The George municipality is taking an innovative approach to tackling common issues such as unemployment and load-shedding through “speed-dating” and the installation of uninterrupted power supply units.
This week, George Tourism introduced a speed-dating based job placements initiative to tackle the high youth unemployment rate in the area.
It has also brought online uninterrupted power supply (UPS) units that energise the traffic lights during electric outages at 40 major intersections in George.
The electro-technical services team successfully completed phase 1 of the UPS installation project which amounts to R2.5m.
The system makes use of batteries charged via electrical supply.
According to the municipality this system is eco-friendly and energy-saving.
It automatically kicks in and operates the traffic lights should the electrical supply be interrupted for any reason, with an average duration of four hours before the battery needs recharging.
Mayor Leon van Wyk said the new system was a game-changer as the UPS housing is IP65 rated, which means it is both water and dust proof.
“The measure is one of several sustainable energy solutions the municipality is introducing to reduce the effects associated with load-shedding, including traffic congestion and human resources such as traffic pointsmen,” he said.
Portfolio councillor for electrotechnical services Nosicelo Mbete said this was one of the sustainable solutions the municipality was using to reduce the effect of load-shedding in the town.
“More UPS units will be installed in the remaining traffic intersections in the next financial year,” Mbete said.
On the partnership between George Tourism and the department of employment and labour, George Tourism manager Joan Shaw said the aim was to raise the standard of hospitality service in the area, while creating an enabling environment for both employers and job seekers in the industry.
Shaw said the department had already identified 38 prospective, qualified job seekers to match the 30 vacancies identified by George Tourism, along with their industry partners.
These vacancies range from cleaners and room attendants to spa attendants and therapists, receptionists, housekeeping supervisors, reservationists and receptionists and several management positions.
There are also positions for catering staff, including chefs.
“We contacted all the guest houses to see who was looking for staff and especially now post Covid-19 industries are opening up again and expanding their staff.
“Seven businesses have already come on board for this session, and depending on the success of this one we will host another one in the future as well as do another one with other industries,” she said.
Businesses which are looking for hospitality staff and want to participate can register vacant posts with Melanie Martins, on mmartins@george.gov.za
And jobseekers with the relevant experience or qualifications for any of the posts can still register with the labour department to be selected, but only until Friday.
The event will be held on Thursday at the George Municipality’s Banquet Hall.
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