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Press Release Archive

GEORGE MUN: Mayor’s Festive Message 2020

Burgemeester-feesboodskap 2020

 

Die jaar 2020 het inderdaad vir ons almal uitdagend uitgedraai. Reeds aan die begin van die jaar het ons as land ekonomiese uitdagings in die gesig gestaar. Die Covid-19-virus het reeds in talle lande voorgekom, voordat dit in Maart 2020 ons oewer bereik het, wat aanleiding gegee het tot die verklaring van die pandemie en die verskillende vlakke van inperkings wat ons almal in George en Suid-Afrika ervaar het. In die nasleep van die pandemie het ons nou die ekonomiese herstelfase betree waar ons ons ekonomie moet herbou en die werk wat ons verloor het, moet herstel.

 

Al ons burgers het gedurende hierdie jaar swaarkry beleef deur die beperking van beweging en aktiwiteite wat tot gevolg het dat baie kwesbare inwoners honger ervaar, die verlies van werksgeleenthede en waardigheid, asook verhoogde vlakke van veiligheidsprobleme. Die George-munisipaliteit sal steeds ‘n fasiliterende rol speel om te help met die herstel van verlore werksgeleenthede, wat die veiligheid, waardigheid en welstand van ons inwoners sal verbeter.

 

Ons wil al ons werknemers en burgers bedank vir al hul opofferings en geduld gedurende hierdie jaar, aangesien ons nuwe gedragspatrone aangepak het in die hantering van Covid-19.

 

Die George-munisipaliteit verwelkom alle besoekers aan George gedurende die somervakansieseisoen en wens hulle uitstekende weer, veiligheid (terwyl hulle op die paaie is en terwyl hulle swem) en goeie tye saam met vriende en familie toe.

 

Onthou om die Covid-19-voorskrifte veral tydens die vakansietydperk na te kom en aan te hou om maskers te dra, hande te was, sosiale afstand toe te pas en tuis te bly as u siek is.

 

Ons is almal saam in die pandemie en staar die uitdagings in die gesig. Waar moontlik, moet ons sien hoe ons diegene wat minder bevoorreg is as ons self, kan help.

Goeie wense aan alle inwoners en besoekers.

 

 

 

 

Mayoral Festive Message 2020

The year 2020 has indeed turned out to be challenging for all of us. At the outset as a country we began the year already facing economic challenges. The Covid-19 virus emerged in numerous countries before reaching our shores during March 2020 resulting in the declaration of the pandemic and the various levels of lockdown that we have all experienced in George and South Africa. In the aftermath of the pandemic we have now entered the Economic Recovery phase where we need to rebuild our economy and recover the jobs that we have lost.

All our citizens have experienced hardship during this year through the restriction of movement and activities resulting in many vulnerable residents experiencing hunger, the loss of jobs and dignity as well as increased levels of safety concerns. The George Municipality will continue to play a facilitating role to assist in the recovery of jobs lost, improving the safety, dignity and wellness of our residents.

We wish to thank all our employees and citizens for all their sacrifices and patience during this year as we have tackled new behavioural patterns in dealing with Covid-19.

The George Municipality welcomes all visitors to George over the summer holiday season and wish them excellent weather, safety (while on the roads and while swimming) and good times enjoyed with friends and family.

Please remember to adhere to the Covid-19 regulations especially during the holiday season and to continue wearing masks, washing hands, applying social distancing and staying home when sick.

We are all in this together as we are facing these challenges. Where possible, we should see how we can assist those less fortunate than ourselves.

Good wishes to all residents and visitors.

 

 

Umyalezo kaSodolophu weXesha leMibhiyozo yama-2020

 

Umnyaka wama-2020 ngenene uye waba ngumceli mngeni kuthi sonke. Ekuqaleni njengelizwe siqale unyaka sele sijongene nemingeni yezoqoqosho. Intsholongwane yeCovid-19 iqhambuke kumazwe amaninzi phambi kokuba ifikelele kumanxweme ethu ngexesha leyoKwindla 2020 ebangele ukubhengezwa kwesifo esikho kumazwe ngamazwe kunye namanqanaba ohlukahlukeneyo okuvalwa esiye sachatshazelwa ngawo sonke eGeorge kunye naseMzantsi Afrika. Emva kwesifo esikho kumazwe ngamazwe ngoku singene kwiNqanaba lokuVuselela uQoqosho apho kumele sakhe kwakhona uqoqosho lwethu kwaye sibuyise imisebenzi esilahlakeleyo.

 

Bonke abemi bethu abahlangabezene nobunzima ngexesha lalo nyaka ngokuthintelwa kokuhamba kunye nemisebenzi okubangele ukuba abahlali abaninzi abasemngciphekweni bathwaxwe yindlala, ukulahlekelwa yimisebenzi nesidima kunye namaqondo aphezulu eenkxalabo zokhuseleko. uMasipala waseGeorge uya kuqhubeka ngendima yokuququzelela uncedo lokubuyiswa kwemisebenzi elahlekileyo, ukuphucula ukhuseleko, isidima kunye nokuba sempilweni kwabahlali bethu.

Sinqwenela ukubulela bonke abasebenzi kunye nabemi bethu ngokuzenza amadini kunye nomonde wabo ngexesha lalo nyaka kuba siye sajongana nendlela entsha yokuziphatha ukujamelana neCovid -19.

uMasipala waseGeorge wamkela zonke iindwendwe eGeorge ngexesha leeholide zehlobo kwaye uzinqwenelela imo yezulu ebalaseleyo, ukhuseleko (ngexesha zisezindleleni nangexa ziqubha)kunye namaxesha amnandi onwatyelwa nezihlobo kunye nosapho

Please remember to adhere to the Covid-19 regulations especially during the holiday season and to continue wearing masks, washing hands, applying social distancing and staying home when sick.

 

Ncedani nikhumbule ukuthobela imimiselo yeCovid-19 ingakumbi ngexesha leholide kunye nokuqhubeka ninxiba iimaski, nihlamba izandla, nisebenzisa ukumela kude komnye umntu nokuhlala ekhaya xa ugula. Sonke sikule nto kunye njengoko sijamelene nale mingeni. Apho kunokwenzeka, kumele sijonge ukuba singabanceda njani abo bahlelelekileyo kunathi.

 

Iminqweno emihle kubo bonke abemi kunye neendwendwe.

 

Update: Covid-19 figures for Garden Route – 27 November 2020

27 November 2020

 

Over the past 7 days the Garden Route has seen a 117% increase in new COVID-19 cases and 96% increase in deaths over the last seven days and urge the residents to remain cautious and vigilant.

After recording 1 282 new cases and 25 new deaths over the past seven days, all areas in the Garden Route are of great concern. As we have seen during the first wave of infections, once community transmission is established within communities, especially in the Garden Route as a prime tourist destination, the situation can quickly deteriorate if not brought under control soon.

 

 

A closer look into the Garden Route subdistrict shows the areas where we have seen a significant increase in new cases over the past seven days:

 

 

New cases per subdistrict in the Garden Route:

Area Active cases 14 days ago Active cases seven days ago Percentage increase
Bitou 142 278 96%
George 498 995 100%
Hessequa 28 58 107%
Kannaland 0 21 2100%
Knysna 206 489 137%
Mossel Bay 189 414 119%
Oudtshoorn 37 127 243%
Garden Route 1100 2382 117%

 

New deaths

Area Active cases 14 days ago Active cases seven days ago Percentage increase
Bitou 6 6 0%
George 7 18 157%
Hessequa 0 4 400%
Kannaland 0 0 0
Knysna 2 3 50%
Mossel Bay 2 11 450%
Oudtshoorn 9 9 0%
Garden Route 26 51 96%

 

We call on the citizens of each of these subdistricts and as a collective to do their part so we can bring the situation under control again. We all have a role to play through our own actions.

Our behaviour will be influenced once we acknowledge and accept that the virus is not gone but will be with us over the holidays and beyond. Therefore, we need to remain safe and protect each other by:

  • Wearing a mask properly is of life-saving importance. You must wear your masks at all times when outside of your home. There can be no exceptions.
  • You must avoid crowded and confined spaces at all costs. This is where super-spreader events take place.
  • You must urgently reconsider hosting all non-essential gatherings of people this year, especially indoor gatherings with poor ventilation.
  • You must ensure there is good ventilation at all times whenever you’re in public. The virus droplets spread by air in confined spaces, and so fresher is better.
  • You must wash your hands regularly with soap and water or use sanitiser.
  • If you feel sick, you should not leave your home unless it is to get healthcare treatment. You must first call our hotline on 080 928 4102 for guidance on the next steps.
  • You should also not visit someone who is sick, and find other ways to provide support, like delivering a meal to a neighbour’s doorstep.

Every single resident should assume that Covid-19 is everywhere they go and take all the necessary precautions at every point along their journey.

Go George champions learn sign language phrases

Persons who are hard of hearing will turn their head with the ear that hears better towards you and will watch your face and mouth to lip read. Speak slowly and form the words clearly with your lips, making sure there is light on your face for clear viewing.

These are a few of the handy tips conveyed to the first group of GO GEORGE communication champions attending a workshop presented by Elina Nieuwoudt, a friend of the Deaf community in George and who knows South African Sign Language (SASL).

The aim is to equip the champions with basic knowledge to identify a passenger who is possibly hard of hearing or deaf and to sign basic phrases regarding the bus service. They are the staff who engage directly with passengers, including persons with different categories of special needs. The group attending the workshop enjoyed the opportunity to acquire a new skill that will enable them to show courtesy to passengers who are hearing impaired.

“Even if I can only greet that person, say my name, and welcome them on a GO GEORGE bus in sign language, I’m sure they will appreciate my effort,” said one of the champions, “but if we practise amongst ourselves, I hope to remember how to offer the bus timetables and route maps too, and remind them that they cannot pay with cash, but need to use a Smart Card to get on the bus.”

According to feedback that Elina has received from a few Deaf friends, the wearing of masks poses some challenges to lip readers. When visiting the GO GEORGE info kiosk for advice, a passenger who was hearing impaired could not read the information officer’s lips, so she offered to stand back from the window enabling the officer to remove her mask for the conversation – a win-win situation. “Another passenger wrote down her question about the bus service, with the champion responding in writing. A request for route information on Facebook was responded to with a photo of the route map. In general, people with a hearing impairment find the GO GEORGE staff and bus drivers most helpful,” she says.

To accommodate passengers who are hearing impaired, the digital information boards inside the buses indicate which stop comes next, while written instructions applied inside buses assist them in using the system.

James Robb, GO GEORGE Manager, is positive about the latest developments. “Upskilling the champions to better serve different categories of special needs has been launched this month, Disability Rights Awareness Month (DRAM). It will, however, remain part of an ongoing programme to focus on the needs of all passengers and to continuously improve the customer experience of the GO GEORGE service within the community of George,” he said.
Caption:
Most chuffed with themselves and their newly acquired Sign Language vocabulary, the GO GEORGE champions could hardly wait to get to the bus stops to test their new skill. Signing “I help you” are, clockwise from front left, Janell Gelant, Thandokazi Joka, Tanya Appels, Joey Ruiters, Thembisa Matiya and Nomsa Ginyagazi.

GO GEORGE-PASSASIERSDIENSBEAMPTES LEER FRASES IN GEBARETAAL
Mense wat moeilik hoor, sal hul kop met die oor wat beter hoor na jou toe draai en jou gesig en mond dophou om jou lippe te lees. Praat stadig en vorm die woorde duidelik met jou lippe en maak seker daar is lig op jou gesig vir duidelike sigbaarheid.

Dit is ‘n paar van die handige wenke wat oorgedra is aan die eerste groep GO GEORGE-passasiersdiensbeamptes wat ‘n werkswinkel bygewoon het by Elina Nieuwoudt, ‘n vriendin van die Dowe gemeenskap in George en wat Suid-Afrikaanse Gebaretaal (SASL) ken.
Die doel is om die passasiersdiensbeamptes toe te rus met basiese kennis om ‘n passasier te identifiseer wat moontlik hardhorend of doof is en basiese frases rakende die busdiens in gebaretaal oor te dra. Hulle is die personeel wat direk met passasiers, insluitend persone met verskillende kategorieë spesiale behoeftes, werk. Die groep wat die werkswinkel bygewoon het, het dit geniet om ‘n nuwe vaardigheid wat hulle in staat sal stel om hoflikheid te betoon aan passasiers wat gehoorgestremd is, aan te leer.

“Selfs al kan ek net daardie persoon groet, my naam sê en hulle in gebaretaal op ‘n GO GEORGE-bus verwelkom, is ek seker hulle sal my poging waardeer,” het een van die beamptes gesê, “maar as ons onder onsself oefen, hoop ek om te onthou hoe om ook die busroosters en roetekaarte aan te bied en hulle te herinner dat hulle nie met kontant kan betaal nie, maar ‘n Slimkaart moet gebruik om op die bus te ry.”
Volgens terugvoer wat Elina van ‘n paar Dowe vriende ontvang het, hou die dra van maskers ‘n paar uitdagings vir liplesers in. Toe sy die GO GEORGE-inligtingkiosk besoek het vir raad, kon ‘n passasier wat gehoorgestremd is nie die inligtingsbeampte se lippe lees nie, en het sy aangebied om terug te staan van die venster af sodat die beampte haar masker vir die gesprek kon afhaal – ‘n wen-wen-situasie. “Nog ‘n passasier het haar vraag oor die busdiens neergeskryf, met die passasiersdiensbeampte wat skriftelik daarop gereageer het. ‘n Versoek vir roete-inligting op Facebook is beantwoord met ‘n foto van die roetekaart. Oor die algemeen vind mense met ‘n gehoorgestremdheid die GO GEORGE-personeel en -busbestuurders baie behulpsaam,” sê sy.

Om passasiers te akkommodeer wat gehoorgestremd is, dui die digitale inligtingsborde binne die busse aan watter bushalte volgende kom, terwyl skriftelike instruksies wat binne busse aangebring is, hulle help om die stelsel te gebruik.

James Robb, GO GEORGE-bestuurder, is positief oor die jongste verwikkelinge. “Ons het vandeesmaand, tydens die Maand vir die Bewusmaking van die Regte van Mense met Gestremdhede, afgeskop met die vaardigheidsuitbouing van die passasiersdiensbeamptes om verskillende kategorieë spesiale behoeftes beter te dien. Dit sal egter deel bly van ‘n deurlopende program om op die behoeftes van alle passasiers te fokus en om voortdurend ons kliënte se ervaring van die GO GEORGE-diens binne die gemeenskap van George te verbeter,” het hy gesê.

ONDERSKRIF:
Die GO GEORGE-passasiersdiensbeamptes was baie in hul skik met hul nuutverworwe woordeskat in Gebaretaal en kon skaars wag om by die bushaltes uit te kom om hul nuwe vaardigheid te toets. Hier sê hulle: “Ek help jou”. Kloksgewys van voor links is Janell Gelant, Thandokazi Joka, Tanya Appels, Joey Ruiters, Thembisa Matiya en Nomsa Ginyagazi.

Beautifying the city for 20 years, Radie Loubser retires

Radie Loubser was initially contracted to beautify the entrances of George with plants and features – 20 years later he retires this month as Manager of Parks and Recreation, from a job that had been mostly behind the scenes but with results for everyone to see.

In a time that saw George become one of the fastest growing towns in the country, Radie’s hand was on some of the most significant projects that will continue to benefit the city for decades to come.

These include gardens and features at the three main entrances of George and islands in York Street, upgrading of facilities at beaches, starting improvements at Gwaing and Herolds Bay camping grounds, turning land with a reputation for gangs and drugs in Pacaltsdorp into the now Kaptein Dikkop Amphitheatre, clearing plantation where the Denne-Oord Fire Emergency Airbase is now, clearing alien vegetation from 40km of the 66km (61%) of riverbeds that flow through the city (before funding stopped), negotiating a R8-million profit for the harvesting of plantation on municipal ground near the Garden Route Dam, working with local businesses to beautify sidewalks across the city and controlled burning of large tracts of overgrown vegetation in the dam catchment area that ultimately caused streams to flow and reduced the risk impact of the 2018 fires. “So many of these projects are underlined by the goodwill and generosity of the people of George – ordinary citizens, city officials and politicians that had the greater good of the whole city at heart,” says Radie.

Born and bred in Stellenbosch, Radie’s love and appreciation of the outdoors was established while travelling across South Africa with his land surveyor dad, Coenie. He obtained a BSc Honours degree in Forestry at Stellenbosch University and spent several of the following years working for the national Department Forestry in some of the country’s largest plantations including Sabie, the former homelands of Kangwane and Zululand and eventually Knysna in 1988 from where he managed the plantations around George, including the sawmill. “When the department recalled me to the head office in Pretoria, my wife Delène and I could not imagine returning to city life – our kids were growing up in this beautiful place with good schools and wonderful people – so I ‘retired’ at age 38, moved to George, and started my own forestry-related business.”

He also lectured Wood Technology at Port Elizabeth Technicon Saasveld campus (now NMU George), built houses and managed forestry projects. “For me, one of the greatest benefits of working for a government department as opposed to the private sector was the diverse skillset I developed instead of specialising. Managing state forest meant doing everything from nursery practice, planting, tending and harvesting trees, and running sawmills to building roads, overseeing staff housing, finances, firefighting and conservation – and it is this set of skills that eventually led me to George Municipality.”

In 2000 when it became clear that George was set for major growth, the then councillor Flip de Swardt and local businessman Sal Marsillio identified the need for upgrading the entrances to the town. Radie had been known to town officials through his dealings for Forestry and his own business and came highly recommended by the then Director Civil Engineering Basil Steyn as ‘a guy who could get things done but was a bit of cowboy’.

The cowboy-part turned out to be a good fit since the project required some out of the box thinking. “The budget was limited but with so much potential, and so many people willing to help. To this day there are private citizens, businesses and organisations across the municipal area who donate plants, keep sidewalks and clear riverbeds out of their own pocket – they are the reason I continue to believe in the future of this city.

“There are so many challenges for a fast-growing city, not even considering factors such as Covid-19, major economic concerns, political interference and the spirit of vandalism and illegal dumping that are very discouraging.

“I believe the ongoing hope for our city remains our people. There is so many opportunities, so many ways to contribute to the greater good. I still have so many ideas of projects and initiatives that can develop and benefit our city, but I have accepted that I must pass the baton. I am leaving the section in competent hands and have very high expectations of them.

“There are so many people who I want to thank and honour, but I know I will skip some important ones, so please consider yourselves thanked – you know who you are.

“People I really enjoyed working with include former councillor Jurie Bezuidenhout (a true gentleman), former mayor Flip de Swardt (for his driving force), councillor Marlene Barnardt (for being decent and reasonable) and speaker Gerrit Pretorius (for patience and endurance). Colleagues that deserve a mention include Basil Steyn (people-orientated), the late Harold Basson (professionalism, friendliness and sense of responsibility), Community Services secretary Ilse Lubbe (commitment and sacrifice) and tea lady Susan Veldsman (lovely nature, absolutely trustworthiness and willingness to serve others).”

Radie and Delène intend moving to Kleinmond to be closer to their sons, Coenie and Oswald, and grandchildren. “George has been a wonderful place to live and we will always think of it with nostalgia, but we are also excited for this new chapter in our lives.” said Radie.

George Municipality celebrates Khomanani Day in Herold

George Municipality celebrates Khomanani Day in Herold

 

The George Municipality annually celebrates Khomanani Day, a national mobilisation campaign focusing on HIV/Aids and its effects and this year it was the community of Herold’s turn to be showed some love by the Municipality.

More than a 100 people affected and infected with HIV/AIDS, with the theme Afrika day, turned up to the event. SHE (Social Health and Empowerment), a non-profit organisation, Bethesda Medical and Relief Services and the department of Health were also part of the day and delivered services to the community.

The Municipality did a wellness programme which included motivational speeches by a political leader, health care professionals and other persons of interest.

Portfolio Councillor for Community Development, Cllr Sean Snyman, gave a motivational speech in which he encouraged people to rise above their circumstances and to support each other.  He said people living with HIV/AIDS does not need sympathy because that does not help them, but they need support and love to carry them through the tough times. Snyman drew from his own experiences, being in an accident and losing the use of his right arm. He inspired the crowd to use their talents and turn them into jobs and start food gardens. “Don’t wait for the Municipality to bring a food parcel or wait on the government for a grant. Don’t keep looking at your problems otherwise you will not see the solution,” Snyman said. He also thanked the health staff and the Municipality officials for their support.

Snyman said HIV/Aids is not a death sentence, with the help of medication and support it is a life change.

“Sell yourself to yourself in the mirror and rest of the world will also want to buy you,” Snyman concluded.

Hester September, a member from the local community also shared a motivational speech about her struggles with regards to health issues she encountered and how she coped through it.

Willbedine Jordaan, Acting HIV/AIDS Coordinator, handed 100 food parcels to all the attendees as a symbol of love and support from the Municipality.

As part of the day’s activities, HIV testing and counselling was also done and each person that tested, received a small gift.

 

Caption

 Willbedine Jordaan from Community Development(right) handing over a food parcel to Johanna Diedericks

 

Hotspot alert issued for the Garden Route

Media release: Hotspot alert issued for the Garden Route
17 November 2020
The Western Cape Government has issued an urgent hotspot alert for the Garden
Route, due to the rapidly increasing number of Covid-19 cases in that area. This spike
is mainly contributing to the notable growth of active cases in the Western Cape.
Specifically, we are concerned about the increasing number of cases in George,
Knysna and Bitou. George, which currently has 628 active cases, has the highest
number of active cases in the province.
Over the weekend, we saw:
• 160 new cases in George
• 145 new cases in Knysna/Bitou
• 41 new cases in Mossel Bay
• 7 new cases in Hessequa
Along with the increasing number of cases in the region, we are also seeing the
number of hospitalisations increase. Our hospitals still have sufficient capacity to cope
with the surge in cases, however, we must all be taking responsibility to ensure that we
are able to contain the further spread of the virus.
The hotspot team for the Garden Route has increased surveillance, through screening
and testing. We are also working closely with the municipalities, environmental health
teams, and stakeholders in the region to manage and contain the spread. This
includes a concerted communications campaign in the area. We are also paying
special attention to vulnerable groups, including old age homes.
We need every single resident of the Garden Route and visitors to the region to help
us stop this surge by:
1) Wearing your mask at all times when out in public places
2) Avoiding gatherings
3) Avoiding crowded places, especially when there is poor ventilation
4) Staying at least 1.5 metre apart
5) Washing your hands with soap and water regularly
If you feel sick, stay at home and if you are experiencing symptoms, call the hotline
on 080 928 4102 for directions and next steps.
We will only be able to bring this situation under control if everyone takes responsibility
now.
On Thursday, my weekly digital press conference will specifically focus on the Garden
Route and I will set out more details on our response plans for the district.
Let’s stay safe and keep moving forward.

Recycling programme continues in-house

MEDIA RELEASE: Recycling programme continues in-house
Issued George Municipality, 16 November 2020

George Municipality confirms that the collection and delivery of blue and green bags has continued in-house. Blue and green bags are collected on the same day as black bags by our municipal refuse trucks, but not at the same time. A separate trip is made for the collection of the blue bags.
Households or businesses that are actively recycling and require additional green or blue bags or have not received the two blue and two green replacement bags., can either phone in to 044 8022900 with their address to report or collect from the municipality Environmental Services department at 82 Meade Street

The municipality remains committed to waste reduction and recycling, and we acknowledge that the current system is not without flaws but all attempts are being made to resolve issues as they arise. The areas currently serviced by recycling include all suburbs of George as well as the outer areas of Wilderness, Kleinkrantz, Hoekwil, Victoria Bay and Herolds Bay.

CONTACT
George Municipality Environmental Services
82 Meade Street, George. Phone 044 802 2900

Reception/all departments: 044 802 2900 ccunningham@george.gov.za or ykibido@george.gov.za
Uncollected BLACK bags 044 802 2900/20 or ymali@george.gov.za
Uncollected GREEN and BLUE bags: 044 802 2900/ mabotha@george.gov.za

Households may put out seven black, four green and an unlimited number of blue bags.
Additional tied bundles of branches are allowed if they are shorter than a metre in length and can be picked up by one person.

BLUE bags are for non-soiled recyclable materials, including plastic, paper, card board, glass etc.
GREEN bags are for green waste, including organic kitchen waste such as fruit and vegetable peels, as well as garden waste, including grass cuttings, leaves etc. No soil is allowed in green bags.
BLACK bags are for ‘wet’ waste, things that cannot be recycled.

All refuse bags must be put out by 7am on removal day.
Please don’t put bags out the day or night before removal.
Please wrap broken glass in newspaper before placing in bags to prevent injuries to workers.
A pack of 26 black bags are distributed to households quarterly.

REFUSE REMOVAL DAYS
MONDAY: Blanco, Riverlea, Heatherpark, Heatherlands, Glen Barrie, Kraaibosch, Groenkloof, Blue Mountain Village, Herold’s Bay, Victoria Bay, Rondevlei area (George side)
TUESDAY: Levallia, Rosemoor, Conville, Protea Park, Parkdene, Ballotsview, Borchards, Lawaaikamp, Thembalethu, Wilderness, Constantia Kloof, Kleinkrantz
WEDNESDAY: Camphersdrift, Fernridge, Denneoord, Bo-Dorp, Blommekloof, Tweerivieren, Hoogekraal, Hoekwil, Touwsranten farm areas
THURSDAY: Wilderness Heights, Dormehlsdrift, George South, Le Grand, Bos en Dal, Groeneweidepark, Sinksabrug, Herold, Geelhoutboom, Eselsjacht, Hansmoeskraal, Jonkershoek, Rooirivierrif, Pacaltsdorp, Rosedale, Waboomskraal, Touwsranten village
FRIDAY: Glenwood, Loerie Park, Eden George, Genevafontein, Denver Park, Bergsig, Eastern Extension
BUSINESSES: Monday, Wednesday and Friday

Georgie surprises kids at legacy centre

11 November 2020

October was National Transport Month as well as the Month of Mental Health Awareness, and with November being Disability Rights Awareness Month (DRAM), the GO GEORGE mascot Georgie needed no excuse to visit the happy youngsters with different kinds of challenges at Legacy Centre in Denneoord.

Legacy Centre’s awareness campaign, “Special-needs children are different, NOT less!”, links in with GO GEORGE’s mission of being accessible to all passengers, including those with different categories of special needs. GO GEORGE will be reaching out to several local organisations and institutions involved with people with disabilities during November.
The Legacy kids were hugely excited when Georgie came through the door and happily joined him in singing, and of course, doing the popular Jerusalema dance.

According to Mariza van Deventer, co-founder of the non-profit organisation BINAH and owner of Legacy Centre, children with special needs experience sensory discomfort when wearing masks. “Children at Legacy are not forced to wear masks, but with a teacher/child ratio of one to three at the centre, it is fairly easy for the teachers to maintain a safe distance between the children,” she said.

After a fun quiz about the buses and Covid safety precautions, the children were delighted to each receive a GO GEORGE goodie bag and reluctantly said goodbye to Georgie and his team.

CAPTIONS:
Group photo:
Georgie remains a firm favourite with his fans at Legacy Centre who love to be photographed with the friendly mascot. A few wanted to know where Georgie’s “real seeing eyes” are.

Hug photo:
Georgie usually has to pose for photos, but this time around, he was simply on the receiving end of a genuine, caring hug.

Georgie verras kinders by Legacy Centre

Oktober was Nasionale Vervoermaand sowel as die Maand vir Bewusmaking van Geestesgesondheid, en met November wat die Maand vir die Bewusmaking van die Regte van Mense met Gestremdhede is, het die GO GEORGE-gelukbringer Georgie geen verskoning nodig gehad om die vrolike jongspan met verskillende soorte uitdagings by Legacy Centre in Denneoord te besoek nie.
Legacy Centre se bewusmakingsveldtog, “Kinders met spesiale behoeftes is anders, NIE minderwaardig nie!”, skakel in by GO GEORGE se missie om toeganklik te wees vir alle passasiers, insluitend dié met verskillende kategorieë spesiale behoeftes. GO GEORGE reik gedurende November uit na verskeie plaaslike organisasies en instellings wat betrokke is by mense met gestremdhede.

Die Legacy-kinders was baie opgewonde toe Georgie by die deur inkom en het entoesiasties saam met hom gesing en natuurlik, die gewilde Jerusalema-danspassies uitgevoer.
Volgens Mariza van Deventer, medestigter van die niewinsgewende organisasie BINAH en eienaar van Legacy Centre, is dit vir kinders met spesiale behoeftes sensories moeilik om maskers te dra. “Kinders word nie by Legacy Centre gedwing om maskers te dra nie. ‘n Onderwyser/kind-verhouding van een tot drie by die sentrum maak dit egter redelik maklik vir onderwysers om die kinders op ‘n veilige afstand van mekaar te hou,” sê sy.
Ná ‘n prettige vasvra oor die busse en Covid-veiligheidsmaatreëls was die kinders hoogs in hul skik om elkeen ‘n GO GEORGE-geskenksakkie te ontvang en het hulle Georgie en sy span taamlik teësinnig gegroet.

ONDERSKRIFTE:
Groepfoto:
Georgie bly ‘n groot gunsteling by sy aanhangers by Legacy Centre wat nie ‘n geleentheid laat verbygaan om saam met die vriendelike gelukbringer afgeneem te word nie. ‘n Paar wou weet waar Georgie se “regte sien-oë” is.
Drukkie-foto:
Georgie moet gewoonlik vir foto’s poseer, maar hierdie keer was hy bloot aan die ontvangkant van ‘n egte omgeedrukkie.

SMS and email reminders for car licence renewal notices

Vehicle owners are reminded that renewal notices for vehicle licences have not been issued in print on paper in the Western Cape since December 2019, neither via post nor at the municipal offices, but an online system has been in place to activate SMS and email reminders.

The Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) has over the past year phased out printed notification across the country and launched electronic notification for all last month (October 2020). This means all vehicle owners whose correct contact details are on the NaTIS online system will in future receive a SMS or email notification on the 1st of the month for a vehicle licence that expires at the end of that month (so, if your vehicle licence expires 31 January, you will receive a notification on 1 January).

There will not be a follow-up SMS and no SMS or email will be sent if a vehicle licence has already expired.

An SMS notice will read: Dear XXXXX, Your vehicle notice number for CAW##004 is (reference number inserted), current amount due (Rand value inserted) as at 01/XX/2020 (date inserted). NaTIS Online Team.

An email notification is an electronic version of the MVL2 notice (the one that was previously printed and posted to you) which can be downloaded and printed if need be, and then presented to the cashier in order to renew the motor vehicle licence concerned.

To check if you are on the system, register as per details below – vehicles in your name will be listed and available vehicle renewal notices (MVL2s) will be accessible for download. If your contact details have changed or are incorrect, please ensure you have it updated the next time you renew a licence at the Vehicle Licencing Department – bring a proof of residential address such as a municipal account in your name with you to enable you to change the details. If your contact details are correct, please consider renewing your licence online (see details below).

Please note YOU DO NOT NEED THE NOTICE TO BE ABLE TO RENEW YOUR LICENCE, it is just a convenient reminder. The vehicle licence expiry date is indicated at the bottom of your current vehicle licence disk and it is recommended that you diarise the licence expiry date in advance to ensure timely renewal. Vehicle licences are valid for a year from the date of renewal and the owner has 21 days from the date of expiry on the disk to renew the license.

ONLINE ELECTRONIC PAYMENT OF VEHICLE LICENCE RENEWALS
The customer starts by registering a profile online at https://online.natis.gov.za/#/ or download the RTMC mobile application for Android from Google PlayStore.

Choose between registering as an individual or business.

The following information will be required:
1. Individual: initial, name, surname, ID number, driving licence number, contact details via mobile phone or email.
2. Organisation: name of business, ID number of proxy, driving licence number of proxy, contact details via mobile phone or email.
3. A one-time pin will be sent to your email or mobile phone number, which you must enter online.
4. Go to the ‘View motor vehicle renewals’ section and verify the information.
5. Access and/or download your electronic motor vehicle licence RENEWAL NOTICE (also known as a MVL2 notice).
6. The amount for the renewal of your vehicle will be on the notice.
7. Pay this amount into the George Municipality ABSA bank account (details below) and use the relevant vehicle licence number as a reference, eg. CAW ###### / Private number ##### WP
8. ABSA Cheque Account number: George Municipality, Cheque Account 01022220981 (Branch Code 632005)9. Email the proof of payment to msbrits@george.gov.za or rharmse@george.gov.za AND mjulyan@george.gov.za
10. Keep a copy of your proof of payment in the relevant car until you receive your licence disk, but keep your expired disk on your window in the meantime.
11. Once payment reflects on the municipality’s bank statement, the vehicle licence will be processed, and the new disk will be posted to your registered address. Please do not collect from the MVR offices unless pre-arranged and notified via SMS.

George Municipality Vehicle Licencing Department: 044 801 9310
Western Cape Motor Vehicle Licencing Inquiries: 0860 212 414

Illegal Dumping awareness session

Link to Video GRDM: https://youtu.be/NWlkRB9cGJw

Following an Illegal Dumping Awareness session that was held at Thembalethu Community Hall last Saturday 31 October, it was clear that illegal dumping is a big problem and health hazard in George and without the help of the local communities the Municipalities will not be able to keep up with the cleaning of dumps, as it is not financially viable. The Executive Mayor of George, Alderman Leon van Wyk, said in his address to the stakeholders present, “we can only win this war on waste when we have plans in place to sustain our efforts in addressing illegal dumping.
Van Wyk said it became evident during the height of the Covid-19 pandemic that illegal dumping in areas such as Thembalethu and Pacaltsdorp was becoming a serious health concern. “We were advised to take action and source funding to undertake the cleaning up of sites. From a George Municipality perspective we appreciate any kind of assistance from government institutions as well as the private sector is highly welcomed and appreciated.” Van Wyk said it is indeed wonderful that the Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) and the George Municipality are working together to clean dumping sites. He said we need to take pride in our homes, properties and areas in which we live. There are many dangers and negative effects that arise from dumping. It becomes a health risk to humans and animals.

Van Wyk said these problems also need to be addressed at national government level in terms of advertising and education. He said municipalities will never have enough funding at any stage to end illegal dumping. “We need to work together to eliminate dumping. The City of Cape Town spends hundreds of millions of rand on addressing illegal dumping. George Municipality struggles to allocate R10 million every financial year. If we didn’t have to spend this money on clearing dumping, it could be spent on other important services such as, playground equipment, sport and assistance to small and micro businesses.

Alderman Memory Booysen, Executive Mayor of the GRDM, said in his address that we will show the rest of South Africa, starting in George, that we can be the safest, cleanest district in the country. Booysen said the project will be rolled out to the rest of the district and he, the Mayor of Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) pledges his continuous support to this operation.

Radie Loubser, Senior Manager: Environmental Services at George Municipality said he is an advocate to get the communities involved together with the buy-in of councillors. He said people should be made aware of the problem through the help of councillors. Dumping is illegal and a big health hazard.
Loubser said people should be informed and educated on the problem and how to address it and law enforcement should enforce punishment with the issuing of fines.
A presentation was made by Johan Gie, Waste Management at GRDM where the challenges, requirements and costs of the project were explained. A video clip where locals were interviewed, was part of the presentation shown. The video clip showed community members who have started cleaning their own neighbourhoods. It was also clear that many residents are unhappy with the current state their communities are in and they are ready to blow the whistle on illegal dumpers.

REPORT ILLEGAL DUMPING
What is illegal dumping?
Illegal dumping is anything you throw away in a place where it does not
belong.
• If you know who is dumping illegally, report them to 044 801 6350 or
sprins@george.gov.za or 044 801 6300 (a/h).
• Information that will help the case for a warning or fine: car description
and/or registration number, address of alleged perpetrator, type of waste
and address of where it was dumped. A cellphone photo of dumping in
action will help, but is not essential.
• Report dumped waste for collection to 044 802 2900 or 044 801 6300
(a/h).

ILLEGAL DUMPING IS EVERYBODY’S PROBLEM
If you throw your junk just anywhere, it will eventually become your
problem some way or another. It can make you sick or kill you.
REFUSE REMOVAL: GENERAL
• Households may put out seven black, four green and an unlimited number
of blue bags. Additional tied bundles of branches are allowed if they are
shorter than a metre in length and can be picked up by one person.
• BLUE bags are for non-soiled recyclable materials, including plastic, paper,
cardboard, glass etc.
• GREEN bags are for green waste, including organic kitchen waste such as
fruit and vegetable peels, as well as garden waste, including grass cuttings,
leaves etc. No soil is allowed in green bags.
• BLACK bags are for ‘wet’ waste, things that cannot be recycled.
• All refuse bags must be put out by 7am on removal day. Please don’t put
bags out the day or night before removal.
• Please wrap broken glass in newspaper before placing in bags to prevent
injuries to workers.
• A pack of 26 black bags are distributed to households quarterly.
• Blue and green bags are collected on the same day as black bag refuse
removal but not at the same time. A separate trip is made for the
collection of the blue bags. Participating households will receive two blue
and two green replacement bags.
• Households or businesses that are actively recycling and require additional
green or blue bags, can collect from the municipality Environmental
Services department at 82 Meade Street.

Photo: Stakeholders at the event are in front from left, Cllr Jenny Hartnick (GRDM), Grace Notshokovu (George Municipality), Cllr Khayalethu Lose. At the back are Ethan Stoffels (George Mun), Bonisile Desha (Programme Director), Cllr Joslyn Johnson (GRDM), Cllr Iona Kritzinger (George Mun), Aldm Memory Booysen (GRDM), Aldm Leon van Wyk (George Mun), Cllr Erica Brown ( George Mun), Tanja Botha (George Mun), Karin Stoffels (George Mun) and Radie Loubser (George Mun).

George Junior City Council visits Herold’s Bay to clean up

Issued George Municipality, Friday 6 November 2020

While most youth go to the beach over weekends to laze around, members of the George Junior City Council went geared up to clean at Herold’s Bay beach and filled several black bags with rubbish dumped on the beach and sidewalks. The members visited the beach on Saturday, 17 October.

According to Áine Ferreira, member of the George Junior City Council and learner at Outeniqua High School, they went there, not thinking they would find much trash “but little did we know that what visually didn’t look like much, filled up black bags.”
“We were especially amazed by the amount of cigarette butts filling the beach and side walks. It was shocking to see,” Áine said.

She says she did some research and found that 65% of all cigarette butts end up being littered. “The majority of these get washed away into streams and end in the ocean, spreading harmful chemicals and poisoning sea creatures. Not only does cigarette filters contain a plastic called cellulose acetate which can last for 25 years in the environment without breaking down but there are also about 4000 chemicals in a single cigarette filter, including arsenic, formaldehyde, ammonia and lead. The plastic body of the filter can get lodged in the intestines and airways of animals, leading to suffocation or starvation,” she said.

Áine said that like most of our beaches in George and surrounds, Herold’s Bay has been equipped with trash bins, conveniently located every few meters apart to make doing the right thing ,easy. There is even a cigarette butt holder. “We as the Junior City Council of George would like to urge you, the citizens and visitors to think of the consequences of everything you drop to the ground. Next time you leave the beach, remember to bin your trash. It will only make your next visit a more enjoyable one. Even the tiny things you might consider to be insignificant can have a huge negative impact,” she said.

Photo

Áine Ferreira (Outeniqua High School),Haydn Wentzel (York High School), Maya van Zyl (York High School), Talita van Eeden (Outeniqua High School),Lindy Prinsloo (Glenwood House School), Caitlin Potgieter (Outeniqua High School),Precious Xego (Eden Technical High School),Davinicia-Lee London (George High School) on the beach after their clean-up.

GO GEORGE concludes Transport Month programme at Bethesda

Issued 4 Nov 2020

GO GEORGE’s targeted awareness programme on public transport matters annually focuses on both passengers and the public during Public Transport Month in October. This year’s educational programme was concluded at a high note with a visit to the Bethesda Child and Youth Care Centre in George last week.

Adhering to strict Covid safety measures, the youngsters at Bethesda had the opportunity to approach the popular GO GEORGE mascot, Georgie, who shared tips with them in a fun manner about the safe use of the bus service. This topic linked in perfectly with a current independent living programme conducted at Bethesda.

Georgie specifically touched on the Covid safety measures that all GO GEORGE passengers need to adhere to such as the proper wearing of masks, hand sanitising, how to safely board the bus, the rules of carriage and behaviour expected of passengers while on the bus, and especially how to safely cross the street in the vicinity of the bus.

The visit was concluded with Georgie’s vivacious rendition of the Jerusalema dance, with the youngsters eagerly participating.

Passenger safety remains priority
Although there was a heightened focus on passenger education and experience during National Transport Month, the recurring theme of passenger safety cannot be emphasised enough, says GO GEORGE Manager, James Robb.

“The Covid-19 safety restrictions prohibited the usual round of educational visits to pre-schools this year and taking the pre-schoolers and primary school classes on bus trips was a safety risk too. We look forward to exposing the learners to public transport as a concept and our local bus service again as soon as the risk level allows,” Robb says.

An ongoing passenger safety programme in collaboration with several stakeholders has been launched during Transport Month. As part of an educational tool kit, a pamphlet focusing on passenger safety while walking to the bus stop, boarding, travelling and disembarking has been developed and will be used to instil good habits amongst passengers, pedestrians and other road users.

Any institution interested in being included in GO GEORGE’s safety programme is invited to send an email to info@gogeorge.org.za or call 0800 044 044.

CAPTION:
The youngsters at the Bethesda Child and Youth Care Centre enjoyed Georgie’s visit and participated in his cheerful Jerusalema dance. Each one received a GO GEORGE drawstring bag and sun visor cap.

GO GEORGE sluit Vervoermaand-program by Bethesda af
Uitgereik 4 Nov 2020

GO GEORGE se geteikende bewusmakingsprogram oor openbare vervoersake fokus jaarliks op beide passasiers en die publiek gedurende Openbare Vervoermaand in Oktober. Vanjaar se opvoedkundige program is verlede week op ‘n hoë noot afgesluit met ‘n besoek aan die Bethesda Kinder- en Jeugsorgsentrum in George.

Onder streng nakoming van Covid-veiligheidsmaatreëls het die jongspan by Bethesda die geleentheid gehad om die gewilde GO GEORGE-gelukbringer, Georgie, van nader te beskou terwyl hy op ‘n prettige manier inligting gedeel het oor die veilige gebruik van die busdiens. Hierdie onderwerp het perfek ingeskakel by ‘n program oor hoe om onafhanklik te leef wat Bethesda tans vir hul jong inwoners aanbied.

Georgie het spesifiek gepraat oor die Covid-veiligheidsmaatreëls wat alle GO GEORGE-passasiers moet nakom, soos die behoorlike dra van maskers, handreiniging, hoe om veilig op die bus te klim, die reëls van vervoer en gedrag wat van passasiers verwag word terwyl hulle op die bus is, en veral hoe om die straat in die omgewing van die bus veilig oor te steek.

Die besoek is afgesluit met Georgie se lewenslustige aanbieding van die Jerusalema-dans waaraan die jongmense geesdriftig deelgeneem het.

Passasiersveiligheid bly prioriteit
Hoewel daar ‘n verhoogde fokus op passasiersopvoeding en -ervaring gedurende Nasionale Vervoermaand was, kan die tema van passasiersveiligheid nie genoeg beklemtoon word nie, sê GO GEORGE-bestuurder, James Robb.

“Die Covid-19-veiligheidsbeperkings het vanjaar die gewone ronde opvoedkundige besoeke aan kleuterskole uitgeskakel en om die voorskoolse groepe en laerskoolklasse op busritte te neem, was ook ‘n risiko. Ons sien daarna uit om die leerders weer bloot te stel aan ons plaaslike busdiens en openbare vervoer as ‘n konsep sodra die risikovlak dit moontlik maak,” sê Robb.

‘n Deurlopende passasiersveiligheidsprogram in samewerking met verskeie belanghebbendes is gedurende Vervoermaand van stapel gestuur. As deel van ‘n stel opvoedkundige hulpmiddels is ‘n pamflet ontwikkel wat op passasiersveiligheid fokus terwyl jy na die bushalte loop, op die bus klim, ry en weer afklim, om goeie gewoontes onder passasiers, voetgangers en ander padgebruikers in te skerp.

Enige instelling wat daarin belangstel om by GO GEORGE se veiligheidsprogram ingesluit te word, word uitgenooi om ‘n e-pos aan info@gogeorge.org.za te stuur of 0800 044 044 te skakel.

ONDERSKRIF:

Die jongklomp by die Bethesda Kinder- en Jeugsorgsentrum het Georgie se besoek terdeë geniet en die geesdriftig deelgeneem aan sy vrolike Jerusalema-dans. Elkeen het ‘n GO GEORGE-toerygsakkie en sonskermpet ontvang.

No fireworks for Guy Fawkes

The George Municipality reminds residents and visitors that fireworks, fire crackers, flares, paper lanterns and other such paraphernalia are considered a major fire risk and are not allowed in public or private spaces in the municipal area.

George Acting Fire Chief Neels Barnard said the George Municipality Public Safety and Nuisance bylaws, overall fire safety and disaster management regulations, and ongoing dry and hot conditions of the Western Cape fire season were all reasons why fireworks remained banned in the municipal area.
The selling of fireworks is also illegal, and no such permits have been issued or will be issued by the George Municipality. The illegal trading, possession and/or setting off of fireworks carry fines of R300 and fireworks will be confiscated. Such activities can be reported on the numbers below.

While the current municipal bylaw mentions application for a permit for professional pyrotechnic shows, the George Fire Department reiterates that no such permits have been issued for years and are extremely unlikely to be issued in the foreseeable future.

The George Municipal Disaster Centre stressed that there had not been designated sites for fireworks in the George municipal area for years and was unlikely to be reinstated, despite public tradition to ‘self-designate’ certain areas such as beaches, parks and streets
Paper lanterns hold duel concern. In addition to the risk of blowing and dropping out of sight and catching fire in vegetation or on flammable material before it is extinguished, paper lanterns also waste resources when rescue services are incorrectly alerted to an ‘emergency flare’.

The public must please understand that any kind of spark or heat holds a threat – while fireworks, flares and lanterns are being highlighted, the appeal is for responsible, fire-aware action throughout. Please exercise extreme caution always, make fires only in protected and designated areas, and dispose of cigarette butts safely.

Please report illegal trade and setting off of fireworks in George to Law Enforcement at 044 801 6350 or after hours at 044 801 6300.
Please report illegal, irresponsible and unsafe fires to the Fire Department on 044 801 6300.

FIRE EMERGENCIES: 044 801 6311

Tampering leads to fatality

MEDIA STATEMENT: Tampering leads to fatality
Issued George Municipality, 5 November 2020

George Municipality confirms that an individual was found Wednesday morning (4 November 2020) at Tamsui Substation, fatally wounded after tampering with municipal electrical infrastructure. A large portion of Thembalethu and sections of Rosedale were affected by the subsequent power outage. George Municipality is undertaking an investigation relating to Occupational Health and Safety, which will be submitted to the Department of Labour and SAPS has opened an inquest docket for a general inquiry into the death. In a separate incident, a four year old child from the Asazani Informal settlement, was admitted to hospital, after touching an electrical cable which was illegally connected between houses.

Mr Steven Erasmus, Acting Municipal Manager said that both incidents are regarded in a serious light and that the highly dangerous conditions caused by illegal connections, cannot be emphasized enough. George Municipality remains deeply concerned for the lives of innocent children, adults as well as animals.
Legal consumers should seriously consider how these illegal connections affect them and their families. An illegal connection not only puts the perpetrator in danger of electrocution, risking injury and death but also the rest of the community. These connections lie across pathways and walkways where anyone passing can easily be electrocuted. An additional risk is that illegally connected wires can also make contact with other items such as roofs, gutters and washing lines, making these items live and able to conduct electricity.

The human body can only withstand about 50 milli-ampere (less than 1% of the current drawn by an average kettle) through it, before a medical condition called ventricular fibrillation sets in. To safeguard people against this, each house with legal electricity and a tariff meter is fitted with an earth leakage protection unit.
Children can easily be killed, due to their lower weight, as a result of illegal connections not having earth leakage protection.

An electricity connection is considered illegal when it is connected to the George Municipal network without the organisation’s permission. Wires are connected to a mini-substation or overhead pole. The forms of electricity theft include illegal connections, illegal electrification schemes and meter tampering and bypassing. These illegal electrical thefts are mostly in areas where illegal informal structures are built.

Where people have connected themselves illegally, George Municipality will continue to actively find the perpetrators and lay criminal charges against them. In terms of the Criminal Procedures Act, interference with and the damage to Municipal property, could be regarded as sabotage and should someone be found guilty of such an offence, a maximum term of imprisonment can follow.

Illegal connections should be reported to 044 803 9222 or 044 801 9222 or after hours on 044 801 6300.

George Municipal commentary on the article in the George Herald of SWD-cricket move to George

Commentary on the Newspaper article: SWD-KRIEKET SKUIF NA GEORGE

Walter Hendricks, Director of Community Services, said in response to the SWD cricket article on the backpage of the George Herald newspaper of 29 October 2020,

“Recent media reports pertaining the relocation of SWD Cricket’s Head Office to George were met with surprise by the municipality. The Directorate Community Services does not normally provide comments on matters that still need to serve before Council, but we deem it necessary to provide factual context due to the obvious public interest in this matter.

The Directorate Community Services were approached by SWD Cricket with an application stating its intention to relocate its Head Quarters to George. Council subsequently resolved that SWD Cricket be engaged to explore the possibility of reaching a mutually beneficial agreement to serve before Council for decision. Clarification was sought, and the municipality is now awaiting a decision from CSA, as per SWD Cricket’s correspondence.

In the absence of the outstanding information no report could be presented to Council and therefore no final decision has been made. The George Municipality remains committed to creating opportunities for the town and its citizens and will continue to explore public and private partnerships in seeking to achieve this.”

Read the newspaper article that was posted online by George Herald below:

SWD-KRIEKET SKUIF NA GEORGE
Journalist Wyndham Ewerts | Thursday, 29 October 2020, 09:00

TUINROETE NUUS – Inwoners van Oudtshoorn het die afgelope naweek op sosiale media met ongeloof gereageer op die nuus dat SWD-krieket se hoofkantore na George skuif.

Hierdie aankondiging is verlede Donderdagaand tydens die Oudtshoorn-sakekamer se netwerkaand deur Albertus Kennedy (hoof- uitvoerende beampte van SWD-krieket) gemaak.

Volgens Kennedy sal dié beoogde skuif binne die volgende twee of drie jaar materialiseer afhangend van die voltooiing van SWD se nuwe krieketveld en nodige infrastruktuur in George en amptelike goedkeuring deur George-Munisipaliteit.

“Ons plaaslike munisipaliteit is reeds in kennis gestel en ek wil dit op rekord plaas dat ons vir die afgelope 16 jaar wonderlike werksverhoudinge op Oudtshoorn opgebou het.”

Kennedy sê dat hierdie besluit weens strategiese redes geneem is om die finansiële volhoubaarheid van SWD-krieket te verseker.

“Soos met enige besigheid moet ons selfonderhoudend wees sodat ons op die einde van die dag met die swaargewigte kan boks. Nie net vir die gekontrakteerde spelers se salarisse nie, maar ook om gehalte binnenshuise fasiliteite te bekom en te onderhou asook om kwaliteit personeelaanstellings te maak.

“Hierdie faktore het ons genoodsaak om na die groter prentjie te kyk en dus kan ek die publiek verseker dat hierdie besluit nie ligtelik geneem is nie,” het hy bygevoeg.

Intussen sal wedstryde en oefeninge steeds soos normaal voortgaan op Oudtshoorn.

Die volgende hoë-profielkrieketwedstryd by die Oudtshoorn-sportterrein (Rec) sal op 17 Januarie 2021 tussen die Warriors en Cape Cobras plaasvind.

GO GEORGE appeals to passengers to stay cautious

GO GEORGE appeals to passengers to stay cautious
Issued 26 Oct 2020

With a 196% increase in Covid-19 cases in the Garden Route in recent weeks, GO GEORGE is making an urgent appeal to bus passengers to adhere to the Covid-19 safety regulations regarding public transport and not to drop their guard at this stage.
Garden Route District Director for Health, Zee Brickles, issued a statement last week announcing the rise in infections, cautioning about a possible second wave.
“It has been seven long months of lockdown and the natural reaction to the easing up of these restrictions are to catch up on all that we have missed out on over the past months but we can’t become complacent now. It has always been feared that when the lockdown restrictions ease up, the infection rate would increase,” Brickles said.
No mask, no entry
According to James Robb, GO GEORGE Manager, the relaxed vigilance of bus passengers has also been noticeable ever since Level 1 of the lockdown had been announced. “Passengers either attempt to board the bus without masks, or they take them off once they’re seated. Very few wear the mask over their mouth as well as nose, which is crucial for effective protection,” he said. “We appeal to them to act responsibly, for their own sake as well as that of co-passengers and bus drivers. A passenger without a mask will not be allowed on a GO GEORGE bus and should not reason with our bus drivers about that.”
GO GEORGE has embarked on a campaign to encourage passengers to remain alert and to get their cooperation in keeping to the basic safety measures, emphasising the wearing of a mask in a proper way, sanitising and washing hands, keeping a safe distance, keeping the bus windows open and not travelling on the bus unnecessarily or when sick, and coughing or sneezing into a bent elbow.
GO GEORGE passenger service staff are engaging with passengers at bus stops, the Transport Hub and on the buses to remind them of the importance of continued adherence to the safety measures. Supportive media campaigns have also been employed to enhance the message: The pandemic is not over yet – stay vigilant!
CAPTION:
GO GEORGE champion Dieketseng Mosesane (right) demonstrates to Dorette Salmans how to use the on-board sanitiser pump when she boards the bus. Champions currently also emphasise the importance of wearing a face mask in the proper way, covering the wearer’s nose as well.

GO GEORGE doen ‘n beroep op passasiers om versigtig te bly
Uitgereik 26 Okt 2020

Met ‘n 196%-toename in Covid-19-gevalle in die Tuinroete die afgelope weke, doen GO GEORGE ‘n dringende beroep op buspassasiers om aan die Covid-19-veiligheidsregulasies rakende openbare vervoer gehoor te gee en nie in hierdie stadium hul waaksaamheid te verslap nie.
Die Garden Route-distriksmunisipaliteit se direkteur van gesondheid, Zee Brickles, het verlede week ‘n verklaring uitgereik oor die styging in infeksies met ‘n waarskuwing oor ‘n moontlike tweede golf.
“Dit was sewe lang maande van inperking en die natuurlike reaksie op die verligting van hierdie beperkings is om alles in te haal wat ons die afgelope maande misgeloop het, maar ons kan nie nou gerus word nie. Die vrees was nog altyd daar dat wanneer die inperkings verslap word, die infeksiekoers sal toeneem,” het Brickles gesê.
Geen masker, geen toegang
Volgens James Robb, GO GEORGE-bestuurder, is die verslapte waaksaamheid van buspassasiers ook opvallend sedert vlak 1 van die inperking aangekondig is. “Passasiers probeer óf om sonder maskers op die bus te klim, óf hulle haal dit af sodra hulle gaan sit. Baie min dra die masker oor hul mond asook neus, wat noodsaaklik is vir doeltreffende beskerming,” het hy gesê. “Ons doen ‘n beroep op hulle om verantwoordelik op te tree, vir hul eie onthalwe asook dié van medepassasiers en busbestuurders. ‘n Passasier sonder ‘n masker sal nie op ‘n GO GEORGE-bus toegelaat word nie en moenie met ons busbestuurders daaroor redeneer nie.”
GO GEORGE het begin met ‘n veldtog om passasiers aan te moedig om steeds waaksaam te bly en hul samewerking te kry met die basiese veiligheidsmaatreëls: die dra van ‘n masker op die regte manier, ontsmetting en was van hande, ‘n veilige afstand tussen mense, die oophou van busvensters, om nie onnodig of wanneer jy siek is bus te ry nie, en in ‘n gebuigde elmboog te hoes en te nies.
GO GEORGE-passasiersdienspersoneel praat met passasiers by bushaltes, die vervoerkern (Hub) en op die busse om hulle te herinner aan die belangrikheid van voortgesette nakoming van die veiligheidsmaatreëls. Ondersteunende mediaveldtogte word ook gebruik om die boodskap te versterk: Die pandemie is nog nie verby nie – bly waaksaam!
ONDERSKRIF:
GO GEORGE-passasiersdiensbeampte Dieketseng Mosesane (regs) demonstreer aan Dorette Salmans hoe om die reinigerpompie in die bus te gebruik wanneer sy opklim. Passasiersdienspersoneel beklemtoon tans ook die belangrikheid daarvan om ‘n gesigmasker op die regte manier te dra, wat ook die draer se neus bedek.

George Municipality celebrated Global Handwashing Day at Klouter Kabouter

George Municipality celebrated Global Handwashing Day at Klouter Kabouter

Captions: wash 1 – Willbedine Jordaan from Community Development demonstrates to the children at Klouter Kabouter how to wash their hands.

Wash2: Rub, rub, rub and wash, wash, wash your hands with soap and water to prevent diseases and be healthy.

Text: The George Municipality Community Development section celebrated Global Handwashing Day on 15 October 2020 at Klouter Kabouter creche in New Dawn Park, Pacaltsdorp.
Willbedine Jordaan from the section had a short information session with the children followed by a demonstration on the correct way of washing your hands. Each child of the 75 children, was given the opportunity to wash their hands the correct way and had their own bucket and hand towel. All the children are from two to six years old.
Each child also received a colouring-in picture depicting a boy washing his hands. Afterwards the each child also received a surprise packet to enjoy at home.
Jordaan said they promoted handwashing with soap as an effective and affordable way to prevent diseases and save lives.
Dinah Maart, the principal at the crèche, were very happy with the initiative of the Municipality and thanked the team for choosing Klouter Kabouter for this significant day.

Mayor extends good wishes to matrics 2020

George Municipality Executive Mayor Alderman Leon van Wyk extends the following message to matrics 2020, whose exams start next week, 5 November 2020:
“The George Municipality wishes the Matrics of 2020 a successful final examinations period.

Because of Covid-19, you have experienced one of the most extraordinary years in school history and we commend you for the effort you have put in despite the challenges.

We keep you in our thoughts in the coming weeks, and urge you to prepare adequately and with your future in mind. No matter your plans, your matric results will be the first step into whatever opportunities you want to explore.

I thank all educators, parents and individuals who have added value to our children’s lives. Your efforts are recognised and appreciated, especially in light of this unusual year and its many trials.

I am certain that our matrics will make us proud in future – not only because of your academic results but also because of the meaningful contribution you will one day make in society.

Good luck with your exams and enjoy the holiday that awaits you on the other side.

Remember always to believe in your future, that dreams can come true, and that George will always be home.”

Caption
George Municipality Executive Mayor Alderman Leon van Wyk:

ENDS

Distributed by George Municipality Communication Department

MUNICIPAL SERVICES DURING COVID-19

MUNICIPAL SERVICES DURING COVID-19: Level 1
During the Covid-19 crisis period, contact details and office hours of some services may differ from the usual operations. Please see below.

Please note access to all municipal offices by members of the public is subject to Covid-19 protocols which include registration, sanitising of hands and wearing a face mask at all times.

Depending on the size of foyers and reception areas, the number of people allowed into a specific department or section may differ and you will be advised accordingly upon arrival. We kindly request the public to be patient and allow for extra waiting time.

If possible, please do transactions online, per telephone or via email to avoid coming to the municipality in person and helping to reduce the risk of spreading the virus.

Latest update: 19 October 2020

GENERAL
Depending on requirements of a specific department, staff are working on rotation or from home, and some administrative offices remain closed to the public. Please phone or email as far as possible as per details below.

Switchboard: 044 801 9111
All after-hours George Municipality emergencies: 044 801 6300
Garden Route Disaster Management emergencies: 044 805 5071 (all hours)

PROTECTION SERVICES
Protection Services Administration Offices are now open to the public during office hours 7.45am-4.30pm

Fire emergencies only: 044 801 6311 (all hours)
Law Enforcement: 044 801 6350
Anti-Land Invasion: 044 801 6310
GIPTN PTOO: 044 801 6345
All after-hours emergencies: 044 801 6300

Traffic Department Offices, Driving and Learners Licences:
Mission Street, Pacaltsdorp 044 878 2400
Open to the public Monday to Friday 8am-3pm

If your Learners’ Driving Licence expires before 31 January 2021, please book your Driving Licence Test as soon as possible. The department is open for new appointments for learner’s licences as per usual rules (see Driving and Learners Licence section on website for details).

If you have received an SMS confirming your new Driving Licence is ready for collection, you can collect at the Pacaltsdorp offices on the times listed above or, if your confirmation SMS indicates a Saturday collection opportunity, on Saturday from 9am-12pm. Bring your ID document and show the SMS to the official at the entrance.

Please be reminded that learner’s licences, driving licences, temporary driver’s licences and professional driving permits which expired during initial lockdown (26 March-31 May), have been extended until 31 January 2020.

If your driving or learners’ licence test was cancelled during lockdown or because of offices being closed due to Covid-19 measures, you will receive an SMS with a new date and time. Please phone 044 878 2400 if you have not received an SMS within 20 days from your previous appointment.

Vehicle Testing Station
Hibernia Street (next to train station) 044 801 9312.
Open to public Monday to Friday 8am-3pm

Motor Vehicle Registration and Licencing
Hibernia Street (next to train station) 044 801 9310 or 044 801 9311
Open to public weekdays 8am-3pm, except Wednesdays closed at 2pm due to compulsory training.

Please note that motor trade number licences are valid until 30 November 2020.

Please consider online renewal of vehicle licences as per details below instead of in-person renewals – as Covid-19 regulations significantly impacts on the amount of people that can be served in a day. Offices are fully staffed and bulk transactions are being handled after-hours. Pregnant women, the elderly and disabled can pre-arrange preferential treatment by calling 044 801 9310.

Please note access to premises for Motor Vehicle Licence Centre and Vehicle Testing Station is regulated at the gate from the street.

You don’t have to go to the Vehicle Licence Centre to renew your licence – do it online.
ONLINE ELECTRONIC PAYMENT OF VEHICLE LICENCE RENEWALS
The customer starts by registering a profile online at https://online.natis.gov.za/#/
Choose between registering as an individual or business.

The following information will be required:
1. Individual: initial, name, surname, ID number, driving licence number, contact details via mobile phone or email.
2. Organisation: name of business, ID number of proxy, driving licence number of proxy, contact details via mobile phone or email.
3. A one-time pin will be sent to your email or mobile phone number, which you must enter online.
4. Go to the ‘View motor vehicle renewals’ section and verify the information.
5. Access and/or download your electronic motor vehicle licence RENEWAL NOTICE (also known as a MVL2 notice).
6. The amount for the renewal of your vehicle will be on the notice.
7. Pay this amount into the George Municipality ABSA bank account (details below) and use the relevant vehicle licence number as a reference, eg. CAW ###### / Private number ##### WP
8. ABSA Cheque Account number: George Municipality, Cheque Account 01022220981 (Branch Code 632005)9. Email the proof of payment to msbrits@george.gov.za or rharmse@george.gov.za AND mjulyan@george.gov.za
10. Keep a copy of your proof of payment in the relevant car until you receive your licence disk, but keep your expired disk on your window in the meantime.
11. Once payment reflects on the municipality’s bank statement, the vehicle licence will be processed, and the new disk will be posted to your registered address. Please do not collect from the MVR offices unless pre-arranged and notified via SMS.

CIVIL ENGINEERING SERVICES
Services continue as usual, but administration offices (old City Hall) and Customer Services (old ABSA building) remain closed to the public.

Phone 044 801 9354 or 044 801 9262 for an (preferably online) appointment or to obtain the email address of the relevant staff member you want to connect with.

Report water leaks and burst pipes, sewerage blockages, leaks and spillages and urgent road and stormwater issues to:
044 801 9262/6 (7.45am-4.30pm)
044 801 6300 (after hours)
Estimated response times are 24-48 hours from recorded time of complaint at the above numbers

ELECTROTECHNICAL SERVICES
Services continue as usual and the administration offices are open to the public weekdays 7.45 – 4.30pm.
Two people are allowed in the foyer at any given time and no members of the public will be allowed into offices.

Planned maintenance has resumed and essential repairs for which planned outages are required will be communicated.

Please report power outages, broken street lights and faulty traffic lights to:
044 801 9222 (7.45am-4.30pm)
044 801 9202
044 801 6300 (after hours)
Estimated response times from recorded time of complaint at above numbers:
Low voltage electricity – within 24 hours
High voltage electricity faults – can be longer than 24 hours depending on type of fault
Street lights – three to four weeks
Pre-paid electricity queries to Itron/Ontec: 044 873 5474 (8am-4pm)

COMMUNITY SERVICES
Community Services Administration, 82 Meade Street, open to the public weekdays 7.45am-4.30pm.
Two people are allowed in the foyer at any given time and no members of the public will be allowed into offices.

Reception/all departments: 044 802 2900 ccunningham@george.gov.za or ykibido@george.gov.za
Office of the Director: 044 802 2904 and imlubbe@george.gov.za
Parks and Recreation complaints: 044 802 2921 and bmbondweni@george.gov.za
Uncollected BLACK bags 044 802 2900/20 or ymali@george.gov.za
Uncollected GREEN and BLUE bags: 044 802 2900/ mabotha@george.gov.za
Environmental Health: anontshikiza@george.gov.za
Transfer Station: edraghoender@george.gov.za

Households may put out seven black, four green and an unlimited number of blue bags.
Additional tied bundles of branches are allowed if they are shorter than a metre in length and can be picked up by one person.

BLUE bags are for non-soiled recyclable materials, including plastic, paper, card board, glass etc.
GREEN bags are for green waste, including organic kitchen waste such as fruit and vegetable peels, as well as garden waste, including grass cuttings, leaves etc. No soil is allowed in green bags.
BLACK bags are for ‘wet’ waste, things that cannot be recycled.

All refuse bags must be put out by 7am on removal day.
Please don’t put bags out the day or night before removal.
Please wrap broken glass in newspaper before placing in bags to prevent injuries to workers.
A pack of 26 black bags are distributed to households quarterly.

Blue and green bags are collected on the same day as black bag refuse removal but not at the same time. A separate trip is made for the collection of the blue bags.
Participating households will receive two blue and two green replacement bags.
Households or businesses that are actively recycling and require additional green or blue bags, can collect from the municipality Environmental Services department at the address below.

REFUSE REMOVAL DAYS
MONDAY: Blanco, Riverlea, Heatherpark, Heatherlands, Glen Barrie, Kraaibosch, Groenkloof, Blue Mountain Village, Herold’s Bay, Victoria Bay, Rondevlei area (George side)
TUESDAY: Levallia, Rosemoor, Conville, Protea Park, Parkdene, Ballotsview, Borchards, Lawaaikamp, Thembalethu, Wilderness, Constantia Kloof, Kleinkrantz
WEDNESDAY: Camphersdrift, Fernridge, Denneoord, Bo-Dorp, Blommekloof, Tweerivieren, Hoogekraal, Hoekwil, Touwsranten farm areas
THURSDAY: Wilderness Heights, Dormehlsdrift, George South, Le Grand, Bos en Dal, Groeneweidepark, Sinksabrug, Herold, Geelhoutboom, Eselsjacht, Hansmoeskraal, Jonkershoek, Rooirivierrif, Pacaltsdorp, Rosedale, Waboomskraal, Touwsranten village
FRIDAY: Glenwood, Loerie Park, Eden George, Genevafontein, Denver Park, Bergsig, Eastern Extension
BUSINESSES: Monday, Wednesday and Friday

CONTACT
George Municipality Environmental Services
82 Meade Street, George. Phone 044 802 2900

Landfill Site and Transfer Station, Airport Road, open to public weekdays 7am-5pm and Saturdays 7am-1pm.
Covid-19 protocols in place, bring your own pen to sign in for extra safety. edraghoender@george.gov.za

Street cleaning crews continue to operate in and around the CBD and entrance roads to the city at selected hours, seven days a week.

Public toilets at the CBD taxi rank and Doneraile Square open every day, toilets at Shoprite open on weekends.

Please report illegal dump sites to 044 802 2900. The municipality appeals to communities to remain safe and not dump illegal waste, which can be hazardous to their health.

Attendance of funerals 68. (1) Attendance at a funeral is limited to 100 persons or less: Provided that not more than 50 percent of the capacity of the venue is used, with persons observing a distance of least one and a half metres from each other. (2) Night vigils are not allowed. (3) During a funeral, a person must wear a face mask and adhere to all health protocols and social distancing measures.

Visitation to cemeteries by small groups are allowed at weekends provided that all Covid-19 protocols are observed.

Sport Federations to contact Sport Office (Cathedral Street) on 044 801 9488 to arrange for safe return to facilities as per prescribed Covid-19 regulations per sport code. Pre-arranged appointments only on weekdays 7.45am-4.30pm. jjgozongo@george.gov.za or cmostert@george.gov.za

Community Development offices behind the Main Building are open for pre-arranged appointments only, on weekdays 7.45am-4.30pm. 044 802 2000 or ejcorner@george.gov.za

The municipality continues to support 137 municipal soup kitchens. Strict social distancing and hygienic practices apply. Emergency essential social services enquiries 072 693 3488.

The Extended Public Works Programme (EPWP) Unit is open to the public by appointment only, weekdays 7.45am-4.30pm. 044 802 2010 or gesau@george.gov.za or emergencies to Gavin Esau 072 070 7234.

Libraries
All libraries, except Thembalethu and Pacaltsdorp, are open but with reduced hours and strict Covid-19 protocols in place. George Main Library is open to members by appointment only, while smaller community libraries can receive ‘walk-ins’ as per capacity allowed. Please call your library to book your visit or, in case of community libraries, to check if you can just drop in during opening times.

Library materials handed in will be quarantined for 72 hours as per national and Western Cape safety standards and plastic covered materials wiped with sanitiser before being made available for loan.

Services are limited as follows:
Issue and return of books.
Ten books per library member for lending period of a month at a time.
Admittance to adults and children older than 12.
Research and reference services arranged by phone and/or email.
Internet services – preference given to pre-booked patrons, maximum two people at any given time.
Study area limited in compliance with regulations.
Wearing of masks and sanitising of hands are compulsory.
Your temperature will be taken before entering the library area, no admittance if it is 37.5C and higher.

Avontuur Library: 044 752 3351 avontuurbiblioteek@gmail.com – Monday 12pm-3pm, Tuesday 11am-2pm, Wednesday and Thursday 10am-1pm.
Blanco Library: 044 870 7047 gmblancobib@gmail.com – Monday to Friday 9am-4pm
Conville Library: 044 801 9320 Jrhode1@george.gov.za – Monday 9am-4pm
George Library: 044 8019288 rwilliams@george.gov.za – Monday to Friday 9am-4pm, Saturday 9am-12pm
Haarlem Library: 044 763 1023 shonisemichels@yahoo.com – Monday, Thursday and Friday 2pm-5pm, Tuesday and Wednesday 2pm-5pm
Noll Library: 044 745 1014 dieprivierprim@gmail.com – Monday and Wednesday 12pm-3pm, Saturday 9am-12pm
Pacaltsdorp Library: 044 803 9340 pacsbib@george.org.za – closed until further notice
Thembalethu Library: 044 803 9260 xakortman@george.gov.za – closed until further notice
Touwsranten Library: 044 803 9285 touwsbib@george.org.za – Monday to Friday 9am-4pm
Uniondale Library: 044 752 1024 fortuinelton@yahoo.com – Tuesday and Thursday 9am-2pm
Waboomskraal Library: angiefigeland@gmail.com – Monday to Friday 10am-2pm

CORPORATE SERVICES
Corporate Services administration offices, Area offices and Thusong Service Centres are open to the public weekdays 7.45am-4.30pm Covid-19 protocols are in place, and thresholds apply as to how many people are allowed in to each applicable building.

Blanco: 044 803 9275
Conville: 044 803 9261
Pacaltsdorp: 044 803 9286
Protea Park: 044 801 9111 ask for extension 2796
New Dawn Park: 044 801 9111 ask for extension 2797
Rosedale: 044 803 9295
Rosemoor: 044 801 9379
Touwsranten/Wilderness/Kleinkrantz: 044 803 9280
Thembalethu: 044 801 9448
Waboomskraal Thusong Centre: 044 886 0040
Thembalethu Thusong Centre: 044 801 9421

Community Halls have opened to the public (subject to prescribed regulations) and venue bookings can be made by contacting Rozendra Thysse: Email: rsthysse@george.gov.za or 044 801 9115. Please note the main Town Hall remains closed due to maintenance and repairs for the moment.

HUMAN SETTLEMENTS
Human Settlements administration offices are open to the public weekdays from 8am – 2pm. Covid-19 protocols are in place and only two people are allowed into the foyer at any given time.

For basic services (water and sanitation) queries and complaints in informal settlements please contact 044 802 2026.
For assistance with emergency structures following disaster (fire, flooding etc), please phone 044 802 2029.
Queries and complaints for water leakages (indigent cases) can be reported at the office on above times, but preferably by phone on 044 801 9210/9994 or email: pshelane@george.gov.za

Existing Housing Offices
Existing Housing offices are open to the public weekdays 8am-2pm.
Covid-19 protocols are in place and only two people are allowed into the foyer at any given time.
Enquiries: 044 801 9113 or 044 801 9078

New Housing
New Housing Department (St Johns Street) offices are open to the public weekdays 8am-2pm.
Covid-19 protocols are in place and only two people are allowed into the foyer at any given time.
Please note only the person making the enquiry will be allowed access.
There may be a waiting period and/or the person can leave their contact details and enquiry on the form provided at the security point where after an official will make contact.
Enquiries: 044 802 2003

PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT
Town Planning (fifth floor of the main building) is now open Monday to Thursday 8am-12pm.
Only two people are allowed in the foyer at any given time and a waiting period outside the main entrance downstairs may apply if you arrive without having made an appointment. You can also leave your contact details with the administration officer who will contact you when an official is available.

Persons will be assisted at the front desk of the fifth-floor reception and will only be allowed into the back office under strict conditions.

The department will not accept any hard copy documents from the public. All documents must still be submitted electronically.

The present online services will continue to be rendered by the department under Lockdown Level 1. The officials can still be contacted by phone or email or can arrange a virtual Zoom or Microsoft Teams appointment with the relevant official to discuss any matters.

Town Planning
General enquiries: 044 801 9477
Property Transfer Certificates: Marina Welman mhwelman@george.gov.za / 044 801 9171
Zoning Certificates: Lorraine Malangeni lxmalangeni@george.gov.za / 044 801 9477
Zoning Rectifications: Jeanne Fourie jfourie@george.gov.za / 044 801 9138 and Ilané Huyser ihuyser@george.gov.za / 044 801 9550
Illegal Land Use Complaints: Robin Hector rlhector@george.gov.za / 044 801 9475 and Mawethu Bonga mbonga@george.gov.za / 044 801 9520

Online land use applications
Land use applications can be submitted online. See https://www.george.gov.za/town-planning/ for more details.
Enquiries land use applications:
Erven ending with an even number (i.e. 0, 2, 4, 6, 8): Primrose Nako 044 801 9416 pnako@george.gov.za
Erven ending with an odd number (i.e. 1, 3, 5, 7, 9): Marissa Arries 044 801 9473 marries@george.gov.za
Farm/portion numbers: Marina Welman 044 801 9171 mhwelman@george.gov.za

Online building plans
Building plans can be submitted online. See https://www.george.gov.za/planning-development/building-control/ for more information.

Building Control
General Enquiries 044 801 9370
Request for existing building plans (Registration Department):
Phindiswa Lingani: 044 801 9370 pmlingani@george.gov.za
Sinazo Moshani: 044 801 9019 smoshani@george.gov.za
Musa Dyakop: 044 801 9166 mdyakop@george.gov.za
Status on building plan approvals: Vasti Laws: 044 801 9509 vnlaws@george.gov.za
Andrea Griessel: 044 801 9502 agriessel@george.gov.za

Please contact Building Inspectors directly during office hours:
Fuzi Siguba: 060 578 9239
Jacques van Heerden: 065 285 7233
James Vollenhoven: 076 823 0412
Illegal activity: Nolan Noemdoe: 083 757 3717

Property Management
Donald Gelderbloem: Manager Property Management 044 801 9073 dmgelderbloem@george.gov.za
Leasing of properties: Josephine Mpembe 044 801 9190 jmpembe@george.gov.za
Sale of properties: René Hendricks 044 801 9472 rehendricks@george.gov.za
General enquiries: Monique Isaks 044 801 9375 misaks@george.gov.za

Economic Development
Business queries: 079 366 2621 ploliphant@george.gov.za
Other queries: 044 801 2820 / 073 621 0099 bduplessis@george.gov.za

IDP Office
Ronel Le Fleur: 044 801 9075 / 071 870 7887 rlefleur@george.gov.za

Ward committee operations
Paulina Saaiman: 044 801 9074 / 060 579 6829 pasaaiman@george.gov.za

George Tourism
044 801 9295 info@visitgeorge.co.za

FINANCE
The Finance Hall in the Main Building is open to the public, weekdays from 8am – 3.30pm.
Covid-19 protocols are in place and only six persons are allowed inside the Finance Hall at any given time.
Estimated waiting time of 20 minutes, depending on the type of queries for the customers ahead of you in the queue.

While electronic payments are recommended (see details below), the Finance Hall is open for account payments in addition to municipal account queries, opening of accounts, new connections, duplicate accounts, arrangements on arrears, indigent applications etc.

Printed municipal accounts are being issued every month. If you have not received your account by the due date of the 15th of each month, please contact us to forward an email copy or pay the monthly average amount. Online accounts via email have not been affected by lockdown. If you want to receive your account via email, please mail a request to accounts@george.gov.za

George Municipality Mobile App subscribers can still access new statement amounts by the 27th of each month. Download the App from your mobile Playstore – when you register the first time,
use your mobile phone number as the username and password (you can change the password once you are in).

Ratepayers are requested to use one of the below-mentioned methods to make payments.
Accounts can be paid via electronic transfer (EFT – see details below), via pay@ mobile applications (see details below) and at Pick n Pay, Checkers, Shoprite, USave and SPAR.
Please take your most recent available account statement with you so that the shop can access the bar code that connects your payment to your GRG account number.

Meter readings
While meter readings have resumed, customers are encouraged to submit their meter readings electronically via email by the 5th of each month to meterreadings@george.gov.za or george2@ikaparetic.co.za or george@ikaparetic.co.za

Please include your GRG account number and date of reading.
If for some reason, meter readings could not have been performed and you have not made an electronic meter reading submission, estimations will be used to calculate related rates.

Bank Details for electronic payment
ABSA Bank
Account Name: George Municipality
Account Number: 010 2222 0981
Branch Code: 632005
Reference: your GRG account number
Proof of payment to be sent to payments@george.gov.za

pay@ mobile applications
Download Masterpass, Snapscan or Zapper application on your mobile phone and complete your profile.
Load your credit or debit card.
To pay the account, open ‘Wallet’ inside the App you have downloaded and scan the QR code (the black square with the little squares inside it on the bottom right of your account).
Enter the amount you are going to pay and complete the transaction.
The App will confirm your successful, secure transaction.

You can also use the following link for payment of your account:
https://payat.io/qr/11413
Click on the link and enter the Pay@ reference number (number starting with 11413) which appears on your account. Your customer information will appear with payment options to choose from.

Prepaid electricity purchases
www.prepaid24.co.za
https://home.ontec.co.za
www.ipay.co.za
The electricity token is automatically sent to the client via SMS or email.
Mobile apps belonging to banks also have a pre-paid electricity purchase function.
For prepaid enquiries please contact 044 873 5474

General enquiries
Please provide your GRG account number with all enquiries.
to accounts@george.gov.za or 044 801 9111
Please note that limited assistance is available as personnel may be working offline.

Credit Control enquiries: 084 769 5635

MUNICIPAL COURT
The George Municipal Court is open weekdays 7.45am-4.30pm.
Enquiries: 044 801 9400

Ziyawamo Music Business Workshop in George

Ziyawamo Music Workshop is being held in George in collaboration with George Municipality.
According to Jonel Kerspuy from the George Municipality Youth Office, the workshop will concentrate on the business side of the music industry. Musicians, artists are usually very talented but lack the business skill to sell their music or make money with it, she said.
The workshop is meant to help musicians specifically with the ‘business’ of music, she said.
The workshop is FREE but limited to 50 people. We ask interested musicians to whatsapp 067 961 9211 or 062 378 3091 to register.
The workshop is being held at the Market Theatre, Doneraile Square (right next to the George Youth Café) on Friday, 30 October from 09h00 to 13h00.
Ikapa Lodumo Entertainment who will be presenting the Ziyawamo Music Workshop says they are proud to welcome back Redbull energy drink as their official beverage partner. Redbull has been part of #ZMW2020 since the first workshop in January.
Registration is officially open for the George leg of the #ZMW2020.
Mzura Khuse spokesperson for the company said “we are also more than excited with the level of support we have been receiving from George Youth office and have a 24 months partnership agreement, meaning we will bring more Arts programmes into this beautiful town and will do whatever within our power to assist them in developing their youth in creative space, not just music.