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EPWP

5 August 2020 Media Release: More EPWP essential workers for the Garden Route to stop the spread of COVID-19

Media Release: More EPWP essential workers for the Garden Route to stop the spread of COVID-19

For immediate release
5 August 2020

With the Garden Route district being identified as one of the COVID-19 hotspots in the Western Cape, the Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM), last month trained 119 Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) essential workers, to assist at hotspots in the district and to create awareness about COVID-19.

With the substantial surge of infections over the past weeks, more workers have been recruited of which now reached a total of 226 workers on the programme, with eighty (80) being recruited to service the George municipal, area as the hotspot of the Garden Route. Twenty-eight (28) workers have been deployed to Knysna, 36 to Hessequa, 30 to Bitou, 20 to the Greater Oudtshoorn municipal area, 12 to Kannaland and 20 to Mossel Bay.

EPWP workers trained by GRDM Environmental Health Practitioners to assist at hotspots within the Garden Route district.

According to Mr Richard Dyantyi, Manager for the EPWP at the GRDM, the increase number of essential workers in these areas, was influenced by the rise in the COVID-19 infections.  Hence the deployment by the National Department of Public Works in collaboration with National Department of Health.

Their tasks include:  health promotion on COVID-19 prevention by creating awareness, the distribution of soap and hand sanitizers, cleaning and disinfection of public areas that are frequently visited by members of the public such as  SASSA pay points,  taxi ranks, communal water collection points and areas identified by GRDM Municipal Health Services. All these tasks are performed with the personal protective equipment provided by the Independent Development Trust (IDT). He also said: “All workers are trained and supervised by Environmental Health Practitioners from GRDM. The recruited EPWP participants are subjected to a screening process, which is coordinated by the GRDM Municipal Health Services . The recruitment is done in such a way that the appointed workers service their respective local Municipal wards,” he added.

The Executive Mayor of GRDM, Alderman Memory Booysen, highlighted: “The increased number of essential workers to these hotspots is an indication that we adapt our efforts to ensure that we address the pandemic as it unfolds. We cannot entirely predict the number of persons to be infected, as community transmissions are highly unpredictable, but we can intensify our initiatives to address the demands, if needed. This is one such example thereof,” Mayor Booysen concluded.

The Head of  Disaster Management at GRDM, Mr Gerhard Otto, said that this additional manpower will assist on ground level to monitor the Covid-19 safety measures i.e. social distancing, regular washing of  hands with soap and water as well as the wearing of face masks. Over the next two to three weeks a whole of government approach with all “hands on deck” would be required to slow down the spread of this deadly virus and ensure the flattening of Covid-19 curve. This would assist in ensuring that our health system meets the ever-increasing demand for critical health care.

This programme is an initiative of the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure (DPWI) as a member of the National Joints (NatJoints) Committee, who identified this initiative as the best response mechanism to assist the Department of Health to deliver required public health services at elementary level for purposes of COVID-19 spread prevention and control. The programme is a collective effort between the DPWI, Independent Development Trust, NPOs (such as Edu-Plett and God Care International), Department of Employment and Labour, GRDM and Local Municipalities in the Garden Route district.

Also read: https://www.gardenroute.gov.za/2020/06/22/epwp-essential-workers-to-assist-at-covid-19-hotspots-in-the-garden-route/

ENDS

Media Release: EPWP essential workers to assist at Covid-19 hotspots in the Garden Route

The Department of Public Works and Infrastructure (DPWI) as a member of the National Joints (NatJoints) Committee, has to respond to combating the spread of COVID-19 in terms of the Disaster Management Act, No 57 of 2002, as stipulated in the NatJoints Containment Work Stream.

The DPWI has identified the Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) Non-State Sector (NSS) Non-Profit Organisations (NPOs) as the best response mechanism to support the Department of Health to deliver necessary public health services at elementary level for purposes of COVID-19 spread prevention and control. To give effect to this commitment, DPWI has signed a three month addendum with the Independent Development Trust, on 12 April 2020, to contract qualifying NPOs throughout the country in 44 districts and 8 metros, to appoint youth (16-35 years) to participate in this initiative. The NPOs will also be required to sign three month contracts with each EPWP participant. The Garden Route district was allocated 119 participants for the first category of the COVID-19 response (George 41, Hessequa 23, Mossel Bay 15, Oudtshoorn 12, Bitou 10, Knysna 10 and Kannaland 8).

All participants will perform their duties under the supervision of the Environmental Health Practitioners (EHPs) of Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM). Their activities will include the following:

  • health promotion on COVID-19 prevention, hand washing practices and social distancing measures in public places;
  • distribution of hygiene soap and hand sanitizers in identified high risk communities, education on proper handwashing techniques;
  • home-to-home education interventions, where required; and
  • cleaning and disinfection of frequently touched high-risk areas, e.g. communal water collection points, taxi ranks and other places identified by the applicable municipality.

Furthermore the DPWI has issued Personal Protective Equipment and identification cards to the NPOs which must be used by participants while they are on duty.

GRDM EHPs had to identify the hotspots within the Local Municipal areas and guide the participants through an orientation programme to outline their work.

The orientation/ training programme

 The Municipal Health Section of the GRDM was tasked to train the EPWP personnel in line with the Golden rules to prevent/minimise the spread of COVID-19 in the district. The training programme took place at the beginning of June 2020 and included the following disciplines:

  • Wearing of face masks in public areas and while travelling with other individuals in a vehicle (i.e. lift clubs, taxi, bus and/or any other form of public transport);
  • maintaining a social distance of 1.5m;
  • proper hand washing techniques;
  • avoid touching your face with unwashed hands;
  • proper cough etiquette;
  • waste management (i.e. disposable masks and gloves); and
  • avoiding crowded places as far as it is possible.

After undergoing orientation, appointed EPWP participants will conduct awareness at “hotspots” areas which were identified as problematic areas within communities to ensure that all members of the public remain adequately informed to protect themselves.

These “hotspots” areas include;

  • general public facilities, including municipal/ public toilets, taxi ranks etc.;
  • food premises – spaza shops;
  • soup kitchens;
  • informal settlements; and
  • government grant pay points – ATM’s, post offices and/or any other business premises which are utilised to distribute grants.
EPWP workers trained by GRDM Environmental Health Practitioners to assist at hotspots within the Garden Route district.

Executive Mayor of GRDM, Cllr Memory Booysen, extended a word of appreciation to all stakeholders involved in the programme and highlighted: “As a municipality we are glad for the appointment of the EPWP personnel, as all participants will be a great addition to the initiatives of the GRDM in the fight against COVID-19 pandemic”.

The following stakeholders are involved in the coordination of this project; DPWI, Independent Development Trust, NPOs Edu-Plett and God Care International, Department of Employment and Labour, GRDM and Local Municipalities in the Garden Route district.

For more information regarding the project, contact,

Mr Mzimkulu Gusha, National Public Works Programme Manager

Tel: 021 402 2164 / 076 423 7558

Mr Richard Dyantyi, Manager: EPWP at Garden Route District Municipality

Tel: 044 803 1404 / 084 900 5556

Mr Johan Compion, Manager: Municipal Health at Garden Route District Municipality

Tel: 044 803 1525 / 082 803 5161

EPWP Grant Allocation Workshop

On Tuesday, 26 March 2019, the National Department of Public Works in collaboration with the Provincial Department of Public Works and Transport held an Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) grant allocation workshop. EPWP officials from all seven b-municipalities in the Garden Route and Central Karoo districts attended the event.

The objective of the engagement was to inform municipalities about the methodology utilised for the 2019/20 allocation of grants as per the Discover, Offer, Request, Acknowledge (DORA) framework.  The conditions of grants were presented to workshop attendees.

During the insightful and interactive working session, municipalities reflected on their 2018/19 Integrated Grant Performances, EPWP Phase III performance reports and the targets and expansion areas for the EPWP Phase IV. The different municipalities’ spending performance were highlighted, challenges experienced during the past phase discussed and general concerns and suggestions shared.

Garden Route DM EPWP Manager, Mr Richard Dyantji during the workshop.

One of the key concerns raised by officials during the sessions was that it has not been feasible to provide training to all the big numbers of EPWP participants due to limited funding. It was agreed that targets set by public bodies were unrealistic and many public bodies did not have the capacity to implement and report EPWP projects, and it was suggested that the targets should be linked to grant allocations provided by the national department.  Mr Richard Dyantyi also raised concerns that district municipality does not receive a Municipal Infrastructure Grant (MIG) which hampers them to meet their targets in terms of work opportunities and FTE (Full Time Equivalent), as outlined in the protocol agreement.   During a robust discussion by representatives of all three spheres of government, it arose that the EPWP Phase IV process will come-up with strategies to address most of these challenges.

A few presentations were presented on the following subjects, which were presented by National and Provincial offices-bearers:

  • The EPWP Integrated Grant Model, calculations, DoRA framework and Technical Support;
  • The 2018/19 EPWP Integrated Grant projects on the System and Evaluation Reports;
  • National Skills Fund Training;
  • An update on the EPWP Phase IV; and
  • The National EPWP Policy.

According to Ms Lindiwe Kuna from the National Expanded Public Works Programme, EPWP does not have a national formal policy in place – a need to formulate a policy will be prioritised.  According to Ms Kuna, the 1st phase of the policy formulation process started last year, 2018, after a consultant was appointed. “Today, we are here to continue with the process and start with phase 2, whereby we give an opportunity to EPWP representatives to also provide input to be considered for incorporation into the policy,” she said.

Mr Mzimkulu Gusha, Programme Manager at the National Department of Public Works facilitated the programme.

The audience then formed plenary session, after which each group had to discuss and present their feedback to the entire audience at the event.

The session was attended by 60 delegates and was facilitated by Mr Mzimkulu Gusha from the National Department of Public Works

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Official Launch of GRDM Training Programmes

This year, 2019, marked the beginning of a prosperous year for approximately 120 young people from the Knysna and Plettenberg Bay municipal areas, as they benefited from the Garden Route Municipal Training Programmes, which includes:  First Aid Level 3 Training; Driver’s License Training and Law Enforcement Training.

These training programmes originated from the Garden Route Rebuild Initiative (GRRI), which was established after devastating fires hit the district (Knysna/Plettenberg Bay) in June 2017, and the need for a District Skills Mecca was identified.

The Training Programmes are funded by the Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) and is managed through the Office of the Executive Mayor, under the Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP).  The project’s primarily focus is on youth development in the Garden Route, building capacity among young people; breaking the chain of unemployment and ensuring a marketable labour force in the region. 

The GRDM Executive Mayor, with his delegation, political leaders and officials from the Bitou Municipality, Service Providers and beneficiaries of the Training Programmes.

During the official launch of the training programme, which kicked-off in Plettenberg Bay, the Deputy Mayor of the Bitou Municipality, Cllr Sandile Gcabayi, warmly welcomed guests and applauded the District Municipality for the initiative of providing skills development opportunities to young people in the district.

Cllr Sandile Gcabayi, Deputy Mayor of the Bitou Municipality, during the official welcoming at the launch of GRDM Training Programmes in Plettenberg Bay.

The Manager in the Office of the Executive Mayor, Mr Siphiwe Dladla, briefly explained the background, purpose and objective of the project.  When elaborating on the selection and recruitment process he emphasised that according to the number of applications received, the need to continue with the programme is evident.  He ensured the audience that representation from all wards and areas of the greater Plettenberg Bay and Knysna were covered during the selection process.  Lastly, he explained that the First Aid Level 3 course will be an entry level, where after participants will be able to further their studies to become paramedics.

Manager in the Office of the Executive Mayor, Mr Siphiwe Dladla, gave a brief background and overview of the Programmes.

In his keynote address, the Garden Route DM Executive Mayor, Cllr Memory Booysen, stated that the Garden Route Municipal Training Programme will be rolled-out in all 7 B-municipalities in the district.  He further explained that the Garden Route, in collaboration with various stakeholders, among others, the Provincial Government is in the process of establishing a Skills Mecca. He raised a concern that participants are not taking opportunities seriously and said: “People complain that they are unemployed, but when we provide opportunities to enter the employment arena, they do not take it seriously.  Remember, you must be the ones who need to give the opportunities to those who did not make it into the programme, the first time around, because if this programme becomes successful, we will continue with the roll out “.

Later in the day, the second launch of the Programme took place at the Knysna Municipality.  Beneficiaries from Knysna and surrounding areas attended this remarkable gathering.  The Executive Mayor of Knynsna Municipality, Cllr Mark Willemse, officially welcomed guests and extended a special word of gratitude to the Garden Route DM Executive Mayor, Cllr Memory Booysen, and his delegation for an amazing initiative.

The programme followed the same route as in Plettenberg Bay.  In conclusion, the EPWP Manager, Mr Richard Dyantji, introduced the Service Providers appointed to train the participants.  He encouraged the participants to make use of the opportunity given to them, to “grab it with both hands and run with it”.  Subsequent to the formalities, service providers were given the opportunity to discuss the course layout with the participants.

Mr Richard Dyantji, EPWP Manager at GRDM as well as Programme Manager of all EPWP related training programmes during his address at the launch.

During the past festive season, participants of the previous law enforcement training programme acted as peace officers and assisted the two municipalities to uphold law and order.  The Garden Route Municipal Training Programme will be rolled-out to other municipal areas within the Garden Route District.

The children of any nation are its future.  A country, a movement, a person that does not value its youth and children does not deserve its future – Oliver Tambo

Cater Care Certificate ceremony

Cater Care Certificate ceremony

Friday, 26 October 2018, marked the beginning of a career in the food and beverage services for 10 previously disadvantaged young people, when they received a Cater Care Certificate. Students successfully completing a 6-month level 1 skills program at the François Ferreira Academy (FFA) in George.

As from 2011, the François Ferreira Academy has been working closely with the Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) on the Cater Care Programme and later became the sole sponsor of this successful programme.  The programme provides learners with the basic skills in food preparation and food and beverage services, which makes it perfect as a feeder programme for courses such as the National Young Chef Training Programme presented by the National Department of Tourism in association with the South African Chefs Association.

The 10 students, who started on 12 March 2018, were the second group for 2018. The GRDM’s tourism unit sponsored R200 000.00 to train 20 students in the tourism and hospitality sector. The core responsibility of the district municipality is to coordinate the enrolment of trainees through a formal recruitment and selection process.

Back row fltr: Councillor Rowan Spies, Mr Lorenzo Sass, Ms Rozanne May, Mr Goodman Mvubu, Ms Pheliswa Kewuti and Mr Siyamthanda Thota, Mr Aphiwe Dyantyi and Mr Avuyile Raymond Qodi.
Front row fltr: Chef Francois Ferreira – Principal of FFA, Ms Fazlin Wildskut, Ms Joneen Boesak, Ms Kaylene Verland, Ms Denise Lindley – Vice Principle of FFA and Councillor Jerome Lambaatjeen.

During the certificate handover ceremony, which was attended by family and friends of the students and councillors of the GRDM, the founder and Principle of the academy, Chef Francois Ferreira gave a brief background of the institution. He also gave an overview of the programme’s subjects and shared success stories of previous Cater Care students. Many of who furthered their training and became professional Chefs, currently working overseas.  He explained the aim of the programme is to ‘take’ unemployed youth; train them and place them into sustainable jobs or some become successful entrepreneurs.  Furthermore, Chef Ferreira announced that 9 of the 20 students of the whole group have advanced to the Assistant Chefs Programme, presented by the Academy.

Chef Ferreira concluded and said that the Cater Care Programme has a drop-out rate of 0% students; a 90% success rate in placing students in sustainable jobs. He also mentioned that 70% of students further their studies in the culinary field by obtaining higher qualifications.

A happy group of student with some of the utensils they used during their training.

During interviews conducted with a few students after the ceremony, it became evident that this programme definitely changed their perception of life, and that they see it as a doorway to a successful future in the hospitality industry.

67 Minutes of Charitable Work

“100 Nelson Mandela Centenary 2018” celebrations

In honour of Madiba and in celebration of the “100 Nelson Mandela Centenary 2018”, approximately 50 (fifty) officials of the Eden DM Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) visited the Rosemoor Rotary Old Age Home, to assist caretakers with their daily activities.  Some of the tasks performed were the pruning of trees, spading of the garden soil and cutting of grass.  Female officials washed the walls, windows and bed linen. The team also restored the fireplace of the Centre.

Eden DM hosts an EPWP Workshop

As the Political Champion for the Extended Public Works Programme (EPWP) at Eden District Municipality (Eden DM), Executive Mayor Cllr Memory Booysen recently initiated a workshop with internal and external stakeholders, aimed at providing them with a better knowledge and understanding of EPWP. A workshop, which was held on 6 June 2018, also sought to institutionalise EPWP within the organisation and therefore, this platform was used to enable Eden DM to coordinate EPWP for the entire region.

The Eden DM Council committed to an EPWP vision that strives to achieve long-term socio–economic goals, through the empowerment of youth and designated groups within the district. Council also strongly agrees that a multi- sectoral and all-inclusive approach must be utilised, to ultimately achieve the goals of the programme.

Representatives of the National- and Provincial Department of Public Works with the leadership of Eden DM.
FLTR (back): Mr Richard Dyantyi – Eden DM EPWP Manager, Mr John Cloete – Deputy Director Coordination, Provincial Department of Public Works, Mr Jacobus Nakoo – EPWP Technical Support: Infrastructure Sector, National Department of Public Work, Mr Tembela Ndlazi – Social Sector – Deputy Director, National Department of Public Works, Cllr Memory Booysen – Eden DM Executive Mayor, Mr Mzimkulu Gusha – National EPWP Chief Director, National Department Public Works, Mr Monde Stratu – Eden DM Municipal Manager and Mr Lusanda Menze – Executive Manager: Planning and Economic Development.

Representatives from the National and Provincial Department of Public Works were invited to present on the following topics.

• A Historical Overview of the EPWP Programme;
• The Current National Stance;
• Recruitment and Selection Guidelines; and
• Funding Models.

After presentations, attendees were given the opportunity to pose questions, which in many cases prompted robust discussions amongst attendees. The representative from the National Department of Public Works enlightened Council about all the different processes, which form part of the 4th phase EPWP Plans and informed them about the consultation process scheduled for 26 June 2018.

In conclusion, Mr Monde Stratu, Eden DM Municipal Manager, emphasised the fact that although the EPWP Programme is a political programme, it must not be politicised. He furthermore explained that the Programme does not belong to one department, but needs to be an organisational programme. He acknowledges the linkage between Skills Development, Training and EPWP, elaborating on the fact that Eden DM plan to develop the region into a Skills Mecca.

In stipulating the way forward, Council recommended that the Eden DM EPWP Section engage on the following processes:

  • Coordinate the EPWP or other employment programmes and be point of entry (contact) for other sectors in the region.
  • Review the current EPWP Policy and include the structure, its dual reporting and ensure compliance to the Ministerial Determination.
  • That the EPWP Section, through its Executive Manager re-inforce the Internal Steering Committee.
  • EPWP must form part of the agenda of the Executive Committees of Council and Management.
  • That Eden DM should strengthen Institutional arrangements to coordinate EPWP within the Municipality and ensure that EPWP Champions are appointed for all departments within the Municipalities.
  • EPWP targets for Phase 3 should be included in the scorecards/performance agreements of Heads of Departments and the Municipal Manager.
  • Regular feedback to Council, the Municipal Manager and Senior Management on EPWP progress.
  • Continued Technical support be provided by National- and Western Cape Department of Public Works in order to assist the Municipality.
  • That Council commit its support for more capacity within the EPWP Section.
  • Eden DM EPWP Section must focus on sustainable livelihood in terms of training and SMME development of the beneficiaries.

  • The Eden DM EPWP Team that was responsible to organised the Workshop.
    FLTR: Mr Sheldon Flemming, Mr Richard Dyantyi, Ms Henlene Festus, Cllr Memory Booysen – Eden DM Executive Mayor, Ms Beaunita van Ryn , Ms Carmen Hartnick and Mr Samkelo Mthalaliso.

    According to the EPWP Manager and organisers, the workshop managed to achieve the envisaged objective Council expected and they embark to have more sessions of this nature in future.

Eden DM a helping hand in hospitality and tourism training

The François Ferreira Academy, in collaboration with Eden District Municipality (Eden DM), held a graduation ceremony in February for aspiring chefs of the district who completed a 3-month Cater Care Programme. Eight (8) Youth benefited from this initiative which seeks to address the skills gap and the high unemployment rate. The programme provides culinary skills training and a ‘foot in the door’ of the domestic hospitality and tourism labour markets.

Councillors and students at the official handover of Cater Care Certificates.

Eden DM Council committed R200 000 to the roll-out of the training which was facilitated by the Francois Ferreira Academy. The Eden DM Garden Route and Klein Karoo and EPWP Units, coordinated and mobilised the trainees through a formal recruitment and selection process. EPWP is responsible for ensuring that students get a temporary job which runs parallel to the Cater Care Training, and they provide stipends to Youth during their studies.

Executive Mayor of Eden District Municipality, Cllr Memory Booysen during his keynote address to the students who completed their Cater Care course through the Francois Ferreira Academy.

Interviews with applicants took place on 07 September 2017 at the Francois Ferreira Academy in George. Applicants were recruited from the Great Brak River area with the assistance of the Great Brak River Youth Café and a Non-Government Organisation – Wonderful South Africa.  During an official graduation ceremony, which was held at the Great Brak River Youth Café, Cllr Cliffie Bayman, on behalf of the Executive Mayor of Mossel Bay Municipality, welcomed all those present and thanked Eden DM for their enabling role and commitment to an excellent programme.

Councillors from Eden DM and Mossel Bay with the Principal Francois Ferreira. FLTR: Cllr Jerome Lambaatjeen (Eden DM Portfolio Chairperson, Financial Services), Cllr Joslyn Johnson (Eden DM Portfolio Chairperson, Property Management and Development), Cllr Erica Meyer (Eden DM Portfolio Chairperson, Strategic Services), Chef Francois Ferreira (Principal, Francois Ferreira Academy), Cllr Liza Stroebel (Eden DM Councillor), Cllr Memory Booysen (Eden DM Executive Mayor of Eden DM), Cllr Rosina Ruiters (Eden DM Deputy Executive Mayor and Portfolio Chairperson, District Economic Development and Tourism), Cllr Cliffie Bayman (Mossel Bay Councillor), and Cllr Isaya Stemela (Eden DM Portfolio Chairperson, Corporate Services).

Chef François Ferreira, Principal of the Francois Ferreira Academy, in his address said: “Today you are picking the fruits of your labour, this is only the beginning. Now is the start of a gruelling task of finding permanent employment. The path forward will not always be easy, but try to stay in the straight and narrow, because it comes with many twists and turns – I am confident that you will all get there”.

Eden DM Deputy Mayor Cllr Rosina Ruiters encouraged the successful students not only to seek employment but to create more jobs by starting businesses and becoming entrepreneurs. She concluded by pleading to students to register on Government’s Central Supplier Database.

Eden DM Executive Mayor Cllr Memory Booysen, who delivered the keynote address, said that the occasion reminded him of a time when he was working in the hospitality industry. “You are in the right trade; I would like to see you all provide food to communities by opening or starting your own businesses. It’s not always about money, but about your passion, if you remain focused and positive you will be recognised and rewarded,” said Cllr Booysen.

Ms Denise Lindley (Vice Principal and business partner, Francois Ferreira Academy) and Mr Francois Ferreira (Principal) with the Cater Care Students after they officially graduated.

Students who successfully completed their Cater Care Training:
• Annelise Brits, Claudine Wuys, Enslin van Hagt, Ingrim van Niekerk, Rolande Cameron, Renice Roelfse, Sherilee Minnie and Waldo van Heerden.

Youth of Eden district benefiting from (EPWP) Hospitality Training Programme

The National Department of Tourism (NDT), in collaboration with the Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP), is currently rolling out a Hospitality Youth Training Programme in the Western Cape. Learners were inducted to the Programme on 26 October 2016, at the Eden District Municipality (Eden DM) Council Chambers in the presence of their host employers, namely Fancourt Hotel & Estate, Reheifo Lodge and Shenanigans Irish Pub and Eatery. Contracts were also handed over to learners at the induction.

Practical training will be provided to the group of excited learners by Fancourt, Reheifo Lodge and Shenanigans.

The purpose of the Induction was to foster greater appreciation amongst learners and to inform them about future opportunities that exist in the Hospitality Industry in South Africa and abroad.

Considering that “youth development” and “building a capacitated workforce in communities,” forms part of the strategic objectives of Eden DM, the Municipality seized this opportunity and partnered with the NDT and other local role players, to serve on the project advisory committee to monitor the success of the Programme.