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GARDEN ROUTE COVID-19 VACCINATIONS FOR WEEK 24 MAY 2021

Starting in the George sub-district, people over 60 in old age homes will be the first to be vaccinated in the Garden Route District from Monday 24 May 2021. The rest of the sub-districts( Hessequa, Knysna, Bitou, Mossel Bay, Kannaland and Oudtshoorn) will follow suit the week of the 31st of May.

“We will start with people in old age homes. We plan to start vaccinating the rest of those who are over 60 and who have registered, at our sub-district sites in June. This is all dependant on the number of vaccinations we receive and when we do receive them. Those who have registered will then receive an SMS with a date, time and venue. SMS messages will be sent out a few days in advance in order for clients to make the necessary arrangements. Please do not visit vaccination sites if you have not received your SMS to confirm your appointment”, said District Director Mr Zee Brickles.

We encourage residents 60 years and older to register for their vaccine.

We implore the community, friends and family of people 60 years and older to offer your help to get them registered. If you are business, help your customers to register when they visit your store. We are all in this together, and no person should be left behind.

To register, please visit www.westerncape.gov.za(link is external) and click on the link, or Dial *134*832# and follow the prompts (FREE on all South African Networks), or WhatsApp the word REGISTER to 0600 123456.

If you are over 60 and registered for your COVID-19 vaccine, you can expect:

  • An SMS confirming your registration.
  • A second SMS with an appointment date and the place – for those who have already registered this should come in the next 2-3 weeks.
  • Get vaccinated with your first dose.
  • Proof of vaccination card.
  • An appointment date for your second dose (if two-dose vaccine).

 BEDRIDDEN or PERSONS WITH SEVERE DISABILITY AT HOME WHO WANT TO BE VACCINATED

We understand that a number of people will not be able to visit a vaccination site for a vaccine, due to a disability or being bedridden. In such cases teams will be sent to homes to do vaccinations. We will however need the details of these people and ask that family or friends give these names and addresses up at the nearest clinic so that we can keep a register.

The time has come to fight back against COVID-19. #LetsDoThis, Western Cape!

ROADWORKS: Hope/Hibernia Street Intersection

Routine maintenance at the Hope/Hibernia Intersection is scheduled for 26 & 27 May 2021. Work will commence at 18h00 till 06h00 the next day, whilst the traffic will be accommodated as followa:

  • A – Traffic from Knysna Road down Hope/Mermorium will be diverted along Cathedral Street towards Merriman Street.
  • B – Traffic in Hibernia Street will be diverted left or right Into Merriman Street
  • C – Traffic in Hope Street will be diverted along Market Street towards Merriman Street.

Pointsman will be placed at the areas marked in red, to assist with traffic control.

Contact Lionel Daniels on 044 801 9354 for queries.

Lauren Waring is new Director Planning and Development

George Municipality welcomes Lauren Waring as new Director Planning and Development.

Ms Waring returns to the Southern Cape from Drakenstein Municipality (Paarl) where she had been Executive Director Planning and Development since 2016. She is the former Municipal Manager of Knysna Municipality, where she had also previously been Director Community Services and Director Planning and Development, respectively, and is the former Deputy Director of the Regional Land Claims Commission responsible for the Western and Southern Cape. She has worked in the Southern Cape since 1996 and is no newcomer to George and surrounds.

George Acting Municipal Manager Dr Michele Gratz said Ms Waring had specialised skills, advance leadership experience and extensive knowledge of the region that would be of great value to George and the Southern Cape. “George Municipality is serious about the long-term sustainability of this city, which we regard as one of the most important socio-economic players in the province. We look forward to the development of this important directorate under her leadership,” said Dr Gratz.

Amongst other qualifications, Ms Waring holds an Honours degree in Sociology and a Masters degree in Town and Regional Planning from the University of Stellenbosch. She has fifteen years senior leadership experience, eleven years’ experience in national government and extensive experience in the development and land sector including inter-stakeholder negotiations on national and international level. Lauren has consulted to government and the private sector on a broad range of projects and held positions on several boards.

“I am so excited to be part of #TeamGeorge. George has immense untapped potential. We have pristine beauty, a competitive and diverse economy, excellent connectivity and accessibility, all within a well-governed city. One of my primary focusses will be to expedite development and investment opportunities while ensuring economic dynamism, quality of life for all and long-term sustainability. It is such an honour to be able to work for my hometown.”

She returns to her home outside Wilderness and is the proud mother of 17-year-old Nina. Both adore travelling, hiking and art.

The George Municipality Directorate Planning and Development comprise the departments Town Planning, Building Control, Integrated Development Planning (IDP) and Performance Management, Economic Development and Tourism.

MISS THE QUEUES – YOU CAN RENEW YOUR MOTOR VEHICLE LICENCE NOW  

Due to the hard lockdown period from 27 March 2020 – 31 May 2020, the National  Department of Transport made the decision to move all motor vehicle license renewals, expiring in this timeframe to 31 August 2020. This has however resulted in little, to no motor vehicle licenses expiring a year later in 2021 (March, April and May).

The George Motor Vehicle licensing office is expecting a massive influx of license renewals from August 2021 onwards and would like to encourage members of the public to renew their motor vehicle licenses during the months of May, June and July, to avoid the long queues expected later in the year.

If your license disk expires later in the year, you will pay a pro-rata fee (not the annual license fee) and your new license disk will be valid for a year from the payment date.  You can also pay your motor vehicle license online, see details of how to do so below.

Please contact the motor vehicle license office at (044) 801 9310 to inquire as to the pro-rata amount payable for your license disk.


Motor Vehicle Registration and Licencing
Hibernia Street (next to train station) 044 801 9310
Open to the public weekdays 8am-3pm, except Wednesdays when closed at 2pm due to compulsory training, or if otherwise indicated as per Covid-19 measures.

Access control is from the gate at the street, when necessary.

Please consider ONLINE RENEWAL of vehicle licenses as per details below instead of in-person renewals at the vehicle licencing centre as Covid-19 regulations significantly impacts on the amount of people that can be served in a day.

Bulk transactions are being handled separately or after hours when required. Pregnant women, the elderly and disabled can pre-arrange preferential treatment by calling 044 801 9310.

While vehicle licence RENEWALS CAN be done online, the REGISTRATION of vehicles CANNOT be done online as RICA requirements stipulate that the owner of the vehicle must physically appear in front of the official and the documentation must be original – this is, among other things, a measure against fraudulent registration of vehicles.

ONLINE ELECTRONIC PAYMENT OF VEHICLE LICENCE RENEWALS
1. The customer starts by registering a profile online at https://online.natis.gov.za/#/ or download the RTMC mobile application for Android from Google PlayStore.
2. Choose between registering as an individual or business.
The following information will be required:
Individual: initial, name, surname, ID number, driving license number, contact details via mobile phone or email.
Organisation: name of business, ID number of proxy, driving license number of proxy, contact details via mobile phone or email.
3. A one-time pin will be sent to your email or mobile phone number, which you must enter online.
4. Go to the ‘View motor vehicle renewals’ section and verify the information of the vehicle for which you are renewing the licence.
5. Access and/or download your electronic motor vehicle license RENEWAL NOTICE (also known as a MVL2 notice).
6. If your licence disk is valid but near expiry or if it has expired but is still in the 21-day grace period after expiry, the amount for the renewal of your vehicle will be on the notice.
7. If your license has already expired beyond the grace period, it will not indicate an amount on the system and clients must please phone the George Motor Vehicle Licensing office at 044 801 9310 to confirm the amount due.
8. Pay the amount due into the George Municipality, FNB Public Sector Cheque Account, Number 62869623150 (Branch Code 210554). Use the relevant vehicle license number as a reference such as CAW ###### / Private number ##### WP.
9. Email the proof of payment to payments@george.gov.zaand mvr@george.gov.za. Please note the forementioned email addresses are no-reply addresses and are set up for proof of payments only and cannot be used for enquiries. Please phone 044 801 9310 for enquiries.
10. Keep a copy of your proof of payment in the relevant car until you receive your license disk but keep your expired disk on your window in the meantime. Traffic law requires officials to still issue you with a ticket for displaying an invalid disk, but you can appeal the fine and submit the proof of payment as part of your request to have the fine cancelled (details for the appeal process is on the back of the fine).
11. Once payment reflects on the municipality’s bank statement, the vehicle license will be processed, and you will be contacted to arrange collection. Please do not collect unless pre-arranged and notified via telephone – you won’t have to queue in the transaction lines when you collect.

If you want the licence posted to you, please give the person who phones you the address to which you require it posted.

Licences that have not been collected within two weeks from the notification phone call, will be posted to the address listed on the NaTIS system – onus is on the vehicle owner to ensure the correct address is logged on the national system. The turnaround time for online license renewals is about two weeks.

 

Smoke detectors and fire blankets for Touwsranten

George Fire and Rescue Services are currently installing 500 smoke detectors and handing out fire blankets as part of fire safety and awareness in Touwsranten.

George Chief Fire Officer Neels Barnard said the community’s location in a high-vegetation zone among farms and plantations outside Wilderness made it vulnerable to wildland fires. “The municipality recognised the risk some years ago and has created and maintained firebreaks around the settlement for some time but decided to address fire risk at homes as well.

“The municipality has a longstanding relationship with Western Cape Disaster Risk Management (WCDRM), which had done risk assessment in the Wilderness, Hoekwil and Touwranten areas late last year. The WCDRM affirmed the village’s vulnerable status and sponsored fire detectors for the estimated 500 structures, mostly RDP housing.

“The project was boosted by the availability of 700 fire blankets, originally donated via Oakhurst Insurance as part of an extended schools outreach programme that had been halted due to Covid-19.”

George Fire department launched the Touwsranten structural fire safety project on 26 April, going door-to-door installing fire detectors, handing out fire blankets and doing fire awareness in the community during available shifts. Circumstances-permitting, every legal formal and informal household in Touwsranten will have a smoke detector installed over the next six weeks. Firefighters install the unit, test that it is working and show inhabitants how to use and maintain the detector.

The initiative has already reaped fruits with at least one housefire prevented just a week after installation at a house in Amarula Street. Homeowner Liezel Barnard said the smoke detector had gone off in the kitchen while her teenage daughters were attending to a smaller child in the adjacent room. “The smoke detector went off before the house could catch fire and a neighbour, who could hear the alarm from next door, came rushing over to help the girls. He had the fire safety and smoke detector training the week before and I had not yet had a chance to show my girls what to do if the alarm went off. Now they know what to do and I am rest-assured that the detector works. The fire department is tops – they even revisited us to ensure that the detector was reset properly,” said Ms Barnard.

The battery-operated smoke detectors have an estimated 10-year lifespan and included a 9V battery (rectangle-shaped), which should ideally be replaced every six months but can last for years. Usually fixed to the roof in the living area of the IDP house, the detector is designed to make a loud, high-pitched sound when a concentration of smoke reaches the detector.

This project is another step in an ongoing initiative to expand fire support and safety to the extended Wilderness community, which includes the new satellite fire station current being built next to the local police station. The area is currently being served from the main fire station in the George CBD. The new double-storey facility near the N2 in Wilderness, which will be manned 24/7, is expected to be ready for occupation in July 2021.

Caption
George firefighter Wilton Oktober tests the smoke detector installed at the house of this Touwsranten resident (name not available).

GEORGE MUNICIPALITY SERVICES DURING COVID-19

Latest update: 11 May 2021  (current Level 1 amended)

George Municipality hereby confirms that it is open for business, services are being rendered and administration buildings are open except for halls, venues and sport stadiums.

While in-person services are rendered where required, we appeal to the public to consider doing transactions and business online, per telephone or via email to avoid coming to the municipality in person and helping to reduce the risk of spreading the virus. During the Covid-19 crisis period, certain staff may be working from home or on rotation, which means contact details and office hours of some services may differ from usual operations. Please see below for more details per directorate.

Please note access to all municipal buildings by members of the public, when open, is subject to Covid-19 protocols which include registration, temperature-checking, sanitising of hands and always wearing a face mask.

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

GENERAL
Depending on the requirements of a specific department, staff are working on rotation or from home, and access by the public may be limited.
Please phone or email as far as possible as per details below.

Switchboard: 044 801 9111
All after-hours George Municipality emergencies: 044 801 6300
General public email for all matters: gmun@george.gov.za
Garden Route District Municipality Disaster Management emergencies: 044 805 5071 (all hours)

PROTECTION SERVICES
Protection Services administration offices are closed to the public.
Law Enforcement is open to the public, but limited to the foyer, one person at a time.
Fire emergencies only: 044 801 6311 (all hours)
General fire department enquiries: 044 801 6300
Law Enforcement: 044 801 6350/89
Anti-Land Invasion: 044 801 6310
GIPTN PTOO: 044 801 6345
All after-hours emergencies: 044 801 6300

Traffic Department Offices, Driving and Learners Licences:
Mission Street, Pacaltsdorp 044 878 2400
Open to the public Monday to Friday 8am-3pm unless otherwise announced as per Covid-19 measures.

The department is open for new appointments for driving and learner’s licences as per usual rules (see Driving and Learners Licence section under Protection Services at www.george.gov.za for details).

Pick-up times for newly issued driving licences from the Pacaltsdorp offices: Monday to Friday 8am to 3pm, except if your confirmation SMS indicates a Saturday collection opportunity. Please bring your ID document and show the pick-up confirmation SMS to the official at the entrance.

Please note that learner’s licences, driving licences, temporary driving licences and professional driving permits which expired from 26 March 2020 up until 31 December 2020 are deemed valid and validity is extended for a further grace period ending 31 August 2021. 

Traffic fines
To pay your traffic fines online, use the account details below and use the traffic fine number printed on the fine as reference.
Bank: First National Bank (FNB)
Account Name: George Municipality
Account Type: Public Sector Cheque Account
Account Number: 62869623168
Branch Code: 210554
Swift Code: FIRNZAJJ

Vehicle Testing Station
Hibernia Street (next to train station) 044 801 9312
Open to public Monday to Friday 8am-3pm, access control from gate at the street.

Motor Vehicle Registration and Licencing
Please note the email addresses for proof of payment of online payments have changed.
Hibernia Street (next to train station) 044 801 9310
Open to the public weekdays 8am-3pm, except Wednesdays when closed at 2pm due to compulsory training, or if otherwise indicated as per Covid-19 measures.
Access control is from the gate at the street, when necessary.

Please consider ONLINE RENEWAL of vehicle licenses as per details below instead of in-person renewals at the vehicle licencing centre as Covid-19 regulations significantly impacts on the amount of people that can be served in a day.Bulk transactions are being handled separately or after hours when required. Pregnant women, the elderly and disabled can pre-arrange preferential treatment by calling 044 801 9310.

While vehicle licence RENEWALS CAN be done online, the REGISTRATION of vehicles CANNOT be done online as RICA requirements stipulate that the owner of the vehicle must physically appear in front of the official and the documentation must be original – this is, among other things, a measure against fraudulent registration of vehicles.

ONLINE ELECTRONIC PAYMENT OF VEHICLE LICENCE RENEWALS
1. The customer starts by registering a profile online at https://online.natis.gov.za/#/ or download the RTMC mobile application for Android from Google PlayStore.2. Choose between registering as an individual or business.
The following information will be required:
Individual: initial, name, surname, ID number, driving license number, contact details via mobile phone or email.
Organisation: name of business, ID number of proxy, driving license number of proxy, contact details via mobile phone or email.
3. A one-time pin will be sent to your email or mobile phone number, which you must enter online.
4. Go to the ‘View motor vehicle renewals’ section and verify the information of the vehicle for which you are renewing the licence.
5. Access and/or download your electronic motor vehicle license RENEWAL NOTICE (also known as a MVL2 notice).
6. If your licence disk is valid but near expiry or if it has expired but is still in the 21-day grace period after expiry, the amount for the renewal of your vehicle will be on the notice.
7. If your license has already expired beyond the grace period, it will not indicate an amount on the system and clients must please phone the George Motor Vehicle Licensing office at 044 801 9310 to confirm the amount due.
8. Pay the amount due into the George Municipality, FNB Public Sector Cheque Account, Number 62869623150 (Branch Code 210554). Use the relevant vehicle license number as a reference such as CAW ###### / Private number ##### WP.
9. Email the proof of payment to payments@george.gov.zaand mvr@george.gov.za. Please note the forementioned email addresses are no-reply addresses and are set up for proof of payments only and cannot be used for enquiries. Please phone 044 801 9310 for enquiries.
10. Keep a copy of your proof of payment in the relevant car until you receive your license disk but keep your expired disk on your window in the meantime. Traffic law requires officials to still issue you with a ticket for displaying an invalid disk, but you can appeal the fine and submit the proof of payment as part of your request to have the fine cancelled (details for the appeal process is on the back of the fine).
11. Once payment reflects on the municipality’s bank statement, the vehicle license will be processed, and you will be contacted to arrange collection. Please do not collect unless pre-arranged and notified via telephone – you won’t have to queue in the transaction lines when you collect.

If you want the licence posted to you, please give the person who phones you the address to which you require it posted.

Licences that have not been collected within two weeks from the notification phone call, will be posted to the address listed on the NaTIS system – onus is on the vehicle owner to ensure the correct address is logged on the national system. The turnaround time for online license renewals is about two weeks.

CIVIL ENGINEERING SERVICES
Administration offices (old City Hall) and Customer Services (corner York and Progress Streets) remain closed to the public.
Urgent appointments that cannot be dealt with via online meetings on MS Teams or other electronic means will be attended to by prior arrangement. Please phone 044 801 9354 or 044 801 9277 to obtain relevant email address.

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

ELECTROTECHNICAL SERVICES
Services continue as usual and the administration offices are open to the public weekdays 7.45-4.30pm.
Two people are allowed in the foyer at any given time and members of the public will be allowed into offices following screening at the security desk.
Planned maintenance continues and essential repairs for which planned outages are required will be communicated.

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

COMMUNITY SERVICES
Community Services Administration, 82 Meade Street, is open to the public on weekdays 7.45am-4.30pm unless otherwise indicated as per temporary Covid-19 measures.
One person is allowed in the foyer at any given time.

Please contact the specific person via telephone or email as listed below to arrange for online meetings if necessary. Face-to-face meetings with officials by appointment only.

Reception/all departments: 044 802 2900 ccunningham@george.gov.za or ykibido@george.gov.za
Office of the Director: 044 802 2904 and imlubbe@george.gov.za
Parks and Recreation complaints: 044 802 2921 and bmbondweni@george.gov.za
Uncollected BLACK bags 044 802 2900/20/27 or ymali@george.gov.za / jstuurman@george.gov.za
Uncollected GREEN and BLUE bags: 044 878 0688/ lgewaste@george.gov.za mabotha@george.gov.za /jstuurman@george.gov.za
Environmental Health: anontshikiza@george.gov.za / tabotha@george.gov.za
Transfer Station: edraghoender@george.gov.za

Landfill Site and Transfer Station, Airport Road, open to public weekdays 7am-6pm and Saturdays 7am-1pm. Covid-19 protocols in place, bring your own pen to sign in for extra safety.  edraghoender@george.gov.za

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

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

Please report illegal dump sites to 044 802 2900 or aapril@george.gov.za or kvstoffels@george.gov.za. The municipality appeals to communities to remain safe and to not dump waste, which is illegal and can be hazardous to their health.

Attendance of funerals is limited to 100 persons or less provided that no more than 50 percent of the capacity of a venue is being used. Attendees must observe a distance of at least 1.5m, wear face masks and adhere to all health protocols. Night vigils and ‘after-tears’ are not allowed. Visitation to cemeteries by small groups are allowed at weekends provided that all Covid-19 protocols are observed.

Municipal sport facilities and public swimming pools are closed to the general public but open to sport federations and associations with approved ministerial plans. Most municipal sporting facilities are multi code facilities used by a variety of codes and clubs and this should be factored in when compiling safety plans for the respective venues.

Take note that neither the compliance nor the policing of compliance to the conditions set out for the return to sport is the responsibility of the George Municipality and includes, but is not limited to, the amount of people allowed on the premises, screening and sanitation of those involved, the wearing of masks etc. 
Enquiries Gerald de Villiers 044 801 9488/gdevilliers@george.gov.za

Community Development offices behind the Main Building are open on weekdays 7.45am-4.30pm. Contact 044 802 2000 or ejcorner@george.gov.za

The municipality continues to support 129 municipal soup kitchens. Strict social distancing and hygienic practices apply. Emergency essential social services enquiries 072 693 3488.

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

EPWP Unemployment Data Base Registration and Enquiries: Charlton Van Wyk 044 802 2011/2036 chvanwyk@george.gov.za
CIDB (Construction Industry Development Board) Grade 1 Registration: Thembakazi Silimeni 044 802 2012 tsilimeni@george.gov.za
Central Supply Data Base registrations daily at the office but by appointment only as above.

All libraries are open with protocols in place. Opening hours remain reduced and admittance to the George Main Library remains by appointment only, while community libraries are access-restricted based on the amount of people inside the library according to the size of the facility.

A new service is available in which patrons can select books via the online library portal (see details below) and email a list of materials they want to loan. Librarians will make up piles of available materials and arrange a time for collection. You can also phone your librarian to inquire about a book-by-phone service.

Library services remain limited as follows:

Issue and return of books.
Ten books per library member for lending period of a month at a time.
Admittance to adults and children older than 12.
Children’s section is closed to children, but adults can take out books on behalf of children.
Research and reference services arranged by phone and/or email.
Internet services – preference given to pre-booked patrons, maximum two people at any given time.
Study area limited in compliance with regulations.
Wearing of masks and sanitising of hands are compulsory.
Your temperature will be taken before entering the library area, no admittance if it is 37.5C and higher.
Library materials handed in will be quarantined for 72 hours as per national and Western Cape safety standards and plastic covered materials wiped with sanitiser before being made available for loan.

Avontuur Library: 044 752 3351 avontuurbiblioteek@gmail.com – Monday 12pm-3pm, Tuesday 11am-2pm, Wednesday and Thursday 10am-1pm.
Blanco Library: 044 870 7047 gmblancobib@gmail.com – Monday to Friday 9am-4.30pm
Conville Library: 044 801 9320 Jrhode1@george.gov.za – Monday 9am-4.30pm
George Library: 044 801 9288 mluyenge@george.gov.za – Monday to Friday 9am-4.30pm, Saturday 9am-12pm
Haarlem Library: 044 763 1023 shonisemichels@yahoo.com – Monday, Thursday and Friday 2pm-5pm, Tuesday and Wednesday 2pm-5pm
Noll Library: 044 745 1014 dieprivierprim@gmail.com – Monday and Wednesday 12pm-3pm, Saturday 9am-12pm
Pacaltsdorp Library: 044 803 9340 pacsbib@george.org.za – Monday to Friday 9am-4.30pm
Thembalethu Library: 044 803 9260 xakortman@george.gov.za – Monday to Friday 9am-4.30pm
Touwsranten Library: 044 803 9285 touwsbib@george.org.za – Monday to Friday 9am-4pm
Uniondale Library: 044 752 1024 fortuinelton@yahoo.com – Monday to Friday 10am-4.30pm
Waboomskraal Library: angiefigeland@gmail.com – Monday to Friday 10am-2pm

George Municipality library portal link: wc.slims.gov.za/desktop/desktopwcgeplge
You can search online according to author, title, subjects, keyword, publisher or ISBN number.
Type in your library number on your card to check your library materials status including due date and opportunity to renew your books yourself.

 

CORPORATE SERVICES
Records are open to the public weekdays 8am-4.30pm unless otherwise announced as per temporary Covid-19 measures.
Central Records Main Building:  044 801 9286/9431/9125/9178
Building Plan Records (corner York and Progress Streets) 044 801 9367
Emergency Records Queries Only: Timothy Craak 082 459 4522

 

Area offices are open to the public on weekdays 8am- 4.30pm and contactable telephonically  as per below list unless otherwise announced as per temporary Covid-19 measures.
After-hours emergencies to 044 801 6300.

Covid-19 protocols are in place and thresholds apply as to how many people are allowed into each applicable building.

Services available at area offices and service points include reporting essential services faults such as water and electricity problems, all other municipal complaints, account inquiries, indigent applications, housing waiting list enquiries, property valuation roll queries and general inquiries.
Blanco: 044 803 9275
Conville: 044 803 9261
Pacaltsdorp: 044 803 9286
Protea Park: 044 801 9111 ask for extension 2796 (Tuesday, Thursday)
New Dawn Park: 044 801 9111 ask for extension 2797
Rosedale: 044 803 9295
Rosemoor: 044 801 9379 (Monday, Wednesday, Friday)
Touwsranten/Wilderness/Kleinkrantz: 044 803 9280
Thembalethu: 044 801 9448

Thusong Centres reception are open weekdays 8am-4.30pm.
Waboomskraal Thusong Centre: 044 886 0040
Thembalethu Thusong Centre: 044 801 9448
After hours emergencies: 044 801 6300

Community halls and venues are closed to the public. Enquiries to Rozendra Thysse on 044 8019111/5 or rsthysse@george.gov.za and Alwyn Joseph 044 801 9005.
Acting Superintendent Halls: 060 823 3607 (on rotation with Maintenance)
Acting Superintendent Maintenance: 083 418 4588 (on rotation with Halls)

Human Resources offices are closed to the public unless otherwise arranged, HR functions continue. Enquiries to HRAdmin@george.gov.za

 

HUMAN SETTLEMENTS
Human Settlements administration offices are open to the public weekdays 7.45am-4pm. Covid-19 protocols are in place and only two people are allowed into the foyer at any given time.

For basic services (water and sanitation in informal areas) queries and complaints in informal settlements please contact 044 802 2003.
For assistance with emergency structures following disaster (fire, flooding etc) please phone 044 802 2029.
Queries and complaints for water leakages and sewerage complaints (indigent cases)can be reported at the office on above times, but preferably by phone on 044 801 9210/9994/9453 or pshelane@george.gov.za or ddlouw@george.gov.za

Existing Housing Offices
Existing Housing offices are open to the public weekdays 7.45am-4pm.
Covid-19 protocols are in place and only two people are allowed into the foyer at any given time.
Enquiries: 044 801 9113 or 044 801 9078

New Housing
New Housing Department (St Johns Street) offices are open to the public weekdays 7.45am-4pm.
Covid-19 protocols are in place and only two people are allowed into the foyer at any given time.
Please note only the person making the enquiry will be allowed access.
There may be a waiting period and/or the person can leave their contact details and enquiry on the form provided at the security point where after an official will make contact.
Enquiries: 044 802 2003

 

PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT
Please note Town Planning, Building Control and Property Management offices are closed until further notice but officials can still be contacted by phone or email or can arrange a virtual Zoom or Microsoft Teams appointment with the relevant official to discuss any matters.

Town Planning General enquiries: 044 801 9477

Property Transfer Certificates: Marina Welman mhwelman@george.gov.za / 044 801 9171
Zoning Certificates: Lorraine Malangeni lxmalangeni@george.gov.za / 044 801 9477
Zoning Rectifications: Jeanne Fourie jfourie@george.gov.za / 044 801 9138 and Ilané Huyser ihuyser@george.gov.za / 044 801 9550
Illegal Land Use Complaints: Robin Hector rlhector@george.gov.za / 044 801 9475 and Mawethu Bonga mbonga@george.gov.za / 044 801 9520
Neighbouring property owner address details: Marisa Arries 044 801 9473 marries@george.gov.za

 

Land use applications
Submit Land use applications: town.planning.application@george.gov.za
Town Planning Complaints: town.planning.complaints@george.gov.za
Land use applications can be submitted as per instruction sheets on website. See ‘Covid 19 Level 1 Land Use Applications Submission Guidelines – March 2021’ and ‘Public Participation Instructions Covid 19 Level 1 – March 2021’ on the link https://www.george.gov.za/george-documents/land-use-applications/land-use-submissions/

Enquiries land use applications as below:
Erven and farm portions ending with an even number (i.e. 0, 2, 4, 6, 8): Primrose Nako 044 801 9416 pnako@george.gov.za
Erven and farm portions ending with an odd number (i.e. 1, 3, 5, 7, 9): Marina Welman 044 801 9171 mhwelman@george.gov.za 

Building Control
Building plans can be submitted online. See https://www.george.gov.za/planning-development/building-control/ for more information.
Building Control General enquiries: 044 801 9019 / 044 801 9370 / 044 801 9166
Building Control Complaints: building.control.complaints@george.gov.za
Request for existing building plans (Registration Department):
Phindiswa Lingani: 044 801 9370 pmlingani@george.gov.za
Sinazo Moshani: 044 801 9019 smoshani@george.gov.za
Musa Dyakop: 044 801 9166 mdyakop@george.gov.za
Status on building plan approvals: Vasti Laws: 044 801 9509 vnlaws@george.gov.za
Andrea Griessel: 044 801 9502 agriessel@george.gov.za

Please contact Building Inspectors directly during office hours:
James Vollenhoven: 076 823 0412
Fuzisa Siguba: 083 949 8651

Erasmus Supra: 083 675 4472
Illegal activity: Nolan Noemdoe 083 757 3717

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

Economic Development
Cathedral Square office is open to the public 9am-4pm, strict protocols apply.
Business queries: Joan Shaw 081 412 9995
Other queries: 044 801 2820 bduplessis@george.gov.za

Worker Collection Point is open to the public, strict protocols apply.
Worker Collection Point, food gardens and informal traders enquiries:
Amy Kearns 044 801 9173 / 073 621 0099 akearns@george.gov.za

IDP Office
Closed to the public but contactable during office hours.
Ronel le Fleur: 044 801 9075 / 071 870 7887 rlefleur@george.gov.za

Ward committee operations
Closed to the public but contactable during office hours.
Paulina Saaiman: 044 801 9074 / 060 579 6829 pasaaiman@george.gov.za

George Tourism
Open to the public weekdays 8.30am-4.30pm, strict protocols apply.
044 801 9295 info@visitgeorge.co.za

Wilderness Tourism
Open to the public weekdays 8.30am-4.30pm, strict protocols apply.
044 877 0045 info@visitgeorge.co.za

 

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

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

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

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

 

Meter readings
Online submissions of water meter readings are welcomed and can be provided via the below email address along with the accountholder’s name, contact details and GRG account number.

Please note that meter readings are done per area at different times of the month and it is important that your meter reading email is submitted around the same time as your area’s reading time. Please check the date of the previous reading at the bottom of your account to determine your meter reading slot. A new service provider, Electro Cuts, has commenced water meter reading services for George Municipality

Consumers must please note the change in email address  to meterreadings@george.gov.za.
Enquiries: accounts@george.gov.za

 

Bank Details for electronic payment (please note bank details changed 1 December 2020)
The old account is being phased out so please amend as soon as possible. For now it is still active and payments made so far will have been received.

If you have a debit order on your account, details will automatically be updated. If you have created an account for online banking, please delete the old account and create a new one with the details as below.

First National Bank (FNB)
Account Type: Public Sector Cheque Account
Account Name: George Municipality
Account Number: 62869623150
Branch Code: 210554
Swift Code: FIRNZAJJ
Reference: your GRG account number
Proof of payment to be sent to payments@george.gov.za

 

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

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

 

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


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


Credit Control enquiries: 044 801 9111

 

MUNICIPAL COURT
The George Municipal Court is open to the public on weekdays 7.45am-4.30pm unless otherwise indicated due to temporary Covid-19 measures.

Please note the office of the Clerk of the Court is closed every day 1pm-1.45pm for representations and other transactions.
Enquiries: 044 801 9400

 

UNIONDALE/HAARLEM
Offices are open to the public on weekdays 7.45am-4.30pm (not open over lunch 1pm-1.45pm) unless otherwise indicated due to temporary Covid-19 measures.

Fire: 044 752 1225
Switchboard and fault reporting: 044 752 1024
Tourism: 044 752 1076
Haarlem: 044 763 1013
After hours: 044 801 6300

GARDEN ROUTE HEALTH PLATFORM UPDATE

The Garden Route district has vaccinated 7871  healthcare workers as of 13 May 2021 as part of the district’s roll-out of the Sisonke vaccination programme.

The Western Cape Department of Health will officially launch the province’s Phase 2 vaccination rollout on 17 May in the Metro focusing on over 60s. Over the next few weeks, more vaccination sites will come online, including Rural sites (Garden Route). These sites and dates will be communicated as they come online.

We would like to advise citizens on what to expect as we move forward during this phase. We encourage those over 60 to register for the vaccine.  To register, please visit www.westerncape.gov.za and click on the link, or Dial *134*832# and follow the prompts (FREE on all South African Networks), or WhatsApp the word REGISTER to 0600 123 456.

If you are over 60 and registered for your COVID-19 vaccine, you can expect:

  • An SMS confirming your registration.
  • A second SMS 2 – 3 weeks later with an appointment date and the place.
  • Get vaccinated with your first dose.
  • Proof of vaccination card.
  • An appointment date for your second dose.

As we move forward with phase 2, remember to:

  • take your ID and present second SMS on the scheduled day.
  • Arrive on the scheduled day of your booking. Not on a different day.
  • Walk-ins are not permitted.

 

CURRENT COVID-19 STATS GARDEN ROUTE
We have noted an increase in COVID-19 cases in almost all sub-districts. Help us to keep our loved one safe by avoiding crowded places, close-contact settings and confined and enclosed spaces. Always wear a mask when in public, wash your hands, don’t touch your face, keep 1.5m apart, cover your cough and stay home when sick.

Stats for 13 May

Sub-district TOTAL Active Recovered Deaths
Bitou 2 787 29 2 658 100
George 12 124 98 11 571 455
Hessequa 1 974 7 1 863 104
Kannaland 902 13 845 44
Knysna 4 846 22 4 667 157
Mossel Bay 7 504 93 7 204 207
Oudtshoorn 4 116 60 3 770 286
Sub-total 34 253 322 32 578 1 353

 

#LetsDoThis, Western Cape

Road upgrades across George to benefit all

Road upgrades across George are set to benefit road users from all communities.

George Municipality Acting Civil Engineering Services Director Lionel Daniels said four major road upgrades were in different phases of implementation in Thembalethu, Lawaaikamp, Rosedale and the city centre. “All these roads are important arterials in high activity zones with many pedestrians, trucks and public transport.

“The municipality is grateful for additional income sources such as provincial and national grants that have enabled us to upgrade overall infrastructure and pedestrian experience, which ultimately benefit business, promote investment and improve quality of life,” said Mr Daniels.

The upgrades in Wellington Street, another in this series of ongoing upgrades, is also finally reaching completion – weather and circumstances-depending, Wellington is expected to reopen Friday (14 May 2021).

Tabata Street, Thembalethu
The first phase of major road infrastructure upgrades in Tabata Street, Thembalethu, started in March.

The project comprises five phases over at least two financial years and will ultimately improve the experience of road users and lives of residents. “Tabata Street is the main arterial through Zone 12, 13 and 15 and takes a lot of vehicle and foot traffic. We are using the opportunity to not only upgrade the road, but also stormwater pipes and sidewalks, which will improve the overall experience of road users and pedestrians and reduce chances of flooding of streets and homes.”

The entire Tabata Street upgrade extends from the intersection with Nelson Mandela Boulevard (Fourways) to where the road currently ends. Roadworks will be carried out in five sections and the five construction phases may overlap.

Construction of phase 1, Nelson Mandela Boulevard to Mfayana Street (about 760m of road), commenced in March 2021 and should be completed by July 2021, weather and circumstances-depending. Phase 2 is expected to commence mid-year (around July/August 2021), details of which will be confirmed closer to the time. Further phases (phases 3 to 5) will be rolled out subject to availability of funds.

Market Street
Work has commenced in Market Street earlier this month.

As the most used road on the current GO GEORGE network, Market Street is at the heart of the city’s bus service with 3 650 trips per week to and from areas such as Pacaltsdorp, Rosemoor, Parkdene, Conville, Borcherds, Blanco and the Garden Route Mall.

“Market Street connects communities across the city, directly and indirectly, and upgrade of the road and sidewalks will benefit everyone who uses public transport, and do their shopping and business in the CBD. The upgrade is also very important since the road is starting to show signs of decay where the continued traffic of especially heavy busses have been taking its toll,” said Mr Daniels.

The 15-month Market Street project will be concluded in phases and will include the upgrade of underground services such as stormwater and sewerage lines in addition to road surface rehabilitation, as well as construction of wider pedestrian walkways to support high foot traffic in the city’s central business district.

The entire project comprises Market Street from York Street to Hope Street. Roadworks will be done in phases, intersection to intersection, with different phases of construction overlapping. Work has started with the most severely affected section between Meade and Cradock Streets (Phase 1), with the section between Meade and York Streets (Phase 2) to commence the last week in May.

Further phases (phases 3 to 5) will be rolled out from the Cradock Street intersection to Hope Street, subject to availability of funds.

Makriel Street, Lawaaikamp
Reconstruction of Makriel Street in Lawaaikamp, between Main and Fiskaal Streets, is expected to start the last week in May for completion in October. Work includes the rehabilitation and reconstruction of the road surface, kerbs and sidewalks as well as upgrading of stormwater.

Rosedale Access Road
Rehabilitation of the Rosedale Access Road, eastwards from Beach Road (up to the Erf 325 housing projects), is expected to start the week of 24 May 2021 and should be completed at the end of October.

General construction information
Traffic impacts are different for each project depending on the nature of work done, details of which will be published in red-framed advertisements in local print media and the George Municipality social media channels.

GO GEORGE implications at the Market Street roadworks will be communicated by GO GEORGE champions on location as well as via the usual social media and other communication platforms.

Municipal services such as water, sewer and electricity may be temporarily disrupted, and will be communicated via social media when required.

“The municipality realises the impacts during road works are inconvenient, but we ask that road users and pedestrians bear with us and keep the bigger picture in mind.

“Liaison with business and affected parties in the construction zones will be ongoing and we thank residents, tenants and all general road users in advance for their support and cooperation.

“Please take extra care when you are inside or near the construction zone and adhere to all signage and directions by road works personnel. Vehicles should take heed that road surfaces can vary in height at times,” said Mr Daniels.

Wellington Street
After a series of initial delays outside the municipality’s control (such as excessive rain and presence of old underground services), Wellington Street had benefited from additional funding that became available in the delay period – which meant an even longer delay in completion date, but turned the initial minor rebuild into a full upgrade with benefits far beyond the project’s initial scope.

“The extra works came with its own frustrations, but we are finally nearing completion and look forward to opening Wellington Road to two-way traffic, probably tomorrow (Friday 14 May). Sidewalks are nearing completion and final asphalt road surfacing took place yesterday (12 May). Road markings and associated smaller civil work will be completed over the next two weeks. The municipality thanks road users for their ongoing patience during these roadworks and ask that they continue to take care during this final phase.”

 

New business partner combatting illegal dumping with Municipality

George Municipality has a new business partner, Kathaka RAW Enterprises, on board to combat illegal dumping by providing skips in areas that still need these urgently and to educate communities on how to turn their refuse into money.

Kathaka RAW Enterprises started with a pilot project in Maraiskamp last week as a part of the social responsibility programme, where they used 20 community members and 25 EPWP workers from the Municipality to clean a dumping site on the corner of Kloof and Marlyn Streets. One of the five skips the company made available, was put up at this corner. The company paid each community a small incentive of R5 per bag they filled on the day with recyclables (this arrangement was ONLY for the one day to encourage people to recycle). The other four will be put up at hotspots in Pacaltsdorp, Thembalethu, Conville and Rosemoor.

According to Max Modise, Director of Kathaka RAW Enterprises (PTY)LTD, it was found that 70 % of all South African household waste is recyclable. “People throw money away by dumping electronic waste, plastics, paper, tin, glass bottles and milk cartons.”

Modise thanked the Municipality for agreeing to partner with his company in this endeavour. “As a corporate business citizen of George, we recognise that what we are attempting to do may have been done before, but we would like to do it slightly differently!”

Modise said they are hopeful that they can set the right example and educate the public but also recognise that they will not conquer the scourge of illegal dumping and be able to provide the right alternatives to the communities, if they do not do it as an inclusive partnership.

Executive Mayor of George, Ald Leon van Wyk, said Kathaka RAW is a company who is doing their corporate social responsibility in the communities they are doing business in. The Municipality have entered into a memorandum of understanding from 1 May 2021 for a six month period as part of a corporate social responsibility.

“We commend them for this initiative and encourage other companies to get into business with the Municipality,” Van Wyk said.
Mayor Van Wyk said the community involvement in this project encourages citizens to become active in contributing to making George a better place to live in.

Illegal dumping is still a crime!
What is illegal dumping?
Illegal dumping is anything you throw away in a place where it does not belong.
• If you know who is dumping illegally, report them to 044 801 6350 or sprins@george.gov.za or 044 801 6300 (a/h).
• Information that will help the case for a warning or fine: car description and/or registration number, address of alleged perpetrator, type of waste and address of where it was dumped. A cellphone photo of dumping in action will help, but is not essential.
• Report dumped waste for collection to 044 802 2900 or 044 801 6300 (a/h).
ILLEGAL DUMPING IS EVERYBODY’S PROBLEM
If you throw your junk just anywhere, it will eventually become your problem some way or another. It can make you sick or kill you.

Caption: Max Modise, Director of Kathaka Raw Enterprises, Executive Mayor of George Ald Leon van Wyk and Cllr Sean Snyman, Portfolio Councillor for Community Services during the cleanup at the illegal dumping site in Maraikamp.

Then and Now: Herriot Street

THEN AND NOW
Remember this? George Municipality last month completed road repairs in Herriot, Spreeu and Parakiet Streets, all of which had been extensively damaged during a massive pipe burst in Herriot , Genevafontein in March. The soil work above the main burst site had taken place immediately after repairs, but tarring and other repairs had to wait until soil had completely dried out and settled. As the entire area dried out the true extent of the underground damage to the roads could be determined and eventually necessitated the resurfacing of Herriot from the pipe burst site and down the hill to the intersection with Parakiet, as well as Spreeu Street from Herriot to the Parakiet intersection, and Parakiet Street between Herriot and Spreeu.

 

George Municipality mourns the death of Councillor Michael Daniels who passed earlier today, 7 May 2021.

George Executive Mayor Alderman Leon van Wyk said the municipality was saddened to hear of the passing of Cllr Daniels who served as Ward Councillor for Ward 24 (Haarlem) from August 2016.

“The George Municipality Council and Administration extend our deepest condolences to his family, friends and colleagues and share in the grief of their loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family during this difficult time.”

 

CONTACT US / KONTAK ONS / QHAGAMSHELANA NATHI

George Municipality has noted that the public is either emailing or WhatsApping  individual officials directly with their queries and complaints. We kindly request that the formal procedure set up for queries and complaints is followed instead,  so that the query or fault is officially acknowledged and logged on our internal online system which generates a reference number.

Emailing or WhatsApping individuals can lead to delays in the query or complaints being allocated to the correct directorate for action and response. Without a reference number, it becomes problematic to ensure that the query or fault has been resolved adequately.

Please direct all EMAIL CORRESPONDENCE to the George Municipality on the EMAIL ADDRESS  gmun@george.gov.za  or use one of the dedicated email addresses listed below if applicable to your fault or query.

The EMAIL ADDRESS gmun@george.gov.za is manned during working hours and your email will be received, acknowledged, and redirected to the correct Directorate for response and/or action.  Please ensure that you include your contact details as well as full details of your query and/or complaint.

George Municipality has formal procedures in place to assist our residents with logging complaints and/or faults. Please see details below.

CONTACT NUMBERS

  • Switchboard: 044 801 9111
  • Municipal Emergencies: 044 801 6300 (24/7)
  • FIRE  Emergencies Only: 044 801 6311 (24/7)
  • Report Fraud: 0860 044 044
  • GO GEORGE Call Centre:  0800 044044

DEDICATED EMAIL ADDRESSES
Human Resources: HRAdmin@george.gov.za
Account Queries: accounts@george.gov.za.
Meter Readings: meterreadings@george.gov.za.
Proof of Payment: payments@george.gov.za
Tourism: info@visitgeorge.co.za
Land use applications: town.planning.application@george.gov.za
Town Planning Complaints: town.planning.complaints@george.gov.za
Building Control Complaints: building.control.complaints@george.gov.za
Motor Vehicle Registration: mvr@george.gov.za
Supply Chain Management: scm@george.gov.za
Report Fraud: fraud@george.gov.za
GO GEORGE: info@gogeorge.org.za


HOW DO I REPORT A FAULT?
Online Reporting via Municipal APP.
Phone in via 044 8019111 to the relevant department and request a reference number.
Email to gmun@george.gov.za with all details and request a reference number. Provide a clear description of fault, address details and contact details of resident if possible.
Visit our Area offices – coordinators will log faults and generate a reference number on your behalf.

REPORT A FAULT ON THE APP
You can log complaints and get municipal news updates on the George Municipality Mobile Application. Follow this link, which will take you to the place where you can download the George Municipality Application (App) on your phone or computer (as long as it can connect to the internet).

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=za.co.comunity.george&hl=en_ZA

 

WALK IN AREA OFFICES
Area offices are open to the public on weekdays 8am-4.30pm.

Services available include reporting essential services faults such as water and electricity problems, all other municipal complaints, account enquiries, indigent
applications, housing waiting list enquiries, property valuation roll queries and general inquiries:

Blanco: 044 803 9275
Conville: 044 803 9261
Pacaltsdorp: 044 803 9286
Protea Park: 044 801 9111 extension 2796
(Tuesday, Thursday)
New Dawn Park: 044 801 9111 extension 2797
Rosedale: 044 803 9295
Rosemoor: 044 801 9379 (Monday, Wednesday, Friday)
Touwsranten/Wilderness/Kleinkrantz: 044 803 9280
Thembalethu: 044 801 9448

GO GEORGE Smart Card Kiosks  05:00 – 20:00, 7 days a week
Located  at George Transport Hub in Cradock Street; York Street, next to Civic Centre; Garden Route Mall ; Blanco triangle

GO GEORGE Info Kiosk  at Transport Hub:  Mon – Fri 08:00 – 17:00 and Sat 08:00 – 13:00

 

Paulse officially new head of Community Services

Allen Paulse was officially appointed Director: Community Services as from 1 May 2021.
Paulse is a qualified attorney and practiced law during his earlier years. He studied at the University of the Western Cape. Paulse has vast experience in managing public institutions and is well known in local government circles for having a great strategic approach in the workplace. He has been Municipal Manager to Oudtshoorn Municipality, Bitou Municipality and Breede Valley Municipality from 2002 until October 2020. He acted in his current position from January 2021.

Georgians would be glad to hear that George is not at all alien to Paulse. He has worked at George Municipality between February 1999 to December 2001 as Deputy to the Town Clerk.

The Community Services Directorate includes Refuse Removal and Waste Management, Libraries, Parks and Recreation, Sport Development, Community Development (Social), Environmental Services and the Extended Public Works Programme (EPWP) with a total of 235 staff members.

Paulse says he will be applying strategic functioning to the units and sections in the Directorate, without taking away from core functions of each unit. “My overall approach will be to re-align the directorate strategically along core principles relating to people management, financial management and more.
“I will be output driven by way of training motivating and directing my subordinates to optimise work place productivity.” Some of his financial management planning and planning towards quality outputs are already in use.

Paulse says one of his most important tasks will be to replace the culture of mediocracy and complacency with one of productivity and proudness to be part of the Community Services Directorate, through acknowledging and rewarding excellence.

On a personal note, Paulse is married to wife, Adré, and they have 4 children, Dino (deceased), Curnick, Adlen and Iviwe. He hails from Paarl.

Ten schools on board for George Municipality’s Poster Making Competition on Energy Sustainability

Ten schools, seven Primary Schools and three High Schools have confirmed the that they will be taking part in the George Municipality’s POSTER MAKING COMPETITION on the topic of Energy Sustainability. Primary and High Schools were invited to take part in the competition. The idea is for learners to reflect their understanding of Energy Sustainability in the poster.

Interns from the Electrotechnical Services Directorate, who are spearheading the campaign, delivered stationery for the purposes of making the posters to participating schools.
George Municipality is part of the Energy Efficiency and Demand Side Management (EEDSM) programme funded by the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy. The Municipality received grant funding of R4.5 million for the solar pv project at the George Municipality Main Building parking area and part of the requirements is to spend 1% of that grant funding on creating an energy awareness campaign.

The rules of the competition are as follows, the poster should be accompanied by a half page paragraph of text, explaining the message conveyed by the poster. The maximum number of learners allowed to take part in making the poster is 10 learners per school with the aid of 2 teachers. Primary Schools will be competing with each other, as will the High Schools, for fairness. A non-response from a school will be interpreted as not interested.

The selection criteria for the winning poster is as follows: (a) does the message conveyed show the learners understanding of the topic, and is it factually correct? (b) is the poster neat, organised and well presented?

The finished poster can be dropped off at the George Municipality Electrotechnical Services Office in 16 Brick Road, George Industria, 6529. Alternatively, the schools can call the judges on the following numbers 044 801 9255 / 044 801 9221 and the poster entries will be collected. Please ensure that each poster is clearly marked on the back with the name of the school, name of the teacher, name of the pupil, age of the pupil and grade as well as the contact details for the school. Unmarked posters will unfortunately not be judged.
The closing date for the competition is the 21st of May 2021.

George Municipality will retain the posters on completion of the competition. Enquiries about the competition can be send to Thabo Yiga on tyiga@george.gov.za

The winning school will receive a prize to the value of R5 000, and the winning poster will be advertised in the George Herald Newspaper. All participating learners will receive goody bags as tokens of appreciation.

Sustainable energy is power which is able to be replenished within a human lifetime and so cause no long-term damage to the environment. Sustainable energy includes all renewable energy sources, such as hydroelectricity, biomass, geothermal, wind, wave, tidal and solar energies.
The schools taking part in the competition are: Mzoxolo Primary School, Parkdene High School, Hibernia Primary School,
Holy Primary School, Dellville Park Primary School, McKinley Reid High School,Thembalethu Primary School, Kretzenshoop Primary School and
Outeniqua Primary School and Outeniqua High School.

Caption Mari Coetzee, teacher at Outeniqua High School receives stationery from Mphielo Ramotsamai (Electrotechnical Services Directorate: George Municipality).

Activities at George Libraries

Activities at George Libraries

Captions:
1. World book day: Youngsters enjoyed a story hour at Conville Library on World Book Day on 23 April. With them are George Mayor, Leon van Wyk (in the grey jacket), who popped in after the session to meet and greet everyone and Cllr Sean Snyman, Portfolio Councillor for Community Services (in the white shirt). Some of the library staff members dressed up as book characters. The Mayor had a full programme with the youngsters and read to them himself.

2. Garelene Muller, Children’s Librarian at George Library, demonstrates and reads to children from the Association of Disabled People using a wordless picture book during the demonstration at the Conville Library.

3. George Library obtained a valuable set of reference material when bird enthusiast and author, Peter Ginn, donated his latest glossy, full colour double-volume guide for birding enthusiasts to the library. From left are Peter Ginn, Cllr Sean Snyman, Portfolio Councillor for Community Services and Malibongwe Luyenge, Senior Librarian at George Library, at the handover at Conville Library recently.

4. Staff members of George Library Service completed a Book sharing for Families week training during April 2021 at Pacaltsdorp Library. From left with their Certificates are Anneli Booysen (library assistant), Annidean Kramer (EPWP Worker), Sakhile Zungu (of Mikhulu Trust Foundation) and Petro Ruiters (George Library). At the back are Freddie Rheeder (George Library, library assistant) and the Facilitator of the Training, Rosslyn Damon of the Seven Passes Initiative.

Vandalised bus shelters repaired at huge cost

VANDALISED BUS SHELTERS REPAIRED AT HUGE COST

Repair work to vandalised GO GEORGE bus shelters is currently in process all over town after a budget provision of R1,3 million has been made available by the George Municipality for this purpose.
Of the 124 shelters already put up at bus stops, 92% have been damaged structurally by breaking the glass or laminate panels, while vinyl stickers with passenger information inside the shelters need to be replaced continuously when torn down or defaced by graffiti.

The glass side panel of the bus shelters seem to be targeted most by vandals. After extensive research and testing, an even stronger, shatterproof glass is now being used in replacements, as well as in new shelters being erected. The glass panels were chosen for safety reasons to ensure visibility of passengers inside the shelter, as well as passengers’ need to see oncoming buses.

If all goes according to plan, the current repair work will be completed before winter sets in, to provide shelter during cold and wet weather conditions. The budget does not make provision for new damage, which has to be discouraged and curbed at all cost.
Call for public’s help

GO GEORGE Manager, James Robb, says the community’s support is needed to help turn around the habit of destruction. “By vandalising and damaging these structures, the culprits deprive their own communities of the facilities. Investigation, putting out tenders and executing repair work on damaged shelters take time, and until this is concluded, passengers are the victims who are inconvenienced and exposed to the elements,” he said. “The same goes for the senseless stoning of GO GEORGE buses. Taking buses out of service for repairs reduces the level of service we are aiming to provide, when passengers have to wait longer for their bus to arrive or have to use a bus carrying more passengers than they feel safe to join.”

George Acting Municipal Manager, Dr Michelle Gratz, has spoken out strongly against this criminal conduct. “Three men have been arrested recently after being caught red-handed, breaking the rear window of a bus. The Municipality has a zero-tolerance approach to criminality, but we need the public to come forward if they have information that can help us bring these perpetrators to justice. Take a photo if you can, and please phone the GO GEORGE Call Centre at 0800 044 044 with information about what happened, where and when it happened, and who did it.”

CAPTION:
The glass side panel of the bus shelters seem to be targeted most by vandals. Here, workers are replacing glass panels at a bus stop in Knysna Road. After extensive research and testing, a stronger, shatterproof glass is now being used in replacements, as well as in new shelters being erected.

GEVANDALISEERDE BUSSKUILINGS HERSTEL TEEN GROOT KOSTE

Herstelwerk aan gevandaliseerde GO GEORGE-busskuilings is tans oral in die dorp aan die gang nadat ‘n begrotingsvoorsiening van R1,3 miljoen vir dié doel deur die George-munisipaliteit beskikbaar gestel is.
Van die 124 skuilings wat reeds by bushaltes opgerig is, is 92% struktureel beskadig deur die glas of gelamineerde panele te breek, terwyl vinielplakkers met passasiersinligting binne die skuilings voortdurend vervang moet word wanneer dit deur graffiti bederf of afgeskeur word.

Die glas-kantpaneel van die busskuilings blyk die meeste geteiken te word deur vandale. Ná uitgebreide navorsing en toetsing word ‘n nog sterker, breekvaste glas nou in vervangings gebruik, asook in nuwe skuilings wat opgerig word. Die glaspanele is om veiligheidsredes gekies om sigbaarheid van passasiers in die skuiling te verseker, asook om passasiers in staat te stel om aankomende busse te sien.

As alles volgens plan verloop, sal die huidige herstelwerk voltooi word voordat die winter begin om skuiling te verskaf tydens koue en nat weerstoestande. Die begroting maak nie voorsiening vir nuwe skade nie, wat ten alle koste ontmoedig en bekamp moet word.
Oproep vir publiek se hulp

GO GEORGE-bestuurder James Robb sê die gemeenskap se ondersteuning is nodig om te help om die gewoonte van vernietiging en vernielsug om te keer. “Deur hierdie strukture te vandaliseer en te beskadig, ontneem die skuldiges hul eie gemeenskappe van die fasiliteite. Om ondersoeke, die uitgee van tenders en herstelwerk aan beskadigde skuilings uit te voer, neem tyd, en totdat dit afgehandel is, is passasiers die slagoffers wat ongerief verduur en blootgestel word aan die elemente,” het hy gesê. “Dieselfde geld vir die sinnelose klipgooiery na GO GEORGE-busse. Om busse uit diens te neem vir herstelwerk verminder die vlak van diens wat ons poog om te voorsien wanneer passasiers langer moet wag vir hul bus om op te daag, of ‘n bus te moet gebruik wat meer passasiers dra as wat hulle veilig voel om mee saam te ry.”

George se waarnemende munisipale bestuurder, dr Michelle Gratz, het haar sterk uitgespreek teen hierdie kriminele gedrag. “Drie mans is onlangs in hegtenis geneem nadat hulle op heterdaad betrap is terwyl hulle die agterste venster van ‘n bus breek. Die munisipaliteit het ‘n zero-verdraagsaamheidsbeleid teenoor misdaad, maar ons het die publiek nodig om na vore te kom as hulle inligting het wat ons kan help om hierdie oortreders aan die pen te laat ry. Neem ‘n foto as jy kan, en skakel asseblief die GO GEORGE-inbelsentrum by 0800 044 044 met inligting oor wat gebeur het, waar en wanneer dit gebeur het, en wie het dit gedoen.”
Byskrif:
Die glas-kantpaneel van die busskuilings blyk die meeste geteiken word deur vandale. Hier vervang werkers glaspanele by ‘n bushalte in Knysnaweg. Ná uitgebreide navorsing en toetsing word ‘n sterker, breekvaste glas nou in vervangings gebruik, asook in nuwe skuilings wat opgerig word.

Live Conferencing Webinar focuses on reigniting local Tourism

MEDIA STATEMENT: Live Conferencing Webinar focuses on reigniting local Tourism
Issued 19 April 2021

Over one hundred local entrepreneurs attended George, Wilderness and Uniondale Tourism’s first ever live conferencing webinar, aimed at rejuvenating local tourism. The conference took place on the 13th to the 15th of April. Attendees included hotel, guest house and restaurant owners, as well as activity providers and tour operators. Fourteen speakers representing local, national, and international travel brands delivered up-to-date research, designed to help local tourism operators boost their bookings. Delegates participated in the virtual conference on Zoom and were able to interact with an array of speakers from ATTA, Expedia, South African Tourism, George Municipality, Wesgro and Thompsons Holidays.

The host and moderator for the webinar was Dirk Wessels, the portfolio councillor for Strategic Services. Joan Shaw, Tourism Manager of George Municipality, opened the conference by encouraging local businesses to “take George into a new era, together”. She emphasised the need for collaboration and partnership between local businesses in making the region a strong travel destination.

On Wednesday the 14th of April, award-winning tour operator, Thompsons Holidays, indicated that they are currently looking for tourism product partners in George and Wilderness, affording a rare opportunity for products to go into the consideration pool with the wholesale giant. Trudie Jacobs, Senior Product and Operations Manager with Thompsons, went on to explain what qualities tour operators search for when looking to add local hotels and activities to their Garden Route portfolio. Jacobs provided a wealth of advice to tourism business owners on how to boost their businesses. She recommended collaboration with other local businesses to produce creative package deals that include accommodation and activities.

“Exceptional value-added packages can be created around special holidays, including Mother’s Day, youth packages for school holidays or Women’s Month,” said Jacobs. She further advised business owners to focus on domestic travellers by modifying their pricing and adopting flexible cancellation policies.

“International tourists are dreaming of their next holiday to South Africa,” according to Gillaume Massey, of the Expedia Group in UAE and Africa. The Senior Business Development Manager shared global market research insights to help George grab a larger share of the tourism market. Massey described evidence of a large increase in online searches for flights to South Africa. He further described the major international trend towards ‘last-minute travel’ and had good news for tourism when he revealed that international travellers are starting to trickle back to South Africa, currently booking for July 2021. He added that many travellers are now spending 3 to 4 times more on their international holidays than before lockdown.

Massey advised local tourism operators to inspire potential travellers; “Tourists are seeking rejuvenation,” he said, “there is a huge demand for holidays which offer rest, relaxation and a focus on mental health”. Gil Massey also advised local tourism providers to ensure that their marketing material provides strong reassurance to potential travellers of COVID safety protocols.

On Thursday the 15th of April, Monika Iuel, the new CMO at WESGRO, shared an overview of the Remote Working, Remote Living campaign’s results to date, as well as highlighting the safetravels.capetown website. Ilse van Schalkwyk described the Western Cape’s Tourism Blueprint 2030. The Chief Director of Economic Sector Support for the Department of Economic Development and Tourism said the ten-year strategy is designed to stimulate tourism throughout the region. She advised local tourism providers to focus on branding the Garden Route as an ‘active outdoor region’. Van Schalkwyk had welcome news when she announced that George has been identified as a secondary business hub for the Western Cape. It is set to benefit from a growing business events industry and attract investment for a large conference facility.

Note:
Tourism establishments interested in partnering with Thompsons should email George, Wilderness and Uniondale Tourism to get in touch with Trudie Jacobs, the Senior Product and Operations Manager: marketing@visitgeorge.co.za

George Libraries will be celebrating World Book Day on April 23rd with a book read by local author

George Libraries will celebrate World Book Day, Friday, 23rd April 2021, a symbolic day for the Literature society as they celebrate the enjoyment of books and reading, with a recorded read by local author Michelle Benjamin of her latest book, Its My Horn.

Benjamin is no stranger to the reading society and the recording of her reading her children’s publication will be uploaded to the George Municipality Youtube account and the link will be shared on the George Municipality Facebook page, George Municipal App, George Municipal website, www.george.gov.za as well as on the George Municipality Twitter account. The recording is for the enjoyment of the public on the day and will be available from early 08h00 on the day.

Benjamin lives in George and is a digital artist, and owner of Lime E-publishing. She has made a number of donations (books and cushions for children to be used during story hour) and made donations of her latest book to the George libraries as well.

According to Rachel Williams, Manager of George Libraries, the said book is an amazing children’s book set in the Kruger National Park and deals with rhino conservation.

Caption: Cover of the children’s book It’s My Horn.