In the face of the COVID-19 (Coronavirus) crisis and impending danger that looms over our communities, we as leaders in the broader church in George are sending out this call to action.Our God is not intimidated by the COVID-19 virus. He is still on the throne and will turn this dark time into good (Genesis 50:20, Romans 8:28). He has however, also given us a responsibility to partner with Him in fighting this very real public enemy. Therefore, we ask all our members to continue to:
Persist in prayer (Luke 18:1-8).
Heed the government regulations with regards to the lockdown, precautionary measures and social distancing, remembering that God placed this authority over us (Romans 13:1).
Make every effort within our local congregations to assist people in and outside the congregations, through the many wonderful vehicles (discipleship structures, NPO’s, programmes etc.) that have already been established in the local church.
We also see the need for a further concerted effort beyond the boundaries of our respective churches, especially into communities where people literally do not have enough food and hygiene products to see them through to 17 April.We therefore want to encourage the church in George to come alongside Love George (Love Garden Route NPC*), that will act as a centralised vehicle through which donations, both financially and in other forms, can be channelled to the different needs in our community. Love George will be working closely with government at local and district level, as well as with the churches and other organisations in George, to identify and address the pressing basic needs of our communities.An operational plan will soon be published, which will include how communities can seek assistance and how donations will be processed. Financial donations may be made to the following account:Love Garden Route NPC (2018/544129/08);
Account number: 10110225528;
Standard Bank;
Branch: George
Branch code: 051001
Reference COVID19.Please also heed further communications within each church’s internal structures and externally through the Georgiete Staan Saam Facebook Group and LoveGeorge Facebook page.We call on every church in George to become part of this initiative, so that we may join hands towards sustainable improvement of life in our communities at all levels. We are called to be salt and light in George!Churches and members of the public that want to get more involved with this effort, please contact Herman Pienaar on 082 829 6428 or at info@lovegeorge.co.za.Signatories:Pete Veysie (George Methodist Church), Jannie Horne (Eagles Nest Ministries), Paul van Coller (Hope Church), Andre Olivier (Cremhog), Floors Meyer (NG George Suid), Amo O’Kennedy (Shofar Church), Allen Spies (AGS Pacaltsdorp), Herman Pienaar (LoveGeorge/ENMI), Koos van der Merwe (Eden Gemeente), Gerhard de Jager (Eden Gemeente), Bonganjalo Mbenenge (Uniting Reformed Church) Paul Williams (Bikers Church), Philip and Maryna de Vries (Life Community Services), Boyce Saleni (Thembalethu Baptist), Richard Murphy (His Heart), Walter and Ena Richards (Work4aliving), Pieter Niemand (Keep the Dreaam), Amos Moyikwa (House of Grace), Jackson Moyikwa (Word of Faith temple), Basson Nel (Liberty Church), Keith Elliot (Victory Church), Vusi Selani (River Church), Charlie Williams (New Life in Christ Ministries), George Methodist Church, NG George Suid, NG Bergsig, NG Moedergemeente, NG Tuinedal, NG Blanco, NG Herold, NG Outeniqualand, NG Denneoord, Pacaltsdorp Fraternal, Martin de Klerk (Volle Evangelie Kerk), Derek Flannigan (Vineyard George), Kobus Smith (Ekklesia), Mike Burnard (In Context Ministries)
Worried about whether you will have a job to go back to, and the uncertainty of a next pay cheque being all you can think of when you close your eyes at night?For many Georgians, this possibility is going to be a reality – businesses are going to suffer, and jobs will be lost, this will have a significant knock-on effect on our economy as the rise in poverty will mostly likely see an unprecedented climb.For many of us, we will find ways to overcome this; new employment opportunities will arise, and lifestyle changes will be necessary. But for many, relying on a helping hand is all they will have while trying to make ends meet.It is during these trying times that those in need turn to charities, service organisations, churches and the public for help. Is helping those in need, not our responsibility if we are capable? Is it not the rent we pay for the space we occupy on the planet? For some people, this can easily be a R1 000 donation, for others it may just be R1 – it does not matter, it matters only that we all try to help! Fortunately, George has many organisations that are dedicated to making a difference – so all we ask is that YOU give us the tools, ie, the funding and the resources.The George Municipality has appointed the Eden Lions Club to manage and consolidate all donations towards the COVID-19 pandemic, this entails providing assistance to registered individuals and families who have registered with the Municipality.Together with Love George, a well-established NPC that aims to see George residents coming together and supporting each other at a time of crisis, aid will be given to those in need. Both of these organisations are also part of a wider network, The George Action Team, that encompasses a large range of organisation and service providers, including the Garden Route Municipality.As Love George NPC – we are calling on YOUR support of the drive to drop off food and essential needs at the City Hall as from tomorrow (5/4/2020) between 8am and 6pm (open 7 days a week). You will not need to leave your car – the drive-through has been set up to ensure your safety.Financial donations can be done via the: Eden Lions Club | FNB | 6223 504 5045. Enquiries or letters to confirm donations, can be acquired by emailing: carl@edenlions.org.zaLove George NPC thanks you in advance for your support during these strange times and wishes you and your loved one’s strength and good health.
MESSAGE BY PRESIDENT CYRIL RAMAPHOSA ON COVID-19 PANDEMICMONDAY, 30 MARCH 2020My Fellow South Africans,Good evening,It is now four days since our country went into a nation-wide lockdown for the first time in the history of our democracy.This is an extreme measure we had to embark upon in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.As government, we are aware that the lockdown has caused great disruption to all our lives and caused upheaval in our economy.But we all know and agree that this nation-wide lockdown is absolutely necessary to save the lives of thousands, even tens of thousands, of our people.Many countries on our continent and in our own region SADC have embarked on similar measures.The disease is spreading rapidly in many countries around the world with some 740,000 people infected worldwide.Over 35,000 people have lost their lives.The health systems of many countries, including hospitals and clinics, are under tremendous stress as they deal with the pandemic.Our own researchers and scientists have told us that our decision to lock down the country was a correct one.They were concerned that without quick action we were only a few weeks away from a similar situation to other countries which have been adversely affected.That is why we took the radical step of locking down the country for 21 days.South Africans have, for the most part, responded responsibly to this decision, by staying at home, observing the regulations and exercising the greatest of care.I would like to thank the people of South Africa for acting in a disciplined manner through this very difficult period.We are, however, concerned about those who have not yet appreciated the seriousness of this disease.As a nation, we were deeply saddened to learn that, in the last few days, three South Africans have died from the disease.We convey our sympathies and condolences to their families and friends and to their communities.The number of infections continues to grow and there are now 1,326 confirmed coronavirus cases in South Africa.I am therefore once again calling on each and every South African to stay at home for the next 17 days.Leave your home only if you need to get food and essential provisions, collect a social grant, buy medicine or get urgent medical care.The only people who can go to work are health workers, security and emergency personnel, those who work to keep our people supplied with food, medicine and basic goods and other providers of essential services as defined in the regulations.If you do have to go out, make sure you do everything you can not to get infected and not to infect anyone else.Some people may think this disease is something that doesn’t concern them and will never affect them.That it is something they only read about in newspapers or see reports about on TV.But it is very real, and it poses a great danger to every one of us and to our society.It infects the rich and the poor, the young and the old, black and white, those who live in the cities and those in the villages.Let us not make the mistake of thinking this is somebody else’s problem.Every time you violate the regulations the government has issued or try to get around the rules, you are putting yourself and others at risk, and helping the virus to spread.The next 17 days will be difficult for everyone.Parents are worried about the safety of their children.Small business owners and informal traders are losing much or all of their income.Workers are worried about their jobs.The elderly and the frail need people to care for them.Some of those who live on the streets are without shelter or food.Students are missing their lessons in class and are worried about the future.All of us are experiencing great hardship and great anxiety at this time.We have experienced a number of challenges that have imposed enormous burdens on our people.That is why we are taking various actions to support businesses in distress, assist workers whose jobs are threatened and provide funding to small businesses.We are providing shelter to people who are homeless.We are continuing to deliver water to areas that do not have water so that our people can maintain high levels of hygiene.We are particularly concerned about the impact of the lockdown on the self-employed and on informal businesses.We are urgently developing additional measures to provide relief to them during this difficult time.We know that there are many South Africans who are currently abroad and want to come home.We are paying attention to this and will be giving assistance where possible within our constrained resources.My fellow South Africans,We are now entering a new phase in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic.In the coming days, government will be rolling out a screening, testing, tracing and medical management programme on a huge scale.Around 10,000 field workers will be visiting homes in villages, towns and cities to screen residents for COVID-19 symptoms.People with symptoms will be referred to local clinics or mobile clinics for testing.People who are infected with coronavirus, but who have no or moderate symptoms will remain in isolation at home or at a facility provided by government and those with severe symptoms will be transferred to hospitals.Using mobile technology, an extensive tracing system will be rapidly deployed to trace those who have been in contact with confirmed coronavirus cases and to monitor the geographical location of new cases in real time.This drive is far-reaching, it is intensive and it is unprecedented in scale.This grave health emergency is happening at a time when our economy is under great strain.As the country went into lockdown, we received the news that the rating agency Moody’s had downgraded South Africa to a sub-investment grade.This will significantly increase the cost of borrowing to fund government spending and will have a negative impact on the economy.This development will not diminish in any way our response to the coronavirus pandemic.We are pushing ahead to implement the necessary health interventions and economic and social measures to contain the spread of the disease and alleviate its effects on our people.Within the constraints of the current crisis, we remain committed to implementing structural economic reforms to address weak economic growth, constrained public finances and struggling state-owned enterprises.We are working together with our social partners to identify further measures we can take to limit the damage on our economy, and to ensure that as we emerge from this pandemic we set our economy on a clear path of growth.Even as our country faces deep and pressing challenges on several fronts, there is no doubt in my mind that we will prevail.That is because South Africans have come together like never before to wage this struggle against this virus.Many businesses and individuals are making financial and other contributions to this cause.In addition to the financial pledges announced last week we welcome the commitment by the Motsepe Foundation of R1 billion and by Naspers of R1.5 billion to the coronavirus response.We are also extremely grateful to Mr Jack Ma, the founder of the China-based company Alibaba, who has donated vital medical supplies to South Africa and other countries across Africa.We would like to thank our nurses, doctors and other health workers, social workers and frontline government staff, volunteers and NGOs who are leading the fight against the disease.We thank the 18,000 security personnel, drawn from the police, defence force, metro police and other entities, that are responsible for ensuring our safety.We have made it clear that the task of our security personnel is to support, reassure and comfort our people, and to ensure peace and order is maintained.They know that they must act within the law at all times and that they must not cause harm to any of our people.And then there is each of you, the 58 million South African citizens and residents who are standing together as one in confronting this national health emergency.Among us are the men and women who rise at dawn every day, and labour through the night to keep this country going.I speak of the farmworker who is helping to keep us supplied with food.I speak of the technician in the power station working shift after shift to keep the lights on.I speak of the caregiver in the old-age home, the childcare home and the hospice, who comes in every day to tend to the most vulnerable of our citizens.To the taxi driver, the refuse collector, the supermarket cashier, the hospital cleaner, the petrol attendant and all those essential services workers, you are our unsung heroes, and we salute you.In the midst of this uncertainty, there is a story that brings us hope and encouragement.Yesterday, I went to meet the 114 South Africans who were evacuated from Wuhan in China and are going back to their homes after two weeks in quarantine in Polokwane.They are a group of wonderful South Africans who are diverse in age, race, gender and place of origin.For months, they have been in lockdown, first in Wuhan for some 51 days and then in Polokwane for 14 days.Now they have to spend a further 17 days of lockdown at home.We should all be happy that they have tested negative for the virus and are in good health.They are in high spirits and are deeply thankful for what the country has done for them by bringing them home safe.Some are students, some are teachers, some were working in China.We thank the SAA crew, the medical team, the police and soldiers and the wonderful staff and management of the Ranch Hotel for having made this operation a great success.The experience of these South Africans who returned from Wuhan gives us courage as we face the challenges ahead.This is unchartered territory for us all.We have never experienced a situation like this before and a number of mistakes will be made, but we ask for our people’s understanding that all this is being done for the good of everyone.We will continue to correct the mistakes where ever they are madeBut I am convinced that we will succeed, because we will take this coronavirus threat seriously, we will adapt as a society, and we will all act responsibly.If we work together, if we keep to the path we know we have to take, we will beat this disease.I have no doubt that we shall overcome.I wish you a good night.May God bless South Africa and protect her people.ISSUED BY THE PRESIDENCY OF THE REPUBLIC OF SOUTH AFRICA
The COVID-19 pandemic is a global health crisis and a major risk for the world economy that is inevitably having an impact on the economy in the Western Cape. However, we remain committed to doing whatever we can to mitigate the impact of COVID-19 on the Western Cape economy and there is an enormous amount of work being done across government to ensure this.Our economic responseThe Premier, Alan Winde, has convened a Joint Operations Centre (JOC). The JOC has a number of workstreams, one of which is focused on mitigating the impact of COVID-19 on the provincial economy.The economic workstream has met every day since it was established and is focused on supporting key sectors in the Western Cape, namely Conference & Events, Tourism and Travel, Agriculture, Exports, Manufacturing and the Services Sector, which includes Retail and Business Process Outsourcing.Our strategy to support businesses in the Western Cape has three aspects:
Containment – gathering information from industries to understand their business needs and respond to their needs
Adaptation – collating and sharing best practice to help businesses adapt and become resilient, and
Recovery – identifying actions that need to be taken to drive economic recovery once the pandemic has been contained, e.g. tourism and investment campaigns
Consulting businessThis week, the economic workstream are consulting with business and industry stakeholders to understand and address the challenges companies are facing in implementing the measures announced by President Ramaphosa to deal with COVID-19. This includes understanding the specific impact in each industry, the adaptation strategies that are required from business and how best government can support them.On Tuesday we met with stakeholders in the Tourism and Retail sectors, and on Friday we will be meeting with stakeholders in Agriculture. Further consultations with other sectors are being scheduled.Supporting businessFurthermore, together with Wesgro, the City of Cape Town and industry partners, we have activated the official “COVID-19 Content Centre for Business”, a virtual centre consisting of sector specialists and communications experts, set up to develop reliable content to assist industry and manage daily queries and business concerns.Businesses requiring support are encouraged to send their questions to supportbusiness@wesgro.co.za.Tourism and travelA host of measures are being actioned to support the tourism and travel sector to adapt, which includes assisting industry stakeholders and visitors to the Western Cape with issues such as cancellations and postponement, insurance and other staff and labour-related concerns.The Department of Health have created flyers advising travellers returning to South Africa about the measures put in place to stop the spread of COVID-19. Twenty thousand of these flyers have been dispatched to Cape Town International Airport to ensure this message is received.Following our meeting with the tourism sector, these flyers have been shared with to the tourism industry to distribute to visitors in the Western Cape.Shopping malls and retailIn our meeting with shopping malls and retail, representatives from this sector indicated their commitment to supporting our efforts to stop the spread of COVID-19. We commend those that have already put in place significant measures in their operations, for example Pick ‘n Pay who have provided special opening hours for pensioners to shop between 07:00 – 08:00 on Wednesdays.Importantly, the retail sector has indicated that at this time they have enough stock of critical materials to get us through this crisis, such as hand sanitiser and toilet paper, and that there is no need for panic buying.Appeal to businessWe acknowledge the major challenges businesses are experiencing right now. Many are taking innovative steps to allow for social distancing, like ensuring their employees don’t have to use public transport and digitising more of their operations, but there is always more that can be done.We appeal to all employers to do what they can to let employees work from home. Every business should develop a social distancing approach that means staff should not be forced to be in close proximity to each other.A best practice guide is being developed to assist businesses to stop the spread, and together with other FAQs on COVID-19, will be published at www.westerncape.gov.za/coronavirusOur primary concern remains the health and safety of all those in the Western Cape. However, we remain committed to supporting businesses through these difficult times. By working together, we will do everything we can to stop the spread of COVID-19 and ensure the recovery of our economy in the Western Cape.Media Enquiries: Francine HighamSpokesperson for the Provincial Minister of Finance and Economic Opportunities(Responsible for the Provincial Treasury and the Department of Economic Development and Tourism)Tel: 021 483 4327Cell: 071 087 5150Email: francine.higham@westerncape.gov.za
As we look back through the day, we see wholesome and somewhat humorous postings on Facebook, of families finding creative and exciting ways to keep occupied. We will watch in anticipation to see how the next 20 days results in new ways to beat the boredom – perhaps resulting in a little more weight gain by many, as the snack cupboard gets regularly replenished.The Strauss family enjoying breakfast together on Day 1. (As posted on Facebook Group: 21 Days of Isolated Entertainment)Unfortunately, due to social circumstance, poverty, lack of education or whatever reason we associate with it – not everyone in our city is being quite so obedient to the lockdown requirements. Reports in both local and even national news are focusing on individuals and communities in George that seem to be oblivious to the dangers by continuing with their normal daily lives. Groups congregating on the streets as well public transport moving people to and from homes and the city center.As a member of Lions Clubs International and identified as a group that offers critical aid in disaster circumstances, I have the privilege of being aware of the processes and front-line support structures that are in place for now, and for the future.Our city is in capable hands! At a recent meeting we were briefed on what will happen if the situation spirals out of control – a worst-case scenario that we MUST prepare for. We do not want to be caught with our proverbial “pants down” and not have the infrastructure to cope with what could likely be hundreds or even thousands that need hospitalisation and quarantine in George. Although our own hospital can accommodate many, the need could arise for more beds – and for this reason, field hospitals are being planned and prepared.The reason for this lockdown is not simply one that sounded like a good idea by our government, it comes from much research and learning from other countries who are ahead of us in their fight against COVID-19, and if these professionals ALL recommend and support the lockdown, then surely we have to do out bit on the ground, by staying home and abiding by the law.Many have shared the viral hashtag, #Flattenthecurve – this does not mean we’re going to likely see the end of this pandemic soon, we are simply trying to control the infection rate, to give our hospitals and medical personnel the time needed to treat patients. A mass breakout of the coronavirus puts incredible strain on the professionals, whereas a slower, controlled rate gives even the patients a fighting chance with more focused attention.
The likelihood is that we will only see the peak of the infection in George in the next 2 to 3 months’ time – lets work together during this lockdown, before we see more strict measures put in place by government; we certainly don’t want to see martial law being implemented.Well done to our George officials who are handling the preventative and control measures – this is unprecedented times and your work is one that can only be commended.Carl van Blerk
Strict adherence to lockdown required: Non-Essential Services via ‘home visits’ are prohibited.
Authorities monitoring online media have noticed a multitude of individuals planning to offer non-essential services during the lockdown. Please be reminded that only government approved essential services may be rendered from 27 March to 16 April 2020. Offenders will face serious consequences, which might include:
– arrest;
– detention; and/or
– fines (up to R5 000.00).
Members of the public who allow a business to come to their homes to render a service are equally guilty as those rendering services. and will face equal repercussions.
A ZERO TOLERANCE approach is needed to curb the spread of Covid-19. This is why following the strict measures, as set out by government, need to be adhered to in order to protect everyone while flattening the curve of infections.
George Municipality Municipal Manager Trevor Botha hereby confirms essential services delivery implications for the George Municipal area during the Covid-19 lockdown (midnight 26 March 2020 – midnight 16 April 2020).GENERALAll George Municipality administrative offices are closed, but essential services continue as stipulated below.All after-hours George Municipality emergencies: 044 801 6300Garden Route Disaster Management emergencies: 044 805 5071 (all hours)PROTECTION SERVICESFire 24-hour emergency services operate as usual.Fire emergencies only: 044 801 6311All after-hours emergencies: 044 801 6300The Traffic Department Office, Driving Licence Department, Motor Vehicle Registration and Vehicle Testing Stations will be closed. Driving Licence and Learner Driving Tests for this period will be postponed and applicants will receive SMS after lockdown to confirm new dates. The municipality awaits confirmation from the Western Cape Department Traffic Department regarding extensions of expiry dates on licences and related matters.Traffic and Law Enforcement Officers will assist with visible policing and support emergency units as required.CIVIL ENGINEERING SERVICESDelivery of essential water and waste water services continue as usual.Emergency street repair and stormwater problems caused by intense rainfall will be addressed by standby personnel.Please 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)Contact information for water and sewerage emergencies in Uniondale/Haarlem will be communicated to residents directly.Estimated response times are 24-48 hours from recorded time of complaint at the above numbers.Civil Engineering Services administration offices will be closed during lockdown.ELECTROTECHNICAL SERVICESGeorge Municipality will make every effort to provide uninterrupted electricity to communities that are legally connected to the network during the lockdown period.Planned maintenance will be on hold and therefore no planned power outages have been scheduled for this period.Please report power outages, broken street lights and faulty traffic lights to:044 801 9222 (7.45am-4.30pm)044 801 9202044 801 6300 (after hours)Contact information for electricity emergencies in Uniondale/Haarlem will be communicated to residents directly.Estimated response times for low voltage electricity should be within 24 hours from recorded time of complaint at the above numbers, high voltage electricity faults could take longer.Estimated repair time for street lights are 5-10 working days from recorded time of complaint at the above numbers.Electrotechnical Services administration offices will be closed during lockdown.COMMUNITY SERVICESBlack bag refuse removal remains as per the usual schedule (please see below).Blue and green bags will not be collected due to the private service provider being in lockdown.If possible, please continue to recycle and keep blue bags for collection after lockdown ends, otherwise place in black bags. Please continue to put garden waste into green bags and store at home until end of lockdown.Refuse removal on public holidays in the lockdown period will be as follows:10 April Good Friday – refuse will be collected on Thursday 9 April13 April Family Day – refuse will be collected on Tuesday 14 AprilCollections start at 7am and may extend into the night to accommodate the double schedule.Refuse Removal DaysMonday: Blanco, Riverlea, Heatherpark, Heatherlands, Glen Barrie, Kraaibosch, Groenkloof, Blue Mountain Village, Herold’s Bay, Victoria BayTuesday: Levallia, Rosemoor, Conville, Protea Park, Parkdene, Ballotsview, Borchards, Lawaaikamp, Thembalethu, Wilderness, Touwsranten, Constantia KloofWednesday: Camphersdrift, Fernridge, Denneoord, Bo-Dorp, Blommekloof, Tweerivieren, Hoogekraal, HoekwilThursday: Dormehlsdrift, George South, Le Grand, Bos en Dal, Groeneweidepark, Sinksabrug, Herold, Geelhoutboom, Eselsjacht, Hansmoeskraal, Jonkershoek, Rooirivierrif, Pacaltsdorp, Rosedale, WaboomskraalFriday: Glenwood, Loerie Park, Eden, Genevafontein, Denver Park, Bergsig, Eastern ExtensionApplicable business: Monday, Wednesday and FridayReport uncollected black bags to 044 801 6300.Waste dumping at the landfill site will be strictly controlled and only two vehicles allowed on site at any time. Only businesses on the essential services list will be allowed and limited to two loads a day.Only municipal vehicles, the blue bags service provider and businesses on the essential services list will be allowed into the transfer station and only two vehicles allowed on site at a time and limited to two loads a day.Street cleaning crews will operate in and around the CBD and entrance roads to the city at selected hours, seven days a week.Public toilets are closed until further notice as per the national directive.Illegal dumping will be attended to as per the usual schedule. The municipality appeals to communities to remain safe and not dump illegal waste, which can be hazardous to their health.Cemeteries are open for funerals only and as per pre-arrangement with the municipality (funeral directors to contact via WhatsApp group), will be restricted to 50 mourners, limited to 30 minutes and mourners required to observe recommended hygiene practices as per Covid-19 guidelines and protocols. No busses allowed. No night vigils allowed anywhere at any time.Sport facilities are closed, and security remains in place to protect facilities. The municipality has made a facility temporarily available for social welfare purposes.Social DevelopmentThe municipality continues to support 130 municipal soup kitchens. Strict social distancing and hygienic practices apply.The municipality is working with the Western Cape Department of Social Development to address matters arising with people living on the streets.Social Development administration offices will be closed during lockdown. Emergency essential social services enquires to Sophie Fanelo 072 693 3488.Libraries remain closed until further notice.Community Services administration offices will be closed during lockdown.CORPORATE SERVICESCorporate Services administration offices will be closed during lockdown.Area offices will be closed but urgent essential services in areas during office hours as below and 044 801 6300 after hours.Blanco: 065 907 6647Conville: 078 610 9482Pacaltsdorp: 073 834 2256Protea Park: 084 097 2471Rosedale: 073 071 0849Rosemoor: 083 661 3655Touwsranten/Wilderness/Kleinkrantz: 078 372 5843 Thembalethu: 082 704 3491HUMAN SETTLEMENTSFor basic services (water and sanitation) emergencies in informal settlements, please phone 044 801 9183 and/or 044 802 2026.For water leakages (indigent cases), please phone044 801 9453.For assistance with emergency structures following disaster (fire, flooding etc), please phone 044 802 2029.Human Settlements administration offices will be closed during lockdown.PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENTNo essential services applicable. George Tourism, Local Economic Development, Building Office, Town Planning and all other administration offices closed during lockdown.FINANCEDue to the closure of printing companies during lockdown, printed consumer accounts that would have been posted during the first week of the month will only be posted after lockdown (17 April 2020) – please pay the same amount as per your February 2020 service account. Online accounts via email are not affected and George Municipality Mobile App subscribers can access new statement amounts by 27 March 2020.No interest will be levied for April 2020. Accounts can be paid via electronic transfer (EFT), and other methods as listed below. No meter readings will take place for the month of April and estimations will be used to calculate related rates. Meter readings can be emailed to george@ikaparetic.co.za or george2@ikaparetic.co.zaBank Details for electronic paymentABSA BankAccount Name: George MunicipalityAccount Number: 010 2222 0981Branch Code: 632005Reference: your GRG account numberProof of payment to be sent to payments@george.gov.zaPrepaid Electricity purchaseswww.prepaid24.co.zawww.itronenergy.co.zawww.ipay.co.zaThe electricity token is automatically sent to the client via sms or email.Mobile Apps belonging to banks also have pre-paid electricity purchase function.Email queries to creditcontrol@george.gov.za. Please include the relevant prepaid meter number in correspondenceGeneral enquiries to accounts@george.gov.za084 830 5882 or 084 769 5635
from: The Presidents websiteOn the eve of the 21-day national lockdown to halt the spread of the coronavirus pandemic, President Cyril Ramaphosa has invited all South Africans to take part in a National Day of Prayer wherever they are.The President has, following discussions with religious leaders, called on citizens to observe two minutes of prayer, reflection or silent meditation on Thursday 26 March 2020 between 18:00 and 18:30 hours. The President says this is the moment when South Africans need to act together as one patriotic nation in solidarity with all those affected or impacted by COVID-19, not just in South Africa but around the world.“These are challenging times. We are traversing a path we have never travelled before. There are many amongst us who are fearful, uncertain and vulnerable. I call on our people to offer a prayer and a thought for the protection and healing of our land and its people from this disease,” President Ramaphosa said.“Over the past two weeks, South Africans from all walks of life have demonstrated their resilience by complying with the restrictions that have been placed on their lives. Because we are in a state of national lockdown our prayers must be offered from our hearts and in our homes,” President Ramaphosa said.The national day of prayer comes in response to a proposal made by interfaith leaders who met with the President last week to express their support for the national effort to contain the spread of the coronavirus. National prayer days have been held in a number of countries this week, including parts of the US, UK, the Philippines, Kenya, Mexico and Italy.“The international occurrence of the coronavirus pandemic has affirmed yet again that the challenge we face is a global one and one we cannot overcome alone,” President Ramaphosa said. “I call on all our people, whether they are religious or not, wherever they are, on Thursday the 26th of March to observe a moment of silence in a show of social solidarity,” said President Ramaphosa.The President said the nation’s thoughts should particularly be with those in hospital, quarantine or self-isolation. “In observing this National Day of Prayer we also want to send a message of hope to our brave and patriotic health care workers who are on the frontline and helping to save lives, with our emergency personnel, police, traffic officers and military, and with all those who are working tirelessly to keep us safe, healthy and alive. The media has been exemplary in keeping our people well-informed about the work of government in dealing with this pandemic,” President Ramaphosa added. President Ramaphosa said the hardships imposed by a national lockdown were considerable.“The coming weeks will sorely test our resolve and patience. For millions of South Africans for whom faith is a source of hope and courage, this difficult time must strengthen and unite us as never before.”The President called on citizens to demonstrate their solidarity with fellow South Africans by displaying our inspiring national flag on social media (#PrayForSouthAfrica), outside their homes and other prominent places as an act of compassion and unity during the national lockdown. Enquiries: Khusela Diko: Spokesperson to the President on 072 854 5707Issued by: The Presidency of the Republic of South AfricaPretoria
