Notices

GEORGE MUNICIPALITY
PUBLIC NOTICE: INTEGRATED DEVELOPMENT PLAN, BUDGET PREPARATION AND MUNICIPAL SPATIAL DEVELOPMENT FRAMEWORK PROCESS FOR 2022-2027

 Notice is hereby given that the 2022/2027Integrated Development Plan (IDP)/Budget and Spatial Development Framework Time Schedule has been adopted in terms of Section 21 of the Local Government Municipal Finance Management  Act (Act 56 of 2003) by the George Municipality Municipal Council, at a Council meeting held on 25 August 2021 and is available on the Municipal website www.george.gov.za

Notice is given in terms of Regulation 15(1) (a) of the Local Government: Municipal Planning and Performance Management Regulations, 2001, Sections 28(3) and 29 of the Local Government: Municipal Systems Act 32 of 2000, Section 20 of the Spatial Planning and Land Use Act 16 of 2013, Section 11 of the Western Cape Land Use Planning Act 13 of 2014 and Section 3(2)(a) of the George Municipality By-Law on Municipal Land Use Planning, 2015.

George Municipality will soon embark on a process to formulate the new five-year Integrated Development Plan (IDP) and related multi-year budgets. The Municipality further intends to compile the 2022 Municipal Spatial Development Framework (MSDF). To ensure an inclusive process from the onset, George Municipality invites interested groups, sectors, experts, government departments, and the local community to submit comments or input on the draft IDP, Budget and Municipal Spatial Development Framework (MSDF) Process Plan.

Section 29 of the MSA

The process followed by a municipality to draft its Integrated Development Plan, including its consideration and adoption of the draft plan, must –

(a) be in accordance with a predetermined programme specifying timeframes for the different steps; (b) through appropriate mechanisms, processes and procedures established in terms of Chapter 4 allow for—

(i) the local community to be consulted on its development needs and priorities.
(ii) the local community to participate in the drafting of the IDP; and
(iii) organs of state, including traditional authorities, and other role players to be identified and consulted on the drafting of the integrated development plan;

(c) provide for the identification of all plans and planning requirements binding on the municipality in terms of national and provincial legislation; and
(d) be consistent with any other matters that may be prescribed by regulation.

The MSDF is one of the core components of a municipal Integrated Development Plan (IDP) and gives physical effect to the vision, goals, and objectives of the municipal IDP. The final amended MSDF will be approved in terms of the Local Government: Municipal Systems Act 32 of 2000 and will serve as a guide to decision making which relates to land development. The MSDF will be developed in terms of Section 7 of the George By-Law on Municipal Land Use Planning, 2015.

Detailed copies of the draft IDP, Budget and Municipal Spatial Development Framework (MSDF) Process Plan will be available at Municipal offices during office hours from the date of the publication of this notice, as well as on the municipality’s website. Written public comments are invited from the public per Section of28 (2) of the Local Government Municipal Systems Act 32 of 2000 and comments will be accepted up until 24 September 2021.

Please forward your comments and inputs to:

The Manager IDP:  K.J Haarhoff (044 801 9025) Email: khaarhoff@george.gov.za
Budget: Leon Wallace (044 801 9036) Email: lewallace@george.gov.za and
MSDF: Lynette Groenewald ( 044 8019436)  E-mail: lgroenewald@george.gov.za

George Municipality, Private Bag X 321, George, 3200, or alternatively you may deliver a copy to the Municipal Offices, York Street.

 Dr. M. Gratz, Municipal Manager (Acting)

To all those in the medical and wellness sector, Executive Mayor Leon Van Wyk would like to have a virtual discussion with you.

George is blessed with excellent medical facilities and medical practitioners and are therefore a key economic sector. How can we strengthen and expand this sector?

Mayor Van Wyk would like to discuss your sector and its place in the George municipal area and is therefore calling on all medical doctors, physical therapists, dentists, chiropractors, etc. to join him in his next “First Thursday”  engagement to be hosted virtually on Thursday, 7 October 2021.

To participate, send your name and that of your establishment, contact number and email address to:

• supportbusiness@george.gov.za

When:                  7 October 2021

Platform:             ZOOM

Time:                    16:30

For any further queries contact:
Melissa Dreyer – 044 801 9129

Mayor’s Newsletter for Thursday 23 September 2021

George has become an attractive lifestyle city with re-location taking place from metropolitan areas and other parts of the country as citizens have come to realise what we offer. Over the past few years a growing number of “super-commuters” have established their homes in George to enable their families to live in a safe environment with good schools and healthcare facilities while the bread-winner would undertake weekly commutes to Gauteng for work purposes.

The re-location trend was very evident in the pre-Covid-19 times with the many daily flights in and out of George Airport to OR Tambo to cater for these commuters who would often spend three or four nights a week away from George. The pandemic interrupted this trend resulting in the rapid growth in virtual meetings held via Teams or Zoom. This shift has impacted the way of doing business. In many business arrangements there used to be a need to travel to Cape Town or Johannesburg on a monthly or quarterly basis for an important meeting often involving an overnight stay. Covid ensured that suddenly these meetings could now be held virtually without the need or expense of travelling to attend these meetings. It is likely therefore that during the time when air travel came to a standstill, the working arrangements for the super-commuters also changed.

The access to optic fibre technology has facilitated the migration to these virtual meetings and remote working. The prospect of virtual work has enabled anyone from accountants to insurance brokers, IT specialists and many others to work remotely from home offices.

Over the past 18 months, Covid has therefore effected a “disruptive” change for all of these sectors. It would therefore be interesting to understand how this affects George citizens who previously commuted. In some instances, the work may take place in sectors such as manufacturing where physical presence is required. Other examples could relate to dealing with clients on a face-to-face basis; or in sectors that would more easily accommodate remote work.
From the perspective of the municipality, it would be interesting to understand how the requirements of the “commuting” sector have changed and if any adaptations in service offerings are needed. We would welcome the establishment of corporate business units in George that could service operations elsewhere. Banks such as First Rand and Absa have recently indicated that they wish to establish fintech teams. We believe that George would be an ideal lifestyle location for such businesses or those wishing to establish data and high-tech centres, finance, insurance and administration related businesses, etc.

We would therefore welcome it if our super-commuters would promote George as a preferred investment location and also enter a discussion, possibly via supportbusiness@george.gov.za on how to secure growth of this sector.

GEORGE MUNICIPALITY SERVICES DURING COVID-19 updated 16 September 2021
Latest update: 16 September 2021 (Current Alert Level 2 Adjusted)

George Municipality hereby confirms that all essential services are being rendered. However, due to the amended regulations in place as of 13 September 2021, certain offices will open whilst others remain closed. 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 thus 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 will be limited and subject to Covid-19 protocols which include registration, temperature-checking, sanitising of hands and always wearing a face mask.

The following offices are OPEN to the public, with amended working hours where relevant, and unless otherwise announced as per Covid-19 measures.

1. Finance Cashier Hall Main Building 8am – 3.30pm
2. Finance Cashier Hall Uniondale 8am – 3.30pm
3. Cashier Haarlem 8am – 3.30pm
4. Motor Vehicle Registration (Hibernia Street)
5. Vehicle Testing Station (Hibernia Street)
6. Drivers Licensing Offices (Pacaltsdorp)
7. Municipal Court 7.45am – 4.30pm
8. Landfill Site
9. Transfer Station
10. Area Offices 8am – 4pm
11. Thusong Centres 8am – 4pm
12. New and Existing Housing Offices 8am – 4pm
13. Public Libraries (See details for opening times)
14. George and Wilderness Tourism Offices 8am – 4.30pm
15. Economic Development Offices 7.45am – 2pm / 2.45 pm – 4.30pm
16. Workers Collection Point 7.45am – 2pm / 2.45 pm – 4.30pm

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 is 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 and Law Enforcement offices are closed to the public.
Please contact the specific person via telephone or email as listed below to arrange for online meetings if necessary.

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
GO GEORGE Toll-free number: 0800 044 044
GO GEORGE OFFICE: 044 801 9493(The number is linked to the toll-free number for the GO GEORGE Call Centre 0800 044 044)
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.

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 has 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. Access control is from the gate at the street.

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 at a separate venue. 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
Two important steps to ensure the Online Process runs smoothly:

1. You MUST use your vehicle license number as a reference when making the payment for example: CAW ###### / Private number ##### WP
2. The second important step is that when you send your emailed Proof of Payment – PLEASE do so to payments@george.gov.za and mvr@george.gov.za AND please use your CAW ###### / Private number ##### WP as the SUBJECT line of your EMAIL (Do not use the abbreviation POP for Proof of Payment or the words “Proof of Payment” in the subject line as it triggers a SPAM warning which deflects your email and is then not received). Do not send your proof of payment email to an individual’s email address – use the two formal email addresses given only.

George Municipal Online Vehicle Renewal process:

1. Start 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.za and mvr@george.gov.za Please use your CAW ###### / Private number ##### WP as the SUBJECT line of your EMAIL (Using POP for Proof of Payment triggers a SPAM warning and your email is deflected and not received). Please note the aforementioned 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. 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) are closed to the public. Please contact the specific person via telephone or email as listed below to arrange for online meetings if necessary.

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
Administration offices are closed to the public. Please contact the specific person via telephone or email as listed below to arrange for online meetings if necessary.

Planned maintenance continues and essential repairs for which planned outages are required will be communicated.

Please report power outages, broken streetlights 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 offices, 82 Meade Street, are closed to the public.
Please contact the specific person via telephone or email as listed below to arrange for online meetings if necessary.

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: clubbe@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. anontshikiza@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 50 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. Only organisations that comply with the regulations as set out in the Gazette of 27 June 2021 will be permitted to use the facilities.
Enquiries Gerald De Villiers 044 8019488 / gdevilliers@george.gov.za

Community Development offices behind the Main Building are closed to the public. Please contact the specific person via telephone or email as listed below to arrange for online meetings if necessary. Contact 044 802 2000 or ejcorner@george.gov.za

The municipality continues to support 125 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 closed to the public. Contact 044 802 2010 or gesau@george.gov.za to arrange online appointments or phone 072 070 7234 for emergencies only.

EPWP Assistants for EPWP Sectors:
Environmental: Thembakazi Silimeni 044 802 2012 tsilimeni@george.gov.za
Infrastructure: Owen Fielies 044 802 2012 ojfielies@george.gov.za
Social and Community Safety: Jason Jansen 044 802 2012 jdjansen@george.gov.za
New Collaborator EPWP Recruitment and unemployment database: Charlton Van Wyk 044 802 2011/36 chvanwyk@https://www.george.gov.za/nlvanstaden…/nrwetshe@george.gov.za

Central Supply Data Base registrations telephonically only.

PUBLIC LIBRARIES
All libraries reopen for full library services as of Monday 20^th September, including continued assistance with registration for vaccines on the EVDS system.  The public is encouraged to please return library books.  Please note the reopening is under strict adherence to Covid-19 protocols.

Avontuur Library: 044 752 3351 – Monday 12pm-3pm, Tuesday 11am-2pm, Wednesday and Thursday 10am-1pm.
Blanco Library:044 870 7047 – Monday to Friday 9am-4.30pm
Conville Library:044 801 9320 – Monday 9am-4.30pm
George Library: 044 801 9288 – Monday to Thursday  9am-5.30pm; Friday 10am – 5pm, Saturday 9am-12pm
Haarlem Library:044 763 1023 – Monday, Thursday and Friday 2pm-5pm, Tuesday and Wednesday 10am – 12pm and 2pm – 5pm
Noll Library:044 745 1014 – Monday and Wednesday 12pm-3pm, Saturday 9am-12pm
Pacaltsdorp Library: 044 803 9340 – Monday to Friday 9am-4.30pm
Thembalethu Library:044 803 9260 – Monday to Friday 9am-4.30pm
Touwsranten Library:044 803 9285 –  Monday to Friday 9am-4pm
Uniondale Library:044 752 1024 – Monday to Friday 10am-4.30pm
Waboomskraal Library:Monday to Friday 10am-2pm

Don’t forget about the George Municipality library portal link: wc.slims.gov.za/desktop/desktopwcgeplge which allows you to 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
Administration and Records Offices are closed to the public.
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 closed for entry to the public but will be manned and assistance given through Covid screens at the door.
Weekdays 8am – 4pm
After-hours emergencies to 044 801 6300.

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 or 044 801 9421

Thusong Centre are open to the public
Reception: 8am – 4pm (Monday – Friday)
Tenants: 8am – 4pm (Monday – Friday)

Waboomskraal Thusong Centre: 044 886 0040
Thembalethu Thusong Centre: 044 801 9448 or 044 801 9421
After hours emergencies: 044 801 6300

Community halls and venues remain 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. Enquiries to HRAdmin@george.gov.za

HUMAN SETTLEMENTS
Human Settlements administration offices, main municipal building, are closed to the public.

For basic services such as water and sanitation (chemical toilets) 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

Support Services
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 9210/9453 or ddlouw@george.gov.za

After hour complaints
1. Water leakages complaints: Indigent Households
2. Sewer leakages complaints: Indigent Households
3. Water (stand pipes) complaints: Informal areas
4. Sewer (flush toilets) complaints: Informal areas
5. All plumbing related complaints with regards to municipal buildings

Angelo Joseph 072 813 5998
Dorian Louw 067 189 5902

Existing Housing Offices
Existing Housing offices remain open to the public weekdays 7.45am-4pm with strict Covid-19 protocols are in place. 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 remain open to the public weekdays 7.45am-4pm with strict Covid-19 protocols in place. 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 remain closed to the public. Please contact the specific person via telephone or email as listed below to arrange for online meetings if necessary.

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 3 Land Use Applications Submission Guidelines – and ‘Public Participation Instructions Covid 19 Level 3 – on the link https://www.george.gov.za/…/land…/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…/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 9370 vnlaws@george.gov.za
Andrea Griessel: 044 801 9166 agriessel@george.gov.za

Please contact Building Inspectors directly during office hours:
James Vollenhoven: 076 823 0412
Mkhululi Nyeka: 082 877 0524
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
Offices are now located at the Worker Collection Point, Industrial Road.
Open to the public Monday – Friday 7.45am – 2pm / 2.45pm – 4.30pm
Business queries: Joan Shaw 081 412 9995 or jshaw@george.gov.za
Other queries: 044 801 9173 bduplessis@george.gov.za

Note that the Economic Development Offices have moved from 62 Cathedral Street to the Worker Collection Point, Industrial Road.

Worker Collection Point
Open to the public Monday – Friday 7.45am – 2pm / 2.45pm – 4.30pm
Worker Collection Point 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 from Monday 20^th September
Monday – Friday 8am – 4.30pm, Closed on Weekends & Public Holiday
044 801 9295 info@visitgeorge.co.za

Wilderness Tourism
Open to the public from Monday 20^th September
Monday – Friday 8am – 4.30pm, Closed on Weekends & Public Holiday
Tel: 044 877 0045, info@visitwilderness.co.za

Uniondale Tourism
Virtual assistance only
044 518 0030 info@visituniondale.co.za

FINANCE
The Finance Hall in the Main Building is open to the public weekdays from 8am – 15.30pm

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.

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.
Account related 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 (please enter your account number without the GRG in front and without any spaces in-between)

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 account related enquiries to accounts@george.gov.za or 044 801 9111.
Please provide your GRG account number with all enquiries.
Credit Control enquiries: 044 801 9111

MUNICIPAL COURT
The George Municipal Court is open to the public on weekdays 7.45am-16:30pm
Representations can be emailed to abfelix@george.gov.za
Enquiries: 044 801 9400

UNIONDALE / HAARLEM
Administration Offices are open to the public.
Uniondale – Cashier remains open on weekdays 9am – 3.30pm (Closed 1pm-1.45pm)
Haarlem – Cashier open 9am – 3.30pm
Fire: 044 752 1225
Switchboard and fault reporting: 044 752 1024
Tourism: 044 518 0030
Haarlem: 044 763 1013
After hours: 044 801 6300

George Municipality is pleased to advise that following the announcement of Amended Regulations to Alert Level 2, all libraries will reopen for full library services as of Monday 20^th September, including continued assistance with registration for vaccines on the EVDS system.

Library Services Manager, Rachel Williams said, “We have been advised that public libraries may reopen with full services to the public, keeping the mandatory protocols in place including social distancing, wearing of masks, sanitizing and with no more than 50% of the floor space being used. We cannot wait to see all of our usual library patrons more regularly again, we only ask that you remain considerate of your fellow library users and our library staff by adhering to the required protocols.”

The public is encouraged to please return library books.  Please note the reopening is under strict adherence to Covid-19 protocols.

Avontuur Library:             044 752 3351                     Monday 12pm-3pm, Tuesday 11am-2pm,
Wednesday and Thursday 10am-1pm
Blanco Library:                 044 870 7047                       Monday to Friday 9am-4.30pm
Conville Library:                044 801 9320                     Monday 9am-4.30pm
George Library:                 044 801 9288                      Monday to Thursday  9am-5.30pm
Friday 10am – 5pm, Saturday 9am-12pm
Haarlem Library:               044 763 1023                     Monday, Thursday and Friday 2pm-5pm,
Tuesday and Wednesday 10am – 12pm  / 2pm – 5pm
Noll Library:                        044 745 1014                     Monday and Wednesday 12pm-3pm,
Saturday 9am-12pm
Pacaltsdorp Library:        044 803 9340                     Monday to Friday 9am-4.30pm
Thembalethu Library:     044 803 9260                     Monday to Friday 9am-4.30pm
Touwsranten Library:     044 803 9285                      Monday to Friday 9am-4pm
Uniondale Library:           044 752 1024                     Monday to Friday 10am-4.30pm
Waboomskraal Library:                                                 Monday to Friday 10am-2pm

Don’t forget about the George Municipality library portal link: wc.slims.gov.za/desktop/desktopwcgeplge which allows you to 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.

Dam level: 100% (unchanged)
Estimated level at new dam wall height: 83.92% (down from 84.25%)
Rainfall since 2 September 2021: 3mm
Demand/usage: 31,040 megalitres

(Please note the dam level indication is based on the spillway and dam wall height before it was raised, the latter is the new unofficial estimation based on preliminary calculations ahead of re-callibration of the dam. Re-calibration has commenced and is dependent on several factors. Adjusted official readings will be implemented and reported once new capacity has been confirmed, the time period of this is unknown).
Section 2B water restrictions for George have been lifted by Council on 25 March 2021, but implemented for Uniondale.
Uniondale water restrictions details on https://www.george.gov.za/civil-engineering/water/

Report water leaks and burst pipes to 044 801 9262/66 or after hours at 044 801 6300, as soon as you notice them.

Electricity supply will be interrupted to portions of Lawaaikamp (Vuyani Ncamazana, July Marikeni, Melford Notshokovu, Ellen Vena, Willie Schaap, Charlie Hugo, Ntondini, Mangaliso) on Saturday 11 September 2021 from 09h00 to 16h00 for alterations to the electrical mains.
Consumers are warned to treat the installation as live for the full duration as the supply may be resumed at any time within the notified period.
Should circumstances prevent work from being carried out during the abovementioned period, the work will be done on Saturday 18 September 2021 from 09h00 to 16h00.
Enquiries: 044 874 3917

George has long been a desired location for film and television crews.  George Municipality is implementing a Film Policy to provide a framework that production companies and film-makers can work within, to apply for permits and obtain more information. The public is requested to peruse and comment on the proposed Policy before it is presented for adoption to Council. Any comments or representations, regarding the policy must be submitted to reach the our offices by no later than 24 September 2021 by email.

Follow this link to the Draft Filming Policy 2021 https://documentportal.george.gov.za/storage/planning-development-policies/September2021/f6VXWaRM2bFW638iKs5F.pdf
E-mail submissions to jshaw@george.gov.za

PUBLIC NOTICE
ESKOM increases and municipal electricity tariffs explained
Issued George Municipality, 8 September 2021

The National Energy Regulator of South Africa (NERSA) determines increases in electricity prices – the increase price to municipalities as well as the increase that municipalities may levy to customers.

NERSA has allowed ESKOM to increase its prices to municipalities by 17,8 % from 1 July 2021 and approved an increase in the electricity tariff of 14.59% by all municipalities to consumers across South Africa.

In determining these tariffs NERSA takes into account that each municipality has to absorb the costs of distributing electricity through the network, operate the system and provide maintenance and reinforce the electricity network in the provision of electricity to customers.

George Municipality is concerned about the rising electricity prices that are being levied but is obliged to pass such increases on to its customers. The municipality is however investigating how it can invest in securing alternative sources of electricity with the objective to reduce the rate of future increases.

Mayor’s newsletter for George Herald on 9 September 2021

George Municipality recently held an engagement with the George Business Chamber to discuss collaboration between business and local government.
The Municipality is improving systems to reduce “red tape” in the processing of building plan and town planning approvals as one example and is addressing other aspects of services affecting business decisions. The Chamber in turn will collate instances where improvements could be made and share these with the Municipality.
It is crucial that we constantly simplify and encourage investment into George.
One of the questions we were asked relates to the Vision that we have for George. In our response, we put forward the following themes of what such a vision should encompass:
• Inclusivity: to ensure that all our citizens could participate in a future covering all facets, one of which would be economic activities that added jobs;
• Best secondary / small city: George is part of the “league” of 19 secondary cities (outside of the 8 metropolitan areas) where it competes against the likes of Emfuleni, Mbombela, Rustenburg, etc and we need to position ourselves as the best managed, most attractive, most sought after small city;
• Sustainability: we need to ensure that we are sustainable in terms of finances, economy, environmentally, energy and infrastructure;
• Lifestyle: George offers attractive features such as access to nature, outdoor activities, safety, relaxed, quality of life with good schools and health care;
• Service Delivery and Infrastructure: we need to maintain a high standard of services to enable development;
• Communication: it is critical that two-way communication channels exist in our connected world to ensure collaboration and team effort benefits all our stakeholders;
• Economic growth: George is a city with substantial infrastructure and a population that needs an enabling environment to attract investment that will increase economic activity and levels of employment to improve the lives of all citizens;
• Environment: being part of the Garden Route we need to actively protect our green environment and manage invasive vegetation; and
• “Producing” economy: We consciously need to advocate the importance of being a “producing” economy (i.e. producing products and services for “export” out of George such as berries, cheese, vegetables, tourism, BPO services, etc) rather than simply being just a “consuming” economy (e.g. buying products and services produced elsewhere in the country).
The “economic engines” driving the George economic sectors also have their visionary requirements of key success factors to drive successful growth. A collaborative discussion is needed to formulate the future George Economic Development Strategy in the coming months. Partnership between business, local government and other key stakeholders in collectively driving a converging vision is the ultimate objective. Thoughts on necessary factors and on such a conversation can be forwarded to: supportbusiness@george.gov.za