BEST OF LUCK to our George Firefighters participating in International Firefighters Day hosted in Stellenbosch today, 4 May 203. In the photograph from left to right are, Bethwell Grootboom, Denzil Muller, Thabiso Keketsi, Warrick Fisher, Ricardo Micheals, Joseph Fortuin and Fire Chief Neels Barnard.
Issued George Mun, 5 May 2023
The George Municipality would like to urge private landowners to act and clear Cortaderia selloana, commonly known as Pampas grass which is invading the George Area. George Municipality is currently clearing the Pampas grass on Municipal property in line with its Alien Vegetation Management Plan. The Pampas grass has become inundated around the industrial areas, along the highways, local dams, and factory areas.
The George Municipality has given notices to Transnet to clear the Pampas grass on their land and they have made the commitment to act as soon as possible. The pampas grass seeds can be dispersed by wind and human activities. Pampas grass can germinate quickly after they flower causing them to spread rapidly.
It would be advisable to get rid of the grass in its early growth stage before it flowers and produce seeds which can be easily dispersed by wind. The methods that can be used to remove pampas grass include digging, burning, and using herbicides.
The process of eradicating pampas grass is not a one-size-fits-all, but it is important to note that the most effective way to remove pampas grass is to use both the physical and chemical methods simultaneously. Private landowners can contact the George Municipality Parks and Recreation Department for details on registered and approved herbicides for the control of Pampas grass.
To contact the Parks and Recreation division for enquiries place visit the offices as follows:
Parks and Recreation
82 Meade Street, George
044 802 2900
parks@george.gov.za (all complaints via this address)
The Planning and Environment Section of the George Municipality’s Directorate for Human Settlements, Planning and Development and Property Management recently hosted the George Environmental Management Stakeholders Forum on a virtual platform to discuss topical issues in the environmental sector that affects George. This engagement was the first of what the Directorate intends to host as bi-annual engagements aimed at sharing knowledge, creating awareness, and keeping participants abreast of planned projects, investigations and challenges relevant to the environmental sector.
According to Delia Power, Deputy Director for Planning and Environment in the George Municipality the stakeholders’ forum which took place on the 27th of March 2023 was well attended by a spectrum of environmentalists and related stakeholders from George and surrounds. Participants were informed of the quarterly municipal outreach engagements held between the Municipality and the Western Cape Department of Environmental Affairs and Development Planning (DEADP) whose mandate is to “enable a resilient, sustainable, quality and inclusive living environment for all”. The Municipality thanks DEA&DP for their attendance and participation in this engagement, wherein a summary of its policies, interventions, and projects that impacts the George Municipal Area was shared.
The George Municipal Planning and Development team led a presentation on the amended Municipal Spatial Development Framework, a core component of the Integrated Development Plan. Delia says that City’s MSDF is to Develop George as a resilient, regional development anchor of excellence for prosperity, inclusive and smart growth. It furthermore comprises six key themes which are: Infrastructure, Economic Growth, Growth Management, Integrated Housing, Natural assets & resilience, and Heritage.
The highlights of the discussion during the forum meeting focussed on the mechanism applied to ensure environmental sustainability in everyday planning and development practices, a task which becomes increasingly difficult as our community and economy grow. With many newcomers to our area, it is essential that environmental awareness is raised and strategies to protect natural resources and improve resilience are embedded in our legislation. To this end, the link between the MSDF and Zoning Scheme By-Law was explained.
The Municipality shared information on operating instruments and programmes being applied and undertaken in our day-to-day operations and included:
• An overview of the OSCA/E Portal which was launched in 2022 to promote ease of doing business and enable applicants to track their applications. Environmental practitioners were advised that all applications are now being processed via this portal and are encouraged to report any challenges experienced as the system is constantly being improved to ensure its efficiency.
• An overview of new environmental layers added to the Municipal Geographical Information Systems (GIS), which may be accessed under the Public Viewer tab of the municipal GIS portal. Participants were made aware that these resources are applied by decision-makers over the course of deciding on new applications.
• The Directorate for Community Services outlined the municipality’s alien clearing programme and the principles related to the Adopt-a-spot Policy and shared information relating to coastal management practices.
• Participants were informed of efforts to conserve threatened vegetation through approved offsets, management of conservation areas and proposed development of environmental management plans for riverine areas.
Progress relating to the development of Protected Area Management Plans for the Katriver, Van Kervel and Fort Koppie local conservation areas was shared by the service provider and the initiative was well received by CapeNature. The next engagement will be held in the next semester where more participants will be added to the list of speakers and continued updates will be provided on the progress of projects and investigations undertaken by the respective sector departments of the municipality. The municipality thanks each of the participants for their contribution to the meeting and looks forward to forging sound partnerships with practitioners and stakeholders in the environmental sector.
ENDS.
MEDIA STATEMENT: Community Services Directorate, Environmental Services division reviews four by-laws
Issued George Municipality, 28 April, for immediate release.
The Community Services Directorate, Environmental Services Division has amended four by-laws recently and the revised documentation was approved in draft format in Council on 20 April 2023, and are now published for public participation purposes. These by-laws hold the same power and force as other national and provincial legislation but are laws managed by the individual municipality in order to regulate the affairs and the services it provides within its area of jurisdiction.
DRAFT AIR QUALITY MANAGEMENT BY-LAW:
The George Municipality developed the Air Quality Control By-law for its municipal area which was adopted by Council and was subsequently promulgated in the Provincial Gazette and came into operation on 30 November 2010. The current by-law was outdated and not aligned to applicable legislation and will be replaced by the Air Quality Management By-Law.
The intent of this by-law is to elaborate and provide clarity on the following aspects pertaining to air quality management:
The following are the most important changes to the current by-law:
DRAFT CEMETERIES AND CREMATORIA BY-LAW
The intent of this by-law is to:
The following are the most important changes to the current by-law:
DRAFT PUBLIC AMENITIES BY-LAW
The intent of this by-law is to:
The following are the most important changes to the current by-law:
DRAFT PREVENTION OF PUBLIC NUISANCE BY-LAW
The George Municipality developed the Prevention of Public Nuisances By-law for its municipal area which was promulgated in the Western Cape Provincial Gazette and came into operation on 30 November 2010.
The current by-law was outdated and not aligned to applicable legislation.
The intent of this revised by-law is to elaborate and provide clarity on the following aspects pertaining to public nuisances:
The following are the most important changes to the current by-law:
PUBLIC PARTICIPATION DETAILS
Notices will be published in the George Herald, on the Municipal Website and municipal social media sites. Please follow this link to access the Community Services By-Law documentation https://www.george.gov.za/george-doc-categories/documents/bylaws-and-regulations/community-services/ Hard copies will be provided at all public libraries in George for review. Feedback is required within 30 days. Comments and inputs can be emailed to Mr Sivuyile Mtila smital@george.gov.za , phoned in to 044 802 2900 or submitted in person at the George Municipality Community Services Offices, 82 Meade Street.
The George Integrated Zoning Scheme By-law was first promulgated in terms of section 13 of the Local Government Municipal Systems Act, 2000 (Act 32 of 2000) on 1 September 2017 by virtue of P.N 017/2017. The amendment is in terms of Section 27 of the Spatial Planning and Land Use Management Act, 2013 (Act 16 of 2013). The draft amended George Integrated Zoning Scheme By-Law was tabled before Council on 26 April for adoption in principle to proceed with public participation.
The intent of this By-law is to:
• Make provision for appropriate rural and urban zoning categories;
• Consider environmental management instruments adopted by relevant environmental management authorities – coastal management setbacks, wetlands, etc;
• Include provisions to permit the incremental management and upgrading of rural areas;
• Include provisions to promote the inclusion of affordable housing in residential land development;
• Provide incentives to promote the effective implementation of the municipality’s spatial development frameworks and other development policies;
• Include provisions that promote the effective implementation of national and provincial government policies;
• Give effect to the Municipal Spatial Development Framework and the Integrated Spatial Development Plan.
The following are the most important changes to the current by-law:
• The present list of consent uses was revisited to see which can become primary uses;
• Establishing special zones (overlay zones) to address development priorities in the municipal areas;
• Providing for minor deviations from the conditions (land use development parameters) of the zoning scheme, excluding deviations which have a material effect on the use;
• To accommodate the business tourist, we make accommodation in the zoning scheme for guest accommodation in town – like guest houses, bed and breakfasts, and hotels.
• The eco-tourist may stay longer, want other types of accommodation – resorts, farm cottages, guesthouses on The beach, self-catering rooms.
• Accommodating the eco-tourist must not however come at the expense of other objectives such as the protection of the natural environment (rivers, wetlands, dunes, forests, etc) or agricultural activities on farms.
Public Participation Details
The George Integrated Zoning Scheme (Draft Amendments March 2023) will be published on 4 May 2023 in the George Herald, on the Municipal Website and Municipal social media sites. The George Integrated Zoning Scheme (Draft Amendments March 2023) will be available on our website for review.
Follow this link for the documentation on our website https://www.george.gov.za/george-doc-categories/documents/bylaws-and-regulations/planning-and-development/
Hard copies will be provided at all public libraries in George for review. Feedback is required by no later than 5 June 2023.
Comments and inputs can be emailed to, kmeyer@george.gov.za phoned in to 044 801 9435 or submitted in person at the George Municipality, 5th Floor, 71 York Street, George, 6530.
Enquiries to Clinton Petersen (cpetersen@george.gov.za); Ilane Huyser (ihuyser@george.gov.za) or Jeanne Muller (jmuller@george.gov.za).
Promulgated in Western Cape Provincial Gazette
A municipal by-law may be enforced only after it has been published in the official gazette of the Western Cape Province on request of the local municipality. The promulgated by-law is then uploaded to the municipal website for easy access by the public. Transgression of a by -law is treated the same as a normal law, if you break a by-law, you can be fined or prosecuted. Most transgressions are handled in the George Municipal Court.
DRAFT INFORMAL TRADING BY-LAW
The draft informal trading by-law was provisionally approved by Council on 23 February 2023 and a public participation process was also approved.
The intent of this by-law is to:
The following are the most important changes to the current by-law:
PUBLIC PARTICIPATION DETAILS
The draft Informal Trading By-Law notice will be published in he George Herald, on the Municipal Website and municipal social media sites. The draft Informal Trading By-Law will be available on our website, follow this link https://www.george.gov.za/george-doc-categories/documents/bylaws-and-regulations/planning-and-development/
Hard copies will be provided at all public libraries in George for review. Deadline for feedback is 5 June 2023. Comments and inputs can be emailed to, khaarhoff@george.gov.za phoned in to 044 801 9148 or submitted in person at the George Municipality Ground Floor ,71 York Street, George ,6530
Enquiries to Dr Kosie Haarhoff khaarhoff@george.gov.za
George Municipality, acting under the Constitution and relevant legislation, and being aware of its duty to control the use of streets and sidewalks and to manage any work undertaken in such streets and sidewalks so as to provide a safe environment for all people within the municipal area, adopts this by-law to provide mechanisms and guidelines for such control and management.
The Streets, Sidewalks and Public Places By-law was first promulgated in 2010. Minor amendments have been made to the existing document. The by-law addresses a wide variety of actions that may or may not be permitted on a street, a sidewalk or a public place:
PARTICIPATION DETAILS
The draft Streets, Sidewalks and Public Places By-Law notice will be published in the George Herald, on the Municipal Website and municipal social media sites. The document is available on our website, follow this link https://www.george.gov.za/george-doc-categories/documents/bylaws-and-regulations/civil-engineering-services/ Hard copies will be provided at all public libraries in George for review. Feedback is required within 30 days.
We encourage the residents of George to keep an eye out for the notices and to provide input. Once the input has been received from the public and addressed, the final by-law then goes back to Council for approval. Comments and inputs can be emailed to Lionel Daniels, rldaniels@george.gov.za phoned in to 044 801 9111 or submitted in person at the Civil Engineering Services Building, Corner of Market and York Street, George ,6530
By-laws differ between municipalities.
The Constitution of South Africa gives municipalities the power to pass their own legislation, in the form of by-laws, for subject areas. These by-laws hold the same power and force as other national and provincial legislation but are laws managed by the individual municipality in order to regulate the affairs and the services it provides within its area of jurisdiction. The details of by-laws can differ from one municipality to another, and the public is always advised to check their local municipal by-laws which can be found on the relevant municipal website.
Promulgated in Western Cape Provincial Gazette
A municipal by-law may be enforced only after it has been published in the official gazette of the Western Cape Province on request of the local municipality. The promulgated by-law is then uploaded to the municipal website for easy access by the public. Transgression of a by -law is treated the same as a normal law, if you break a by-law, you can be fined or prosecuted. Most transgressions are handled in the George Municipal Court.
The new Stormwater By-law focuses on stormwater drainage from domestic as well as trade (business and industrial) premises. This includes open areas discharging to the George Municipality stormwater system and natural streams or rivers.
Stormwater management was previously dealt with under the George Municipality Water and Sanitation Services By-law and the By-law Relating to Streets, Sidewalks and Public Places.
The need for a separate By-law which deals exclusively with stormwater management was therefore identified. The purpose of the by-law is to regulate stormwater management and activities that may have an adverse impact on the development, operation and maintenance of the stormwater system.
PUBLIC PARTICIPATION DETAILS
The draft Stormwater By-Law notice will be published in the George Herald, on the Municipal Website and municipal social media sites. The document will be available on our website, follow this link https://www.george.gov.za/george-doc-categories/documents/bylaws-and-regulations/civil-engineering-services/ copies will be provided at all public libraries in George for review.
Feedback is required within 30 days. We encourage the residents of George to keep an eye out for the notices and to provide input. Once the input has been received from the public and addressed, the final by-law then goes back to Council for approval.
Comments and inputs can be emailed to Lionel Daniels, rldaniels@george.gov.za phoned in to 044 801 9111 or submitted in person at the Civil Engineering Services Building, Corner of York and Market Street, George ,6530
The Community Services Directorate, division Community Safety has amended three of its by-law’s recently and which were approved in draft format in Council on 20 April 2023, and are now published for public participation purposes. These by-laws hold the same power and force as other national and provincial legislation but are laws managed by the individual municipality in order to regulate the affairs and the services it provides within its area of jurisdiction.
DRAFT BY-LAW RELATING TO IMPOUNDMENT OF ANIMALS
The intent of this by-law is to provide for, interalia:
The following are the most important changes to the current by-law:
DRAFT BY-LAW RELATING TO THE REGULATING OF THE KEEPING OF DOGS AND CATS AND OTHER ANIMALS
The intent of this by-law is to provide for, interalia:
The following are the most important changes to the current by-law:
DRAFT BY-LAW ON LIQUOR TRADING DAYS AND HOURS
The intent of this by-law is to:
The following are the most important changes to the current by-law:
PUBLIC PARTICIPATION DETAILS
Notices will be published in the George Herald, on the Municipal Website and municipal social media sites. Please follow this link to access the Community Services By-Law documentation https://www.george.gov.za/george-doc-categories/documents/bylaws-and-regulations/protection-services/ Hard copies will be provided at all public libraries in George for review. Feedback is required within 30 days. Comments and inputs can be emailed to Ms Lee-anne Meiring lameiring@george.gov.za , phoned in to 044 801 6367 or submitted in person at the George Municipality Law Enforcement Offices, 25 B Cathedral Street, George.
DRAFT ELECTRICITY SUPPLY BY-LAW
The draft Electricity Supply by-law was provisionally approved by Council on 20 April 2023 and a public participation process was also approved. The main purpose of the by-law is to supplement the Electricity Regulation Act, 2006 (Act 4 of 2006) and the Occupational Health and Safety Act, 1993 (Act 85 of 1993) issued to regulate the supply of electricity within the George Municipality jurisdictional area.
The objective of the by-law is to improve organizational efficiency and articulate the rules concerning the processes and practices in the electricity supply that are otherwise not expressed in the Act, thereby providing additional clarity on the aspects addressed in the draft by-law.
The proposed by-law elaborates and provides clarity on the following aspects pertaining to electricity supply including;
• approval required for all small scale embedded generation;
• unauthorized connections and reconnections;
• notified maximum demand;
• offences and penalties;
• and appeals.
PUBLIC PARTICIPATION DETAILS
The draft Electricity Supply By-Law Notice will be published in the George Herald, on the Municipal Website and municipal social media sites. Follow this link https://www.george.gov.za/george-doc-categories/documents/bylaws-and-regulations/electrotechnical-services/ to find the draft by-law on our website. Hard copies will be provided at all public libraries in George for review. Feedback is required by no later than 12 June 2023. Comments and inputs can be emailed to, njikija@george.gov.za phoned in to 044 801 9148 or submitted in person at the George Electrotechnical Services Offices, Brick Road, George Industria.
Enquiries to Edward Nqumse Ennqumse@george.gov.za and copy Nolubabalo Jikija njikija@george.gov.za
Promulgated in Western Cape Provincial Gazette
A municipal by-law may be enforced only after it has been published in the official gazette of the Western Cape Province on request of the local municipality. The promulgated by-law is then uploaded to the municipal website for easy access by the public. Transgression of a by -law is treated the same as a normal law, if you break a by-law, you can be fined or prosecuted. Most transgressions are handled in the George Municipal Court.
Issued on Behalf of George Municipal Communications Department, Office of the Municipal Manager
The Executive Mayor of George, Alderman Leon van Wyk accompanied by the Portfolio Councillor for Electrotechnical Services and Fleet Management Nosicelo Mbethe did a sod turning in an approximately 1ha open land in the George Industrial area, to mark the beginning of the construction of 1 MWp solar farm.
“This plant is the forerunner of our fleet of 10MW plants that we will be erecting in George over the next couple of years to provide electricity not only to support our infrastructure that is owned by the Municipality but also to provide electricity into George’s grid so that we are ultimately able to get off stage 1 and stage 2 of load-shedding that we are suffering under and we wish to complete this project to get off stage 2 by the end of 2024,” said Mayor van Wyk.
The renewable energy power that will be generated through this plant, will be connected to the grid to reduce the municipal bulk purchases. This sod turning, therefore, signals the beginning of our initiative to take George off Stages 1 and 2 off load-shedding by the end of 2024.
The 1MWp PV plant will consist of approximately 1728 PV Panels & 10 x 110kW inverters at a total cost of R 24 843 090.36. The plant is expected to generate in the order of 1780 MWh per year.
Ends.
The Executive Mayor of George, Alderman Leon van Wyk accompanied by the Portfolio Councillor for Electrotechnical Services & Fleet Management, Nosicelo Mbete, last week visited the Outeniqua Wastewater Treatment Works (WWTW) situated in Pacaltsdorp to see the start of the erection of the PV installation of a 400-kilowatt peak (kWp).
“We are happy to witness the commencement of the construction works for the installation of our 400 kiloWatt peak (kWp) solar PV plant that will, once erected in the next couple of months, be able to power most of the Wastewater Treatment Works electrical loads during the daytime. It is essential that we make use of renewable energy along with a battery pack which will be added in due course so that we can have the Power to operate our sewerage always works,” said Mayor van Wyk during his visit last week Thursday, 13 April 2023.
The system, according to the director for the George Municipal Electrotechnical Services, Bongani Mandla will comprise 736 panels, with each panel rated at 545 Watts. “Then we have the inverters that convert the DC power from the panels into AC electricity that’s required by the loads. We have a total of eight (8) inverters, with each inverter rated at 50 kilo Watts (kW).”
“The system will be grid-tied with no storage. However, it will allow for integration of battery storage to be installed in the next financial year,” Mandla added. “The power generated will be fed into the facility’s main low-voltage distribution board where the loads (pumps and motors) required to operate the wastewater facility are connected.”
The expected annual energy yield is 678 680 kWhs, and at a rate of R1,6 per kWh, the cost of the annual energy generated is R1 085 888. The calculated payback period of the system is 7 years. The lifespan of PV systems is 25 years. The system’s total cost, including a 24-month operation and maintenance period and training of 4 municipal staff, is R7,8 million (inclusive of VAT).
In addition, the PV system will have a weather monitoring station equipped with a bunch of sensors to measure parameters such as the irradiance, wind speed and wind direction, humidity, ambient temperature, PV panels temperature, etc. This data, including the PV production data, will be sent to a cloud, and then pulled off from there and displayed on the SCADA system, for remote monitoring (in near real-time).
In terms of environmental sustainability, the carbon emissions that will be avoided using energy generated from a clean and renewable source is 12 809 tonnes over 25 years. The installation will occupy an area of approximately 4 800 square metres.
Ends.
CAPTION:
From left: Rasmus Esterhuysen: Manager: Projects, Portfolio Councillor Nosicelo Mbethe (Electrotechnical Services & Fleet Management), Alderman Leon van Wyk (Executive Mayor of George), Menno Sulsters (Project Manager for SEM Solutions, appointed contractor), Thabo Yiga (Manager: Projects) and Danie Greeff (Electro-Technical Services: Deputy Director – Planning & Design).
The Mayor of George, Alderman Leon van Wyk, is calling all residents of the George Municipal area to participate in the annual City Nature Challenge, which will run from 28 April 2023 to 01 May 2023 for the observation period, and the upload and identification period ending 08 May 2023. It is as easy as downloading a free application from your App Store and starting to snap within the specified dates.
There is nature all around us, and knowing what species are in our city and where they are, helps us to study and protect them, as a community – scientists’ land managers and the public working together to find and document our unique natural environment.
Participating in this event will teach you about your local environment and can also improve the environment for humans and other species that live in this wonderful place.
To date, the Garden Route has joined forces and competed in 6 international biodiversity events as a district, placing within the top 10 every time. The City Nature Challenge draws over 400 entrants worldwide per year and includes other Western Cape cities such as Cape Town, Hermanus, the Theewaterskloof district and more. With the assistance of the residents of George, we can make an even bigger impact in 2023.
Mayor Leon van Wyk says, “Benefit of supporting the challenge is that it provides an excellent opportunity for municipalities to gather biodiversity information that can be used in the management of properties for environmental, tourism and rezoning purposes, assisting George Municipality to make informed decisions about these aspects.”
“Participation will showcase the George area as a tourism destination and develop pride and awareness of the local environment, offering educational opportunities, especially for children, learning to value their natural heritage.”, says Tourism Manager, Joan Shaw.
Planning to spend time in nature over this long weekend period, is the activity to involve friends and family while showcasing the beauty and diversity of our home region in this global event.
Whether you capture nature in your own backyard, or the urban sidewalks, visit the Garden Route Botanical Garden or the Garden Route National Park, climb a mountain, or submerge yourself in a local forest, you are bound to find a varied selection of plants, insects, and animals.
Prepare for the challenge by downloading and familiarising yourself with the iNaturalist application before the end of the month. To find out more about how you can contribute, contact Tourism Manager Joan Shaw at 044 801 9103.
Ends.
See TIPS FOR TAKING PHOTOS FOR THE CHALLENGE below:
TIPS FOR TAKING PHOTOS FOR THE CHALLENGE:
The photos you take during the City Nature Challenge are there to provide evidence of the organism you saw and to help confirm the identification of that organism. Therefore, taking good photos is key to participating in the CNC! Here are some tips for taking photos:
• Focus on one species in each observation in a close-up that fills the frame.
• Take several photos in one observation, including the leaves, the bark, flowers, or fruits.
• Discard blurry photographs.
• Get close, especially for small organisms – it will aid identification.
• An ideal observation has a picture showing the full organism and close-ups of important features.
• Remember only one species per observation. The more species, the more observations.
WORLD TRAVEL MARKET AFRICA 2023 – A great Garden Route Collaboration
Issued by George Municipality, 18 April 2023 for immediate release
George, Wilderness and Uniondale Tourism successfully represented the destination at the World Travel Market Africa tourism trade show held in Cape Town last week. The Garden Route stand was a great collaboration, with areas George, Knysna, Hessequa, Plettenberg Bay and Oudtshoorn represented. Other exhibitors on the stand included Redberry Farm and Woodlands Villa from George, where Woodlands Villa was a first-time exhibitor at the show. The stand was well positioned opposite SATSA, who represent over 1,100 inbound tourism products in Southern Africa. Other Garden Route exhibitors spotted at the show included Knysna Elephant Park, Highgate Ostrich Show Farm, Tsitsikamma Canopy Tours, Lilypond Lodge, Ocean Sailing Charters. This resulted in a strong Garden Route offering being represented to the tourism trade interested in Africa.
This year a Sustainability segment was included in the destination overview, which was identified as one of the most talked about themes on the buyer profiles. Buyers who George Tourism met with, based on our destination overview, were mostly interested in adventure, cultural exchange, mountain biking and hiking, nature and scenery, power van, National Park, Redberry Farm, gastronomy, nature guides, Dine with a Local, sporting events in the destination, wine, wellness experiences, and golf. Across the board, interest by tour operators is mostly for 4 and 5 Star properties that include breakfast.
A number of buyers are new to selling South Africa and or the Garden Route and were on a ‘fact finding mission’ where George Tourism was able to provide destination awareness and positioning. Where buyers know the Garden Route area quite well they used the trade show to understand what George, Wilderness and Uniondale has to offer their clients. Clients of the tour operators met with are from a wide variety of source markets covering Spain, India, Argentina, Australia, Netherlands, USA, South Korea, Russian, Belgium, Germany, France, UK, Nigeria, SA, Cameroon, Congo, Swiss, Austria, Malaysia, Norway, Scandinavian.
Managing Director, Chris Ndlovu, from Boyang Gape Tours and Travel who represents Indian and US group tour markets with Sharon House, Senior Tourism Officer for George.
Aerial photographs of the new Water Treatment Works Residuals Handling Facility and construction site.
National Treasury, accompanied by the representatives from the Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA), Development Bank of Southern Africa (DBSA), Neighbourhood Development Partnership Programme and Provincial Treasury visited the George Municipality on a two-day programme as part of the Mid-Year Budget and Performance Assessment for Municipalities.
This included a National Treasury delegation visit to the 20 Ml/d extensions to the New Water Treatment Works (New WTW) earlier in March 2023. George Municipality received a Budget Facility for Infrastructure Funding (BFI) grant to the value of R1.107 billion from the National Treasury in the 2021/22 financial year. The BFI project with its various components has shown significant progress and expenditure to date in the 2022/23 financial year. George Municipality is actively working to keep our economy on the go – by ensuring adequate long-term planning and investment in our resources with the current main focus on water, sewerage, and electricity.
National Treasury praised the Municipality for its well-maintained infrastructure. “Service delivery is clearly visible with well looked after roads networks and cleanliness of the town. This will go a long way in attracting investments into the city.”
The full BFI project is to be completed in the next twenty seven (27) months. George Municipality provides water services to over 212 120 residents from 62 722 households (STATSSA 2017) across 28 wards including the coastal areas of Kleinkrantz, Wilderness, Victoria Bay, Herold’s Bay and Gwaing in the city of George area. The objectives of the project are to ensure adequate potable water supply to meet the demand of the current population and to provide security for future development, both social and economic, and to reduce pollution of certain main water courses.
Updates on the Potable Water Security and Remedial Works components funded by BFI
The project consists of 12 components, some of which will be executed in more than one construction phase.
Component 1 and 2
Residuals Handling Facility and the 20 Ml/d extension to the New Water Treatment Works (New WTW).
Status: The first contract, valued at R263 million, was awarded for the civil engineering works and construction is progressing on site. The second contract, for the mechanical, electrical and instrumentation (MEI) works, was awarded for R217 million. Component 2 is the largest single component of the BFI project. The completed earthworks for the Water Treatment Works extension consisted of some 20 000 metric cubes of earth material that has been stockpiled on site for re-use elsewhere on other components of the BFI project as well as other municipal projects. Placing of concrete is progressing well and the structures are now above ground level.
The construction on the 600m long, 900mm diameter, clear water HDPE pipeline commenced towards the end of 2022 and is currently nearing 50% completion. The forestry permit was issued in early January 2023 and the remaining construction through sensitive indigenous forest can now proceed.
The dewatering facility for the water treatment process residuals is also progressing well and the concrete wall of two of the three tanks was cast while the third tank will be done shortly. This facility will eliminate the abrasive residuals from being discharged to the sewer system and therefore reduce the load on the sewage conveyance system and pumpstations, reduce the abrasive effect on pumpstation mechanical equipment as well as reduce the load on the wastewater treatment processes and the main sludge dewatering facility. The aim of this facility is to free up capacity that is currently being utilized by residuals discharged to the Eden, Meul and Schaapkop sewage pump station system as well as the Outeniqua Wastewater Treatment Works.
Component 3
The refurbishment of the existing Sludge Discharge System Phases 1 and 2 commenced at the Eden, Meul and Schaapkop Pumpstations.
Status: Construction of the first phase is progressing well at the Meul and Eden Pump Stations
Phase 1: The first phase of the upgrading and refurbishment of the Meul Sewage pumpstation is well progressed and certain components have been completed, including a standby generator and new motor control center panels. The new Motor Control Centre at the Eden Sewage pumpstation has been completed. Civil construction on the Meul Sewage Pumpstation is progressing well and over-pumping is currently taking place, involving a temporary pumping installation to allow work to be done in the pump sump and in the pump room. Phase 1 of the Schaapkop Sewage Pumpstation implementation was delayed, and the design process is now under way to incorporate both phases 1 and 2 to be implemented as a single project.
Phase 2: Consultants have been appointed for the design of the second phase of the pump station upgrades of the Meul and Eden sewage pump stations.
Component 4
The upgrading of the Garden Route Dam Outlet and Supply project includes the replacement of the existing 600 mm diameter raw water pipeline from the intake tower at the Garden Route Dam to the raw water pumpstations, with a new 800 mm diameter stainless steel pipeline to accommodate a higher flowrate in accordance with the future raw water flow requirements.
Status: Tenders were requested and have closed, with construction planned to commence in June 2023.
Component 5
2 x 1250 kVA generators are being installed at the Garden Route Dam raw water pumpstation. Once completed, it will ensure that during loadshedding or any other power outage, raw water can continue to be pumped uninterrupted to the Water Treatment Works for processing for drinking water supply.
Status: Construction is well progressed, the generators and associated equipment are currently being installed, and full operation of the generators is scheduled for the end of June 2023.
Component 6
An additional approximately 30 mega litre raw water storage balancing dam, including a 340m long 800mm diameter raw water pipeline, will be constructed to secure sufficient raw water storage capacity to supply the 20Ml/day extension to the Water Treatment Works. The new raw water dam will supplement the 60Ml provided by the two existing storage dams that provide raw water to the two water treatment plants.
Status: The preliminary design process has been completed with consideration of two alternative positions in order to select the most cost-effective solution. Final designs are nearing completion, to be followed by the procurement of a Contractor to construct the works.
Component 7
The rehabilitation of the Old Water Treatment Works, located at 9th Avenue in Denneoord includes the refurbishment of the 25 Ml/d treatment plant which is currently rated at only 20.5 Ml/ per day.
Status: This component consists of four separate contracts and the tenders. Construction is under way at the Old WTW and some condition assessments of the existing infrastructure necessitated design changes at the start of the contract, causing unforeseen delays. The air extraction from the filter galleries was completed and the emergency chlorine scrubbers have been ordered, and delivery is scheduled for July 2023, but with a possible further slight delay due to shipping from the United States. Both shipments of filter media have been delivered and fencing construction is practically complete.
A temporary package water treatment plant was installed and commissioned in mid-December 2022 to facilitate scheduled plant shutdowns to enable work to proceed uninterrupted. This temporary plant also increased the volume of potable water available to meet the peak holiday season demand. Partial plant shutdowns will take place at the old WTW during April 2023. Remedial works is scheduled to be done at the Old WTW and the existing New WTW, and water demand will have to be very carefully managed during any of the planned partial shutdowns to ensure that potable water demand can be met.
Component 8
Refurbishment of the Kaaiman’s River Pumpstation equipment will include the installation of six (6) new submersible vortex impeller pumps in the sump, a strainer system and six (6) new high lift centrifugal pumps, with the replacement of the electrical control equipment also included in the upgrade. The Kaaiman’s Pumpstation discharges raw water into the Garden Route Dam and contributes significantly to the George raw water resource requirements.
Status: Tenders have been requested and closed, and construction is planned to commence in May 2023.
Component 9 and 10
The new 14,5 Ml Pacaltsdorp West Reservoir; 3 Ml Pacaltsdorp East Reservoir, 300 kl Tower and pumpstation will address the inadequate emergency and balancing storage in this suburb.
Status: The designs are in process for both sites, to be followed by the procurement of a contractor for the construction of the works. The detailed design process will be aligned with the environmental and town planning processes.
Component 11 and 12
A new pumpstation and control valves will be provided at the existing Thembalethu West reservoir and tower; a new 8 Ml Thembalethu East Reservoir, 1000 kl tower and pumpstation will provide adequate potable water storage and increase security of potable water supply to Thembalethu as well as provide capacity to meet future development water demands.
Status: The design of both the works is in progress and will be followed by the procurement of a contractor for the construction of the works, scheduled for early 2024.
The George Municipality’s drive to improve the quality-of-service delivery is yielding good results said the Executive Mayor of George, Alderman Leon van Wyk after visiting two pilot projects in Syferfontein, an informal settlement South of Pacaltsdorp, aimed at introducing alternatives on-site sanitation technology in informal settlements to replace chemical toilets.
“Today we went on-site to Syferfontein to view the pilot project of a new technology toilet instead of the chemical toilets,” said Mayor van Wyk during his visit on Thursday, 13 April 2023. “These new toilets get erected on-site and make use of enzymes to dissolve solids and it also makes use of water, so there’s a water flush mechanism that is able to drain away into tanks underneath the ground and this improves the whole service routing where previously chemical toilets had to be serviced two to three times a week, this type of toilet would only require servicing once a month.”
George Municipality solicited proposals from suitably experienced service providers to implement a pilot project for alternative on-site sanitation technology in Informal Settlements to replace chemical toilets. The hiring and maintenance of chemical toilets is an expensive and unsustainable sanitation commodity which is unfortunately also the quickest method to respond to when an emergency situation presents itself.
It was thus imperative that sustainable alternative sanitation solutions be tested to replace chemical toilets in informal settlements where there is no sewer network and to alleviate the heavy financial burden on the Municipality and the Department of Infrastructure.
The Human Settlements, Planning and Development and Property Management Directorate of the George Municipality confirmed that this is a pilot project which will be tested for three months and the sanitation solution which is found to be most successful and sustainable will be extended to other informal settlement areas in the George Municipal precincts. “For this pilot project, we will be installing 3 different alternative sanitation units in Syferfontein, three in Wilderness Heights Informal Settlement and 9 units in Thembalethu in various Settlements,” said Lauren Waring, the department’s director.
Ends.
PHOTOS:
Photo 1: From left: Charne Floris (George Municipality Human Settlements), Brumilda Kirchner (George Municipality Human Settlements), Councillor Bazil Petrus (Portfolio Councillor for Human Settlements), Madoda Boke (Clerk of Works: Human of Settlements) Jurgen Graupe (Buffalo Tanks (Pty) Ltd, Alderman Leon van Wyk (Executive Mayor of George) Wendy Mentor (Manager Human Settlements) Mxolisi Ngwane (Racing Heart Group (Pty) Ltd), Siegfried Graupe (Buffalo Tanks) Lehlohonolo Mandlazi (Racing Group (Pty) Ltd.
Photo 2: From left: Councillor Bazil Petrus (Portfolio Councillor for Human Settlements), Wendy Mentor (Manager of Human Settlements), Alderman Leon van Wyk (Executive Mayor of George) and Jacques Rust (Envirosan).
The George Municipality’s Communication team was nominated as one of the top three most proactive communication teams in local municipalities in South Africa during the South African Local Government Association (SALGA) Communications Awards last week.
The other two nominees were Umzimvubu Local Municipality from the Eastern Cape towns of Mount Frere and Mount Alyliff (the winners) and Thaba Chweu Local Municipality from Mashishing, previously called Lydenburg, in the north-western region of Mpumalanga.
The Awards Ceremony formed part of the SALGA 6th Annual National Communicators’ Forum that took place between 12 – 14 April 2023 at Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC). SALGA’s National Communicators Forum offers a platform for Municipal Communicators to share insights, developments, and the latest trends in the communications industry. Municipalities across South Africa are nominated for various Communication Awards at the forum.
According to SALGA, the award for which the George Municipal Communications team was nominated, is for a communications team that is always proactive in its work. “It ensures that it takes part in information sharing, creates more awareness, or even profiles certain service delivery programmes and events. This team remains committed to actively participating in various platforms and programmes in the three spheres of Government. This is quite an outstanding team indeed!”
“We would like to congratulate our communication team for doing outstanding work that caught the attention of the SALGA adjudication team, as there was no entry submitted. This certainly is a sign that the George Municipal Communication team strives to ensure that the municipality communicates in an effective, transparent, coordinated and professional manner, which increases public confidence in the municipality and participation in the municipal processes,” said Dr Michele Gratz, George Municipal Manager.
The George Municipal Communication team comprises Chantel Edwards (Communications Manager), Ntobeko Mangqwengqwe (Senior Communication Officer) and Debra Sauer (Communication Officer).
#salgancf23
Watch highlights of the Award Ceremony:
https://fb.watch/jU1ROmVE8B/?mibextid=Nif5oz
Ends.
From left: Chantel Edwards (Communications Manager), Ntobeko Mangqwengqwe (Senior Communications Officer) and Debra Sauer (Communications Officer)
WHAT’S HAPPENING IN GEORGE, WILDERNESS AND UNIONDALE – TOURISM UPDATE APRIL 2023
Follow our monthly #GettoknowGeorge tourism update to discover interesting snippets happening in our beautiful area, curated just for you, as well as upcoming events you can look forward to!
Find all the tourism information you need in the greater George area at www.visitgeorge.co.za – the official tourism destination website.
#GeorgeTourism #GettoknowGeorge
UPCOMING EVENTS
2023 is our year to shine. George is taking to the global sporting stage! Two international events of significance are taking place right here, in our home paradise – the MUT by UTMB® and the ITPF Tent Pegging World Cup.
Celebrity South African trail runner, Ryan Sandes, training in the Outeniqua Mountains in 2021 in preparation for Mont Blanc, the penultimate UTMB® event.
MUT (Mountain Ultra-Trail) BY UTMB®
At UTMB® events, participants take part in the most beautiful trail running events on the planet, in the world’s most iconic places. What an honour that George is now included in this elite group of only 30 global trail running events. The MUT by UTMB® is the first and only event on the African continent to be part of the World Series Finals. This event takes place in the Outeniqua Mountains, with the Mut Miler (165km), Mut 100 (100km), Mut 60 (60km), Mut Marathon (42km- sold out), Mut Challenge (24.5km – sold out) and Mut Lite (9km) taking place between 26 – 28 May 2023.
Find out more:
https://mut.utmb.world/
https://www.facebook.com/MUTGeorge/
https://www.instagram.com/georgemountainultratrail/.
ITPF TENT PEGGING WORLD CUP 2023
Tent pegging? No, this sport does not feature tents. Formerly known as Gymkhana, this equestrian sport involves horse riding with swords and lances, with which the rider strikes an object at a full gallop. Taking place at the George Agricultural Show from 21 – 26 August 2023, 9 countries will compete for the ultimate trophy. 45 countries competed in 4 pools, where 2 countries qualified per pool, and South Africa qualified automatically as host country. South Africa won their pool; therefore 2nd and 3rd place from the pool South Africa was in, were awarded placement. The qualifying countries are India, Jordan, Oman, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Yemen, South Africa, Pakistan and Sudan. A high standard of riding skill is required to gallop a horse at full speed and maintain posture as judges award points for the accuracy with which objects are struck or retrieved. Make sure to come watch this exciting event!
See more here:
https://georgelandbouskou.co.za/tentpegging-world-cup/
https://www.instagram.com/itpf_info/?hl=en
https://itpf.net/en/
GENERAL EVENTS
26 April: Gin & Gastronomy Pairing Evening at 101 Meade Restaurant, George
044 874 0343 | www.101meade.co.za | reservations@101meade.co.za | R650
Join 101 Meade for a Gin and Gastronomy Pairing evening in collaboration with Cape Saint Blaize Artisanal Distillery, featuring 4 delicious courses at R650pp including gin pairings. Unique local botanicals are used to produce Cape Saint Blaize Gin.
28 & 29 April: Redberry Farm Market in George
044 870 7123 | marketing@redberryfarm.co.za | www.redberryfarm.co.za | Entry is free
The Redberry Farm Market is a great weekend outing for families. Go support local entrepreneurs and take your children to the Kids Play Park featuring giant inflatables and jumping castles at R50 for a full-day pass. Target Shooting is also available at R10 for 10 balls. There will be live performances by local artists JP Zeelie, Lynette, Bluebell music, Mathew Rodriguez and Janine Fourie. The 5km and 9km Trail Run powered by Peugeot is taking place on 29 April.
29 – 30 April: Autumn Bonsai Festival at the George Garden City Centre
044 873 6177 | admin@katrivierkai.co.za
The Autumn Bonsai Festival offers 12 South African bonsai demonstrations to give members a great festival.
29 April: The Nuklear Garden ‘23 Arts Festival at the Marshmallow Garden Café, George
062 386 7667 | bettysnuklear@gmail.com | R100 – R200
This alternative arts festival features live artists, food and drinks, tattoos, piercings, DJ’s and cash bar. Celebrating the weird and normal, the sunset lovers as well as the headbangers, this event gives 350 guests the opportunity to experience a 12-hour festival starting at 10am and ending at 10pm.
SPORTS EVENTS
SWD Eagles Rugby at Outeniqua Park Stadium, George
044 050 0660 | www.swdarende.co.za | veda@swdeagles.co.za | Entry from R10 – R30
29 April: Outeniqua Marathon, from George to Wilderness
084 501 0168 | jdupreez@george.gov.za
The Outeniqua Marathon 42km is a Comrades Marathon qualifier race. The event offers a 42km, 21km and 10km. The 42km starts at the Outeniqua Stadium while the 21km starts at the Garden Route Dam, traversing a spectacular landscape ending at the Wilderness Commonage.
Golf Days at Kingswood Golf Estate, George
086 172 7170 | www.kingswoodgolf.co.za bookings@kingswoodgolf.co.za
06 May: Wilderness SPCA Beach Walk at the Wilderness Common
044 878 1990 | www.grspca.co.za | branchg@grspca.co.za
The SPCA calls on all dog lovers to bring their furry friends for a walk on the Wilderness beach in the Wilderness Woof-athon starting at the Wilderness Common.
MUSIC, SHOWS, ART, AND DANCE
Dotsure Insurance George Arts Theatre, George
044 873 3938 | WhatsApp: 062 851 0751 | www.georgeartstheatre.co.za | enquiries@georgeartstheatre.co.za | Tickets available from Computicket and the Theatre Box Office
20 – 23 April: Wilderness Arts Festival at the Wilderness Hotel
082 569 0800 | www.wildernessartsfestival.co.za | carol@bcreative-design-print.co.za
Over 80 artists’ and sculptors’ works will be on display. Musicians, storytellers, poetry, live performers and book launches can be enjoyed. The festival is hosted at three main venues – the Wilderness Hotel, Palms Garden Square and Milkwood Village. This year’s theme is ‘Steampunk’. The main events are the launch evening with live music and a light buffet on 20 April; the Night of 1000 Drawings on 21 April; the Freedom Feathers Fashion Show on 22 April and Kevin Coffee Artist’s coffee and acrylic art pouring demo on 23 April.
22 April: Jan Blohm and Betty’s Nuklear Live at Milkwood Village, Wilderness
082 923 8199 | erikaswartturvey@gmail.com
Jan Blohm will rock out alongside rock vocalist Chad Abnett and up-and-coming band Betty’s Nuklear. Performing classics like “I stand alone” and “Dragula” with their raw vocals, rock fans will get their fix.
29 April: Albert Frost Live at Mujo Bar and Restaurant, George
072 562 29 37 | www.mujofoof.co.za | mujo@mujofood.co.za
Catch the legendary Albert Frost at Mujo for an afternoon of amazing food and great music. For the past two decades the energetic performances of blues, rock guitarist and singer Albert Frost has captured audiences worldwide. Dubbed the “South African Hendrix”, Frost alternates between rhythm and lead, showcasing his extraordinary skills on the acoustic and electric guitars. Catch the Best Rock Album SAMA Award winning Albert Frost at Mujo on 29 April.
14 May Mother’s Day 23′ with Isabella Live Music at Kontrei Padstal, George
044 889 0282 | www.kontreipadstal.co.za | info@kontreipadstal.co.za
Treat Mom for Mother’s Day at Kontrei Padstal with lovely live music while enjoying a homecooked lunch.
LOCAL DEALS AND HAPPENINGS
Take advantage of these local deals available:
The gorgeous Hawthorn Boutique Hotel in George exudes old world charm mixed with modern moments.
Eateries
Hawthorn Boutique Hotel invite you to enjoy their next Sunday Lunch on 23 April 2023. What better way to spend a Sunday afternoon than catching up with friends and family and enjoying some amazing food? Sunday lunch is served from 12pm – 3pm at R395 per person with a set menu that includes starters, mains and desserts, with a glass of house wine.
Texas Grill Knock Out Lunch Specials available Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm, include Burger and Chips for only R49 and Steak, Egg and Chips for R109.
RocoMamas have a smashin’ deal for all rockstar students at #RocoGeorge. The Student Special includes an Old Skool Burger and Fries OR 4 Wings and Fries OR 2 Downsize Classic Waffles for R60 (sit downs only). Valid until 30th November 2023.
For all fish fans, Nina’s Café have 20% all sushi on Mondays to Fridays between 3pm to 5pm, and Saturdays between 1pm to 3pm.
Mozambik George has you sorted for date night – every Tuesday at Mozambik for R480: Get a Xai Xai Platter to share with your partner and pair it with a bottle of Durbanville Hills Sauvignon Blanc or Merlot.
Enjoy a 2 Course Seasonal Lunch at the Hussar Grill for R175 per person.
Available Mondays to Saturdays from 12pm till 4pm.
Accommodation
The 109 room 4-star Protea Hotel Marriot King George in its country-style setting overlooks the George Golf Course, and boasts several swimming pools,
a kids’ play park, a bar, meeting facilities, and a superb restaurant with a blend of classical and contemporary cuisine.
Protea Hotel Marriot King George has a last-minute escape alert! Escape for less with Marriott Bonvoy – members save 20% and non-members 15% on weekend getaways at participating Protea Hotels by Marriott properties. Limited availability and for stays over the next 4 weekends. Bookable Wednesdays to Sundays.
At the Sea Glimpse Holiday Resort, stay 5 to 7 nights and receive 10% off, stay 7 – 14 nights and receive 15% off, and stay 14 – 21 nights and get a 20% discount. Offers are subject to availability.
Views Boutique Hotel and Spa are offering you 10% off accommodation rates for April 2023. Sea facing rooms start from R4,568 per room per night. Included in the rate is breakfast, Wi-Fi, Netflix, parking, complimentary welcome drink and morning beverage as well as the use of our hydro lounge.
JOIN THE CONVERSATION
Share your awesome experiences with us on your socials!
#visitgeorge
#visitwilderness
#visituniondale
VISIT YOUR LOCAL TOURISM OFFICE
Want to know more about what you can see, do, eat and where you can stay?
Go to visitgeorge.co.za to find out more.
The George Municipality’s five-year Integrated Development Plan (IDP) and which was adopted in May 2022 is currently being reviewed and the Municipality encourages the citizens of George, including Uniondale and surrounds to participate meaningfully and be part of the development of the city.
George Municipality, like all local municipalities in South Africa, must use the IDP as a method to plan the future development of its area. The IDP, according to Lauren Waring, the George Municipality director for Human Settlements, Planning and Development and Property Management, the IDP is an approach to planning that involves the entire municipality and its citizens in finding the best solutions to achieve good long-term development.
“The IDP is a super plan for an area that gives an overall framework for development. It aims to coordinate the work of local and other spheres of government in a coherent plan to improve the quality of life for all the people living in an area. It should consider the existing conditions and problems and resources available for development. The plan should look at economic and social development for the area. It must set a framework for how land should be used, what infrastructure and services are needed and how the environment should be protected,” Waring added.
The Municipal Systems Act (MSA) and Municipal Finance Management Act (MFMA) require municipalities to review their five-year IDP and budget documents annually to remain relevant and respond to the municipality’s developmental needs. The MSA further requires that municipalities create an opportunity to encourage local communities to participate in municipal matters such as the IDP and budget.
Public Participation engagements underway
“Between 11 and 18 April 2023, the George Municipality conducts a series of meetings with ward committees who are representing both the geographical setting and existing sectors within the 28 wards in the George Municipal area,” Waring said. “The wards are clustered to meet at different venues to discuss the draft IDP and the draft budget.
The George Municipality furthermore extends an invitation to the citizens from all 28 wards to comment on the following documents:
• Draft 1st Review of the 5th Generation Integrated Development Plan (IDP) 2023/2024
• The Draft Medium Term and Revenue Expenditure Framework (MTREF) 2023/24 – 2025/26 and the Draft Property Taxes, Tariffs, New and Revised Budget-related Policies for 2023/24, as envisaged by Section 17 of the MFMA for the George Municipality
The above documents are available for inspection, public representation, inputs, and comments. The set of Council resolutions and all other relevant documents are made public at all libraries and ward offices during normal office hours and are also displayed on the George Municipality’s website at: www.george.gov.za. Hard copies of the above-mentioned documents are also available at all libraries and area offices in the George Municipal precinct.
Submission of IDP and budget comments
Comments must be in writing and addressed to the Municipal Manager, PO Box 19, George 6530, or to WhatsApp: 060 779 7634; or sent to the following email address: idp@george.gov.za, clearly stating “Comments: Draft Amendment of the 5th Generation IDP 2022 – 2027 or Draft Budget 2023/24 – 2025/26”.
Persons wishing to comment on the Draft Budget documentation (inclusive of the policies and tariffs/charges), but cannot read or write will be assisted during office hours by the Manager: Budgets: Mr Renaldo Coetzee at rcoetzee@george.gov.za or 044 8019122
Ward Councillors and ward committee members wishing to comment on the Amendment of the 5th Generation IDP 2022 – 2027, but cannot read or write will be assisted during office hours by the IDP Officer Mrs Ronel Le Fleur- Valla at rlefleur@george.gov.za, Fourth Floor, York Street, George. Alternatively, at 044 801 9075.
The public participation closing date for comments is Tuesday, 25 April 2023 at 16:30.
Ends.
George Municipality is excited to announce that we are moving over to a new award winning Citizen App – My Smart City – which won the award for best enterprise solution in the 2022 MTN App Of The Year Award. Available on the Apple App Store, Google Play Store, or via the My Smart City website (mysmart.city), the platform was built by Acumen Software, and has been successfully launched in a number of the metro’s including Johannesburg, Cape Town, Tshwane, and Ekurhuleni. George Municipality has partnered with My Smart City to bring a tailored one-stop solution to your service delivery needs.
Executive Mayor Leon Van Wyk welcomed the transition to the new App. “George as a city is in the process of positioning itself within the global drive towards smart cities. Technology has the potential to advance the management of cities, contribute to their economic success, and improve the quality of life of its residents. George continues to proactively explore smart city interventions as a means of overcoming the rising challenges of urban development and sustainability, becoming more resilient, innovative and creative.”
George Municipality aims to simplify service delivery and the My Smart City App allows you as the resident to:
The My Smart City – George App gives residents access to the George social feeds which will allow subscribers to engage and share current affairs within their communities as well as extract information around power outages, load shedding schedules, water outages, road closures, and stay updated with community alerts specific to the area they live in. The My Smart City – George app will act as a conduit for the resolution of service delivery issues – your issues are escalated to the George Municipality and captured within our internal fault logging system which provides a reference number and feedback to you, the resident, via the App, allowing you to track your fault without contacting a call centre.
Municipal Manager, Dr Michele Gratz that the My Smart City – George APP is one of the pillars which George Municipality is using to render a more efficient and effective service. “ The effectiveness of the My Smart City – George Appwill however be determined by residents subscribing and then using the many existing and new features to make communicating and transacting with the municipality easier. It is hoped that residents will embrace the new technology to make their lives easier and to make the municipality more efficient.”
Existing subscribers of the George Municipal App will be notified on the existing App when the current service will be terminated and we ask that you install the new My Smart City – George App to allow for a seamless transition. Details will be provided on how to access the My Smart City-George App and the QR Code will be available on your monthly statements! The GO LIVE DATE will be communicated – keep an eye on our social media channels for updates.