Media Release: Oudtshoorn Environmental Health Practitioners Celebrated World Food Safety Day on June 7
19 June 2024
This year, the focus of World Food Safety Day, observed on June 7, 2024, was “Food safety: Prepare for the unexpected.” This theme underscored the importance of readiness for food safety incidents and the shared responsibility from producers to consumers.
Environmental Health Practitioners (EHPs) from Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) monitor food-processing establishments by law. They inspect production, distribution, and consumption areas to promote safe food handling practices. EHPs conduct regular inspections in line with Regulation 638 of 22 June 2018, governing food premises and transport standards.
EHP Johan Smith educated the food handlers and management of the Spekboom Restaurant at the Cango Caves in Oudtshoorn about the ‘5 Keys for safer food’ .
The World Health Organization defines ‘Food Safety’ as the assurance that food will not harm consumers when prepared and eaten. ‘Food Hygiene’ encompasses measures to ensure food safety from production to consumption.
Unsafe food can lead to serious health problems. It is well-documented that over 600 million people fall ill and 420 000 die annually from contaminated food world-wide. This is why prioritising food safety is of such great importance.
Food safety incidents can vary from minor to major crises. These incidents may arise from frequent and prolonged load shedding, food poisoning, product recalls, or outbreaks. In South Africa, Health Authorities enforce food safety control to protect consumers, ensuring food safety during production, handling, storage, processing, and distribution.
EHPs ensure compliance with Regulations 328 of 2007. This includes the inspection of all food premises. Some examples include hotels, restaurants, and retail outlets. The role of an EHP during such compliance visits, include to check if a company has a valid Certificate of Acceptability (CoA) issuing of CoAs, examining food labels, investigating complaints, monitoring compliance, inspecting premises and vehicles, sampling foodstuffs, enforcing laws, and promoting food hygiene education.
For more information about food safety, please contact the Garden Route District Municipality’s Environmental Health Office in the Klein Karoo Region & Kannaland Region, under the management of Desmond Paulse. Contact 044 272 2241 or 083 678 6530.
For regional-related issues, contact Johan Compion, the Manager: Municipal Health & Environmental Services on 082 803 5161.
Feature Image: EHP Elizna Cairncross rolled out food hygiene education to food handlers and the management of De Biltong Man Butchery in Oudtshoorn
EHP Johan Smith educated the food handlers and management of the Spekboom Restaurant at the Cango Caves in Oudtshoorn about the ‘5 Keys for safer food’
Media Release: Garden Route Conservation and Environmental Management Entities Join Forces to Discuss Climate Change
11 June 2024
“In a collaborative effort between the Gouritz Cluster and Garden Route Biosphere Reserves, Nelson Mandela University, and several government entities including Western Cape Disaster Management, GRDM, SANParks, and Cape Nature will be gathering on Thursday, 27 June to discuss climate change,” says Cobus Meiring of the Garden Route Environmental Forum (GREF).
The theme for the 2024 Indaba is “Resilience in Action: Building Sustainable Communities Amid a Changing Climate.”
The Southern Cape is no stranger to climate-driven natural disasters. In June, the people of Knysna and surrounding areas will forever reflect on the devastation caused by the 2017 wildfire disaster, which destroyed more than 1,000 structures and claimed several lives. Since then, the region has been regularly subjected to more wildfire disasters, severe flooding, and storm surges, causing millions of rand in damages to municipalities that are already under pressure in their efforts to serve the needs of an ever-increasing population.
Importantly, conservation and environmental management entities will be looking at best practice models to ensure a more sustainable and resilient environment capable of surviving and even flourishing during a time when a changing climate will no doubt bring more wildfires, heat waves, droughts, severe storms, and floods in the coming decades, while the preservation of the region’s unique and endangered biodiversity remains critical.
The Annual Climate Change and Environmental Management Indaba will be hosted on Thursday, 27 June at Nelson Mandela University: George Campus. For more information, contact Louise Mare at louisamare@gmail.com or visit www.grefscli.co.za.
The Garden Route Environmental Forum (GREF) is a public platform and climate change think tank for national and regional conservation and environmental management entities.
Photo/Caption: Climate change brings about challenges as vital infrastructure regularly comes under threat during storm events.
Media Release: Executive Mayor, Ald. Memory Booysen transitions to the Western Cape Provincial Parliament
10 June 2024
The Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) announces that its Executive Mayor, Ald. Memory Booysen, has been nominated and accepted a position as a member of the Western Cape Provincial Parliament to represent the Democratic Alliance (DA). This significant career milestone for Booysen follows the outcomes of the recent National and Provincial Elections. Booysen’s tenure at the GRDM saw him completing his first term as the 7th Mayor, and re-elected as the 8th Executive Mayor of the district municipality.
To mark Booysen’s transition to the Provincial Parliament, a Special Council meeting was held on 7 June 2024, where he officially notified Council of his intent to resign as the Executive Mayor. He officially resigned on Saturday, 8 June 2024. This move is in line with the law, as no political office bearer is allowed to simultaneously hold a position of a councillor, as well as a member of a Provincial Parliament.
The Special Council meeting also marked a bittersweet moment as the staff and Councillors were given a moment to bid farewell to him and reflect on his leadership. Firefighters of GRDM held a guard of honour while Emile Conrad played Auld lang Syne on his saxophone – symbolising endings and new beginnings.
Emile Conrad plays the saxophone while Mzwandile Nelani carries the South African Flag, while firefighters are standing in line for a guard of honour.
Later during the proceedings, Memory delivered his final council address and gave those present an overview of where he came from and reflected on his tenure at the GRDM. Municipal Manager, Monde Stratu also shared his history of working with Memory and at the end, handed him a golden spade. The same spade was used to turn the sod at the Regional Fire Station and the Regional Waste Management Facility. The spade represents, as shared by the GRDM Speaker, Ald. Georlene Wolmarans – strength, reliability, practicality, growth, stability, resourcefulness and heritage.
Monde Stratu hands over the same spade to Memory Booysen that was used during the sod-turning of the Regional Waste Management facility and the Regional Fire Station.
Shortly after the Special Council Meeting, Mayor Booysen shares a moment with Speaker, Ald. Georlene Wolmarans (left), Elethu Booysen (Booysen’s wife) and Municipal Manager, Monde Stratu
EXECUTIVE MAYOR, ALD. BOOYSEN’S ADDRESS TO COUNCIL AND STAFF
Mayor Booysen took Council and the administration back in time when reflecting on his 18 years as a public representative. “My years in service have prepared me for where I am going.” He acknowledged that he could never have succeeded as a lone rider, thanking everyone for lifting him up and appreciating the officials for their support. He made a plea to all Councillors to continue respecting the work of GRDM officials.
He went further to explain that the reason he leads the way he does. “I started out as an independent councillor surrounded by big political parties, and at that time I experienced being disregarded and not having his representatives’ views heard. I know how it feels to be cornered, accused, and made to feel useless,” he said.
In light of this reflection, he therefore urged Councillors to continue offering opposition parties an opportunity to raise their voices and to listen to them. He thanked the Councillors by saying: “You all contributed to making us shine because by listening to the views of everyone, we were able to implement a few ideas I did not previously think of.”
Towards the end of his address, he emphasized the importance of never underestimating your peers and to avoid ‘stepping on others’. He said GRDM has prepared him for the road ahead.
He concluded by sharing that he would make sure that his path crosses again with the GRDM. In commending the GRDM Speaker he urged her to continue to always keeping to facts and giving all councillors an equal opportunity to share their views during Council discussions.
MUNICIPAL MANAGER, MONDE STRATU’S MESSAGE TO ALD. BOOYSEN
“Mayor, I’ve known you since 2008 when I first joined Bitou as a Senior Manager.” He said that fast-forwarding to today, it is a bittersweet moment to bid Booysen farewell. “Over these years, you have evolved from an independent Councillor to the Executive Mayor of Bitou, then GRDM, and now to the Provincial Parliament. We have shared both sorrow and joy, losing loved ones and gaining lifelong friends. Your leadership, especially during challenging times like the Covid-19 pandemic and the Knysna fires, has been remarkable.”
“In 2011, under your leadership as Executive Mayor of Bitou Municipality, you inspired us to excel, leaving a lasting legacy, especially in the Human Settlements Department.” Monde also referred to Booysen’s transformative leadership that guided the institution through the best and worst of times.
“Personally, I recall your support during my toughest moments, including my arrest for council-mandated work. Your friendship and reassurance were invaluable.”
Monde also referred to leadership and how it is never easy to navigate through, but that Booysen built a foundation of unity and growth for the GRDM.
Your departure ushers in uncertainty, but we trust in God’s guidance. As you move to Cape Town, remember that you have friends and family here who support you.
He thanked him for his service and leadership and shared that his prayers are for God to bless him and his family.
EDITOR’S NOTES
Booysen was one of the key stakeholders behind the construction and funding of the GRDM’s first Fire Station, which was officially unveiled on 2 February 2024. He championed the historical name change of this institution from Eden District Municipality to Garden Route District Municipality. Another feather in his cap was that Council also obtained three consecutive Clean Audits. The Garden Route Skills Mecca is also in existence because of his endorsement of it and trusting in the GRDM administration to make it work as it does today.
The Deputy Executive Mayor of GRDM, Advocate Gert van Niekerk, will assume an acting Mayoral role until council appoints a full-time Executive Mayor. The position for Mayorship has already been advertised and is expected to be filled before the end of June 2024.
The GRDM remains committed to building on the strong foundation he established, ensuring the district’s ongoing development and prosperity.
Update 5: Garden Route Floods 07h00 update on 6 June 2024
Issued by the Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) Joint Operations Centre (JOC) at 07h15
HUMANITARIAN ASSISTANCE
Humanitarian needs in areas affected by the current floods in the Garden Route district are being addressed by Gift of the Givers. To access relief offered by Gift of the Givers or if you’d like to contribute, kindly reach out to Mario Ferreira at 082 490 2752.
STATUS QUO
The GRDM’s JOC remains active at its Head Office in George. However, the water levels of the rivers are gradually decreasing. Gerhard Otto, GRDM Head of Disaster Management, stated, “The water levels thankfully did not reach the 1996 levels at the Calitzdorp Hot Springs. Although the water spilling from dams in the catchment matched the 1996 level, they did not peak simultaneously. This resulted in the river flow moving south in ‘waves’ rather than as a single, destructive giant wave.”
Over the course of the incident, 17 people were rescued. These include four (4) women, nine (9) men and 4 children.
STATUS OF ROADS ROADS THAT REMAIN CLOSED
Roads are proactively closed as the water flows to the southern part of the Gouritz area.
OUDTSHOORN
1) Meiringspoort (remains closed since 04/06/2024)
Alternative Route: Via the N9, Willowmore from Beaufort West.
2) Swartberg Pass (remains closed since 04/06/2024)
Alternative Route: No alternative route.
3) N12 between Oudtshoorn and De Rust where the road crosses the Nel’s river (remains closed since 04/06/2024)
Alternative Route: Access via the Langkloof road.
4) Volmoed Road due to rockfalls (remains closed since 05/06/2024)
Alternative Route: Access via the R328 between Mossel Bay and Oudtshoorn.
5) Rooiheuwel Road (remains closed since 05/06/2024)
Alternative Route: Via Dysselsdorp.
6) R328 between Mossel Bay and Oudtshoorn (closed since 05/06/2024)
Alternative Route: No alternative route.
7) DR1713/R328 adjacent to the Raubenheimers Dam (enroute to Bergoord) (remains closed since 04/06/2024)
Alternative Route: No alternative route
MOSSEL BAY
1) Geelbeksvlei Road (remains closed since 04/06/2024)
Alternative Route: Use the Botlierskop Road or the R328 leading towards the N2.
KNYSNA
1) Rheenendal Road off the N2 (remains closed since 04/06/2024)
Alternative Route: Access Rheenendal via the Barrington Road off the N2. The other alternative is to access Rheenendal via the Seven Passes Road.
GEORGE/WILDERNESS/UNIONDALE
1) DR1660 Joncksrust Road (or known as Kliprivier Road) (30km from Uniondale) due to rockfalls (remains closed since 04/06/2024)
Alternative Route: Road is not fully cut-off, but can follow an alternative route via Avontuur.
2) Prince Alfred Pass between Uniondale and Knysna due to rockfalls and flooding (remains closed since 05/06/2024)
Alternative Route: No alternative route for this road.
3) Haarlem access on the west side is restricted (remains closed since 05/06/2024)
Alternative Route: Access possible from the east turn-off.
ROADS OPENED AGAIN TODAY
OUDTSHOORN
1) One lane is open to the Cango Caves.
STAY SAFE
People in areas near rivers or those who are considering to cross low-water bridges or structures should avoid doing so at all costs. If a residence is prone to flooding, people should move to higher ground to ensure the safety of family members, pets, and livestock. Do not attempt to walk, swim, or drive through floodwaters, as these can be deeper and faster-moving than what is assumed.
Report weather-related incidents to the Garden Route Emergency Call Centre on 044 805 5071.
Updates are posted to the GRDM Facebook Page, www.facebook.com/gardenroutedm
The next update is planned for 12h00 midday today, 6 June 2024.
Photo: Graph of hydrological data illustrating the levels of the Stompdrift and Kammanassie Dams (Source: Department of Water and Sanitation).
Photo: The Olifantsriver next to Dysselsdorp (Source: Oudtshoorn Municipality)
Update 3: Garden Route Floods 15h00 update on 5 June 2024
Issued by the Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) Joint Operations Centre (JOC) at 15h00
The GRDM’s JOC remains activated at its Head Office in George because of persistent rainfall experienced in parts of the Western, North and Eastern Cape since 1 June 2024. People in areas near rivers or those who are considering to cross low-water bridges or structures should avoid doing so at all costs. If a residence is prone to flooding, people should move to higher ground to ensure the safety of family members, pets, and livestock.
Do not attempt to walk, swim, or drive through floodwaters, as these can be deeper and faster-moving than what is assumed.
According to Gerhard Otto, the GRDM Head of Disaster Management, “the peak of the floods have not yet reached all areas in the Garden Route district. For the southern parts of the district, it is expected to only peak in the early hours tomorrow (6 June 2024). SAPS Border Police is stationed in Oudtshoorn, with a team on standby in Mossel Bay for any emerging rescue or recovery incidents”.
EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS PLANS
Before the GRDM JOC was activated, representatives from the National Department of Water and Sanitation informed several stakeholders about the anticipated floods. These stakeholders included the Water Users Associations, the National Water Resources Infrastructure Southern Operations Management, and downstream residents such as farmers and farm workers. “There is an Emergency Preparedness Plan for each dam in South Africa, which contains contact details of stakeholders and this greatly assists us in responding to emerging risks and disasters,” said Otto.
RESCUES, RECOVERIES & EVACUATIONS
The South African Police Services (SAPS) Diving Unit and the Red Cross Air Mercy Service are currently assisting with rescue operations of people in the region. To date, 17 people have been rescued.
* 11 People (3 women, 4 men and 4 children) rescued from Welgeluk in Oudtshoorn rescued with Pencil Duck.
* 6 People (1 woman, 5 men) rescued from the Meiringspoort Pass with a helicopter.
Calitzdorp Hot Springs has been evacuated because of the downflow of the Olifants River.
ROADS OPENED AGAIN
MOSSEL BAY
1) DR1532 Vleesbay Road (opened again before 15h00 on 05/06/2024)
ROADS REMAINING CLOSED
OUDTSHOORN
1) Meiringspoort (remains closed since 04/06/2024)
2) Swartberg Pass (remains closed since 04/06/2024)
3) N12 between Oudtshoorn and De Rust where the road crosses the Nel’s river – use the Langkloof route as an alternative (remains closed since 04/06/2024)
4) DR1713/R328 adjacent to the Raubenheimers Dam (enroute to Bergoord) (remains closed since 04/06/2024)
5) Volmoed Road due to rockfalls (remains closed since 05/06/2024)
6) The Cango Caves (remains closed since 05/06/2024)
7) Rooiheuwel Road (remains closed since 05/06/2024)
MOSSEL BAY
1) Geelbeksvlei Road (remains closed since 04/06/2024)
KNYSNA
1) Rheenendal Road off the N2 (remains closed since 04/06/2024)
GEORGE/WILDERNESS/UNIONDALE
1) DR1660 Joncksrust Road (or known as Kliprivier Road) (30km from Uniondale) due to rockfalls (remains closed since 04/06/2024)
2) Prince Alfred Pass between Uniondale and Knysna due to rockfalls and flooding (remains closed since 05/06/2024)
3) Haarlem access on the west side is restricted, access possible from the east turn-off (remains closed since 05/06/2024)
Stompdrift Dam is overflowing (Source: National Department of Water and Sanitation)
Report weather-related incidents to the Garden Route Emergency Call Centre on 044 805 5071.
Updates are posted to the GRDM Facebook Page, www.facebook.com/gardenroutedm
The next update is planned for 18h00 today, 5 June 2024.
Feature Image: Photo of the damage to the road at Nels River (Oude Muragie) a few kilometers before De Rust. Provincial workers are already repairing the road (Source: Oudtshoorn Municipality)
Update 2: Garden Route Floods 12h00 update on 5 June 2024
Issued by the Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) Joint Operations Centre (JOC) at 12h00
The GRDM activated its JOC at its Head Office in George because of persistent rainfall experienced in parts of the Western, North and Eastern Cape since 1 June 2024. Although the rainfall patterns for the Garden Route region was not exceptionally high over the past few days, several dams are still overflowing because of rivers that flow into them. The Stompdrift, Kammanassie, Koos Raubenheimer and Gamkapoort Dams are overflowing, collectively pushing more water into the Olifants River.
KEEP SAFE
People in areas near rivers or those who are considering to cross low-water bridges or structures should avoid doing so at all costs. If a residence is prone to flooding, people should move to higher ground to ensure the safety of family members, pets, and livestock.
Do not attempt to walk, swim, or drive through floodwaters, as these can be deeper and faster-moving than what is assumed.
RESCUES, RECOVERIES & EVACUATIONS
The South African Police Services (SAPS) Diving Unit and the Red Cross Air Mercy Service are currently assisting with rescue operations of people in the region. To date, 17 people have been rescued.
– 11 People (3 women, 4 men and 4 children) rescued from Welgeluk in Oudtshoorn rescued with Pencil Duck.
– 6 People (1 woman, 5 men) rescued from the Meiringspoort Pass with a helicopter.
Calitzdorp Hot Springs has been evacuated because of the downflow of the Olifants River.
ROADS CLOSED
OUDTSHOORN
1) Meiringspoort (remains closed since 04/06/2024)
2) Swartberg Pass (remains closed since 04/06/2024)
3) N12 between Oudtshoorn and De Rust where the road crosses the Nel’s river – use the Langkloof route as an alternative (remains closed since 04/06/2024)
4) DR1713/R328 adjacent to the Raubenheimers Dam (enroute to Bergoord) (remains closed since 04/06/2024)
5) Volmoed Road due to rockfalls (remains closed since 05/06/2024)
6) The Cango Caves (remains closed since 05/06/2024)
MOSSEL BAY
1) Geelbeksvlei Road (remains closed since 04/06/2024)
2) DR1532 Vleesbay Road (remains closed since 05/06/2024)
KNYSNA
1) Rheenendal Road off the N2 (remains closed since 04/06/2024)
GEORGE/WILDERNESS/UNIONDALE
1) DR1660 Joncksrust Road (or known as Kliprivier Road) (30km from Uniondale) due to rockfalls (remains closed since 04/06/2024)
2) Prince Alfred Pass between Uniondale and Knysna due to rockfalls and flooding (remains closed since 05/06/2024)
3) Haarlem access on the west side is restricted, access possible from the east turn-off (remains closed since 05/06/2024)
Report weather-related incidents to the Garden Route Emergency Call Centre on 044 805 5071.
Updates are posted to the GRDM Facebook Page, www.facebook.com/gardenroutedm
The next update is planned for 15h00 today, 5 June 2024.
Pictures: Calitzdorp Hot Springs (Elmo Labuscagne)
Update 1: Garden Route Floods 09h00 update on 5 June 2024
Issued by the Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) Joint Operations Centre (JOC) at 09h00
JOC ACTIVATED
The Garden Route District Municipality activated its JOC at its Head Office in George following the persistent rainfall experienced since 1 June 2024. GRDM, SAPS and the National Department of Water and Sanitation form part of the JOC. A Forward Control Point is in place at Oudtshoorn Municipality.
Today, the Stompdrift Dam (8km from de Rust) is overflowing due to the heavy rains experienced in the Central Karoo area. On June 5, 2024, the Kammanassie Dam in the Oudtshoorn area overflowed, contributing to the mass of water seen along the Olifants. The main water supply for Oudtshoorn, the Koos Raubenheimer Dam, overflowed as well, pushing more water into the Olifants River. Additionally, the Gamkapoort Dam, located to the north of the region, is also experiencing an overflow into the same river. These combined overflows are significantly impacting families located in areas close to the river as well as access to several roads and passes.
RESCUES & EVACUATIONS
The South African Police Services Diving Unit is currently assisting with evacuations of residents in the region. To date, 11 people have been rescued.
11 People (3 women, 4 men and 4 children) from Welgeluk in Oudtshoorn rescued.
Calitzdorp Hot Springs has been evacuated as a precautionary measure for expected downflow from the Olifants River.
ROADS CLOSED
OUDTSHOORN
1) Meiringspoort (remains closed since 04/06/2024)
2) Swartberg Pass (remains closed since 04/06/2024)
3) N12 between Oudtshoorn and De Rust where the road crosses the Nel’s river (remains closed since 04/06/2024)
4) DR1713 adjacent to the Raubenheimers Dam (remains closed since 04/06/2024)
5) Volmoed Road due to rockfalls (remains closed sincea 05/06/2024)
MOSSEL BAY
1) Geelbeksvlei Road (remains closed since 04/06/2024)
KNYSNA
1) Rheenendal Road off the N2 (remains closed since 04/06/2024)
GEORGE/WILDERNESS/UNIONDALE
1) DR1660 Joncksrust Road (30km from Uniondale) due to rockfalls (remains closed since 04/06/2024)
2) Prince Alfred Pass between Uniondale and Knysna due to rockfalls and flooding (remains closed since 05/06/2024)
ASSISTANCE TO THOSE IN DISTRESS
Families cut-off from access to roads and who have already been rescued, will be assisted. No donations are required at the moment.
Report weather-related incidents to the Garden Route Emergency Call Centre on 044 805 5071.
The next update is planned for 12h00 midday today, 5 June 2024.
