Notice is hereby given that a COUNCIL MEETING of the Garden Route District Municipality will be held at the CA Robertson Council Chambers and via Zoom, 54 York Street, George, on 30 July 2024 at 11:00.
19 July 2024
Annually, in July, South Africa comes together to celebrate the life and legacy of former President Nelson Mandela. While 18 July has been declared Nelson Mandela International Day, South Africans extend the celebrations throughout the entire month. This extended celebration offers everyone the chance to heed Mandela’s call to recognise their individual and group efforts to make an imprint and change the world around them.
This year, Nelson Mandela International Day was observed under the theme: “It’s still in our hands to combat poverty and inequity.” In upholding this spirit, officials from the Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) joined people across the globe in participating in community work to honour Madiba’s enduring legacy.
Below you will find a few pictures and short descriptions of what the GRDM officials did across the district:
GRDM Road Services Department
Early this month, Rosemoor Old Age Home management posted an urgent request on social media regarding the facility’s financial crisis and their need for urgent assistance with groceries, meat products, cleaning supplies, vegetables, and adult diapers.
As part of the commemoration of Madiba Day, officials of the Roads Services’ George office requested everyone to contribute to this noble cause by donating one or more items from the specified list. Although officials in the Department responded well to the urgent request, the 98 residents, all over 60 years old, are still in dire need of the abovementioned products.
GRDM Disaster Management
As part of the Madiba Day festivities, the GRDM’s Disaster Management and Fire Service teams engaged in a friendly pancake-baking competition. Officials generously provided all the necessary ingredients and equipment for the challenge. The participants showcased their culinary skills, aiming to bake the most pancakes, and the delicious results were joyfully donated to a local children’s home and residents of Emmause Home for Disabled. This initiative not only celebrated Madiba’s spirit of generosity and community service, but also brought smiles to the faces of young ones in need, embodying the essence of Mandela Day.
GRDM Financial Services Department
Mzoxolo Primary School in Lawaaikamp received sanitary towels from officials in the Finance Department. Research shows that when young women from poorer backgrounds lack access to sanitary towels, they often miss school or suffer a loss of dignity by having to use old newspapers or cloths. Girls who cannot afford pads or tampons miss about 5 days of school each month, totalling around 60 missed school days a year.
GRDM Office of the Municipal Manager
The GRDM Executive Mayor, Speaker, and Municipal Manager, along with officials in the departments and political office, also yesterday, honored Mandela’s legacy at the Rosemoor Children’s Home. They generously donated warm clothes, toiletries, toys and groceries to support the approximately 25 children living at the facility. During the visit, the GRDM firefighters conducted an insightful demonstration for the youngsters, educating them on fire safety, including fire dangers, escape procedures, and how to prevent and respond to smoke inhalation. This initiative not only provided essential resources but also imparted valuable life-saving knowledge to the children.
GRDM Integrated Planning and Economic Development
In celebration of Mandela Day, the Integrated Planning and Economic Development Department visited Save Haven Youth Development and After Care (SHYDAC) in Parkdene. The team dedicated their time and resources to paint the building, creating a fresh and welcoming environment. They also cooked and served soup to everyone present. The team generously purchased toiletry packs from their own pockets, which they handed over to the manager, ensuring they have essential personal care items. This heartfelt effort demonstrated the spirit of Mandela Day by making a tangible difference in the lives of those at SHYDAC.
GRDM Community Services: Klein Karoo Municipal Health Services
In commemoration of Madiba’s legacy, the GRDM Community Services Department mobilised its various sub-offices and sections to engaged in impactful activities throughout the day. The Klein Karoo Municipal Health Services Section focused on providing clothes to individuals in need, ensuring that vulnerable community members received essential support.
GRDM Community Services: Bitou (Lakes) Municipal Health Services
In Bitou, the Municipal Health Offices dedicated their efforts to ‘The Angels of Joy Playgroup’ in The Crags, Kurland Village. Officials not only assisted with daily tasks but also took the opportunity to educate children and educators on the importance of handwashing practices. Additionally, they generously donated nutritious fruit to support the children’s wellbeing.
GRDM Community Services: Knysna (Lakes) Municipal Health Services
Municipal Health Section officials in Knysna honoured local car guards by serving them each a healthy, warm meal outside their office at 24A Queen Street. The gesture was intended to acknowledge and support the important role car guards play in the community.
GRDM Community Services: Mossel Bay Municipal Health Services
The Mossel Bay Environmental Health Practitioners visited Little Einstein Educare Crèche and Vlinderland Crèche in Great Brak River for Mandela Day. A total of seven teachers and 183 children participated in the morning event focusing on children, aligned with what Madiba stood for in life, as he was very fond of children. When asked what they knew about Mr. Mandela, a toddler responded, “Mr. Mandela loved children.” Health and hygiene awareness sessions were furthermore conducted at the crèches, followed by demonstrations of proper handwashing techniques for the children and teachers.
GRDM Community Services: Hessequa Municipal Health Services
In Riversdale, officials from the GRDM Hessequa office organised a Soup Kitchen drive at the Suikerbossie Soup Kitchen, providing a warm meal to those in need in the Riversdale area. This compassionate effort not only provided nourishment but also underscored the spirit of solidarity and care that Madiba Day embodies across the GRDM Community Services Department.
GRDM Community Services: George Municipal Health Services
George Municipal Health officials serving the George, Wilderness, and Outeniqua areas, collaborated on a School Shoe Project at Kommandtansdrift Primary School in the Kammanassie area, near Uniondale. In honor of Madiba’s legacy, the Environmental Health Practitioners (EHPs) ensured that each child at the school received a pair of new shoes and socks, a snack pack with sweet treats and a drink, as well as a cake for everyone to share. This project not only provided essential items but also brought joy and celebration to the children, embodying the spirit of giving and community that Mandela cherished. It also ensured that students in need had proper footwear, promoting their comfort and dignity throughout the school year.
Madiba Day Blood Donation Drive at the GRDM Head Office arranged by Corporate Services
One of the highlights of the day’s celebrations was the blood donation drive in collaboration with the Western Cape Blood Service and George Municipality. This campaign was held for the second consecutive year in honour of Mandela Day at the GRDM head office.
Seventy (70) people attended the blood donation drive, but not everyone had iron levels suitable for donation. Consequently, fifty-two (52) individuals were able to donate blood. This effort has the potential to save a total of 156 lives, as one donation can help three people!
Contributing to this life-saving cause and embodying the spirit of unity and community service that Nelson Mandela championed, is central to this campaign. By doing this, officials not only helped to save lives, but it also inspired others to give back in meaningful ways.
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Today, the Garden Route District Municipality’s (GRDM) Roads Department took in acceptance five vehicles to the value of approximately R 500 000 each. This special occasion was witnessed by the GRDM Executive Mayor, Ald. Andrew Stroebel, Executive Deputy Mayor, Ald. Vlancio Donson, Mayoral Committee Chairperson (MMC) for Roads Services – Cllr Stag Cronje, and other MMCs, as well as GRDM Municipal Manager, Monde Stratu, and support staff.
The vehicles were procured with Western Cape Government funding and were handed over to the Roads Team at their main depot in George. The purpose of these new additions to the current yellow fleet of the Municipality, is to maintain service delivery standards of the all fifteen (15) Roads teams across the Garden Route.
In the past two years GRDM received ten (10) Maintenance and Construction Graders. The fleet value of the Graders received thus far in the past two years amounts to just over R50 million. Twelve (12) new Vans were also received over the past two years.
Today, is therefore another milestone and historic occasion for the municipality, as the Roads Department continues to strive towards excellence, more specifically in ensuring safe roads that link various areas and farms, including rural areas.
Between km 7.29 and 20.12 for the period 15 to 19 July 2024
15 July 2024
Speech therapy and audiology services are important interventions when it comes to young children and development. Early intervention is important for children to develop the communication skills needed for their academic and social life.
Western Cape Government Health and Wellness in the Garden Route district has a qualified speech therapist and audiologist who does outreaches to the entire Garden Route District (Kannaland, Oudtshoorn, George, Mossel Bay, Hessequa, Knysna and Bitou).
Speech Therapist Annemie Vogel said: “Our wish is that all caregivers of children ( 0 – 5 years) come and bring their child for a speech therapy session, even if you are not currently worried about something regarding their speech or feeding. “
Cayden(8) who was nonverbal, has seen great improvement since he started sessions at Uniondale Hospital with Speech Therapist Annemie Vogel. “Since we’ve started with sessions at Uniondale Hospital he has made so much progress. The growth that has taken place in my child during this time is incredible. Cayden enjoys every session and because he is a very excited boy, it is always nice for him to visit Miss Vogel. As a parent, I also learn a lot from the speech therapist about how to help my son at home and make it easy for him to express himself freely. I am grateful that I have decided to make speech therapy sessions part of Cayden’s growth and education,” said mother, Caslyn Skosana.
Speech therapy can help with the following:
What to expect in a Speech Therapy session:
Audiology Services
Another important service for early intervention is audiology services. Hearing impacts speech, language, learning, and social skills.
“We want to confirm hearing problems in children as early as possible. Bring your child for an assessment – it’s free. I will be able to determine if there is hearing loss, in one or both ears, the type of hearing loss, the severity and the recommendation of hearing aids,” said Audiologist, Nonkululeko Mtolo.
We can help children who:
Need constant repetition when you speak to them.
Need to be close to you to understand.
Often misunderstand what is said to them.
Still have a hearing problem even after being treated for ear infections or ear wax has been removed.
Caregivers can go to their nearest clinic and ask to be referred to an audiologist.
Children aged 0-6 years are referred to George for an assessment.
Feature Image Caption: Audiologist Nonkulukelo Mtolo assessing Mr-Sydney Bomsi.
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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
11 July 2024
Vehicle emission testing was recently conducted by Garden Route District (GRDM) and Hessequa Municipalities. The main objective of this ‘drive’ was to raise public awareness about vehicle emissions and to minimize their impact on ambient air quality in the region. The Garden Route district comprises of seven municipal areas, including Hessequa, Mossel Bay, George, Knysna, Bitou, Oudtshoorn and Kannaland.
Dr Johann Schoeman, Manager: District Air Quality Control, said: “Vehicle emissions testing is listed as a function of local authorities in terms of the National Framework for Air Quality Management in South Africa and is also regulated under Section 15 of the Hessequa Municipality: Air Pollution Control By-Law”.
“We stopped vehicles and each one had to undergo a visual inspection, and further testing was conducted with a ‘Smoke Check 1667 Opacity Meter’ on vehicles that emitted excessive dark smoke,” he said.
According to Schoeman, vehicles that were tested and failed were issued a repair notice, directing each owner to take their vehicle to a specified location for re-testing.
The vehicle emission testing campaign was conducted at the Sunrise picnic spot on the western entrance to Riversdale on the N2. A total of twenty-five (25) vehicles were stopped for inspection and testing.
Schoeman said drivers cooperated and all the vehicles passed the inspection. This indicates proper maintenance, especially of the large mainline trucks.
The GRDM’s Air Quality Management Section would like to thank Shagon Carelse and his team for their assistance and excellent cooperation in making the campaign a success.
Feature Image and Other Pictures Caption: Officials conducting visual and smoke check inspections during the recent vehicle emission testing in Hessequa.
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5 July 2024
The Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) is proud to announce the inauguration of several of its new executive leadership today, including a new Executive Mayor, Ald. Andrew Stroebel who hails from Hessequa where he was the Speaker for one-and-a-half terms since 2016/17. Today’s proceedings follow the National and Provincial election outcomes which resulted in former GRDM Executive Mayor, Ald. Memory Booysen moving to the Western Cape Legislature. Booysen was sworn in on 13 June 2024 alongside 41 other politicians.
During today’s inauguration, the Western Cape Minister for Infrastructure, MEC Tertuis Simmers was present. Mayors from the seven (7) local municipalities, members of the public and media, were also present in person and some logged in virtually to witness the special occasion.
The new GRDM Executive Mayor, Ald. Stroebel from the DA was elected unopposed. Subsequently, the Deputy Executive Mayor, Ald. Vlancio Donson from the Independent Civic Organisation of South Africa (ICOSA) was also elected unopposed. He replaces Ald. Gert Van Niekerk from the Freedom Front Plus. A new Whip of Council, Cllr Monique Simmers was also elected unopposed. She replaces Cllr Betsie van Noordwyk from the DA, who recently submitted her resignation from this position, which she held since 2021.
During Mayor Stroebel’s acceptance speech, his key message was his commitment to addressing the pressing issues of service delivery, infrastructure improvement, and sustainable economic development through transparent governance and open communication. He emphasised his commitment to financial sustainability, and highlighted the importance of performance-based accountability, environmental conservation, and teamwork to build a prosperous, inclusive, and resilient future for the district municipality.
Monde Stratu, the GRDM Municipal Manager, also welcomed and congratulated the new leadership on taking office. He committed that the administration would follow through on the goals as set out by the Executive Mayor.
“We as the administration are ready to hit the road running with what is expected,” said Stratu.
The profile of Ald. Stroebel is available here: https://www.gardenroute.gov.za/executive-mayor/
The acceptance speech by the Executive Mayor can be accessed here: https://www.gardenroute.gov.za/2024/07/05/5-july-2024-acceptance-speech-by-executive-mayor-ald-andrew-stroebel/
The Executive Mayor also announced his Mayoral Committee Members today. Mayoral Committee Members form part of the committees outlined in Section 80 of the Local Government: Municipal Structures Act 117 of 2008. Such a committee is established primarily to assist the Executive Mayor.
Those in these critical positions will oversee the following portfolios:
This inauguration marks a new chapter for the GRDM as the Administration and Council continues to strive for excellence in service delivery and community development.
Feature Image: Newly elected political leadership at GRDM, from left to right: Ald. Vlancio Donson (Deputy Executive Mayor), Ald. Andrew Stroebel (Executive Mayor) and Cllr Monique Simmers (Whip of Council).
ENDS
5 July 2024
Good morning Speaker, esteemed Councillors and distinguished guests, the administration, members of the public and the media
As the newly elected Executive Mayor of the Garden Route District Municipality, I am honoured to stand before you today and to share my vision for the future of this beautiful Garden Route.
Over the past fifteen (15) years, I have had the privilege of engaging with the people of our region, listening to their hopes, their concerns, and their dreams. It is clear to me that the residents of this district are deeply passionate about their home, and they are ready to work alongside us to build a brighter tomorrow for all who live in it.
This administration and Council’s top priority will be to address the pressing issues that matter most to our citizens. We will focus on enhancing service delivery, improving infrastructure, and fostering sustainable economic development. Through transparent governance and open communication, we will strive to rebuild the trust between the municipality, the community and the seven Local Municipalities.
No single person or organisation is perfect, mistakes could have been made, but we must own them, fix them and learn from them, starting today.
There will be no witch hunt of any employee as long as you have the relevant qualification and skills for your job, have done nothing seriously wrong and you are completely honest, diligent and hard-working. We are paid to be here and to deliver services to a standard that the public expects.
My door will always be open to all employees because I believe that with mutual respect and having a shared vision, we will be able take this municipality to the next level.
I believe in strong financial discipline and that’s why there will be a refocus on the financial sustainability of this municipality, the liquidity, and implementing the District-on-a-diet approach.
Additionally, we will work tirelessly to balance the perfect environment for the private sector to create more job opportunities, particularly in the thriving tourism and agriculture sectors. By supporting local small businesses, attracting strategic investments, and nurturing entrepreneurship, we aim to cultivate a diverse and resilient economy that provides meaningful employment, especially for our youth.
The Roads function and the Regional Waste Management Facility will also be at the forefront of our agenda and it must be championed by the Members of the Mayoral Committee (MMC) through Council as a top priority.
All MMC’s are selected not by loyalty but by performance and I will reconsider the Mayco each quarter, solely based on performance. The message can’t be clearer: Shape up or ship out.
Disaster Management and Fire & Rescue Services will always be close to my heart. I will strive to be with you on the ground as much as possible because you deliver an excellent service which we must support, as there is nothing more important than saving lives.
Furthermore, we recognise the importance of sustainable environmental practices and the effect of climate change. We will promote the conservation of our natural resources, do our best to enhance waste management systems, and explore renewable energy solutions to reduce our carbon footprint and safeguard the unique beauty of the Garden Route for generations to come.
My fellow citizens, the road ahead may not be an easy one, but I am confident that with team work, and with collective leadership, we can overcome the challenges and seize the opportunities that lie before us. By working hand-in-hand, we will build a future that is prosperous, inclusive, and resilient, a future that we can all be proud to call home.
I’m willing to take hands with this administration and every council member, to work with you, listen to you, and build relationships and trust through love and respect to provide citizens hope for a better tomorrow.
I thank you.
5 July 2024
The Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) completed a fire break on its property at Skimmelkrans Herolds Bay, to enhance the safety and to protect the area from the threat of wildfires. The best time of the year to create fire breaks is during cooler, wetter months when vegetation is less likely to ignite out of control.
“The construction of these fire breaks demonstrates our commitment to the safety and well-being of our community. We are taking proactive steps to mitigate fire risks and ensure that we are well-prepared to respond to any potential threats,” said GRDM Station Commander, Fire Safety and Training, Daniel Dippenaar.
The construction of fire breaks is a critical component of the GRDM’s comprehensive fire management strategy, which includes fuel load and alien invasive plant reduction. Strategically placed barriers are designed to slow or stop the spread of fires, providing a line of defense for both natural landscapes and human settlements. While protecting human lives and properties, these measures also help preserve natural habitats and biodiversity.
This project was completed on 4 July 2024 in collaboration with Working on Fire (WoF). The next step in the process is to perform a fuel load reduction prescribed burn.
“TWe are taking proactive steps to mitigate fire risks and ensure that we are compliant with legislation, in terms of the National Veld and Forest Fire Act,” said Dippenaar.
For more information on fire safety and to request an educational session, contact Daniel Dippenaar via e-mail, ddippenaar@gardenroute.gov.za or alternatively the Chief Fire Officer, Deon Stoffels at deon@gardenroute.gov.za.
Feature image: Xola Melaphi from working on fire was part of the team who used various equipment to create a fire break – including chainsaws, brush cutters, hand-held slashers and rakes.
ENDS
4 July 2024
In a dedicated effort to educate residents of the Garden Route on vital fire safety practices, the Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) Firefighters recently held a ‘Fire and Life Safety’ talk for children and a few adults from Herold.
Some of the pictures captured during the education session.
The event, which took place on July 3, 2024 involved a group eager to learn how to stay safe in various emergency situations. Senior Fire Fighter Bennie van Vuuren, Martino Jacobs, and Volunteer Fire Fighter Jivika Balram delivered an engaging presentation to 40 children. Essential topics such as what to do in case of a fire, dialing 112 or 044 805 5071, and recognising potential hazards at home, are some of the topics they focused on.
The group participated in hands-on activities, including practicing stop-drop-and-roll methods, and how to crawl or move low under smoke. They also had the opportunity to explore a fire truck and try on some firefighters’ gear.
Each child received take-home materials, including safety checklists and a family emergency plan template, to share with their loved ones.
Highlighting the importance of early education in fire safety, Senior Fire Fighter Bennie van Vuuren said, “Teaching children about fire and life safety from a young age is crucial. It empowers them with the knowledge they need to react appropriately in emergencies.”
The enthusiasm from the kids and the support from their parents were inspiring. The Firefighters from GRDM continue to offering educational talks regularly, ensuring that safety education remains a cornerstone of community outreach efforts.
Feature image: Some of the moments captured during the education session held in Herold.
ENDS