You are invited to an Informal Food Traders Workshop in George
Date: 25 November Time: 09:00 – 11:00 Venue: Thembalethu Thusong centre, Jeriko Street, Thembalethu, George
The Garden Route District Municipality is pleased to host an Informal Food Traders Workshop in collaboration with George Municipality. This educational session is designed to empower individuals who own, operate, or work in informal food premises.
The workshop will provide essential information on the legal requirements for running a spaza shop, along with insights from expert speakers on key topics such as:
Health and Hygiene
Fire Safety
Building Plan Compliance
Waste Management
And other important aspects related to operating informal food trading businesses
This interactive and engaging session is a great opportunity to refresh your knowledge and gain valuable guidance to enhance your operations.
If you have any questions about this upcoming event, please contact Jessica Erasmus on 044 803 1522 or WhatsApp 081 346 3118, e-mail jessica@gardenroute.gov.za
Media Release: Mayors and Municipal Managers Visit Regional Waste Management Facility Site
20 November 2024
Earlier today, 20 November, Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) Executive Mayor Andrew Stroebel led a delegation of Mayors and Municipal Managers from local municipalities on an oversight visit to the Regional Waste Management Facility (RWMF), located next to PetroSA in Mossel Bay.
“During my previous District Coordinating Forum I promised to arrange a site visit for Mayors and Municipal Managers to witness to progress of this collective mega-project,” said Mayor Stroebel.
During the visit, GRDM Waste Manager Johan Gie explained the minimum requirements for initiating waste disposal operations at the facility. These requirements include the completion of Cell 1A, the access road, weighbridge, leachate and contaminated water dams, drainage pipes, guardhouse, weighbridge buildings, and permanent fencing.
Installation of the weighbridge has commenced and will be operational by January 2025.
Gie previously at the DCF detailed some of the challenges faced with completing the project according to its planned schedule. The main issue has been been rain and wind damage, which caused delays in preparing the surface of Cell 1A. Cell 1A is part of the critical path of the project and needs to be completed for municipalities to start disposing waste. “In some cases, work had to be restarted multiple times due to the extent of the damage,” said Gie.
GRDM Municipal Manager Monde Stratu provided a brief background of the project and its timeline.
Hessequa Mayor, Grant Riddles also visited the RWMF. He is pictured with GRDM Executive Mayor, Andrew Stroebel.
On a positive note, PetroSA has agreed to a month-to-month extension for the disposal of waste at its site adjacent to the RWMF, provided it complies with the prescribed licence conditions. GRDM will also be responsible for operating the temporary site, while also supplying the required cover material.
Overall the stakeholders were impressed with the progress made to date.
In his closing remarks, Mayor Stroebel said: “I want to thank GRDM Community Services Head of Department, Nthabeleng Raisa-Mlandu, the Mayoral Committee Chairperson for Community Services Jobieth Hoogbaard, Johan Gie – our Waste Management Manager and other personnel for their collective efforts to getting this project to where it is today”.
Subcontractors placing and welding HDPE lining. Excavation of cell 1 B in the background.
Bobcat placing 300mm layer of drainage stone on top of the various lining
Media Release: COP29 focus on funding to assist the global community in dealing with a fast changing climate
For immediate release 19 November 2024
“Lead by Dr Dion George, Minister of the Department of Environment, Forestry and Fisheries (DFFE) South Africa has sent as strong delegation to attend and contribute to COP29 in Baku, Azerbaijan which will be wrapping up its business on climate change this week,” says Cobus Meiring of the Garden Route Environmental Forum (GREF).
The Garden Route has already experienced the impact of a changing climate and it is important that the region focus on what measures to take to be better prepared for mitigating climate induced impacts such as loss of biodiversity, prolonged drought, floods, fire, changes in rainfall patterns, rising sea levels and sea surges.
COP29 is an annual event where the world gathers to agree on the actions to address the climate crisis, such as limiting the global temperatures rise to 1.5 degrees Celsius, helping vulnerable communities adapt to the impact of climate change and achieving net- zero emissions by 2050.
Unfortunately the outcomes and gravitas of COP29 on the world stage has been overshadowed by the American elections, but COP29 is no doubt one of the most significant events on the global stage. With temperatures soaring to record levels and cataclysmic climate impacts wreaking havoc around the world, the need for urgent, transformative action to phase out fossil fuels, transform food systems and halt and reverse nature loss has never been greater.
One of the key outcomes for COP29 is to ensure that there will be sufficient funding available to enable every country with the means to make a just energy transition, slash greenhouse gas emissions and building resilient communities.
For many communities around the globe efforts to address climate change has come to late, and already thousands have been displaced by rising sea levels and millions more are facing hunger as drought, fires and floods impact on food production and food security.
Over and above the impact of climate change the South African reality is that the country is wreaking havoc on its own environment through unabated pollution at all levels, and it has to be addressed with urgency.
As much as climate change is a complex matter affecting humanity on many levels, fact of the matter is that failing to prioritize planning for it will have severe implications for future generations.
The Garden Route Environmental Forum (GREF) is an environmental management platform and climate change think- tank.
Photo: a fast- changing climate will have an impact on Garden Route bio- diversity and sustainable food production
Media Statement: Nine children experience severe stomach cramps after consuming chips in Mossel Bay – they are fine now
18 November 2024
Earlier today, nine (9) children from the Mossel Bay area shared packets of chips that they bought from a spaza shop, which resulted in them experiencing persistent stomach cramps. They were immediately taken to a local hospital for medical attention.
According to Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) Executive Mayor Andrew Stroebel, “the children received prompt care, with their parents/guardians by their side throughout the ordeal. Medical staff confirmed that all 9 children have since recovered and discharged.”
“Environmental Health Practitioners (EHP) from the GRDM have already initiated an investigation into the incident. The chips will be sent to a laboratory and test results will be made public once received back as part of the standard procedures followed by EHPs,” said Stroebel.
Further updates will be provided when more information becomes available.
Please continue to report any incidents of suspected counterfeit or tampered foods. Members of the public are urged to contact their nearest SAPS or reach out directly to the Garden Route District Municipality’s Municipal Health Services.
Johan Compion – Senior Manager: Municipal Health, Solid Waste Management & Air Quality Control
Desmond Paulse – Manager: Municipal Health Klein Karoo
E-mail: desmond@gardenroute.gov.za
Tel: 044 272 2241 / Cell: 083 678 6530
94 St John Street, Oudtshoorn
Rinay Cloete – Acting Chief: Municipal Health Mossel Bay
E-mail: rinay@gardenroute.gov.za
Tel: 044 693 0006 /Cell: 083 630 6108
C/O Sampson & Marling Street, Ext 23, Mossel Bay
Emmy Douglas – Chief: Municipal Health George (Outeniqua)
E-mail: emmy@gardenroute.gov.za
Tel: 044 803 1537 / Cell: 078 457 2824
Mission Street, Industrial Area, George
Jessica Erasmus – Acting Chief: Municipal Health George (Wilderness)
E-mail: jessica@gardenroute.gov.za
Tel: 044 803 1522 / Cell: 081 346 3118
Mission Street, Industrial Area, George
James McCarthy – Chief: Municipal Health Knysna (Lakes)
E-mail: james@gardenroute.gov.za
Tel: 044 382 7214 / Cell: 082 805 9417
26A Queen Street, Knysna
Gawie Vos – Chief: Municipal Health Bitou (Lakes)
E-mail: Gjvos@gardenroute.gov.za
Tel: 044 501 1600 / Cell: 083 557 1522
7 Gibb Street, Plettenberg Bay
Media Release: Garden Route Clean Fires Campaign prize handover ceremony at Oakhill Primary School, Knysna
18 November 2024
On Friday, 15 November 2024, the Air Quality Management Unit of the Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) presented the 2024 Garden Route Clean Fires Campaign prize to the winning school, Oakhill Primary School in Knysna. The Executive Mayor of GRDM, Andrew Stroebel, and Councillor Jobieth Hoogbaard, GRDM Portfolio Chairperson for Community Services, joined Dr. Johan Schoeman for the handover ceremony.
uring a brief assembly session at the school, Mayor Stroebel explained, “Nine years ago, GRDM launched a special air quality awareness campaign to improve community well-being and environmental health. The initial focus was on guiding Oudtshoorn communities on ‘Clean Fires,’ but the initiative expanded to George, and over the past six years, GRDM has provided curriculum-aligned ‘Clean Air’ information packs to Grade 3 classes throughout the district,” he said.
In 2024, the Clean Air Project engaged 78 schools, involving 186 Grade 3 Teachers and 5,639 learners in areas from as far as Klipdrift and Nolls Halte, through George, Sedgefield, Knysna, Touwsranten and Karatara to Plettenberg Bay and surrounding areas. This marks a significant increase in scope, compared to the previous years and reflects the district’s ongoing commitment to broadening the impact of environmental education.
Mayor Stroebel further explained that by targeting Grade 3 learners makes sense because the theme of ‘Clean Air’ already forms part of the grade curriculum for Environmental Studies. Also, the best way to ensure a better, safer, and healthier environment in the not-too-distant future, is to create positive awareness in young minds now. The project offers extensive support for teachers through online information sessions and a self-study training course, which concludes with the awarding of 5 *CPTD points and a certificate of completion. *CPTD – Continuing Professional Teacher Development.
“As a special incentive to encourage a constructive approach to environmental education and effective use of the provided information and resources, the 2024 project included a competition with a grand prize of R10,000. Today, we are here to present this award to Oakhill Primary School. Your school demonstrated the highest level of engagement and innovative use of the resources. The criteria for winning included attendance at the online sessions, completion of the self-study course, and proof of creative implementation in classrooms, and your school, led by Mr. James Cross, stood out above the rest. We hope the funds will benefit the school. Congratulations on winning the prize money, and good luck with the exams. Enjoy your festive season!”Cllr Stroebel concluded.
Lastly, Mayor Stroebel extended a word of gratitute to Mr Dreyer Lötter MD: SATeacher e-Learning (Pty) Ltd for the excellent working relationship and innovation over the past years to make this project a success. He also thanked him for donating the R10 000 prize money.
Featured Image Caption: On the picture from left to right: Mr Dreyer Lotter from SA Teacher e-learning, Dr Johann Schoeman – GRDM Manager District Air Quality Control, Andrew Stroebel – GRDM Executive Mayor, Mr James Cross – Head of the Prep School, Cllr Jobieth Hoogbaard – Portfolio Chairperson of Community Services, Ms Caroline Cross – Grade 3 Teacher and Mr Howarth – Principal of the school.
Media Release: GRDM and stakeholders continue with Blitz Operations and Health Education in communities of the Garden Route
For immediate release 15 November 2024
Continued Blitz Operations
On 12 November 2024, Garden Route District Municipality Environmental Health Practitioners (EHPs) accompanied by Mossel Bay Municipality’s Law Enforcement Officers and the South African Police Service (SAPS) from Kwanonqaba and Herbertsdale, conducted a joint Blitz Operation in the Mossel Bay area. During the operation, five (5) Spaza Shops were visited and inspected.
Following thorough inspections by EHPs, several foodstuffs were confiscated for non-compliance to the labelling regulations, damaged packaging (foodstuffs got freezer burn due to packaging being torn), expired products, rotten vegetables and fruit and best-before-dates being tampered with.
Mossel Bay Law Enforcement Officers then issued three (3) Notices for shop owners to appear in Court for failing to have valid Business Licences.
In Oudtshoorn’s Bongolethu area, GRDM Klein Karoo EHPs, alongside SAPS, Oudtshoorn Municipality Law Enforcement, and Immigration officials, conducted a similar Blitz Operation on 13 November 2024.
During the operation, from the four (4) of the six (6) spaza shops that was planned to be visited, two (2) shops were closed when the team arrived.
Furthermore, of all the premises visited and inspected in the Sector 1 of Bongolethu, three (3) of the premises was in an acceptable state, however one (1) was temporarily closed due to hygiene concerns. The team will be conducted a follow-up inspection at the premises that was closed during the blitz operation.
GRDM EHPs serving the Hessequa region, in conjunction with the Hessequa Municipality’s Law Enforcement Services and SAPS in the Melkhoutfontein and Heidelberg areas conducted blitz operations at Spaza shops in Melkhoutfontein on 12 November 2024 and in Heidelberg on 14 November 2024. The team was also accompanied by GRDM Portfolio Chairperson for Community Services, Cllr Jobieth Hoogbaard, who monitored the activities of the operation.
Considering the recent deaths related to the consumption of food products bought from Spaza shops in various parts of the country, the team focused their attention on Food safety, with emphasis placed on hygiene; the sale of damaged (rusted and dented) products and products that is not labelled properly and the storage and sale of pesticides and insecticides. Furthermore, the operation was used as an education platform to address the sale of products that have reached their best before/ sell by/ use by dates.
During the operation damaged products, perishable products(yogurts, fresh milk, cheese and milk based juices), which have reached their use by dates and those not labelled properly, were confiscated and condemned. Subsequently, these products were destroyed and buried at the local landfill site, under the supervision of EHPs, Law Enforcement and SAPS.
GRDM urges the public to be vigilant when buying food products and that the public double check that the date markings on products are within the timeframe before buying them.
Door-to-door Health and Hygiene Awareness
Recently, the GRDM EHPs from the Outeniqua (George) region conducted a door-to-door health and hygiene awareness campaign within the Parkdene community, visiting households to educate residents on essential health practices. During the campaign, the team shared essential information such as health practices, including proper sanitation, waste management, handwashing and other hygiene practices to help prevent the spreading of diseases.
These initiatives aimed to raise awareness, address specific health concerns, and empower residents to create a cleaner, healthier environment. By promoting these practices, the campaign seeks to reduce the spread of diseases within the community.
Continue to report any incidents of suspected counterfeit or tampered foods, members of the public are urged to contact their nearest SAPS or reach out directly to the Garden Route District Municipality’s Municipal Health Services.
Johan Compion – Senior Manager: Municipal Health, Solid Waste Management & Air Quality Control
Media Release: Garden Route District Municipality completes final phase of the installation of Smoke Detection Devices in Rheenendal
For immediate release 11 November 2024
The Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM), in partnership with the Knysna Municipality, today (11 November 2024) completed the installation of over 60 smoke detectors in homes within the Rheenendal community near Knysna. This marks the final phase of the project to install almost 500 smoke detectors in the area.
The detectors were installed by firefighters with councillors fulfilling an oversight role. Firefighters, while installing the devices, also educated home-owners about the use of the devices.
The team of firefighters ready to install the smoke detectors at dwellings situated in the Rheenendal area.
Smoke detectors, or smoke alarms, are devices designed to sense smoke and emit an audible or visual alert to warn of a fire.
Today’s installations covered the following areas within Rheenendal:
Monkey Valley (9 homes)
Soccer Valley (9 homes)
Lapland (18 homes)
Pine Valley (3 homes)
Busy Corner (5 homes)
Uitsig Section 5 (2 homes)
Uitsig Sections 1, 2, 3, and Honey Valley (15 homes combined)
Hou my nat (2 homes)
The project has been supported by Cllr Hoogbaard, the Portfolio Chairperson for Community Services at GRDM, Cllr Hilton Stroebel, Knysna and GRDM Councillor, Deon Stoffels, GRDM’s Chief Fire Officer, Marthina Tieties, Community Facilitator from Asivikelane representing the Rheenendal community, as well as GRDM firefighters and officials who all formed part of the installations.
During his address as part of the formal programme, Cllr Hoogbaard said: “The installation of smoke alarms in informal dwellings is a critical step towards preventing fire-related tragedies and promoting a culture of fire safety. This project aligns perfectly with our municipality’s goals of providing a safe and healthy environment for all”.
Hoogbaard further commended the project’s organisers for their proactive approach to addressing this pressing need. “The partnership between GRDM, Knysna Municipality, the Provincial Government, as well as the community, demonstrates our collective commitment to improving the quality of life for our most vulnerable residents,” he added.
The project’s objectives include:
Reducing fire-related deaths, injuries, and property damage;
Educating residents on the importance of smoke alarm installation and maintenance;
Assisting residents in developing and practicing home fire escape plans;
Helping municipalities comply with legislative requirements under the Municipal Structures Act, Disaster Management Act, and Fire Brigade Services Act;
Enhancing relations between the community and local fire departments.
Smoke detectors installed at various dwellings within the Rheenendal area.
Early detection of home fires is crucial for reducing fatalities and injuries. Fires can smoulder before igniting into flames, often releasing toxic gases that cause suffocation – the main cause of fire-related deaths. Smoke can disorient or incapacitate people quickly, especially during sleep, as studies show that the smell of smoke does not wake people. Detecting a fire early, while it is still smouldering, allows time for safe evacuation, and reduces the risk of suffocation.
GRDM therefore remains dedicated to enhancing fire safety for communities within the Garden Route.
Media Release: Stakeholders discuss Community Safety at GRDM Workshop
For immediate release 8 November 2024
The Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM), in collaboration with key stakeholders including the Civilian Secretariat of Police Service and the Western Cape Government’s Department of Police Oversight and Community Safety (PoCS), on Wednesday, 6 November 2024, hosted a Community Safety Workshop at the GRDM Joint Operation Centre.
Executive Mayor of GRDM, Cllr Andrew Stroebel.
GRDM Portfolio Chairperson for Community Services, Cllr Jobieth Hoogbaard.
Ntabeleng Raisa-Mlandu, GRDM Executive Manager: Community Services.
Lillian Mashele, Representative of the Civillian Secretariat for Police Service.
The event also attracted representatives from the Department of Education, Ratepayers Associations, and other stakeholders to engage in discussions aimed at enhancing community safety in the district, especially with the upcoming holiday season in mind. The workshop served to align stakeholders on existing safety plans for the Garden Route district and laid the groundwork for the Community Safety Summit that was held at the Town Hall of Mossel Bay.
Key topics included the concept and structure of a Community Safety Forum, stakeholder support for the forum, the Integrated Crime and Violence Prevention Strategy 2023-2027 (ICVPS), and the role of local government in supporting and implementing this strategy.
Executive Mayor of GRDM, Andrew Stroebel, in his address, emphasised the shared objective of reducing crime in the region. Citing a recent tragedy in George, he noted that crimes not only harm individuals but also impact tourism and economic growth. “These crimes don’t just take lives; they also undermine our region’s attractiveness and potential,” he said. Mayor Stroebel underscored the importance of the Community Safety Forum as a platform where various stakeholders can combine their expertise to ensure a safer region for all. “Our journey toward community safety relies on collaboration between local government, law enforcement, civil society, and the community,” he added. Highlighting the anticipated influx of tourists during the festive season, he called upon stakeholders to work together to reinforce the Garden Route’s reputation as a safe and desirable destination.
Portfolio Chairperson for Community Services at GRDM, Councillor Jobieth Hoogbaard reiterated GRDM’s commitment to supporting local safety forums. “The good work initiated by PoCS is evident in each of our seven municipalities,” he said, commending the active safety forums across the district. He further encouraged stakeholders to inform communities that “safety is everyone’s responsibility,” and assured participants that the workshop would lead to tangible improvements in community safety.
The Community Safety Initiative, led by PoCS, aims to empower municipalities and communities to address safety concerns while preventing duplication of efforts across governmental spheres. Representatives at the workshop repeatedly highlighted the importance of working together to improve safety throughout the Garden Route. This collaborative approach aims to reduce crime and foster safer communities through coordinated efforts across all local municipalities.
The Garden Route district is committed to prioritising local safety issues and will continue to support the establishment of Safety Forums in local municipal areas, to implement their safety plans in partnership with PoCS and the South African Police Service (SAPS).
Amid pressing challenges such as youth unemployment, inequality, drug abuse, and the rise in gender-based violence, stakeholders acknowledged the need for comprehensive Community Safety Plans. This includes incorporating safety initiatives into municipal Integrated Development Plans with measurable Key Performance Indicators, as well as effective communication to reinforce public safety. The workshop also emphasised the importance of regular safety audits, placing safety as a priority on municipal agendas, enforcing by-laws in collaboration with law enforcement, and ensuring accountability through annual reporting.
To close the day’s discussions, Ntabeleng Raisa-Mlandu, the newly appointed Executive Manager of Community Services at GRDM, emphasised that while municipalities and stakeholders may have plans and resources in place, achieving success requires a strong commitment from the municipalities themselves. She added that for these Community Safety initiatives to succeed, all local municipalities and stakeholders need to come together in one room to work toward the shared outcomes.
Through these concerted efforts, the Garden Route District Municipality and its partners aim to create a safer, more cohesive community for residents and visitors alike.
Media Release: GRDM and Stakeholders Conduct Collaborative Spaza Shop Blitz in areas of the Garden Route
For immediate release 8 November 2024
Garden Route District Municipality’s (GRDM) Environmental Health Practitioners (EHPs) and stakeholders took part in a joint operation targeting Spaza shops in the Nekkies/Damsebos area of Knysna on 30 October.
Knysna Municipal Health Team and stakeholders during a Blitz Operation conducted in the Knysna area.
GRDM’s Desmond Paulse (middle) with Warrant Officer Govender, (right),with a Spaza Shop owner (left) in Dysselsdorp.
During this initiative, eleven (11) Spaza Shops were inspected by EHPs, the Knysna Municipality’s Law Enforcement Unit, as well as the South African Police Service. The inspections focused on:
Validity of Certificates of Acceptability, per Regulation 638 under the Foodstuffs, Cosmetics and Disinfectants Act, 1972 (Act 54 of 1972);
overall hygiene standards;
proper food labelling;
expired products; and
the Illegal sale of poisons or pesticides to the public.
Following thorough inspections, one (1) Spaza shop was closed due to serious hygiene violations. Additionally, five (5) food samples from various shops were collected for chemical health analysis at the National Health Laboratory Services.
In the Klein Karoo region, the GRDM Manager for Municipal Health, Desmond Paulse, and Warrant Officer, M. Govender from the Dysselsdorp Police, conducted a multi-stakeholder inspection to ensure that every Spaza Shop in the area have a Certificate of Acceptability in terms of Regulation 638 of 2018. They further inspected the shops to determine whether they are in a good state of hygiene, sell healthy foodstuffs to the public and that foodstuffs are properly labelled and provided with date marking so that the public can make informed decisions when buying foodstuffs. Five (5) shops were inspected throughout this operation.
In the George area, during a recent blitz several establishments were inspected and four (4) shops including three (Spaza Shops) as well as one (1) restaurant in town were closed.
These closures were enforced due to poor hygiene standards and the absence of valid Certificates of Acceptability, as required under the Foodstuffs, Cosmetics, and Disinfectants Act (Regulation 628 of 22 June 2018: General Hygiene Requirements for Food Premises, Transport of Food, and Related Matters).
Law enforcement will monitor the closed premises to ensure compliance, while follow-up inspections will be conducted by the respective EHPs overseeing these areas.
Other recent Municipal Health outreaches
In recent outreach efforts, GRDM’s Municipal Health team in Knysna conducted an educational session for food handlers from restaurants and grocery stores in Buffalo Bay, Goukamma, and Sedgefield. More than 30 food handlers attended, participating in presentations on food safety, handling, and hygiene practices. Attendees were assessed on the material covered and enthusiastically engaged in group discussions, applying principles learned during the session.
In Bitou, EHPs conducted a Health and Hygiene session at the Jack and Jill Educare Centre in Kranshoek, focusing on communicable disease prevention and handwashing. This initiative, as part of the recent Environmental Health Day, also highlighted the urgency of these practices amid rising measles cases.
GRDM’s Municipal Health team with Foodhandlers during an Educational Session.
EHPs conduct a Health & Hygiene session at Jack and Jill Educare Centre in Kranshoek.
EHPs strengthens operations through Food Safety Plan to Protect Public Health during the Festive Period
As the festive season approaches, GRDM’s Municipal Health Section is set to implement a Food Safety Plan to ensure safe food handling across all food premises, including stalls, retail shops, spaza shops, and mobile vendors in the District. The plan seeks to protect public health by reducing the risk of foodborne illnesses, also considering the recent food-poisoning related cases reported across the country.
EHPs, empowered under Regulation R328 of 20 April 2007, are responsible for ensuring that all food establishments meet hygiene standards to provide safe products to the public. The Food Safety Plan will focus on regions across the Garden Route, including the Klein-Karoo, Knysna, Mossel Bay, Hessequa, Bitou, and Outeniqua areas.
Targets and Operations
The campaign will target a variety of food premises and educational facilities, including informal traders, soup kitchens, wholesalers, taxi ranks, shopping centres, and early childhood development facilities. Inspections will assess pest control, chemical safety, labelling, and ventilation. Chemical and bacteriological sampling, including hand-swabs of identified foods, will be conducted in early November.
The plan also includes weekly awareness sessions and roadblocks in high-traffic areas to further promote health and hygiene. Community outreach events will involve both the general public and the business sector, with educational sessions and pamphlet distribution at food premises. Inspections will extend to weekends and after hours as needed, and non-compliant shops will face closure if operating without a Certificate of Acceptability.
Ultimate Risk
Failure to implement this food safety plan could pose a severe health risk to the community, potentially resulting in foodborne illnesses and, in extreme cases, fatalities. However, the GRDM is committed to actively monitoring and managing risks to safeguard the health of Garden Route residents.
Feature Image: Recent blitz operations conducted in the George area.
The Local Government Sector Education and Training Authority (LGSETA) invites unemployed individuals / students interested in the local government to apply for the Discretionary Grants Bursary 1st Funding Window in support of the LGSETA Annual Performance Plan (APP) targets for 2024/2025 financial year.
Who can apply?
South African students and those with permanent residence status.
University, University of Technology, and TVET Colleges (NATED programmes) students or Grade 12 learners who have been accepted in institutions of higher learning.
Students who are accepted or received provisional acceptance for a course/qualification that is in line with local government sector.
Priority will be given to studies that relate to the local government sector priority occupations priorities aligned to the broad service delivery areas and support functions aligned to the five
broad focus areas of LGSETA.
Please refer to the list of qualifications that will be supported for the bursary on the LGSETA website.
Only students that are studying full time will be funded.
Stakeholders
Learning Programmes
SETA Target 2024/25
Grade 12 Learners/TVET College and University Learners
Bursaries
650
How to apply?
Go to the LGSETA website http://www.lgseta.org.za and follow these steps: i. Click Services tab. ii. Then click DG Bursary under Learners tab. iii. Lastly click on the link provided under 2024-2025; thereafter
Upload all the required supporting documents on the link within your online application.
Submit your application.
Submissions
An individual bursary application must be submitted by each student/learner through the LGSETA Microsoft Forms as per details under how to apply (No applications should be sent via email addresses or hand delivered).
The application window opens on 3 November 2024 at 8:00 am and closes on 30 November
The deadline will not be extended. Late or incomplete applications will not be considered.
All Bursary applications are subject to approval by the LGSETA Accounting Authority.
The allocation of these Bursaries will be dependent on the availability of funds and on applicants meeting all requirements as per the programmes funding criteria, policies, and
procedures.
LGSETA reserves the right to cancel the discretionary grant funding window in whole or in part at its discretion.
If you have not heard from us within three (3) months of submitting your application, please consider your application unsuccessful.
All enquiries must be directed to the Bursary Department at bursaryapp@lgseta.org.za
Following thorough inspections by EHPs, several foodstuffs were confiscated for non-compliance to the labelling regulations, damaged packaging (foodstuffs got freezer burn due to packaging being torn), expired products, rotten vegetables and fruit and best-before-dates being tampered with.
