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Author: Herman Pieters

24 March 2025 Media Release: District Leadership Discusses rehabilitation of Outeniqua Choo-Tjoe Railway line, Budget Pressures, Water Security, and Waste Management at DCF and MMF Forum

Media Release: District Leadership Discusses rehabilitation of Outeniqua Choo-Tjoe Railway line, Budget Pressures, Water Security, and Waste Management at DCF and MMF Forum

For Immediate Release
24 March 2025

The District Coordinating and Municipal Managers’ Forums took place on 19 March in Knysna. These engagements drew several stakeholders from the private sector, as well as mayors from all municipalities in the Garden Route and their respective municipal managers and support staff. There were many items discussed, with some including a review of the Garden Route Bulk Water Master Plan, enacting a District Firefighting Services Bylaw, Licensed Drone Operations for Municipalities, Mossel Bay Courts, and the rehabilitation of the Outeniqua Choo-Tjoe Railway Line, to name a few.

According to GRDM Mayor, Andrew Stroebel, the engagements were insightful. Solutions to possible cross-cutting risks and solutions, collaboration, and educational content were on the table for discussion.

Some extracts of discussions, include the following:

Rehabilitation of the Outeniqua Choo-Tjoe Railway line

A tender was advertised by Transnet on 6 April 2023 to invite interested respondents to submit bids to rehabilitate the Outeniqua Choo-Tjoe railway line. An award letter was issued on 28 August 2024. At the moment contract negotiations are underway. The branch line between George and Knysna is 67km long and it is also envisaged to attract rail cargo like waste and timber.

Water and Sanitation: A Critical Priority

During these forums, participants reaffirmed the need for a long-term strategy to address water security. While past drought measures were somewhat effective, sustainable solutions for a future that caters for all towns, are essential. The Garden Route District Municipality has formally requested information from sub-regions, including Oudtshoorn, Kannaland, Mossel Bay, Hessequa, Bitou, and Knysna, to develop bulk infrastructure funding proposals. Water shortages not only impact households but also threaten business sustainability, particularly industries reliant on water and energy.

Regional Waste Management and Energy Solutions

Progress on the Regional Waste Management Facility was discussed, with a call for Hessequa to consider participation and Knysna to finalise them joining the initiative. Waste transfer stations must be relocated, and municipalities are encouraged to explore energy solutions, such as gas-to-energy projects. The importance of power purchase agreements to ensure project viability was emphasized, along with the need for cost-reflective tariffs across the district.

Collaboration in Fire Prevention and Governance Challenges

The forum acknowledged collaborative efforts in fire prevention and the challenges posed by conflicting legislation between fire and environmental acts. The review of the White Paper on Local Government and municipal demarcation was noted as critical, given that many municipalities face sustainability issues due to financial constraints.

Municipal Support and Economic Impacts

Kannaland Municipality expressed appreciation for GRDM’s support, particularly with water tankers. However, concerns were raised over infrastructure collapse and the decline in population, which affects economic growth and service delivery. Over-extraction of boreholes and industrial water demands continue to pose significant risks.

As the region navigates these challenges, the GRDM remains committed to working closely with all stakeholders to ensure a resilient governance.

Feature image: GRDM Executive Manager for Integrated Planning and Economic Development, Lusanda Menze, GRDM MM, Monde Stratu, GRDM Executive Mayor Andrew Stroebel and Cllr Beauty Charlie, representing the Mayor of Knysna

More images captured during the DCF and MMF. Presentations were done via MS Teams and in-person.

ENDS

18 March 2025 Media Release: Garden Route District Municipality Commends Progress on Montagu Pass (DR1640) Repair Project

Media Release: Garden Route District Municipality Commends Progress on Montagu Pass (DR1640) Repair Project

For Immediate Release
18 March 2025

The Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) commends the Western Cape Government (WCG) and particularly its Department of Infrastructure (DoI) for their significant progress in repairing efforts of the Montagu Pass (DR1640). The GRDM is responsible for performing a Roads Agency Function (maintenance and upgrades) on behalf of the WCG DoI, receiving allocations annually from them.

GRDM Mayor Andrew Stroebel said: “Through collaboration, the WCG DoI has successfully navigated complex legislative and environmental processes to bring this critical project back on track with the backing of the private sector”.

“It is no secret that the Montagu Pass sustained severe flood damage, which required a comprehensive repair strategy to ensure its long-term resilience. The Pass is of vital importance to the residents of George and surrounds as it is also a tourism asset and an agricultural corridor that supports jobs,” said Stroebel.

George Executive Mayor, Jackie Von Brandis also added: “I am pleased about the clear way forward to restore this historical pass to its former glory. The Montagu Pass remains one of our country’s oldest unaltered mountain passes, completed in 1847. Beyond its historical significance, the pass has for long been a weekend favourite for adventure seekers, motorcyclists, cyclists, and hikers who enjoy its rugged beauty and nostalgic charm. I look forward to seeing domestic and international tourists using it again.”

The CEO of Agri Western Cape (AWC), Jannie Strydom, also added: “Fully functional and well-maintained infrastructure is vital for the agricultural sector to function optimally, because this without a doubt supports the sustainability and operational efficiency of the sector”. Strydom has been instrumental in coordinating engagements between AWC, GRDM, WCG Department Agriculture, Economic Development and Tourism, as well as the George Business Chamber, Afrikaanse Handelsinstituut (AHI), Airports Company South Africa (ACSA) and the WCG DoI.

Willie-John van Niekerk, the Chairman of the George Heritage Trust, extended his thank yous to all relevant authorities, organisations and support groups too, who have contributed to the traction of the project. “We trust that the work on the Pass will be carried out in accordance with heritage principles, ensuring that it does not lead to further degradation of the road due to a lack of understanding of its structure or through well-intentioned but misinformed alterations to the natural environment.”

Following the aforementioned comments, Mayor Stroebel thanks to all stakeholders for their collaborative spirit during this process to date.

The reality on the ground, which will be addressed soon as per the timeline provided below by WCG DoI. 

The timeline provided by the DoI for the project is as follows:

Project Initiation & Assessment

  • October 2024: Western Cape Government receives additional funding through the National Disaster Management Grant to address flood damage and repairs.
  • November 2024: Zutari engineering firm appointed to provide professional engineering services.
  • November 2024 – February 2025: On-site assessments conducted, with stakeholder consultations (business representatives, heritage agencies) to align objectives and mitigate delays.

Design & Environmental Processes

  • End of February 2025: Design scope approved, allowing the National Environmental Management Act (NEMA) application process to commence.
  • Early March 2025: Survey results received and processed to inform detailed engineering design.
  • By End of March 2025: NEMA application submission target.
  • March – late September 2025: NEMA and other environmental authorisations expected (subject to public participation and appeals process).

Construction Phase

  • Late October 2025: Anticipated construction commencement (if authorisations are secured on time).
  • October 2025 – August 2026: Estimated construction period (8-10 months) at a projected cost of R80 million.

Project Completion and Maintenance

  • August 2026: Expected full reopening of Montagu Pass (subject to all conditions being met).

Beyond August 2026

  • Routine maintenance to align with heritage practices.
  • Maintenance overseen by the District Roads Engineer: Garden Route and Central Karoo.
  • Continued efforts to enhance road resilience against future flood damage.

Read the full WCG DoI statement here: https://www.westerncape.gov.za/infrastructure/article/good-progress-being-made-montagu-pass-repair-project

Issued by Garden Route District Municipality and endorsed by the Western Cape Provincial WCG Department Agriculture, Economic Development and Tourism, George Municipality, Agri Western Cape, George Business Chamber, AHI and ACSA.

Feature image: A scenic image of the Montagu Pass, showcasing its natural beauty as it is nestled within the Outeniqua Mountains.

ENDS

20 March 2025 Media Release: GRDM Attends the Shared Services Summit 2025

Media Release: GRDM Attends the Shared Services Summit 2025

For Immediate Release
20 March 2025

A Shared Services Summit, arranged by the Western Cape Provincial Department of Local Government, was held a week ago in Cape Town. The primary objectives of the event were to share best practices relating to services; to enhance the current capacity of those responsible for shared services; and to strategise the efficient implementation of shared services across municipalities.

The GRDM Executive Manager of Corporate Services, Trix Holtzhausen represented the GRDM at the Summit, accompanied by her Human Resources Manager: Michelle Smit.

Holtzhausen presented several current shared services offered by GRDM to delegates. These include: the GRDM Emergency Call Centre, Job Evaluation Coordination (TASK) and the Garden Route Skills Mecca (GRSM).

GRDM Executive Mayor Andrew Stroebel, who is in full support of the Shared Services Model of GRDM, said: “The GRDM remains committed to sustaining the Shared Services Model and expanding its reach wherever possible. This progress would not have been achievable without the solid foundation carefully laid down by Trix with the support of current and previous employees. I would like to thank her for spearheading this programme to the level that it is at today.”

Call Centre

“The Call Centre was established in 2008 and is still in operation today. This project proved to be the most successful and longstanding project delivered on a Shared Services basis with Provincial Departments (EMS, Traffic sections) Western Cape, GRDM sand private partners (ER 24) sharing resources to enhance service delivery,” said Holtzhausen.

TASK

She also shared that: “The TASK project revolves around job evaluations within the region and for municipalities from the Central Karoo. It includes twelve (12) municipalities sharing the cost of the service and has been in operation since 2012”.

GRSM

Her presentation concluded with the GRSM. “This Skills Mecca program with various projects was established in 2018 because of the devastating Knysna and Plettenberg wildfires. The GRSM is a socio-economic programme aimed at coordinating all training initiatives across the entire district with the aim of providing opportunities to unemployed and employed youth. Outcomes increase the chances of each learner’s employability based on occupationally based training programmes and work-related experiences. To date, we at the GRDM have attracted R122 million of investment into the district with more than 2000 people already benefited from it. The costs are shared amongst all municipalities within the district in terms of human resources and operational costs. Funding sources for the training programmes are from public as well as private funders nationally and internationally.”

Trix also explained that GRDM also provides shared services relating to Air Quality, Coordination of Minimum Competency Training programme (5 Municipalities sharing costs), and the control of back-up ICT Servers between GRDM, Beaufort-West and Swellendam.

During the Summit, global and national perspectives of successful models and best practices were shared, not only focusing on the good, but the challenges faced too.

The outcome of the Summit for GRDM, is to actively pursue Shared Services as a vehicle for service delivery in the district given the financial constraints that municipalities in South Africa are facing amidst increased community demands and needs. The GRDM is relied on to take leadership in the district by creating an awareness of the benefits of Shared Services or Inter-municipal Cooperation.

The Shared Services Summit 2025 was a much needed step towards fostering collaboration and improving municipal services in the Western Cape.

Feature image caption: Executive Manager for Corporate Services, Trix Holtzhausen is seated (wearing coral/red), with her HR Manager, Michelle Smit, seated left).

ENDS

13 March 2025 Media Release: First Aid Level 3 Training rolled out monthly at Garden Route District Municipality

Media Release: First Aid Level 3 Training rolled out monthly at Garden Route District Municipality

For Immediate Release
13 March 2025

First Aid Level 3 continues to be rolled out at the Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) Head Office in George. This training is of vital importance because it provides people with advanced life-saving skills and prepares them on how to handle medical and other emergencies during various incidents.

The training is conducted by GRDM Firefighters and Disaster Management personnel. According to the Head of Disaster Management, Gerhard Otto, the remaining dates for training during the 2025 calendar year are as follows: 12 – 16 May 2025; 9 – 13 June 2025; 14 – 18 July 2025; 18 – 22 August 2025; 8 – 12 September 2025; 6 – 10 October 2025; 10 – 14 November 2025; and 8 – 12 December 2025.

Earlier today, Mayoral Committee Chairperson for Community Services, Cllr Jobieth Hoogbaard, also took a moment to visit students and witness the training being rolled out at the GRDM Disaster Management Centre.

Hoogbaard, during his visit expressed his gratitude to the training staff by saying, “Thank you to Disaster Management and the GRDM Fire & Rescue Services, for sharing your expertise during these training sessions”.

A group of students being trained to become first aid responders.

This course is just one of the monthly sessions rolled out by the municipality. It spans over a period of five days, involving theoretical texts and practical demonstrations.

All participants are taught how to deal with and react to the following scenarios: 

  • Safety and lawful aspects
  • Patient assessment
  • Life Support
  • Airway Obstruction
  • Shock
  • Dressing and Bandages
  • Injury Emergencies
  • Medical Emergencies
  • Environmental Emergencies
  • Emergency Childbirth
  • Transporting a patient
  • And First Aid Kits
Kervin-Lee Gericke, a GRDM Senior Firefighter also played a role in the practicals when he had to be treated by student Chelsea Fort after he ‘broke an arm’. Cllr Jobieth Hoogbaard is pictured with them.

Did you know?

There is no cost involved if you do the training and sign up to become a Disaster Management Volunteer. However, if you are not planning to become a volunteer, the fee payable is R682.00 (rate valid till 30 June 2025).

  • Training takes place at the GRDM Joint Operation Centre, 54 York Street, George
  • Download the application form: https://tinyurl.com/m5sjuzmk
  • Send a completed form to 📧 gail.bekeer@gardenroute.gov.za or wouter@gardenroute.gov.za
  • For more information contact Gail Bekeer (044 803 1347) or Wouter Jacobs (044 803 1316)

Feature image: MMC Councillor Hoogbaard is pictured with Nontsikelelo Shange who is about to perform CPR on one of the rescue services manikins. Behind her is Emile Conrad, GRDM Snr. Firefighter and Gail Bekeer, GRDM Disaster Management Administrator. 

ENDS

10 March 2025 Media Release: Garden Route DM Fire & Rescue Services Educates Hoogekraal Community on Fire Safety

Media Release: Garden Route DM Fire & Rescue Services Educates Hoogekraal Community on Fire Safety

For Immediate Release
10 March 2025

Hoogekraal, situated northeast of Glentana, was visited by the Garden Route District Municipality’s Fire & Rescue Services on Saturday, 8 March 2025. The annual visit is part of GRDM’s ongoing commitment to wildfire prevention and community safety.

Senior Firefighter Jonathan van Vuuren educating community members from Hoogekraal about fires and the risks they pose to the safety of everyone.

There is a great deal of dry grass, shrubs, and large trees surrounding Hoogekraal, contributing to its increased fire risk. Wildfires are also a threat along the coastline east of the settlement, stretching to Herolds Bay and westward to Glentana.

With fire’s traditional use in the community for heating and cooking, GRDM Fire & Rescue Services organized an awareness and education session.

Key topics covered:

  • Increasing community awareness of fire risks
  • Differentiating the fire hazards present in the local environment
  • Providing guidelines for safeguarding the immediate area around homes
  • Clearing and securing areas to prevent fire spread
  • Developing designated areas for making fires and disposing of ash
  • Educating children on the dangers of playing with matches or ignition sources
  • Understanding the role of wind in fire spread
  • Safe methods to suppress small fires
  • Identifying potential fire fuel sources around timber structures
  • Maintaining safe distances between structures to prevent fire from spreading
  • Additional information was also shared on the safe use of fire within homes.

Senior Firefighter Jonathan van Vuuren (pictured) led the session, engaging both young and old community members. Residents participated keenly in the activities and demonstrations, gaining valuable skills to protect themselves and their homes from fire-related disasters.

Mayor Stroebel commended firefighters for their ongoing efforts to educate communities. He said: “The GRDM Fire & Rescue Services remains committed to educating, and therefore empowering Garden Routers with the knowledge and tools to reduce fire risks and respond effectively in emergencies. It is also of critical importance for us to reach the outlaying areas where many communities do not have access to information”.

Feature image: Johnathan van Vuuren does a practical demonstration of ‘mopping-up’ a scene.

ENDS

10 Maart 2025 Mediavrystelling: TDM hou voort om gemeenskappe in Klein-Karoo tydens waterkrisis te help

 Mediavrystelling: TDM hou voort om gemeenskappe in Klein-Karoo tydens waterkrisis te help

Vir onmiddellike vrystelling

10 Maart 2025

Die Tuinroete Distriksmunisipaliteit (TDM) het verlede week voortgegaan om hulp te verleen aan die Oudtshoorn Munisipaliteit. Dit volg nadat dié plaaslike munisipaliteit dringend met die TDM moes skakel om ‘n ernstige waterskaarste-krisis in Dysselsdorp, De Rust en Blomnek aan te spreek.

Volgens die TDM se Rampbestuurhoof, Gerhard Otto, het die probleem ontstaan “nadat ‘n kabel beskadig is weens die onlangse kragonderbrekings.”

Tussen Dinsdag en Saterdag (8 Maart) het die Tegniese Dienste-afdeling van die Oudtshoorn Munisipaliteit vier foutiewe plekke op die hoof-elektrisiteitsvoerkabel geïdentifiseer en herstel om ‘n stabiele toevoer aan gemeenskappe te verseker. Hierdie kabel is noodsaaklik vir die voorsiening van elektrisiteit aan die waterpompe wat Dysselsdorp van huishoudelike water voorsien.

Die situasie is verder vererger deur Eskom se beurtkrag, wat dele van De Rust en Blomnek se krane droog gelaat het. In reaksie hierop het die TDM se Rampbestuursentrum en die GRDM Brandweerdiens daagliks ‘n 10 000-liter watertrok ontplooi, insluitend oor die afgelope naweek, om water aan die geaffekteerde gemeenskappe te voorsien.

Die herstelwerk aan die kragkabel is nou voltooi, en die waterpompe funksioneer op volle kapasiteit, wat beteken dat die reservoirs weer aangevul word. Dit bly egter noodsaaklik om die aanhoudende droogtetoestande in die Karoo in ag te neem, aangesien dit ‘n impak op watervoorsiening sal hê.

TDM Burgemeester Andrew Stroebel het beklemtoon: “Die TDM sal voortgaan om die Oudtshoorn Munisipaliteit tydens hierdie krisis te ondersteun en sal hulp verleen tot minstens Vrydag, wanneer verwag word dat die agterstand in waterlewering uitgesorteer sal wees.”

Die TDM doen ‘n dringende beroep op alle inwoners om spaarsamig met water om te gaan gedurende hierdie herstelperiode.

‘n Vorige mediavrystelling wat verband hou met die bogenoemde: https://tinyurl.com/4m3nsw7v

Water word afgelewer by dorpe insluitend Dysselsdorp, De rust en Blomnek

EINDE

27 February 2025 Update 5: Gwaiing Road upgrade planned to continue from early April

Update 5: Gwaiing Road upgrade planned to continue from early April

27 February 2025

The Gwaiing Road (DR1618) construction project when completed by the Garden Route District Municipality will see a 4.4 km stretch, between the R404 (Blanco side) and the R102 (George Airport side), upgraded from gravel to a tarred surface. The project has previously been halted when teams were redeployed to areas impacted by heavy rains.

“Firstly, I extend my sincere gratitude to the residents and road users who have shown remarkable patience during the construction delays,” said Mayor Andrew Stroebel.

“During April, in line with the new budget cycle for Provincial Government, the Gwaiing road is planned to commence. The project should take a minimum of 10-months to be completed”. 

Some insights on tarred road construction

The construction of tarred surfaced roads, like the Gwaiing one, consists of various underlying gravel layers, finished with a sealed (tarred) surface layer.

The layer works specific to the Gwaiing project are:

  1. Lower Selected Subgrade (Roadbed): The natural soil prepared to support the road.
  2. Upper Selected Subgrade (SSG): A layer of material placed on the roadbed to provide additional support.
  3. Cemented Subbase: A layer of material placed on the subgrade to provide additional support.
  4. Base Course: The main load-bearing layer, crucial for structural integrity.
  5. Bituminous Surface (Tarring): The uppermost layer sealing the underlying layerworks and providing a smooth and durable surface.

Of the five layers, the base course is next in line to be prepared and completed. Surfacing (tarring) is the final step and is anticipated to be completed two weeks after the curing phase of the base course has been done. The GRDM therefore anticipates having one fully completed lane ready by the middle of the 2025 calendar year. Keep in mind again that every step of the process is dependent on the weather.

The second lane has been completed up to the SSG layer. Materials for the remaining layers will be procured and delivered over a 30-day period per layer, once the first lane has been successfully completed. This phased approach is designed to minimize traffic disruptions for residents, as traffic will be shifted to the completed lane, allowing for construction to take place on the last lane. As material is being delivered, processing, compaction, and testing will be done continuously on the remaining layers.

Mayor Stroebel also shared that “the entire project is done by GRDM. Fully in-house with our permanent staff, and with the utilisation of the Expanded Public Works Programme where we appoint labour on a contract basis for developing their skills”.

Feature image: Processing and compacting of a subbase layer previously done on the 4.4km Gwaiing Road (DR1618) between the R404 (Blanco side) and the R102 (George Airport side).

ENDS

23 February 2025 Media Release: Successful Demonstration of Honeybush Retort is good news for Garden Route wild harvesters and small-scale farmers

Media Release: Successful Demonstration of Honeybush Retort is good news for Garden Route wild harvesters and small-scale farmers23 February 2025

23 February 2025

Anton Bredell, Western Cape Minister of Local Government, Environmental Affairs and Development Planning recently congratulated the different entities that worked together to make progress with a project to support emerging farmers, wild harvesters and local producers of honeybush herbal infusion in the Garden Route District.

“This project is another good example of how different government entities can plan, budget, and execute together to the benefit of our residents.”

The Western Cape Department of Local Government (DLG), Department of Agriculture (DOA), Agricultural Research Council (ARC) and the Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM), successfully demonstration an innovative honeybush processing unit at the ARC Infruitec/Nietvoorbij facility in Stellenbosch. This technology, developed by ARC, has the potential to be upscaled and rolled out to the agriculture sector, enhancing economic opportunities for local communities.

The Garden Route Agro-processing Support Project aims to strengthen the honeybush tea value chain, and this demonstration marks a significant milestone in the project. At the demonstration event Prof. Bongani Ndimba, the ARC research director, welcomed the stakeholders and provided opening remarks, highlighting the importance of this initiative and its history dated back to 1992. “This project is part of a broader effort to support Agro-processing and food security in the region. The Garden Route District Municipality has sourced R1 million in funding for the project, which will help to expand production and processing of agricultural products,” Prof Ndimba said.

Ivan Meyer, Western Cape Minister of Agriculture, Economic Development and Tourism said: “The honeybush processing plant is a platform that empowers smallholder farmers and communities. It enables them to access the value chain, which includes packaging and marketing honeybush. Their role is not just significant but integral to the success of this project.
Our support for developing smallholder and commercial propagation of honeybush is not just a standalone initiative. It is backed by the Western Cape Government’s Growth from Jobs Strategy, a testament to the government’s commitment to increasing the contribution of SMMEs to economic growth in the Western Cape.

Our aim is not just to provide affordable honeybush processing to communities, but to stimulate local understanding of the product and health benefits. We are committed to promoting inclusivity in the Honeybush value chain, making everyone feel included and part of a larger community. This commitment will advance a sustainable, resilient, diverse, and prosperous honeybush industry that inspires confidence, hope, and prosperity for all.”

Garden Route District Municipality Mayor, Andrew Stroebel said: “This initiative aligns with the Agriculture and Agro-processing Master Plan and the Garden Route Growth and Development Strategy, focusing on expanding Agro-processing capabilities in the region.”

Project costs of R4 million was shared between the DLG, providing R2 million, and the DOA, also investing R2 million.

The project has three phases: Phase one being the design and construction of the honey bush retort, phase two will be the construction of an Agro-processing hub and the housing infrastructure on land belonging to the Garden Route District Municipality close to the Cango Caves outside Oudtshoorn, and phase three involves branching out to Agri-tourism, with a focus on training tea sommeliers.

ENDS

Photo supplied by Nomkhosi Ngcobo: From left to right:

Minister Anton Bredell; Andrew Stroebel, Executive Mayor for the Garden Route District Municipality; Prof Bongani Ndimba, Research Director at the ARC.