GEORGE CELEBRATES LIBRARY WEEK FROM 20TH TO 26 MARCH 2023

George Municipality Media
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GEORGE CELEBRATES LIBRARY WEEK FROM 20TH TO 26 MARCH 2023
It’s story time at George LibrariesGeorge libraries are looking forward to celebrating library week from the 20th until the 26th of March 2023. The theme for this year is Libraries – telling powerful stories.The art of storytelling is as old as humankind itself. Irrespective of the type of story, whether it is fiction, biographical, dramatic, poetic, oral or in writing, each one of us has a story to tell. These stories transfer knowledge and traditions, put the spotlight on unsung heroes, and uplift, educate and inspire people. Since the days gone by, libraries have been central in collecting, preserving, storing, promoting, and encouraging millions of people to become aware of and enjoy these stories with the aim to understand how other people think, operate and live.The 4IR has shifted the landscape and how we tell these stories which have contributed to global knowledge, memory, and communication. Despite the challenges that libraries are facing, libraries have persevered and continue to add to the good stories that they tell. George Libraries are opening its doors for a week of fun and laughter, drama and entertainment, as we invite all our communities to enjoy Library Week with us. Our library staff understand the power and effect stories have and plays in the lives of people.George Library has already made plans to visit and share powerful stories at the following venues:Below is the itinerary for George Public Library:
  • Carpe Diem school on the 22nd of March at 11:00 am- 12:00 pm
  • On the 23rd of March, at George preparatory at 11:00
  • and Friday the 24th of March at Olympia
Come join us for a poetry workshop on 21 March 2023 on World Poetry Day (time: 18h00 until 20h00)More Library Week Activities – 20-26 March 2023Blanco Library 20 March 2023
  • Activity Children from Kretzenshoop primary read out of a selection of children storybooks.  
  • Golden oldies and the community are welcome for tea and refreshments 
22 March 2023Board games face painting by 6 – 10-year primary children23 March 2023
  •  Golden oldies and the public will be invited to listen to an informative session on social issues in the community by the South African Police Service (SAPS).
  • Story hour at Born to Win for Library Week.
24 March 2023
  •  Worldbuilding and Spelling competition by grade 5 students.
Conville Library  Visits Primary Schools to promote telling your own story competition.  Pacaltsdorp – Library week programMystery book competition during library week
  • Covered Book paper a short review will be subtracted from the book and the patron will be asked to read the book and return it on 22/03/2023 to win library related prize.
  •  Math Olympiad recruiting of 9 students – 3 of each School in Pacaltsdorp
  • All learners in grade 7- The programme will run over a 4-week period (orientation of program will be in library week.
Thembalethu Library Library week from 20 – 23 March 202320 March 2023
  • Launch
  • Registration – Write your own story
  • Save water Presentation – 11H00 – 13H00
22 March 2023
  • Take the High schools to Robben Island (They will be visiting the library with their outreach program. /History of Thembalethu by Mr Castro Leholo
23 March 2023
  • Services rendered by Library – for Crèche Teachers in Thembalethu
24 March 23
  • Story hour -11H00 – 12H00
  • Story reading competition 14H00 – 16H00
  • Official opening of the Library of the Blind at Thembalethu Library
Ntobeko Mangqwengqwe (CPRP) Office of the Municipal Manager Senior Communication & IGR OfficerOffice:  044 801 9512 Cell:       063 869 7373Email:    nmangqwengqwe@george.gov.za

Mayor delighted to see progress of the Metro Housing project

George Municipality Media
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Mayor delighted to see progress of the Metro Housing project
George Mayor, Ald Leon van Wyk with Ald Bazil Petrus, Portfolio Councillor for Human Settlements and John Laws, Construction Manager: Ruwacon Construction Pty LTD on-site at the Metro Housing project earlier this week. Mayor van Wyk said he is glad to see the good progress being made with the houses up until now and that beneficiaries on the list include disabled people and the elderly.Ald Petrus said the fact that, as soon as the Western Cape Ministry of Infrastructure gives the go-ahead, we can hand over homes to people, is gratifying. He said the progress with the rest of the houses is also coming along quickly and those homes will be ready to be handed over in the next phase.

10 tips on writing articles

Herman Pienaar
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10 tips on writing articles
Writing a newspaper article requires a specific format and structure. Here are the steps to follow:
  1. Choose a newsworthy topic: Select a topic that is timely, relevant, and of interest to your target audience. It could be a breaking news story or a feature article on a local event.
  2. Research and gather information: Conduct thorough research to gather all the necessary information about the topic. Interview experts or eyewitnesses, read other articles, and gather data to support your story.
  3. One of the best practices for writers is to follow “The 5Ws” guideline, by investigating the Who, What, Where, When and Why of a story. If you can’t identify what makes your story unique and interesting, chances are nobody else will either. Who is driving the story? Who is it about?
  4. Determine your angle: Decide on the angle or perspective from which you will write the article. This will help you organize your information and present it in a compelling way.
  5. Write a catchy headline: The headline should grab the reader’s attention and accurately reflect the content of the article.
  6. Write the lead: The lead is the first paragraph of the article and should summarize the most important information in a clear and concise way. It should answer the questions: who, what, when, where, why, and how.
  7. Write the body: The body of the article should provide more detail and context about the topic. Use quotes, facts, and statistics to support your points and make the article more engaging.
  8. Include a conclusion: The conclusion should tie everything together and provide a final thought or call to action.
  9. Edit and proofread: Review the article for spelling and grammar errors, and make sure all the information is accurate and presented in a clear and concise manner.
  10. Submit your article: Once you are satisfied with your article, submit it to the appropriate newspaper or publication.
Remember to follow the publication’s guidelines and editorial policies when submitting your article. Good luck!

George Municipality Thusong outreach in Blanco with other stakeholders Taking Services to the people

George Municipality Media
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George Municipality Thusong outreach in Blanco with other stakeholders Taking Services to the people
George Municipality’s Thusong outreach to the Blanco community with key sector departments was very well received and more outreaches will be rolled out once a month to other communities in the George jurisdiction.Last week, the George Municipality together with key sector departments, as well as businesses kicked off their planned Thusong Service outreach to raise awareness of the integrated services available to communities at their doorstep. It took place in the Blanco Community Hall.The George Municipality Community Development section, the George Municipality Youth Development subsection, the George Municipality Thusong Programme, the Department of Home Affairs, the Department Employment and Labour, IEC, SEDA, the Department of Social Development, SARS and Cell C attended the outreach.
Willbedine Jordaan, Coordinator of the George Municipal HIV/Aids Office assists members of the public at the outreach.
The stakeholders supplied the community in Blanco with important government information and services. The Government Communication and Information System Department (GGCIS) provided the necessary communication support, through mobilisation, profiling the campaign and getting key sector departments to participate. The Thusong outreach assisted 136 community members from rural Blanco.According to Adam Lewie from Waboomskraal Thusong Centre who was involved with the outreach, community members who attended the outreach were excited for the opportunities they were exposed to that can lead to jobs, an economic boost and further education and training opportunities. The Department of Employment and Labour officials registered unemployed people attending, for job opportunities when it becomes available.
The IEC registered members of the Blanco community on the voters’ roll.
Cell C presented self-employment opportunities to the community involving Rica and the selling of airtime and data.SEDA presented their non-financial business skills training, while the IEC registered community members on the voters’ roll. Home Affairs assisted with identity and birth certificate applications, while GCIS distributed information on various important issues like anti-corruption campaigns, gender-based violence, vaccination boosters, cervical cancer and much more. They also spoke to the community members about the topics.The Youth Development office spoke to the youth on how the National Youth Development Agency (NYDA) can assist young people with non-financial and financial support to start their own small businesses, the SA Youth Mobi, where young people can register their CV’s without using data, for possible work opportunities. They were also informed of how to use the system to apply for bursaries and to further their education.Dates for the next Thusong Outreach is 10 March at New Dawn Park Hall, 14 April at Thembalethu Hall, 12 May at Outeniqua Primary School, 9 June at Thembalethu Zone 9 Hall and 14 July at Rosemoor Community Hall. All of the outreaches will start at 10h00 but the time can change due to loadshedding.

Level the playing fields

Herman Pienaar
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Level the playing fields
Die laerskool op Hoekwil het hul honderdste verjaarsdag in 2022 gevier. As deel van die verjaarsdag vieringe wou die beheerligaam van die skool die rugby veld gelyk maak. Die veld het ‘n val van 1,5 m oor die lengte van die veld.  Om die werk self te doen sou hulle maande geneem het en ook ‘n baie duur proses gewees het. Die beraamde koste was honderde duisend rand. Die projek het die baie gepaste naam van “Level the playingfields” gekry.Op navraag vertel Marius Wannenberg, Voorsitter van die Beheerligaam van Hoekwil Laerskool, dat hulle vir Henra Konstruksie genader het en het Henra besluit om terug te ploeg in die gemaanskap deur die projek gratis vir die Laerskool te doen. Die laerskool moes net vir die diesel betaal. Die res is deur Henra betaal, kyk gerus die video om die omvang van die werk te sien.Die werk wat gedoen is sluit in om die rugby veld gelyk te maak, ‘n nuwe hokkieveld is ge-bou en die netbal bane is gelyk gemaak.Volgens Marius het die skool nou vir die eerste keer na 100 jaar behoorlike sportgronde om ordentlik sport aan te bied. Die skool is nou besig om gras te plant en danksy die wonderlike reën wat die gebied gehad het behoort dit nou vinnig te groei.Hierdie is voorwaar ‘n wonderlike voorbeeld van waar die gemeenskap en besighede saam werk om die lewe van die inwoners, veral die kinders, te vergemaklik.Video deur Garden Route Media https://www.youtube.com/@gardenroutemedia4613 Volg hulle op Facebook https://www.facebook.com/GardenRouteMedia

Water Quality testing of rivers and at beaches – Why closed for swimming?

George Municipality Media
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Water Quality testing of rivers and at beaches – Why closed for swimming?
The George Municipality released the following media statement to explain the reasons why beaches are monitored for e-coli and other pathogens.George Municipality maintains a monthly river sample programme year-round, downstream of our pumping stations near or next to any rivers within George and surrounds. This monitoring program is not a legislative requirement but was implemented by the George Municipality as a precautionary management measure to monitor the infrastructure, and protect our environment, where a risk of possible pollution may occur. George Municipality has with the award of Blue Flag Status for Wilderness Main Beach, Herold’s Bay and Victoria Bay (Pilot Status) implemented as of 7 November 2022, formal testing of the water at these beaches and where relevant, river mouth to ensure that the stringent requirements based on the most appropriate international and national standards and legislation are met. Blue Flag is an international eco-label and has one global standard for water quality. It is an international coastal management programme that accredits beaches that meet standards of excellence in water quality, environmental management, environmental education and information as well as safety and services. In South Africa the programme is implemented by the Wildlife Environmental Society of South Africa (WESSA).Each appointed Blue Flag beach as well as Pilot beaches,  must fully comply with the water quality sampling and frequency requirements. There must be at least one sampling point, which must be located where the highest number of swimmers are. In addition, where there are potential sources of pollution, e.g., near streams, rivers or other inlets, storm water outlets, etc. additional sampling points must be established at these sites to provide evidence that such inflows do not affect bathing water quality.Samples should be taken 30 cm below the water surface with a minimum of five samples required, evenly distributed during the season. The first sample must be taken within 31 days before the official starting date of the Blue Flag season. George Municipality has an appointed accredited service provider who takes samples approximately every third day, subject to public holidays. An independent person, officially authorised and trained for the task, must collect the samples and only results from an independent nationally or internationally accredited laboratory will be accepted.  Our own laboratory tests as a control measure when there is a pollution incident on a specific beach.Herold’s Bay Blue Flag Beach showed contamination following testing and the beach (not the tidal pools) was closed for swimming on the morning of Sunday 1 January 2023 as per the results received from the accredited laboratory on Saturday (31 December 2022). The Blue Flag requirements for Escherichia coli (Faecal Coli bacteria) are below 250 cfu/100m ; and for Intestinal Enterococci (Stretococci) below 100 cfu/100ml.  Escherichia coli (Faecal Coli bacteria) limits of over 500/540 in coastal waters are deemed unsafe for swimming.Herolds’s Bay was reopened for swimming at 12pm on New Year’s Day based on the follow up test results which came out midday 1 January. Subsequent thorough investigation by our Civil Engineering Department has confirmed that the pollution was caused by a sewer pipe failure  in the network that led to contaminated water draining onto the beach from the minor river tributary following the high rainfall. Repairs have been completed on the network and the spillage addressed as per protocol.Testing of the Gwaing River Mouth as well as those areas of the river located near the Proefplaas pumpstation form part of the regular maintenance programme for George Municipality. The beach and river mouth do not form a part of the Blue Flag programme. On Sunday  4 December 2022, a possible pollution incident (discolouring in the water at the mouth was reported) and subsequent testing for Escherichia coli (Faecal Coli bacteria) was done by the Municipal Laboratory as well as the accredited service provider. Gwaing River Beach and Mouth was closed for swimming and remained closed based on daily test results until Friday 9 December 2022 when reopened for swimming.  The area was again closed on 21 December; reopened briefly on the 30 December and has since 31 December remained closed.The Civil Engineering Services department has continued to investigate the source of the pollution as no pumpstations have failed during this period. It would appear that there are two sources, one of historic sludge on the riverbed which was disturbed following rough seas and the other is sewer spillage emanating from identified manholes located near or along Gwaing River as well as several tributaries which join the Gwaing River. Civil Engineering teams have walked the rivers, and the sewer network wherever possible to locate the source. Testing of water quality has continued further upstream on a regular basis in order to pinpoint any additional sources of pollutant.Gwaing River Beach and Mouth remains closed based on the current accredited and own laboratory results, due to the inherent dangers of swimming in contaminated water. Illnesses caused by Ecoli can range from mild to severe and life-threatening. Most people get better within 5 to 7 days. Young children infected with Ecoli are at highest risk for developing severe symptoms and complications, such as kidney failure.George Municipality acknowledges the frustrations of the public in this regard but In the interests of health and safety and to protect our residents, the municipality continues to urge the public not to swim until the levels are within acceptable norms. Notices will be issued as soon as test results clear the Gwaing Beach and River Mouth for swimming.Issued by George Municipal Communications Department Office of the Municipal Manager

Georgians be part of the solution to people living on the streets

George Municipality Media
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Georgians be part of the solution to people living on the streets
Issued by George MunicipalityGeorge Municipality appeals to Georgians to become a part of the solution of People living on the Streets by rather giving donations to organisations such as the George Night Shelter or Kidstop than giving money or handouts to adults or children begging at streets intersections, as this has increasingly become a concern.According to Estelle Fredericks from the Municipality Social Development department, there has been an increase in new arrivals of People living on the streets following the Covid lockdown period and exacerbated by the current economic situation. She said that giving such persons money or handouts on the streets, will only encourage them to keep living on the streets and has negative long-term effects.The PLOTS (People Living on The Streets) forum was established in 2018 by George Municipality to holistically address the many factors associated with homeless people. The forum includes representatives from George Municipal Social Development Services, the South African Police Service (SAPS), Kid Stop (focuses on children living on the Streets), People Against Substance Abuse (PASA), Smoking & Alcohol Harms Alleviation & Rehabilitation Association (SAHARA), Christian Rehabilitation Ministries to the Homeless of George (Cremhog) and the National Departments of Social Development and Health.The PLOTS Forum aims to eradicate the issue of homelessness. Night outreaches take place to quantify the number of persons currently living on the streets and these surveys also serve as a tool to identify the needs of the individuals, and to assess how they can be assisted going forward. George Municipality continues to provide clothing and toiletries to persons living on the street. The toiletries include soap, facecloths, toothpaste, toothbrushes, roll-on and sanitary pads. The municipality maintains a clothing bank where residents of George donate clothing for this purpose. Many of the homeless ask for clothing or toiletries to be presentable and a register is kept for this purpose. It would really assist the Municipality if more residents could donate clothing and toiletries for this purpose as no funding is available for this purpose.The Municipal Social Development division runs a job seekers programme where we motivate the homeless to seek jobs, even if it is in the informal market. The department assists with the drawing up of CV`s and registering of the homeless on the EPWP database for job opportunities. Through other stakeholders, reunification services are also planned for those individuals who indicate that they want to reunite with their families. The issue of homelessness is a vast challenge and assistance from all spheres is needed to address the issue properly.Living on the streets is not a crime and therefore these people cannot be arrested or moved without their consent. Our Social Development and Law Enforcement department’s mandate is limited as the bulk of the functions to assist people living on the streets, falls under SAPS and the National Department of Social Development. George Residents, Business Owners and organisations, who want to help the homeless and or submit innovative ideas on how to help the homeless are invited to join the PLOTS monthly meeting. You can contact Estelle Fredericks on 044 802 2000, ext 2015 during office hours for more information.The public may also contact these organisations: Freddy Trout, PASA (People Against Substance Abuse) on 068 487 4848, Jonathan Gelderbloem, YFC Kidstop on 044 874 2624/044 875 1794, Department of Social Services on 044 814 1920 or Andre Olivier from Cremhog on andre.olivier1962@gmail.com

No Alcohol at beaches

George Municipality Media
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No Alcohol at beaches
Public Notice: No Alcohol at beachesGeorge Municipality strictly enforces NO ALCOHOL ALLOWED on our beaches and especially over the Festive Season. The George law enforcement officers will be assisted by 30 Beach Monitors during the Festive Season to assist with beach patrols and bag checks. All Beach Monitors will be identifiable, whether by reflector jackets or reflector bands and carry identification cards. The municipality encourages all beachgoers to assist our officials in ensuring that their day at the beach is a safe and pleasant experience. Neighbourhood Watches, Community Police Forums, George Traffic Services, Provincial Traffic Services as well as the South African Police Service (SAPS) also work closely with the Municipality regarding Community Safety. Any type of liquor is strictly prohibited on all beach areas under the control of the George Municipality which include Herold’s Bay, Gwaiing River Mouth Beach and Day Camp, Victoria Bay, Wilderness, and Leentjiesklip areas. If Law Enforcement confiscates liquor from beachgoers, a notice of confiscation will be issued to the offender. All confiscated items or goods are handed over to SAPS, for disposal at their discretion. For any further information or complaints please contact the Law Enforcement office on 044 801 6350 (7.45am-4.30pm) or 044 801 6300 (a/h)(standby team for bylaw-related emergencies only). The public can also email sprins@george.gov.za with complaints or related matters. The physical address of the Law Enforcement Office is 25B Cathedral Street.Openbare kennisgewing: Geen alkohol by strande nie George Munisipaliteit tree streng op teen GEEN ALKOHOL op ons strande nie en veral oor die Feestyd sal dit streng toegepas word. Die George-wetstoepassers sal gedurende die Feesseisoen deur 30 strandmonitors bygestaan word om te help met strandpatrollies en sakkontroles. Alle strandmonitors sal identifiseerbaar wees, hetsy deur glimbaadjies of glimbande en sal identifiseringskaarte dra. Die munisipaliteit moedig alle strandgangers aan om ons amptenare by te staan om te verseker dat hul dag by die strand ‘n veilige en aangename ervaring is. Buurtwagte, Gemeenskapspolisieforums, George Verkeersdienste, Provinsiale Verkeersdienste asook die Suid-Afrikaanse Polisiediens (SAPD) werk ook nóú saam met die Munisipaliteit rakende gemeenskapsveiligheid. Enige tipe drank is streng verbode op alle strandgebiede onder beheer van die George Munisipaliteit, wat Heroldsbaai, Gwaiingriviermondstrand en -dagkamp, Victoriabaai, Wildernis en Leentjiesklipgebiede insluit. Indien wetstoepassers drank by strandgangers konfiskeer, sal ‘n kennisgewing van konfiskering aan die oortreder uitgereik word. Alle gekonfiskeerde items of goedere word aan die SAPD oorhandig, om ontslae te raak na goeddenke. Vir enige verdere inligting of klagtes kontak asseblief die wetstoepassingskantoor by 044 801 6350 (7.45vm.-16.30nm.) of 044 801 6300 (n/u) (bystandspan slegs vir bywet-verwante noodgevalle). Die publiek kan ook e-pos stuur aan sprins@george.gov.za met klagtes of verwante sake. Die fisiese adres van die wetstoepassingskantoor is Cathedralstraat 25B.

GEORGE MUNICIPALITY ISSUES A STERN WARNING AGAINST UNAUTHORISED NEW YEAR’S EVE EVENTS

George Municipality Media
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GEORGE MUNICIPALITY ISSUES A STERN WARNING AGAINST UNAUTHORISED NEW YEAR’S EVE EVENTS
Issued by George MunicipalityIt has come to the attention of the George Municipality that unauthorised New Year’s Eve events are being arranged by persons and organisations.The public is alerted to the fact that in terms of the Municipality By-Law on Community Fire Safety as well as the SASREA (Safety at Sport and Recreations Events) Regulations 2010, anyone who wishes to organise an event must apply to the Municipality. The prospective organiser must provide detailed information regarding security and safety, medical assistance, an evacuation plan, and contingencies regarding load-shedding.Furthermore, proof of public liability insurance (a SASREA requirement) and the South African Police Service (SAPS) risk categorisation, are required. The property owner also must give the organisers permission to use the site. In certain cases, such as where the roads or public spaces must be closed, the closure must also be advertised in the local newspapers. If an event will include loud music or noise after 22:00 a noise exemption certificate is also a requirement.All the above are needed to ensure the complete safety of the event participants, and if the organisers cannot provide complete assurance that they have taken all steps required then the Municipality may not approve the event. Should an unauthorised event proceed, the organisers will be held personally liable for any actions, costs and liabilities and legal action will be taken.Due to the amount of work required to ensure a safe and hazard-free event the Municipality requests 60 days’ notice of any event and the event must be dealt with formally by the internal Events Committee to assist the event organisers to ensure all the above requirements (and any others) are met.

Dogs on beaches (sand area) detrimental to Blue Flag status

George Municipality Media
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Dogs on beaches (sand area) detrimental to Blue Flag status
Issued by George MunicipalityGeorge Municipality wishes to inform all dog owners that in order to adhere to the Blue Flag international standards at all of our beaches, it is imperative to enforce strict rules of NO DOGS ON BEACHES (SAND AREAS) that is in line with the Municipality’s By-law, Keeping of dogs, cats and animals.Dog excrement can contaminate the water and jeopardise the Blue Flag status of our beaches-even if the dog poop is picked up. Dog owners are therefore warned to keep dogs on a leash and off the sandy areas at the beaches. Law Enforcement officers will not hesitate to act against those that do not adhere to the By-law.Wilderness Beach and Herold’s Bay both have full Blue Flag status and Victoria Bay has Pilot status for the 2022 festive season. Blue Flag is an international coastal management programme that accredits beaches that meet standards of excellence in water quality, environmental management, environmental education and information as well as safety and services. In South Africa the programme is implemented by the Wildlife Environmental Society of South Africa (WESSA). The Blue Flag season runs from 1 December 2022 to 31 January 2023.Further to this By-Law no dog or other animal may be in any public street or public space (any open public space the public has access to which falls under the George Municipal jurisdiction for example beachfronts, parks, sport fields and sidewalks) except on a leash and under control. This is unless the animal is in an area designated by the George Municipality as a free-running area.A person is not allowed to walk a dog other than a guide dog, ON A BEACHFRONT, a public street, public place, without carrying enough plastic or paper bags or wrappers, to place the excrement into, in the event of the dog defecating. Please note that dogs are allowed on the sidewalk areas, (tarred, brick-paved etc.) of beachfronts, if these conditions are adhered to.The beach areas under the control of the George Municipality include Herold’s Bay, Gwaiing River Mouth Beach, Victoria Bay and the Leentjiesklip and Wildnerness beach areas up until the NSRI (Salina’s Restaurant). The area to the left of Salina’s Restaurant (facing the sea) falls under Sanparks.The George Municipal By-Law may differ from that of other municipalities. Please humanely muzzle and keep dogs under control, which could be considered dangerous, vicious or ferocious. No animals should be left in an unattended and or closed vehicle or open bakkie in any public street or space. If this by-law is not adhered to, a fine from R500 and up can and will be imposed.Animal owners leaving on vacation should please ensure that they have their animals cared for by a reliable person or at an animal boarding facility such as kennels or catteries.We ask dog owners to familiarise themselves with a map of Sanparks attached, to see where dogs are allowed on beaches and where not.Debra Sauer Communications OfficerOffice of the Municipal Manager Office:044 801 9181 Cell:063 682 2092 Email: ddsauer@george.gov.za
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