- Tell the truth: In a world dominated by fake, unverified news, it is now more than ever important to get the truth out there.
- Be Timely: News is most impactful when it’s fresh. If you see something that others need to know, share it as soon as possible.
- Be Accurate: Double-check facts and aim to report objectively.
- Respect Privacy: Avoid sharing personal information without consent.
- Add Visuals: Photos or videos add context and engage readers.
Citizen Journalism: Empowering the Garden Route Community with Your Stories
In today’s fast-paced digital age, anyone with a smartphone and a passion for storytelling can help shape the news. Citizen journalism allows everyday people to report events, share stories, and contribute to the news landscape, ensuring that our community’s voice is heard loud and clear.At gardenroute.news, we believe that the heart of the Garden Route community lies in the stories, experiences, and perspectives of its citizens. Through citizen journalism, you have the opportunity to become a part of our team by sharing what’s happening in your world—from community events and inspiring human-interest stories to urgent news like road closures, weather updates, or emergency situations. This isn’t just about reporting; it’s about making sure that our community’s stories reach as many people as possible.Why Citizen Journalism?
Citizen journalism bridges the gap between professional news organizations and the people they serve. While traditional journalism plays a critical role in covering major events, citizens often witness and experience newsworthy events first-hand. By allowing you to report your stories on gardenroute.news, we’re opening up our platform to reflect the Garden Route’s diversity and vibrancy.How Can You Contribute?
Becoming a citizen journalist with us is simple. Visit gardenroute.news and look for the “Submit Your Story” section. There, you’ll find easy-to-follow instructions on uploading text, photos, and videos. You can share updates on local events, report traffic incidents, spotlight local heroes, or even cover a remarkable story from your neighborhood.Tips for Being a Citizen Journalist
Safety Alert for Railway Tracks in Outeniqua Mountains
For your safety, please be aware that the Powervan is actively using the railway track in the Outeniqua Mountains with multiple daily trips. All hikers, cyclists, and visitors near the railway line should exercise caution.Important Safety Guidelines:
- Stay Off the Track: Avoid walking directly on or near the railway tracks, as the Powervan cannot stop quickly.
- Supervise Children and Pets: Keep children close and pets on a leash.
- Look Out for Signage: Warning signs have been placed along the route to indicate that the track is in use.
Posters and Banners, the do’s and don’ts of putting them up in George
George Municipality has in the past week removed a number of unauthorised banners randomly attached throughout George, as well as a number of illegal lamp pole posters.
We remind all organisations and individuals who wish to put up posters and/or banners prior to the festive season that it is illegal in terms of our Standard Bylaw regarding Streets (PK 565/1987) to do so without prior permission of the Municipality. Organisations and individuals alike should further take note that there is an application process and deposits, and fees are payable. All requirements in the Bylaw need to be met and will be strictly enforced.
POSTERS THAT ARE ERECTED ILLEGALLY WILL BE REMOVED AND DESTROYED
Permission for the erection of posters on lamp posts is granted, in accordance with the Regulation regarding Advertisement Signs and the Defacement of the Façade on the Forefront of Streets (PK 565/1958) and the Standard Bylaw regarding Streets (PK 565/1987) to:
- Individuals erecting posters for municipal and/or parliamentary elections and meetings;
- Political parties as well as the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) to erect posters during the official IEC voter registration week/weekends;
- An institution which holds sports events on a provincial, national or international level;
- An institution that organises festivals which receive financial support from Council.
- Only one poster per event may be displayed on a lamp post with the understanding that two posters may be positioned back-to-back. These posters may be positioned two weeks before an event and may only be fixed to the lamp posts by means of using rope or a similar material. No adhesive material may be used for this purpose. A maximum of 100 posters may be displayed in instances where sports events and festivals are taking place.
- Posters must be removed on or before the fourth weekday after the event.
- Wording of the poster must be factual and may not offend any person, race or belief. The municipality also retains the right to remove any poster without providing explanation, where such poster hinders the visibility of any traffic sign or if management deems it ineligible for a poster to be displayed at a specific location.
- Should an individual/organisation neglect to remove all posters that they have displayed, they will forfeit the deposit or a part thereof, depending on the costs involved in the removal of said posters. The Poster or the artwork must be submitted via the Tourism Department for approval within a reasonable timeframe before it is displayed or erected.
- The official stamp must be affixed on each of the approved posters once the applicable fees are paid.
- The banners sites must be pre-booked with a deposit paid.
- They may only be a maximum size of 3.5 m x 1m, and no political, liquor or cigarette advertisement with offensive wording on banners will be allowed.
- Banners may only be up for a period of two weeks and must be removed by the applicant.
Oktober is Kubersekuriteitsmaand: Hoe om jou data te beskerm
Oktober is amptelik Kubersekuriteitsmaand, ’n tyd wat wêreldwyd gebruik word om bewustheid oor aanlynsekuriteit te verhoog en individue sowel as besighede te help om hulself teen kuberbedreigings te beskerm. Met die vinnige groei van tegnologie en toenemende gebruik van digitale platforms, word kubersekuriteit belangriker as ooit tevore. Kuberkrakers ontwikkel voortdurend nuwe metodes om rekenaars en netwerke te infiltreer, wat die risiko vir finansiële verlies, identiteitsdiefstal en persoonlike inligtinglekkasies verhoog.Hier is 10 wenke om jou kuberveiligheid te verbeter en risiko’s te beperk:1. Gebruik Sterk Wagwoorde
Gebruik ’n unieke en ingewikkelde wagwoord vir elke rekening. Kombineer hoofletters, kleinletters, syfers en simbole. Vermy maklike keuses soos jou naam of geboortedatum. Jy kan ook wagwoordbestuurders gebruik om jou wagwoorde veilig op te slaan.2. Aktiveer Twee-faktor-verifikasie (2FA)
Twee-faktor-verifikasie voeg ’n ekstra laag beskerming by. Selfs as iemand jou wagwoord het, kan hulle nie toegang tot jou rekeninge kry sonder die tweede verifikasie, soos ’n SMS-kode of ’n app-bevestiging nie.3. Hou Sagteware Opgedateer
Verskaffers stel gereeld sekuriteitsopdaterings vry om kwesbaarhede reg te stel. Maak seker jou bedryfstelsel, antivirusprogramme, en toepassings is altyd op datum om beskerming teen nuwe bedreigings te verseker.4. Wees Oorversigtig met E-posse en Skakels
Phishing is een van die algemeenste maniere waarop kuberkrakers jou inligting probeer steel. Wees versigtig vir verdagte e-posse en skakels, veral as hulle jou vra om persoonlike inligting in te voer of wagwoorde te verander.5. Gebruik ’n Antivirus- en Anti-Malware-program
’n Goeie antivirusprogram beskerm jou toestel teen virusse en wanware. Stel die program so in dat dit gereeld skanderings uitvoer en bedreigings outomaties verwyder.6. Verskuil Jou Data
Data-enkripsie sorg dat, selfs al word jou data gesteel, dit onleesbaar is vir die aanvaller. Dit is veral belangrik vir sensitiewe dokumente, e-posse en lêers wat jy op die wolk of jou rekenaar stoor.7. Wees Versigtig op Openbare Wi-Fi
Vermy die gebruik van openbare Wi-Fi-netwerke vir sensitiewe aktiwiteite soos bankwese. Indien jy dit moet gebruik, maak seker jy verbind deur ’n Virtuele Privaat Netwerk (VPN) om jou data te beskerm. 8. Monitor Jou Rekeninge Gereeld
Kontroleer jou bankstate en aanlynrekeninge gereeld vir enige verdagte aktiwiteit. Hoe vinniger jy ’n moontlike oortreding opspoor, hoe vinniger kan jy aksie neem.9. Beperk Deel van Persoonlike Inligting
Die minder inligting jy oor jouself aanlyn deel, hoe veiliger is jy. Kuberkrakers kan inligting wat jy op sosiale media deel, gebruik om jou identiteit te steel of wagwoorde te raai.10. Skep Rugsteun van Belangrike Data
Maak gereeld rugsteun van jou belangrike data. Selfs as jy gekompromitteer word deur kuberkrakers of malware, kan jy jou data maklik herstel sonder om waardevolle inligting te verloor.Deur hierdie eenvoudige stappe te volg, kan jy jouself en jou inligting beter beskerm teen die toenemende bedreigings van die digitale wêreld. Bly waaksaam, bly ingelig, en maak seker jou kubersekuriteit is prioriteit – nie net hierdie Oktober nie, maar elke dag van die jaar.
GO GEORGE ROLLS OUT SECOND ROUTE TO THEMBALETHU
According to a joint announcement by the Western Cape MEC of Mobility, Isaac Sileku, and George Executive Mayor, Alderman Jackie von Brandis, another bus route to Thembalethu will be activated by GO GEORGE on Monday 28 October 2024.
Route 10 Thembalethu – George Industria will be the second route servicing the residents of Thembalethu. R18A rolled out in November last year and connects Thembalethu with Blanco.According to Minister Sileku, the GO GEORGE network is typical of what can be achieved in public transport development if all partners work together. “I am looking forward to experience the new line and to meet some of the commuters who will benefit from even better public transport opportunities,” he said.
Mayor Von Brandis expressed her delight at this next step in rolling out a comprehensive service to Thembalethu. “The full implementation of the GO GEORGE bus services to our residents of Thembalethu has always been a top priority. It is essential that our residents have access to dignified and reliable transportation in all areas. Although the implementation of the bus services was temporarily hindered by the congestion caused by the N2 bridge construction, residents can be assured that we are fully committed to ensuring that the bus service is operational and available to all who intend to use it,” she said.Route 10 will start out with a temporary deviation from the planned routing to accommodate roadworks in PW Botha Boulevard. Maps and timetables have been adjusted accordingly and are available on the GO GEORGE website.Community engagement
The GO GEORGE communications team members are engaging with Thembalethu residents working in the industrial area, explaining the new route to current and future bus users. Any businesses in this area, who would like the team to visit their staff to share route information are welcome to phone the Call Centre with such a request.
The GO GEORGE website, www.gogeorge.org.za, offers valuable information on how to use the system as well as user-friendly features to plan a trip. Contact GO GEORGE by phoning the Call Centre on 0800 044 044 or sending an email to info@gogeorge.org.za, or like the GO GEORGE Facebook page to stay up to date with developments.Issued by George Municipality 23 Oct 2024
TEDxGeorge: Inspiring Ideas and Diverse Perspectives Ignite at This Year’s Event
George, Western Cape – This weekend, TEDxGeorge brought together an inspiring array of speakers and performers who encouraged attendees to reach their highest potential. Following TED’s mission to inspire, challenge, and make an impact, TEDxGeorge sought to bridge societal divides by fostering conversations among diverse voices.Each talk provided valuable lessons and unique perspectives, sparking dialogue on critical issues. The event featured 14 speakers, each with a distinctive message or performance, while exhibitions from organizations such as the George Fire Department and the NSRI created a vibrant atmosphere outside the venue.One of the notable talks was from Caville Abrahams, Regional Coordinator of NSRI Wilderness, who emphasized the importance of making water safe for all, addressing water safety and accessibility in South Africa.Tinus Badenhors, a composer and musician, added a melodic dimension with a performance that highlighted the power of music in connecting people across cultures.Alexandra Burger, Chief Information Officer of Meta Humans, spoke on the evolution of artificial intelligence, diving into the benefits and challenges of rapidly advancing AI technology and its impact on our daily lives.Jonathan de Graaff, an entrepreneur, addressed the complex intersections of race and society, challenging attendees to consider their role in promoting a more inclusive world.Nikki du Toit, founder of Lekker Nikki, shared how acts of kindness and positivity have the power to create ripples of change, reinforcing the importance of good influence.Locadia Dzingwena, a researcher from Nelson Mandela University, discussed her groundbreaking work in baboon research, shedding light on animal behavior and ecological conservation efforts.
A talk by Malaka Grant, author and blogger, centered on the “language of belonging,” exploring how words and language shape identity and community.Elsie Harmse, CEO of UXi Artisan Development Group, discussed the future of work in Africa, envisioning an era where skilled artisans shape the continent’s economic landscape.Jazz guitarist Germaine Leonard delighted attendees with a soulful Cape Afro Jazz performance, infusing the event with cultural vibrancy.Thandy Mkhambi, Founder and CEO of Entj People Solutions, highlighted the true meaning of diversity and inclusion, expanding on the richness of diverse voices.
Artistic expression also took center stage, with Anthony Noble, founder of Anthony Noble Contemporary Art, showcasing his work, while Betty’s Nuklear, an alternative rock group, provided a high-energy musical performance.Dr. Ansua Steyn-Ahlstrom of the Dr Ansua Foundation gave an inspiring talk on accessible, cutting-edge healthcare, advocating for medical advancements available to all.Edmondo van der Berg, an educator at Pacaltsdorp Primary School, shared insights into using AI and technology in the classroom, presenting a vision of modernized, inclusive education.Finally, Brenda Vorster, George Airport Manager for ACSA, discussed leadership and the unique challenges women face, inspiring attendees to pursue their goals against the grain.The event concluded with a collective call to action for attendees to apply these insights in their lives and communities. TEDxGeorge 2024 left its mark, urging everyone to strive for positive change, understanding, and connection.
A talk by Malaka Grant, author and blogger, centered on the “language of belonging,” exploring how words and language shape identity and community.Elsie Harmse, CEO of UXi Artisan Development Group, discussed the future of work in Africa, envisioning an era where skilled artisans shape the continent’s economic landscape.Jazz guitarist Germaine Leonard delighted attendees with a soulful Cape Afro Jazz performance, infusing the event with cultural vibrancy.Thandy Mkhambi, Founder and CEO of Entj People Solutions, highlighted the true meaning of diversity and inclusion, expanding on the richness of diverse voices.
Artistic expression also took center stage, with Anthony Noble, founder of Anthony Noble Contemporary Art, showcasing his work, while Betty’s Nuklear, an alternative rock group, provided a high-energy musical performance.Dr. Ansua Steyn-Ahlstrom of the Dr Ansua Foundation gave an inspiring talk on accessible, cutting-edge healthcare, advocating for medical advancements available to all.Edmondo van der Berg, an educator at Pacaltsdorp Primary School, shared insights into using AI and technology in the classroom, presenting a vision of modernized, inclusive education.Finally, Brenda Vorster, George Airport Manager for ACSA, discussed leadership and the unique challenges women face, inspiring attendees to pursue their goals against the grain.The event concluded with a collective call to action for attendees to apply these insights in their lives and communities. TEDxGeorge 2024 left its mark, urging everyone to strive for positive change, understanding, and connection.BEACH SAFETY ALERT
Issued by NSRI and George Municipality, Saturday 5 October 2024 @ 09:25National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) and the George Municipality are appealing to bathers, boaters, paddlers, sailors, and shore line anglers to be cautious around the coastline this weekend.Beaches in the Garden Route are expected to be busy with public enjoying the the warm weather. Importantly, rip currents pose a potential hazard to bathers.Limited NSRI lifeguard services are in place today (5 October) at the following beaches in the George Municipality:– Herolds Bay
– Lientjies Klip (Wilderness)
– Victoria BayAlthough these beaches will not have designated swimming areas marked by flags, lifeguards will be present to provide support, conduct preventative actions, and guide the public to ensure water safety.We extend our thanks to the Herolds Bay Ratepayers Association and the NSRI Lifeguards for sponsoring and securing these vital services for today.NSRI rescue services will be on standby along with other local emergency services to respond to any emergencies.EMERGENCY NUMBERS:082 990 5955 | 087 094 9774 (NSRI)
044 8016311 | TOLLFREE 087 152 9999 (George Fire & Rescue)
INFRASTRUCTURE AND ROADS UPGRADE FOR GEORGE
Issued George Municipality, 12 September 2024
George residents will have noted an increase in road works all over town, heralding widespread upgrading of roads used by the GO GEORGE bus service. A list of George Integrated Public Transport Network (GIPTN) infrastructure requirements was assessed by the National Department of Transport which subsequently allocated additional Public Transport National Grant funding of R505 million for some of the projects needed to improve and expand GO GEORGE infrastructure. The infrastructure upgrade projects will include the installation of new bus stops and shelters, road rehabilitation, upgrading of stops, transfer locations and sidewalks, traffic management and road maintenance.Road rehabilitation
These projects will have most impact on road users. Details of road closures and proposed rerouting will continuously be shared with the public.Work in Pacaltsdorp will start mid-September, with planned construction timelines as follows:
Mission Street: mid-September 2024 – March 2026
Protea Street: mid-September 2024 – April 2025
Heather, Haydn and Rose Streets: mid-September 2024 – March 2026In Thembalethu the planned timelines are as follows:
Ngcakani and Ncamanza Streets: mid-September 2024 – October 2025
Tabata and 26th Streets: mid-September 2024 – March 2026In George Industria work has been ongoing for a few months already in PW Botha Boulevard with completion planned for March 2026.Rosemoor roadworks have already commenced with planned timelines as follows:
Beer and Woltemade Streets: end-August 2024 – April 2025
O’Connell Street: end-August 2024 – April 2025In Heather Park a small section of Airway Street will be under construction from end-August 2024 until December 2024.The Wellington Street intersection improvement in Bo-Dorp have been ongoing since July and should be completed by October 2024.Streets earmarked for rehabilitation were selected based on physical inspections to identify areas showing critical signs of deterioration. Rehabilitation will entail reparation of severe crocodile cracking, structural failures and low points on roads where stormwater concentrates without catch pits, rightsizing of intersections, road re-alignments and kerbside improvements to conform with universal accessibility requirements.
The George Municipality apologises for the inconvenience and appeals to road users to adapt their travelling patterns (departure times, planning of trips, etc), be patient and exercise caution for the duration of the projects.
Please look out for and adhere to temporary road signage and be aware of roadwork personnel, as well as heavy machinery in the proximity of construction sites.
Details of further road upgrade work will be published as may be necessary
Congestion on Nelson Mandela Boulevard at Thembalethu Bridge to ease soon
Western Cape, 12 September 2024 – The South African National Roads Agency SOC Limited (SANRAL) has announced that construction works, that have been in progress at the Thembalethu interchange on the N2 at Nelson Mandela Boulevard since May 2022, is nearly complete.“While construction work is virtually finished, temporary restrictions are still in place on Nelson Mandela Boulevard between the intersections with Tabata and Ngcakani Streets to the south and Vuyani Ncamazana and Main Streets to the north. This is while the installation of the bridge expansion joints is being finalised,” said Petronella Theron, SANRAL Project Manager.It is anticipated that the temporary restrictions will be removed by Friday 13 September, and double carriageway traffic, both in and out of Thembalethu, should then be possible.“Once the restrictions have been removed there may still be lane or shoulder restrictions until the end of October. These will be kept to off-peak hours as we are mindful of the impact on mobility,” said Theron.Furthermore, new streetlights have been installed along the length of Nelson Mandela Boulevard which should aid visibility on this stretch of road.SANRAL apologises for any inconvenience caused. This is however a short-term inconvenience in pursuit of long-term road safety and mobility improvements.Issued by FTI Consulting on behalf of the SANRAL. For editorial content or additional information contact Lwando Mahlasela on 082 440 5305 or pressoffice@nra.co.za
Issued on Behalf of George Municipal Communications Department, Office of the Municipal Manager
New Rates Estimate Calculator
Issued by George Municipality, 13 August 2024The George Municipal Financial Directorate confirms that the new rates estimate calculator on the city’s official website has been updated with the approved 2024/25 tariff model. This tool offers a convenient solution for property owners to estimate their rates with ease.To access the rates calculator, kindly follow the provided link to our website. We advise all users to carefully read the disclaimer before proceeding and to acknowledge their understanding by ticking the designated box.Link to Rates Calculator:
https://tinyurl.com/mtj7n8hkIssued by George Municipal Communication Department, Office of the Municipal Manager