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Coronavirus

13 January 2021 Media Release: Vehicle control points continue as Covid-19 infections stabilise

Media Release: Vehicle control points continue as Covid-19 infections stabilise

For immediate release
13 January 2021

Various approaches to flatten the curve of infections and mitigate the virus from spreading had to be adopted over the festive season. One of the many measures identify and taken in the Garden Route district has been to enhance law enforcement by Provincial and Municipal Traffic Officials. This was done through the roll-out of Vehicle Control Points (VCPs) and roadblocks to motivate and educate travellers and residents about the virus.

During these engagements, Traffic Officials are responsible for law enforcement whilst Environmental Health Practitioners (EHP) of the Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) use the opportunity to educate and motivating motorist; distribute Covid-19 pamphlets and verbally giving advice and information to prevent people from getting sick.

The information-sharing points include the following topics:

–      The importance of good ventilation;

–      The correct way of wearing a mask;

–      Proper handwashing techniques;

–      Social distancing; and

–      Sanitising and to congregate outside rather than indoors.

Roadblocks are held at all hours of the day, on public holidays and at different places in the district.  Hats-off to all the role-players in the Garden Route district who selflessly commit their energy and time to curb the spread of the Covid-19 virus.

1 January 2021 Public Notice: Fishing is allowed

Public Notice: Fishing is allowed

For Immediate Release
1 January 2021

Dear Garden Routers and holidaymakers, please note that after consultation with Brigadier Van Graan, the following rule regarding fishing in hotspot areas will be in effect from today, 01 January 2021.

In terms of the National Crime Combating Forum (NCCF) supplementary instruction 24 paragraph 8.4.111, fishing on beaches will only be allowed for those who are in possession of a fishing permit.  Fishing will only be allowed from 06:00 till 19:00.

No other activities will be allowed on beaches until further notice.

For any enquiries, please contact your local police station.

31 December 2020 Media Statement: Actions to stop Coronavirus from spreading in the Garden Route

Media Statement: Actions to stop Coronavirus from spreading in the Garden Route

For Immediate Release
31 December 2020

The Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) and various local municipalities in the district are continuously working together to comply and adhere to the latest regulations.

As the GRDM, we remind the public that we are aiming and committed to combat the spread of the coronavirus.  All Executive Mayors, Municipal Managers, senior management, sector departments, including the Department of Health, the South African Police Service (SAPS) and other law enforcement agencies, led by the GRDM Coronavirus Command Centre are continually in discussions seeking co-operation strategies and ways to slow down and curb the spread of the Covid-19 virus.

Local Municipalities’ Law Enforcement Officers will continue to enforce municipal by-laws strictly, while the SAPS and security agencies will enforce their mandate concerning the application of the COVID-19 Disaster Management Regulations.

Garden Routers and visitors are reminded that non-compliance to the latest regulations makes such actions punishable by law or a criminal offence. In addition, it is now a punishable offence if an individual does not correctly wear a face mask in public or adhere to the curfew rules.

The South African National Defence Force (SANDF) will be deployed to areas of the Garden Route from Wednesday, 06 January 2021, to assist law enforcement officers with Covid-19 compliance and awareness.

FISHING

Residents and visitors must note that the local municipalities and SAPS agreed that fishing at beaches is only permitted with an approved permit. Further consultation with the various legal departments is ongoing.  Any developments in this regard will be communicated to the public, if necessary.

However, deep-sea fishing is allowed.

BEACH ACCESSIBILITY

No person is allowed to walk, jog or practice any other activity on any of the beaches in the Garden Route. However, where there are lawns along the beaches, people are allowed on the grass, although they are not allowed to enter the sandy parts of a beach between the grass and water.

The respective parking areas at beaches will still be accessible to the public, and at controlled beach parking areas, the law enforcement staff will advise visitors that swimming is prohibited and that no alcohol is allowed on the beaches and/or public spaces.

EVENING CLOCK RULE / CURFEW

Everyone must pay close attention to the curfew rule and adhere to it – it is a criminal offence to disregard the curfew. The only exceptions apply to emergency services personnel and those who need help for medical reasons or security issues.

Holidaymakers returning home should plan their trips timeously, as no law enforcement agency can issue permits for those who would like to drive to their destinations throughout the night.

LIFE SAVERS

Lifeguards will continue to be deployed, including at the traditional Blue Flag beaches – the latter for the duration of the traditional overnight concession to ensure that the public is advised about the beach ban. Overnight camping is allowed from 31 December 2020 to 3 January 2021, although the beach area remains prohibited. This ban will be strictly be enforced while security personnel will ensure that the ban on alcohol consumption on beaches and premises are complied with.

No alcoholic beverages are allowed on site. Swimming in rivers is prohibited.

NEW YEAR’S EVE

SAPS have confirmed that additional staff will be deployed to ensure law enforcement.

Municipal law enforcers will hold various roadblocks to ensure compliance with the municipal by-laws and road traffic law.

The public are kindly warned that the principle of zero tolerance will be followed and that strict action will be taken against those ignoring the regulations. The Garden Route Disaster Centre and the joint law enforcement initiative are requesting residents of the Garden Route for their cooperation so that drunk driving and violations of the regulations are prevented.

FIREWORKS

Fireworks have become a traditional way of ushering into the New Year. However, with the country under Lockdown Level 3, people will be forced to do things differently this time around.

Fireworks are strictly prohibited.  The GRDM Disaster Management Centre would like to call on the public to be considerate to animals when setting off fireworks.  The local municipalities’ Fire, Rescue and Disaster Management Services already deployed personnel to strategic locations to prevent possible veldt and other fires due to illegal fireworks. The public’s cooperation in this regard is appreciated – let’s all work together to prevent others from setting off fireworks in the district.

Instead, residents are encouraged to light a candle in memory of those who have lost their lives and in tribute to those who are on the frontline working to save our lives and protect us from harm.

Enjoy the last hours of 2020 and have a prosperous 2021!

15 December 2020 Media Release: Behaviour change will help reduce COVID-19 cases

Media Release: Behaviour change will help reduce COVID-19 cases

15 December 2020

In order for us in the Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) to overcome the declaration as a COVID-19 hotspot as announced by President Cyril Ramaphosa yesterday, we have to immediately adapt our behaviour to one that adheres to all health protocols. This will help to protect ourselves and others, while also reducing the speed at which the virus is currently being spread.

Towns that form part of the Garden Route District are:

  1. Bitou – Plettenberg Bay, Keurboomstrand, Kurland, Kranshoek, Kwanokuthula, Nature’s Valley and Wittedrift.
  2. George – George, Wilderness, Hoekwil, Glentana, Herolds Bay, Victoria Bay, Haarlem, Uniondale, Herold and Noll.
  3. Hessequa – Albertinia, Still Bay, Riversdale, Heidelberg, Slangrivier, Jongensfontein, Blombos, Gouritsmond, Puntjie, Witsand, etc.
  4. Kannaland – Calitzdorp, Zoar, Ladismith and Van Wyksdorp.
  5. Knysna – Knysna, Sedgefield, Brenton, Buffels Bay, and Rheenendal.
  6. Mossel Bay – Boggoms Bay, Brandwag, Buisplaas, Dana Bay, Glentana, Fraaiuitsig, Friemersheim, Great Brak River, Hartenbos, Herbertsdale, Hersham, KwaNonqaba, Little Brak River, Outeniqua Beach, Reebok, Ruiterbos, Southern Cross, Tergniet and Vleesbaai.
  7. Greater Oudtshoorn – De Rust, Dysselsdorp, Oudtshoorn and Volmoed.

As at 16:40 on Monday, 14 December 2020, the GRDM had 22 015 cases with a recovery rate of 16 050.

In conjunction with the executive mayor of the GRDM, Alderman Memory Booysen, we will conduct a virtual District Coordinators Forum this Thursday with all Municipal Mayors and relevant business, religious and community leaders to ascertain how we as a collective will address the surge. Our primary aim is to with earnestness reverse how the virus is spreading.

I’d like to thank those who are continuing to adhere to all the health prescripts. I also commend our frontline workers who amidst the renewed surge of the virus, continues to remain professional and courteous.

I implore all those who still have little to no regard for the seriousness of this virus to change their behaviour.

In order for us to protect life, let’s wear a mask, regularly wash or sanitise our hands, keep a safe distance of at least 1,5m and at all cost avoid gatherings where space can be an issue.

The onus is on us if we’re to bring about a change in the GRDM

Media Enquiries:

Marcellino Martin

Spokesperson for Minister Tertuis Simmers

Marcellino.martin@westerncape.gov.za

021 483 3397 (o) / 082 721 3362 (m)

Or

Nathan Adriaanse

Director Communication & Stakeholder Relations

Tell: 021 483 2868 / Mobile: 083 2631720 / Email: Nathan.Adriaanse@westerncape.gov.za

11 December 2020 Media Release: COVID-19 Business Safety Kits rolled out in the Garden Route District

Media Release: COVID-19 Business Safety Kits rolled out in the Garden Route District

For Immediate Release
11 December 2020

The Garden Route District Municipality recently received a total of 1000 COVID-19 business safety kits from the Western Cape Provincial Government (WCG), Department of Economic Development and Tourism. These are already being distributed to Small, Medium and Micro Enterprises (SMMEs) and informal traders in the Garden Route district.

This intervention by the WCG is primarily geared towards supporting businesses, to safeguard jobs and the economy during the present COVID-19 crisis.  Furthermore, to guide and assist businesses to implement the necessary safety and health protocols to stop the spread of COVID-19 in the workplace and to protect clientele.

The COVID-19 business safety kit has been designed to enable SMMEs and informal traders to operate their business safely and responsibly, with each kit containing:

  • two bottles of alcohol-based sanitizer – for hands and surfaces;
  • ten (10) re-usable cloth face masks;
  • information posters on preparing and staying safe before work, how to be safe at work and while taking breaks. It also contains information on what to do when returning home from work, and leaflets for customers on shopping safely.

These COVID-19 business safety kits are currently being distributed to small business and informal traders identified by the local municipalities in hotspot areas across the district. The process is managed by the Local Economic Development Managers of the respective municipalities. All recipients of these safety kits will sign a register upon receipt for record and audit purposes. The distribution process will be completed by middle December.

The project aims to reduce the current rate of community-related infection spreading, assisting and enabling businesses to stay open and also illustrate how COVID-19 can be managed responsibly, allowing businesses to operate and for more businesses to open.

In addition to the COVID-19 business safety kits project, the Western Cape Provincial Department of Economic Development and Tourism also provide other workplace safety support and resources with regards to preparing the workplace; preventing infections and managing workplace infections.

7 December 2020 Media Release: Adherence to all Health Protocols is critical in combatting COVID-19

Media Release: Adherence to all Health Protocols is critical in combatting COVID-19

For Immediate Release
7 December 2020

It is very important that every single person in the Garden Route District (GRD) either starts or continues to observe and adhere to all covid protocols. This is the only way we would be able to bring a speedy halt to the current surge in terms of the high infection rate in the area. I’d like to express my sincere gratitude to all those who are adhering to the health protocols and also thank our frontline staff for their continued commitment in fighting against the virus.

As at Sunday, 6 December 2020, the GRD had 18 406 cases, of which 13 765 recovered, meaning there are currently 4 078 active cases in the area. Compared to a week earlier, on 29 November 2020, the GRD had 16 197 cases with 12 025 recoveries and 3675 active cases.

As the lead for the Western Cape Government (WCG) in the GRD, I’m deeply concerned with these statistics. Over the coming days, I intend engaging the leadership in the GRD Municipality, Faith Based and other relevant organisations, as well as community leaders, as we have to as a collective address the current surge in the area.

It is deeply worrying to note that there are still those who do not see the need to wear a mask when they’re outside of their homes. We can avoid a situation where stricter measures are enforced if we actively work together to combat the spread of the virus.

We might sound like a stuck record, but must urge all resident in the GRD to wear a mask, sanitise or wash their hands, keep a safe distance of over 1,5m in social settings and wherever possible, avoid large gatherings, particularly in small spaces where social distancing might be a challenge.

From a health perspective our hospitals do have the required equipment and personnel to ensure that patients are assisted, as additional resources have been made available.

Let’s do our bit to vigorously fight against the spread of the virus.

Media Enquiries:

Marcellino Martin

Spokesperson for Minister Tertuis Simmers

Marcellino.martin@westerncape.gov.za

021 483 3397 (o) / 082 721 3362 (m)

Or

Nathan Adriaanse

Director Communication & Stakeholder Relations

Tell: 021 483 2868 / Mobile: 083 2631720

Email: Nathan.Adriaanse@westerncape.gov.za

20 July 2020 Media Release: National Minister of Health visiting the Garden Route District

Media Release: National Minister of Health visiting the Garden Route District

For Immediate Release
20 July 2020

Pictured above, (fltr): National Minister of Health, Dr Zweli Mkhize; Executive Mayor for Garden Route District Municipality, Alderman Memory Booysen; Western Cape Government MEC for Health, Dr Nomafrench Mbombo; and Western Cape Government MEC for Human Settlements, Mr Tertuis Simmers.

The Minister of Health, Dr Zweli Mkhize, is currently visiting the Garden Route District Municipality to touch base with all the role players involved in the COVID-19 response of the Garden Route District.

The program of the day includes feedback about the health system recovery; resurgence strategy; mayoral feedback; feedback to the JOC; and hotspot strategies.

The visit will end with a site visit to the George regional hospital and the Harry Comay hospital.

3 December 2020 Media Release: Garden Route DM loses Councillor to COVID-19

Media Release: Garden Route DM loses Councillor to COVID-19

For immediate release
3 December 2020

It is with great sadness that the Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) announces the passing of Councillor Putco Mphuthumi Mapitiza, an ANC (African National Congress) Councillor from Plettenberg Bay who has succumbed to COVID-19.

The late Councillor Mapitiza was directly elected as councillor to serve on the Garden Route District Municipal Council. He also served on numerous committees, including the Property and Asset Management Committee, the Workplace and Restructuring Committee and the Strategic Services Committee.  Mapitiza is described by councillors who worked alongside him as a true leader; an outstanding servant of the people; a prolific commissar and a revolutionary who loved life.

GRDM Executive Mayor, Alderman Memory Booysen, recalled meeting the late Putco Mapitiza in 1989 while participating in boxing, whereafter they became inspiring partners, practising and attending tournaments together. Booysen said on a ‘lighter note’, “He (Mapitiza) was lucky, he retired undefeated in boxing”.  Alderman Booysen remembered recruiting Putco into youth politics in 1994-1995 with the help of the present ANC Member of the Western Cape Provincial Parliament, Mr Lulama Mvimbi, whereafter the three of them became political associates.  After ‘graduating’ into fulltime politics and years later, Booysen (who later joined the Democratic Alliance) and Mapitiza both became councillors at the GRDM.  “We will all remember Putco and especially me, as somebody who had no grey areas in his personality.  What you saw was what you got, and one either agreed or disagreed with him. He was not a pretender in terms of expressing his political ideologies. I do believe that his passing is a great loss to the Garden Route as a whole. I am saddened that in this instance I am not just losing a friend or a former sports partner, but a brother too – MAY HIS SOUL REST IN PEACE,” Alderman Booysen concluded.

GRDM’s ANC Chief Whip and long-time “comrade’’ of the late Mapitiza, Alderman Pieter Van der Hoven, remembers him as a visionary, a shepherd and a sober thinker, at the forefront of technology, who was loved by all who dealt with him. “The value Comrade Putco added to the ANC, as well as being a community leader, remains incomparable. As a councillor, he was dedicated, strategic and directional with a reasoned judgement. He was highly respected and had an unsurpassed sense of humour.  Putco’s death is a huge shock and loss to the greater organisation in the region and the community,” Van der Hoven said.

Alderman Virgil Gericke, President of the Plaaslike Besorgde Inwoners (PBI) and fellow councillor at GRDM, furthermore described Mapitiza as a present gentleman, a true cadre loyal to the course of freedom and justice.

The late Councillor Putco Mphuthumi Mapitiza served as the former ANC Regional Secretary in the Southern Cape, as well as Ex Officio on the Provincial Executive Committee of the ANC.

As we enter the festive season and with the second wave of COVID-19 in ‘full bloom’, the GRDM wants to call on the public to continue adhering to safe and hygienic behaviours, to stay vigilant and always wear a mask in public, to avoid large gatherings and continue practising social distancing.

END

Media Release: SafeTravels.CapeTown website launched to assist tourists visiting Cape Town and the Western Cape

MEDIA RELEASE BY DAVID MAYNIER

WESTERN CAPE MINISTER OF FINANCE AND ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITIES

Date: 03 November 2020

Release: immediately

SafeTravels.CapeTown website launched to assist tourists visiting Cape Town and the Western Cape 

Today (03 November 2020), we launched the Safe Travels website, which was developed by the Department of Economic Development and Tourism together with our destination marketing and promotion agency, Wesgro, to help domestic and international tourists to navigate the restrictions on travel and be informed about the important health and safety protocols they need to follow when visiting Cape Town and the Western Cape.

The Safe Travels website also aims to inspire confidence in Cape Town and the Western Cape as a destination, and give peace of mind to those travelling for business or leisure.

You can visit this website at safetravels.capetown

As a result of national government’s risk-based approach to international travel and the ‘red list’ of countries restricted to travel to South Africa, there is still much confusion and uncertainty in the travel and tourism industry, especially as the ‘red list’ is not being reviewed consistently every two weeks as promised. (The last update was on the 19 October 2020.)

And so, to guide tourists and ensure their visit to Cape Town and the Western Cape is as hassle-free as possible, our Safe Travels website provides the latest information on travel restrictions and the ‘red list’, as well as visa requirements and the latest Covid-19 health and safety information.

The content for the Safe Travels website was largely developed using social listening tools which provided real-time insights into what potential travelers to South Africa and the Western Cape are concerned about so that we could develop the right content to help address these concerns.

To assist tourists in distress, the Tourism Safety Support Unit at the Department of Economic Development and Tourism are also available to answer queries via email.

Travellers looking to visit the Western Cape, and who require assistance can send their questions to tourismsafety@westerncape.gov.za

On the launch of the Safe Travels website Wesgro CEO, Tim Harris, said: “Featuring safety news, FAQ’s and safety initiatives implemented in the province,  SafeTravels.CapeTown has been established as the ‘go to’ page for all visitors coming to enjoy the world-class tourism experience on offer in the province. We invite visitors to peruse the site and put their minds at ease knowing that Cape Town and the Western Cape is travel ready.”

Welcoming the launch of the website, Minister of Finance and Economic Opportunities, David Maynier, said, “By providing this one-stop-shop for travellers, we hope to convince tourists who are deciding where to book their next holiday, that they can confidently choose to visit Cape Town and the Western Cape because we are travel ready.

“The Safe Travels website is an example of the many ways that we have worked hard since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic to support businesses, especially tourism businesses in the Western Cape.”

Minister David Maynier also added: “International markets are a key economic driver for the tourism sector in the Western Cape, especially during the summer season, and will be critical to the survival of the sector. Which is why we have maintained from the start that national government must scrap the ‘red list’ and allow all visitors entry into South Africa subject to presenting a negative PCR test conducted at least 72 hours prior to departure, together with screening protocols.

“There is simply no greater risk for transmission of the Covid-19 virus based on the purpose of travel, yet the negative impact of continuing to limit the entry of leisure travellers to South Africa, especially from our key source markets, is severe and extreme. Cape Town and the Western Cape are open and we are travel ready! Our proposed alternative approach to international travel will ensure we can re-open the economy safely to prevent further job losses in the Western Cape and South Africa during the Covid-19 pandemic.”

Notes for media:
To read the statement online, watch the videos and download a soundbyte from Minister Maynier visit: https://www.westerncape.gov.za/news/safetravelscapetown-website-launched-assist-tourists-visiting-wc

Media Queries:

Francine Higham

Spokesperson for the Provincial Minister of Finance and Economic Opportunities

(Responsible for the Provincial Treasury and the Department of Economic Development and Tourism)

Tel: 021 483 4327

Cell: 071 087 5150

Email: francine.higham@westerncape.gov.za