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Author: Herman Pieters

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.

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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).

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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.

20 February 2025 Media Release OBO Outeniqua WheelChair Challenge: Garden Route Mall jumps in, and the Outeniqua Wheels start spinning

Media Release: Garden Route Mall jumps in, and the Outeniqua Wheels start spinning

20 February 2025

George, Garden Route (February 2025) – Much has been penned in local publications and posted on social media about the fabulous joint effort made by George businesses and provincial bodies to get this year’s Outeniqua (Wheel)Chair Challenge (OCC) back on track.

The event takes place on 15 March, with Carpe Diem School once again serving as race hub. Participation in the 5km fun event is free for participants from George.

One of the biggest contributions came, literally overnight, from the Southern Cape’s foremost shopping centre. Garden Route Mall general manager, Rion Olivier, explains: “Around 5am on a Friday morning I saw the previous day’s George Herald article about the OCC being postponed for lack of funds. I immediately forwarded the info to our stakeholders and CEO, saying ‘We need to jump in here’.”

“It’s a unique event, the first in South Africa to focus exclusively on athletes who are physically challenged. Having known the late OCC founder, Esther Watson, it’s an event I’m really passionate about. This year, the OCC celebrates over two decades of the community taking hands, but of course Covid has had its impact and all businesses have had to recover, which is why the 21st OCC event was at risk of not taking place. That would have been a shame.”

“We understand that sponsorships for the race were limited during this recovery period, and it took us only 24 hours to make the call. Halfway through our financial year, business is going well at Garden Route Mall, and it was a pleasure to pledge R250,000 towards this excellent cause,” says Olivier.

Presented by the Disabled Road Race Foundation, OCC25 is also supported by the Western Cape Government, George Municipality, Master Cargo, Lancewood, Safari, Garden Route District Municipality, George Herald, AlgoaFM, and iX; many of these sponsors have previously been involved, and organisers thank them as well as new backers on the OCC block.

On Saturday 15 March, the OCC will be hosted for the 21st time and once again cyclists in the starting line-up of pro races will include stars of the South African Paralympic Team, as well as racers from Ghana, Botswana, Namibia and other continental neighbours.

The only race of its kind in the country, the OCC serves as a major economic and tourism boost for George. But most importantly, it is an occasion greatly anticipated by scores of members of SA’s disabled community every year.

Race director Alewijn Dippenaar says this year’s 5km fun event will be free for local participants, and he invites young and old to join in the name of community spirit. “The professional races over 10km, 21.1km and the 42.2km marathon attract world-class athletes, and this combination of fun and pro participants makes our George event a true flagship event for SA para-cyclists.”

Entries close on 28 February and event registration takes place on 14 March from 11am to 6pm at the Carpe Diem grounds. Download entry forms at www.outeniquachairchallenge.co.za and contact Alewijn Dippenaar on 082 457 5675 or at dyndev@mweb.co.za for more information or to contribute towards OCC25!

Press release on behalf of the Disabled Road Race Foundation:
interface by goji
mimi finestone | mimi@gojipr.net | +27 84 583 3144

12 February 2025 Media Release: Garden Route District Municipality Assists Vulnerable Communities in Disaster Recovery Efforts

Media Release: Garden Route District Municipality Assists Vulnerable Communities in Disaster Recovery Efforts

12 February 2025

The Emergency Call Centre, a crucial component of the Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) Disaster Management Centre (DMC), handles approximately 25,000 emergency calls per month. However, disaster management extends far beyond immediate incident response—it encompasses four key pillars:

  1. Mitigation
  2. Preparedness
  3. Response
  4. Recovery

Disaster management also includes planning and development, ensuring a proactive approach to both natural and human-made disasters. Beyond coordinating responses during major incidents, the DMC continuously works to enhance the district’s resilience against disaster risks.

DISASTER REHABILITATION AND RECONSTRUCTION EFFORTS

The GRDM DMC is responsible for facilitating local disaster declarations and motivating funding requests from both provincial and national governments for disaster rehabilitation and reconstruction.

Currently, GRDM DMC is overseeing the implementation of several disaster rehabilitation projects, including:

2021/22 Flood Disaster Grants:

  • George: R237.5 million
  • Oudtshoorn: R26.6 million

2023 Storm Surge Disaster Grants:

  • Knysna: R2.6 million
  • Hessequa: R5.18 million

June 2024 Floods:

A disaster grant request of R115 million has been submitted to the National Disaster Management Centre and National Treasury and is currently pending approval.

RELIEF TO COMMUNITIES IN NEED

GRDM DMC plays a crucial role in ensuring that disaster-affected communities receive urgent assistance.

Emergency Water Relief – Gamka West (Calitzdorp) | 26 January 2024

After residents of Gamka West, who rely on the Klein Karoo Rural Water Supply Scheme, were left without water for over four days, GRDM DMC dispatched a water tanker from the Ladismith Fire Base to deliver several loads of water to affected families.

GRDM Firefighters recently assisted families after they were left without water from the Klein Karoo Rural Water Supply Scheme for four days.

Storm Damage Relief – Volmoed (Oudtshoorn) | 29 January 2024

Following heavy rain and gale-force winds, 32 households in Volmoed, outside Oudtshoorn, were left destitute. Responding to a request from the GRDM Deputy Mayor, GRDM DMC provided:

  • 52 blankets to the Oudtshoorn Municipality for evacuated residents housed in a local church hall.
  • The Oudtshoorn Municipality also distributed 32 mattresses and 32 starter kits to affected families.
  • GRDM DMC facilitated additional support from the Gift of the Givers, who provided food relief to affected individuals the following day.

A property in Volmoed that was severely damaged after rain and gale-force winds.

STRENGTHENING WATER AND SANITATION SECURITY

Recognising the importance of water security, GRDM DMC is spearheading the development of a District Water and Sanitation Master Plan. This initiative focuses on identifying and implementing bulk water and sanitation projects across municipal boundaries to enhance water security for all residents in the district.

The GRDM is assisted by the Western Cape Economic Development Partnership (WCEDP) to develop this Master Plan. The assistance of the company Partners in Performance (PiP) was subsequently obtained to develop this District Water and Sanitation Master Plan. At this point in time most of the technical information required, have been obtained from the current Water Services Authorities in the District. PiP is currently busy analysing this data.

The GRDM is working towards having a first draft available by the end of March this year.

DISASTER RISK REDUCTION

The DMC also assists local municipalities in developing Disaster Risk Reduction Plans (DRR) ensuring alignment with local risk assessments.

It is important to remember that DRR should always be a holistic multi‐hazard/threat and multi‐stakeholder approach, and it should be mainstreamed into development projects to increase the resilience of the built environment.

DRR must be considered and where relevant implemented at the earliest appropriate stage of the design and planning process rather than added onto a project as an after‐thought. It is important to build back better, especially when opportunities arise in the aftermath of a disaster. Professional institutions can play a very positive role in educating students and members about their roles in disaster risk reduction.

DRR Plans vary for each local municipal area with the focus on addressing the following priority disaster risks in the District, namely flooding, fires – especially wildland fires, drought, coastal as well as river erosion, transportation incidents including Hazmat incidents as well as human and animal diseases .

Some of these plans include the following:

  1. Flood hazard mapping linked to the Spatial Development Framework of each Local Municipality.
  2. Emergency breaching of estuaries protocol and the pro-active management of low-lying flood prone areas.
  3. Eradication of invasive alien plants.
  4. Protection of riverbanks – especially in the Duiwenhoks River.
  5. Establishment of integrated fire management protocols.
  6. Public awareness campaigns.
  7. District Safety Forum as well as establishment of Local safety Forums.
  8. Building back better as an integral part of post disaster rehabilitation and reconstruction projects.

When these plans are updated, they form part of spatial development frameworks. This ensures that that emerging disaster risks are factored into planning of town infrastructure.

Feature image: GRDM Firefighters recently assisted families after they were left without water from the Klein Karoo Rural Water Supply Scheme for four days.

ENDS