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press-release

George Municipality takes services to the people

George Municipality takes services to the people

George Municipality held a Jamboree (a gathering of all the services of the George Municipality at one venue) at the Rosedale Community Centre/Area Office last Friday (15 October) to bring services closer to the people of Rosedale.

The departments from George Municipality represented were Human Settlements, Community Development, Cleansing, Libraries, Civil Engineering (water, sewage and roads), Finance, Electrotechnical Services and GO GEORGE. They had tables or stalls at the venue where they answered the public’s questions, gave information and helped with complaints.

According to Ms Lauren Waring, Acting Director Human Settlements, the directorates pulled together to arrange the jamboree. “The Rosedale area was chosen for this jamboree because there is a new housing development, which usually generates many challenges, so we decided instead of everyone having to come to town, let’s take the services to the people.

“It was a great success. We will initially have these jamborees at new housing developments across the municipal area and then arrange jamborees in other areas.”

Waring said the municipality did consumer education with people moving into new houses, but people still had questions or challenges afterwards. “Once you are in a new home, it comes with responsibilities like electricity and other services. People must know how to deal with their accounts, what is the owner’s responsibility and what is the municipality’s responsibility.

Human Settlement officials assisted the community with mostly water and roof leakages, general housing faults, ownership queries, waiting list applications and more.

Electrotechnical Services assisted with electrical complaints while Finance assisted with Indigent applications, and more. Cleansing informed the public about the dangers of illegal dumping and how to deal with hazardous waste.
Rachel Williams, Manager George Library, said she and her team promoted reading that made people relax. “In October we focus on mental health and encourage adults and children alike to read fiction if they struggle with any mental related issues, insomnia. Covid-19 has a negative emotional effect on most people and this is how the libraries can assist our communities.”

Captions:
Jam1: Mayor Leon van Wyk visited the Jamboree. Here he holds a healthy cabbage from one of the food gardens that is now under the guidance of the Community Development section of the Municipality. From left are Lizel Arnold, Food Garden coordinator: Rosedale, Janine Adams, Community Development, Bernedene Afrika, Food Garden Coordinator: Conville and Willbedine Jordaan, Community Development.
Jam2: On the other side of the Community Development stall information was distributed on gender and health related issues. From left are John Pato with some information pamphlets, Mayor Leon van Wyk, Diena Esau with information, Ejustley Boshoff (Community Development) Cllr Marlene Barnardt and Nozipho Stone (Community Development).
Jam3: Explaining the new routes in Rosedale at the GO GEORGE stall are in front Khadija Luangula (Communication champion) and Janel Gelant (Communications Champion and next to her Cllr Marlene Barnardt. Standing are Mayor Leon van Wyk (left) and James Robb from GO GEORGE (far right) holding onto a life-size backdrop of the inside of a GO GEORGE bus.
Jam4: Mayor Leon van Wyk have a look at how Human Settlements officials, Yandisa Malgas and Lizelle Petersen assist members of the public with human settlement queries. At the back are from left Channold Duitsjan, Cllr Melvin Roelfse, Ward Councillor in Rosedale area, Alfred Posula and Roger Ramage.
Jam5: Providing the community with much needed information regarding illegal dumping are from left, Ethan Stoffels (Department of Environment, Forestry and Fisheries), Lorenze Gelderblom and Shaun Kemsley from LGE Waste, Karin Stoffels (Environmental Services) and Mayor Leon van Wyk.

Jam6: Jackie Pyler (left) and Shimoné Smith from Civil Engineering Services with informative pamphlets they handed out to the community – not to throw junk down toilets and drains and how it could have a bad ripple effect on the whole City’s sewage system. Mayor Leon van Wyk in the middle with one of the pamphlets.

Jam7: Juanita Dudley from Rosedale (in blue top) is assisted by Sphiwo Mlotha (left) and Lenie File from the Finance Directorate. With them is Cllr Dirk Wessels, Portfolio Councillor for Finance.

Jam8: Rachel Williams and Malibongwe Luyenge from George Library Services with Libby, (green mascot) a free app where you can borrow eBooks, digital audiobooks, and magazines from your public library. You can stream titles with Wi-Fi or mobile data, or download them for offline use and read anytime, anywhere. All you need to get started is a library card. In front are Sandy Claassen (14) from Pacaltsdorp High School, Elmar Heyens (4) and Sihle Papali (13) from Pacaltsdorp Primary School interested what the Library stall had to offer.

Jam9: Some of the George Municipality officials, Councillors and Mayor Leon van Wyk in attendance at the jamboree.
Jam 10: At the Electrotechnical stall are from left Yandiswa Ngxwani (electrical complaints/ reception), Mayor Leon van Wyk, Nomakhaya Nqumse (Client Services) and Debby Goosen (Electrical Assistant).

Partnership to benefit incubation programmes for ICT business and innovators

George Municipality Executive Mayor Alderman Leon van Wyk formally handed over the Thembalethu iHUB, an ICT business and innovator incubator programme, at a ribbon cutting service today (14 October 2021). The municipality provides the premises, services and an annual cash contribution towards the project. The Small Enterprise Development Agency (SEDA) funded the repurposing of the building to the needs of the iHUB.

Ald Van Wyk said collaborations such as these were very important for the municipality’s ongoing pursuit to lure international companies to establish their call centres here. “The ongoing installation of optic fibre in our city and region is a good sign for all levels of business and the establishment of an ICT iHUB that develops advanced IT skills and businesses is an ideal way to introduce young people to this new world.”

SEDA Western Cape provincial manager Alex Qunta said the municipality had contacted him with an idea for a business incubator in Thembalethu. “SEDA and the municipality has worked well together through the years and I knew Nelson Mandela Bay iHUB was looking to expand, it seemed like a perfect fit. We look forward to more projects in George, which I consider to be the new capital of the Western Cape,” said Mr Qunta.

iHUB CEO Darryl Dennis said Covid-19 had placed emphasis on the need for remote working and had made much reliant on technology. “Among the iHUB projects for Thembalethu is the Global Virtual Apprenticeship in which we identify and mentor students to the level of advanced IT skills so that they could work on database-based IT platforms such as Booking.Com and LinkedIn – both of which can be done from home and pay in American dollars.”

Situated at municipal premises next to the local Thusong Centre in Jericho Street, Thembalethu iHUB’s location next to the N2 ensures easy access to local communities and the rest of George.

Thembalethu iHUB Centre Manager Sivuyo Ngcwangu said the hub brought programmes to Thembalethu and surrounding areas that would enhance economic activity and thereby assist in solving societal challenges through the application of ICT solutions.

“The iHUB as business incubator renders support to young grassroots innovators with the needed infrastructure, industry collaborations, enterprise supplier development linkages, access to funding linkages, mentoring, and coaching and potential partners or investors.

“The iHUB helps enterprises take on the challenge of township transformation in specific industries and business sectors and creates innovative solutions to those challenges,” said Ms Ngcwangu.

Caption
iHUB CEO Darryl Dennis (left) and George Municipality Executive Mayor Alderman Leon van Wyk cut the ribbon at the formal handover of the Thembalethu iHUB today (14 October 2021).

WARNING – WATER SITUATION CRITICAL – Main reservoirs are close to empty!

 

 

 

 

 

PLEASE USE WATER SPARINGLY

Large and complicated pipebursts on the Eastern and Western watermains over the weekend of the 2nd October have led to reservoir levels running very low in the past 10 days.

Extensive and twice daily loadshedding implemented by ESKOM over the weekend, and this week has further hampered the water purification process leading to the reservoirs remaining at low levels.

Water drawn from the balancing dams rather than the Garden Route Dam requires additional processes to achieve the best quality and the additional processes reduce the production volume by almost 50%.

The main reservoirs that supply George water are currently mostly below 10%. With no loadshedding we are looking at a minimum of 2-4 days before water supply reaches the correct production levels and optimal water pressure is reinstated.

We ask the public to PLEASE reduce your water usage to the absolute minimum so as to allow the water purification process to catch up to the demand level. This affects ALL AREAS in George and residents will have noted VERY low water pressure throughout.

We apologize for the situation and request your assistance in ensuring that water usage is kept to a minimum.

Mayor engages with Ward Committee about Palisade Fencing at Thembalethu Cemetery

Executive Mayor Leon van Wyk was recently met by Ward Councillor Ntombi James and members of the ward committee in Thembalethu Ward 21 to see how far the work had progressed with the new palisade fencing that is being put up to enclose Thembalethu Cemetery.
The cemetery is already closed off by palisade fencing (approximately 500m in length) and about 1.4m in height thus far. This project is anticipated to reach completion by mid-November this year. The sides of the cemetery will not be fenced at this stage as it is surrounded by houses. Steel gates will be installed at the front and back of the cemetery.
Mayor van Wyk said this is an area in the community that should be, and deserves to be respected. “It is only fitting that the area is secured,” he said. While engaging with the Councillor and Ward committee, the mayor was asked to ensure that the graveyard is cleaned regularly and maintained. Hilton Spies, Community Services official confirmed that his team is on a schedule to attend to these duties and will be working every Saturday for the month of October to handle the backlog of the cleaning of cemeteries.
“We need our residents to be involved in what we do in Council. Public participation, such as this engagement with this ward committee, is needed so all of your questions and queries receive the necessary attention and answers. I am glad that we can at least do something, even if it is just starting with the front section for now, but we need to improve all these facilities for everyone, “ said Ald Van Wyk.
Mayor van Wyk said it is important that Ward Committees must look out for their own areas and the services they need, and to prioritise projects. This way, it is easier for the municipality to make decisions when budgets are considered and funds need to be allocated.

Caption: Mayor Leon van Wyk, Cllr Ntombi James, Ward Committee members and officials from George Municipality at the new palisade fencing at Thembalethu cemetery in Ward 21.

Green haven next to Erf 325

Executive Mayor Leon Van Wyk visited the very first “environmental offset area” which has been established for George Municipality on Erf 3810.  An “offset area” is an area set aside for biodiversity conservation and protection in perpetuity, when another area of conservation value has been utilized for a development.  In this case the building of the housing project on Erf 325 was done in such a way that a portion of the wetlands were utilized for housing.  As a result, an offset was called for when the scoping report was submitted.

As the area that was utilized was of a lower conservation value than that being conserved, it is known as “Trading up”. So, this environmental offset area,  a total of 9.94 hectare, is an ecosystem of greater value to biodiversity conservation from the one used for the housing project.

This area will have to be registered under the Stewardship Programme which is co-ordinated by CapeNature. A Management plan will be compiled and implemented, and it has been recommended during the site visit by CapeNature on 23rd September, that a controlled burn be carried out next year in the appropriate season to keep the fynbos from becoming moribund. The vegetation is classified as Fynbos, more specifically Garden Route Granite Fynbos which has been classified as critically endangered due to the small amount found in conservation areas.

Ald Van Wyk expressed his delight during his visit last week Friday. “I am thrilled to be introduced to this green lung which will serve as an offset area to the large housing development nearby. It will be important to communicate with the surrounding communities to explain its purpose and to secure their collaboration to conserve the area. The school across the road can use this ground as its outside laboratory to encourage an understanding of how to live side-by-side with nature and to ensure that littering is kept to a minimum.”  

Alien invasive species have been cleared in the previous season and follow ups will be done.The picking of indigenous flowers during season is allowed provided the correct and required permits are obtained from the municipality . The issue of dumping in this area is of great concern and communities are asked to report any such illegal dumping to our Law Enforcement offices on 044 801 6350 and for clearing to our Community Services offices on 044 802 2900.

Nature Conservation officials visited the site in September and were most impressed with the state of the vegetation as the Erica sp. occurring there was in full flower and this small area (9.94 ha) is a haven for biodiversity right within our urban edge. Birds are breeding in the wetland section.

For more information and or details around permits for picking of flowers please contact 044 8022900.

Photographed in the midst of the 9.94 ha environmental offset area are Priscilla Burgoyne, Environmental Control Officer, Directorate Planning; Executive Mayor Leon Van Wyk  and newly appointed Manager: Parks and Recreation for Community Services, Nosidima Vumindaba.

Partnership bears fruit with Covid-19 vaccination win

The ongoing inter-governmental relationship between Conville Library and Cape Access has resulted in the most Covid-19 vaccination registrations in the Southern Cape and Klein Karoo region. The Cape Access e-Centre has been operating from the Conville Library premises for years and the municipality and province have offered joint services that complement each other, which meant the community automatically knew where to go and was familiar with operations. The centre registered 298 people for vaccination in August and September.
A George Municipality mayoral team popped into the offices of Cape Access e-Centre Administrator Victor Arries (far right). From left are Library Services Manager Rachel Williams, Community Services Portfolio Councillor Sean Snyman, Executive Deputy Mayor Charlotte Clarke and Executive Mayor Leon van Wyk.

GO GEORGE survey to measure economic impact of bus service

An independent study under the joint auspices of the Western Cape Government Department of Transport and Public Works and the Municipality of George will be launched next week, aiming to determine and measure the overall economic impact of the implementation of the GO GEORGE bus service in George.

The 2021 George Integrated Public Transport Network (GIPTN) Macro-, Transport- and Socio-Economic Study (MTSES) will be carried out from October 2021 until May 2022 in George.

Macro-, transport- and socio-economic impact measured
The overall impact will be measured in three main areas, namely macro-economic, transport-economic and socio-economic impact. Several surveys will be carried out over a two-month period, starting on 18 October 2021 and ending towards middle December 2021.

George residents will be approached for feedback by means of the following four surveys:
• Passenger travel surveys, which will be carried out at GO GEORGE bus stops across the route network;
• Household surveys, which will be carried out door-to-door at individual households across various suburbs in George, Wilderness and surrounding areas;
• Business surveys (e.g. general businesses, GIPTN service providers as well as businesses at transfer locations around the greater CBD) which will be carried out primarily through telephonic and personal interviews;
• Special Interest Group surveys (e.g. users with special needs and specific-interest groups), to be carried out primarily through telephonic and personal interviews as well as distribution of electronic questionnaires.

Surveyors easy to identify
Surveyors will be wearing GO GEORGE-branded identification cards showing the person’s photo and ID number. An appeal is made to the George community to take five minutes out when they are approached and to assist with the valuable feedback only obtainable from those who use the bus service, or are in some way impacted by its operations.

Data obtained through the surveys will be captured and analysed starting around middle November 2021, to be carried out until April 2022, with final results, conclusions and reporting to be completed at the end of May 2022.

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 will carry identification cards. Here Siphiwo Mathys is working through a questionnaire with Patience Tisani, a passenger residing in Thembalethu.

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.

Better roads all over

George Municipality is spending R14-million this financial year (2021-22) upgrading roads in the municipal area, half of which is for the paving of gravel roads and the remainder for resealing of existing tar roads.

George Municipality Acting Director Civil Engineering Services Lionel Daniels said the municipality had already resealed 22 of the 25 roads identified as high priority upgrades through its Pavement Management System for this financial year, and paving of ten out of 12 gravel roads were underway. Work on the remainder of roads will commence as soon as contractors have been appointed.

“In addition to municipal funding, there are also several projects underway or completed that are financed by provincial funding. These include rehabilitation and upgrade of CJ Langenhoven Street (a proclaimed road) which was completed earlier this year and public transport infrastructure grant funding for the upgrades in Market Street that are currently underway,” said Mr Daniels.

George Executive Mayor Alderman Leon van Wyk said the municipality was committed to optimise road upgrades across the city. “While budget restraints require that we prioritise roads in poor to very poor condition, we continually pursue other sources of funding to address as many issues as possible,” said Mr Van Wyk.

More information on how road repairs are prioritised in George is available at https://www.george.gov.za/civil-engineering/streets-storm-water/

Get your vaccine now for a safe summer season – Distributed by the Department of Health

Those who have not yet received their vaccine should do so now. If you want to be fully vaccinated by 1 December, the start of the festive season, you will need to:

• Receive your first dose of Pfizer by no later than 20 October 2021.
• Receive your second dose 42 days after. This means that you will have received your second dose by 1 December 2021 latest.

It takes approximately two weeks from full vaccination (after your second jab) for you to develop maximum immune protection. This means if you get your second jab on 1 December, you will have the best possible protection from around 14 December – just around the time that many people have planned to start their festive season plans.
Western Cape Government Health has set December as the target to ensure that residents have a summer that they can look forward to and aims to fully vaccinate 70% of those over 50 years old by December and 70% of the eligible population with at least one dose.

The recently held Vooma vaccination weekend drive saw 59 429 vaccines administered in the Western Cape of which 1104 were administered in the Garden Route.

“Although the turn-out was much less than anticipated, we commend every person who came for their vaccination, despite rainy and very cold weather. We want to encourage our communities to take up the offer of vaccination as it has been demonstrated to offer significant protection against severe COVID related disease and death”, said Mr Zee Brickles (Health Director: Garden Route and Central Karoo).

“We all want to enjoy the festive season which is why I have also launched the jabs b4jol campaign to encourage especially young people to get vaccinated. Vaccines are safe and very effective. We are seeing a lot fewer hospitalisations and deaths in people who get vaccinated. While some people have minor reactions after getting vaccinated like headaches or fever, these are often easily managed at home, and the benefit of getting vaccinated is much greater than being unvaccinated and getting COVID-19. Please use any one of our vaccine sites. Many who are 18 years and older, who received their jabs from 20 August, are now eligible for their second shot. Please do not hesitate, fully vaccinate”, said Minister of Health, Dr Mbombo.

Caption: Walk-about at Harry Comay Hospital’s Vooma vaccination site from left front: Mr Jewel Jonkers (Director Education Garden Route), Mr Memory Booysen (Garden Route mayor), Sr Linda Geweld (Nursing Manager Harry Comay Hospital), Back: Dr Terence Marshall (Health), Mr Zee Brickles (Health Director: Garden Route and Central Karoo District), Mr Leon van Wyk (George mayor), Dr Zilla North (medical manager George subdistrict)

Operation Borcherds, Conville, Parkdene and Lawaaikamp yields 4600 black bags of rubbish

Phase two of Operation Clean up swung into action last week in areas Borcherds, Conville, Parkdene and Lawaaikamp with cleaning teams from Community Services moving in to clear up illegal dump sites and raise awareness around the dangers of illegal dumping. A total of 4600 black bags of refuse was collected and cleared over a seven (7) day period.

Illegal Dumping Awareness – George Municipal Officials for Community Services Aneliswa Igwilo, discusses the dangers of illegal dumping at the Corner Shop, Borchards.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Conville Library Colour Competition for local Creches
Conville Library Assistant Hazel Springfield set up two interesting displays explaining the consequences of Illegal Dumping. Four local creches took great delight in participating in a colouring-in-competition run by Conville Library. Parkdene Creche, Monica’s Nest, Siembamba Speelgroep and Sonneblom Kleurterskool each received a Children’s Book, Disney: Die Klokluier van Notre Dame, as a prize for their participation.

 

 

 

 

 

Road markings upgraded
Civil Engineering Services took the opportunity to walk along all of the main sewer lines in the areas of Borcherds, Parkdene, Lawaaikamp and Conville. Two problems were immediately addressed. A catchpit repair was undertaken in De Villiers Street, Borcherds. In a number of instances road markings and street signage was either reinstated/ or repaired.

 

Road Safety Awareness Campaign

George Municipal Traffic Department participated in Operation Borcherds, Conville, Parkdene and Lawaaikamp on Friday 1ast October with the team stationed outside Conville Clinic.

Executive Mayor Leon Van Wyk visited the team on the day and spent some time reviewing the technology at the department’s disposal. The new mobile traffic vehicle is fully equipped with Automatic Number Plate Recognition cameras (ANPR)  which can view an oncoming vehicle, and indicate whether there are any outstanding traffic fines linked to the licence plate. The fines can be printed inside the mobile bus. If the fine is a warrant of arrest, payment is immediately payable, either on the bus or the individual can be escorted to the Traffic Department. For any other fines, the driver is notified of the fine and cautioned to pay before due date.

“This vehicle allows our traffic officials to issue drivers with notices of their outstanding fines. Outstanding fines are always a cause of great concern for Council, as well as the municipality due to the expenditure on traffic policing. We know that fines for misconduct by road users are issued, but some of them just simply do not get paid. It is important that drivers adhere to road rules and pay fines when notified to avoid the process of a summons that will follow due to non-payment”,  said Ald Van Wyk.

 

The Mayor was impressed by the devices available to test drivers who might be under the influence of alcohol. Mr. Ruben Lakata, Assistant Director, Road Safety Management, Department of Transport and Public Works explained step for step how the disposable breathalyzer’s must be used and the meaning of the different colours that will display for example, yellow shows no alcohol present and green shows alcohol present.

“ It was a very proud moment for me as the Executive Mayor of our municipality to see our traffic officials at work and to witness the technology in action. With the Covid-19 Alert level having been changed to level one, and a number of relaxations having been affected, that does not mean that we should ignore the rules and regulations of the road. We want our drivers to keep safe, as well as drive safe.”

During a light-hearted moment Ald Van Wyk tested goggles that simulate the effects of drunk driving noting that it’s very sobering  on viewing the video of himself afterwards, to see how poor your judgement becomes when under the influence.

Daantjie Kat was on hand to hand out colouring books, crayons, reflective bands and more to local children to raise awareness around traffic safety. In the main photograph Mayor Van Wyk and Daantjie Kat (in the middle) and George Traffic Services officials hand over pamphlets, crayons and colour in books to children from left,  Shireen Jordaan (9),  Patriano Davids (6), Joshua Hofmeester  (9), Melenicia Hess (9), Haylene Jordaan (4) and Jay lee-anne Davids (8).

 

 

Thembalethu substation construction to commence

George Municipality held a sod-turning ceremony last week to signal the beginning of construction of a 66/11 kV 40 MVA electrical substation in Thembalethu, one of the largest of its kind in the Southern Cape and a major bulk infrastructure milestone for the city.

George Executive Mayor Leon van Wyk said the new substation would alleviate load on the substations that were currently supplying Thembalethu and therefore served as an important catalyst for investment funding from both the state and business.

“George Municipality is a key growth area for many investors, but it requires certain very expensive bulk infrastructure to support the growth. The allocation of supportive funding from the national Department of Mineral Resources and Energy to build this substation signals trust in the local authority to facilitate growth and service delivery. In turn, the municipality can provide the kind of infrastructure required for outside manufacturers and business to invest and for housing supportive facilities to be developed across the municipal area,” said Mr Van Wyk.

Municipality Director Electrotechnical Services Bongani Mandla said the completed Thembalethu substation would be one of the largest 66/11 kV substations in the Southern Cape. “It will provide power to Thembalethu and other suburbs east of the N2 that are currently supplied from substations across the highway. The overall impact on the city’s grid will be adequate capacity for a growing city and more reliable supply to especially the eastern areas,” said Mr Mandla.

Construction on the Thembalethu 66kV substation commences this month (October 2021) and will run across three financial years. The first phase, costing about R30-million, is funded two thirds by the municipality and the rest by the Integrated National Electrification Programme grant (INEP) of the national Department of Mineral Resources and Energy. The entire project is costed at an estimated R58 million.

The substation’s construction consists mostly of the manufacturing, supply and installation of 11 kV and 66 kV equipment, two new 66/11 kV 20MVA power transformers and ancillary protection and control equipment.

The first phase of the substation, which will include the commissioning of the 66 kV yard, first power transformer and 11 kV switchgear, is expected to be completed in the first quarter of 2023.

Caption
At the sod turning ceremony of the new Thembalethu 66 kV substation, back from left to right: Deon Esterhuysen (George Municipality), Chris Spies (George Municipality), Alwyn Huisamen (VE Reticulation), Electrotechnical Services Portfolio Councillor Nosicelo Mbete, Jurgens Bosman (VE Reticulation), Executive Mayor Alderman Leon van Wyk, Joubert Theart (Zutari) and Danie de Vries (BDE Consulting), and front from left are George Municipality Electrotechnical Services Director Bongani Mandla and Kevin Grunewald (BDE Consulting).

Meulen River cleanup Thembalethu

The George Municipality cleansing team and the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) conducted a clean-up at Meul River, Thembalethu recently which is located near Tyhaliti Close.
The purpose of this clean-up was to show community members that illegal dumping should become something of the past and that it affects everyone in the community in terms of health . Besides the obvious health risks, it has become a bad habit for residents as it attracts snakes and rats and more. While the group were cleaning, they found three snakes in the rubble. This could have very serious consequences for children, as most of them like to play in these dumping locations.
The campaign was undertaken by 36 individuals from different departments.

Caption:Information on illegal dumping and its consequences were distributed in areas near the cleanup.

VACCINATION WEEKEND Garden Route

The Vooma Vaccination Weekend is on our doorstep, taking place from 1 to 3 October nationally.  The aim of this vaccination drive is to vaccinate 70% of adults by the end of the year – that’s 17 million more people. If we achieve that, projections are that we will save at least 20 000 lives.

The Garden Route has administered 256 879 vaccines to date.  The percentage of the Garden Route population over 18 years who have received at least one dose vaccine stands at 41% . If you are 18 or older, don’t wait any longer! Go and get vaccinated at a site near you. The vaccination is free to everyone living in South Africa, whether you are a South African or from another country.

VOOMA weekend sites:

Sub-District Site Operating Hours

2 Oct 2021

Operating Hours

3 Oct 2021

George Harry Comay TB Hospital 08h00 – 16h00 08h00 – 16h00
Hessequa Riversdale Civic Centre 08h00 – 16h00 08h00 – 16h00
Hessequa Heidelberg Duivenhoks Hall 08h00 – 14h00  
Hessequa Albertinia Theronsville Hall 08h00 – 14h00  
Hessequa Witsand de Duine Hall 08h00 – 14h00  
Kannaland Ladismith Town Hall 08h00 – 16h00  
Kannaland Calitzdorp DRC Church Hall   08h00 – 16h00
Knysna Knysna CDC 08h00 – 16h00  
Mossel Bay Alma CDC 08h00 – 16h00  
Mossel Bay D’Almeida CDC   08h00 – 16h00
Oudtshoorn Bongolethu Clinic 08h00 – 16h00 08h00 – 16h00
Bitou Plettenberg Bay Clinic   08h00 – 16h00

 

COVID cases
The district is still showing a decrease in the total number of new cases over the last 7 days compared to 7 – 14 days ago. George Regional Hospital is also experiencing decreased pressure in wards as well as the critical care unit. Today there are 26 COVID patients in the COVID ward and 10 patients in the critical care unit. Harry Comay Hospital, a step-down facility for George Hospital has 7 COVID-19 patients. All district hospitals have decreased pressure except for Oudtshoorn Hospital, which although less busy, still has a high number of COVID inpatients.

 

New mobile incident command unit can meet a crisis where it’s at

George Fire and Rescue has taken delivery of a state-of-the-art mobile incident command unit that will be used to manage administration and support on the scene of a crisis, disaster or rescue situation.

“The custom-built minibus is effectively a mini crisis command centre that can collect and distribute real-time data that will empower decisionmakers and roleplayers that are not on the scene to respond appropriately to a given situation,” said Chief Fire Officer Neels Barnard.

“The diverse circumstances of the George municipal area often result in extraordinary emergency situations that range from mountain, cliffside and sea rescues and recoveries to runaway fires, floods, wind damage and more. Most of these happen far from crisis centre hubs, which require constant scene-to-management feedback and updates which in turn draws essential emergency workers off site and away from the important work of saving lives and property.

“The Type-3 mobile command unit is equipped with technology that bridges the gap so that emergency personnel can stay on site and get on with their work, while providing online, real-time information and footage to decisionmakers that support and finance the work on the ground. The communications capacity also means the ability to synchronise multi-agency situations that require communication to Joint Operations Centres, government roleplayers and other stakeholders almost anywhere in the world.”

The unit can be set up almost anywhere in a short timeframe. It is the first of its kind in the country with a super-high roof to allow for standing room and additional above-counter space. The technology onboard includes two computerised workstations, radio frequency transceivers and internet access, an electric generator and solar panels, and a fixed camera with live footage capability to allow remote monitoring.

It can operate in an environment with little or no basic facilities, including no electrical service and phone lines, and has own power generation capacity to operate independently for at least three days.

The back section of the vehicle incorporates a Type-3 hazardous materials response unit with a mobile decontamination unit, hazardous materials suits and equipment for detecting chemicals, harmful gasses and radiation.

The vehicle was financed with Western Cape grant funding and kitted out using municipal funds. “We are grateful that provincial government and Council recognise the diverse challenges of firefighting in the George Municipality and surrounds. We continue to see the significant difference it makes in the field where lives and properties are saved every day,” said Mr Barnard.

In the main photograph, Western Cape Deputy Director Disaster Manager Rowena Page officially handed over the municipality’s new mobile incident command centre to George Chief Fire Officer Neels Barnard and Executive Alderman Mayor Leon van Wyk last week.

George Executive Mayor Leon van Wyk (left) fist bumps Brandon Woolley of Ramcom, the company that fitted the vehicle for its advanced requirement.

George alternative energy system used as training example for others

George Municipality’s metering and billing system for alternative energy sources is being used in national training as a good example for other municipalities in the country to follow.

Electrotechnical Services Director Bongani Mandla said installation of alternative energy sources, also known as small scale embedded generation (SSEG) systems, had steadily increased in the region over the past few years. “The need had arisen for a system that could take on metered energy and possibly compensate consumers with financial credit for excess energy fed back into the municipal electricity grid.

“George Municipality’s electrotechnical measurements section has over the past few years successfully implemented bidirectional metering and time-of-use tariffs at registered SSEG sites, mostly solar energy plants, in the George municipal area.”

George is one of very few B-type municipalities in the country to have implemented such a metering and billing system successfully, which is now being used in a national SSEG training course on the national SSEG Municipal Resource Portal as an example to other municipalities on how to introduce such systems into their distribution networks. The Resource Portal is backed by Sustainable Energy Africa, CSIR, GIZ and SALGA, which makes the achievement even more commendable.

Mr Mandla commended the measurements section and in particular senior engineering technician Adam Willems and manager measurements Derek Baxter, for their dedication to implement this system.

“We are proud to be at the forefront in implementing a new system that enhances service delivery and contributes to long-term sustainability and responsible resource management. We believe it is important for municipalities to allow SSEG customers onto their system and hope our example will inspire others to follow,” said Mr Mandla.

More information about the registration of SSEGs and related information is available on the municipal website at https://www.george.gov.za/electro-technical/

In the photograph: The dedication of senior engineering technician Adam Willems (left) and manager measurements Derek Baxter (right) was key to the successful implementation of the SSEG system, under the management of deputy director engineering services Kobus Wilken.

Operation Thembalethu

The Department of Community Services supported by other directorates recently undertook a number of projects in and around Thembalethu recently.

Planting of trees
The municipality is focusing on the cleaning and greening of the environment, and Thembalethu has been a focus point since the beginning of August into September 2021 when Arbor Month is celebrated. Thembalethu was picked due to the illegal dumping taking place in the area.  A team from the George Municipality’s Environmental department planted trees at the Inkubeko Youth and Science Centre in Thembalethu. There were 3 trees planted, namely Celtis africana, Trimeria grandifolia, Tarchonanthus camphoratus. There were additional trees left at the site for the employees to plant. All the trees were donated by Precious Tree Project and other donors.

Library hosts painting demonstration

Thembalethu Library hosted several artists including Anthony Noble, Ernest Ntseke and Bob Bulelani who held painting demonstrations with the theme of Illegal dumping. Several displays with regards to this subject matter (Illegal dumping) were set up for all to see, at the entrance of the library.

 

 

The importance of recycling was also covered and depicted. During National Book Week which took place from 6-10 September 2021, pupils at the different schools were invited to either write a poem or essay about illegal dumping. All poems and essays will be exhibited inside the library.

 

 

Thembalethu Sports Grounds
The Sport Development section is mandated to create an enabling environment for the delivering of sport services in George. As part of their continuous effort to ensure that a favourable environment exist the team launched an intensive effort to clean up the entrance to the Thembalethu Sports Grounds to ensure a welcoming environment.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Soccer opportunities
After engagement with the local football association, an initiative was launched that will assist in providing more opportunities for the youth to partake in soccer and enter into the sport. In collaboration with the Directorate Civil Engineering Services, three mini-soccer courts were painted on the paved area at the Thembalethu Sport grounds. These courts will go a long way in assisting the facilitation of soccer development programmes, as well as holiday programmes aimed at the youth.

Weeds and removal of trees
The Tree and Cemeteries team focused on the eradication and herbicide application for weeds all along the main roads in Thembalethu, as well as on sidewalks and municipal open spaces.

Several problem trees were removed including four in Nelson Mandela Boulvevard, a dead oak tree at the T Junction, two trees at the Thembalethu Thusong Centre and a pine tree in Ncamanza Street. Trees were trimmed on Ncamanza and Tshefu Street to improve street visibility.

Illegal Dumping clearing of Nelson Mandela Boulevard

This project commenced in late August with Nelson Mandela Boulevard as the starting point. The purpose of this project was to target the Illegal Dumping sites, through clearing them to try and prevent or reduce ongoing dumping there. Unfortunately, Thembalethu is the biggest hotspot for Illegal Dumping in the George area. Information flyers on the dangers of illegal dumping were also handed out from door to door to remind residents of why they should report; and or prevent illegal dumping in their communities.

George Traffic Department road safety outreach
The Traffic Department recently focused on Road safety in Thembalethu with the aim to educate drivers on sharing the road with one another, not to speed and to be tolerant on the road. Officers distributed road safety educational pamphlets to educate pedestrians on safe walking and the proper method of crossing roads. The road safety mascot, Danny Cat, also visited schools Tyholora and Thembalethu Primary Schools where officers spoke about road safety and used the opportunity to explain the importance of sanitising your hands.

George Olympians Honoured

George Olympians Honoured Issued George Municipality, 20th September 2021

George Municipality hosted an intimate gathering this week on Wednesday to honour two of our Olympian athletes who competed in this year’s 2021 Tokyo Olympics held in July. Executive Mayor Leon Van Wyk together with Deputy Mayor Charlotte Clarke, Director for Planning Lauren Waring, Tourism Manager Joan Shaw and Portfolio Councillor for Finance and Strategic Services, Dirk Wessels collectively applauded marathon runner Elroy Gelant and surfer Bianca Buitendag of George, for their dedication, talent and Olympic performance.

Quoting from Malcolm Gladwell’s popular book “Outliers” which discusses the 10,000-hours concept, Ald Van Wyk acknowledged the time, energy, sheer will and determination that got Elroy and Bianca to the Olympics this year. “Outliers”, according to Gladwell are the best and the brightest, the most famous and the most successful. He asks the question: what makes high-achievers different? And determines that 10 000 hours of practice plays a substantial role in the incredible achievements of elite artists, athletes and musicians.”

Yvonne and Stephen Gelant proud parents of Elroy Gelant, who is lecturing at Potchefstroom University, received a framed photograph of the George Mountains for their son, who competed for South Africa at the 2021 Tokyo Olympics earlier this year. Bianca Buitendag, professional surfer was the Silver Medal winner for Women’s shortboard competition at the 2021 Tokyo Olympics was thrilled with her framed photograph of a surfer standing on the rocks at Victoria Bay photographed by local Melanie Marè.

George Municipality is proud to announce that we will financially support and host the annual Elroy Gelant Night Race this year, to be held in Pacaltsdorp in December, a sporting and fun event for the whole family. The annual event is aimed at developing local athletics and promoting sports. The race falls within the approved SWD athletics calendar. In 2016 the race was named after local athlete Elroy Gelant, from Pacaltsdorp, in honour of him becoming an Olympic athlete in that year.

George Municipality partnered with Bianca Buitendag supporting her financially in her quest to win a medal at the Tokyo Olympic Games. Bianca was appointed as an ambassador for George and proved to be a key asset in promoting George as a tourist and great surfing destination. A spinoff of this support is a girl’s social surf which will be hosted by Bianca Buitendag at Victoria Bay in October, where she hopes to inspire young surfers to reach for their dreams. Watch the press for details.
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Photographs: Please note all Covid-19 protocols were observed at the gathering. Masks were removed for photographs only.
Bianca Buitendag with SA flag taken on day of her Silver Medal win in Tokyo.
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Wilderness now serviced by its own fire station

Wilderness area is now being served by its own satellite fire station, which was officially opened on Friday, 17 September 2021.

Situated near the Caltex The Waves circle on the N2, the new station was built to serve the diverse fire and rescue needs of the area east of the Kaaimans River Bridge, which had until recently been addressed from the main fire station in the George CBD 14km away.

George Chief Fire Officer Neels Barnard said a satellite station in Wilderness had been a long-term goal of the department to cover the area’s fire and rescue risks more effectively. “We now have quick and easy access to the N2 for vehicle accidents and hazardous materials spills, the Wilderness beach and lakes for water incidents and rescues as well as significant fire risks such as fuel stations, hotels, dense vegetation and agricultural land.”

The Wilderness station is also the first in the Southern Cape to be a double-storey facility with a fireman’s pole.

The 440sqm station comprises 348sqm bottom-floor space for vehicles and equipment and 92sqm above for staff quarters. It has three spaces for specialised vehicles including a major fire appliance, 4×4 off-road firefighting vehicle and a jetski, quadbike and rubber duck. The facility is manned around the clock by four firefighters.

“There are many advantages of having a fire station in an expanding and diverse community such as Wilderness and surrounds, including the much faster response times to road accidents and fires. Its location next to the Wilderness police station is ideal as there are several overlapping services and administration between the SAPS and municipal emergency services during and after an incident.

“The department is grateful to its Municipal Council for recognising the diverse fire and rescue needs that exist in the area and for supporting an ongoing programme to equip the Fire and Rescue department with specialised gear and facilities to continue protecting land and property.

“We also thank donors Peter Grindlay and Mikaila Hendrikz of Dotsure and Jenny Harding of Delightful Gardens for their contributions towards the interior design and beautifying of the Wilderness Fire Station,” said Mr Barnard.

At the official opening George Executive Mayor Alderman Leon van Wyk commended Mr Barnard and his department for their pursuit of excellence. “I am very proud of their hard work – their persistence in continuance expansion of capacity will pay off for decades to come,” said Ald van Wyk.

Wilderness is the municipality’s third satellite station in addition to Thembalethu and Uniondale.

Caption
In front of the shiny new Wilderness fire station from left are Platoon Commander Santa Sternsdorf, Platoon Commander Shane Fisher, George Station Commander Johann Crouse, Chief Fire Officer Neels Barnard, George Executive Mayor Alderman Leon van Wyk, Deputy Executive Mayor Charlotte Clarke and Wilderness Ward Councillor Marlene Barnardt.