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

last-news

George Municipality celebrates International Day of Persons with Disabilities, HIV/Aids Day and 16 Days of Activism in Herold

Issued by George Municipality 8 December 2021 for immediate release

George Municipality Gender and Disability subsection hosted a joint event in Herold last week to celebrate International Day of Persons with Disabilities, HIV/Aids Day and 16 Days of Activism. The subsection joined with the Department of Health as well as the local communities to have a one day event.

The department of Health did HIV testing, vaccinations, eye testing and prostate cancer testing on the day. The George Municipality would also like to thank the local VGK church, Franken Primary School and the farmers in the area  who greatly assisted in the event and made sure the event is a success. The HIV/Aids subsection of George Municipality played educational games with the children in the community and did face painting with them to make the day more enjoyable.

16 Days of Activism for No Violence against Women and Children Campaign (16 Days Campaign) is a United Nations campaign which takes place annually from 25 November (International Day of No Violence against Women) to 10 December (International Human Rights Day). Other key commemorative days during this period include World Aids Day on the 1st of December and the International Day for Persons with Disabilities, on 3 December of every year.

Her1: Speaker of George Council, Cllr Sean Snyman and Ejustley Boshoff, Coordinator of the Gender and Disability subsection, Community Services lighting a candle in Herold in remembrance of all that passed away due to abuse and HIV-related illnesses.

Her 2: Ejustley Boshoff, Coordinator of the Gender and Disability subsection, Community Services, draws a funny face with face paint on a child’s face at the event in Herold.

Her 3: Officials from George Municipality get the children ready for games at the event.

Heading: George Municipality celebrates International Day of Persons with Disabilities, HIV/Aids Day and 16 Days of Activism in Herold

Issued by George Municipality 8 December 2021 for immediate release

George Municipality Gender and Disability subsection hosted a joint event in Herold last week to celebrate International Day of Persons with Disabilities, HIV/Aids Day and 16 Days of Activism. The subsection joined with the Department of Health as well as the local communities to have a one day event.

The department of Health did HIV testing, vaccinations, eye testing and prostate cancer testing on the day. The George Municipality would also like to thank the local VGK church, Franken Primary School and the farmers in the area  who greatly assisted in the event and made sure the event is a success. The HIV/Aids subsection of George Municipality played educational games with the children in the community and did face painting with them to make the day more enjoyable.

16 Days of Activism for No Violence against Women and Children Campaign (16 Days Campaign) is a United Nations campaign which takes place annually from 25 November (International Day of No Violence against Women) to 10 December (International Human Rights Day). Other key commemorative days during this period include World Aids Day on the 1st of December and the International Day for Persons with Disabilities, on 3 December of every year.

Her1: Speaker of George Council, Cllr Sean Snyman and Ejustley Boshoff, Coordinator of the Gender and Disability subsection, Community Services lighting a candle in Herold in remembrance of all that passed away due to abuse and HIV-related illnesses.

Her 2: Ejustley Boshoff, Coordinator of the Gender and Disability subsection, Community Services, draws a funny face with face paint on a child’s face at the event in Herold.

Her 3: Officials from George Municipality get the children ready for games at the event.

Festive lights bring some festive cheer


George Municipality in welcoming tourists to George, and as a signal to the start of our festive season will be putting up and switching on our Christmas lights soon.   Although no official event is planned for the official switching on of the lights this year, mainly due to COVID restrictions, the lights bring holiday cheer to tourists and resident alike, and our teams are working on having the lights fully operational by Friday. Executive Mayor Leon Van Wyk will switch lights on at Unity Park, Saturday, 11 December at 20h00.

For those wondering about loadshedding and energy saving, please be reminded that loadshedding is essentially Eskom’s inability to provide reliable electricity. George Municipality has implemented a number of energy-saving initiatives, including the commissioning of the newly built PV Plant at the Main Municipal Building, as well as the conversion of a large part of George’s streetlights and traffic lights to LED. All municipal buildings have been converted to energy saving lights.

George is a holiday town and tourism destination for many, the switching on of festive lights plays a part in celebrating unity, joy and are a symbol of life and happiness.  They are also a beloved attraction of visitors to George, who often make a special family trip to view the lights in the different areas of George and the now famous Denneoord home displays.  We have noticed that more communities are joining in on this practice, so if you want to show off your display this year, please list your property with George Tourism by sending an e-mail to info@visitgeorge.co.za and they will put you on the viewing list.

Gwaiing Landfill site access control improvements

Visitors to the Gwaiing Landfill site will be pleasantly surprised at the number of changes that have taken place over the past few months. In August this year stricter access control was implemented to address safety concerns and ten Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) workers were employed to assist around the site and to address safety concerns.

ACCESS CONTROL IMPROVED
All vehicles now use the access gate for the refuse transfer station, and must go over the weighbridge for weighing and then proceed via the 2nd gate inside the transfer station, towards the Gwaiing landfill site. Every vehicle entering the facility is then recorded and weighed when it enters, and when it exits. This system enables the municipality to capture correct waste management data and complies with the Provincial Department of Environmental and Development Planning’s requirements.

  • All household and office refuse must be dumped at the refuse transfer station. Only green waste, organic waste, woodcuttings, sawdust, builders rubble, construction waste and soil are permitted on the landfill site.
  • No hazardous waste, light tubing, any vehicle parts, tyres, all asbestos products, e-waste, plastic or cartons  are permitted on the landfill site.
  • No mixed waste: waste must be separated at the source and disposed of at the right waste facility. (Landfill site or refuse transfer station) If you are not sure ask one of the officials on duty at the weighbridge.

FESTIVE SEASON CLOSURES

The municipal garden refuse site and transfer station is closed on 25 and 26th,  December and will be open on New Year’s day for business as usual,weekdays 7am-6pm and Saturdays 7am to 5pm. The site is situated on the R102 (airport road turn-off from York Street).  For queries contact 044 802 2296 or email cplubbe@george.gov.za

The municipality asks the public to assist and work together with the security personnel and municipal officials at these facilities to ensure that all occupational health and safety regulations, COVID -19 protocols and all licensing conditions of the refuse transfer station and Gwaiing landfill site are adhered to.

HOUSEHOLD HAZARDOUS WASTE

To address the disposal of household hazardous waste, the George Municipality will host its second Open Day for the collection of household hazardous waste on 10 December, in the parking lot opposite Outeniqua Stadium, Augusta Street. Open from 08:00  – 15:00, the public to please note all Covid-19 protocols will be observed.

SUITABLE HOUSEHOLD HAZARDOUS WASTE

  • Motor oil, oil filters, brake fluid
    • Used antifreeze
    • Paint, paint thinner, turpentine
    • Pesticides or herbicides
    • Household batteries
    • CRTs, old TVs, miscellaneous electronics
    • Tyres
    • Fluorescent tubes and Globes
    • Household medical waste (needles and old medicine and tablets)

HAZARDOUS WASTE  NOT ACCEPTED

  • Explosives
    • Ammunition
    • Radioactive Materials
    • Controlled Substances

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

  • Bring the items you wish to dispose of in a strong box preferably in their original, labelled containers.
    • Do not EVER mix products together.
    • Be prepared to leave your containers, due to permitting requirements, and the volume of people that may utilise the program.

This is your opportunity to get rid of these items at NO COST and at a convenient, nearby location. For any enquiries, Grace Notshokovu 044 802 2917.

Mayor’s newsletter for George Herald of 2 December 2021

The first week of office for the new Council has required focussing on the damage of the 22 November storm and flooding that coincided with the Council meeting to elect and inaugurate the office bearers. After the conclusion of the meeting the acting municipal manager and I joined the fire chief as night fell on a tour of areas where significant damage occurred.

I thought it might be worthwhile to provide some insight into the “behind the scenes” operations.

On Tuesday and Wednesday we concentrated on the Oewer Street 500mm pipe-burst that was precipitated by the floodwaters engulfing the southern bank of the Kat River. The contractors brought in an excavator to work on the unstable and muddy bank. Part of that repair required bringing in stone and gravel to provide a stable base for the replacement pipe and constructing gabions to protect the newly-laid pipe. At one stage, our new incident command vehicle was placed on the driveway of a private house. This was the base from where some decisions were being made on what tools and equipment had to be sourced to use in the muddy hole to ensure that the pipe jointing could take place smoothly.

With a key pipeline in the network out of use, it also appeared from the continuing water loss on the system that there was another breakage at a location that had not yet been detected. This meant that the lines had to be walked to ultimately locate the break in an isolated wooded area. At the same time there are key roleplayers in the dairy industry who are critically reliant on their daily water supply being delivered within certain pressure tolerances. All available water tankers, including some being rented in or borrowed, were being used to give our residents access to much needed water.

Once the pipelines had been repaired the emphasis shifted to refilling George’s 900 km water pipeline network and the various reservoirs while also removing air-locks. On Friday morning some critical decisions had to be made to balance water availability and pressure in the network to ensure that most areas across George had water without reservoirs running empty. This balancing process required constant adjustment and management over the weekend.

In simple terms George can treat up to 40 Ml (40 million litres) per day with daily usage normally at 30-31 Ml. The outage that we had experienced over Monday through Thursday had depleted our reservoirs and the minimum buffer of 48 hours’ supply. The daily difference between water treated and used is the equivalent of 6 hours’ supply and painstakingly helps to restore the necessary reserves and pressure levels day by day.

Mayor’s newsletter for George Herald of 2 December 2021

The first week of office for the new Council has required focussing on the damage of the 22 November storm and flooding that coincided with the Council meeting to elect and inaugurate the office bearers. After the conclusion of the meeting the acting municipal manager and I joined the fire chief as night fell on a tour of areas where significant damage occurred.

I thought it might be worthwhile to provide some insight into the “behind the scenes” operations.

On Tuesday and Wednesday we concentrated on the Oewer Street 500mm pipe-burst that was precipitated by the floodwaters engulfing the southern bank of the Kat River. The contractors brought in an excavator to work on the unstable and muddy bank. Part of that repair required bringing in stone and gravel to provide a stable base for the replacement pipe and constructing gabions to protect the newly-laid pipe. At one stage, our new incident command vehicle was placed on the driveway of a private house. This was the base from where some decisions were being made on what tools and equipment had to be sourced to use in the muddy hole to ensure that the pipe jointing could take place smoothly.

With a key pipeline in the network out of use, it also appeared from the continuing water loss on the system that there was another breakage at a location that had not yet been detected. This meant that the lines had to be walked to ultimately locate the break in an isolated wooded area. At the same time there are key roleplayers in the dairy industry who are critically reliant on their daily water supply being delivered within certain pressure tolerances. All available water tankers, including some being rented in or borrowed, were being used to give our residents access to much needed water.

Once the pipelines had been repaired the emphasis shifted to refilling George’s 900 km water pipeline network and the various reservoirs while also removing air-locks. On Friday morning some critical decisions had to be made to balance water availability and pressure in the network to ensure that most areas across George had water without reservoirs running empty. This balancing process required constant adjustment and management over the weekend.

In simple terms George can treat up to 40 Ml (40 million litres) per day with daily usage normally at 30-31 Ml. The outage that we had experienced over Monday through Thursday had depleted our reservoirs and the minimum buffer of 48 hours’ supply. The daily difference between water treated and used is the equivalent of 6 hours’ supply and painstakingly helps to restore the necessary reserves and pressure levels day by day.

Blue flag soon to be hoisted at Wilderness Beach

Blue flag soon to be hoisted at Wilderness Beach
Issued George Municipality, 30TH November 2021
Immediate Release

Caption: Proudly holding up the Wilderness Blue Flag are from left Manager Parks and Recreation, Nosidima Vuminda; Acting Municipal Manager, Michele Gratz; Ward 4 Councillor Marlene Barnardt; Deputy Mayor Raybin Figland; Portfolio Councillor Electrotechnical Services, Nosicelo Mbete; Project Coordinator Environmental Services, Grace Notshokuvo and Chief Clerk Environmental Services, Yolanda Mail.

 

Caption 2: Cllr Figland, Cllr Barnardt, Dr Gratz and Ms Vuminda inspect the recently updated public facilities readied for the 2021 festive season and Blue Flag status.

 

Deputy Mayor Raybin Figland, together with Ward Councillor Marlene Barnardt and Acting Municipal Manager Michele Gratz today proudly inspected the facilities at Wilderness beach that have been readied for the hoisting of the Blue Flag for the 2021/22 summer season. Nosidima Vuminda Manager Parks and Recreation for George Municipality accompanied the trio during their site inspection of the public facilities.

 

Wilderness Beach has full Blue Flag status and Victoria Bay and Herold’s Bay both gained Pilot status. Blue Flag is an international coastal management programme that accredits beaches that meet standards of excellence in water quality, environmental management, environmental education and information as well as safety and services. In South Africa the programme is implemented by the Wildlife Environmental Society of South Africa (WESSA).

 

Blue Flag status offers many benefits including improved tourism facilities, enhanced management of coastal ecosystems, increased awareness of the coast and capacity building of coastal municipalities as well as carrying significant international merit.

 

The Blue Flag season runs from 1 December 2021 to 31 January 2022. Compliance includes high standards of water quality monitoring, public safety and lifeguard services, and well-maintained coastal amenities. Following the flash floods of Monday 22nd November large piles of debris is still in process of being removed from the beaches and as such the Blue Flag will officially be hoisted on Friday 3rd December 2021. South Africa has participated in the Blue Flag programme since 2001.

 

George ready for fire season 2021/22

George Municipal Fire and Rescue Services are ready for the fire season, which officially runs in the Western Cape from December 2020 to March 2021.

George Fire Chief Neels Barnard said the municipality’s own fleet was well-equipped and the Southern Cape would once again have additional air support from its Denneoord Emergency Airbase ensuring a comprehensive response to the diverse firefighting challenges in our municipal area.

A chopper, three spotter planes and two water bombers will serve the Garden Route district from the airbase during the 2021/22 fire season with a second chopper on standby.

The municipality appeals to residents and visitors to be mindful of hot summer conditions and to act responsibly to ensure that there are no unnecessary fires to contend with during a time when emergency services are stretched to the limit.  The public is reminded that fireworks are illegal because of the fire risk and that no controlled burns are allowed until fire season is over. Always remember to make fires in protected and designated areas only and dispose of cigarette butts safely.

George Fire emergency number: 044 801 6311
General emergency number: 044 801 6300

George blazes a trail – First non-metro ever to receive BFI Funding

George Municipality has successfully applied for a Budget Facility for Infrastructure funding (“BFI”), the first non-metro municipality to ever receive such a grant in South Africa. The overall funding required for the project is R1.197 billion, to be formally gazetted, and which will be provided over the next forty (40) months for the full phases of the Potable Water Security and Remedial Works projects.

The BFI funding is allocated to George Municipality through the Regional Bulk Infrastructure Grant managed by the Department of Water and Sanitation. Acting Municipal Manager Dr Michele Gratz said that the impact of this funding will be immense for George and the 212 120 residents we service. “The Department of Water and Sanitation in a meeting noted that George Municipality is extremely privileged and a trailblazer being the first B-municipality to receive such a grant. Out of a total of 17 applicants which included government departments, George Local Municipality was the only approved application.”

The potable Water Security and Remedial Works projects include a new sludge treatment plant; new 20 Ml/d Water Treatment Works (“WTW”) Plant upgrade; refurbishment of the existing sludge discharge system; upgrade of Garden Route Dam outlet supply; new generator for Garden Route Dam pump station to ease supply of raw water during power failures; new 30Ml Balancing Dam and pipeline to New Water Treatment Plant; rehabilitation of Old water treatment works; replacement for Kaaimans River Pump station pumps; new Pacaltsdorp (West) Reservoir; new Pacaltsdorp (East) Reservoir, Tower and pump station; new Thembalethu (West) Reservoir and Pump station and a new Thembalethu (East) Reservoir, Tower and pump station.

Executive Mayor Leon van Wyk made the announcement of the successful application in the Ordinary Council of Friday 26th November during the tabling of the Adjustment Budget 2021/22. “We are grateful for the show of National Treasury’s faith in the municipality as a responsible recipient of grant allocation funds and are committed to provide services in line with the city’s ongoing needs as one of the fastest growing municipalities in the country.

“This is a major milestone project for the sustainability of our city that will stimulate housing and economic development that had to be halted in recent years as bulk water and sanitation infrastructure has reached capacity. The project will also eradicate the current sludge spillage in municipality’s river and dam water sources, in turn, improving the water quality of the municipality. Water security is a key component of the Medium-Term Strategic Framework 2019 – 2021 (MTSF) which calls for increased investment in water infrastructure funded by both the public and private sector. Water security is required to improve the quality and amount of investment to support growth and job creation.”

This project is aligned with the South African Economic Reconstruction and Recovery Plan specifically in relation to investment in infrastructure , employment creation and support of tourism recovery and growth by a) maintaining the planned level of investment in the public sector b) ensuring that local communities particularly historically marginalised communities are removed from the cycle of under-development and c) strengthening the production capacity of the economy.

“The Council of George can rightly be proud of the team of senior management and officials who put together this funding application at short notice and the subsequent approval is a testament to the skilled and innovative Civil Engineering Services planning staff we have in George, “ said Executive Mayor Leon Van Wyk.

The BFI funding will extend the water treatment capacity and will be implemented in two phases over three years (2022 – 2025): Phase 1 and 2 is an additional 20 Mℓ/day extension to the New George WTW and Phase 3 is an additional 30 Mℓ raw water balancing dam at the New George WTW.

The first allocation approved of the total amount of R1.197 billion, is R81.345 million and this amount was included in the 2021/22 Adjustments Budget tabled at the Ordinary Council of Friday 26th November.

The municipality has started the procurement processes for the development of major drinking water infrastructure projects in anticipation of national funding over the next few years.

The BFI was introduced in 2016 to cater for large strategic infrastructure projects. It is well-known that there is widespread concern about the state of water and waste-water infrastructure in South Africa and that significant amounts of funding will be required to rehabilitate this infrastructure within municipalities.

The George management team recognised that the capital expenditure required for this project would be significant and place enormous strain on the municipality’s financial resources. The initiative was taken to approach National Treasury to search for a solution. This approach culminated in the application being launched. In being awarded the BFI facility, George becomes the flag-bearer among non-metro municipalities to lead the restoration of water treatment as well as waste-water facilities in the country.

Innovative engineering wins the day as Garden Route Dam overflows

George Municipality and the engineering community this week celebrated the success of the award-winning Garden Route Dam spillway as the dam overflowed for the first time since the spillway and dam wall was raised in 2019/20.

George Municipality Civil Engineering Services Acting Director Lionel Daniels said the heavy rainfall and flash floods that occurred on Monday had understandably overshadowed the dam’s overflowing on the same day (22 November 2021), but it remained a significant milestone in the city’s long-term water security. “There are many reasons we are celebrating this project including an increased capacity of 25% by raising the full supply level of the dam by only 2.5 metres. The ingenious duckbill-shaped spillway design improved the dam’s safety in a practical and cost-effective way that earned the designers, Zutari (formerly Aurecon), a win in the Technical Excellence category at the South African Institute of Civil Engineering (SAICE) Awards in November 2020.

“The design is relatively new in the engineering world, and as far as we know is not being used in this way in South Africa. It was extensively researched and tested at the University of Tshwane and its shape is designed to slow down water flow using basic physics principles. The design is brilliant in its simplicity and it was a real victory to see the dam overflow and the spillway working so effectively,” said Mr Daniels.

The Garden Route Dam, situated just outside the north-east urban edge of George, is the main source of potable water for the city and its capacity had become a concern as the municipal area continued to grow exponentially since the early 2000s.

In addition, the Southern Cape had experienced two major droughts in seven years, which had been unheard of in this prolific all-year rainfall area. The dam recorded its lowest ever level of 16.9% in February 2010 and again dropped to 41,2% in September 2017.

The Garden Route Dam spillway and wall project was completed in January 2020 and increased the dam storage capacity by 25% from 10 million cubic metres to an estimated new capacity of 12,5 million cubic metres.

Project details:
The previous Garden Route spillway was 25m wide, which was extended to 80m by curving the spillway in the upstream direction. The new spillway consists of a reinforced concrete cantilever structure, which is unusual for hydraulic structures of this type, as these are normally self-stable by their mass. To enhance the stability, the structure is provided with rockfill on the upstream side of the wall footing, in addition to rock anchors.

Although the full supply level (FSL) of the dam was raised by 2.5 m, due to the local terrain the tallest portion of the new spillway wall is 4.9 m tall. A total of 1,780 m3 of concrete was used (750 m3 mass concrete, 300 m3 for the walls, 390 m3 for the wall footing, and 340 m3 for the channel).

The main dam wall was also raised by 1.76m to prevent overtopping by placing earth fill on top of the existing embankment. Selected material was placed as follows: general fill (12,500 m3), rip-rap (2,500 m3), filter sand (750 m3), and topsoil (2,050 m3).

Caption
The Garden Route Dam overflowed for the first time since its spillway had been raised in 2019. The award-winning bill-shaped design increased the dam’s overall capacity by 25% by raising the spillway by only 2.5m.

UPDATE – FLASH FLOODS IN GEORGE – The cleanup

 

Executive Mayor Leon Van Wyk photographed at the Oewer Street repair site this morning for an update on the status of repairs. The repair work is progressing well and it is expected that the pipeline repair will be completed by 14h00. “I would like to thank the residents of George for their patience and understanding during this unprecedented weather disaster. We have now seen the extensive infrastructure damage that such flash flooding can do, with our water infrastructure taking the bulk of the force of the water.”

George measured 105mm of rainfall in a two-hour period on Monday 22nd November which led to extensive flash flood damage to private as well as municipal infrastructure. In total George received 148.5 mm of rain from Monday to this morning (Wednesday 24 November). It is with immense gratitude that the municipality can advise that no injuries or fatalities were reported following the storm. The George Fire and Emergency Services is aware of 26 formal houses that flooded, and to date over 800 families of informal structures have been identified as  affected by flooding and requiring assistance. Emergency Services responded to one motor vehicle accident on Monday.

Roads which remain closed
Our traffic officials dealt with 10 traffic callouts from early morning on Monday, which included the closure of four roads that were completely impassable for a number of hours. Saasveld Road from Madiba Driver (Pine Lodge) to NMU is closed with extensive damage and repair work to be undertaken by Garden Route District Municipality which has jurisdiction over this road. In George itself, the Pienaar Street Bridge remains closed and the railway line opposite Correctional Services, Union street has been damaged.

Gunplast requests
The George Municipal Human Settlements directorate has worked solidly since Monday addressing requests for gunplast. Members of the public who require assistance with the supply of  “Gunplast” please register their requests as follows:

  1. Telephonically report the matter to the George JOC on 044 801 6316 or After Hours 044 8016300
  2. Visit your nearest Area Office or Ward /other Councillor who will report on your behalf.
  3. Email to gmun@george.gov.za providing the necessary Contact Details, Names of residents affected and Street Address.
  4. Log via the Municipal App, Housing Queries OR General Request with the necessary Contact Details, Names of Residents affected and Street Address

Such faults will be assigned to the Human Settlements Directorate for assessment and assistance where possible. An application form must be completed and the resident must provide an Identity Document.

Beaches, streets and rivers being cleaned, refuse collection backlog being cleared
Community Services have been hard at work cleaning up the beaches including Victoria Bay (79 black bags collected), Herold’s Bay (220) and Ballots Bay(137 ) and will continue today.. Community Services thanks members of the public who voluntarily assisted with the clean-ups. Street cleaning teams will be clearing the streets which are full of debris. Community Workers will begin assisting the municipality with the clearing of debris from the Meul, Kat and Molen Rivers today.

Refuse Collection was unable to take place on Monday due to impassable roads. The backlog for Monday will however be addressed on Wednesday 24 November, after the Wednesday areas are cleared. The refuse teams will work until the backlog has been cleared.

Water outages, roads cleared
George Municipality has experienced severe infrastructure damage following the flash flooding. This resulted in several pipebursts affecting water supply to a large portion of the city. The municipality is managing this crisis  and continues to circulate water trucks to strategic areas throughout mostly the eastern side of the city. The water situation remains critical with reservoir levels supplying the eastern and CBD areas very low. Currently Thembalethu, Pacaltsdorp , Blanco, Conville, Borcherds, Lawaaikamp, Protea Park, New Levallia, Blue Mountain and surrounds are the only areas not affected by the water outage. The civil engineering road teams will also continue clearing sand and flood debris as they are able to throughout the city.

Power outages
Our electrotechnical teams have attended to over 30 high voltage repairs and countless low voltage matters over the past days. Currently the only areas that remain affected are the Strydom Line (Wilderness Heights)  which remains off due to two broken poles that will be replaced and lines repaired and a portion of Victoria Bay where one transformer needs replacement.

Humanitarian Relief
The Social Services department has spent most of yesterday collating a list of families and structures worst hit by the floods and which are located in informal settlements. This list will be used for the various humanitarian relief operations currently underway in George.  A family of 7 persons was sheltered in a Thembalethu community hall on Monday evening and have since returned to their structure.

The municipality has been inundated with offers of assistance for those affected by the flash flooding.
Any donations of food, blankets, clothing, mattresses, bedding, toiletries  can be delivered to the Garden Route Food Pantry located at 1 Glaze street, next door to Takelot depot.
Contact Carl on 0828260731 or Tillie on 0721881207 in this regard. George Municipality will handle the assigning of donations to those in need.

Municipal Offices closed, except Finance Cashier Hall

Due to lack of water supply in the city centre, all municipal administration in the CBD except the Finance/Client Services Hall in the main building, are closed. Chemical toilets are available nearby – please enquire from security as to their location should you need to use the facilities. Phones of administration staff have been transferred to relevant numbers and staff are working remotely.

George Municipality remains committed to service delivery. Thank you for your support, understanding and cooperation during the challenging time.

South African Weather Service has released a Level 4 Yellow Warning for Damaging Winds for George and other areas from Friday 26 November in the morning. Gale force winds gusting up to 80-100km/h are predicted. Updates will be issued by the SA Weather Services, please pay attention to local news and social media.

Disability sensitization in Touwsranten during Disability Month, November

Disability sensitization in Touwsranten during Disability Month, November
Issued by George Municipality, 16 November 2021

George Municipality Gender and Disability subsection and APD (Association for Persons with Disabilities) is using November, Disability Awareness Month, to raise awareness of what it means to be an inclusive society where the rights of persons with disabilities are upheld.
The Disability and Gender subsection personnel in the Community Development department held an outreach in Touwsranten to sensitize the community about the rights of people with disabilities.
November is celebrated globally as Disability Awareness Month. The international theme proclaimed by the United Nations for this year is: “Removing barriers to create an inclusive and accessible society for all.”
Ejustley Boshoff, Coordinator of the Gender and Disability subsection for George Municipality, said the purpose of the outreach in Touwsranten was not only to raise awareness about the rights of people with disabilities, but also to collect data. “We assisted a mother who has a daughter who have a mental disability. She knew her child is not well but did not know where to go for help,” Boshoff said.
APD staff arranged for assistance for the mother and child to identify what type of disability the child has so that she can get the necessary help.
The group used the outreach to sensitize the children about disability matters, a positive self-image, sexuality and more.

Captions:
Touws 2(1): Ejustley Boshoff speaks to young children about disability issues.

Touws2(2): Staff from George Municipality Gender and Disability subsection and APD speak to a disabled person in her home in Touwsranten.

DISABILITY RIGHTS AWARENESS MONTH: What is universal access?

DISABILITY RIGHTS AWARENESS MONTH:
What is universal access?
Issued 9 November 2021

“Universal access” (UA) is a familiar term in the sphere of disability and certainly a buzz word in the public transport industry, including the GO GEORGE bus service. If you don’t move in these circles, you might think that it refers to access to anywhere in the universe.

It is, however, important that every citizen should understand the term and how they fit into the picture and expectations for society to create and provide “universal access”.

Universal access refers to the ability of all people to have equal opportunity and access to a service or product from which they can benefit, regardless of their social class, ethnicity, ancestry as well as their age, gender and whether or not they have a disability. In this framework, the universal accessibility of public transport can be critical for different purposes such as commuting to work, joining in entertainment activities, or buying products and services.

Under South African law and in terms of international commitments that have been made, passengers with different ways of moving (children, young people, the elderly, people with disabilities, people carrying babies or shopping, pregnant women, etc.) must be able to use public transport services in comfort, safety, speed and capacity; in other words, with dignity.

How is GO GEORGE implementing UA?
According to James Robb, GO GEORGE Manager, being universally accessible is about much more than being able to get on the bus. “Most people know that we provide accessible boarding through the ramps and hoists on our buses, and that priority seats are reserved for passengers with special needs. However, we also need to consider the condition of the sidewalks that people have to use to get to the bus, the placing of shelters on narrow sidewalks and the space left for people using mobility devices.

“We have to consider the legibility of the bus stop sign and as a matter of fact, all our communication products, such as the font types, colour contrasts and descriptors of visual material on our website. Tactile paving at the bus stop communicates to passengers who are blind where to wait, at the same time not causing obstruction.

“We have to take into account the proximity of bus stops to pedestrian crossings, and in the future, we must look at the planning of our city to make sure people can easily access their destinations. We have to consider making public space safe, easy and pleasant to use, including contrasting colours on what we call ‘street furniture’ and wayfinding signage, to maximise visibility.

“Finally, we have to sensitise our service providers to be responsive and considerate. We have a very committed driver and customer care team due to an innovative training approach. Passengers must be able to experience improvements in the service and know that we will respond where we have got it wrong. Behind the scenes, we are continually striving to adapt the way professional teams deliver services so that they implement improvements in a coordinated fashion, using universal design.

“Universal access is more complex than many people think, but it is a challenge that GO GEORGE gladly accepts and tackles with enthusiasm.”

Anyone interested to know more about universal access and how it is applied within the public transport industry, is welcome to contact GO GEORGE by phoning the Call Centre on 0800 044 044 or sending an email to info@gogeorge.org.za.

CAPTIONS:
Dropped kerb:
George sidewalks are progressively being upgraded to be more accessible. Pedestrian crossings have kerb drops which are accessible to people with mobility impairments.
Accessing standard bus:
On the larger buses, an electronic ramp is deployed to the elevated bus stop to provide access to passengers using wheelchairs or other mobility devices.
Minibus hoist:
The minibus has been equipped with a hydraulic hoist giving access to passengers with mobility impairment.

BEWUSMAKINGSMAAND VIR DIE REGTE VAN PERSONE MET GESTREMDHEDE
Wat is universele toegang?
Uitgereik 9 November 2021

“Universele toegang” (Universal Access of UA) is ‘n bekende term in die sfeer van gestremdheid en beslis ‘n gonswoord in die openbare vervoerbedryf, insluitend die GO GEORGE-busdiens. As jy nie in hierdie kringe beweeg nie, kan jy dink dat dit bloot verwys na toegang tot enige plek in die heelal.

Dit is egter belangrik dat elke burger die term moet verstaan en hoe hulle inpas by die prentjie en verwagtinge vir die samelewing om “universele toegang” te skep en te verskaf.
Universele toegang verwys na die vermoë van alle mense om gelyke geleenthede en toegang tot ‘n diens of produk te hê waaruit hulle kan baat vind, ongeag hul sosiale klas, etnisiteit, afkoms sowel as hul ouderdom, geslag en of hulle ‘n gestremdheid het of nie. In hierdie raamwerk kan die universele toeganklikheid van openbare vervoer van kritieke belang wees vir verskillende doeleindes soos pendel om by die te werk te kom, by vermaaklikheidsaktiwiteite in te skakel of produkte en dienste te koop.

Ingevolge die Suid-Afrikaanse reg en in terme van internasionale verbintenisse wat aangegaan is, moet passasiers met verskillende maniere van beweging (kinders, jongmense, bejaardes, mense met gestremdhede, mense wat babas by hulle het of inkopiesakke dra, swanger vroue, ens.) openbare vervoerdienste met gemak, veiligheid, spoed en kapasiteit kan gebruik; met ander woorde, met waardigheid.

Hoe pas GO GEORGE universele toegang toe?
Volgens James Robb, GO GEORGE-bestuurder, gaan universele toegang oor baie meer as om op die bus te kan klim. “Die meeste mense weet dat ons toeganklike opklim op die bus deur die skuins opritte en hystoestelle op ons busse verskaf, en dat prioriteitsitplekke gereserveer word vir passasiers met spesiale behoeftes. Ons moet egter ook die toestand van die sypaadjies oorweeg wat mense moet gebruik om by die bus uit te kom, die plasing van skuilings op smal sypaadjies en die ruimte wat oorbly vir mense wat mobiliteitstoestelle gebruik.

“Ons moet die leesbaarheid van die bushalteteken in gedagte hou, asook die toeganklikheid van al ons kommunikasieprodukte, met byvoorbeeld die lettertipes en kleurkontraste wat gebruik word, en beskrywings van visuele materiaal op ons webwerf. Voelbare plaveisel by die bushalte kommunikeer aan passasiers wat blind is waar om te wag en terselfdertyd nie obstruksie te veroorsaak nie.
“Ons moet die nabyheid van bushaltes vir voetgangeroorgange in ag neem, en in die toekoms moet ons kyk na die beplanning van ons stad om seker te maak mense kan maklik toegang tot hul bestemmings kry. Ons moet daaraan werk om openbare ruimte veilig, maklik en aangenaam te maak om te gebruik. Dit sal kontrasterende kleure beteken op wat ons ‘straatmeubels’ en rigtingaanwysingsborde noem, om sigbaarheid te maksimaliseer.

“Ten slotte moet ons ons diensverskaffers sensitiseer om bedagsaam te wees en te reageer wanneer nodig. Ons het ‘n baie toegewyde busdrywer- en kliëntediensspan te danke aan ‘n innoverende opleidingsbenadering. Passasiers moet verbeterings in die diens kan ervaar en weet dat ons sal reageer waar ons verkeerd was. Agter die skerms streef ons voortdurend daarna om die manier waarop professionele spanne dienste lewer aan te pas sodat hulle verbeterings op ‘n gekoördineerde wyse implementeer deur universele ontwerp te gebruik.
“Universele toegang is meer ingewikkeld as wat baie mense dink, maar dit is ‘n uitdaging wat GO GEORGE met graagte aanvaar en met entoesiasme aanpak.”

Enigiemand wat belangstel om meer te weet oor universele toegang en hoe dit in die openbare vervoerbedryf toegepas word, is welkom om GO GEORGE te kontak deur die Inbelsentrum by 0800 044 044 te skakel of ‘n e-pos na info@gogeorge.org.za te stuur.

BYSKRIFTE:
Dropped kerb:
George se sypaadjies word stelselmatig opgegradeer om meer toeganklik te wees. Voetgangeroorgange het ‘n verlaging van die randsteen wat toeganklikheid verseker vir mense met mobiliteitsgestremdhede.
Accessing standard bus:
Op die groter busse word ‘n elektroniese, skuins loopvlak na die opgeboude bushalte ontplooi om toegang te bied aan passasiers wat rolstoele of ander beweeglikheidstoestelle gebruik.
Minibus hoist:
Die minibus is toegerus met ‘n hidrouliese hyser wat toegang verleen aan passasiers met beweeglikheidsgestremdhede.

Integrated approach to keep CBD clean and safe

George Municipality Protection and Community Services directorates have stepped up operations in the central business district to address impacts associated with vagrancy, homelessness, and illegal trading. Ongoing efforts include cooperation from other stakeholders including national and local government departments, SAPS, NGOs, welfare organisations, and local business.

George Acting Municipal Manager Dr Michele Gratz said the state of the CBD was important for the socio-economic well-being of the city. “There is significant interest from outside business to invest in George, many of whom will start their research in the CBD, which is why it is important that it is clean and safe. Business investment brings job opportunities, which in turn may address some of the social issues on our streets.”

“The municipality’s mandate for law enforcement and social services are limited as the bulk of these functions reside with SAPS and the national Department of Social Development. Municipal departments, however, have longstanding relationships with all relevant stakeholders and work with them continuously to collectively address these complex issues,” said Dr Gratz.

George Municipality Acting Director Protection Services Vernon Petersen said it had recently restructured its shift system to extend patrolling hours for Law Enforcement and Anti-Land Invasion officers beyond normal working hours to increase visibility during times when homeless people settle in for the night and vagrants move in. “The extended hours and increased visibility have had a good overall impact. Offences linked to municipal bylaws such as littering, causing a nuisance, and urinating in public have as a result also decreased and there is a notable difference in the overall appearance of the CBD,” said Mr Petersen.

Informal trading on sidewalks in the CBD is legislated, including an annual permit system, and Law Enforcement patrols there every weekday to ensure compliance to municipal bylaws.

Community Services Director Allen Paulse said several sections in his directorate were directly and indirectly involved in the CBD initiative, most notably Cleansing, Parks and Recreation and Community Development. “Several street cleaning teams are focussed on the CBD and main arterials into the city while refuse removal regularly empty litter bins and identify possible illegal dumping spots for clearing and preventative actions.”

“The municipality is grateful for support from especially neighbourhood watches to monitor problems associated with ‘sakkrappers’ (bag scratchers). As all people have rights to the freedom of movement and earning a living, this remains a complex matter for which we continue to explore holistic solutions.”

“The Community Development department established a People Living on the Streets Committee in 2018 to address the many factors associated with vagrancy and the homeless. The committee meets monthly and includes representatives from George Municipality Community Services departments, SAPS, Kids Stop (street children), Cremhog (homeless adults), and national Departments of Social Development, Health, Labour and Internal Affairs.

Community Development keeps a register of homeless people as a starting point to the possible reintroduction into society where possible. The municipal department also has a monthly outreach at night to identify new people or those who had returned to the streets after being reunited with family or society.

People and organisations interested in getting involved in long-term, sustainable, holistic solutions to issues surrounding the homeless, vagrancy and illegal trading are invited to contact Community Development on 044 802 2000 during office hours.

George among first in province for book-sharing programme

George Municipality Library Services is among the first in the Western Cape to be part of an international reading programme aimed at cognitive and emotional development in children.

Launched during a workshop in George in March 2020 but delayed because of Covid-19 lockdown, the ‘Dialogic’ book-sharing programme saw its first community implementation at a soup kitchen in Syferfontein informal settlement last week (4 November 2021). The programme is a collaborative effort between George Municipality Library Services, The Seven Passes Initiative and the Mikhulu Child Development Trust.

‘Dialogic’ book-sharing uses specially designed picture books to encourage interaction between an adult and a young child. Parents/caretakers are trained how to use the books in an active exchange, led by the child, and how to be attentive to the child’s interests and communication.

George Library Services Manager Rachel Williams said the Syferfontein project was a pilot testing site where parents/caregivers would each be loaned a specially designed book which they could take home for a week. Participants must spend at least five minutes every day with their child using the picture books and return the next week to be assessed and collect a new book. “This programme will run over the next seven weeks. If proven successful, the programme may be systematically rolled out at libraries across the municipal area.

“Dialogic book-sharing can play an important role in the development of cognitive skills, improved focus and attention of the child, while building vocabulary and confidence, and strenghening the bond between parent/caregiver and child,” said Ms Williams.

Caption
Pacaltsdorp librarian Eurogene Carolus (standing) hands out books to participating adults at the Syferfontein book-sharing programme last week.

GO GEORGE draws attention to disability rights

DISABILITY RIGHTS AWARENESS MONTH:
GO GEORGE draws attention to disability rights
Issued 9 Nov 2021

The month of November is dedicated to creating awareness of disability rights. The GO GEORGE bus service annually joins Government’s national campaign to increase awareness through a special programme of activities in the community and the media.

According to James Robb, GO GEORGE Manager, the bus service constantly focuses on acessibility and ways to improve the passenger journey and experience of all passengers, including those with disabilities and other special needs. “The month-long campaign once a year just serves as an extra opportunity to draw the entire community’s attention to the rights of those with disabilities, and to spark interest in ways everyone can contribute to an inclusive society,” he said.

Variety of awareness activities
In addition to educational information on media platforms such as newspapers, radio and social media, more personal engagements with stakeholders will take place this year than last year, but strictly in line with Covid-19 safety measures.

One of the highlights of the programme will be a special day of activities at the George Link bus depot, home of the GO GEORGE bus service, where persons with disabilities will get the opportunity to have a closer look at the features and facilities offered by the bus service to bring about accessibility for all passengers.

As part of a continuous sensitising and awareness programme, a workshop will be presented for communication champions and frontline staff who have direct contact with people with disabilities or other special needs. This will include the topic of universal access and the appropriate approach when offering assistance to persons using wheelchairs and mobility aids, the Deaf, and people with visual impairments or other invisible challenges who require support.

The GO GEORGE communications team will visit several schools, homes and care centres for people with disabilities and other special needs, with an educational yet entertaining programme. Activities will include an information session with carers and parents, exchanging thoughts and suggestions on the use of the public bus service by people with disabilities.

Any stakeholders in the disability sphere who would like to engage with GO GEORGE are welcome to send an email to info@gogeorge.org.za, phone the Call Centre on 0800 044 044, or leave a request on Facebook.

CAPTION:
The GO GEORGE mascot Georgie is always a firm favourite during engagements with children, as can be seen here during a visit to the George Association for People with Disabilities (APD) last year during Disability Rights Awareness Month.

PERSVERKLARING
BEWUSMAKINGSMAAND VIR DIE REGTE VAN PERSONE MET GESTREMDHEDE
GO GEORGE vestig die aandag op die regte van persone met gestremdhede
Uitgereik 9 Nov 2021

Novembermaand word gewy aan die skep van bewustheid van die regte van mense met gestremdhede. Die GO GEORGE-busdiens skakel jaarliks by die regering se nasionale veldtog in om bewustheid te verhoog deur ‘n spesiale program van aktiwiteite in die gemeenskap en die media.
Volgens James Robb, GO GEORGE-bestuurder, fokus die busdiens voortdurend op toeganklikheid en maniere om die reis en ervaring van alle passasiers te verbeter, insluitend dié met gestremdhede en ander spesiale behoeftes. “Die maandlange veldtog een keer per jaar dien net as ‘n ekstra geleentheid om die hele gemeenskap se aandag te vestig op die regte van diegene met gestremdhede, en om belangstelling te wek op maniere wat tot ‘n inklusiewe samelewing kan bydra,” het hy gesê.

Verskeidenheid bewusmakingsaktiwiteite
Benewens opvoedkundige inligting op mediaplatforms soos koerante, radio en sosiale media, sal meer persoonlike skakeling met belanghebbendes vanjaar plaasvind as verlede jaar, maar steeds streng in ooreenstemming met Covid-19-veiligheidsmaatreëls.

Een van die hoogtepunte van die program is ‘n spesiale dag van aktiwiteite by die George Link-busdepot, die tuiste van die GO GEORGE-busdiens, waar persone met gestremdhede die geleentheid sal kry om die funksies en fasiliteite wat deur die busdiens aangebied word om toeganklikheid vir alle passasiers te bewerkstellig, van naderby te bekyk.
As deel van ‘n deurlopende sensitiserings- en bewusmakingsprogram sal ‘n werksessie aangebied word vir passasiersdiensbeamptes en voorsteliniepersoneel wat direkte kontak het met mense met gestremdhede of ander spesiale behoeftes. Dit sal die tema van universele toegang insluit, asook die toepaslike benadering wanneer hulle hulp aanbied aan persone wat rolstoele en beweeglikheidshulpmiddels gebruik, mense met visuele en gehoorgestremdhede of ander onsigbare uitdagings wat ondersteuning benodig.

Die GO GEORGE-kommunikasiespan sal verskeie skole, huise en sorgsentrums vir mense met gestremdhede en ander spesiale behoeftes besoek met ‘n opvoedkundige, maar vermaaklike program. Aktiwiteite sal ‘n inligtingsessie met versorgers en ouers insluit waar gedagtes en voorstelle oor die gebruik van die openbare busdiens deur mense met gestremdhede uitgeruil sal word.

Enige belanghebbendes in die gestremdheidsfeer wat met GO GEORGE wil skakel, is welkom om ‘n e-pos aan info@gogeorge.org.za te stuur, die Inbelsentrum by 0800 044 044 te skakel of ‘n versoek op Facebook te laat.

BYSKRIF:
Die GO GEORGE-gelukbringer Georgie is altyd ‘n groot gunsteling tydens interaksie met kinders, soos hier gesien kan word tydens ‘n besoek aan die George Vereniging vir Mense met Gestremdhede verlede jaar tydens die bewusmakingsmaand.

Pacaltsdorp Library takes action against Illegal Dumping

Pacaltsdorp Library takes action against Illegal Dumping

Pacaltsdorp Library had a full book display set up recently on Illegal dumping to teach the public especially youngsters about the ills of illegal dumping.
Library Assistant Eurogene Carolus was in charge of the project.
All books on display were issued as block loans to schools and crèches in Pacaltsdorp to make a concerted effort to rid the community of this criminal activity.
Schools that took part in the project were Pacaltsdorp Primary School, New Dawn Park Primary School, Soete Uurtjies creche, Rooibootjie creche in Syferfontein, Vuurvliegies creche in Rosedale, Rosedale Early Childhood Development and Julios Early Childhood Development.

Lib 1: Teachers at Soete Uurtjies creche with some of the books on illegal dumping that was on loan to the creche.

Lib 2: Illegal dumping display by Library Assistant Eurogene Carolus at Pacaltsdorp Library. All books on display were issued as block loans to schools and crèches in Pacaltsdorp.

Lib3: Books available at the libraries deal with illegal dumping and waste disposal as well as recycling.

Electrical theft results in death and serious injury

George Municipality is facing an uphill battle with ongoing illegal connections and vandalism of electrical infrastructure. An incident in the early hours of Thursday 4 November is currently under investigation following the death of one man and injury and subsequent hospitalisation of another, while alledgedly  attempting to steal a copper earth bare conductor.  SAPS has opened a case of inquest into the death, and George Municipality has opened a case for theft and damage to municipal infrastructure

Theft and vandalism of infrastructure
The continual targeting of municipal electrical infrastructure by cable theft, damage to kiosks, and illegal connections is a highly concerning matter to the municipality, as such incidents affect electricity supply to the rest of the community during the repair period, incur extremely high repair and replacement costs, loss of revenue as well as in this case loss of life. It is extremely important that SAPS, Municipal Law Enforcement, officials, community leaders and residents work cohesively together, to fight this issue of theft and vandalism in our communities.

In the past four months alone, George Municipality has opened 20 cases of either theft or vandalism and more than eight arrests of individuals have been made due to the integrated approach and collaboration between various stakeholders. The average cost to the municipality in terms of repair and replacement over the past six months is over R1 million rand.

In terms of the Occupational Health and Safety Act, George Municipality has a responsibility to maintain a safe electrical network and for that reason a service provider has been appointed to clear illegal connections, on an as and when basis. Municipal officials are unable to work on or maintain the network unless all illegal connections on the line have been cleared.

Report offenders
The municipality asks that law-abiding citizens take it upon themselves to report illegal connection activities to SAPS as soon as they see them taking place. Legal consumers should also seriously consider how these illegal connections affect them and their families. An illegal connection not only puts the perpetrator in danger of electrocution, risking injury and death but also the rest of the community. Illegal connections should be reported to 044 801 9222 or after hours on 044 801 6300.

Dangers of illegal connections
The dangers of illegal connections have consistently been re-emphasized to the communities of George, with such actions having cost several lives in recent years. These connections lie across pathways and walkways where anyone passing can easily be electrocuted. An additional risk is that illegally connected wires can also make contact with other items such as roofs, gutters and washing lines, making these items live and able to conduct electricity.

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

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

Where people have connected themselves illegally, George Municipality will continue to actively find the perpetrators and lay criminal charges against them. In terms of the Criminal Matters Amendment Act 18 of 2015, a maximum term of imprisonment of thirty (30) years can be given, as the interference with, and damage to Municipal property, can be regarded as sabotage.

Reward for information leading to successful prosecution
George Municipality will pay a reward of R2500 to any person who offers information on vandalism and theft incidents, and which information leads to the successful conviction of the perpetrator in a court of law.  The paying of a reward is legal in terms of the MFMA (Municipal Finance Management Act) and is seen as a necessary step to combat the expenditure on the repair of vandalized and stolen infrastructure. These assets are managed by the municipality on behalf of the public and it is George Municipality’s request to all of our residents to assist us in looking after and protecting these assets.

The public can contact the Anti-fraud toll free number 0860 044 044 or report vandalism and theft verbally, by email or to any of the municipal or SAPS telephone numbers. The member of public reporting will have to supply their name and contact details as their testimony may be required for the successful conviction of the perpetrators. The identity of those providing assistance will be protected.

George Municipality calls on the community to please assist us in eradicating theft and vandalism, to allow the municipality to improve service delivery levels and continue to improve the quality of peoples lives.

Report Illegal connections to 044 801 9222 or after hours on 044 801 6300. Report to 0860 044 044 with details to be eligible for the reward.

 

Youth Development programmes held in George Municipal areas

Youth Development programmes held in George Municipal areas

George Municipality Youth Development subsection in conjunction with other stakeholders recently had training sessions in George area to benefit the youth.
A Community Awareness session, with the South African Police Service (SAPS) and Youth Ambassadors from the Municipality was held in New Dawn Park, about the role of civil society in combatting and addressing crime.
Information around job opportunities, as well as health related and human rights matters was also provided by the Youth Office, HIV Office, as well as the Social Health Empowerment Organisation in New Dawn Park.
According to Jonel Kerspuy, Coordinator in the Youth Development Officer, some of the programmes were held during the month of October but job readiness sessions and leadership and lifeskills training happens on a weekly basis at different venues.
A Job Readiness Session was held in October at the Inkcubeko Youth and Science Centre in Thembalethu, with the aim of registering jobseekers on the unemployment database of the Department of Labour and Expanded Public Works Programme. The outreach assisted the youth to apply for available opportunities and an information session on CV and Application letter compilation was held.

A Leadership and lifeskills session were held on invitation with Bricklaying students from the Expanded Public Works programme. The training session focused on responsible citizenship through leadership, vision creation and stimulating public participation by the youth.

Seven Passes Initiative held a training session recently in Pacaltsdorp for young mothers, with children between the ages of 2 – 9 years old from Pacaltsdorp and Parents of youth did an online information session led by a Career Guidance Counsellor from the Department of Labour. The information session was held to capacitate parents on the services that the Department offer for parents of youth in and out of school.
The Municipality arranged for an Afterschool Tennis programme for learners from Pacaltsdorp Primary School on
13 October 2021.

A Substance Abuse Awareness Programme was held with the Haarlem community between 12 and 13 October 2021. The programme was facilitated by 4iR/ED Solutions (Pty)Ltd in partnership with the Department of Social Development and the Department of Agriculture. The need for the programme was identified through a Census survey where Haarlem was highlighted as a hot spot for drug abuse by the Department of Agriculture. The aim of the Programme was to create awareness around the following topics, Substance Abuse, Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS), Planning an Awareness Programme, Gender Based Violence Awareness and to form a support group. Different members of the community attended the programme, including former drug abusers and current drug abusers.

An Absa Consumer Financial Education Training programme was facilitated in Haarlem at the “Help Mekaar Hall” on the 13th of October 2021.The aim of the programme was to share useful information skills on finances.
On the 14th of October 2021 a motivational session was held with the Grade12 class at Uniondale High School. One of the speakers was local hero De Walt Human, from SA 7’s rugby. It was held in conjunction with the Department of Social Development. Each learner received a stationary pack from the Municipality.

Captions:
youthunion2: Parent Programme with Young Mothers by Seven Passes Initiative
youthunion3: Jonel Kerspuy from the Youth Development Office, gives active citizenship training to learners from from the Department of Transport and Public Works at the Eagles Nest Ministries building.

Youthunion4: Afterschool tennis training at Pacaltsdorp Primary School.

Youthunion5: Substance Abuse Awareness Training and Community Engagement at Haarlem Community Hall.

GO GEORGE surveyors spreading out to neighbourhoods

PRESS RELEASE: GO GEORGE surveyors spreading out to neighbourhoods
Issued 2 November 2021

The 2021 George Integrated Public Transport Network (GIPTN) Macro-, Transport- and Socio-Economic Study is well under way with surveyors also spreading out to individual households across various suburbs in George, Wilderness and surrounding areas from this week.

Passenger travel surveys at GO GEORGE bus stops, business surveys and special interest group surveys are being carried out primarily through telephonic and personal interviews as well as distribution of electronic questionnaires.

Safe access to surveyors
Surveyors will be wearing GO GEORGE-branded identification cards showing the person’s photo and ID number. An appeal is made to residents to allow certified surveyors safe access to their property and to assist with the valuable feedback needed to continuously assess and improve the bus service.

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

CAPTION:
Surveyors approaching individuals or visiting households in the George area are carrying GO GEORGE-branded identification cards. Algerchen Hendricks (left) from Conville was happy to give a few minutes of his time to answer surveyor Mauchan Koelman’s questions.

PERSVERKLARING: GO GEORGE-navorsingsbeamptes versprei na woonbuurte
Uitgereik 2 November 2021

Die 2021 makro-, vervoer- en sosio-ekonomiese studie van die George Geïntegreerde Openbare Vervoernetwerk (GIPTN) is goed op dreef met navorsingsbeamptes wat ook vanaf hierdie week individuele huishoudings in verskeie woonbuurte in George, Wildernis en omliggende gebiede sal besoek.

Passasiersopnames by GO GEORGE-bushaltes, besigheidsopnames en spesiale belangegroep-opnames word hoofsaaklik uitgevoer deur telefoniese en persoonlike onderhoude asook die verspreiding van elektroniese vraelyste.

Veilige toegang vir beamptes
Navorsingsbeamptes sal GO GEORGE- identifikasiekaarte met die persoon se foto- en ID-nommer dra. ‘n Beroep word op inwoners gedoen om gesertifiseerde beamptes veilige toegang tot hul eiendom te gee en om te help met die waardevolle terugvoer wat nodig is om die busdiens deurlopend te assesseer en te verbeter.

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

BYSKRIF:
Navorsingsbeamptes wat individue nader of huishoudings in die George-gebied besoek, dra GO GEORGE-identifikasiekaarte. Algerchen Hendricks (links) van Conville het met graagte ‘n paar minute van sy tyd afgestaan om Mauchan Koelman se vrae te beantwoord.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Recycling training for Municipal creches and Food garden coordinators

Recycling training for Municipal creches and Food garden coordinators
Issued by George Municipality, 29 October 2021

The Community Development Food Gardens and Creches subsection, in partnership with Landmark Foundation and LGE Waste provided recycling training to ten municipal creche employees and ten Food Garden Co-ordinators recently. The two training sessions were recently held at the Illingulethu creche in Thembalethu and at Rosedale Educare
According to Allen Paulse, Director: Community Services, during the training, creche employees were taught alternative ways to manage their refuse. Notes were provided on what can be recycled and what not. All the creches that participated were registered in the Landmark Foundation’s Creches Recycling programme and also received resources which they can use to assist them on their recycling journey. All staff were also encouraged to involve the learners in the process as much as possible.
Once the creches have begun their recycling programme successfully, further training with regards to Food Gardens will also take place. Landmark foundation will conduct the gardening training as well.

Photo 1 – 121813: Representatives from Landmark Foundation and LGE Waste, George Municipality, staff from Kwakhanya, Mzomhle, Masibambane, Illingelethu and Isiseko Creches.

Photo 2- 124012: Representatives from Landmark Foundation, George Municipality and principals from Golden Valley, Kekkel en Kraai, Pophuis, Rosedale Nursery and Rosedale Educare.

New George Junior City Council announced and “Tannie Liza” says goodbye

The 2021 George Junior City Council (JCC) held its last official event Wednesday, 27 October with the Executive Mayor of George, Ald Leon van Wyk and Cllr Liza Stroebel in attendance and announcing the new executive committee of the JCC for 2022.

The function was held at the George Methodist Church Hall and was attended by the parents of the Junior City Councillors.
Ald Van Wyk said in his address, he has been enormously impressed with the leadership qualities the junior council has shown during their tenor in council the last year. “I inherited a substantial challenge to lead the turnaround of our municipality and to restore a high standard of service delivery to our ratepayers. I want to thank my colleague, Cllr Stroebel, for the role she has undertaken on behalf of our George Council in mentoring you,” Ald Van Wyk said.

He said we live in a country that faces enormous challenges – we live in crisis – in an environment where the government has seemingly lost its way through lack of leadership. He said the members of the JCC are some of the young leaders that will have to craft philosophies and skills that will enable them to tackle the changes, challenges, and adversity and the opportunities that will result.

He thanked the JCC for outstanding leadership roles displayed and for becoming involved and making a difference in civic duties. He also thanked the parents and teachers of the youngsters for their encouragement.
Cllr Liza Stroebel, (affectionately known by the JCC members as “Tannie Liza”) the Mayoral Representative who oversees the Junior City Council on behalf of the Mayor of George, has served her last term in Council and said this moment is bittersweet.
She said the leadership qualities of the JCC members displayed the past few years, gives her tremendous hope for our youth. She honoured God for His grace in allowing her this opportunity. She said she will never forget all the greatness that was achieved through and by the JCC. She said God shared with her a message when she started out in her overseeing role saying to her, “learn, love, serve.”
She asked the audience to take these words with them. “Learn as much as you can … to show yourself approved,
Love as much as you can…to gain love in return,
And Serve as much as you can… to reap your harvest.
Ludolph Pedro and McKaya Kroon both made magnificent speeches about their tenor in the JCC about how they grew as human beings, how being involved in helping with civic issues groomed them for the future and how the JCC members became a family and friends for life.

Captions:
JCC3: The old and the new Executive Committee of the George Junior Council with Executive Mayor of George, Alderman Leon van Wyk and Cllr Liza Stroebel. In front from left are: Carla Kruger (Outeniqua High School – Deputy Mayor 2022), Mayor Van Wyk, Cllr Liza Stroebel, Ruan Coetzee (Outeniqua High School – JCC Mayor 2022).
At the back are: Aine Ferreira – (Outeniqua High School – Deputy Mayor 2021), Inga Jijingubo (York High School – JCC Municipal Manager 2022), Clara Campbell (Glenwood House -Deputy Speaker 2022), Lindy Prinsloo (Glenwood House- Deputy Speaker 2021), McKaya Kroon (York High School – Speaker 2021), Jordan Meyer (York High School – Speaker 2022) and Ludolph Pedro (York High School- Mayor 2021). Absent: Brenco de Kock (George High School – Municipal Manager 2021).

Jcc2: Ludolph Pedro (York High School- Mayor 2021) drapes the ceremonial mayoral chain around Ruan Coetzee (Outeniqua High School – JCC Mayor 2022).

Jcc5: The new JCC executive committee are in front from left: Carla Kruger (Outeniqua High School – Deputy Mayor 2022), Mayor Van Wyk, Cllr Liza Stroebel, Ruan Coetzee (Outeniqua High School – JCC Mayor 2022).
At the back are Clara Campbell (Glenwood House -Deputy Speaker 2022) Inga Jijingubo (York High School – Municipal Manager and Jordan Meyer (York High School – Speaker 2022).