipality plans and strategies as well as the plans and strategies for the Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) and Western Cape government.

George Municipality Director Planning and Development Lauren Waring said while the effect of Covid-19 would not be fully understood until the pandemic had passed, various surveys locally and across the world had identified the nature of some key impacts. “Some of the hardest hit sectors such as tourism, hospitality and retail are among our city’s most important sectors. We also expect poverty indicators to rise as the full impact on the informal sector, spaza shops and SMMEs becomes more evident.

“Covid-19 has had a damaging impact on the municipality’s revenue streams and it is expected to continue for the next three to five years. In response the municipality is developing meaningful interventions to stimulate the local economy and facilitate job creation, increase household consumption, and ensure the promotion of a stable and healthy living environment.”

To do this, George Municipality will focus on reigniting the tourism sector, providing sustainable support to the informal sector, developing an online SMME portal to provide access to different business processes and government and other support, using planning and infrastructure tools to ensure spatial transformation, developing tools to optimise resources, and enhancing data and knowledge management.

The municipality also takes into consideration its own systems, procedures, and functions to address Covid-19 impacts internally in addition to its external economic response, which includes social development, finance, and ICT responses.

Financial management responses include credit control, improved debtors management, revenue enhancement, cost containment and expenditure management.

The Social Development section, in ongoing relationships with the relevant mandated provincial and national government departments and other agencies, will promote an inclusive developmental agenda that focuses on issues including early childhood development, an integrated George safety and security network, sustainable food sources, homeless people and gender-based violence.

ICT responses will look into smart systems that maximise operational efficiency via the existing ICT platform, enhanced communication and performance management systems, and research and design capabilities to promote the meeting of targets and deadlines.

Economic Development portfolio councillor Dirk Wessels said the George Municipality Economic Recovery Plan was taking into consideration that Covid-19 was an historic event that would forever change the landscape of decision-making. “While the world is facing this crisis, the reality is that there may be more pandemics and other national and international disasters. The Economic Recovery Plan we have just released is the product of significant information and resource sharing across several agencies and reflects the multipronged approach required to pursue shared solutions for the major impacts on the local and global economy, geopolitics, and our societies.”

The George Municipality Economic Recovery Plan is aligned to current and developing strategies and documents including the National Covid-19 Recovery Plan, Western Cape Business and Economic Recovery Plan, George Economic Development and Tourism, Western Cape Government Tourism Master Plan as well as the GRDM Tourism Strategy, Agricultural Master Plan, Investment Prospectus and Draft Green Energy Master Plan.

The Plan will form part of the George Municipality Integrated Economic Development Strategy that is currently being developed and will serve as a critical informant to several other municipal strategic planning processes being undertaken in the next six to 24 months, including the Integrated Development Plan (IDP), Spatial Development Framework (SDF) and Integrated Economic Growth Strategy (IEGS).

The George Municipality Economic Recovery Plan is available at https://www.george.gov.za/george-documents/policies-strategies-plans-and-guidelines/planning-and-development/

George Municipality supports SA Masters Surfing Championships at Vic Bay

Issued George Municipality, 18 August 2021

First: Leonard Giles Eden Surfriders Coach and Robert Pollock, Team Manager.
Second: Leonard Giles at the Vic Bay Quad in Memory of John Pfaff (his best friend).
Third: Leonard Giles surfing at Vic Bay

George Municipality backs the SA Masters Surfing Championships, held at Victoria Bay for the very first time since its inception, taking place from Thursday 19th – Sunday 22nd August 2021.

George Municipality’s Community Services Directorate have been hard at work sprucing up Victoria Bay for this prestigious event and a financial contribution has also been provided by the Tourism department.

Eight teams from across South Africa are participating in the event, where surfers compete in seven divisions, ranging in age groups from Over 35s to Over 60s. With decades of competitive surfing under their wetsuits, competitors are more serious than ever.

Surfers have travelled from Nelson Mandela Bay, Cape Town, Durban and KwaZulu-Natal. Buffalo City Surf Riders are the defending Masters Cup Champions.

The 2021 SA Masters Championships is presented under strict Covid-19 protocols by Surfing South Africa (SSA), the national governing body for the sport, and is hosted by Eden Surf Riders. SSA is a member of the South African Sports Confederation and Olympic Committee and the International Surfing Association.

Local surfers have been training under experienced coach, 1982 Springbok and legendary Victoria Bay surfer, Leonard Giles. The district with the highest number of points will win this year’s Masters Cup.

“This is a much-needed boost for Tourism and we recognise the Eden Surf Riders hard work in getting this prestigious event to our shores. Victoria Bay is being recognised more and more by surfers nationally and internationally, and we will continue to support messaging that amplifies our destination as ideal for surfing” says Joan Shaw, George Municipality’s Tourism Manager. Shaw adds, “George wishes our local surfers best of luck. We are rooting for you”.

#GeorgeEvents

Tackling Illegal Dumping in the Municipal Area

Executive Mayor Leon Van Wyk, along with deputy mayor Charlotte Clarke and a team from the municipality conducted a site visit in Levallia and Lawaaikamp recently where ongoing illegal dumping takes place. During the site visit, the mayor, and the newly appointed Senior Environmental Services manager, Sivuyile Mtila, spoke about ways to reduce or discourage illegal dumping across the municipal area.

The mayor visited the illegal dumping site in Triumph Street, which poses a threat to all residents living in and around the area, according to Mtila. “As a municipality, it is imperative that deterrent or incentivised methods are considered as a means to discourage such behaviour,” Mtila said. Mtila noted that this could assist in alleviating the strain placed on the municipality when it comes to clearing illegal dumping sites. Council will however need to deliberate on this and make a decision on the way forward.

Mayor Van Wyk stated that it is important to have the full cooperation of the entire community when it comes to cleanliness. It is projects like this that require the community and the municipality to join hands so that progress can be made together. One of the illegal dumping site viewed is located just outside the Lawaaikamp Speelgroep ECD in Vuyani Ncamazana Street in Lawaaikamp. This site as with all dumping sites, poses a health risk to all those living in the surrounding areas.

Mtila expressed his frustration as he explained that this is one of the sites that is cleaned on a regular basis, but dumping occurs as often as cleaning does. The mayor addressed those responsible for cleaning this site, thanking them and stressing how important their work is in keeping the residents of these communities all safe.

• ILLEGAL DUMPING
The municipality needs your help to combat illegal dumping:
1. Please spread the news in your community that dumping of waste is dangerous and a health hazard. Waste should be collected in refuse bags and placed for collection on waste removal days. Builders rubble and waste not suitable for bags must be dropped at the municipal refuse site on the R102 (airport road).
2. If you can provide names, vehicle registration details or addresses of alleged perpetrators and are willing to make a statement in this regard, please report it to Law Enforcement at 044 801 6350 or sprins@george.gov.za. You don’t need a photograph of the perpetrator, but it will strengthen the case for a warning or fine to be issued.
3. If you notice dumped waste, please report for collection to 044 802 2900.

Captions:
Vuyani Ncamazana: Mayor Leon van Wyk and Sivuyile Mtila addressing workers at an illegal dumping site in Vuyani Ncamazana Street, Lawaaikamp.

Triumph Street: Ald Leon van Wyk, Councillors and officials from George Municipality during a visit at an illegal dumping site in Triumph Street, Levallia.