Media Release: GRDM plays its part in World Food Day, celebrating it in Uniondale
11 October 2024
Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) Executive Mayor, Andrew Stroebel, has reflected on the Municipality’s contribution to food security to the Garden Route region at a World Food Day celebration. This year’s theme is the “Right to Foods for a better life and a better future: Leave no one behind”. Collective action across over 150 countries worldwide is what makes World Food Day (16 October) one of the most celebrated days in the United Nations calendar.
GRDM Executive Mayor Andrew Stroebel addresses the attendees of the World Food Day event in Uniondale today, 11 October 2024. He shared some of the key initiatives of the district municipality that drive and promotes food security.
The community came together at the World Food Day event in Uniondale in their numbers.
During Mayor Stroebel’s address at the Uniondale Sports Grounds, he said: “One of our many promising initiatives is our Municipality’s Resilient Agriculture Niche Support Programme (Agri-processing), which focuses on honeybush tea processing”.
Agri-processing refers to the transformation of raw agricultural products into different forms that add value, enhance usability, or extend shelf life.
“Honeybush, indigenous to our region, has immense potential not only as a health product but also as an agricultural crop that drives economic development. We have thus far facilitated investments in processing equipment for local honeybush production. The establishment of this processing plant has been made possible through funding provided by the Western Cape Government, particularly from the Provincial Departments of Local Government and Agriculture.”
It is interesting to note that Honeybush has spinoffs for job creation, rural development, exports, biodiversity, and even tourism.
“The GRDM remains focused on building a district where food security cross-cuts society and where agriculture remains inclusive, innovative, and globally competitive. With the right partnerships and a shared vision, we are striving to position this region as one that continuously promotes sustainable development,” Stroebel concluded.
The event was arranged by the Western Cape Provincial Government’s Department of Agriculture, Economic Development and Tourism, attended by its Western Cape MEC Dr Ivan Meyer, supported by both Garden Route District and George Municipalities.
Feature image: Items ready for collection by community members.
Media Release: 32 New Signs for Garden Route Peaks to Boost Adventure Tourism
3 October 2024
The Garden Route and Klein Karoo (GR&KK) is world-renowned for its breathtaking hiking, trail-running and mountain biking trails, offering adventure seekers routes that traverse peaks reaching up to 1,578 meters (Cradock Peak) above sea level in the George area.
During an informal handover ceremony, Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) Executive Mayor, Andrew Stroebel met with members from the Mountain Ultra Trail (MUT), the Garden Route Trail Running community-based running group and a Conquer Together community enthusiast.
Mayor Stroebel said: “In support of enhancing these trails for local and international visitors, the GRDM is proud to donate 32 new signs to rebrand key mountain peaks”.
“These new signs will replace the current faded ones, ensuring a refreshed experience for hikers and trail runners.”
Each sign will prominently feature the GR&KK logo, a QR code and a few other brands, which offer a gateway to valuable resources, including links to:
The signage and trail maintenance in George have long been carried out by the dedicated members of the Mountain Ultra Trail (MUT) group, who fund these efforts independently. Recognising their hard work and commitment, GRDM’s contribution aims to alleviate some of the financial pressure on the group, helping to ensure these trails remain safe, clear and accessible for all.
A hiker at the top of the George Peak.
Hikers who completed the Vensterberg Peak.
The highest peak, Cradock Peak, will also receive a new sign right at its highest point.
Feature image: The handover ceremony took place at the GRDM Mayor’s Office. Each person held a sign featuring one of the 6 big peaks in the George area – Vensterberg, Losberg, George Peak, Cradock Peak, Tierkop and Groenkop. The stakeholders present included (fltr): Jacques Mouton (FKT & GTR), Herman Pieters (GRDM Communication Manager), Andrew Stroebel (GRDM Executive Mayor), Clare Mouton (FKT & GTR), Zane Schmal (MUT), and Attie Bedeker(Conquer Together).
Media Statement: Innovative Measures Announced to reduce sporadic offensive odours in Great Brak River
26 September 2024
There are currently three industries in Great Brak River that are regulated through Atmospheric Emission Licences (AEL) issued by the Garden Route District Municipality’s (GRDM) Air Quality Unit. According to Dr Schoeman, Manager: District Air Quality Control: “It is important to emphasize that these AEL`s have stringent conditions, and the industries are mostly compliant with their respective licence requirements. The industries are regulated through various conditions of their licence, of which the annual emissions monitoring by an independent authority, is a key requirement. The industries meet the minimum emission limits, which are established based on factors such as the potential health effects on the surrounding environment.”
“Since early 2024, residents from various communities near these industries have reported suspected offensive odours. Some of these industries emits compounds known for releasing an offensive odour and has a low odour detection threshold,” says Dr Schoeman. He further explained, “Weather conditions play a significant role in the dispersion of odours, which tend to be more noticeable during the colder winter months.”
GRDM and the industries acknowledge all concerns and are working together to address them. Dr Schoeman noted that while the industries comply with its minimum emission limits, the companies recognizes that offensive odours may occasionally be released. Some of these industries are also regulated in terms of their operating times, to minimize the effect during the night and over weekends.
In response to these concerns, the industries have committed to best available technology to address the offensive odours. Some of which has already being implemented. In collaboration with GRDM, the industries have proposed a phased approach to reduce any odours. These measures include, among other things, the venting of gas through pipe ducting systems filled with water and odour suppressant liquid to act as a scrubber system. There is also an installation of rubber curtains at building entrance points to address wind drafts, the replacement of old boilers with improved technology with improved combustion, and the conversion of manufacturing processes to more energy efficient technology, which lowers fuel usage and subsequent emissions. It must also be noted that all these measures come with capital and operational costs and some of these changes do require environmental approval from the relevant authorities before it may be implemented. Dr Schoeman pointed out that “measures requiring authorisation are bound to take longer to implement, however, it is anticipated for the long-term measures to be implemented within the next 1-2 years”.
There remains strong cooperation between GRDM and industry, and all parties are confident that these measures will effectively mitigate and reduce the offensive odours associated with their respective industry.
Media Release: Regenerating degraded land may prove a lifeline to Garden Route biodiversity
26 September 2024
“Well over a million hectares of agricultural land in the Southern Cape interior, Karoo and neighbouring Eastern Cape has over time degraded to a point where it can no longer be regarded as suitable for sustainable farming,” says Cobus Meiring of the Garden Route Environmental Forum (GREF).
There are multiple reasons for land to degrade to a point where it can no longer sustain biodiversity. The most significant of factors instigating land degradation generally include a combination of climate change, over grazing, irresponsible land management practices, over-extraction of water resources and deforestation.
Habitat loss as a result of new development and rapid urbanization is fast causing the Garden Route to lose biodiversity posing a challenge to those tasked with environmental management and sustainability. Efforts to conserve, grow and protect intact biodiversity is vital for the future well- being of the Garden Route and the quality of life of all dependent on it.
Land restoration and rehabilitation is a complex process which takes time and absorb substantial resources before the full benefit thereof take effect, but the restoration of thousands of hectares of degraded agricultural land holds the key to mitigate biodiversity and habitat loss elsewhere. At the same time eco-system restoration has the potential to earn carbon credit benefits and in parts of Kannaland there are already such efforts underway.
The creation of conservation corridors allowing for the free movement and survival of terrestrial species are increasingly understood and supported by landowners outside the urban edge, whilst conservancies and green belts within the urban edge goes a long way towards that objective.
The creation and maintenance of a healthy environment is a shared responsibility and GREF would like to urge land owners and land managers to contribute towards re-establishing natural habitats and the conservation of threatened eco-systems in the Garden Route.
Feature image caption: Degraded land in the Southern Cape interior, Karoo and bordering Eastern Cape can be restored to sustain biodiversity.
Media Release: Millions Invested in Garden Route District Municipality’s Fire and Disaster Management Response Units by Western Cape Government
25 September 2024
Grant funding for capacity building to date has surpassed R15 million, provided by the Western Cape Provincial Government (WCG) Department of Local Government (DLG), Directorate Fire & Rescue and Disaster Management’s Fire Services, to the Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM).
Fire Chief Deon Stoffels commented on the significance of the funding: “The purpose of the capacity building ensures that the GRDM’s emergency capacity, mobilization, response, and mitigation systems are of a standard that meets the region’s risks. This also ensures that the GRDM at a Local Government level builds enough capacity to assist with fire and disaster management responses across the region at local municipalities.”
Key projects to date, backed by Provincial funding, include:
Assistance of R3 million for the Regional Fire Station that was official unveiled on 2 February 2024;
In June 2024, a hook lift truck for flood and related response was delivered to the cost of R 2,5 million;
A fully equipped firefighting light duty vehicle to the value of R 981 000;
A mobile hazmat response unit to the value of R 500 000;
Ongoing roll-out of smoke detectors and the past year contribution were to the value of R 500 000;
A water delivery tanker was acquired, to the cost of R 1,2 million.
All the above projects have been concluded within the 2023/2024 financial year.
For the current and next financial year, further assistance in terms of grant funding is for an amount of R 7,2 million. This includes funding of R5 million to build a flood response unit, with various containerised equipment caches, including a hovercraft, an overhead housing facility. In addition, R 1 million will be made available for hazardous material equipment, mobile units. Lastly, one more water delivery truck worth R 1,2 million will be acquired to assist areas that are affected by water services issues.
These projects are implemented in line with relevant supply chain management procedures, and the recent handover marks the final step in meeting the objectives outlined in the various Business Plans and Transfer Payment Agreements.
Official Handover Ceremony held on 25 September 2024 at the GRDM Regional Fire Station
Deputy Director at WCG Fire Services said the Water Response Project is the first of its kind in the Western Cape, and we are proud to see its rollout along the Garden Route.
GRDM Municipal Manager, Mone Stratu, during his address said that with the growing impact of climate change, we are witnessing an alarming rise in disaster-related incidents, from floods to fires. This has driven an urgent need for more response units to protect our communities.
During the official handing over ceremony, the GRDM invited a Ettienne du Toit, the Western Cape Provincial Government Deputy Director for Fire Services to a handover ceremony of the assets the GRDM procured.
GRDM Municipal Manager Monde Stratu, during the ceremony, said: “It is only recently, due to climate change, that there has been an increased push for more response units. There has been an increase in disaster-related incidents . We see this every year as we face floods and fires. Stratu said that the GRDM Council appreciates the WCG efforts in providing the district with critical resources. “With our current budget constraints, we simply do not have the capacity to acquire these assets on our own, so your assistance is invaluable.”
The Municipal Manager also said the demand for the GRDM to assist local municipalities continues to grow – “being a fire-prone district, we need all the help we can get.”
“Thank you, Western Cape Government, for these life-saving contributions,” he concluded.
The mobile hazmat response unit contains several items that will make the GRDM’s response to various incidents more efficient.
A proud moment for Monde Stratu and Ettienne du Toit as they also present the smoke detectors that have been rolled out for more than a year along the region. They are standing in front of a firefighting light duty vehicle that was also paid for by Western Cape Government.
Fire Chief Deon Stoffels with Ettienne du Toit and Wouter Jacobs in front of the water delivery tanker.
Ettienne du Toit and Monde Stratu shakes hands and hands over the keys to the hook lift truck. Wouter Jacobs, GRDM Disaster Management Practitioner is pictured sitting inside the truck.
Ettienne du Toit, Deputy Director of Fire Services in the Western Cape, added:
“For the Western Cape Government, it’s an absolute pleasure to be involved here. We see this as a partnership—we all serve the same communities, and they trust us to help protect them. We must ensure we don’t disappoint them. The Western Cape has already faced eight disasters this calendar year, mostly involving floods, fires, and a significant electricity outage.” According to du Toit, the damage so far in the province is recorded at R9 billion, and the WCG has absorbed these costs.
“We must safeguard our emergency response resources, particularly as the province faces financial challenges that have led to job cuts.
The Water Response Project is the first of its kind in the Western Cape, and we are proud to see its rollout here at the Garden Route district. Given the increasing frequency of floods and fires, this investment is crucial. The water tankers are designed for humanitarian assistance, while the large vehicles aid in lifting containers. The plan is to expand this, not just for water but for hazmat, humanitarian, and chemical incidents.
“There’s a growing need for heavy-duty vehicles, and the goal is to ensure every town in the Western Cape is equipped with a well-resourced hazmat capability. As informal settlements continue to grow, so too does the risk of fire fatalities. For over eight years, we’ve been working to install smoke alarms in these areas, but there’s still much more to be done. It’s encouraging to see the development of the fire station and the fitness of the firefighters, and we look forward to seeing this partnership continue to grow. It is a pleasure to hand over these resources to you,” concluded du Toit.
SPECIAL IN-CLOSED COUNCIL MEETING, 25 September 2024 at 12h00
Notice is hereby given that a SPECIALCOUNCIL MEETING of the Garden Route District Municipality will be held at the CA Robertson Council Chambers, 54 York Street, George, on 15 September 2024 at 12:00.
Madam Speaker, Fellow Councillors, and Team Garden Route Colleagues, Members of the Public and the Media
Goeiemôre, molweni, as-salamu alaykum, shalom, good morning
It’s great to see you all here this morning, and it is particularly good to be able to address you all about our municipality and our beautiful Garden Route region. I am here for a month now and I would like to particularly thank the administration for the warm welcome and also, my Mayoral Committee, thank you for the support you’ve provided over the past month. I look forward to working closely with all of you going forward.
Madam Speaker, on the note of the beautiful poem you’ve recited, “Phenomenal Woman” by Maya Angelou, I have the following to say: it vividly conveys a message of self-assurance and pride, transcending conventional standards of beauty and redefining what it means to be truly phenomenal. Angelou captured the essence of womanhood beautifully, emphasizing confidence, poise, and the unique, intrinsic qualities that make a woman extraordinary. This year’s theme for Women’s Month, under the Government of National Unity focuses on “Women who advocate for equity, diversity and inclusion.” In line with this, we will highlight some of our Women in Leadership positions throughout the month of August on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, starting this Friday. Please keep a lookout for the short biographies on our Facebook page and website.
Madam Speaker,
Our shared values and commitment to community service were also reflected in our participation in Mandela Day activities. This annual event, held on July 18th, is a time for us to remember and honour the legacy of Nelson Mandela by dedicating ourselves to acts of service and giving back to our communities. We engaged in a wide range of activities, including blood donations to save lives, providing essential and basic supplies to those in need, painting community buildings, and participating in extensive clean-up drives. Through these diverse actions, our commitment to unity and cooperation was clear.
Regarding skills development at our Municipality, particularly through our Skills Mecca Programme, we have cemented R36 million in funding from the National Skills Fund for future training of 400 learners. A provider has been appointed, and recruitment of learners has started. We plan to do an official launch in September. Another exciting addition is that the Vaal University of Technology has contacted us to see if we can accommodate 30 learners to be coached as cellular phone repairers. We know there is a high demand for this skill, especially because cellular phones and smartphones in particular are becoming more integral to our daily lives. I fully support this because we need our locals to be equipped with this type of skill.
Madam Speaker, I think it is also important to briefly reflect on the severe weather incidents of the past month that affected several households, led by single mothers, fathers, or nuclear families. During the period of 6 and 12 July, the district faced a series of intense weather conditions, including heavy rains, gale-force winds, and storm surges. I’d like to thank our GRDM Disaster Management Centre and other stakeholders for promptly alerting all relevant parties and initiating contingency plans. Notable incidents included roof damage, the destruction of informal dwellings, and infrastructure disruptions across various municipalities. Humanitarian aid was swiftly provided, including mattresses, blankets, and food parcels. GRDM also collaborated effectively with local municipalities to address these immediate needs and manage the damage. The potential declaration of a local disaster may be considered to access further resources and support. This process will involve coordination between local, district, and provincial authorities to ensure all necessary measures are taken.
Similarly, our region’s roads also sustained several serious damages. As a Road Agency for the Western Cape Provincial Government, servicing approximately 47,000 km², the monthly schedule of roads to be serviced has had to be amended to accommodate these events. As work continues, I also witnessed earlier this month an addition of five new vehicles to our yellow fleet. These will be put to good use and ensure service delivery standards are upheld. I am extremely proud of the dedicated workers at our Roads Department who are all hard at work to fix and service our roads.
I am pleased to announce that we will soon be officially receiving two trucks for disaster management. One truck will be dedicated to assisting local municipalities during water scarcity interventions, while the other will be deployed for flood response efforts. This marks the beginning of the first phase in a three-phase disaster management strategy that we are rolling out. Phase two includes our purchasing of several containers and a hovercraft. The third and final phase will see us purchasing flood response equipment.
Madam Speaker,
I want to close by reminding everyone of the Western Cape Premier’s Opening Address (POA) tomorrow, 31 July 2024, at 10:45. This will provide us with insights into exciting programs and projects rolled out in the Western Cape, and for us to collectively reflect on the achievements of our provincial government. The event can be watched LIVE on Facebook and YouTube.
Media Release: Executive Mayor, Deputy Executive Mayor, Councillors, Management and Staff welcome 5 new additions to Roads Yellow Fleet
16 July 2024
Today, the Garden Route District Municipality’s (GRDM) Roads Department took in acceptance five vehicles to the value of approximately R 500 000 each. This special occasion was witnessed by the GRDM Executive Mayor, Ald. Andrew Stroebel, Executive Deputy Mayor, Ald. Vlancio Donson, Mayoral Committee Chairperson (MMC) for Roads Services – Cllr Stag Cronje, and other MMCs, as well as GRDM Municipal Manager, Monde Stratu, and support staff.
The vehicles were procured with Western Cape Government funding and were handed over to the Roads Team at their main depot in George. The purpose of these new additions to the current yellow fleet of the Municipality, is to maintain service delivery standards of the all fifteen (15) Roads teams across the Garden Route.
In the past two years GRDM received ten (10) Maintenance and Construction Graders. The fleet value of the Graders received thus far in the past two years amounts to just over R50 million. Twelve (12) new Vans were also received over the past two years.
Today, is therefore another milestone and historic occasion for the municipality, as the Roads Department continues to strive towards excellence, more specifically in ensuring safe roads that link various areas and farms, including rural areas.
Media Statement: GRDM Executive Mayor, Deputy Executive Mayor, Whip of Council and Mayoral Committee, elected
5 July 2024
The Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) is proud to announce the inauguration of several of its new executive leadership today, including a new Executive Mayor, Ald. Andrew Stroebel who hails from Hessequa where he was the Speaker for one-and-a-half terms since 2016/17. Today’s proceedings follow the National and Provincial election outcomes which resulted in former GRDM Executive Mayor, Ald. Memory Booysen moving to the Western Cape Legislature. Booysen was sworn in on 13 June 2024 alongside 41 other politicians.
During today’s inauguration, the Western Cape Minister for Infrastructure, MEC Tertuis Simmers was present. Mayors from the seven (7) local municipalities, members of the public and media, were also present in person and some logged in virtually to witness the special occasion.
EXECUTIVE MAYOR, DEPUTY EXECUTIVE MAYOR AND WHIP OF COUNCIL ELECTED
The new GRDM Executive Mayor, Ald. Stroebel from the DA was elected unopposed. Subsequently, the Deputy Executive Mayor, Ald. Vlancio Donson from the Independent Civic Organisation of South Africa (ICOSA) was also elected unopposed. He replaces Ald. Gert Van Niekerk from the Freedom Front Plus. A new Whip of Council, Cllr Monique Simmers was also elected unopposed. She replaces Cllr Betsie van Noordwyk from the DA, who recently submitted her resignation from this position, which she held since 2021.
During Mayor Stroebel’s acceptance speech, his key message was his commitment to addressing the pressing issues of service delivery, infrastructure improvement, and sustainable economic development through transparent governance and open communication. He emphasised his commitment to financial sustainability, and highlighted the importance of performance-based accountability, environmental conservation, and teamwork to build a prosperous, inclusive, and resilient future for the district municipality.
Monde Stratu, the GRDM Municipal Manager, also welcomed and congratulated the new leadership on taking office. He committed that the administration would follow through on the goals as set out by the Executive Mayor.
“We as the administration are ready to hit the road running with what is expected,” said Stratu.
The Executive Mayor also announced his Mayoral Committee Members today. Mayoral Committee Members form part of the committees outlined in Section 80 of the Local Government: Municipal Structures Act 117 of 2008. Such a committee is established primarily to assist the Executive Mayor.
Those in these critical positions will oversee the following portfolios:
Community Services: Cllr Jobieth Hoogbaard
Corporate Services: Ald. Nompumelelo Ndayi
Financial Services: Ald. Dave Swart
Planning and Economic Development: Ald. Rosina Ruiters
Property and Asset Management: Cllr Hilton Stroebel
Roads and Transport Services: Cllr Daniel Cronje
Ald. Nompumelelo Ndayi, Mayoral Committee Chairperson for Corporate Services
Jobieth Hoogbaard, Mayoral Committee Chairperson for Community Services
Cllr Daniel Cronje, Mayoral Committee Chairperson for Roads Services
Ald. Rosina Ruiters, Mayoral Committee Chairperson for Planning and Economic Development Services
Cllr Hilton Stroebel, Mayoral Committee Chairperson for Property and Asset Management
Ald. Dave Swart, Mayoral Committee Chairperson for Financial Services
This inauguration marks a new chapter for the GRDM as the Administration and Council continues to strive for excellence in service delivery and community development.
Feature Image: Newly elected political leadership at GRDM, from left to right: Ald. Vlancio Donson (Deputy Executive Mayor), Ald. Andrew Stroebel (Executive Mayor) and Cllr Monique Simmers (Whip of Council).
Mayor Stroebel used to be the Speaker for Hessequa Municipality. He is pictured here with the Executive Mayor of Hessequa, Ald. Grant Riddles who also took a moment to congratulate him.
Executive Mayor Andrew Stroebel being congratulated by Municipal Manager, Monde Stratu.
A standing ovation was in order for the Mayor’s election.
Executive Mayor Andrew Stroebel with the Council Secretary, Advocate Sinekaya Maqekeni, the Speaker, Ald. Georlene Wolmarans, and Deputy Executive Mayor, Vlancio Donson.
Western Cape Minister for Infrastructure, Tertuis Simmers, the Whip of Council, Monique Simmers and George Executive Mayor, Jacqulique von Brandis, were ready for a picture to celebrate to moment.
Chief Audit Executive of GRDM, Pamela Lufele, opened the session with a prayer and share da powerful message with those present in person and online.
