As South Africans celebrate Women’s Month, I’d like to take this opportunity to honour the remarkable women in our district and around the world whose strength, resilience, and steadfast spirit enrich our communities.
This is a time to acknowledge and appreciate the vital roles women play in shaping our society, from nurturing families to leading businesses and driving social change.
Kom ons gebruik hierdie geleentheid om die prestasies van vroue te vier, hul aspirasies te ondersteun en om ons daartoe te verbind om ‘n meer inklusiewe en regverdige omgewing vir almal te skep. Saam kan ons ‘n toekoms bou waar elke vrou gewaardeer, bemagtig en geรฏnspireer voel om haar volle potensiaal te bereik.
Together, let’s also unite to stand up against violence aimed at women, honour and celebrate women and mothers who fight for equality, and recognize every strong woman who continues to inspire, lead, and make a difference in the world.
Madam Speaker, Fellow Councillors, and Team Garden Route Colleagues, Members of the Public and the Media
Goeiemรดre, molweni, as-salamu alaykum, shalom, good morning
It’s great to see you all here this morning, and it is particularly good to be able to address you all about our municipality and our beautiful Garden Route region. I am here for a month now and I would like to particularly thank the administration for the warm welcome and also, my Mayoral Committee, thank you for the support youโve provided over the past month. I look forward to working closely with all of you going forward.
Madam Speaker, on the note of the beautiful poem youโve recited, “Phenomenal Woman” by Maya Angelou, I have the following to say: it vividly conveys a message of self-assurance and pride, transcending conventional standards of beauty and redefining what it means to be truly phenomenal. Angelou captured the essence of womanhood beautifully, emphasizing confidence, poise, and the unique, intrinsic qualities that make a woman extraordinary. This yearโs theme for Womenโs Month, under the Government of National Unity focuses on โWomen who advocate for equity, diversity and inclusion.โ In line with this, we will highlight some of our Women in Leadership positions throughout the month of August on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, starting this Friday. Please keep a lookout for the short biographies on our Facebook page and website.
Madam Speaker,
Our shared values and commitment to community service were also reflected in our participation in Mandela Day activities. This annual event, held on July 18th, is a time for us to remember and honour the legacy of Nelson Mandela by dedicating ourselves to acts of service and giving back to our communities. We engaged in a wide range of activities, including blood donations to save lives, providing essential and basic supplies to those in need, painting community buildings, and participating in extensive clean-up drives. Through these diverse actions, our commitment to unity and cooperation was clear.
Regarding skills development at our Municipality, particularly through our Skills Mecca Programme, we have cemented R36 million in funding from the National Skills Fund for future training of 400 learners. A provider has been appointed, and recruitment of learners has started. We plan to do an official launch in September. Another exciting addition is that the Vaal University of Technology has contacted us to see if we can accommodate 30 learners to be coached as cellular phone repairers. We know there is a high demand for this skill, especially because cellular phones and smartphones in particular are becoming more integral to our daily lives. I fully support this because we need our locals to be equipped with this type of skill.
Madam Speaker, I think it is also important to briefly reflect on the severe weather incidents of the past month that affected several households, led by single mothers, fathers, or nuclear families. During the period of 6 and 12 July, the district faced a series of intense weather conditions, including heavy rains, gale-force winds, and storm surges. Iโd like to thank our GRDM Disaster Management Centre and other stakeholders for promptly alerting all relevant parties and initiating contingency plans. Notable incidents included roof damage, the destruction of informal dwellings, and infrastructure disruptions across various municipalities. Humanitarian aid was swiftly provided, including mattresses, blankets, and food parcels. GRDM also collaborated effectively with local municipalities to address these immediate needs and manage the damage. The potential declaration of a local disaster may be considered to access further resources and support. This process will involve coordination between local, district, and provincial authorities to ensure all necessary measures are taken.
Similarly, our regionโs roads also sustained several serious damages. As a Road Agency for the Western Cape Provincial Government, servicing approximately 47,000 kmยฒ, the monthly schedule of roads to be serviced has had to be amended to accommodate these events. As work continues, I also witnessed earlier this month an addition of five new vehicles to our yellow fleet. These will be put to good use and ensure service delivery standards are upheld. I am extremely proud of the dedicated workers at our Roads Department who are all hard at work to fix and service our roads.
I am pleased to announce that we will soon be officially receiving two trucks for disaster management. One truck will be dedicated to assisting local municipalities during water scarcity interventions, while the other will be deployed for flood response efforts. This marks the beginning of the first phase in a three-phase disaster management strategy that we are rolling out. Phase two includes our purchasing of several containers and a hovercraft. The third and final phase will see us purchasing flood response equipment.
Madam Speaker,
I want to close by reminding everyone of the Western Cape Premierโs Opening Address (POA) tomorrow, 31 July 2024, at 10:45. This will provide us with insights into exciting programs and projects rolled out in the Western Cape, and for us to collectively reflect on the achievements of our provincial government. The event can be watched LIVE on Facebook and YouTube.
NOTICE IN TERMS OF SECTION 33 OF THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT: MUNICIPAL FINANCE MANAGEMENT ACT, 2003 (ACT 56 OF 2003)
Noticeย is hereby given in terms of Section 33 of the Local Government: Municipal Finance Management Act, 2003 (Act 56 of 2003) that Garden Route District Municipality intends entering into a long-term Service Level Agreement with the Service Provider, Khabokedi Waste Management (Pty) Ltd, for the operation and maintenance of the new Regional Waste Management Facility for the Garden Route District Municipality for a period of ten (10) years for Tender GRDM/19/23-24.
Notice is hereby further given in terms of Section 21 and 21A of the Local Government: Municipal Systems Act, 2000 (Act 32 no. 2000) that the local community and affected parties are invited to submit comments or representations on the draft Service Level Agreement. Any objections, comments or representations regarding the Municipalityโs intention and agreement must be submitted in a sealed envelope clearly endorsed โSECTION 33 COMMENTS ON NOTICE OF LONG-TERM AGREEMENTโ and be physically submitted at the Garden Route District Municipality Reception located at 54 York Street, George; or alternatively e-mailed to Johan Gie, on/or before 30 September 2024 at 12h00.
A copy of the draft agreement, together with an information statement summarising the Municipalityโs obligations in terms of the proposed contract is available for inspection during office hours at Garden Route District Municipalityโs head and satellite offices. The physical addresses of the various offices can be obtained from the following link on the Municipalityโs website.
The Information Statement and draft Service Level Agreement are also be available on the Municipalityโs website.
Persons who are physically disabled or unable to write but need to participate in the process may present themselves during office hours at the offices of the Municipality listed above where a staff member will assist them to transcribe the relevant comments or representations.
This notice in published in English and will be made available free of charge, in Afrikaans or Xhosa upon request.
Hierdie kennisgewing word gepubliseer in Engels en sal gratis op aanvraag beskikbaar gemaak word in Afrikaans en Xhosa.
Esi saziso sipapashwe ngesiNgesi kwaye sifumaneka ngesisa, ngolwimi Iwe-Afrikaans okanye isiXhosa xa kukho isicelo eso.
For any information about the above, please contact Johan Gieย via e-mailย or at telephone number 044ย 693 0006.
MG Stratu Municipal Manager Closing date: 30 September 2024 Notice number: 82/2024
Notice is hereby given that a SPECIALCOUNCIL MEETING of the Garden Route District Municipality will be held at the CA Robertson Council Chambers and via Zoom, 54 York Street, George, on 6 August 2024 at 11:00.
Media Release: Garden Route District Municipality Hosts Training Provider Capacity Building Workshop
25 July 2024
On Tuesday, 23 July 2024, the Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) held a Training Provider Capacity Building workshop, attended by approximately 100 Skills Development providers. The training took place in the in person and was also attended via Microsoft Teams to ensure ย broader accessibility.
The objectives of the workshop aimed to inform Skills Development providers about the registration process for becoming part of the panel of service providers and to educate service providers on crucial aspects relating to supply chain management at the GRDM.
Feature Image Caption:ย Participants in the Capacity Building Workshop
Media Release: Seventeen (17) youth from the Garden Route to gain workplace experience through the BIG Hearts initiative
For immediate release 25 July 2024
On Monday, 22 July 2024, a second group of eight young people from the Garden Route district participated in an induction session as part of the YES initiative. The previous group attended their Induction session on 18 July 2024. The YES Initiative in collaboration with the Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP), offers participants the chance to gain skills through a twelve-month workplace experience program.
The induction sessions were conducted by BIG Hearts and this will prepare participants to understand the objective of the programme before being placed at various municipalities, including Knysna, Mossel Bay and Ladismith municipalities.
Portfolio Chairperson for Property Development and Management at GRDM, Cllr Hilton Stroebel, addressing the participants with a message of motivation.
The contract signing session took place at the Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM), a stakeholder of this initiative. During the session, the representative from BIG Hearts, Christine van Niekerk, conducted the induction to help participants understand the process, expectations, and details of their contracts.
Witnessing the occasion were GRDMโs Portfolio Chairperson for Property Development and Management, Cllr Hilton Stroebel, within the Integrated Planning and Economic Development Department, as well as the GRDM Manager responsible for Expanded Public Works Programme, Richard Dyantyi, as well as officials from GRDM and Oudtshoorn Municipality.
Cllr Stroebel encouraged the participants in his motivational speech, urging them to seize this opportunity for personal growth and envision a bright future. He concluded by emphasising that this initiative should inspire hope in others who may feel there is no way forward. Stroebel also thanked BIG Hearts for partnering with the municipality, highlighting the importance of such collaborations in providing hope to the youth.
Now all participants are looking forward to being placed in various departments within GRDM and the remaining participants will be assigned to local municipalities in the district, focusing on waste management.
Their monthly remuneration will be funded by the public sector, while GRDM committed to cover the administration costs of all contracts which will officially commence on 1 August 2024.
Feature Image: The second group of participants from across the district with representatives of GRDM’s EPWP Unit,ย BIG Hearts and Oudtshoorn Municipality after the signing of their contracts at the Induction Session.
Media Release: Garden Route District Municipality Hosts Successful Energy Efficiency Contest
24 July 2024
Earlier this year, the Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) launched a competition about energy efficiency among high schools in the Garden Route district, including Hessequa, Mossel Bay, George, Knysna, Bitou, Oudtshoorn, and Kannaland. The primary objective of it was to raise awareness amongst learners about the importance of adopting sustainable energy behaviours.
Teachers from participating schools were requested to motivate learners to develop and illustrate bulletin boards focusing on energy sustainability. This would later be judged to ensure that learners understood the significance of energy efficiency and efforts to conserve energy within their schools.
The theme of the competition was “Energy Efficiency and Sustainability in my school.”
Seventeen (17) entries were received by the GRDM. The review and scoring of the entries, based on a set assessment criterion, took place in March 2024, and the results were announced by schools in April 2024. The winners of the contest are:
1st Prize (R15 000) โ Jonga High School, Thembalethu
2nd Prize (R10 000) โ Indwe High School, Kwanonqaba
3rd Prize (R5 000) โ George High School, George
GRDM Executive Mayor Alderman Andrew Stroebel is very passionate about the topic of effective energy sustainability.
Yesterday, 23 July 2024, Executive Mayor Andrew Stroebel, the newly elected Executive Mayor of the GRDM, accompanied by Cllr Hilton Stroebel, Portfolio Chairperson of Property and Asset Management, Lusanda Menze, the Executive Manager of Integrated Planning and Economic Development, and a delegation from his office responsible for the project, visited the top three schools to congratulate them and hand over the energy efficiency prizes.
Jonga High School Visit:
Executive Mayor Stroebel and his GRDM delegation were welcomed by a praise singer, followed by a song from the schoolโs choir that translated to, “If God would not be there and have our backs, who will be there?” Sinethemba Godla, the acting principal of the school, thanked the mayor for steering the district in a positive direction and raising awareness about energy saving.
Prior to the Executive Mayor’s address, one of the learners, who also form part of the ‘learner scientists’ team, delivered an inspiring poem that astonished everyone in attendance. During his address, Alderman Stroebel referred to the student’s speech, saying, “I believe that you must leave something behind when you leave, but today, I must surely say that Iโve received something here.” In addition to praising the school choir for their beautiful performance, he expressed his desire to invite them to future events. Mayor Stroebel congratulated the school team for their strong sense of teamwork and sustainable practices, emphasising the significance of their achievement. “We are here today to congratulate you not only for taking part in the competition but also for winning it in the district.”
By winning the competition, the school was able to purchase two laptops, 13 scientific calculators, 13 mathematics instrument boxes, and 4 white laboratory coats. In conclusion, Alderman Stroebel explained the criteria against which each schoolโs project was judged, including the creativity of the design, the number of innovative ideas shared, the relevance of the design, and the logical presentation of ideas.
Photos capture the GRDM Executive Mayor and all the speakers during the handover ceremony at Jonga High School.
Indwe High School Visit:
The GRDM delegation was welcomed with a composed poem, which described him as “a leader emerging in a difficult time, a vessel of hope for our communities.” In his remarks, Alderman Stroebel briefly explained the functions of the District Municipality and stressed the need for energy conservation. He congratulated the school on their achievement and handed over their prize to Mr Ntsikelelo Ngcenge, the principal, which included a laptop, 75 mathematics instrument boxes, and 7 scientific calculators. Both the principal and the science teacher thanked the GRDM for the initiative and the valuable items received, expressing hope for future engagements.
Photos capture the GRDM Executive Mayor and all the speakers during the handover ceremony at Indwe High School.
George High School Visit:
A highlight of the event was when Grade 12 learner, Graziel Nenze, surprised his fellow students and guests with a song asking the community to save electricity.ย In his keynote address, Mayor Stroebel highlighted the importance of sustainable energy in creating job opportunities and economic progress.ย Stroebel encouraged the learners to come forward;ย think outside the box and help spread the message of energy conservation. The school received an energy-saving projector and an energy-saving speaker worth R5 000, which were handed over to the principal, Rodney Cupido.
Councillor Hilton Stroebel echoed the mayorโs sentiments about needing the youth and encouraged them to contribute their innovative ideas toward sustainable energy. Cllr Stroebel referred to the Bible, saying that the Apostle John mentioned young people have ingenuity and initiative, and when you become old, your brain gets lazy and certain things donโt matter as much anymore. “I believe young people are strong and there is always an idea that will come from them,” he continued.
During all three visits, Lusanda Menze introduced his team and encouraged the youngsters to pursue careers that seemed impossible in the past, but to choose careers that they see fit for their future.
This initiative by the GRDM has successfully engaged the youth in the fight for sustainable energy, promoting awareness and inspiring future generations to adopt and advocate for energy-efficient practices.
Photos capture the GRDM Executive Mayor and all the speakers during the handover ceremony at George High School.
Feature Image Caption: The winning bulletin boards of Jonga High School.
Did you know that:
The selection criteria for the contest required participants to prepare a product that incorporated principles of energy efficiency and sustainability, showcasing qualities such as teamwork, creativity, innovation, content, and expression. Additionally, entries needed to demonstrate a clear understanding of the topic, ensuring that the message conveyed was factually correct. Submissions were expected to be neat, organized, and well-presented, meeting the brief’s specifications. It was also essential for the entries to clearly indicate the details of the school.
Media Release: Food Safety Education Session enhances Standards at “Heroldsbaai Kafee”
For immediate release 24 July 2024
Recently, an Environmental Health Practitioner (EHP) from the Garden Route District Municipality, Carike Jantjies (GRDM), conducted a comprehensive Food Safety Education session to the food handlers of โHeroldsbaai Kafeeโ. This initiative is part of the nine Key Performance Areas relevant to the profession of EHPs.
The session focused on two critical aspects of food safety, namely:
Food Control
Health Surveillance of Premises
Ensuring Food Control
Food control is pivotal in maintaining food safety and optimal hygiene across the entire food supply chain, from the source to consumption.
During the session, the food handlers were educated on the five keys to safer food. These keys include:
Keep all surfaces clean. Regular cleaning prevents contamination and maintains hygiene.
Separate raw and cooked food to avoid cross-contamination. This is crucial for preventing the spread of harmful bacteria.
Cook food thoroughly because proper cooking kills almost all dangerous microorganisms. This step ensures that food is safe to eat.
Keep food at safe temperatures.ย Harmful bacteria can multiply rapidly if food is stored at room temperature for more than 2 hours. Maintaining proper temperatures is essential.
Use clean and safe water and fresh foodstuffs. Ensuring the quality of ingredients and water used in food preparation is vital for food safety.
Health Surveillance of Premises
The health surveillance of premises involves ensuring that any condition on the premises does not pose a health hazard. This includes regular inspections and maintenance to prevent potential health risks.
The Food Safety Education session was conducted by Environmental Health Practitioner, Carike Jantjies (left), at the “Heroldsbaai Kafee”.
The education session aimed to enhance the knowledge and skills of the food handlers at “Heroldsbaai Kafee”, ensuring they adhere to the highest standards of food safety and hygiene. By focusing on these key performance areas, the Environmental Health Practitioners at GRDM strive to safeguard public health and promote safe food practices.
For more information on food safety and health surveillance, please contact: Johan Compion Manager: Municipal Health & Environmental Services E-mail: info@gardenroute.gov.za Tel: 044 803 1300 / Cell: 082 803 5161
Mandela Day 2024: GRDM and Knysna Municipality Clean-Up Campaign
23 July 2024
On Thursday, 18 July 2024, the Garden Route District Municipalityโs (GRDM) Waste Management section joined hands with Knysna Municipality to celebrate Mandela Day with a clean-up campaign targeting illegal dumping in the Concordia West wetland. This initiative aimed to raise awareness about the importance of maintaining clean neighbourhoods and reducing waste.
During the campaign, GRDM District Waste Management Officer, Innocentia Sikweyiya, emphasised the importance of reducing waste by buying in bulk and reusing items instead of purchasing disposable plastic bags, favouring reusable shopper bags instead.
The GRDM Waste Management Section would like to thank Knysna Municipality for also referring to the importance of keeping communities clean. It is not just the responsibility of the Municipality to take care of the community; residents should also keep their communities clean. Knysna Municipality has assigned two participants to monitor the area, report any illegal dumping, and send information to law enforcement for investigation.
Stakeholders and Donations
Stakeholders and donations involved in the Mandela Day Clean-up Campaign include:
Asivikelane: Donated refreshments for participants.
GRDM: Donated plastic bags, gloves, masks, and rakes.
Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) Workers
Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE)
The campaign successfully collected 300 bags of waste, making a significant impact on the cleanliness of the Concordia West wetland.
Featured Image Caption: All the stakeholders involved in making the clean-up campaign a success.
By joining hands, GRDM Waste Management Section, Knysna Waste Management, and members of the Concordia West community successfully cleaned the area.
