Media Release: Mayors and Municipal Managers Visit Regional Waste Management Facility Site
20 November 2024
Earlier today, 20 November, Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) Executive Mayor Andrew Stroebel led a delegation of Mayors and Municipal Managers from local municipalities on an oversight visit to the Regional Waste Management Facility (RWMF), located next to PetroSA in Mossel Bay.
“During my previous District Coordinating Forum I promised to arrange a site visit for Mayors and Municipal Managers to witness to progress of this collective mega-project,” said Mayor Stroebel.
During the visit, GRDM Waste Manager Johan Gie explained the minimum requirements for initiating waste disposal operations at the facility. These requirements include the completion of Cell 1A, the access road, weighbridge, leachate and contaminated water dams, drainage pipes, guardhouse, weighbridge buildings, and permanent fencing.
Installation of the weighbridge has commenced and will be operational by January 2025.
Gie previously at the DCF detailed some of the challenges faced with completing the project according to its planned schedule. The main issue has been been rain and wind damage, which caused delays in preparing the surface of Cell 1A. Cell 1A is part of the critical path of the project and needs to be completed for municipalities to start disposing waste. “In some cases, work had to be restarted multiple times due to the extent of the damage,” said Gie.
GRDM Municipal Manager Monde Stratu provided a brief background of the project and its timeline.
Hessequa Mayor, Grant Riddles also visited the RWMF. He is pictured with GRDM Executive Mayor, Andrew Stroebel.
On a positive note, PetroSA has agreed to a month-to-month extension for the disposal of waste at its site adjacent to the RWMF, provided it complies with the prescribed licence conditions. GRDM will also be responsible for operating the temporary site, while also supplying the required cover material.
Overall the stakeholders were impressed with the progress made to date.
In his closing remarks, Mayor Stroebel said: “I want to thank GRDM Community Services Head of Department, Nthabeleng Raisa-Mlandu, the Mayoral Committee Chairperson for Community Services Jobieth Hoogbaard, Johan Gie – our Waste Management Manager and other personnel for their collective efforts to getting this project to where it is today”.
Subcontractors placing and welding HDPE lining. Excavation of cell 1 B in the background.
Bobcat placing 300mm layer of drainage stone on top of the various lining
Media Statement: Nine children experience severe stomach cramps after consuming chips in Mossel Bay – they are fine now
18 November 2024
Earlier today, nine (9) children from the Mossel Bay area shared packets of chips that they bought from a spaza shop, which resulted in them experiencing persistent stomach cramps. They were immediately taken to a local hospital for medical attention.
According to Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) Executive Mayor Andrew Stroebel, “the children received prompt care, with their parents/guardians by their side throughout the ordeal. Medical staff confirmed that all 9 children have since recovered and discharged.”
“Environmental Health Practitioners (EHP) from the GRDM have already initiated an investigation into the incident. The chips will be sent to a laboratory and test results will be made public once received back as part of the standard procedures followed by EHPs,” said Stroebel.
Further updates will be provided when more information becomes available.
Please continue to report any incidents of suspected counterfeit or tampered foods. Members of the public are urged to contact their nearest SAPS or reach out directly to the Garden Route District Municipality’s Municipal Health Services.
Johan Compion – Senior Manager: Municipal Health, Solid Waste Management & Air Quality Control
Desmond Paulse – Manager: Municipal Health Klein Karoo
E-mail: desmond@gardenroute.gov.za
Tel: 044 272 2241 / Cell: 083 678 6530
94 St John Street, Oudtshoorn
Rinay Cloete – Acting Chief: Municipal Health Mossel Bay
E-mail: rinay@gardenroute.gov.za
Tel: 044 693 0006 /Cell: 083 630 6108
C/O Sampson & Marling Street, Ext 23, Mossel Bay
Emmy Douglas – Chief: Municipal Health George (Outeniqua)
E-mail: emmy@gardenroute.gov.za
Tel: 044 803 1537 / Cell: 078 457 2824
Mission Street, Industrial Area, George
Jessica Erasmus – Acting Chief: Municipal Health George (Wilderness)
E-mail: jessica@gardenroute.gov.za
Tel: 044 803 1522 / Cell: 081 346 3118
Mission Street, Industrial Area, George
James McCarthy – Chief: Municipal Health Knysna (Lakes)
E-mail: james@gardenroute.gov.za
Tel: 044 382 7214 / Cell: 082 805 9417
26A Queen Street, Knysna
Gawie Vos – Chief: Municipal Health Bitou (Lakes)
E-mail: Gjvos@gardenroute.gov.za
Tel: 044 501 1600 / Cell: 083 557 1522
7 Gibb Street, Plettenberg Bay
The Local Government Sector Education and Training Authority (LGSETA) invites unemployed individuals / students interested in the local government to apply for the Discretionary Grants Bursary 1st Funding Window in support of the LGSETA Annual Performance Plan (APP) targets for 2024/2025 financial year.
Who can apply?
South African students and those with permanent residence status.
University, University of Technology, and TVET Colleges (NATED programmes) students or Grade 12 learners who have been accepted in institutions of higher learning.
Students who are accepted or received provisional acceptance for a course/qualification that is in line with local government sector.
Priority will be given to studies that relate to the local government sector priority occupations priorities aligned to the broad service delivery areas and support functions aligned to the five
broad focus areas of LGSETA.
Please refer to the list of qualifications that will be supported for the bursary on the LGSETA website.
Only students that are studying full time will be funded.
Stakeholders
Learning Programmes
SETA Target 2024/25
Grade 12 Learners/TVET College and University Learners
Bursaries
650
How to apply?
Go to the LGSETA website http://www.lgseta.org.za and follow these steps: i. Click Services tab. ii. Then click DG Bursary under Learners tab. iii. Lastly click on the link provided under 2024-2025; thereafter
Upload all the required supporting documents on the link within your online application.
Submit your application.
Submissions
An individual bursary application must be submitted by each student/learner through the LGSETA Microsoft Forms as per details under how to apply (No applications should be sent via email addresses or hand delivered).
The application window opens on 3 November 2024 at 8:00 am and closes on 30 November
The deadline will not be extended. Late or incomplete applications will not be considered.
All Bursary applications are subject to approval by the LGSETA Accounting Authority.
The allocation of these Bursaries will be dependent on the availability of funds and on applicants meeting all requirements as per the programmes funding criteria, policies, and
procedures.
LGSETA reserves the right to cancel the discretionary grant funding window in whole or in part at its discretion.
If you have not heard from us within three (3) months of submitting your application, please consider your application unsuccessful.
All enquiries must be directed to the Bursary Department at bursaryapp@lgseta.org.za
Media Release: Blue flags to fly at twenty Garden Route beaches
6 November 2024
Twenty (20) Garden Route beaches have been awarded Blue Flag Status this year by the Wildlife and Environment Society of South Africa (WESSA), in partnership with coastal municipalities and private entities. Three of the Garden Route beaches were awarded pilot Blue Flag status. South Africa has participated in the Blue Flag Programme for 23 years, since 2001.
GRDM Executive Mayor, Andrew Stroebel upon receiving the news, said: “The awards symbolise that beaches have been recognized for their excellent water quality, safety, security, sound environmental management, and accessibility.”
“Blue Flag Beaches have improved tourism facilities and includes enhanced approach to the management of coastal systems,” says Stroebel.
Stroebel also shared his gratitude to the coastal municipalities for their dedicated efforts: “Thank you to Hessequa, Mossel Bay, George and Bitou municipalities for your commitment in applying for Blue Flag Status and maintaining our beautiful beaches to the highest standards. Your hard work is truly commendable. This achievement not only boosts the image of the Garden Route but also reinforces our region as a top destination for both locals and visitors.
GRDM Executive Mayor, Andrew Stroebel, paid a visit to Victoria Bay to witness how welcoming the beach already is for the holiday-goers that are expected from all over South Africa and abroad.
Each Blue Flag Beach has a board dedicated to the Blue Flag Programme and these sign boards provide detailed guidelines on what is expected from each beach-goer.
Plettenberg Bay boasts six (6) Blue Flag beaches (Source: Plett Tourism)
Herold’s Bay near George, viewed from the Voelklip view site. Picture: Roger de la Harpe.
Garden Route beaches with successful Blue Flag accreditation include the following:
George (3) – Visit George Tourism website
* Herold’s Bay
* Victoria Bay
* Wilderness Beach
Plettenberg Bay (6) – Visit the Plett Tourism website
* Robberg 5
* The Waves
* Nature’s Valley
* Lookout Beach
* The Dunes
* Singing Kettle Beach
Hessequa has six Blue Flag Beaches, the only municipal area in South Africa that has all its Beaches flying the Blue Flag. (Source: Hessequa Tourism)
Iconic Mossel bay which boasts five Blue Flag beaches. An additional two (2) beaches in Mossel Bay are on Pilot Status to become recognised as Blue Flag Beaches. (Source: Istock)
Mossel Bay (5) – Visit the Mossel Bay Tourism website
* De Bakke Beach
* Hartenbos Beach
* Little Brak Breach
* Santos Beach
* Glentana Beach
The Blue Flag Pilot Sites in George include Leentjiesklip, and in Mossel Bay it includes Tweekuilen and Suiderkruis beaches.
On top of the beaches that received Blue Flag Status, the following marinas and sustainable boats also received Blue Flags!
Two (2) marinas and 2 sustainable boating tourism operators have been awarded Blue Flag status. The marinas are Thesen Islands and Thesen Harbour in Knysna, while the sustainable boats are Robberg Express and Oceanic Express operated by Offshore Adventures in Plettenberg.
Enjoy your time exploring these beautiful spots along the Garden Route!
Feature image: Victoria Bay received Blue Flag Status for the second consecutive time. Pictured is also the Victoria Bay Caravan Park sites – the Western Terrace in the left corner and the Railway Terrace at the top. Both of these sites are fully booked for the holiday season.
Media Release: New Executive Manager for Community Services at Garden Route District Municipality
5 November 2024
Today, Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) Executive Mayor Andrew Stroebel and his Mayoral Committee Chairperson for Community Services, Cllr Jobieth Hoogbaard met the newly appointed Executive Manager for Community Services, Nthabeleng Raisa-Mlandu. Monde Stratu, the Municipal Manager for GRDM, was also present during the meet-and-greet session in Mayor Stroebel’s office.
Mayor Andrew Stroebel with the Nthabeleng Raisa-Mlandu at his office in George.
Cllr Jobieth Hoogbaard (MMC for Community Services) warmly welcomed Nthabeleng Raisa-Mlandu yesterday during a staff meeting by handing her a beautiful bouquet.
A little bit of background – Nthabeleng Raisa-Mlandu
Nthabeleng Raisa-Mlandu brings extensive experience in community services, health, and safety to the GRDM.
She was born and raised in the Eastern Cape. She obtained her National Diploma in Environmental Health in 2007 in the Free State, followed by a BTech in Environmental Health in 2013. She attained her BTech in Project Management in 2020 and completed the Municipal Finance Management Program in 2016. Currently, she is furthering her studies with a Master’s in Environmental Studies and a Postgraduate Diploma in Public Management.
She began her career as an Environmental Health Practitioner for the Department of Health in the Eastern Cape in 2008. She later moved to Harrismith in the Free State, where she worked as a Meat Inspector for a year. From 2010 until the end of 2019, Raisa-Mlandu was employed by the Walter Sisulu Local Municipality in Burgersdorp, where she held several positions, including Waste Management Officer, Manager: Environmental Management and Compliance, and Acting Director of Community Services. Continuing her career journey across various provinces, she later worked as the Manager of Social Services at Ngwathe Local Municipality in Parys. Her last employer before joining the GRDM team was the Govan Mbeki Municipality in Secunda, Mpumalanga, where she served as Director of Community Services for nearly two years.
She officially joined the GRDM on 4 November 2024, where she will “steer the ship” alongside more than 100 professionals in her Department. Her team encompasses sections such as Disaster Management (managed by Gerhard Otto), Fire & Rescue Services (Managed by Deon Stoffels), and Municipal Health (Managed by Johan Compion), which includes sub-sections like Environmental Health, Waste Management (Managed by Johan Gie), and Air Quality (Managed by Dr Johann Schoeman).
On a personal note, she is the first-born in her family. She is married and a mother of three, with her eldest daughter currently completing her law degree. She is looking forward to them joining her soon in George.
Nthabeleng described herself as a dynamic, goal-driven person, motivated by a result-driven approach to work. “My actions are motivated by wanting to achieve. I have strong leadership skills and experience in strategic management, project management, etc. I possess working knowledge of development issues, along with excellent time and financial management skills and good interpersonal and communication abilities. My decision to join this municipality is motivated by a desire to make a positive change in the community, as communities rely on us for the provision of services. I look forward to adding value, contributing positively, and show my valuable contributions to this institution,” she concluded.
GRDM leadership expresses confidence that this appointment will strengthen efforts to enhance the quality of services provided to residents of the Garden Route district and would like to welcome Nthabeleng Raisa-Mlandu to #teamGardenRoute.
Feature Image: Cllr Jobieth Hoogbaard (MMC for Community Services), Andrew Stroebel (GRDM Executive Mayor), Nthabeleng Raisa-Mlandu (Executive Manager: Community Services) and Monde Stratu (Municipal Manager).
Mediaverklaring: Pille gevind in “chips” en ander voedselverpakkings – Tuinroete Distriksmunisipaliteit se reaksie
Vir Onmiddelike Vrystelling 5 November 2024
Tuinroete Distriksmunisipaliteit (TDM), die Suid-Afrikaanse Polisidiens (SAPD), Plaaslike munisipale Wetstoepassers en ander rolspelers is bewus van insidente in die Groot-Brak en Friemersheim-omgewing waar vreemde voorwerpe/pille in “chipspakkies” en ander produkte gevind is. ’n Ondersoek is tans aan die gang om die feite rondom hierdie insidente te bepaal. Die TDM is toegewyd en verantwoordelik om te verseker dat voedsel wat aan die publiek verkoop word, veilig is vir verbruik.
In reaksie tot sosiale media plasings en berigte in die media, het Burgemeester Andrew Stroebel, die volgende genoem: “Ons verseker die publiek dat ons hierdie saak uiters ernstig opneem en onmiddellik alle amptenare ten volle van die situasie in kennis gestel het. Die veiligheid van die publiek, veral met betrekking tot gesondheid, sal prioriteit bly.”
Die SAPD het die TDM in kennis gestel van vreemde pille wat in chips-pakkies en ander voedselpakkies aangetref is en dis vervolgens by die Groot-Brak Polisiekantoor gerapporteer.
‘n Pil, afgeneem saam met skyfies wat deur SAPS gekonfiskeer is (Bron: Verskaf en geverifieer deur Omgewingsgesondheidspraktisyns)
Blitsoperasies word weekliks uitgerol, waarvan nog een môre sal plaasvind. Tydens hierdie sessies word verskeie informele voedselhandelaars besoek. Belanghebbendes wat deel vorm van hierdie operasies, sluit in die SAPD, Plaaslike Munisipale Wetstoepassers, en die Departement van Binnelandse Sake, onder andere.
Meer inligting oor die insident sal op ’n latere stadium bekendgemaak word.
Lede van die publiek word aangemoedig om hul naaste SAPD-stasie te kontak of direk uit te reik na die Tuinroete Distriksmunisipaliteit se Omgewingsgesondheidsdienste, indien hul op voedselprodukte afkom wat verdag lyk.
Johan Compion – Senior Bestuurder: Munisipale Gesondheid, Vaste Afvalbestuur en Lugkwaliteitsbeheer
Media Statement: Pills Found in Chips and other Food Packaging – Garden Route District Municipality response
For Immediate Release 5 November 2024
The Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM), the South African Police Service (SAPS), local municipal law enforcement, and other stakeholders are aware of incidents in the Great-Brak and Friemersheim areas where foreign objects/pills have been found in packets of chips and other food packaging. An investigation is currently underway to determine the facts surrounding these incidents. In this regard, the GRDM is dedicated and responsible for ensuring that food sold to the public is safe for consumption.
GRDM Executive Mayor, Andrew Stroebel, in response to reports of these serious incidents, said: “We can assure the public that we regard this matter with utmost seriousness and have immediately made all officials fully aware of this situation. The public’s safety in terms of health is a priority.”
SAPS informed the GRDM about the foreign pills found in packets of chips and other food packaging, which were earlier reported to the Great-Brak Police Station.
A pill found in one of many packets of chips and reported to SAPS (Source: Supplied, verified by Environmental Health Practitioners)
Blitz operations are conducted weekly, with another scheduled for tomorrow. During these sessions, various informal food vendors are visited. Stakeholders involved in these operations include the SAPS, local municipal law enforcement, and the Department of Home Affairs, among others.
Further information about the incident will be released at a later stage.
To report any incidents of suspected counterfeit or tampered foods, members of the public are urged to contact their nearest SAPS or reach out directly to the Garden Route District Municipality’s Environmental Health Services.
Johan Compion – Senior Manager: Municipal Health, Solid Waste Management & Air Quality Control
Media Release: Illegal dumping a threat to the prosperity of the Garden Route
For immediate release
4 November 2024
“Industrial- scale illegal dumping and littering was one of the major drivers impacting on the severity of the April 2022 Durban flood disaster when some 459 people lost their lives with billions of Rands’ damage to hard infrastructure, property and the economy”, says Cobus Meiring of the Garden Route Environmental Forum (GREF).
Globally the advent of climate change enhanced the severity and regularity of flooding with storm water drainage systems and infrastructure simply not designed for such severe events. During the Kwazulu-Natal 2022 floods, the impact of storm water drainage systems blocked by waste and rubble rendered them ineffective to channel storm water. The severe flooding caused severe damage to infrastructure like bridges, roads and resulted in thousands of tons of waste washing up on KZN beaches – a disaster on its own.
All Garden Route towns are serviced weekly in terms of standard waste removal best practice but despite best efforts illegal dumping and littering prevail unabated.
The degrading impact of littering and pollution on the well- being and quality of life of communities is well documented. Changes in climate will further the damage caused by unmanaged waste and litter if social behaviour patterns do not change.
Garden Route municipalities have no choice but to spend millions of Rands, earmarked for service delivery annually, to clean illegal dumping sites and remove mountains of litter from vacant land and township borders.
Illegal dumpsites are a breeding ground for pests and diseases.
Littering and illegal dumping, just like the impact of invasive alien plants have become an immense threat to not only the environment but also human safety and well- being. The degradation of water quality, river health, bio-diversity, marine and coastal environments and general quality of life of those living in the Garden Route is at stake.
Many Garden Route residents do take ownership with regular community beach and river clean-ups, and we salute all who assist the overwhelmed public services.
The Garden Route Environmental Forum (GREF) is a public platform for environmental managers and a climate change think- tank. (grefscli.co.za).
Feature Image: Children are often subjected to illegal dumping hotspots.
Media Release: Garden Route District Municipality Introduces Innovative Exemption Policy for Dog-Friendly Dining
31 October 2024
In recent years, South Africa has seen a growing trend of patrons bringing their dogs to restaurants, a practice that many restaurant owners have embraced. This is also the trend in many countries abroad.
However, it is essential to acknowledge that the Regulation Governing General Hygiene Requirements for Food Premises and the Transport of Food and Related Matters R 638 of 22 June 2018 mandates that animals, with the exception of guide or service dogs accompanying individuals with disabilities, should not be allowed in areas where food is handled. To address this, the GRDM Council took a proactive step of developing an exemption policy related to Section 14(1) of Regulation 638. This new policy aims to provide clear guidelines for municipal health services and restaurant owners on establishing “dog-friendly areas” in compliance with existing regulations.
GRDM Executive Mayor Andrew Stroebel, who spearheaded the policy change soon after he took office, said the following during the Council meeting on 30 October 2024: “I want to thank the Community Services Department for the record time in which they developed this policy. Also, thank you to Cllr Jobieth Hoogbaard, the Portfolio Chairperson for Community Services and the GRDM Council, who assisted to get this policy developed and approved”.
“The GRDM Council made significant strides by approving this pioneering exemption policy and it is a first-of-its-kind at a District Municipality the country. This initiative not only enhances service delivery, but reduces red-tape and positions the Garden Route as an attractive tourist destination which is open to more segments of society.”
“As the holiday season approaches, we recognize that restaurant owners are eager to implement their plans,” said Stroebel.
The key documents to download and read through for those interested in this exemption policy can access, include the following:
Alternatively browse to this link to access the documents.
Executive Mayor Andrew Stroebel (right) with his Deputy Executive Mayor, Vlancio Donson, on the day that the Policy for the Exemption of Section 14(1) of Regulation 638 was passed by the GRDM Council.
Johan Compion, Snr. Mgr. Municipal Health, Solid Waste Management & Air Quality Control who manages Environmental Health Practitioners throughout the entire region is pictured on the right. With him is Trix Holtzhausen (Executive Manager: Corporate Services), Monde Stratu (Municipal Manager), Rian Boshoff (CFO), John Godfrey Daniels (Executive Manager: Roads Services), Lusanda Menze (Executive Manager: Integrated Planning and Economic Development). At the back is Adv. Sinekaya Maqekeni (Council Secretariat) with Speaker, Ald. Georlene Wolmarans.
According to Johan Compion, Senior Manager: Municipal Health, Solid Waste Management & Air Quality Control, “It is important to note that submitting an application for a dog-friendly area does not guarantee automatic approval. A thorough application and approval process will be in place to ensure compliance and safety.”
Within the next week, a general notice will be distributed to all food establishments, outlining more details relating to the application process for establishing dog-friendly areas.
Please note that full compliance with the application requirements is essential for the review and approval process.
For more information, please use the following contact information (download the list of contact details of Municipal Health Chiefs here) to submit your forms to and to request for any questions of clarity:
*Landline numbers are only in use during weekdays
Johan Compion – Senior Manager: Municipal Health, Solid Waste Management & Air Quality Control
E-mail: jcompion@gardenroute.gov.za
Tel: 044 803 1550 / 082 803 5161
Desmond Paulse – Manager: Municipal Health Klein Karoo
Email: desmond@gardenroute.gov.za
Tel: 044 272 2241 / Cell: 083 678 6530
94 St John Street, Oudtshoorn
Rinay Cloete – Acting Chief: Municipal Health Mossel Bay
Email: rinay@gardenroute.gov.za
Tel: 044 693 0006 /Cell: 083 630 6108
C/O Sampson & Marling Street, Ext 23, Mossel Bay
Emmy Douglas – Chief: Municipal Health George (Outeniqua)
Email: emmy@gardenroute.gov.za
Tel: 044 803 1537 / Cell: 078 457 2824
Mission Street, Industrial Area, George, 6530
Jessica Erasmus – Acting Chief: Municipal Health George (Wilderness)
E-mail: jessica@gardenroute.gov.za
Tel: 044 803 1522 / Cell: 081 346 3118
Mission Street, Industrial Area, George
James McCarthy – Chief: Municipal Health Knysna (Lakes)
Email: james@gardenroute.gov.za
Tel: 044 382 7214 / Cell: 082 805 9417
26A Queen Street, Knysna
Gawie Vos – Chief: Municipal Health Bitou (Lakes)
Email: Gjvos@gardenroute.gov.za
Tel: 044 501 1600 / Cell: 083 557 1522
7 Gibb Street, Plettenberg Bay