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17 Junie 2022 Media regstelling: Netwerk24 Artikel

Media regstelling: Netwerk24 Artikel

Vir Onmiddellike Vrystelling obo Netwerk24
17 Junie 2022

In die berig “Goeie oudits vir W-Kaapse munisipaliteite verwelkom” is verkeerdelik gemeld dat die Tuinroete-distriksmunisipaliteit die enigste distrik is wat nie ’n skoon oudit behou het nie. Dié munisipaliteit se ouditmening het egter van die vorige boekjaar af verbeter tot ‘n skoon ouditmening vir die boekjaar ter sprake (2020-’21). Die fout het ontstaan met verwysing na die ouditeur-generaal (OG) se algemene verslag.

Netwerk24 vra om verskoning vir die fout en dit is intussen in die berig reggestel.

Skakel: https://www.netwerk24.com/…/goeie-oudits-vir-w-kaapse…

17 June 2022 Media Release: World Day to combat desertification and drought: Blossom’s Emergency Pipeline Project

Media Release: World Day to combat desertification and drought: Blossom’s Emergency Pipeline Project

For Immediate Release
17 June 2022

The Greater Oudtshoorn region continues to be plagued by ongoing droughts, and alternatives have had to be found to ensure water security for the region. Since 2018, the water supply from the Raubenheimer dam was under severe pressure as the amount of water available from the dam, exceeded the amount that could be relied upon with a 98% degree of assurance. The future and ongoing supply of water in the Oudtshoorn area is severely constrained and drastic measures had to be planned to address the situation urgently.

Furthermore, the Vermaaks Rriver boreholes near Dysseldorp are used to maximum capacity and the Huis River, which supplies De Rust with water, is unreliable during the summer months, which holds negative implications for the Klein Karoo Rural Water Supply System (KKRWSS).

The Blossom’s Emergency Pipeline is a project that was started in 2001 to investigate and develop alternative and additional water supplies for the Oudtshoorn area. Nine deep, and three monitoring boreholes were drilled in the Blossom’s wellfield, which were monitored and tested for 13 years. The test was completed in 2014, and it was concluded that the boreholes yield enough groundwater to supplement the water supply from the Raubenheimer Dam. It was determined that 60l/s (5Ml/day) can be supplied from 5 existing boreholes within the C1 Blossoms wellfield. The test also found that the impact on the environment would be minimal.

The Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) approved a license for the total yield of 8 million m3/a for the ultimate full development of the Blossoms wellfield and gave the nod for the construction to commence. Originally, the project was intended as a medium to long-term bulk water augmentation intervention but given the current water crisis in the Oudtshoorn area, it will be implemented soon.

Funding for the current phases of the project, which started in February 2022, comes from the Municipal Disaster Relief Grant, which allocated a total of R47 million. To date, more than R150 million was spent, which was co-funded by DWS and Oudtshoorn Local Municipality. The current phase of the project is expected to be completed by March 2023.

ends

 

16 June 2022 Today is Youth Day – Let’s all lead by example

Today is Youth Day – Let’s all lead by example
16 June 2022

16 June 1976 was a very dark day for South Africa as many students lost their lives during an uprising against the Apartheid Government who issued a directive that Afrikaans should become the medium of instruction in schools. Students marched peacefully to protest and demonstrate against the Government’s directive but were met with force by heavily armed police, causing the uprising that ended tragically.

Those who lost their lives that day did not do so in vain as they helped to expose the brutality of the Apartheid Government, which received more international revulsion afterward. There are many lessons that 16 June 1976 has taught us, one of which is to lead by example. In other words, show, don’t tell.

Many children and students have already lost hope because of the COVID pandemic, not returning to school, and falling victim to drugs and alcohol abuse. It is up to the entire country to assist Government, NGOs, and parents to turn issues around and break the vicious cycle of hopelessness.

Leading by example can be many things and encouragement is one of them.

Maybe you are someone who fell into the same trap and managed to get out of it. If so, why not share your experiences with someone you know are in need of your positive message? Explain to them the challenges you faced but that it was not impossible. Show them the positive results your actions yielded and if you can, commit yourself to walk a journey with them.

Even if you have not had the unfortunate experience of staying away from school, you can help through encouragement and being there for others.

Remember, this is not something you have to do on your own. Ask your parents, teachers, community and religious leaders for advice.

Follow the example of those who stood together on 16 June 1976 and help rebuild a legacy of a prosperous South Africa.

 

15 June 2022 Media Release: Oral health is important

Media release: Oral health is important

For Immediate Release
15 June 2022

There is simply no health without oral health according to dentist Dr Dillon Manuel. “Good oral health is one of the most important practices to prevent future pain and discomfort. The role of a dentist is to preserve and prevent oral diseases of teeth, gingiva and supporting structures. With good oral health practices,  treating pain and sepsis will not have to be an everyday occurrence. A beautiful smile can be a person’s most inexpensive gift”, he said.

Around 90% of the world’s population will suffer from oral diseases at some point in their lifetime.

The following guidelines are important contributors towards good oral hygiene:

  • Brush your teeth twice a day – in the morning and before going to bed.
  • Brushing harder doesn’t clean better.  Brushing hard damages the tooth and causes tooth sensitivity.
  • Floss daily to prevent cavities in between teeth. Brushing alone does not reach these areas.
  • Brush for at least 2 minutes.  Many people brush fast which does not adequately clean the teeth well.
  • Avoid drinks and foods with high quantity of sugar. This is not only good for oral health but also overall health.
  • Use toothpaste and mouth wash with fluoride.

Many parents are misinformed about the importance of primary teeth (baby teeth) and therefore neglect their children’s oral hygiene.

Dentist, Dr Julien Joubert explains. “It is very important to brush the teeth of young children because baby teeth become carious (rotten) very quickly. Limit the sugar in the bottle and don’t let them sleep with the bottle. Brush the teeth twice a day. If it comes to the point where one has to extract the baby teeth, the permanent teeth often come out skewed and the smile can be spoiled. It is all preventable and I prefer if they get to me before it is so bad that I have to extract. I prefer to save teeth by doing a filling when possible. The back baby teeth are particularly important and hold space open for the permanent teeth to erupt into”.

Tips for parents for oral hygiene for children: 

  • Use a clean, damp wash cloth (with toothpaste the size of rice grain) to gently wipe clean the first teeth and the front of the tongue, after meals and at bedtime.
  • Never put your child to bed with bottle or food.
  • If your child wants to have the bottle or sippy cup in between meals, try to fill it with water only
  • Avoid giving your children sugary drinks (including juice) or sticky foods.
  • Visit the dentist as soon as your baby’s first teeth appears.
Shirmone Kriga knows that oral health is important. With her is Dr Julien Joubert and dental assistant Siya Sishuba at her appointment.

Good oral health is also important for your overall health. “Periodontal gum disease creates a portal of entry for bacteria into the bloodstream and some of the bacteria can affect the heart. It can put the body in a pro-inflammatory state which can make the person more susceptible to cardiovascular disease. Periodontal disease can progress very rapidly and if left uncontrolled, all the teeth could be lost. Vitamin C intake is also very important because it is needed to build and maintain the tissues around the teeth”, said Dr Joubert.

The Garden Route district offers oral health services at selected facilities. Please contact your local facility to make an appointment for the next oral health visit.

“END”

Nadia Ferreira
Principal Communications Officer
Garden Route and Central Karoo Districts
Western Cape Government Health
Tel: 044 813 1831
Email: Nadia.Ferreira@westerncape.gov.za
Website: www.westerncape.gov.za

14 June 2022 Public Notice: Notice of Public Participation for the Garden Route District Coastal Management Programme

Public: Notice of Public Participation for the Garden Route District Coastal Management Programme

The Garden Route District Coastal Management Programme was reviewed and updated, in terms of Section 48 of the Integrated Coastal Management (ICM) Act (Act No 24 of 2008). As per the provisions of the ICM Act, any amendments that are made to the existing Coastal Management Programme must be subject to the public participation requirements in accordance with Chapter 4 of the Municipal Systems Act, prior to being Gazetted.

Notice is hereby given that the Draft Garden Route District Coastal Management Programme will be available for review and comment from 20 June 2022 to 01 August 2022. The draft Garden Route District Coastal Management Programme will be available for viewing at the following Places:

  • Garden Route District Municipality, 54 York Street, George;
  • Mossel Bay Public Library, 99 Marsh Street, Mossel Bay;
  • Hessequa Public Library (Gouritsmond Library), 9 Kerk Street, Gouritz;
  • Plettenberg Bay Library;
  • Knysna Library;
  • George Library; and
  • Garden Route District Municipality website.

The District Municipality hereby invites comments from interested and affected parties on the draft reviewed Garden Route District Coastal Management Programme. Any comments and inputs submitted will be considered during the finalisation of the draft document for final approval and Gazetting.

Written submissions may be directed to the Municipal Manager using the following address:
Garden Route District Municipality,
Municipal Manager, Monde Stratu,
54 York Street / Private Bag 12
George
6530 or/
E-mail: info@gardenroute.gov.za on or before 01 August 2022.

Any person who is unable to write can submit their input verbally to the Council’s offices where they will be assisted by a staff member to put their comments in writing. Enquiries can be directed to Dr Nina Viljoen at 044 803 1318 or e-mail nina@gardenroute.gov.za

M Stratu

MUNICIPAL MANAGER
GARDEN ROUTE DISTRICT MUNICIPALITY

Click here to download the Official Notice and Garden Route District Coastal Management Programme.

14 June 2022 Media Release: Update 3 – Status of Saasveld Road (George) Construction (MR355)

14 June 2022 Media Release: Update 3 – Status of Saasveld Road (George) Construction (MR355)

For Immediate Release
14 June 2022

Garden Route District Municipality, is the agency function contracted to execute work on behalf of the Western Cape Department of Transport and Public Works on MR355, Madiba Road.

The following outcomes were agreed upon during a recent planning session to address the construction works at Madiba Road:
1. Due to the high moisture content in the base layer, priming and sealing is not an option at this stage. Madiba Road is in a shaded area surrounded by hundreds of trees, resulting in little direct sun during the autumn and winter months.
2. To protect the base layer from rainwater and to promote the drying of the base layer, a dry layer of 100mm gravel wearing course will be placed onto the base layer.
3. The base layer will be dried out once a sealed gravel layer is placed to drive rainwater away from the road surface.
4. Weekly assessments of the base layer’s moisture content will be done.
5. As soon as the moisture reduces to satisfactory levels, we can compact the wearing course layer.
6. The road will then be opened to traffic with a temporary gravel surface. (NB: no date can be linked to this yet due to various factors like weather and direct sun)
7. Once conditions as per above become favourable the base and seal layers will need to be constructed in half widths, the road will not be closed again when this takes place.

ENDS

13 June 2022 Media Release: GRDM Council and Staff mourns the sudden passing of an iron lady, Alderlady Mercia Draghoender

Media Release: GRDM Council and Staff mourn the sudden passing of an iron lady, Alderlady Mercia Draghoender

For Immediate Release
13 June 2022

Since Saturday evening, 11 June 2022, messages of condolences to the family of Alderlady (Ald.) Mercia Draghoender from Councillors and staff at Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) were received. This happened moments after the news broke about Ald. Draghoender’s sudden passing at the George Provincial Hospital. She turned 64 years old (4) months ago in February.

Described by many councillors as a vibrant, outspoken and a colleague of colours, Mercia served the GRDM Council as a Proportional Representative for Plaaslike Besorgde Inwoners (PBI) since the new Council was inaugurated on 25 November 2021. The inauguration was held at the Civic Hall in George. Over her years in politics, she held various top leadership positions at George Municipality over the past 20 years and helped establish various structures in the parties she formed part of over her political career.

After being informed about the shocking news, various Councillors reflected on memorable moments shared with Ald. Draghoender throughout their time with her. Executive Mayor, Ald Memory Booysen remembers Ald. Draghoeder, as much more than just a politician. Mayor Booysen said: “With her not being here anymore, our laughter will be dampened in the GRDM Council”. Colleagues who worked with her on a daily basis say that she had a brilliant memory, often reciting specific dates and pages where specific mention was made about Council items.

Speaker of the Council, Ald. Georlene Wolmarans, described Ald. Draghoender as a dynamic woman, and a dedicated servant of the community who was loved and respected by the people. When sharing her history and their shared background, she said: “I got to know Ald. Draghoender since our time as members of the former Independent Democrats.  We started engaging a lot more again in November 2021 as Councillors of GRDM and ever since she used every opportunity to make her voice heard. I will miss how she addressed me as ‘Honourable Speaker’, but most importantly I will miss her as Councillor of GRDM”.

The President of the political party PBI, to which she was a serving member, Ald Virgill Gericke said that the PBI was deeply shocked when they were informed about the sudden passing of Ald. Draghoender. He extended his sincerest words of comfort to her family, friends and all colleagues. When describing the calibre of person she was, he said: “She has been an inspiration to many of us and a frontliner in the fight for a better life for all people. Her political career was dedicated to serving the poor, vulnerable and marginalised sections of our community. She leaves behind a powerful legacy of dedicated service and excellence in Local Government. History will remember her as a powerful fighter and activist for the rights of women and children”. Adding to these words Ald Gericke said that the PBI is thankful to her family for gracing them with her servant-hood and deep knowledge of Local Government. “She was indeed a library of knowledge and history. We greet a gallant and courageous fighter.  Rest well our dearest sister. The struggle for a just and equal society shall continue. Hamba kahle”.

Chief Whips from various political parties also shared words of comfort with the family, friends and her colleagues.  Cllr Daniel Acker from the Freedom Front Plus (FF+) said: “We will miss all her chats and sayings during our meetings and gatherings. May God strengthen her family during the time of bereavement”.  Chief Whip of the African National Congress (ANC), Cllr Clodia Lichaba, said: “I am shocked – my deepest condolences to her family. You will be greatly missed. Rest in peace Ald. Draghoender.”  Cllr Jan Cornelius, extended words of comfort to Cllr Draghoenders family and the community she served and he added: “Her passing is a huge loss, may her soul rest in peace”. Cllr Jan Cornelius is the Chief Whip of ICOSA (Independent Civic Organisation of South Africa).

Draghoender leaves behind a son, daughters and two grandchildren, and many people whose lives she’s impacted throughout her life.

GRDM will cherish its memories shared with Ald. Draghoender in the Council Chambers and on various other platforms.

ENDS

13 June 2022 Media Release: Garden Route Skills Mecca Focuses on Renewable Energy

Media Release: Garden Route Skills Mecca Focuses on Renewable Energy

For Immediate Release
13 June 2022

The fifth quarterly Garden Route Skills Mecca (GRSM) Forum was held virtually on in May 2022 and focused on renewable energy strategies for the Garden Route.

This follows a fruitful engagement Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) had with the Energy & Water Sector Education Training Authority  (EWSETA) on Tuesday, 17 May 2022.  During the engagement, EWSETA expressed its desire to support renewable energy projects in the Garden Route, which is in line with its support of Just Energy Transition (JET),  Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit GmbH (GIZ), and the work done in South Africa by The South African Photovoltaic Industry Association (SAPVIA).

EWSETA has a significant demand-based focus, and it is important for them to determine what the needs are of employers and businesses. They receive a limited skills levy income and need to partner with other agencies to address this challenge. This is why they’ve agreed soon enter into a memorandum of understanding with GRDM.

During his opening remarks, the GRSM Forum chairperson, Ald. De Vries remarked that renewable energy is gaining momentum as countries around the world are increasingly understanding the benefits it offers.

During the forum, Mr. Warrick Pierce, Technical Leader on Energy Systems Modeling at the Energy Centre of CSIR, presented the Draft Municipal Electricity Master Plan for the GRDM. The Draft document was funded by GIZ and co-funded by the CSIR and is considered to be a mini Integrated Resource Plan (IRP).

Mr. Pierce noted that the plan looks at different possible energy futures and the employment opportunities it may hold. Furthermore, the plan’s focus is twofold as it looks at each municipality individually in the region and the Garden Route as a whole to achieve optimisation.

To draft plan addresses issues of future demand usage and that municipalities need to know their customers – their past behaviors towards energy and how this is changing in terms of self-generation.  There seems to be clear indication that Solar PV is the priority option for the Garden Route to consider. The Draft Energy Master Plan will be tabled to the GRDM Council this month for adoption and a media release about it will be issued.

The final presentation was done by Kirsten Freimann, from GIZ, who is the Head of Project: Career Path Development for Employment (CPD4E), which is a new 3-year program that started in June.

The program aims to address two major concerns identified by GIZ, which are the economic recession and the high youth unemployment rate plaguing South Africa. With the help of the Swiss Development Agency, The German Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development Government was able to raise €10.5 million for the project.

CPDE4E strives to improve the employability of the youth by unlocking employment potentials by supporting entrepreneurship and SME development in township economies, as well as (ecologic) industrial parks.

The transition from learning to earning will be done by matching soft skills with entrepreneurship training with specific measures in place for girls and women.

Demand-driven TVET/ skills development will improve delivery capacities, through lecturers, in-company mentors, short skills programs, new occupational profiles, and curricula development. It is anticipated that it will strengthen private sector involvement in agile training interventions. This could lead to job creation and meeting demands.