Garden Route and Tacoma Strengthen Ties Through Strategic Global Exchange

29 Aprol 2026

The Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) is continuing its partnership with Tacoma Sister Cities International, spearheaded by Ms. Melannie Cunningham, by exploring collective approaches to boost its economic growth, skills transfer and sustainable tourism.

During a visit, from 23 to 28 Apil to the Garden Route, a platform to exchange critical information and extract skills between the two institutions was established.

Ms. Cunningham, who chairs the Tacoma-Garden Route District Committee, emphasised that this journey is about transforming long-standing agreements into a dynamic regional partnership that spans across all seven diverse communities of the Garden Route. “It also re-opens up opportunities for economic growth for the Garden Route to the association’s vast international networks,” said Cunningham.

The delegates discussed the global ostrich industry, exploring new avenues for trade and export of these high-value local products.

In a view to facilitate better movement of goods, port relations were firmly on the spotlight. Manager: LED, Tourism, EPWP and Job Creation Mr. Richard Dyantyi said, “The engagements centred around the coastal energy and maritime culture that mirror Tacoma’s own character as a vital port city”, he said.

The delegation also prioritised skills training and development to be spearheaded by local educational and vocational institutions such South Cape College & Africa Skills Village. The discussions touched on establishing formal academic and artisanal exchange programmes, allowing for a “people-to-people” flow of skills and knowledge.

The Garden Route continues to attract more residents who enjoy the rich tapestry of nature and cultures in this region and the efforts aimed at promoting cultural understanding and deep-rooted community connections were highly supported towards building on a relationship that began with George in 1997 and has now expanded to the entire Garden Route District.

Both countries see this as a starting point to boost trade, promote sustainable tourism, and create richer educational pathways for young people in the Garden Route.

Caption: Strengthening international ties, GRDM leadership and the Tacoma Sister Cities representatives engage in discussions to unlock new avenues for collaboration and shared growth.

ENDS