PUBLIC NOTICE: TRANSFER OF PRESCRIBED BURNING REGULATION FUNCTION TO GARDEN ROUTE DISTRICT MUNICIPALITY FIRE AND RESCUE SERVICES

Notice No.: 57/2026

Notice applicable to Hessequa, Kannaland, George, Knysna, Bitou and Greater Oudtshoorn.

Notice is hereby given, in terms of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996, read together with the Local Government: Municipal Structures Act, 117 of 1998, the Local Government: Municipal Systems Act, 32 of 2000, and the Local Government: Municipal Finance Management Act, 56 of 2003, that the function relating to the regulation and control of prescribed burning is hereby assigned to and will vest in the Garden Route District Municipality Fire and Rescue Services.

This transfer is undertaken in alignment with local government matters listed in Part B of Schedule 4 of the Constitution, including firefighting services-specifically specialised services such as mountain, veld, and chemical fire services—as well as Part B of Schedule 5. The purpose of this assignment is to promote integrated service delivery, enhance fire risk management, ensure coordinated veldfire mitigation, and improve operational efficiency within the district.

The assignment further gives effect to the district municipality’s mandate to provide specialised firefighting services across the district, including veldfire prevention, control, and management, as contemplated in applicable legislation and intergovernmental frameworks.

Accordingly, all functions, responsibilities, and administrative processes relating to the authorisation, monitoring, and enforcement of prescribed burning activities within the Garden Route District Municipal area will, with effect from 1 July 2026, be performed by the Garden Route District Municipality Fire and Rescue Services.

• Download the notice in all three official languages of the Western Cape here: Public Notice (Afrikaans, English and Xhosa)
• Prescribed Burn Permit Application: Application – Prescribed Burn and Permit

All residents, landowners, and stakeholders are hereby advised to direct applications, notifications, and enquiries relating to prescribed burning to:

Deon Stoffels
District Chief Fire Officer
Tel: 044 878 1000
Cell: 083 941 1994
Email: rekords@gardenroute.gov.za / deon@gardenroute.gov.za

Monde Stratu
Municipal Manager
Garden Route District Municipality