THE TIME FOR LODGING OUR OBJECTIONS HAS COME TO AN END.

I will leave this petition open in the hopes that it spread information around what the DA and the municipality of George are trying to do to their ratepayers.

We cannot allow this kind of steamrolled authoritarian dictatorship to at their whim milk an already struggling populace further.

GEORGE (not everyone as laws are not enforced evenly or fairly here) pays a fixed electricity charge per month to allow the number of amps you are allowed. Whether there is power or not. I Personally pay over R200 just for the 'privilege' of being able to receive 30amps at a time. BEFORE units are purchased.

GEORGE (not everyone as laws are not enforced evenly or fairly here) will need to have approved building plans for things like Satellite dishes, Solar Systems, free standing braais, free standing generators, water tanks, shade cloth - basically anything, regardless of whether it is permanent or temporary - and no matter the material used. This will kill small businesses with the George Municiaplity's 18 month turn around time for plans.

*NOTE* - The bylaw above is written in a way that exempts the Municipality from needing approved plans for the same things. How dodgy is that.

GEORGE (not everyone as laws are not enforced evenly or fairly here) will soon be getting a rates increase (sewerage, etc) of more than double the inflation rate!

GEORGE (not everyone as laws are not enforced evenly or fairly here) is in a permanent state of water restrictions of the highest level - even though our dam is hovering around 90% capacity. The cost of water is skyhigh. There has also been a development approved on OUR ONLY SOURCE OF WATER that threatens our water security.

GEORGE has it in its bylaws that you cannot deny a municipal official entrance to your property. That is against the constitution and my rights as a property owner in South Africa. I have a right to privacy and security. No law can override the constitution. To enter a property in South Africa you require a] permission from the owner or b] a Magistrate or similar signed warrant. Anything else you are welcome to take me to court for.

The Income vs Expenditure of the average person in George is in the red. Salaries do not even cover rent - yet we are forced to keep forking out for this municipality and their lifestyles.

The budget is fully available for all to read - go look at their salaries. These do not affect them - because the rates increase = salary increase.

The DA led municipality is not in favour of the people of George.

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Are you all aware of the draft building by law that the Municipality is wanting to pass?

It has passed into DRAFT - meaning that they as a collective believe this is fair and right and just.

This draft was voted in unanimously - even though there have been admissions from councilors that some of them had not even read it before voting. That is absolutely disrespectful towards the taxpayers. No matter the reason - how can you vote something in without reading it.

Article #1: https://www.georgeherald.com/News/Article/Property/municipal-press-release-about-the-by-law-202304260853

Article #2: https://www.georgeherald.com/News/Article/Property/building-by-law-begs-many-questions-202304260850

Document: https://www.george.gov.za/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/GM-DRAFT_BUILDING-CONTROL-BYLAW-1.pdf

Online Objection: https://hiltonmoore.com/petition/ - Fill in the online objection form aswell - it will send your objection directly to the municipality.

If this passes - you will need APPROVED PLANS for Boreholes, Water Tanks, Solar Installations, swimming pool pumps, satellite dishes, any recreational equipment, firepits, tents... among many many other things - whether freestanding or attached - and no matter the construction material.

Imagine needing approved plans for a jumping castle for a birthday party.

The planning office in George is already known for being slow and ineffective.

This will add to their load, increasing turn around times, all while killing any small business that does these sorts of installations.

Have your say - don't let this happen.

We don't have much time.

Fill in the online objection form aswell - it will send your objection directly to the municipality.