These women visiting the Thembalethu Clinic were excited to learn more about the upcoming bus service to Thembalethu. From left, Phumzile Bonga, Siphokazi Goliath, communication champion Akhona Gxumisa, and Inna Adam. The name of the woman on the right is not known.
GO GEORGE has announced that the bus service to Thembalethu will be activated in three stages with the first wheels rolling down Nelson Mandela Boulevard soon. The other two stages will follow soon thereafter.
The George Council accepted that it had not been possible to make the initial November deadline, but resolved that service should roll out as soon as possible with a further announcement to be made at least one week before the activation of the routes. The current preparations are all seen as part of rolling out the service.
Stage 1:
Route 11 Thembalethu – GR Mall
Route 18A Thembalethu – Blanco
Route 18B Fourways – Blanco
Route 57A Jonga Community
Route 57B Ramaphosa Community
Route 57C Tabata Community
Stage 2:
Route 10 Thembalethu – George Industria
Route 57D Fourways Community
Stage 3:
Route 4A Thembalethu – CBD
Route 4A Express Thembalethu – CBD
Route 4B Fourways – CBD
Route 57E Ngcakani Community
Route 62A Jonga – Hospital
Route 62B Ramaphosa – Hospital
Route 62C Tabata – Hospital
The first phase of the Thembalethu roll-out information campaign focused on visits to businesses in town employing Thembalethu residents, followed by a three-week campaign at the Thembalethu clinic and library, and engagement with staff at schools and educational institutions. To date, these activities resulted in one-on-one engagement with 7 748 individuals.
On 7 February, the communication champions started with door-to-door engagement with residents at their homes, which to date, has covered 1 972 homes and approximately 7 888 household members. Information sheets containing route maps of the phased-in roll-out are being handed out and explained to prospective passengers. The unanimous response to the news that the buses are definitely still coming is that of excitement, relief, and gratitude.
Infrastructure such as bus stops, temporary shelters and operational facilities are on schedule and mostly completed. Residents should soon see buses driving through the area testing schedules and routes.
Anyone who would like to request an informational visit to their staff or organisation can call the GO GEORGE Call Centre on 0800 044 044 from 05:00 until 20:00, seven days a week.
Thembalethu residents are welcoming the GO GEORGE communication champions to their homes. Here Tyron Jeyi, GO GEORGE community liaison officer, explains to a lady what to expect from the bus service.
Cleaning can wait! Vuyelwa Myali is listening attentively to communication champion Nomnikelo Bolitye explaining how she can use the bus service.
From restaurants, gymnasiums and factories to nurseries and petrol stations – all over George, staff residing in Thembalethu are taking a moment to listen to what they can expect when the bus service rolls out to their area. Here, Tyron Jeyi, GO GEORGE community liaison officer, chats to workers at a garage in Blanco.
