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In the photo above Chris Jacobs from RWC Construction is on site in Hope Street with the upgrading of George South Stormwater Infrastructure,  Phase 1 post the 2021 floods. With him is Mayor Jackie von Brandis and Cllr Browen Johnson, MMC for Civil Engineering Services.

George Municipality started with upgrades following the November/ December 2021 disaster flood and received R63,3 million to implement the first phase of the upgrading of the George South stormwater infrastructure. Hope Street has been completed and re-opened, although work continues adjacent to Hope Street, and there will be various road reinstatement work in Merriman, Palgrave and Newton Streets.  The project includes the replacement of stormwater pipelines, junction boxes, catchpits, inlet structures, outlet structures, portal culverts and the construction of detention ponds. Two properties had to be expropriated to ensure that the works could proceed.

Construction commenced on 20 March 2024 and the anticipated completion date is 20 November 2024 despite the complexity of the project, as well as rainfall that have caused delays. Because of the significant impact of the project on residents and all road users, regular updates have been provided on the municipal social media platforms and by the Public Liaison Officer who liaises directly with the affected residents.

Detention Pond

The function of the new detention ponds is to attenuate the stormwater thereby reducing the outflow rate into the downstream municipal stormwater infrastructure.  Between rainfall events the detention ponds will be empty. Security fencing will be constructed around the detention ponds to improve public safety. The construction of the main detention pond between Hope and Newton Streets is approximately 71% complete, and the smaller detention pond adjacent to Hope Street is 90% complete.

Portal Culverts

A new 460 m long portal culvert that is 2.4m wide x 1.5m high is being constructed in the road reserve along Merriman, Palgrave and Newton Streets to replace the old culvert.

The culvert construction is approximately 82% complete and only 14 pre-cast culvert units remains to be placed in their final position in Palgrave Street.

Stormwater and pipelines

The existing stormwater pipelines will be cleaned and approximately 500m of new underground pipelines will be constructed. Approximately 79% has been completed and the manholes and catchpits are approximately 44% complete.

Roadworks and access

All road layer works and residential access driveways, will be reinstated along the alignment of the new stormwater culvert and pipelines.

Photos:

On site in Hope Street are Mayor Jackie von Brandis, Cllr Browen Johnson, MMC for Civil Engineering Services and Everton Manewil from RWC Construction. On the far left is Gerald Bewee from George Municipality Law Enforcement.

The main detention pond in Hope Street. The function of the new detention ponds is to slow down the stormwater outflow into the downstream municipal stormwater infrastructure.

The George Municipality, in partnership with Henque Waste, EWASA (EPR Waste Association of South Africa), and PETCO, celebrated National Recycling Day on 20 September 2024 in Lawaaikamp. The event attracted about 70 participants, including Small Medium and Micro Enterprises (SMMEs), litter pickers, and potential waste pickers, all of whom were educated about the importance of recycling.

National Recycling Day serves to raise awareness about recycling’s vital role in environmental preservation. By reducing waste and conserving resources such as water used in manufacturing, recycling is essential for sustainable development.

Henque Waste, a municipal recycler, expressed excitement about participating in the event. “It was a phenomenal day that brought the Municipality, service providers, and the community together. We’ve recognised the value in waste, and by working together, we can eradicate illegal dumping, reduce landfilling, and promote environmental conservation,” said Henque Waste. “We are eager to establish partnerships with waste pickers, SMMEs, and businesses committed to fighting waste.”

EWASA echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the need to empower communities to embrace recycling. “We aim to put people at the forefront of waste-related issues, transforming waste from a challenge into an opportunity,” said eWASA. “Through collaboration with George Municipality and other stakeholders, we can build resilient, sustainable societies.”

The George Municipality reaffirmed its commitment to creating opportunities for SMMEs to engage in the circular and green economy through waste management initiatives. The event underscores the municipality’s dedication to advancing recycling efforts and fostering a more sustainable future for all.

In the photo above Dr Ivan Meyer, Minister of Agriculture, Apostle Abe De Celly (a beneficiary on the day), Cllr Melvin Roelfse, MMC of Community Development, Executive Mayor of George, Ald Jackie von Brandis, Cllr Marchell Kleynhans, MMC of Environmental Services, Mayor Andrew Stroebel from Garden Route District Municipality, Dr Mogale Sebopetsa, Head of the Department of Agriculture and Julian Williams from South African Breweries stand with the food that were being handed to beneficiaries on the day.

Uniondale buzzed with activity on Friday as the Department of Agriculture hosted an early celebration of World Food Day, on the rugby field, officially recognised on October 16. The event highlighted George Municipality’s efforts to combat hunger and improve access to nutrition for vulnerable residents.

During her address, Mayor of George, Jackie von Brandis emphasised the operation of 117 nutritional centres, including six in Uniondale, as well as community food gardens aimed at sustainable food sources. Minister Ivan Meyer was thanked for his contributions to agriculture, tourism, and economic development.

Plans for a pilot project to establish community food gardens in areas affected by illegal dumping were also announced, showcasing proactive efforts to address local challenges. They handed over food parcels to Early Childhood Develolpment centres, nutritional centres and churches. The event highlighted George Municipality’s efforts to combat hunger and improve access to nutrition for vulnerable residents.

During her address, Mayor of George, Jackie von Brandis emphasised the operation of 117 nutritional centres, including six in Uniondale, as well as community food gardens aimed at sustainable food sources. Minister Ivan Meyer was thanked for his contributions to agriculture, tourism, and economic development.

Plans for a pilot project to establish community food gardens in areas affected by illegal dumping were also announced, showcasing proactive efforts to address local challenges. They handed over food parcels to Early Childhood Develolpment centres, nutritional centres and churches.

Photos:

Cllr Jarques Esau, Ward Councillor of Uniondale  plants a tree at Mina Moo creche in Uniondale who was a beneficiary where they also have their vegetable garden.

Children from Mina Moo creche waters the tree that was planted at the creche. From left are Calem-Grace Blaauw and next to her is Riley van Rooyen. At the back looking on is Shakee nah Malambo (in pink). In the background you can see part of the vegetable garden.

George Municipal Council approved the renaming of Albert Street and Sandkraal Road to Nelson Mandela Boulevard, in honor of former President Nelson Mandela in August 2013.

The name change was advertised in the George Herald and notifications regarding these changes were sent to property owners on 5 November 2013. Relevant authorities were informed to update their records accordingly. The municipality acknowledges that full implementation of the name change can take time, and not all property owners may have updated their addresses.

Property owners are encouraged to update their physical addresses to avoid any confusion in navigation, ensuring that customers, friends, and service providers can locate their premises easily. This is particularly important in emergency situations, where accurate address information is critical.

The municipality emphasizes that physical addresses should be correctly reflected on municipal accounts. Property owners can contact the municipality to update their postal addresses or correct any inaccuracies in their account details. Business owners and corporate organizations are also advised to ensure that all online marketing platforms display the correct street addresses to avoid any disruptions in service or customer interactions.

Enquiries in this regard may be directed to cebester@george.gov.za or call 044 801 9117.

In the photo above, Traffic Officers demonstrated to children how to read road signage and how to operate in traffic scenarios.

The George Municipality HIV & AIDS Sub-section and nutritional centres successfully conducted a holiday programme aimed at educating local children. The initiative, which reached 440 children from various communities, featured interactive sessions covering vital safety and health topics.

The programme included presentations from the George Fire Department, where participants learned essential fire safety practices. Topics discussed included fire prevention tips, the proper use of fire extinguishers, and emergency procedures in the event of a fire.

Additionally, the George Traffic Department provided insights on road safety. Children were educated on safe practices when approaching traffic signals and pedestrian crossings, as well as general road safety guidelines.

The George South African Police Service Community Policing Forum (SAPD CPF) addressed critical issues surrounding drug abuse. Discussions included the dangers associated with substance use, signs of addiction, available support resources, and strategies for making healthy life choices. The session also touched on the serious issue of human trafficking, emphasising the importance of awareness and prevention.

Aftercare holiday programme

The Community Development section also held an aftercare holiday programme held from September 23 to 27, offered a week of fun and learning for local children.

The festivities kicked off with an outing to the Marshmallow Garden Café where the children enjoyed a day of play on jungle gyms, swings, and a jumping castle, all while taking in the stunning views of the Outeniqua Mountains and observing fish in the dam.

On September 25, the programme featured an art session led by Anthony Noble, who encouraged children to express themselves creatively. His inspiring message reminded them, “You are the paintbrush in God’s hand; you can change your life to what you want it to be.” Additionally, an informative session was conducted on bullying and disability.

The following day, the children visited the Pacaltsdorp swimming pool all under the supervision of their aftercare teachers.

The programme concluded on September 27 at the Pacaltsdorp sports field, where children participated in team activities, including rugby, soccer, and netball, fostering teamwork.

Photos:

Officials from Community Development speaks to children during the holiday programme.

A fireman speaks to the children about fire safety.

 Fire personnel speak to children on fire safety

In the photo is the Mayoral Committee which travelled to Touwsranted to engage the community

Rural areas on the outskirts of cities are often overlooked in terms of access to essential services, including municipal information and education. However, George Municipality remains committed to prioritising outreach in these areas.

On Thursday, 19 September, the George Municipality, along with the Mayoral Committee, travelled approximately 30 km east of George to engage with the community of Touwsranten. The outreach aimed to address local concerns and provide residents with an opportunity to engage directly with municipal officials and councillors. The team also visited a local clinic.

Departments involved in the outreach included Human Settlements, Civil Engineering Services, Electrotechnical Services, Corporate Services, and Financial Services. The roads team from the Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) also participated, alongside GRDM councillor, Cllr Stag Cronje.

Despite the inclement weather, residents gathered at the community hall to discuss their concerns with councillors and officials. The engagement was successful, and the Executive Mayor of George, Alderman Jackie von Brandis looks forward to further outreach initiatives aimed at connecting rural communities with essential municipal services.

In the photo are speakers and guests from left to right: Cllr Thandiswa Qatana (Programme Director), Cllr Brendon Adams (MMC for Community Safety), Dr Zilla North (WC Department of Health, Khangelani Rhawula (Director: WC Department of Health), Vuyani Mbaqa (Deputy Director: Department of Police Oversight), Ald Jackie von Brandis (Executive Mayor of George), Nkosiyabo Lose (GRDM Project Coordinator), Sergeant Opperman (SAPS), and Lee-Anne Meiring (Senior Manager: Community Safety).

Engagements, information sharing, and safety exhibitions were at the forefront of the George Mayor’s Safety and Security Expo, held on Thursday, 3 October 2024, at the George Civic Centre. The event, aimed at encouraging unity against crime, was attended by Executive Mayor Ald Jackie von Brandis, members of the Executive Mayoral Committee, councillors, and various representatives from the safety and security sector.

Key attendees included officials from the Western Cape Provincial Government, Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM), South African Police Service (SAPS), Department of Correctional Services, Department of Police – Oversight, Western Cape Department of Health and Wellness, and the Western Cape Liquor Authority community organisations, Community Policing Forums, Community in Blue, Neighbourhood Watch, and residents of George.

In her opening remarks, Mayor von Brandis expressed gratitude for the strong turnout. “I am sincerely thankful for your attendance,” she said. “This Safety and Security Expo emerged from the growing need for collaboration on crime prevention, and I am pleased to see the strong support we’ve received today. As the largest secondary city in our province, we must prioritize safety and tackle crime head-on as a united community.”

Lee-Anne Meiring, Senior Manager for Community Safety at George Municipality, delivered the keynote address, focusing on the local government’s role in community safety, the importance of partnerships, and the municipality’s strategy for safety in George. She emphasized that crime prevention requires collaboration across all sectors. “We believe that no single entity can ensure community safety alone. Our approach is to work across individual, relationship, community, and societal levels to prevent crime and violence.”

Meiring introduced the City’s Strategy for Community Safety, which includes:
• A flexible organisational structure suited to George’s growing needs
• Integration of advanced technology
• Development of an Operational Command Centre
• Improvement of data collection systems
• Strengthening of existing partnerships and creation of new ones

The event also featured presentations from key stakeholders such as the Department of Police – Oversight, SAPS Garden Route, Western Cape Department of Health and Wellness, GRDM, and the Western Cape Liquor Authority. Topics discussed included:
• Neighbourhood Watch accreditation and responsibilities
• Building sustainable safety partnerships
• The impact of crime on health services and solutions
• District Safety Forum initiatives
• Alcohol’s role in society and Western Cape Liquor Authority’s local operations

Residents had the opportunity to engage during a question-and-answer session, raising concerns about Neighbourhood Watch uniforms, stipends for Community in Blue, and transport assistance for safety volunteers. Councillor Thandiswa Qatana, who was the Programme Director, facilitated this process.

The expo was a collaborative effort between George Municipality, the Western Cape Provincial Government, and GRDM. Mayor von Brandis closed the event with a powerful declaration: “With this expo, I want all of us—residents and councillors alike—to declare: No to crime, no to violence, and no to living in fear!”

Follow the link to the video of the event: https://youtu.be/HsawGqdZQo8

In the photo is the George Community Safety Forum convening its quarterly meeting

The George Community Safety Forum convened its quarterly meeting on Wednesday, 02 October 2024, at the George Municipality Council Chambers—the meeting aimed to bolster safety measures across the city of George through a collaborative, integrated approach.

The MMC for Community Safety in George, Cllr. Brendon Adams officially opened the forum meeting, which Lee-Anne Meiring, senior manager for Community Safety in George, facilitated. Participants were divided into three working groups focusing on key areas vital to the city’s safety strategy: urban design, socio-economic development, and law enforcement.

In attendance were representatives from George Municipality, Garden Route District Municipality, the South African Police Service (SAPS), the Department of Social Development (DSD), Western Cape Department of Health and Wellness, Department of Correctional Services (DCS), Western Cape Education Department (WCED), Community in Blue, SANCA Garden Route, Western Cape Liquor Authority (WCLA), Community Development, Community Policing Forum (CPF) George, CPF Pacaltsdorp, CPF Thembalethu, Smoking and Alcohol Harms Alleviation and Rehabilitation Association (SAHARA), NICDAM, Legally You, POCS, Men’s Sector and local ward committee members.

The collaboration among these diverse entities highlights the Municipality’s commitment to fostering a safer environment for all residents through integrated efforts and community engagement.

In the photo above are learners that attended the suicide awareness programme at Pacaltdorp and the identified people in the photo are from left, Tarryn Arries (teacher at Pacaltsdorp High School), Juwayriah Syster (Programme co-ordinator from ACVV George), Carol Kaboni (teacher at Pacaltsdorp High School) and Robyn Parks (Career Guidance Officer at George Municipality).

In an initiative aimed at tackling concerns of teenage suicide, Robyn Parks from George Municipality’s Community Development department and Juwayriah Syster from ACVV George recently collaborated to host a comprehensive Suicide Awareness Programme at Pacaltsdorp High School.

The programme addressed the reasons why some teenagers attempt to or commit suicide and the signs to look out for as a teacher and a friend. The importance of positive friendships was emphasised as peer pressure can play a crucial role in a teenager’s life. Young people should know real friends will motivate and uplift you, and not judge you.

Learners were educated on how to report concerning behaviours and encouraged to seek help when needed. Resources from various child protection organisations, including ACVV George, FAMSA George, George Child and Family Welfare, Badisa, and the Department of Social Development, were highlighted to ensure that all students, regardless of where they live, knew where to turn for assistance.
A unique component of the event included the distribution of crochet arm bracelets, created through a collaboration involving officials from the Community Development department, ACVV George and a foster care parent with ACVV George. These bracelets, symbolising the circle of life and featuring a central bead representing faith, the importance of prayer and meditation serve as a reminder of hope and resilience during difficult times.

At the start of the programme, learners were asked to anonymously write down their contact information if they felt they needed help or knew someone who did. This initiative aims to facilitate connections with appropriate support services.

The event also marked the launch of the Big Brother and Big Sister initiative, designed to establish a support system for younger learners. Six grade 11 learners, three boys and three girls, were selected to serve as mentors, receiving training to assist peers facing challenges, whether academic or personal, because learners are not always comfortable sharing with teachers.

Following the informative session, learners participated in a pledge against suicide, symbolised by painting their hands and printing them on paper. The programme concluded with positive engagement, as students actively participated and demonstrated genuine interest in the topics discussed.

Photos:

Learners were gifted crochet arm bracelets, to remind them of the circle of life and how to embrace their faith and hope, especially when faced with difficult seasons.

From left Juwayriah Syster (Programme co-ordinator from ACVV George), Robyn Parks (Career Guidance Officer from George Municipality) and Shaldeo Savage (Social Auxiliary Worker form ACVV George) taking the pledge.

Positive slogans at the event to remind learners of their worth, that there is always help and noting that nothing in life is so bad that you have to take your own life.

Seen with the proud team of learners from the left Mrs Matya and Mrs Biyela, both teachers from Imizamo Yethu Secondary. Standing at the back is Mr Jongi Mbanga, Assistant Director of Library Services for the Western Cape.

Imizamo Yethu Secondary School achieved great success at the 2024 Funda Mzansi National Reading Championship, held from September 23 to 27 in George. The proudly George school won three major awards, marking a significant achievement in their first participation in nine years.

The school claimed first and second place in the Spelling Bee and secured third place in the national reading competition. Mrs. Busi Biyela, the coordinator and teacher at Imizamo Yethu, expressed her pride in the students’ accomplishments, stating, “This is the very first time in nine years participating in this competition that we have won. Our students worked incredibly hard, and these awards are a testament to their dedication and passion for reading.”

The school also participated in debates and book reviews, gaining valuable experience. Their participation was supported by the Western Cape Provincial Department of Sports, Arts and Culture Libraries, which provided hotel accommodation.
George Municipality ensured the success of the event by hosting and maintaining competition venues. The achievements of Imizamo Yethu Secondary have set a high standard for future competitions.

Surveyor Ranwin James talks to Aletta Joseph from Blanco about GO GEORGE.

The annual GO GEORGE passenger satisfaction survey will kick off at the beginning of October with easily identifiable surveyors approaching people for input. An appeal is made to the George community to take 20 minutes out when they are approached and to assist with the valuable feedback only obtainable from those who use the bus service or are in some way impacted by its operations.

This annual survey under the joint auspices of the Western Cape Department of Mobility and the Municipality of George aims to determine and measure the overall socio-economic impact of the implementation of the GO GEORGE bus service in George. The results will be compared/ with previous results for benchmarking and planning purposes.

Macro-, transport- and socio-economic impact measured
The overall impact will be measured in three main areas, namely macro-economic, transport-economic and socio-economic impact. Several surveys will be carried out over a two-month period, starting at the beginning of October 2024.

George residents will be approached for feedback by means of the following two surveys:
• Passenger satisfaction surveys, which will be carried out at GO GEORGE bus stops across the operational route network;
• Special-interest group surveys (e.g., users with special needs and specific-interest groups), to be carried out through personal interviews.

Surveyors easily identifiable
Surveyors will be wearing GO GEORGE-branded identification cards showing the person’s photo and ID number.

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

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GO GEORGE-opname om sosio-ekonomiese impak van busdiens te meet

Die jaarlikse GO GEORGE-passasierstevredenheidsopname skop aan die begin van Oktober af met maklik identifiseerbare navorsingsbeamptes wat mense sal nader vir insette. ‘n Beroep word op die George-gemeenskap gedoen om 20 minute af te staan wanneer hulle genader word en om te help met die waardevolle terugvoer wat slegs verkry kan word van diegene wat die busdiens gebruik, of op een of ander manier deur sy bedrywighede geraak word.

Hierdie opname onder die gesamentlike vaandel van die Wes-Kaapse departement van mobiliteit en die munisipaliteit van George mik om die algehele sosio-ekonomiese impak van die implementering van die GO GEORGE-busdiens in George te bepaal en te meet. Die resultate sal vergelyk word met vorige uitslae vir prestasiemeting en beplanningsdoeleindes.

Makro-, vervoer- en sosio-ekonomiese impak gemeet
Die algehele impak sal op drie hoofgebiede gemeet word, naamlik makro-ekonomiese, vervoer-ekonomiese en sosio-ekonomiese impak. Verskeie opnames sal oor ‘n tydperk van twee maande gedoen word, met wegspring aan die begin van Oktober 2024.

Inwoners van George sal deur middel van die volgende twee opnames vir terugvoer genader word:
Passasiersopnames, wat by GO GEORGE-bushaltes oor die operasionele roetenetwerk heen gedoen sal word;
Spesiale belangegroep-opnames (byvoorbeeld gebruikers met spesiale behoeftes en spesifieke belangegroepe), wat hoofsaaklik deur persoonlike onderhoude uitgevoer sal word.

Navorsingsbeamptes maklik identifiseerbaar
Navorsingsbeamptes sal GO GEORGE-gemerkte identifikasiekaarte dra wat die persoon se foto en ID-nommer toon.

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

BYSKRIF:

Navorsingsbeampte Ranwin James gesels met Aletta Joseph van Blanco oor GO GEORGE.

In the photo from left to right: Amelia Lombard (Assistant Town Planner), Henriëtte Koch (Senior Manager of Spatial Planning), and Naudica Swanepoel (Senior Town Planner), all from the Section for Town Planning and Environmental Management.

The George Municipality is pleased to announce the bolstering of its Town Planning team with the appointments of three key professionals: a Senior Manager, a Town Planner, and an Assistant Town Planner.

The new team members are:
• Henriëtte Koch, Senior Manager of Spatial Planning, Planning, and Development,
• Naudica Swanepoel, Senior Town Planner, Planning, and Development, and
• Amelia Lombard, Assistant Town Planner, Planning, and Development.

These appointees bring diverse expertise to the Municipality’s Planning and Development division, covering areas such as Capital Investment Planning, Town Planning, and Land Use Management. Their extensive experience will support the Municipality in advancing sustainable and well-planned urban development.

Seven of George Municipality’s toughest are participating in the 9th TFA competition being held in Mossel Bay at De Bakke beach. Junior Firefighter Duarte Carolus and Frazier Pedro are competing in the Individual Challenges and the full team will participate in the Team Relay Saturday 28 September.

Background:
The TFA-SA is based on the international Toughest Firefighter Alive’ Challenge, the blue riband event of the World Firefighter Games (WFG). The WFG started in Auckland, New Zealand 1990 and is held in a different country every two years with the winner of the TFA Competition at the WFG being crowned the World’s Toughest Firefighter Alive, a very prestigious award.

The Firefighters for Excellence Foundation – SA exists to promote and encourage elite fitness amongst firefighters, acknowledging the critical role fitness and wellness plays within the firefighting profession, in ensuring the safety and well-being of our communities.

Individuals, municipalities, volunteer organizations, private firefighting companies, military firefighters are encouraged to support and partake in TFA-SA. The event provides the opportunity to collaborate and benchmark the South Africa’s firefighters whilst enhancing service delivery through fitter, stronger fire fighters, build community relations, motivate fire fighters and restore local and national pride in the fire services.

Seen here in their Team gear are from left Firefighter and Team Leader Nico Rossouw, Junior Firefighters Duarte Carolus, Frasier Pedro, Shawn Platt, Regan Van Beulen and Firefighter Denzil Muller. Not in the photograph Junior Firefighter Thabiso Keketsi.

George Municipality as part of the PLOTS Forum held a quarterly meeting recently  focusing on improving the lives of homeless individuals. Various departments and NGOs, including representatives from Project Hope and community wellness programmes, discussed strategies for effective support.

We invite businesses, NGOs, and community members to participate in our new “Adopt a Person” initiative. Instead of giving cash directly to individuals, you can donate R25 to the George Night Shelter. This donation provides a person with one night of accommodation, including a meal and shower.

For more information, please contact:George Night Shelter at 044 873 2787 or George Municipality at 044 802 2000.

In the photograph are clockwise from left, Estelle Fredericks, Coordinator of the Forum and Project Hope for people living on the Streets, Zelda Barnard(Stop Trafficking), Brian Faul (SAHARA), Freddy Trout (Community Wellness programme), Enrico Tarentaal (Department of Social Development), Asavela Mandongana (Social Worker: George Municipality),Jonathan Gelderbloem (Manager: Kidstop and Chairperson of the Forum), Cllr MelvinRoelfse, MMC for Community Development, Thandabathu Ndamase, (Department of Education), Indiphile Mngcomela (Department of Education, Andries de Swardt (Department of Justice), Asiphe Zanywa (Department of Education) and Leigh-Main Jacobs (Department of Education.

Sharon Eland-Lewis, local George author who overcame pain, suffering and lots of trials and tribulations to get her first book, Slegs ‘n enkele kans published, today spoke at the opening ceremony for the 14th Annual Funda Mzantzi competition hosted in George.

Her afrikaans book published by The National Library of South Africa, an agency of the Department of Arts and Culture is selected as the Afrikaans book for the competition. Ms Lewis gifted the Minister for Correctional Services, Dr Groenewald with a signed copy of her book.

Seen here from left are;  Garden Route District Municipality’s Speaker, Alderlady Georlene Wolmarans, Executive Deputy Mayor Raybin-Gibb Figland, National Minister of Correctional Services Dr Pieter Groenewald, National Commissioner for the Department of Correctional Services Mr MS Thobakgale and MMC Community Services (Social Development, Sport, Libraries and Customer Care) Cllr Melvin Roelfse.

Background:

Sharon Eland-Lewis was placed on the agenda of a portfolio committee meeting during 2017 when the Library Department announced that the staff of library service, that is Rachel Williams (Manager:George Libraries), Hazel Springfield and Eurogine Carolus  assisted her with the book by typing the whole publication for her when she approached them for assistance. James de Waal assisted with the proofreading of the book. Rachel Williams contacted Zanele Nikani, the Project Facilitator of the Community Programme at the Publishing National Library of South Africa. Ms Nikani arranged publishing (using the Community Publishing Grant), professional editing and proofreading for the publication. Well-known writer and poet Diana Ferrus assisted with further editing and proofreading of the manuscript. As Sharon is deaf, all correspondence to and from the National Library came through the office of the Library Manager. Although Sharon is vulnerable, extremely poor and a shack dweller, she is a very passionate library patron.  Sharon expressed her heartfelt thanks to the George Municipality, the George Library staff and everyone that assisted her on her journey.

In the photo: Councillors, stakeholders and community at the opening of the Thusong Centre

The Pacaltsdorp Satellite Thusong Service Centre, located at the Old Tourism Information Building on Mission Street, was officially launched on Wednesday, 18 September 2024.

The launch event was attended by the Executive Mayor of George, Ald Jackie von Brandis, along with councillors, stakeholders from various organisations, representatives from government departments that will operate from the new Thusong Centre, local entrepreneurs, community leaders, and members of the Pacaltsdorp community. Officials from the Western Cape Department of Local Government and the George Municipality were also present.

During the opening, Mayor von Brandis expressed her enthusiasm for the new facility: “It’s an absolute privilege to open this centre today. I’m pleased to have the councillors, the community, and all stakeholders here to witness the start of bringing services closer to where they are needed most. Please come and see what the centre offers.”

“The Pacaltsdorp Satellite Thusong Service Centre will host key government services, including the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA), the Department of Labour, the Department of Home Affairs, and the Department of Social Development (on a scheduled basis), as well as Community Development Workers (CDW), among others,” Mayor von Brandis added.

Thusong Facilities are defined as one-stop, integrated community centres where residents can access crucial government information, services, and resources. The Thusong Service Centre Programme is designed to bring government services closer to the people, promoting access to opportunities and contributing to improved livelihoods.

The establishment of a Thusong facility in Pacaltsdorp was identified as a key priority in the Municipality’s Integrated Development Plan (IDP). The IDP highlighted a pressing need for such a facility in the community, which has now been addressed by the George Municipality.

The facility’s maintenance is supported by a grant from the Department of Local Government. The George Municipality now has three Thusong Centres, including those in Thembalethu and Waboomskraal. With the addition of the Pacaltsdorp centre, service coverage across the community will be significantly enhanced, with all three centres working to deliver essential services at the grassroots level.

This launch coincides with the Annual Thusong Service Centre Week, taking place from 16 to 20 September 2024 nationwide. The week forms part of Integrated Public Service Month, aimed at emphasizing the critical role of Thusong Service Centres in enhancing community access to services and information about opportunities.

“As the Executive Mayor of this great municipality, I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to all the officials involved in bringing this project to fruition. We call on our residents to safeguard and protect this centre—it belongs to you as much as it belongs to us. With the services offered here and the community’s commitment to its preservation, I am confident that this Thusong Centre will thrive and provide lasting benefits for all,” Mayor von Brandis concluded.

Please Watch the video of the launch: https://youtu.be/-wJJKEZKbR8

#GeorgeMunicipality #ThusongCentre #CommunityDevelopment #Pacaltsdorp