Skip to content Skip to left sidebar Skip to footer

Author: Herman Pieters

3 July 2023 Media Release: Garden Route DM and Standard Bank Sign Loan Agreement for Regional Landfill Construction

Garden Route DM and Standard Bank Sign Loan Agreement for Regional Landfill Construction

For Immediate Release
3 July 2023

Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) signed a critical loan agreement with Standard Bank of South Africa for an amount of R278 249 907,00 today at its Council Chambers in George. This loan will be utilised for the construction of the GRDM regional waste management facility, which will initially serve the municipalities of Bitou, Knysna, George, and Mossel Bay.

According to Monde Stratu, GRDM Municipal Manager: “The funding will now enable the construction of the regional waste management facility, providing an essential waste management solution for the four participating municipalities.” “A site handover meeting was held with the Tefla Group (Pty) Ltd on 13 June 2023, which means the project is on track as planned.”

“Today is quite an exciting moment for us and I never thought it would happen in my tenure here at the GRDM. It was not an easy process to get to this point,” said Stratu.

In witnessing the event, Junaid Sonday, Standard Bank Provincial Head: Public Sector, said: “Standard Bank has an excellent track record in partnering with Local Government in the Garden Route.”

Sonday emphasised that Standard Bank’s support goes beyond mere profitability and is dedicated to prioritising what is good for the community, which is one of the reasons why Standard Bank granted GRDM the loan.

He also shared how impressed they were at Standard Bank with the previous Acting Chief Financial Officer, Thembani Loliwe’s comments during an engagement around credit risks. He said: “Thembani Loliwe was instrumental in adding value to credit risk committee discussions, swiftly identifying and addressing risk factors within the first few minutes after deliberations started”.

The group present during the historical moment (FLTR): Rian Boshoff (GRDM Chief Financial Officer), Thembani Loliwe (GRDM Strategic Manager), Charl Martin (GRDM Manager: Income, Bank Reconciliation, Expenditure & Remuneration), Junaid Sonday (Standard Bank Provincial Head: Public Sector), Adv. Nadiema Davids (GRDM Manager: Legal Services), Monde Stratu (GRDM MM), Gerrit du Toit (Standard Bank Account Executive), Clive Africa (GRDM Executive Manager: Community Services), Adv. Sinekaya Maqekeni (GRDM Manager: Integrated Support Services and Legal Compliance), John Godfrey Daniels (GRDM Executive Manager: Roads Services), Ayakha Magxotwa (GRDM IDP Officer) and Lusanda Menze (GRDM Executive Manager, Planning and Economic Development).

The publication of the Public Participation about the loan agreement was approved and concluded in December 2022. During the negotiations, Standard Bank requested that participating Municipalities provide council resolutions confirming their support and participation in the project. These resolutions were sourced from the participating Municipalities, namely Bitou, Knysna, George, and Mossel Bay Municipality. Furthermore, GRDM enters into section 33 of the Municipal Finance Management Act (MFMA) agreements with participating municipalities.

The GRDM expresses its gratitude to all stakeholders involved in the loan agreement process, including Standard Bank and the participating Municipalities. Their cooperation and support have been instrumental in reaching this significant milestone.

The project timeline is as follows:

  • Contractor on-site:  June 2023
  • Completion of Phase 1: February 2024
  • Estimated completion of project: March 2025

Related media releases:

Feature image caption: An exciting and historical moment for GRDM and Standard Bank shortly after a loan of R278 249 907,00 was signed. Pictured is Junaid Sonday, Standard Bank Provincial Head: Public Sector with Monde Stratu, GRDM Municipal Manager.

ENDS

3 July 2023 Media Release: Garden Route DM Unveils New Slogan – Your Route to Prosperity

Media Release: Garden Route DM Unveils New Slogan – Your Route to Prosperity

For Immediate Release
3 July 2023

The Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) Council recently adopted a new slogan that reflects the municipality’s vision of becoming the leading, enabling, and inclusive district, characterised by equitable and sustainable development, high quality of life, and equal opportunities for all. The new slogan, “Your Route to Prosperity,” captures the essence of GRDM’s commitment to creating a prosperous and thriving community.

The slogan was developed in three languages of the Western Cape, which are expressed as follows:

“Jou roete na vooruitgang” (Afrikaans)

“Indlela yakho eya empumelelweni” (Xhosa)

“Your route to prosperity” (English)

The new slogan symbolises the pathway the GRDM is trying to create for all Garden Routers to have equal access to opportunities that lead to personal growth and a prosperous future.

Learn more about Garden Route District Municipality here.

Some of the achievements of the GRDM over the past two financial years include:

2022/23

  • Oudtshoorn wins ‘IQ Air Least polluted city in Africa’.
  • GRDM Communication team wins ‘SALGA Most Updated Social Media Platforms’ award.
  • GRDM is identified as the municipality with one of the most simplified IDPs in the Western Cape.
  • GRDM develops the first-ever Municipal Health Dashboard in South Africa.
  • Municipal Health Dashboard presented on SALGA TV.

2021/22

  • Knysna wins ‘Best Dorpie’ in Kfm’s Best of the Cape Awards.
  • Clean Audit Opinion 2021/22.
  • Emile Conrad achieves 10th position at World Firefighter Games.
  • COGTA awards GRDM with the Second best One-Plan developed by the district.

ENDS

29 June 2023 Public Notice: GRDM intends to enter into a contract relating to the provision of an Enterprise Resource Planning system for a period of 10 years

Public Notice: GRDM intends to enter into a contract relating to the provision of an Enterprise Resource Planning system for a period of 10 years

Notice in terms of Section 33 of the Local Government Municipal Finance Management Act No. 56 of 2003 and 21A and Section 21 of the Local Government Municipal Systems Act, No. 32 of 2000

 NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN in terms of Section 33 of the Local Government: Municipal Finance Management Act, No. 56 of 2003 that Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) intends to enter into a contract relating to the provision of an Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system in terms of the financial and business processes contained in its current solutions for a period of ten (10) years. The contract will impose financial obligations on the Municipality for a period longer than three (3) years covered in the annual budget for the financial year 2023/24.

NOTICE IS FURTHER GIVEN in accordance with Section 21A and Section 21 of the Local Government: Municipal Systems Act, No. 32 of 2000 that-

  1. The local community and other interested persons are invited to submit comments or representations to the Municipality in respect of the proposed draft contract. Such comments or representations must be received by no later than Friday, 8 September 2023 via electronic mail at the email address provided below or delivered to the mailing address provided hereunder.
  2. Copies of the draft contract and information statement summarizing the Municipality’s obligations in terms of the draft agreement are available for inspection at the locations listed hereunder and will also be accessible on www.gardenroute.gov.za (the official website of the municipality)
  3. Further details and clarity may be requested via email at admin@gardenroute.gov.za or telephone at 044 803 1300 and will be made available on the above-mentioned website.
Physical Address Mailing Address
Garden Route District Municipality,
54 York Street,
GEORGE,
6530		 info@gardenroute.gov.za or

Garden Route District Municipality
P.O. Box 12
GEORGE,
6530
Submission must be marked: Enterprise Resource Management (ERP)

People who have a physical disability or are unable to write but need to participate in the process may present themselves during office hours at the offices of the Municipality listed hereunder where a staff member will assist them to transcribe the relevant comments or representations.

Office Hours are Monday to Thursday from 07h30 to 16h30 and Fridays from 07h30 to 13h30.

MG Stratu
Municipal Manager
54 York Street
PO Box 12
GEORGE
6530
Tel:   044 803 1300
Fax:  086 555 6303

Notice No. 73/2023

Download the

26 June 2023 Media Release: In order for communities to survive climate change, it’s back to the basics for government

Media Release: In order for communities to survive climate change, it’s back to the basics for Government

For Immediate Release
26 June 2023

“The still rising Cholera death toll in Gauteng and elsewhere in the interior should serve as a rude awakening for Local Governments as well as the communities they serve. In order for all to enjoy essential necessities such as clean running water and health, we need to refocus our attention on better managing our natural resources and fixing and maintaining the basics before we even consider anything else”, says Cobus Meiring of the Garden Route Environmental Forum (GREF) and Councillor of Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) on the eve of the Annual Climate Change and Environmental Management Indaba at the Nelson Mandela University.

Whilst the impact of a changing climate and rainfall patterns is complicated and threatens drought and hardship for the unprepared, the management of our natural resources is not difficult at all if the collective, and especially Local Governments, apply their minds, resources, and efforts. As an example, raw sewerage spewing from moribund waste water works countrywide has changed the river ecology and water quality of the Vaal and Olifants and almost all other river systems and estuaries in South Africa to levels that will be difficult to recover from. This has significant consequences for the quality of life of our citizens and South Africa’s food security.

A government can rightly be judged by the way it takes care of its precious natural resources, and water is by far the most important. The management of sewerage water is not a sexy subject, but by ignoring the functioning and maintenance of sewerage treatment plants at local municipalities they allowed the first domino to fall towards excessive misery and deprivation for communities already suffering from economic hardship and poverty.

But there is light at the end of the tunnel, and unfortunate disasters such as the Cholera outbreak will force authorities back to managing the basics. Similarly, the multimillion-Rand fine recently imposed on the Standerton Municipality by the Blue Scorpions for allowing raw sewerage to flow into the Vaal River may well be a turning point in an otherwise downward spiral.

Another promising example of potential environmental prosperity is the billions of Rand being made available by the Western world to assist South Africa in its transition to clean energy presenting a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for South Africa to become a global leader in environmental management and at the same time allowing the country to prepare for what the changing climate will be throwing at us.

Inquiries: cobus@naturalbridge.co.za

Feature image: Little hope the Vaal River’s sewage pollution crisis will end any time soon (Picture: Nneka Nwogwugwu).

Editor’s note: The Garden Route Environmental Forum (GREF) is a Climate Change think- tank and public platform for environmental managers and conservation entities in the Southern Cape.

ENDS

20 June 2023 Media Release: 8 000 Hectares more veld and mountain fires burned over the past 12-months

Media Release: 8 000 Hectares more veld and mountain fires burned over the past 12-months

20 June 2023

Throughout the past municipal calendar year, spanning from July 2022 to June 2023, the Garden Route district, including Hessequa, Mossel Bay, George, Knysna, Bitou, Oudtshoorn, and Kannaland, has witnessed several wildfires. Deon Stoffels, the Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) Chief Fire Officer, says a staggering 82 fires, including several wildfires, have ravaged the region since July 2022, leaving 23,848 hectares of land burned. Comparatively, although the previous year saw three additional wildfires between July 2021 and June 2022, the extent of the damage was slightly lower, with approximately 14,500 hectares consumed.

“It remains a priority for us to continue to address this concerning trend and prioritise fire management and prevention strategies to safeguard communities,” said Stoffels.

The major areas most affected by the past year’s wildfires included the Rooiberg Mountains in Van Wyksdorp, the Swartberg Mountains in Oudtshoorn, and Molenrivier (N9 South) in the George area. The primary cause of these wildfires was due to lightning strikes, which are typically prevalent during the January and February months.

As a wildfire blazed through the Molen River in January 2023, a thick blanket of smoke enveloped the air.

Stoffels said: “On one particular day, we experienced seven (7) lightning-induced wildfires”. He says firefighters swiftly responded to this critical situation by deploying rapid aerial firefighting techniques, successfully suppressing three of these fires. “We were able to suppress the remaining wildfires through a combination of ground and aerial firefighting.”

Deon also pointed to November 2022, when a significant fire outbreak occurred in the Hessequa municipal area. “This incident was triggered by a permitted fire that escalated beyond control.”

“During this time of the year, late October and November, the Hessequa area is prone to experience gusty and rapidly changing winds, which proved to be a challenge GRDM firefighters have since learned from.”

PROACTIVE MEASURES, EDUCATION AND RISK REDUCTION MEASURES

The top priority of GRDM’s Fire and Rescue Services Unit remains to implement proactive and preventative fire management strategies. Public education initiatives are central to this, which forms part of their risk reduction measures.

According to Stoffels, the Fire Danger Index, provided by the South African Weather Services, plays a crucial role in assessing risks and guiding planning and preparation efforts.

“We urge all landowners to consult with the Local and District Fire Services, as well as the Fire Protection Association, to obtain expert advice on reducing fire risks,” said Stoffels. “Adequate measures such as maintaining fire breaks, clearing alien vegetation, and ensuring safe prescribed burning practices are essential components of fire prevention.”

Regarding the implementation of Fire Breaks, the District is actively seeking funding to establish and maintain them on its properties. However, all Local Municipal Areas already have Fire Management Systems, including Permitted Burning Systems, aimed at reducing risks and supporting ecological and agricultural objectives.

GRDM places significant emphasis on enhancing its rapid response capabilities, including the deployment of aerial firefighting resources. This method has proven highly effective in dealing with remote and inaccessible wildfires. The measures prevent such incidents from escalating into large-scale and destructive events.

An important number to save: The emergency call centre of GRDM is linked to all the emergency call centres of the region and operates 24/7, 365 days a year – dial 044 805 5071 to report any fire incident.

Feature image caption: In November 2022, a devastating wildfire swept through the Spuithoek area, leaving a trail of destruction across dozens of hectares.

END

15 June 2023 Media Release: First-of-its-kind Municipal Health Dashboard created by Garden Route DM

Media Release: First-of-its-kind Municipal Health Dashboard created by Garden Route DM

For Immediate Release
15 June 2023

Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) has launched a first-of-its-kind Municipal Health dashboard this year to provide easy access to data that Environmental Health Practitioners (EHP) gather and analyse on a daily basis. “This innovative tool utilises maps to present a heatmap of areas where persistent health issues, amongst others, are flagged, enabling GRDM to identify areas requiring additional interventions to meet health standards,” said Jessica Erasmus, a GRDM Environmental Health Practitioner.  Erasmus was involved in the business analysis and communication side of the system development to help the system builders bridge the gap between municipal health function and technology.

According to Clive Africa, GRDM Executive Manager for Community Services, “the dashboard aligns with Section 1 of the National Health Act, 2003 (Act 61 of 2003), which mandates Municipal Health Services to monitor various aspects such as water quality and safety, food control, waste management, premises health surveillance, disease prevention (excluding immunisations), vector control, pollution control, disposal of the dead, and chemical safety”.

“To monitor these focus areas, daily inspections are conducted and linked to the system, capturing details of businesses, owners, addresses, and GPS coordinates, to name a few,” said Jessica.

“The data from these inspections are then repurposed for monthly monitoring reports, providing the number of inspections per EHP, per region, and per premises.”

GRDM has leveraged its existing Geospatial Information System (GIS) Unit and an external GIS company, to help build a system that maps data and provides real-time satellite views.

“Integrating addresses of premises and GPS coordinates into the system allows GRDM to plot business and premises locations, sampling points, illegal dump sites, and communicable disease trend data,” said Africa.

“This integration also enables GRDM to access historical data on businesses, including compliance and non-compliance issues, with a single click, facilitating a better understanding of the municipality’s data.”

Benefits of the Municipal Health Dashboard:

  • Real-time data access allows GRDM to gain in-depth insights into the causes of specific communicable disease outbreaks in certain areas.
  • It enables GRDM to investigate whether shared water sources or common shopping areas contribute to disease outbreaks, which helps in community education and prevention efforts.
  • The dashboard information facilitates collaboration with relevant authorities responsible for addressing water source issues or other underlying problems, thereby assisting in resolving health-related concerns.
  • Overall, the dashboard offers a holistic and real-time view of GRDM’s daily activities, serving as an early warning system to prevent environmental health-related disasters.
  • The dashboard allows for the management of municipal health services. This is done by looking at the birds’ eye view of the whole district to make important managerial decisions and to enhance the functioning of the Environmental Health Practitioners.

EHP Francois Koelman, recognised as one of the best EHPs in South Africa in 2018, also played a similar role as Erasmus when he worked closely with Business Engineering in 2016/17 to develop a municipal app for EHPs – another first-of-its-kind app for municipalities. The app is also used today to link information to the Municipal Dashboard.

Feature image: Green is compliant and red is non-compliant/or requires intervention (illegal dumping) and indicates the status of the region.

ENDS