This annual celebration aims to raise awareness among the public around the world and South Africa about the risks associated with tobacco use. For the Garden Route District Municipality, the issue of individuals smoking in non-designated areas or businesses allowing smokers to smoke in non-designated areas is critical to address.
You as an individual have the right to a healthy and safe environment, while also standing your ground to safeguard the well-being of future generations.
Hierdie jaarlikse viering het ten doel om die publiek regoor die wรชreld en Suid-Afrika bewus te maak van die risiko’s verbonde aan tabakgebruik. ๐ฉ๐ถ๐ฟ ๐ฑ๐ถ๐ฒ ๐ง๐๐ถ๐ป๐ฟ๐ผ๐ฒ๐๐ฒ ๐๐ถ๐๐๐ฟ๐ถ๐ธ๐๐บ๐๐ป๐ถ๐๐ถ๐ฝ๐ฎ๐น๐ถ๐๐ฒ๐ถ๐ ๐ถ๐ ๐ฑ๐ถ๐ฒ ๐ธ๐๐ฒ๐๐๐ถ๐ฒ ๐๐ฎ๐ ๐ต๐ฎ๐ป๐ฑ๐ฒ๐น ๐ผ๐ผ๐ฟ ๐๐ฎ๐ฎ๐ฟ ๐ฝ๐ฒ๐ฟ๐๐ผ๐ป๐ฒ ๐ฟ๐ผ๐ผ๐ธ ๐ฒ๐ป ๐๐ฎ๐ฎ๐ฟ ๐ฝ๐ฒ๐ฟ๐๐ผ๐ป๐ฒ ๐๐ผ๐ฒ๐ด๐ฒ๐น๐ฎ๐ฎ๐ ๐๐ผ๐ฟ๐ฑ ๐ผ๐บ ๐๐ฒ ๐ฟ๐ผ๐ผ๐ธ ๐ฏ๐ ๐ฏ๐ฒ๐๐ถ๐ด๐ต๐ฒ๐ถ๐ฑ๐๐ฝ๐ฒ๐ฟ๐๐ฒ๐น๐ฒ, ๐๐ฎ๐ป ๐ธ๐ฎ๐ฟ๐ฑ๐ถ๐ป๐ฎ๐น๐ฒ ๐ฏ๐ฒ๐น๐ฎ๐ป๐ด.
Jy as individu het die reg op ‘n gesonde en veilige omgewing, terwyl jy ook jou plek volstaan om die welstand van toekomstige geslagte te beskerm.
Budget Speech by the Executive Mayor of Garden Route District Municipality
30 May 2023
Honourable Speaker, Deputy Mayor, Councillors, Municipal Manager, officials, and members of the public, I want to welcome you at this stage of the tabling of my budget.
It is privileged to be here and to table the 2023/24 MTREF Budget to the council for approval. It is my pleasure to present to you a fully funded budget, given the Municipalityโs financial position. The MTREF budget is projecting a deficit of R5.7m (2023/24), R6,2m (2024/25) and R7,7m (2025/26). However, it is comforting that although we are budgeting for a deficit the budget is fully funded, through the cash-backed reserves.
The total budgeted revenue for the Municipality is R526m and the total budgeted expenditure is R R532m. Our two main sources of income are the Equitable Share, which is R178m, and the Roads function allocation of R193m. This means that more than 70% of our income is derived from these two allocations. The roads allocation can only be used to finance Roads Department activities, which include resealing, re-graveling, maintenance, and upgrading of roads.
The budgeted road allocation includes capital project allocations of R 91m. The breakdown of these is as follows:
The remaining amount of R R101m will cover operational expenditure for the Roads and Transport department.
On 15 May 2023, I and the Provincial Minister of Infrastructure, Tertuis Simmers, visited the Gwaiing Project and we were all happy with the progress on the construction of this road. It was agreed that the project will be fast-tracked to ensure that it is delivered earlier than planned but within the available budget.
I was personally pleased to see considerable investment in EPWP workers. These projects are not only about building roads but do create much-needed employment within the region. Our EPWP workers are also being upskilled and enrolled on NQF level 2 Road Construction Course, as well as Learners and Driverโs Licenses. This project alone created 40 EPWP working opportunities. In essence, it has put bread on the table of 40 families. This process of appointing EPWPโs is replicated in other projects as well. At this stage, I would like to show gratitude to all our roads staff, from the Executive Manager to the person in his or her little corner. We are one of the best-performing roads department, although as others, we do face challenges.
The other functions and projects of the GRDM are financed mainly from the Equitable Share Allocation of R178m. This allocation will never be adequate to finance our ambitious programs or merely our function as envisaged by Section 84 of the Municipal Structures Act. The equitable share over the MTREF period grows at a slow pace. The Equitable Share only increases by about 3% per annum (R5.6m), and that is not sufficient to ensure the financial sustainability of this municipality, as it is below the annual CPIX.
If one excludes the Roads income from our budget, the remaining main revenue source to finance projects outside the roads department is R333m. More than 50% of this income is from the Equitable Share.
In addition to the Equitable Share, we apply for and received conditional grants to the value of R40m. This brings the number of Transfers from National and Provincial Governments to R220m. This means that 66% of the revenue to finance GRDM is from transfer income. This excludes the income from various SETAs which is about R15m. The reality is that the Municipality must continue to explore alternative sources of income in order to deliver on its legal mandate. This is exactly what we have been busy doing over the past few years
Our limited revenue resources have compelled the GRDM to pursue additional income sources in order to deliver the services in the region and this remains a challenge as we have limited own income sources. Turnaround strategies are compiled for properties and resorts and alternative revenue enhancement strategies are being explored – for example becoming a water services authority.
The GRDM has developed an investment prospectus containing regional catalytic investment opportunities across the Garden Route. The purpose of the prospectus is to display the regionโs investment-friendly climate and its economic activities and opportunities to the national and international business community and in so doing, attract new investments and retain and expand existing investments in the Garden Route region.
The prospectus includes the investment opportunities of all seven (7) municipalities within the boundaries of the region, as well as the District Municipalityโs specific opportunities. The investment opportunities identified for our region amount to more than R508 billion. These projects are classified as medium to long-term projects. As can be seen from the value of these projects, they cannot be financed through the current municipal resources. A task team will be established to ensure that credible business plans are compiled and submitted to relevant private (local and abroad) and public institutions for possible investments.
Having been faced with the above challenges we have managed to allocate funding to various projects that are key to our communities. We have made available R4,2m to fund the EPWP projects. I have already explained the importance of this funding. In the LED and Tourism section, we will be providing much-needed assistance to the SMMEโs to the tune of R600 000, amongst few projects in this area. An allocation of about R 15m has been made to create employment and provide skills to our youth, through our Skills Mecca projects. Thanks to various SETAs and various government departments for their financial contributions to this project. Further details about this exciting project can be found in our investment prospectus above.
Part of our strategy is to ensure that we turn around our resorts to generate much-needed revenue for the GRDM. We have therefore made provision for R9.5m for the resorts. We have also budgeted R14m income from the same.
Our Capital projects amount to R159m. The major projects are the construction of the Regional Landfill site and the Fire Station. Both these projects are regional projects, and they will be serving the region. The Construction of the Fire Station is at the advanced stage and the Landfill site will be starting in June 2023.
The GRDM embarked on a procurement process to obtain borrowing to finance the landfill site construction. An intensive tender adjudication process was followed. Consequently, after consultative process with all the participating municipalities to analyse and determine the best and most appropriate tendered loan option, it was collectively decided that the preferred option of the tenders offered would be clearly the 10-year loan. This loan will have an all-in floating rate of 6.89% and is offered by Standard Bank.
GRDM has negotiated service-level agreements with participating b-municipalities. It is imperative that the participating local municipalities provide a signed SLA, indicating the participation for 10 years. The tariffs are included in the GRDM tariff structure to cater to the provision of this service. A Regional Waste Management Facility Project Steering Committee has been established, consisting of various sections to provide inputs and assist the project manager to ensure that the project will commence and be completed as per the timeframes set up.
Finally, I would like to thank the Municipal Manager and his management team for the sterling work they have done in ensuring a funded budget for the institution. There is still a lot of work ahead in order to realise the projects that are part of our investment prospectus. To that end, a task team will be established to ensure that credible business plans are compiled and submitted to relevant private (local and abroad) and public institutions for possible investments.
The attached detailed budget is therefore submitted for approval by this council.
Media Release: Update two (2): Gwaing Road (DR1618) Rehabilitation on schedule
For Immediate Release 15 May 2023
The R67 million Gwaing Road (DR1618) rehabilitation is progressing smoothly and remains on track for completion by June 2024. The budget for this project was allocated by the Western Cape Government (WCG). Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) continues its function through an Agency Agreement for the WCG and remains committed to delivering critical regional road infrastructure projects as planned.
A site inspection visit was conducted today, 15 May 2023 by WCG Minister of Infrastructure, Tertuis Simmers with the GRDM Executive Mayor, Alderman Memory Booysen, George Executive Mayor Ald. Leon van Wyk and other representatives from Provincial and Local Governments. Findings were positive with Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) workers and municipalities working towards common goals of completing a world-class road within the planned budget and on schedule.
According to John Daniels, GRDM Executive Manager for Roads Services, “a team of 70 employees are working on the project, with 44 of them being employed under the EPWP”. Simmers also took time to engage with the EPWP workers and to hear what their needs were. He was subsequently briefed during a walk-about on the DR1618 by Chesney Roelf, GRDM Senior Engineering Technician about the progress of the project.
Simmers boasted about projects of nearly R500 million that were completed in the Western Cape months ahead of schedule, of which one will be officially handed over by July and the other towards the end of November 2023.
“The WCG has exceeded all our Full-Time Equivalent EPWP targets and plans to push for more EPWP workers to be upskilled going forward,โ said Simmers.
Chesney Roelf, during the walkabout, said: “As of now, we are focused on erecting new fencing along the project site and busy with the first of four road layer works. The GRDM is also constructing the roadbed, and upgrading the storm-water network. The road will be 6,8m bituminous surfaced width, ideal for commercial agricultural transport.” Simmers alluded to the impact of commercial Agricultural transportation on such roads and it was confirmed by Daniels that the road layers will include cement and bitumen mixes that are flexible to provide structural strength.
Chesney Roelf, GRDM Senior Engineering Technician (middle), briefs WCG Minister of Infrastructure, Tertuis Simmers on the progress of the rehabilitation of Gwaing Road. Pictured (l-r), George Mayor Ald. Leon van Wyk, WCG Minister Tertuis Simmers, GRDM Engineering Technician Chesney Roelf, GRDM Executive Manager for Roads John Daniels and GRDM Municipal Manager Monde Stratu.
Roelf also explained that GRDM is installing 27 pipe crossings with concrete headwalls to ensure effective stormwater management. This was in response to George Municipalityโs Executive Mayor, Ald. Leon van Wyk, pointing to the importance of proper stormwater management. GRDM will upgrade stormwater drainage channels.
โAt specific sections of the project, concrete-lined drains will be implemented to enhance drainage efficiency and prevent water-related issues,” said Roelf.
WCG and the GRDM sincerely appreciate the public’s patience and understanding as it works diligently to upgrade the road infrastructure.
WCG Minister Tertuis Simmers thanked the EPWP workers for their dedication to the project and inspired them to work towards a future where they will also be able to be contracted to manage projects in the future.
The group of EPWP workers, pleasantly surprised by the visit of Minister Simmers, Mayors and the GRDM Municipal Manager and others to their site camp.
Feature Image caption: John Godfrey Daniels, GRDM Executive Manager for Roads Services, answered several questions from WCG Minister Tertuis Simmers (right), and George Executive Mayor, Ald. Leon van Wyk (middle). With them is Ald. Memory Booysen, who expressed his satisfaction with the progress of the project.
Afrikaanse Opsomming:ย Opdatering twee (2): Gwaingweg (DR1618) Rehabiltasieprojek op skedule
Die Gwaingweg (DR1618)-rehabilitasieprojek, met ‘n begroting van R67 miljoen, vorder goed en sal na verwagting teen Junie 2024 voltooi wees. Die projek word deur die Wes-Kaapse Regering (WKR) befonds en deur die Tuinroete Distriksmunisipaliteit bestuur (TDM) โ die TDM voer die Paaie-funksie namens die WKR uit. ‘n Terrein-inspeksiebesoek is onlangs deur staatsamptenare, insluitend die WKR Minister van Infrastruktuur Tertuis Simmers en die TDM se Uitvoerende Burgemeester, Raadsheer Memory Booysen gedoen, wat hul tevredenheid met die vorderingย uitgespreek het.
Die projek het ‘n span van 70 werkers in diens, van wie 44 deel vorm van die Uitgebreide Openbare Werke Program (UOWP/EPWP). Tydens die besoek het Simmers met die UOWP/EPWP werkers gesels om hul behoeftes te verstaan โโen het ook die belangrikheid bespreek om hulle op te lei vir toekomstige werksgeleenthede. Die projek behels die oprigting van nuwe heinings, die bou van die padbed, die opgradering van die stormwaternetwerk, en die implementering van 27 pypkruisings met betonkopmure vir effektiewe stormwaterbestuur.
Die pad sal ‘n 6,8m bitumineuse oppervlakwydte hรช, geskik vir kommersiรซle landbouvervoer. Die padlae sal sement- en bitumenmengsels insluit om strukturele sterkte te verseker. Addisioneel, sal beton-gevoerde dreine in spesifieke afdelings geรฏmplementeer word om dreineringsdoeltreffendheid te verbeter en negatiewe waterverwante kwessies te voorkom.
Tydens sy toespraak het Simmers die suksesvolle voltooiing van ander projekte in die Wes-Kaap, met ‘n totale waarde van nagenoeg R500 miljoen, wat voor hul voltooing skedule klaar was, uitgewys. Hy het die WKR se verbintenis tot die bereiking en oorskryding van EPWP-teikens asook die bevordering en opleiding van werkers beklemtoon.
Media Release: Indaba to reflect on invasive alien plant management and control scenarios
For Immediate Release 15 May 2023
โIn February 2023 academics from Nelson Mandela and Stellenbosch Universities co-hosted a workshop with knowledgeable experts on the subject in order to share thoughts and experiences on the impact and possible solutions when dealing with invasive alien plants on a large scale.ย It is quite clear that invasive alien plants remain one of the biggest risk factors facing the Southern Cape in terms of severe wildfire disasters, damaging floods, water security as well as loss of biodiversity,โ says Cobus Meiring of the Garden Route Environmental Forum (GREF).
“Dr Romain Pirard who holds a PhD in Environmental Economics from Universitรฉ Lyon presented at the workshop. Dr Pirard is seconded to the School for Climate Studies at Stellenbosch University which, as part of the South Africa โ France scientific cooperation, develops research on the economics of land use for climate change mitigation and adaptation, and he provided some leading answers to the question:- Can value-added industries support the control of invasive trees in South Africa and beyond?โ
Meiring added that โBecause of its favourable climate and it is a high rainfall area, the Southern Cape is a hotspot for a host of invasive alien plants and trees, and their presence is on the increase with more species becoming visible as they spread over the landscape.ย Pampas grass as a prime example of an alien invasive plant (there are many more) which was introduced as a garden plant in this region in the last fifteen to twenty years is now firmly established throughout the Garden Route landscape, especially in river beds and seep- lines where conditions are ideal for seeds travelling in the wind, and the spread is prolific.โ
โDue to costs associated with eradicating and controlling invasive alien plants in general, landowners and land managers are constantly looking for options to mitigate the expense of dealing with IAPโs, which include options in the clean energy sector, soil enrichment as well as bio-char and stock feed mixes. Invasive trees such as pine, wattle and eucalyptus make for fine timber, but finding suitable trees in large quantities is not sustainable, and difficult to come by and harvest before they can reach sawmills. Supply is also finite throughout the region as there are no structured replanting nor harvesting regimes in place.โ
โThe charcoal and firewood industry in South Africa and Namibia is a multi-million rand industry, but as demand grows, those in the industry have to reach further and further away from the market to source sufficient supplies.ย Areas of the Southern Cape and the Overberg have large areas covered by Rooikrans, Port Jackson, wattle and pine and that is where large-scale harvesting is currently taking place. Despite the potentially viable option to clear the land of unwanted plants and trees by selling the biomass to contractors looking for firewood, some landowners who allow harvesting entities access to their land often complain that harvesting contractors cause more harm than good when working with invasive species on their land. This can lead to aggressive regrowth when there is no methodology applied, and increased wildfire risk from dry debris left behind provides an exponentially high volume of fuel load for wildfires”.
Nevertheless, the search for solutions for the viable use of large volumes of biomass that can be harvested from landscapes badly affected by IAPโs must continue, and Dr Pirard will be delivering a presentation on the topic at the GREF Climate Change and Environmental Management Indaba which will be hosted at Nelson Mandela University on 29 June 2023.
โThe GREF 2023 Indaba theme is Creating climate-smart, resilient landscapes in the Southern Cape.โ
The Garden Route Environmental Forum (GREF) is a public platform and climate change think tank for all those in the Southern Cape involved in active and ongoing conservation and environmental management efforts to meet up, interact and showcase what they are busy with and what they are doing in terms of planning ahead.
ENDS
Photo caption: The Southern Cape is a hothouse for invasive alien plants such as pampas grass, pine and eucalyptus which is now seen all over the Garden Route Photo: Pamela Booth Contact: cobus@naturalbridge.co.za
Indaba sal indringer-uitheemse plantbestuur- en beheerscenario’s bespreek
Akademici van Nelson Mandela en Stellenbosch Universiteite het onlangs ‘n werkswinkel gereรซl om die impak en potensiรซle oplossings vir die hantering van indringerplante op groot skaal aan te spreek. Cobus Meiring van die Tuinroete-omgewingsforum het beklemtoon dat IAP’s aansienlike risiko’s vir die Suid-Kaap-streek inhou, insluitend ernstige veldbrande, skadelike vloede, watersekuriteitskwessies en verlies aan biodiversiteit. Dr. Romain Pirard, ‘n kenner van omgewingsekonomie, het by die werkswinkel ‘n voorlegging gelewer waar hy sy insea gedeel het oor of waardetoegevoegde industrieรซ die beheer van indringerbome in Suid-Afrika en verder kan ondersteun.
Die Suid-Kaap, met sy gunstige klimaat en hoรซ reรซnval, is veral vatbaar vir ‘n verskeidenheid van indringer uitheemse plante en bome. Spesies is alreeds teenwoording en neem toe en versprei drasties. Pampasgras het byvoorbeeld stewig gevestig in die Tuinroete-landskap, veral in rivierbeddings waar windgedraagde sade ideale toestande vir voortplanting vind.
Die uitwissing en bestuur van IAP’s is duur, wat grondeienaars en bestuurders aangespoor het om kostedoeltreffende opsies te soek. Hierdie alternatiewe sluit in die ondersoek van geleenthede in die skoon energiesektor, grondverryking, en voorraadvoermengsels. Dit bly egter ‘n uitdaging om volhoubare en volop alternatiewe vir indringerbome soos denne, wattel en bloekom te vind, aangesien daar geen gestruktureerde herplant- of oespraktyke in plek is nie.
Die houtskool- en vuurmaakhoutbedryf in Suid-Afrika en Namibiรซ is ‘n winsgewende sektor, maar die vraag na voorrade het gelei tot verkryging van verre plekke. Grootskaalse oes van indringerspesies, soos Rooikrans, Port Jackson, wattel en denne, vind tans in gebiede van die Suid-Kaap en Overberg plaas. Terwyl die verkoop van biomassa aan kontrakteurs wat vuurmaakhout benodig lyk na ‘n lewensvatbare opsie, spreek sommige grondeienaars kommer uit dat oeskontrakteurs meer skade as goed kan veroorsaak. Onbehoorlike metodologie kan lei tot aggressiewe hergroei, en droรซ takke ens. wat agtergelaat word, verhoog die risiko van veldbrande deur oorvloedige brandstof te verskaf.
Ten spyte van die uitdagings, moet die soeke na oplossings om groot volumes biomassa van IAP-geaffekteerde landskappe te benut, voortduur. Dr. Pirard sal ‘n aanbieding oor hierdie onderwerp lewer by die GREF ‘Climate Change and Environmental Management Indaba’, wat geskeduleer is om op 29 Junie 2023 by die Nelson Mandela Universiteit plaas te vind.
Die tema van die Indaba is “Die skep van klimaatslim, veerkragtige landskappe in die Suid-Kaap.”
GREF dien as ‘n platform en dinkskrum vir natuurbewaarders en omgewingsbestuurpraktisyns in die Suid-Kaap streek, wat interaksie fasiliteer, deurlopende pogings ten toon stel en toekomstige beplanning bevorder om klimaatsverandering en omgewingsuitdagings aan te spreek.
Media Release: GRDM Appoints Christian Boshoff as its New Chief Financial Officer
For Immediate Release 09 May 2023
The Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) is pleased to announce the appointment of Rian Boshoff as the new Chief Financial Officer (CFO) of the municipality. The decision was made during a Special Council meeting held at the GRDM CA Robertson Council Chambers in George today.
Boshoff replaces Jan-Willem de Jager, who previously held the post. Thembani Loliwe (Strategic Manager) was acting in the position during the time that the position was advertised.
The new CFO joins an already thriving executive management team and will be responsible for managing the municipality’s finances, ensuring compliance with financial regulatory requirements, and leading the development of financial strategies to support the municipality’s growth and development.
“We are delighted to have Rian Boshoff join us as our new CFO,” said GRDM Executive Mayor, Alderman Memory Booysen.
“With his wealth of experience and expertise, we are confident that he will help us achieve our strategic objectives and continue to deliver the highest quality services to our residents.”
Boshoff’s wealth of expertise in financial, audit, and risk management spans over three decades, with a distinguished career that has seen him hold influential positions in both the public and private sectors. His academic qualifications are equally impressive, as he has earned a Bachelor of Commerce degree and a Master of Business Administration degree from reputable institutions.
Boshoff has previously worked as a Senior-Auditor for the Auditor General of South Africa (AGSA), Internal Auditor at Ernst & Young, CFO at Ventersdorp Local Municipality, and in various other government institutions, including the Development Bank of South Africa. He was also appointed by the North West Department of Local Government to provide financial turn-around expertise to struggling municipalities.
Additionally, Boshoff was also appointed on a contract basis by the Drakenstein Municipality to perform investment and growth analysis, revenue forecasting, financial ratio analysis, strategic cost modelling, and other financial-related tasks.
The GRDM wishes Boshoff all the best in his new role as CFO and looks forward to the positive impact he will bring to the municipality.
Garden Route DM Employees Step Up and Support Slipper Day
For Immediate Release 5 May 2023
Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) employees showed their big hearts today by participating in Slipper Day, an annual fundraiser driven by the Employee Wellness office for Reach For A Dream Foundation. The campaign aims to help children battling life-threatening illnesses.
By swapping their work shoes for cosy slippers and purchasing supporter stickers for R20 each, the employees demonstrated their commitment to supporting a good cause. Slipper Day is a national movement that encourages South Africans to donate their small change to make a big difference in the lives of children in need.
“We are proud to participate in Slipper Day and to support Reach For A Dream Foundationโs mission to fulfil the dreams of children fighting serious illnesses,” said Trix Holtzhausen, Executive Manager: Corporate Services for GRDM.
“Our employees are passionate about making a positive impact in our community, and Slipper Day is a fun and meaningful way for us to do so.”
Slipper Day is Reach For A Dream’s largest and most celebrated fundraiser, with the goal of raising R10 million this year to help 2,000 children with life-threatening illnesses experience moments of joy by fulfilling their dreams. All proceeds raised from the day go towards Reach For A Dream Foundation, and the funds will be used to make a real difference in the lives of children and their families. The Garden Route District Municipality employees showed their creativity and sense of fun by wearing an array of slippers and supporter stickers, ranging from fuzzy monsters to bunny-eared slippers.
Slipper Day is more than just a fun event; it is a chance to make a real difference in the lives of children and their families. By supporting Slipper Day, South Africans can help to combat the gravity of serious diseases and bring moments of joy and hope to those who need it most.
For more information on Reach For A Dream Foundation and how you can support their mission, visit their website atwww.reachforadream.org.za
Werknemers van Tuinroete Distriksmunisipaliteit het vandag deelgeneem aan Pantoffeldag, ‘n jaarlikse fondsinsameling wat deur die Werknemerwelstand-kantoor van Tuinroete DM vir ‘Reach For A Dream Foundation’ gedryf word. Deur plakkers vir R20 elk te koop en hul werkskoene vir pantoffels te verruil, het die Tuinroete werknemers hul toewyding om ‘n goeie doel te ondersteun, getoon.
Pantoffeldag is ‘n nasionale beweging wat Suid-Afrikaners aanmoedig om hul kleingeld te skenk om ‘n groot verskil in die lewens van kinders in nood te maak. Die doelwit van Pantoffeldag is om vanjaar R10 miljoen in te samel om 2 000 kinders met lewensgevaarlike siektes te help. Alle donasies wat op 5 Mei ingesamel word, gaan vir Reach For A Dream Foundation.
Media Release: 125 Homeless people attend health education session at George Night Shelter
For Immediate Release
21 April 2023
The Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) is dedicated to improving, amongst others, the health and well-being of marginalized members of the Garden Route. On 19 April, Environmental Health Practitioners (EHP) held an education session with homeless community members. EHPs Sive Mkuta and Lusizo Kwetshube who drove the initiative educated the attendees about communicable diseases, personal hygiene, and environmental hygiene.
The session took place at George night shelter where 125 homeless people gathered. EHPs also distributed pamphlets and disinfectants.
These types of health education sessions are of critical importance as marginalized communities often do not have adequate access to healthcare resources. This is why empowering the homeless serves as a preventative measure for them to adopt best practices linked to hygiene practices. It empowers them to take control of their health and reduce their risk of contracting illnesses.
Die Tuinroete Distriksmunisipaliteit se Omgewingsgesondheidspraktisyns (OGP) Sive Mkuta en Lusizo Kwetshube, het gister ‘n inligtingsessie met 125 hawelose persone by die George-nagskuiling gehou. Die doel van die sessie was om wenke met die groep te deel oor die verbetering van algehele gesondheid en welstand. Die praatjie het hoofsaaklik gefokus op onderwerpe soos oordraagbare siektes, persoonlike higiรซne en omgewingshigiรซne. Dis geen geheim dat hawelose persone beperkte toegang tot gesondheidshulpbronne het wat die impak van siektes kan verminder.
Impact-Based Severe Weather Warning: Level 2 for Damaging Winds
The Cape Town Weather Office has issued an Impact Based Warning for damaging winds for today until 23h00 tonight.
Areas in the Garden Route district affected by damaging winds include Bitou, George, Hessequa, Knysna, and Mossel Bay.
Legal notice:
โThis 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.โ
Report weather-related incidents to the Garden Route Disaster Management Centre at 044 805 5071.
The remaining amount of R R101m will cover operational expenditure for the Roads and Transport department.
