GEORGE NEWS - George Municipality's Community Development Section continues to make a positive impact across the George municipal area through a range of programmes that respond to the social needs of our communities.
The section is made up of four subsections, each focusing on key areas such as Youth Development, Gender and Disability, LGBTQI++ support, HIV and Aids Awareness, Community Projects, Rural Development and Household Food Gardens.
Youth development
Youth development remains a priority for the municipality, and several programmes have been rolled out to empower young people and help them realise their full potential. Initiatives include awareness campaigns, job readiness sessions, career expos, online application assistance, food garden projects and general support for jobseekers.
The Junior City Council (JCC) continues to play an important role in youth leadership, with seven schools participating in this year’s programme. The annual Badge Confirmation Ceremony celebrated the achievements of these young leaders and encouraged active community involvement.
The JumpStart training, hosted in partnership with Mr Price, took place in Lawaaikamp and provided three days of practical retail training to 42 young participants. Many of them have since been placed in jobs at stores such as Mr Price, Power Fashion, Identity and SPAR.
In collaboration with the National Youth Development Agency (NYDA) and Seda, a four-day roadshow was held to inform young entrepreneurs about available support opportunities. The initiative will also reach Uniondale and Haarlem in the coming months. A WhatsApp group, now with over 1 500 members, was created to share work opportunities and updates with local youth.
Career guidance officers continue to assist learners with tertiary applications and hosted a successful career expo at Haarlem Secondary School. Six reading assistants were appointed and trained through the ATKV Sommernetons programme, while entrepreneurial training in partnership with the Thembalethu and Pacaltsdorp business chambers is ongoing.
The Youth Office also supported five young women who graduated from a local beauty school by providing them with starter kits to begin their own businesses. Additional programmes in Uniondale included youth holiday events, Child Protection Week activities, spelling bees, and the inspiring “Adopt a Girl Child” campaign aimed at empowering young women.
Gender and disability
The municipality remains committed to creating an inclusive society by mainstreaming gender equality and promoting the participation of persons with disabilities in all development programmes.
Efforts during the year included awareness events, disability audits, and skills development initiatives designed to empower residents and promote equal opportunities for all.
HIV and Aids
Ongoing awareness and education programmes continue to reach communities across George, with special outreach initiatives to encourage individuals to continue HIV and TB treatment.
The municipality worked closely with Harry Comay Hospital to support patients and home-based carers through wellness and team-building events.
Thirty-three home-based carers were treated to a special Women’s Month wellness session, while a 35-member hospital support group was recognised for its resilience and dedication.
The Community Development Office also provided needlework machines to support groups to help them create and sell hand-made products.
Community projects
Several projects were implemented to support vulnerable residents, including Project Hope, which assists people living on the streets, as well as soup drives and substance abuse support sessions. A recycling project is also under way in partnership with LGE-WASTE.
The municipality continues to maintain 27 early childhood development (ECD) centres, ensuring safe and stimulating learning environments for children. In times of crisis, the Community Development team provides disaster relief support in the form of blankets, mattresses, food hampers and toiletries.
Food security remains a core focus. A total of 120 active soup kitchens currently operate across George, Uniondale and Haarlem, serving over 105 000 meals to children per month and more than 2 300 meals to adults each month. Three schools are also receiving municipal support for aftercare and skills development programmes.
The municipality assists with investigations for pauper burials, ensuring that every resident is treated with dignity and care.
LGBTQI++ Helpdesk
The LGBTQI++ Helpdesk continues to strengthen partnerships with local stakeholders through policy review sessions, training and advocacy. Healthcare professionals received refresher training on gender-affirming healthcare in April and July, while broader community engagement around gender-based violence (GBV) and equality continues.
September marked both International Schools HIV/Aids Awareness Month and Pride Month, celebrated through awareness events and educational outreaches.
During Women’s Month, the Helpdesk also hosted sessions focused on GBV and LGBTQI+ inclusion in collaboration with Nelson Mandela University, schools in Riversdale and the South African Police Service (SAPS).
Household and community food gardens
The municipality continues to promote sustainable living through its household and community food garden projects. Four Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) workers have been appointed to train and support new gardeners, working closely with the Department of Agriculture to improve food security across the region.
Uniondale and Haarlem
All programmes and initiatives implemented in George are also being rolled out in Uniondale and Haarlem.
This ensures that communities across the greater municipal area benefit equally from youth development projects, community upliftment initiatives, HIV and Aids programmes, gender and disability support, and special projects.
‘We bring you the latest Garden Route, Hessequa, Karoo news’
