Ultimate Drive en Ultimate Lifestyle gaan groot!

Johann van Tonder
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Ultimate Drive en Ultimate Lifestyle gaan groot!

Ultimate Drive is bykans 5 jaar reeds ‘n bekende titel op die Wes Kaap se rakke. Die Motor koerant, gesetel in George, is die enigste alleenstaande motor publikasie in die Suid Kaap en word versprei van Plett in die Ooste tot Langebaan in die Weste.

Na die suksesse van Ultimate Drive was die titel Ultimate Lifestyle ‘n natuurlike uitvloeisel en ook die publikasie was uitstekend ontvang deur die leserspubliek. Die konsep van ‘n gratis gefokuste gemeenskap-koerant, hetsy vir Leefstyl of Motors, vind groot byval by beide adverteerders sowel as lesers.

As jonger sussie van Drive het Ultimate Lifestyle minder verskyn, bloot omdat die beskikbare personeel net soveel kon behartig. Hierdie tekortkoming is nou aangespreek en Ultimate Lifestyle spog nou met ‘n onafhanklike redaksie span, toegewyd om Lifestyle gereeld en propvol interessanthede na die publiek te bring, soos altyd, GRATIS!

Kyk uit vir die Ultimate Lifestyle voertuie, die Ultimate Drive toetsvoertuie, asook die Ultimate Lifestyle waentjie wat sal seker maak dat selfs die kampeerplekke oor die vakansie die twee gewilde titels beskikbaar sal hê.

Die span by Drive wens die span by Lifestyle alle voorspoed en sterkte toe. Sien julle op die rak!

Municipal Manager – Additional response to investigation report by MEC Bredell

Herman Pienaar
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Municipal Manager – Additional response to investigation report by MEC Bredell
Office of the Municipal Manager: Mr Trevor BothaThe Municipality is astounded to have learnt from a media statement that the MEC for Local Government, Environmental Affairs and Development Planning, Mr Anton Bredell (“MEC”) has ordered an investigation “over alleged fraud and corruption”. According to the MEC’s statement “[t]his investigation will focus on – amongst other matters – the George Integrated Public Transport Network and Irregular appointments made at the Municipality.  No stone will be left unturned.” This investigation is being conducted in terms of section 106(1)(b) of the Municipal Systems Act, 2000 read with section 7(1)(a) of the Western Cape Act, 2014.The Municipality has reason to believe that the MEC’s invocation of the Western Cape Act constitutes a deliberate subversion of George’s constitutionally protected independence, appears to be politically driven and seems to support the view that the investigations into allegations against certain senior officials are selective. In this regard the facts are the following:-
  • On 25 July 2019, the MEC sent a letter to the Speaker of the Municipality regarding “ALLEGATIONS AT GEORGE MUNICIPALITY IN TERMS OF SECTION 5 OF THE [WESTERN CAPE ACT]”.
  • No-where is it mentioned that the MEC was assessing allegations regarding the George Integrated Public Transport Network.  That is because this issue has already been addressed by the Municipality in 2018 via its own internal investigation, and in cooperation with the MEC.  These allegations as well as others were found to be unsubstantiated. 
  • As far as irregular appointments made at George Municipality, the Municipality provided a full response to the MEC dispelling these concerns during the course of August 2019.
  • Earlier this year, GOOD leader Ms Patricia De Lille laid a complaint with the Public Protector over what she alleged was an investment and kickback scheme in the DA-led George Municipality, involving a councillor and his son.  The MEC was quoted to have said “Sadly, Ms De Lille has made unfounded statements that are devoid of fact”.
  • However, in July 2019, the Municipality found that Ms De Lille’s concerns were justified and that the Municipality’s former CFO, Mr Keith Jordaan, and others were indeed implicated in the kickback scheme that involved investment giant Old Mutual (“Old Mutual Investment Fraud Case”).
  • This precise concern was reported to the MEC and the SAPS:DPCI (the Hawks)  in July 2018, but no response from the MEC was forthcoming until January 2019, after which the complaint was ignored. 
  • Disciplinary action was instituted against Mr Keith Jordaan, in line with a Council Resolution, in relation to the Old Mutual Investment Fraud Case, and subsequently        Mr Jordaan was found guilty of serious financial misconduct on 8 July 2019, for which the sanction was summary dismissal.  
The Municipality is therefore concerned that the MEC’s conduct seemingly constitutes an extension of the MEC’s unlawful and politically motivated attempt to destabilise George, while the intention appears to protect implicated politicians – as alleged by Ms De Lille. Ever since the Municipal Manager, Mr Botha, reported the concerns about the R350 Million Old Mutual Investment Fraud matter to the MEC and to SAPS: DPCI (the Hawks) – a barrage of spurious and unsubstantiated allegations have since been levelled against the Municipal Manager and the Mayor of George.  In each case, the Municipality has found the allegations to be unsubstantiated. The Municipality is troubled by the fact that the Old Mutual Investment Fraud case does not form part of the focus of the MEC’s probe, when its Council has already found wrongdoing in this regard.

GEORGE adapting routes for Outeniqua Wheelchair Challenge

Herman Pienaar
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GEORGE adapting routes for Outeniqua Wheelchair Challenge
GO GEORGE will be making temporary changes to certain routes to make way for the athletes participating in the Outeniqua Wheelchair Challenge (OCC) on Saturday 14 September 2019.
Two road closuresA section of Knysna Road between the Garden Route Mall and CTM, in the direction towards town, will be closed from 20:00 on Friday evening until 13:00 on Saturday, resulting in minor deviations on Route 7 CBD-Mall and Route 24 CBD-Loerie Park-Mall.In York Street, the section between Stanmar Motors and PW Botha College will be closed from 05:00 until 11:00 on Saturday. This necessitates all buses from Pacaltsdorp coming into town via York Street being rerouted during that time, as well as Route 9 Industrial Loop that also uses York Street.Detailed information availablePamphlets containing details of the rerouting, alternative bus stops to be used and route maps are being distributed on the affected routes for the entire week prior to the event. Posters have also been put up at the bus stops that will be closed temporarily so that passengers will not be caught off-guard on the day.GO GEORGE Manager, James Robb calls upon the public and passengers to embrace the event and welcome wheelchair athletes from all over South Africa and several other countries to George.“Accommodating this major event requires a lot of planning and preparation on our side, but it is a privilege to make way for these skilled and enthusiastic athletes on wheels. They truly inspire us,” he says. “Therefore, we also request our passengers to endure the five hours of inconvenience once a year in a good spirit and to cheer on and encourage the athletes. Our staff have volunteered to support athletes, from manning a water point to pushing wheelchairs for the fun run, to cheering long-distance athletes on as they enter Pacaltsdorp.”Delays expected on all bus routesPassengers should take note that delays are expected on all bus routes, not only those that will be rerouted, due to single-lane traffic in certain areas, traffic being redirected, congestions at the crossings at York Street, as well as detours being longer in distance than the normal routes.Start earlyRobb encourages passengers to plan their trips ahead of time, and to depart earlier than usual to avoid coming late for work. “Some might also have to take a longer walk to work after getting off the bus, so please keep that in mind too,” he says.For more information, please visit the GO GEORGE Facebook page or phone the Call Centre on 0800 044 044 ahead of time for help with route planning.

The OCC organisers need your help

Herman Pienaar
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The OCC organisers need your help
Garden Route, George – (Sep 2019).  There are a number of ways you can get involved in the Outeniqua Cycle Challenge which takes place in George on Saturday 14 September.Over the years Georgians have shown just what a big heart the city has.  The community effort that rescued this year’s race from the brink is testimony to that.The race organisers invite the public to participate as well as businesses owners to use this as an opportunity to promote their companies.An event of this magnitude will necessarily require road closures, but by starting and ending the race outside of the city centre (Halfway Toyota), these will be kept to a minimum.Public ParticipationThe organisers need around 350 volunteers to push chairs and to generally assist athletes.  Volunteers are requested to report to the organisers in the Eden Meander Mall parking area by 10:00 on Saturday.The public is also encouraged to attend the opening ceremony at the Race Village which begins at 18:00 on Friday, the Medal Ceremony at 12:30 at the same venue; and of course, to encourage the athletes during the race.The public is requested to respect the race marshals and traffic officers.  The last thing the city can afford is an accident caused by uncooperative drivers and pedestrians.Company ParticipationLocal businesses are encouraged to erect stalls and advertising material at the Race Village.  The estimated 800 athletes will each receive a “goody bag.”  Should you wish to add something from your company, please deliver these to Halfway Toyota by close of business on Thursday.Road ClosuresThe Knysna Road section between the Garden Route Mall and CTM heading towards George will be completely closed from Friday 13 September from 20:00 until Saturday 14:00.  There will be an alternative route via Blue Mountain for the duration of the road closure.  Traffic towards Knysna will not be affected. The outside lanes on the rest of Knysna Road, Courtnay and York Streets will be open throughout the period.The York Street section between Plattner Boulevard and  PW Botha Boulevard  will be completely closed between 06:00 and 10:00 on Saturday 14 September.   Please use detours.The outside lanes on York Street from  PW Botha Boulevard to Beach Road in Pacaltsdorp will be open throughout the race.Turning PointsFor both the 21.1 km and 42.2 km races, the turning point will be 100m beyond the first traffic lights entering Pacaltsdorp.The turning point for the 10 km race will be in front of the Moederkerk and Paddagat for the 5 km race respectively.Event ProgrammeFriday 13 September11:00 to 18:00 – Registration & Race Numbers at Halfway Toyota.18:00 to 19:00 – Official Opening at the Race Village.Saturday 14 September06:30 – Line up for the start of the 21.1 km & 42.2 km races.07:00 – Start of 42.2 km.07.10 – Start of 21.1 km.07:30 – Line up for the start of the 10 km race.08:00 – Start of 10 km race.10:00 – Line up for the start of the 5 km fun ride.10:30 – Start of 5 km fun ride.12:00 – Lunch.12:30 – Medal Ceremony.14:00 – Departure. The Outeniqua Cycle ChallengeThe 17’Th OCC, a wheelchair race which attracts athletes from all over the world, will take place in George on Saturday 14 September 2019!A wheelchair race exclusively for disabled athletes!And – every year it is getting bigger and better! The number of entries has increased dramatically, with disabled athletes and other persons in wheelchairs flocking to this annual event.The Challenge is not only unique as being the first and only event exclusively for the disabled in South Africa, but it is staged in the picturesque town of George, in the heart of the spectacular Garden Route in the Western Cape, situated at the foot of the splendour of the Outeniqua Mountains.Athletes in racing wheelchairs, adapted bicycles, hand cycles, basketball chairs and ordinary wheelchairs have made this into the premier sporting event for the disabled on the South African sporting calendar. It undoubtedly has the potential to develop into one of the best events of its kind in the world!Apart from the George Municipality & George Business Chamber, Lancewood and the Department of Cultural Affairs & Sport is supporting the event.  Halfway Toyota is the venue host for the event.Contact Details:Event Organising Body: Disabled Road Race Foundation (DRFF) Race Organiser: Alewijn Dippenaar Mobile: 082 457 5675 Email: dyndev@mweb.co.za Website: www.georgeocc.co.za Facebook: www.facebook.com/OCC.Wheelchairchallenge Online Entries: http://georgeocc.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/OCC_DRRF_Entry-Form14September2019.pdf

Free self defense training for September

LoveGeorge Contributor
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Free self defense training for September
In a previous article Sors Grobbelaar said that he would open his gym for free for the month of September for people to get self-defence lessons and training. Here is the list of clubs willing to open their doors for you for the month of September. Feel free to contact a club closest to you and start fighting back.Contact Sors Grobbelaar 085 589 1763

George Fire Brigade handles high number of emergency callouts for past weekend

Herman Pienaar
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George Fire Brigade handles high number of emergency callouts for past weekend
The George Municipal Fire Brigade handled 24 emergency callouts this weekend  (Friday 6 September to Sunday 8 September) including  eleven (11) grassburns,  three (3) accidents, a drowning, five (5) informal structure and one (1) formal structure fires. Extremely high temperatures on Sunday contributed significantly to the number of grass fires and emergency staff were also kept busy at the beaches.An informal structure fire in Rosedale was called in at 11h55 on Sunday 8th   – the first fire truck left the station at 11h57 and arrived on the scene at 12h00 to find 9 informal structures alight. The fire was quickly brought under control to avoid spreading. In total 5 fire vehicles responded with a total of 9 fire officials in attendance from George Fire Brigade as well as 2 fire trucks and 5 fire officials from Garden Route District Municipality.Unfortunately public unrest on the scene hampered the fire -fighting efforts several times and fire trucks were purposefully damaged. The fire was completely extinguished by 15h00.Municipal Manager Trevor Botha commended the George Fire Services for their quick response to the Rosedale fire as well as the handling of a busy weekend of emergency callouts. “It is an unfortunate fact that it takes less than two minutes for a single informal structure to be completely engulfed by flames, from a simple fallen candle or knocked over paraffin lamp. Within minutes the neighboring structures will be in serious jeopardy and for this reason I am extremely grateful we experienced no loss of life on Sunday.The municipal social services and land invasion unit were on the scene as quickly as possible and the fire victims were moved to the Rosedale Community hall. They will be housed there until the Municipal Human Settlements Directorate has finished with temporary housing for them. “Eden Lions Club and residents from Ward 19 (George CBD and surrounds) have donated bags of clothing, mostly children’s clothing and a few adult clothing items. Cllr Edmund Bussack, Ward Councillor of Ward 14 (Rosedale and surrounds) gave coffee, tea, milk and sugar to the families and other essentials to also assist the people. Cllr Bussack thanked every sponsor and members of the public that has to date given clothes, food and other items to these families that are in dire need.

Kaalvoet Mzansi Foundation Donates Shoes for the Needy

Mervin Morake
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Kaalvoet Mzansi Foundation Donates Shoes for the Needy
The Foundation donated 40 pairs of school shoes to Hibernia Primary School on 30 August. In 2018, the Foundation has donated school shoes to the needy. This year’s project was largely sponsored by Barkley Oates; which donated 35 pairs of shoes. On the right of the picture is the principal of Hibernia, Wilbur Pedro, and on the left is Anele Ngoyo, who is from the Foundation. Anele Ngoyo makes clear the mission of the organization and that is to – “Helping the underprivileged.” The Foundation is on the look-out for new sponsors for January next year, and give thanks to all their sponsors who gave handouts for the shoe project. For more information, contact Anele Ngoyo at aengoyo@gmail.com.

Georgians Stand Against Abuse

Mervin Morake
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Georgians Stand Against Abuse
Just after the end of Women’s Month, of August 2019, the country was alarmed to the continued abuse of women and children. A story that made headlines was that of the University of Cape Town student, Uyinene Mrwetyana, who was raped and murdered by a post office employee. President Cyril Ramaphosa went to visit the family of the student concerned in the Eastern Cape. Georgians were also not quiet. As part of the Total Shutdown Initiative, a group of protesters outside the post office took on a silent vigil (see picture). During the Friday evening, residents of Thembalethu were walking the main street in Thembalethu, holding candles and singing songs that are directed to the fight against women and children abuse. The recent spate of shocking violent crimes against women and children has led to the people calling on the president to bring back capital punishment. #StopTheViolence.

Dead fish in rivers

Herman Pienaar
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Dead fish in rivers
Letter from André MoutonFor some weeks now dead fish has been spotted /picked up by Sanparks (ebb & flow’s ) rangers along our coast from Swartvlei up until WildernessSwartvlei, Touwriver mouths has been closed for months , maybe even more than a year…Greatbrak river mouth same story…Finally the authorities woke up yesterday and opened Hartenbos river mouth , the results is sickening , dead fish were everywhere , some cob even up to 8kg were laying around dead…Do we now want the same to happen everywhere along our coast, are there still conservationist around who care or is nature also being commercialised these days.Anglers along the south coast are being harassed for permits , which we by the way take out year in , year out…Poachers are operating on a regular basis especially at Touwriver , they are not harassed for their actions nor does law enforcement taking place to bring them to book.Anglers along the coast are crying out about our river mouths but it falls on deaf ears or people are in denial of what’s going on around them. What needs to happen first before the powers that be wakes up. Kind regards André Mouton 0732794873

THE OCC PAY TRIBUTE TO JUSTINE ASHER

Herman Pienaar
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THE OCC PAY TRIBUTE TO JUSTINE ASHER
In her Twitter bio, Justine Asher describes herself as a wife, mother, artist, dreamer, Paralympian para-cyclist and double world champion.Although this may not exactly be the life she once envisioned, she has become an inspiration to all women.Fresh out of High School and with a blossoming modelling career ahead, Justine dreamed of visiting exotic locations and walking the ramps of the fashion capitals like Paris, Milan and New York.However, while still only 18, she was injured in a car accident and left a quadriplegic.  Doctors told her she would never walk again, but that did not quite resonate with her.  By the end of her months of rehabilitation, she had regained the use of her arms and some use of her hands.She met her husband, Shaun, at the age of 26.  The two have now been happily married for 21 years, have two teenage daughters and run a successful real estate business in Cape Town.Having always been fitness-conscious with a love for running, swimming and just being outdoors, she decided to embark on a new challenge when she turned 40.“I started para-cycling in 2012 when I got my first-hand bike. In early 2013 I competed at OCC winning my first 42km race.  In a few years I rose from rookie Para cyclist to competing internationally around the globe on the world stage winning many world cups and eventually being titled the world champion in 2015 in the Switzerland.  In 2016 I was selected to represent South Africa at the Rio Paralympic Games.  In the years that followed Rio, after retiring from competing, I participated in the 2018 and 2019 Cape Town Cycle Tour, 109km in distance.  In 2018 I won the title for the 42km OCC finishing in the time of 1:29:56.”She competes in the H2 Category which includes athletes “with impairments corresponding to a severe lesion at C7/C8 or above.”  Athletes in this category compete on a hand cycle with a rigid frame in a recumbent position.Despite being the victim of a medical scam which promised a miracle stem-cell procedure to cure her paralysis and fracturing bones in both her feet in 2013, Justine was named the 2014 South African sportswoman of the year with a disability.Ernst Van Dyk, one of our most loved OCC participants, has been particularly impressed with her rapid rise to among the elites of the sport.“We don’t have many female hand cyclists in South Africa and Justine has come through very fast and has raised the interest of other females wanting to get into the sport,” Van Dyk said. “She is very dedicated in her training and she is going through a fast learning curve as we head for World Championships.”Justine loves the freedom of being out on her bike with no limitations and believes that, with hard work and dedication, women can reach the highest level in any sport.The Outeniqua Cycle ChallengeThe 17’Th OCC, a wheelchair race which attracts athletes from all over the world, will take place in George on Saturday 14 September 2019!A wheelchair race exclusively for disabled athletes!And – every year it is getting bigger and better! The number of entries has increased dramatically, with disabled athletes and other persons in wheelchairs flocking to this annual event.The Challenge is not only unique as being the first and only event exclusively for the disabled in South Africa, but it is staged in the picturesque town of George, in the heart of the spectacular Garden Route in the Western Cape, situated at the foot of the splendour of the Outeniqua Mountains.Athletes in racing wheelchairs, adapted bicycles, hand cycles, basketball chairs and ordinary wheelchairs have made this into the premier sporting event for the disabled on the South African sporting calendar. It undoubtedly has the potential to develop into one of the best events of its kind in the world!Apart from the George Municipality, Lancewood and the Department of Cultural Affairs & Sport is supporting the event.  Halfway Toyota is the venue host for the event.Contact Details:Event Organising Body: Disabled Road Race Foundation (DRFF) Race Organiser: Alewijn Dippenaar Mobile: 082 457 5675 Email: dyndev@mweb.co.za Website: www.georgeocc.co.za Facebook: www.facebook.com/OCC.Wheelchairchallenge Online Entries: http://georgeocc.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/OCC_DRRF_Entry-Form14September2019.pdfApart from the George Municipality, Lancewood and the Department of Cultural Affairs & Sport is supporting the event.Press release on behalf of the Road Race Foundation: interface by goji mimi finestone |  mimi@gojipr.net  |  +27 84 583 3144https://www.iol.co.za/news/south-africa/i-hoped-id-be-able-to-walk-says-scam-victim-288417https://www.backabuddy.co.za/champion/project/justine-asher-para-cyclist-campaignhttps://www.rnews.co.za/article/18609/george-airport-takes-outeniqua-wheelchair-challenge-to-new-heightshttps://www.paralympic.org/news/asher-hopes-inspire-othershttps://prowomenscycling.com/2016/09/14/2016-paralympic-handcyclists/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FShDCE6nnT0https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xg4fhvBMqIIhttps://www.georgeherald.com/News/Article/General/another-successful-occ-hosted-in-george-201802180245https://www.sport24.co.za/OtherSport/South-Africa/Modise-sports-star-of-the-year-20141201https://inspiringwomentoday.biz/a-new-adventure-justine-asher-south-africa/ https://gsport.co.za/role-model-woman/
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