GRDM appoints AK Consultants to supply and deliver diesel-powered generators
After following a competitive bidding process the Garden Route District Municipality appointed AK Consultants to supply and deliver five (5) mobile 100 KVA diesel powered generators to be used as back-up units during the current energy crisis.
These units will be placed at Garden Route District Municipal offices in the district.
Tuinroete Distriksmunisipaliteit stel AK Konsultante aan om diesel kragopwekkers te verskaf
Nadat ‘n mededingende bodproses gevolg is, het die Tuinroete Distriksmunisipaliteit AK Consultants aangestel om vyf (5) mobiele 100 KVA diesel-aangedrewe kragopwekkers te verskaf, wat as rugsteuneenhede gebruik sal word tydens beurtkrag.
Die eenhede sal by Tuinroete Distriksmunisipaleit se kantore, regoor die streek, geplaas word.
Media Statement: Condemnation of Crime – Ald. Memory Booysen, GRDM Executive Mayor
For Immediate Release 4 July 2023
Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) condemns all forms of crime and we are deeply troubled by violent murders that continue to take place in our region and beyond. The most recent local murder is that of Ruan Hechter on 2 July at Saasveld in George.
Our heartfelt condolences go out to the grieving families, friends, and colleagues of everyone who have been murdered.
As the Executive Mayor of GRDM, I strongly denounce such senseless acts and call upon the South African Police Services (SAPS) to ensure that the perpetrators face the full force of the law.
When assessing the past six months, we have lost, amongst other areas several George residents due to violent crimes:
Zimkhitha Ntshisela was stabbed to death at Nelson Mandela University in George, in June 2023.
Juwayne Domingo was murdered in Pacaltsdorp, George, in May 2023.
Karen Fleming was killed by her husband in Bodorp, George, in April 2023.
Lihle Tshaka was murdered in Zone 9, Thembalethu in March 2023.
Welele Mbudede from Thembalethu, George, was murdered in March 2023.
Last week in Bitou, a resident was beheaded in Kwanokuthula. Oudtshoorn also lost Almay Hurling in April 2023 after she was murdered by her boyfriend. At the Dysselsdorp/De Rust road near Rosevalley in Oudtshoorn in March 2023, a 60-year-old man was found murdered in a vehicle by the driver. In 2022, Kirsty James was stabbed 30 times by a close friend at her workplace in Mossel Bay, and Heila Kilian, was murdered on her farm in 2018 near Still Bay.
According to SAPS, between October and December last year 7 555 murders were reported in South Africa. This equates to 82 murders every day and an increase on the same period in the previous year of 74 per day.
LOCAL COMMUNITY SAFETY FORUMS ESTABLISHED
Over the past few months, GRDM has taken action by coordinating the establishment of Local Community Safety Forums throughout the district, with the exception of Knysna who are yet to submit a safety plan. These safety forums serve as platforms for municipalities to access funding for effective crime prevention initiatives. The development of these safety plans is essential as they serve as comprehensive guidelines for our towns to proactively combat crime. By prioritising community safety, we aim to create an environment where individuals can flourish and realise their full potential, free from the fear of falling victim to crime.
Stakeholders and Councillors recently attended and participated in the launch of the Community Safety Forum held in Greater Oudtshoorn. Photo: Tania Steffens (Oudtshoorn Municipality).
In addition to our focus on safety plans, GRDM remains dedicated to enhancing the work carried out by neighborhood watches and farm watchers. We have donated surveillance cameras and various resources to active community groups in George, Mossel Bay, Oudtshoorn and Knysna, to bolster their efforts in safeguarding our communities.
GRDM encourages communities to join their respective neighbourhood watches whose details can be accessed by contacting local police stations. Also, members of the public are welcome to contact their local municipalities to join their Local Community Safety Forums.
GRDM stands firm in its commitment to combating crime and ensuring the safety and well-being of our residents. We will continue to work with law enforcement agencies, community organisations, and local residents to foster a secure environment for all.
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.”
Advocate Sinekaya Maqekeni (GRDM Manager: Integrated Support Services and Legal Compliance) also signed as a witness.
Thembani Loliwe (GRDM Strategic Manager, but Acting CFO during the time of the contract being set up), signing as a witness.
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.
Junaid Sonday, Standard Bank Provincial Head: Public Sector, expresses deep gratitude for being a part of an extraordinary journey that will bring immense benefits to the GRDM, Standard Bank, and the community.
Junaid Sonday (Standard Bank Provincial Head: Public Sector), Monde Stratu (GRDM MM), and Gerrit du Toit (Standard Bank Account Executive).
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.
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.
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.
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-
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.
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)
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
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.
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.
