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Author: GRDM Council

20 March 2024 Media Release: Public Encouraged to Register on GRDM Human Settlement Database

Media Release: Public Encouraged to Register on GRDM Human Settlement Database

For Immediate Release
20 March 2024

Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) calls upon eligible residents, falling within the qualifying monthly income threshold, to register on the Human Settlements Database. This initiative aims to streamline processes to determine interested and qualifying beneficiaries to facilitate the delivery of enhanced affordable housing solutions across the district.

As from September 2023, the GRDM Human Settlements Section started with a marketing exercise, creating awareness at public places over weekends, registering interested qualifying applicants who want to be part of GRDM overall Human Settlements Database.  Up to date, almost 900 applicants have been registered against the set target of 2000 applicants for the GRDM affordable housing opportunities database.

The affordable housing opportunities consist of social rental and individual home ownership schemes relative to promotion of choice and affordability.  These are primarily for those households whose monthly income streams and thresholds sit between R3 501 – R22 000 respectively.

The applicants have to also meet the qualifying criteria which can be summed as follows:

  1. Be a South African person.

  2. Sit between the afore-mentioned income streams.

  3. Meet affordability requirements.

  4. Be 18 years and above.

  5. Have dependents.

The demand database will eventually be administered and used by the GRDM’s formal social housing partner, Own Haven Housing Association, for the purpose of beneficiation, allocation and management of confirmed successful beneficiaries.

By registering on the Human Settlement Database, residents enable GRDM to accurately assess and address housing needs within the community, ensuring equitable distribution of resources and targeted interventions where they are most needed.

For more information regarding the GRDM Human Settlment Database, please contact Messrs. Lubabalo Ketani and Luyolo Ndima at 044-8031300.

Caption: GRDM Human Settlement team is hard at work conducting an awareness campaign to ensure every resident knows their housing options.

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09 February 2024 Media Release: Vuyani Kopi, a GRDM employee sadly passed away on 3 February 2024

 Media Release: Vuyani Kopi, a GRDM employee sadly passed away on 3 February 2024

For immediate release
09 February 2024

The Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM), in particular the Roads Services Department, is left devastated of the passing of a dear colleague and friend, Vuyani Kopi (42). His departure leaves a profound void in the organisation that he loyally served for more than 6 years.

Vuyani passed away on 3 February 2024 at Settlers Hospital in Grahamstown.

He became part of the GRDM family when he was appointed as a Handyman/Artisan on 1 October 2017. Vuyani formed part of the GRDM’s Road Services – Oudtshoorn – Concrete Section.

During his tenure as an employee of GRDM, Vuyani shared good times with his colleagues and friends and leave them with many good memories.

While mourning the departure of his co-worker and best friend, Elliot Qhoholo said: “Vuyani was more than just a colleague; he was a pillar of strength and a true friend. His presence lifted us, but now his absence will be felt. As GRDM colleagues, we extend our deepest condolences to Vuyani’s family during this difficult time.

Kopi was originally from Grahamstown in the Joza area and he leaves behind his wife Fikiswa Kamteni, two (2) children, four (4) sisters and a brother.

In celebration of Vuyani’s life, the GRDM will be hosting a special memorial service at 14h00 on 12 February 2024 in the municipality’s Council Chambers in George. He will be laid to rest at 09h00 on Saturday, 17 February 2024 in Grahamstown.

In these dark and difficult times, let us keep Vuyani’s family and friends in our thoughts and prayers, finding solace in the legacy he leaves behind and the memories we shared as colleagues and friend.

Rest in peace our Vuyani Kopi – you will be sorely missed.

Caption: Picture of Vuyani Kopi

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09 February 2024 Media Release: GRDM Environmental Health Practitioners Conducted Health Education at Kuyasa Clinic, Zone 9, Thembalethu.

Media Release: GRDM Environmental Health Practitioners Conducted Health Education at Kuyasa Clinic, Zone 9, Thembalethu.

For immediate release
09 February 2024

At the end of January 2024, the Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) Environmental Health Practitioners (EHP), Yonwaba Sifo and Ivy Mamegwa visited Kuyasa Clinic located in Zone 9, Thembalethu. The purpose of the visit was to inform and educate clinic visitors about Typhoid fever.

According to Ivy Mamegwa, “Typhoid fever is one of the notifiable medical conditions in South Africa. It is caused by Salmonella Typhi. The disease is spread through faecal oral contamination and can be transmitted from person to person by direct contact or through ingestion of contaminated food or water. The importance of hand-washing was also emphasized”.

During the presentation, more than 50 patients were reached.  To those present, the GRDM EHPs demonstrated effective and correct hand washing techniques. They also taught the public what typhoid fever is, the causative agent, its symptoms, and how to prevent it. Common symptoms of Typhoid fever include: Headache, abdominal pains, nausea, vomiting, constipation or diarrhea etc.

The three most effective methods of preventing typhoid are:

  • Adherence to strict hand washing with soap and water after using the toilet and before handling food;
  • Provision of safe water; and
  • Adequate sanitation.

EHP Yonwaba Sifo said: “Typhoid fever patients should practice strict hand hygiene and should not prepare food until they have been proven to be infection-free”.

                                 Caption: EHPs  busy demonstrating the proper techniques of hand-washing.

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IDP/BUDGET and PMS Representative Forum meeting to take place on 23 November 2023

IDP/BUDGET and PMS Representative Forum meeting to take place on 23 November 2023

In terms of sections 16(1)(a)(i) and 17(1)(a) – (e) of the Local Government: Municipal Systems Act No 32 of 2000, a notice is hereby given that the Garden Route District Municipality will hold its IDP/Budget and Performance Representative Forum meeting to encourage and create conditions for the local community to participate in the affairs of the municipality.

The meeting is scheduled as follows:
Date: 23 November 2023
Time: 09:00
Live broadcast by Eden FM: 09h30 – 10h15

George Municipality, Knysna Municipality, Greater Oudtshoorn Municipality, Kannaland Munisipaliteit, Mossel Bay Municipality, Hessequa Municipality, Bitou Municipality and GCIS Garden Route

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20 September 2023 Media Release: Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) handed over 55 jackets to Thembalethu neighbourhood watches

Media Release: Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) handed over 55 jackets to Thembalethu neighbourhood watches

For Immediate Release
20 September 2023

Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) has donated 55 jackets to Thembalethu Neighbourhood Watch to support the Area Base Team (ABT). ABT, which consists of various community structures in Thembalethu, requested assistance from GRDM through a Neighbourhood Watch and Community Forum (CPF) Indaba due to the high crime rate in the area.

Jackets are funded through the GRDM in collaboration with the Western Cape Department of Police Oversight and Community Safety.

During the handover ceremony, GRDM Executive Mayor Ald, Memory Booysen thanked the representatives of the Thembalethu Neighbourhoods for the significant work they are doing in keeping community members safe.  Alderman Booysen, however, encouraged them to also invite young people to work with them, since safety is a concern for everyone.

Caption : In this photo is Garden Route District Municipality Executive Mayor Alderman Memory Booysen, together with the leadership of the Thembaletu Neighbourwood Watch and his office

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12 September 2023 Media Release: Garden Route monitoring station reporting live on SAAQIS

Media Release: Garden Route monitoring station reporting live on SAAQIS

For Immediate Release
12 September 2023

The Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) procured a low-cost mobile sensor from Earthsense in the United Kingdom, called the Zephyr. This mobile unit can measure various pollutants such as particulate matter, sulphur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide, ozone, hydrogen sulfide, volatile organic compounds and carbon monoxide. The sensor is used throughout the district to identify air quality hot spots. These hot spots are based on historic complaints and air pollution activities. This unit has become an indispensable component of air quality management in the district.

“This is another achievement and further step in sharing important air quality information with the public, as these monitoring data have been reported on the South African Air Quality Information System (SAAQIS),” said Dr Johann Schoeman, Manager: GRDM District Air Quality Control.

SAAQIS makes air information available to stakeholders, provides a common system for managing air quality in South Africa and provides uniformity in the way data, information and reporting are managed.  The SAAQIS aims to provide public access to air quality information. The availability of information facilitates transparency in processes, informs decision-making, and builds capacity. Through the SAAQIS, relevant information can be streamlined, tools are provided to assist in managing air quality, and stakeholders are made aware of air quality issues.

The SAAQIS presents real-time ambient air quality monitoring information together with the Air Quality Index on modern platforms. This information is available through the SAAQIS website (http//saaqis.environment.gov.za) and an innovative mobile application tool (available on Android and iOS mobile platforms).  Besides the Zephyr, the fixed air quality station in George, under the control of the Provincial Air Quality department, and the Eskom station in Mossel Bay are also reporting on SAAQIS.

Any member of the public can now access the website and monitor the air quality results of the George station, Mossel Bay station as well as the mobile station. The mobile station’s location is movable, depending on where it is utilised at that specific point in time. An air quality index is plotted on the site and indicates the state of the air on a scale from excellent to poor.

The reporting live on SAAQIS is a further enhancement of air quality management in the district and a way of open and transparent communication to its residents. It lives up to our vision of “having air quality worthy of the name Garden route”.

For more information, please contact Dr Johann Schoeman, District Air Quality Manager by e-mailing jschoeman@gardenroute.gov.za

Did you know: Air Quality ambient monitoring is a statutory requirement of District Municipalities, in terms of the National Environmental Management: Air Quality Act, 2004 (Act 39 of 2004).

Click on https://saaqis.environment.gov.za/ – The map of South Africa shows three (3) green spots in our district. We have a mobile station between Mossel Bay and Herbertsdale (Mossdustria) on the far left. The other two are at Mossel Bay and at George’s. You will find the following information if you click on the homo ns mobile station.

Featured image caption : A low-cost mobile sensor from Earthsense in the United Kingdom, called the Zephyr.

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08 September 2023 Impact Based Weather Warning: Veld Fire Conditions

Impact Based Weather Warning: Veld Fire Conditions

The Cape Town Weather Office has issued an Impact Based Weather warning for Veld Fire conditions valid from today until Saturday, 09 September 2023 (18:00). 

Areas in the Garden Route affected by veldfire conditions include Kannaland and Oudtshoorn.

Report weather-related incidents to the Garden Route Disaster Management Centre at 044 805 5071.

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Legal notice:
“This warning from SA Weather Service must be communicated as received and may not be altered under any circumstance.
It must be forwarded or communicated in its entirety and no portion hereof may be replicated or copied and distributed.”

08 September 2023 Impact Based Warnings for Western Cape: Yellow Level 1 for Damaging Winds & Yellow Level 4 for Damaging Waves

Impact Based Warnings for Western Cape: Yellow Level 1 for Damaging Winds and Yellow Level 4 for Damaging Waves

The Cape Town Weather Office has issued two weather warnings, nl: (1) Yellow Level 1 for Damaging Winds valid from Saturday, 9 September until Sunday, 10 September 2023 and Yellow Level 4 for Damaging Waves valid from Sunday, 10 September until Monday, 11 September 2023. 

Areas in the Garden Route district affected by Damaging Winds include Kannaland, Bitou, George, Hessequa, Knysna, Mossel Bay and Oudtshoorn.

Areas in the Garden Route district affected by Damaging Waves include Bitou, George, Hessequa, Knysna, and Mossel Bay.

Legal notice:
“This warning from SA Weather Service must be communicated as received and may not be altered under any circumstance.
It must be forwarded or communicated in its entirety and no portion hereof may be replicated or copied and distributed.”

Report weather-related incidents to the Garden Route Disaster Management Centre at 044 805 5071.

30 August 2023 Impact Based Weather Warning: Veld Fire Conditions

Impact Based Weather Warning: Veld Fire Conditions

The Cape Town Weather Office has issued an Impact Based Weather warning for Veld Fire conditions valid from today until Thursday, 31 August 2023 (20:00). 

Areas in the Garden Route affected by veldfire conditions include Oudtshoorn and Kannaland.

Report weather-related incidents to the Garden Route Disaster Management Centre at 044 805 5071.

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Legal notice:
“This warning from SA Weather Service must be communicated as received and may not be altered under any circumstance.
It must be forwarded or communicated in its entirety and no portion hereof may be replicated or copied and distributed.”

30 August 2023 Media Release: Nominate Exceptional SMMEs for SATSA Tourism Business Incubator (new slots open)

Media Release: Nominate Exceptional SMMEs for SATSA Tourism Business Incubator (new slots open)

For Immediate Release
30 August 2023

As reported back by Southern Africa Tourism Services Association (SATSA) Chief Executive Officer (CEO), David Frost, at yesterday’s Annual General Meeting (AGM), the impact of our Tourism Business Incubator has echoed throughout our industry, inspiring change, and exemplifying the potential within every Small, Medium and Micro Entrepreneurs (SMME).

We are proud of our achievements, our collaborations with key associations like Association of South African Travel Agency (ASATA) and Federated Hospitality Association of South Africa (FEDHASA), the incubation of 32 black owned SMMEs, and our support from well-known members including City Lodge Hotel Group, Europcar, New Frontiers, and more.

SATSA’s Tourism Business Incubator, a Non-Profit Company established to help SATSA members and stakeholders implement enterprise and supplier development, shares the mission with others like Anglo American Zimele, to foster growth beyond boundaries.

Now we’re looking ahead to year two of the project, and with ten places having become available, we invite you to play an essential part in this journey by nominating deserving small businesses (with 51% or more black ownership) for our incubation program. Nominees should have a turnover of less than R50 million and be operating for at least one year. Your nominations can elevate these entrepreneurs, contributing to our entire industry’s prosperity.

To nominate an SMME (or yourself-if you meet the requirements), please send the following details to Hannelie Du Toit (hannelie@satsa.co.za) before close of business 1 September 2023:

  1. Business Name
  2. Owner’s Name
  3. Type of business (this can be any type of business within the tourism value chain including services such as laundry, etc.)
  4. Email Address
  5. Mobile Contact Number

For more information, contact Akash Singh (akash@sigmaintl.co.za) from Sigma International.

Issued by: The SATSA Team

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