Daar word tans heelwat aandag aan die moeilike tye wat munisipaliteite ervaar in die media gegee. Ek wil graag George se prentjie in die lig hiervan skilder.

Dit word genoem dat indien munisipaliteite sou misluk, dit dan bydra tot die agteruitgang van die land se ekonomie. Baie munisipaitieite buite die Metros en die sekondêre stede sukkel met effektiewe bestuur van die dienslewering wat verskaf moet word. Hulle sukkel om betroubare water, riool-dienste en elektrisiteit te voorsien en betalings vir dienste gelewer in te vorder. Dikwels is hierdie probleme as gevolg van swak bestuur en oorsig deur die stadsrade.

In George is ons tans hard besig met regstellende aksies om te verseker dat dienslewering van hoë gehalte gelewer word. Daar word tans na die versterking van bestuur gekyk asook om toe te sien dat begrotings spandeer word om infrastruktuur te onderhou, te herbou en uit te brei om ekonomiese aktiwiteite te bevorder. Daar word gevolglik klem gesit om ‘n omgewing te skep wat sake sal vergemaklik en beleggers lok om die plaaslike en streeks- ekonomieë te laat uitbrei en werksgeleenthede sal skep.

George is in die gelukkige posisie dat die munisipalitieit een van die 19 “sekondêre stede” in die land is terwyl daar ook die 8 “Metros” bestaan. Ons word dus met Drakenstein en Stellenbosch in die WesKaap vergelyk asook Mbombela, Rustenburg, Emfuleni en Polokwane elders in the die land. Die sekondêre stede vervul dus ‘n belangrik rol om die streeks-ekonomieë te bevorder.

Die agt Metros het in die jaar tot 30 Junie 2020, R249bn (59%) van die totale bedryfs- en kapitaal-uitgawes vir alle munisipaliteite spandeer, terwyl die sekondere stede R49bn (12%) spandeer het. Al die ander kleiner plaaslike munisipaliteite het saam R82bn (20%)  spandeer terwyl die Distrik-munisipaliteite saam R39bn (9%) spandeer het.

Ons is tans ook in die proses om die begroting vir die komende 2021/22 boekjaar voor te berei. Die kern funksies van ‘n munisiplaitieit verlang dat  basiese dienste verskaf moet word: voorsiening van water, riool-dienste, elektrisiteit, vullis-verwydering en strate en stormwater. Hierdie dienste behels tans ongeveer 74% van die bedryfsuitgawes. Bykomende dienste vir ons munisipaliteit bestaan uit beplanning, ekonomiese ontwikkeling en toerisme, brandweer, verkeer en wetstoepassing wat ongeveer 12% van die begroting opneem. Die administrasie insluitend afdelings wat regs-, rekenaar- en interne oudit-dienste insluit, behels ‘n verdere 8,5% van die begroting. Die oorblywende 5,5% van die begroting word gebruik om na gemeenskap en sosiale-dienste verpligtinge om te sien.

Daar word beplan dat die kapitaal-begroting vir die 2021/22 jaar grootliks gebruik sal word om die rioolwerke te vergroot asook om uitbreidings aan die waterwerke te loods. Hierdie beleggings in infrastruktuur word benodig om meer kapasiteit vir die groei van George te verskaf. Ons riool-pompstasies en paaie verg ook aandag.

Mayor Newsletter: 8 February 2021

The recent opening of beaches and of liquor stores has hopefully provided a more positive outlook for all of us as we continue to deal with the new normal that we are experiencing since the arrival of Covid-19.

This news has coincided with the ongoing efforts this past week to examine how the Municipality can improve the effectiveness of its operations. The Acting Municipal Manager is leading this process with exercises being undertaken to examine ways of reducing costs while maintaining productivity.

This exercise provides the opportunity for renewal and is essential as the Municipality needs to ensure cost containment measures are put in place to curtail our Expenditure to the level of Revenue being generated.

It is evident from discussions with the business sector that the second Covid-19 wave halted the more positive outlook that had emerged by October. It is apparent that many in the retail sector experienced a year-on-year decline in turnover over December and January in George. This trend is concerning as virtually all of our customer base have been affected to a lesser or greater extent.

This impacts on the Municipality’s finances through the reduction in Revenue and lower debtor collection rates of our monthly accounts and therefore also on cash flow. We are constantly re-examining the estimated effects on our cash flow for the rest of the financial year to 30 June 2021 and the adjustments that will be required.

While we are dealing with the above financial impact we are also in the midst of a major capital expansion project to enlarge the capacities of our waste water and water treatment plants along with refurbishment that will require the funding and affordability of projects amounting to approximately R1 billion over the next three years. Growth in housing stock and other infrastructure in George has continued year by year resulting in the requirement to undertake the expansion. Amendments are being made to policies to enable the appointment of the necessary expertise to manage these projects.

As I have indicated above we live in interesting times as we search for hope, positivity and optimism. From a municipal perspective, we are striving to balance the present challenges while planning for the future. We will be continuing our engagements with the community under the “First Thursday” brand with the intention of holding collaborative discussions with various sectors to inter alia understand how we can facilitate additional economic activity within the George economy. We need to both preserve and grow jobs. This needs to be our constant objective. Any suggestions for such engagements can be forwarded to: mayor@george.gov.za

Mayor Newsletter: 11 January 2021

In mid-December there was eager anticipation for the holiday period in the Garden Route after enduring the Covid-19 pandemic for many months. We needed an economic boost for the tourism and business sectors so dependent on seasonal business.

At the same time, the second wave of Covid-19 was reaching its peak in George with active positive cases well above the first-wave peak but followed by a decline in numbers in the second half of December. Although healthcare workers were under severe pressure, thankfully they were managing. We saw increases in the numbers of persons who died, including municipal employees. Tragically, many of us now know someone who had have been ill or who have succumbed to the disease.

Suddenly from 15 December, after the announcement of the beach closures, there was a spate of cancellations of accommodation bookings. Many of our businesses rely on the core six-week December-January holiday season to generate 25-30% of their annual turnover which is usually crucial to support their overheads for the rest of the year.

In attempting to manage the financial effects of the pandemic we have become acutely aware of the delicate balance required between health and the effect on the economy. Without the benefit of good turnovers over the holiday period, further jobs could be lost as businesses find it tough in the coming year. As a result, it is likely that the George Municipality will experience a reduction in revenue and debtors’ collection.

The municipality is constantly looking to adapt how it conducts business safely with a hybrid model of working virtually and face-to-face. It is crucial that the health of employees and the public is considered. Our core services continue 24/7 and staff work around the clock to ensure the provision of water, sewerage and electricity, fire services, law enforcement, etc. We encourage our citizens to make use of available online methods of conducting business with the municipality where possible and is being communicated widely. Citizens are encouraged to download the George Municipality mobile application ( https://george.comunity.me ) to their phones which enables the receipt of important notifications.

On Monday 4 January 2021 we welcomed Dr Michele Gratz as Acting Municipal Manager (AMM) as well as Mr Allan Paulse as Acting Director: Community Services. Both are highly experienced administrators. The AMM has immediately commenced with measures that will improve workflow, efficiencies and use of resources and assets. Over the next few weeks and months, we can expect improvements in service delivery as processes are upgraded.

Please continue to keep safe by adopting the Covis-19 health protocols wherever you are. Every citizen needs to adhere to the protocols to ensure our safety.

Following the departure of two senior officials in the past week, we will shortly move forward to implement remedial measures to improve and correct management practices to effect a positive impact on standards of service delivery.

Over the past few years the Council has been dealing with allegations of financial misconduct and forensic investigations. These incidents are indicative of the challenges encountered in ensuring that effective governance is maintained. Successful local government requires a fine balance between legislation, available budgets, service delivery needs, governance, management and the execution of projects and services. Any disruption of this balance ideally needs to be avoided.

We have encountered such a disruption of the fine balance during the recent decline in refuse collection standards where many residents have expressed their displeasure. We are grateful to the managers who have stepped in to restore service delivery standards. While some administrative processes are still receiving attention, steady progress is being made to restore service standards.

We are heartened by some sage, understanding and encouraging comments expressed by residents who appreciate the complexity of issues that are being dealt with in the municipal space at present. It is so important to remain positive and express hope as we deal with the above issues and those below.

During 2020 we have encountered both the weak economy and the Covid-19 pandemic. We are now experiencing a spike of active positive cases in George and in the Garden Route. As of Monday 7 December the Municipality has 48 staff members in isolation with a total of 159 persons (1 in 9 of the staff complement) who have already experienced the virus (with 4 deaths to date). This should provide some context to the trials being faced. Within the health sector, the George Hospital staff complement is being overwhelmed. As we enter the holiday season, we need to appeal to all our citizens to take extra care in observing the critical health protocols of wearing masks, washing hands, maintaining social distancing, avoiding crowded and poorly ventilated spaces, staying home when feeling sick.

The gross financial effects of Covid-19 on the Municipality is such that the equivalent of one month’s Revenue has either been lost or may not be recovered. An exercise to contain Expenditure has been underway for the past few months as we need to match Expenditure to expected Revenue levels. This remains an ongoing challenge.

Our economy has been adversely affected impacting on both our business and individual customers. We are extremely grateful to our customers who have managed to continue to pay their accounts thereby assisting the Municipality to maintain financial stability since the commencement of the pandemic.

We wish all our residents and visitors a wonderful and safe Festive Season.

Executive Mayor Leon Van Wyk, Part One of a regular letter to the citizens of George – the Mayoral Perspective

The George Municipality Council has experienced complex challenges during 2020 ranging from allegations of maladministration, to the sluggish economic conditions made worse by the Covid-19 pandemic, the resultant decline in service delivery standards and the turnaround underway to once again place George on a trajectory of clean government and governance.

In September 2019, three forensic investigations were launched into the allegations of maladministration at George by the Western Cape Government (“WCG”). They related to the “War on Waste” (“WoW”), the “construction of Nelson Mandela Boulevard” (“NMB”) and the appointments made in relation to the “Expanded Public Works Programme” (“EPWP”). A fourth investigation into certain Appointments is currently underway.

Shortly before the Covid-19 pandemic lockdown period commenced, the WoW report was tabled in Council with a recommendation that an independent disciplinary investigation into the actions of the implicated managers be undertaken. This report will be tabled before Council shortly. A separate investigation by the Priority Crimes Investigation Unit has resulted in the implicated officials appearing in Court to face criminal charges.  At the end of October 2020, Council referred the NMB and EPWP investigation reports for disciplinary investigations by external professional firms as required by the Municipal Systems Act.

These investigations have no doubt been unsettling for the Administration and had an impact on the normal high standards of service delivery expected by George citizens. There are many dedicated, honest and loyal officials who have assisted in the efforts to restore clean administration. They have been granted the space to implement the necessary changes within the Community Services Directorate to effect a gradual improvement in the refuse collection service and the clearing of illegally dumped refuse.

During the past seven months, the Municipality has also had to manage the fall-out caused by the Covid-19 pandemic that resulted in the periodic closure of offices, staff being infected and sadly some staff members losing their lives. Over 137 soup kitchens were operated daily at the peak of the pandemic to provide thousands of servings per day to vulnerable members of our communities.

The negative financial effects of Covid-19 have resulted in a reduction in the payment of service accounts, sundry revenue, lower sales of bus tickets, and additional expenditure incurred to combat Covid-19.  The debtors collection rate has reduced from a consistent 96% to an average of 91% per month since March 2020.

The impact on our economy and customer base and how the municipality will be dealing with these complex issues during the economic recovery phase will be dealt with in series of letters to the public of George from

Please note the Conville Library phone is currently out of order.
Enquiries can be made to James de Waal on 079 582 5504.
George Municipality apologises for the inconvenience.
Issued 03/03 at 12.30pm.

Regretably the public is herewith notified of the early closure (13h00) of the MVR offices for today, 3 March. The facility remains short staffed and this matter is receiving urgent attention.

Members of the public who have been queuing will be given a card that will give them priority status tomorrow.

George Municipality apologizes for the inconvenience and reminds the public of the online renewal process _ please follow the link https://www.george.gov.za/vehicle-lisensing/

The Town Planning department has updated its land use application submission guidelines, public participation process guidelines, pre-application forms and land use application forms which have been uploaded to the George Municipality website.

The department has also set up a new email address town.planning.application@george.gov.za where applicants can submit their completed land use applications. (Please DO NOT send to lxmalangeni@george.gov.za anymore). All other procedures remain the same as per the previous guidelines.

Town Planning information is available at https://www.george.gov.za/town-planning/

Link to video on illegal dumping  GRDM https://youtu.be/NWlkRB9cGJw

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.

You can log complaints and get municipal news updates on the George Municipality Mobile Application.
Tap on this link, which will take you to the place where you can download the George Municipal 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

When the link has opened, tap/click on the ‘Install’ button.
When the app has installed, tap/click on the ‘Open’ button.
When the app has opened, tap/click on the ‘Accept Terms’ button.
A screen will open on which you have to register.

Type in the cellphone number of the phone you are busy working on in the ‘cell number’ space.
When you have entered the cellphone number, tap/click on the space below for ‘password’.
Put in your cellphone number again in the password section.
When you have entered the cellphone number and the password, tap/click on ‘login’ at the bottom.
The App’s homepage will open.

REPORT A FAULT
If you want to report a fault on the App, tap/click on the little flag at the bottom of the App Screen. It will open onto a page with pictures of the different services you can report.
Tap/click on the picture of the type of problem you want to report. It will open onto a page on which you must explain what the problem is. Please try to fill in as many of the spaces as you can so that the place where the fault is can be found easily.

In ‘Description’, type a short description of the problem (for example: broken streetlight). When you have filled this in, click/tap on the next line.
In ‘Name’ type in your first name which people use to call you.
In ‘Surname’ type in your surname like appears in your ID document.
In ‘Street number’ type in the number of the house or place closest to the problem you are reporting.
In ‘Street name’ type in the name of the street in which the problem is.
In ‘Suburb’, tap/click on the word ‘select’, a block with the suburb names will open up. Tap/click on the name of the suburb in which the problem is.

If you can or want to, you can add a photograph of the problem by tapping/clicking on the picture of the camera. Choose a photo from your phone gallery or take a picture and tap the tick symbol on the top of the photo after you have taken the photo. (You don’t have to add a photograph, but you can if will better show what or where the problem is).

If your phone has GPS and is activated, you can also tap on the map under ‘GPS Position’ and it will mark your position. (You don’t have to add the coordinates, but this is very helpful if it is difficult to find a street address, like when you are on a farm or in a place with no formal street names or where the street names are difficult to see or are misleading).

If everything you want to fill in is done, scroll to the bottom of the page and tap/click on ‘Submit’. A reference number will be issued and your listing will be under ‘My Faults’ in the section that is marked with the flag.

NEWS
If you want to see the latest news, tap/click on the picture of the envelope.
ACCOUNT DETAILS
If you want to see what you owe the municipality on your account, tap/click on the bottom far right picture of a block with lines in it.
Click/tap ‘Add Account’ and enter your George Municipality (GM) account number. The new account totals are loaded usually around the 25th of each month.

Once you have added your account number, you can tap on your name in the list and a new page will open in which the total will be at the top and the blocks below with the pictures are a breakdown of the different items that make up the total that is listed at the top.

SHARE
You can share the App with someone else. On your computer it is listed on the left ‘Share’. On your phone it is at the very top left in the red section (the three white lines) and then tap ‘Share’.
You can click ‘SMS App link’ and then put in the cellphone number of the person to which you want to share the link OR you can click the red ‘Share the App’ block and it will give you other message and social media options.