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Author: Herman Pieters

350 Training Opportunities (For unemployed persons): Process Control Skills Programme

350 TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES (UNEMPLOYED)
Process Control Skills Programme NQF Level 5 (3-months)

For Hessequa, Mossel Bay, George, Knysna, Oudtshoorn, Bitou and Kannaland

Some of the criteria include:

  • 30% not previously employed
  • 70% must have contributed to UIF
  • Ages 18 – 59
  • Male and female
  • Closing date: 24 April 2026

HOW TO APPLY: Applicants must register and apply using the online RED BUTTON (Unemployment Solutions) on the Garden Route Skills Mecca Web site at https://skillsmecca.gardenroute.gov.za/ or browse to this shortlink: https://tinyurl.com/34unespk.

Those unable to access the website, can apply by printing this application form https://tinyurl.com/28m8vxnt and submitting it to the address listed.

For any enquiries, do not hesitate to contact Nolwando Sambokwe at 044 803 1345 or e-mail nolwando@gardenroute.gov.za, or Sisanda Sajini at 044 803 1450 or e-mail sisandas@gardenroute.gov.za during office hours only.

Only short-listed candidates will be contacted. Should candidates not be contacted within two months of the closing date, they must consider their application as unsuccessful.

450 Training Opportunities (for Unemployed persons): Quality Management Systems

450 TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES (UNEMPLOYED)
Quality Management Systems (QMS), NQF Level 5 (6-months)

For Hessequa, Mossel Bay, George, Knysna, Oudtshoorn, Bitou and Kannaland

Some of the criteria include:

  • 30% not previously employed
  • Ages 18 to 59, Male and female
  • 70% must have contributed to UIF
  • Closing date: 24 April 2026

HOW TO APPLY: Applicants must register and apply using the online RED BUTTON (Unemployment Solutions) on the Garden Route Skills Mecca Web site at https://skillsmecca.gardenroute.gov.za/ or browse to this shortlink: https://tinyurl.com/34unespk.

Those unable to access the website, can apply by printing this application form https://tinyurl.com/28m8vxnt and submitting it to the address listed.

For any enquiries, do not hesitate to contact Nolwando Sambokwe at 044 803 1345 or e-mail nolwando@gardenroute.gov.za, or Sisanda Sajini at 044 803 1450 or e-mail sisandas@gardenroute.gov.za during office hours only.

Only short-listed candidates will be contacted. Should candidates not be contacted within two months of the closing date, they must consider their application as unsuccessful.

Code B and C Driver’s License Training Opportunities for employed and unemployed persons from rural parts of Kannaland (Zoar, Ladismith, Calitzdorp and Van Wyksdorp).

Code B and C Driver’s License Training Opportunities for employed and unemployed persons from Kannaland rural areas (Zoar, Ladismith, Calitzdorp and Van Wyksdorp).

Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) invites employed and unemployed persons between ages of 18 to 40, male or female residing within the Garden Route District Municipal area, to apply for an opportunity to be trained for a Drivers License Code B and C as part of a Garden Route Skills Mecca initiative.

Closing Date: 22 April 2026

Opportunities are currently available within the above mentioned Kannaland rural areas:

  • Zoar
  • Ladismith
  • Calitzdorp
  • Van Wyksdorp

HOW TO APPLY: Applicants must register and apply using the online RED BUTTON (Unemployment Solutions) on the Garden Route Skills Mecca Web site at https://skillsmecca.gardenroute.gov.za/ or browse to this shortlink: https://tinyurl.com/34unespk. 

Those unable to access the website, can apply by printing this application form https://tinyurl.com/28m8vxnt and submitting it to the address listed.

For any enquiries, do not hesitate to contact Nolwando Sambokwe at 044 803 1345 or e-mail nolwando@gardenroute.gov.za, or Sisanda Sajini at 044 803 1450 or e-mail sisandas@gardenroute.gov.za during office hours only.

Only short-listed candidates will be contacted. Should candidates not be contacted within two months of the closing date, they must consider their application as unsuccessful.

 

Code B and C Driver’s License Training Opportunities for employed and unemployed persons from rural parts of George (Uniondale, Haarlem, Avontuur, Waboomskraal, Touwsranten, Hoekwil, Kleinkrants and Noll)

Code B and C Driver’s License Training Opportunities for employed and unemployed persons from rural parts of George (Uniondale, Haarlem, Avontuur, Waboomskraal, Touwsranten, Hoekwil, Kleinkrants and Noll)

Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) invites employed and unemployed persons between ages of 18 to 40, male or female residing within the Garden Route District Municipal area, to apply for an opportunity to be trained for a Drivers License Code B and C as part of a Garden Route Skills Mecca initiative.

Closing Date: 22 April 2026

Opportunities are currently available within the above mentioned George rural areas:

  • Uniondale;
  • Haarlem;
  • Avontuur;
  • Waboomskraal;
  • Touwsranten;
  • Hoekwil;
  • Kleinkrants; and
  • Noll.

HOW TO APPLY: Applicants must register and apply using the online RED BUTTON (Unemployment Solutions) on the Garden Route Skills Mecca Web site at https://skillsmecca.gardenroute.gov.za/ or browse to this shortlink: https://tinyurl.com/34unespk

Those unable to access the website, can apply by printing this application form https://tinyurl.com/28m8vxnt and submitting it to the address listed.

For any enquiries, do not hesitate to contact Nolwando Sambokwe at 044 803 1345 or e-mail nolwando@gardenroute.gov.za, or Sisanda Sajini at 044 803 1450 or e-mail sisandas@gardenroute.gov.za during office hours only.

Only short-listed candidates will be contacted. Should candidates not be contacted within two months of the closing date, they must consider their application as unsuccessful.

9 April 2026 Garden Route District Municipality Recognises Industry Excellence in Air Quality Management

Media Release: Garden Route District Municipality Recognises Industry Excellence in Air Quality Management

9 April 2026

The Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) has officially launched its Annual Industry Air Quality Best Practice Recognition Programme, culminating in a handover ceremony held to honour industry excellence in environmental stewardship.

The programme, aligned with the objectives of the GRDM’s 2025 Air Quality Management Plan, seeks to recognise industries that demonstrate outstanding commitment to compliance, innovation, and collaboration in air quality management.

This initiative forms part of the Municipality’s broader commitment to proactive environmental governance, developed in partnership with industry stakeholders, local air quality officers, and provincial authorities.

Dr Johan Schoeman highlighted the importance of the programme, stating: “This recognition programme is designed to encourage a culture of accountability and continuous improvement within industry. It acknowledges those Section 21 industries that not only comply with regulatory requirements but actively engage with authorities and implement innovative solutions to improve air quality outcomes.”

  • Industries are assessed against a transparent and rigorous set of criteria, including:
  • Active participation in Air Quality Working Group meetings
  • Timely submission of statutory reports
  • Compliance with minimum emission standards
  • Implementation of voluntary measures to enhance air quality performance

The evaluation process is conducted by a multi-stakeholder panel and internally audited to ensure fairness, transparency, and credibility.
The 2026 recipient of the Air Quality Best Practice Award, based on performance during the 2025 evaluation period, is Cape Karoo International Tannery in Mossel Bay, which achieved full marks across all evaluation criteria.

Charl du Pisani, who is the Technical Director, said “Cape Karoo International Mossel Bay Tannery feels privileged to receive the recognition for our efforts to continually improve environmental matters in line with international requirements”.

Cape Karoo International is a globally recognised leader in the tanning of ostrich and other exotic leathers and has consistently demonstrated excellence in environmental management. As one of the first industries to receive an Atmospheric Emission Licence from GRDM, the company has remained an active and committed participant in the Municipality’s Air Quality Working Group.

During the assessment period, the tannery:

  • Attended all working group meetings
  • Submitted all required quarterly and annual reports
  • Maintained full compliance with licence conditions and emission limits
  • Demonstrated continuous improvement in air quality performance
  • In addition, the company implemented targeted interventions to reduce the release of harmful gases, further strengthening its environmental impact.

Speaking at the handover ceremony, the Executive Mayor of the Garden Route District Municipality said:

“Today’s recognition is not only about compliance, but about leadership. It is about acknowledging those industries that go beyond minimum requirements and actively contribute to protecting our environment while supporting economic growth.

Cape Karoo International has set a benchmark for responsible industrial practice in our region, demonstrating that sustainability and economic success can go hand in hand. As a Municipality, we are proud to partner with industry in building a cleaner, healthier, and more sustainable Garden Route.”
The programme is designed to complement, not replace, regulatory enforcement, and aims to foster a culture of continuous improvement, innovation, and collaboration across the district.

The GRDM continues to make significant progress in environmental health, with a Municipal Health Compliance Rate of 88%. In addition, Oudtshoorn, within the Garden Route district, was recognised by IQAir as the least polluted city in Africa during the 2022/23 period.

Caption:  The winners of the Air Quality Best Practice Award from Cape Karoo International Mossel Bay Tannery, front (fltr):  Ms Anya Bits (Environmental Officer), Dr Francois de Wet (Managing Director) and Mr Charl du Pisani (Technical Manager / Director). Back (fltr): Angus Andries (District Air Quality Officer), Dr Johann Schoeman (Manager: District Air Quality Control), Cllr Jobieth Hoogbaard (Mayoral Committee Chairperson: Community Services) and Ald. Marais Kruger (GRDM Executive Mayor).

ENDS

Media Queries

Kabelo Mohlohlo (Manager: Support Staff)
079 133 0543 / kabelo@gardenroute.gov.za

Herman Pieters (GRDM Communication Manager)
081 4555 699 / communications@gardenroute.gov.za

Public Notice: Adjusted 2025/26 GRDM Top Layer Service Delivery & Budget Implementation Plan (SDBIP)

Public Notice: Adjusted 2025/26 GRDM Top Layer Service Delivery & Budget Implementation Plan (SDBIP)

8 April 2026

Notice is hereby given that the Garden Route District Municipality’s SDBIP for 2025/26 has been adjusted.

All questions must be directed to:
GRDM Manager: Performance Management, Ms Ilse Saaiman
Tel: 044-803 1300 / E-mail: pms@gardenroute.gov.za.

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