From safety to rising costs: George businesses share their service delivery concerns

GEORGE NEWS - Last week, in the build-up to the local government elections, George Herald asked residents whether they intended to vote and what changes they would like to see. This week, we turned to local business owners and traders with a more specific question:

Which service delivery improvement would make the biggest difference to your business?

Gérard and Deseree Danjean, Délices, George CBD:

The owners of this French deli and pâtisserie in the George central business district (CBD) commended the municipality for maintaining the area and encouraging a positive business environment.

They noted that, while CBDs elsewhere were increasingly dominated by smaller, lower-cost shops, George was attracting new businesses that invest in attractive storefronts. They also welcomed improvements to the streetscape, which contribute to a pleasant atmosphere.
The couple suggested developing a promenade along York Street, with dedicated space for pedestrians and cyclists, to create an attractive destination that would benefit local businesses.

They also highlighted the demand for outdoor seating, which they believe would create a welcoming environment for tourists and residents. However, restrictions on seating in public spaces currently limit this opportunity. They believe relaxing these restrictions could help establish York Street as a vibrant tourism and business hub. Although they take precautions and keep little cash on the premises, safety remains a concern. They said they had experienced one or two unsettling incidents.

Gérard and Deseree Danjean, Délices, George CBD.
Photo: Marguerite van Ginkel

Iris Khwethaneq, informal trader, Thembalethu taxi rank:

Khwethaneq, who sells vegetables and clothing at the Thembalethu taxi rank, said informal traders were struggling and had seen little improvement in their circumstances. With elections approaching, she hopes to see meaningful changes, particularly greater support for small businesses.

Iris Khwethaneq, informal trader, Thembalethu taxi rank.
Photo: Marguerite van Ginkel

Reinette and Zak Edgar, Goldfish Jewellery Design Studio:

The Edgars expressed concern about the number of homeless people and individuals struggling with mental health challenges and substance abuse in the area. They said some posed a risk to themselves and others, while crime and safety concerns were also negatively impacting local businesses.

They believe that restoring mental health support services and strengthening rehabilitation programmes for people struggling with drug and alcohol addiction would go a long way towards addressing crime and improving public safety in and around business centres.

They also raised concerns about rising fuel prices and associated taxes, saying these drive up operating costs significantly and need urgent attention.

Reinette and Zak Edgar, Goldfish Jewellery Design Studio.
Photo: Marguerite van Ginkel

Blanch van der Schyff, Cozikuts, York Centre:

Van der Schyff van dié kinderhaarsalon in die York Centre sê die omgewing word netjies en skoon gehou en dat die verkeer goed vloei.

Hulle ondervind egter probleme met straatkinders wat in die omgewing en by die verkeersligte naby die salon bedel. Dit plaas ouers wat hul kinders vir 'n haarsny bring in 'n ongemaklike posisie, aangesien hulle hul kinders leer om met minderbevoorregtes te deel, maar dan self hulp moet weier.

Volgens Van der Schyff het verskeie instansies hulle versoek om nie geld of kos aan straatkinders en ander hawelose mense te gee nie, aangesien daar skuilings beskikbaar is en sulke skenkings volgens dié instansies die probleem vererger.

Blanch van der Schyff, Cozikuts, York Centre.
Foto: Marguerite van Ginkel

Roxanne Blum, The Girls on the Square Restaurant, Wilderness:

"A major improvement in service delivery would be for the municipality to simplify and rationalise business compliance requirements, eliminating
unnecessary and often unreason-able regulations that burden businesses."

Roxanne Blum, The Girls on the Square Restaurant, Wilderness.
Photo: Supplied