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Author: Herman Pieters

8 September 2021 Call for Proposals: Grant-in-Aid

Call for Proposals: Grant-in-Aid

Organisations and/or bodies who qualify for financial assistance, in terms of the criteria and prescriptions contained in Garden Route District Municipality’s Grant-in-Aid Policy and Section 67 of the Municipal Finance Management Act 2003, are hereby invited to submit proposals for programs they endeavour to undertake during the 2021/2022 calendar year.

Applications submitted on the prescribed application form and accompanied by all the required information, documentation, financial statements, cover letter, etc. and received by the Office of the Executive Mayor on/or before 23 September 2021 at 12h00 midday shall be considered. Alternatively, e-mail scanned copies or original copies of the relevant forms to Nkosiyabo@gardenroute.gov.za

Find the list of drop-off points below:

  • Garden Route District Municipality Head Office, 54 York Street, George, 6529
  • Garden Route District Municipality Office, 24 Queen Street, Knysna, 6570
  • Garden Route District Municipality Office, Corner of Marlin & Samson Streets, Extension 23, Mossel Bay, 6506
  • Garden Route District Municipality Office, 15 Regent Street, Oudtshoorn, 6620
  • Garden Route District Municipality Office, 24 Mitchell Street, Riversdale, 6670
  • Garden Route District Municipality Office, 4 Virginia Street, Plettenberg Bay, 6600

NB: Kannaland to use Oudtshoorn and or Riversdale offices.

 Please direct all queries to Mr Nkosiyabo Lose at telephone number: 044 803 1300 

Garden Route District Municipality reserves the right not to make any award and may disqualify organisations that have received funds in the previous book year, and who have not submitted a final report on its previous expenditure.

MG Stratu
Municipal Manager
54 York Street
George
6530

Closing Date: 23 September 2021 at 16h00.
Notice Number: 89/2021

Documents for your attention: Application form  & Official Grant-In-Aid Advertisement

8 SEPTEMBER 2021 Save the date: CATHSSETA STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT

YOU ARE INVITED: CATHSSETA STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT

The Garden Route District Municipality Skills Mecca (GRSM) in collaboration with the Culture, Art, Tourism, Hospitality, and Sport Sector Education and Training Authority (CATHSSETA), will engage on 8 September 2021 from 10:00 until 13:00.

The purpose of this engagement is to update stakeholders of the CATHSSETA Sector on the GRSM and the latest developments at CATHSSETA. Relevant members of the public are invited to attend this.

Here is how you can join the proceedings:
Zoom: https://cutt.ly/GWxERxq | Meeting ID: 912 3990 4456 | Pass: 983169
Or via Youtube.

6 September 2021 Media Release: District Council approves its first Joint-District Metro Approach Plan – what’s next?

Media Release: District Council approves its first Joint-District Metro Approach Plan – what’s next?

For Immediate Release
6 September 2021

After Cabinet approved its first District Development Model (DDM) framework, the Western Cape Government adopted the Joint District & Metro Approach (JDMA) in response to the President’s call. Local Government Councils across the country embraced it with open arms because they see the value such an approach holds for solving many of the service delivery and developmental issues facing the government in South Africa. Therefore, in layman’s terms, the JDMA seeks to bring all three spheres of government, which includes national, provincial and local spheres together, in order to drive performance and accountability for more efficient service delivery and meaningful developmental programmes.

The JDMA for GRDM was endorsed by the GRDM Council on 24 August 2021. According to Monde Stratu, GRDM Municipal Manager, “we are proud to submit this item to Council, as it will be submitted to the Department of Local Government and Department Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs”.

“Local Municipalities also played a pivotal role in the compilation of this document and their inputs were included.”

According to Executive Mayor Ald. Memory Booysen, the JDMA/DDM is further unpacked as an approach that introduces a more robust effort towards Intergovernmental Relations (IGR) planning, budgeting and implementation for long-term sustainable outcomes. “Government projects and programmes within each district’s jurisdiction are essential to stimulate new thinking, new socio-economic approaches and solutions,” said Booysen. This approach seeks to fundamentally change the conditions in which people work, play and live. For this reason, the GRDM developed, in partnership with the business community and key organisations, a Growth and Development Strategy (GDS) spanning to 2040. The GRDM Council has already adopted the GDS at the end of its third fiscal quarter in March 2021.

The strategic priorities as per the GRDM were used as the basis to identify the projects that must be included in the JDMA Implementation Plan, therefore it is important to read the JDMA Implementation plan in conjunction with the Growth and Development Strategy (GDS) of the GRDM. These include a Garden Route that boasts a water-secure future, circular economy, resilient agriculture, sustainable tourism, supports its people’s well-being and resilience, connected economy (transport and ICT), and sustainable local energy transition.

What’s next?

The Local Government elections are expected to take place in October 2021 and will usher in the next generation (5-year) IDPs. It is therefore critical that the 5-year IDPs are aligned to the JDMA Implementation/One Plans for each district and metro space as this will ensure that the JDMA Implementation/One Plans are implemented.

The current municipal councils are expected to endorse the JDMA Implementation Plan/One Plans as the Long-Term Strategic Framework for a district or metro space. The incoming council following the elections will then note the endorsement of the JDMA Implementation Plan/ One Plan. Furthermore, it is fundamental that the implementation commitments and projects of sector departments that are in the 30-year JDMA Implementation Plan/One Plans are also reflected in the 5 year IDPs.

ENDS

6 September 2021 Media Release: Garden Route DM commits an additional R 2.5 million towards export hub

Media Release: Garden Route DM commits an additional R 2.5 million towards export hub

For Immediate Release
6 September 2021

The Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) reaffirmed its commitment recently for developing the Klein Karoo economy when Council approved R2 520 000.00 towards laying a pipeline from borehole fields near Calitzdorp. This project also forms part of the Joint District Metro Approach (JDMA), which was endorsed on the same day, with this funding approval in August 2021.

Alderman Memory Booysen showing “thumbs-up” to the project during his visit to one of the sites where borehole activities were underway in March 2021.

According to Alderman Memory Booysen, Executive Mayor for GRDM, “the project will see an Agri Village established in the future, with 600 homes for community members – they’ll have the rights to their own titles too”. “It is projected that 1 800 permanent jobs and 2 000 seasonal jobs will be created through this initiative. Furthermore, this initiative will promote Agri-Tourism, as there are planned events and programmes linked to this activity to bring people into the Karoo” said Booysen.

GRDM initially funded R600 000 to carry out a water study in the area, which turned out to be successful. From this, the Municipality received two desalination plants for reverse osmosis, capable of cleaning 60 000ℓ of water per hour. After laying pipelines, the project will be ready to increase its ‘slice of the cake’ in the export market. Offtake agreements are already in place with SAPEX EXPORTS.

Primary exports will be pomegranates, and even though this type of export business from Southern Africa is a minuscule industry, there is scope for this market to grow exponentially. Currently, only 1% of world pomegranate production is exported from South Africa because exports only started a few years ago. At the moment, the total plantings in Southern Africa are less than 1000ha. “At least 10% of this hectarage will be reserved for previously disadvantaged groups (BEE) farmers,” Ald. Booysen said.

This creates an ample opportunity for exports from the Southern Hemisphere to markets in the Northern Hemisphere in their off-season, and to the Far East because there is no production there.

Feature image: Alderman Memory Booysen, Executive Mayor for Garden Route District Municipality with his Mayoral Committee members and municipal employees at Celebratio, a company that successfully grows and exports pomegranates.

ENDS

1 September 2021 Media Release: Garden Route COVID-19 update 31 August 2021

Media Release: Garden Route COVID-19 update 31 August 2021

For Immediate Release
1 September 2021

There has been a welcome decrease in cases the last 7 days to compared to 7 – 14 days ago. All sub-districts had decreases except for Bitou which essentially stayed the same.  There are now 756 active cases per 100 000.  (One week ago it was 823.)  “We are optimistic that we are in a downward trend. Our staff have been hard at work balancing COVID-19 cases, routine services and also the roll-out of the vaccination programme. They are emotionally and physically tired, and I would like to take this opportunity to thank all our employees, those on the frontline and those working behind the scenes”, said District Director Mr Zee Brickles.

Hospital services

George Regional Hospital remains under pressure.  On 31 August there were 54 COVID-19 patients in the hospital, of whom 16 are in critical care.

Harry Comay Hospital, used as step-down facility for George Hospital, is less busy.  There are 16 patients in the two wards.

Oudtshoorn Hospital is currently experiencing pressures due to COVID-19 admissions. The hospital currently has 28 patients.

Vaccination programme

The Western Cape has administered 2 million vaccines as of 30  August 2021with the Garden Route almost breaching the 200 000 mark at 191 229 vaccines to date.  Roving vaccination teams are still visiting as many communities in far lying areas as possible, as well as farm workers, big factories and tertiary education centres.

Twenty-eight farmworkers from Patrysfontein in Mossel Bay sub-district received their vaccination during an outreach.

The district’s first weekend vaccination site is Knysna Town Hall on Saturday 4 September from 09:00 to 14:00.  More sites are planned to come onboard in the near future.

Communities are currently rife with misinformation regarding the vaccine which makes it difficult for people to make an informed decision. For credible information visit https://coronavirus.westerncape.gov.za/.

We encourage everyone 18 years and older to take up the opportunity to be vaccinated against COVID-19. The vaccination is safe and based on existing, thoroughly tested and effective technology. Getting vaccinated is our best weapon against COVID-19.

 COVID-19 stats as of 30 August 2021

Sub-district TOTAL Active Recovered Deaths
Bitou 3 800 298 3 383 119
George 22 809 1 383 20 656 770
Hessequa 4 507 597 3 731 179
Kannaland 1 605 178 1 362 65
Knysna 7 532 502 6 804 226
Mossel Bay 14 481 1 081 12 994 406
Oudtshoorn 7 122 719 5 996 407
Sub-total 61 856 4 758 54 926 2 172

 

Feature image caption: Vaccination Teams in Kannaland held an outreach to Nissanville.

-END-

Nadia Ferreira
Principal Communications Officer
Garden Route and Central Karoo Districts
Western Cape Government Health
Website: www.westerncape.gov.za

 

30 August 2021 SMME Support and Development Programme – Call for Business Proposals

SMME Support and Development Programme
Call for Business Proposals

Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) is embarking on a Small-, Medium- and Micro Enterprise (SMME) Programme to help dynamic and committed entrepreneurs to grow their businesses. A broad scope of non-financial assistance will be provided, including compulsory business development interventions and training.

Only serious applicants with a workable business concept or business profile should apply.

IMPORTANT:

Applicants MUST complete an application form (obtained from either the District Economic Development Office, 54 York Street, George, 6530 or email smme@gardenroute.gov.za) with the following IMPORTANT supporting documents attached:

  • Company Profile/ Business Proposal or Business Plan;
  • Six (6) months Profit and Loss Summary or (recent Financial statements, if available);
  • Business registration document.

CRITERIA:

  • Must be a registered business operating for ±2 years;
  • Must have a viable business idea/proposal with clear directions/deliverables;
  • Must be available to present to a selected panel and attend the compulsory business development interventions and training identified by the panel;
  • SARS registered;
  • 100% South African owned;
  • Formally registered for ±2 years or incorporated, e.g. with the Companies and Intellectual Property Commission (CIPC); and must be in operation for the mentioned period;
  • Operating and residing within the Garden Route;
  • It is classified as a micro or small enterprise in terms of the National Small Enterprises Act.

All applications must be in an envelope, stated “2021/2022 SMME Support and Development Programme – Garden Route District Municipality” and be dropped off at 54 York Street, George, 6530 or at any Garden Route DM Offices for attention Mr Johannes Jafta or emailed to smme@gardenroute.gov.za. Enterprises that benefitted from the previous programme (2019/2020 and 2020/2021) will not be considered. NO LATE APPLICATIONS WILL BE CONSIDERED. Please provide us with a detailed outline of your business proposal, together with all required proof. If you don’t adhere to the set criteria, your application will be unsuccessful. Only shortlisted enterprises will be contacted to present their business concept to the adjudication panel virtually or in person. Only the top business concepts concerning the set criteria will be selected.

Closing date: Friday, 10 September 2021 by 13h00.

All enquiries can be directed to the Garden Route District Municipality Economic Development Office at smme@gardenroute.gov.za

30 August 2021 Notification: Cater Care (Food Handler) Training Programme

The Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM), through its 3-month Cater Care (Food Handler) Training Programme, aims to train previously disadvantaged individuals and unemployed youth in the hospitality sector. This programme serves as a stepping stone to Garden Routers who are interested in developing culinary skills and strengthening the local hospitality industry. Each student will be given an opportunity to gain a theoretical understanding of food handling and be allowed to gain practical experience at a business too.

This year the course takes place from September 2021 till December 2021.

CRITERIA FOR THE LEARNERS

Must be a SA Citizen; Aged 18-30; Unemployed; School Qualification Grade 10 to Grade 12; Must have a bank account; Must have a Tax number; Eager to shape a career in the hospitality industry; Reside in the Garden Route DM area.

THE APPLICATION PROCESS IS AS FOLLOWS

Prospective learners must apply in person at the Francois Ferreira Academy by completing an application form.

All applicants must bring their CV, certified ID Copy, and school results. Certification of documents must not be older than 3 months. Letter from the bank confirming their account. Must have a contact cell phone number plus an alternative number.

Address: Francois Ferreira Academy, Mount View Resort, 1 York Street, George. Office hours: 08:00 – 16:30 (Mon-Thu); 08:00-15:00 (Fri). Contact Ms Veronica Mekile if you have any questions or e-mail veronica@francoisferreira.com or call 044 884 0765.

THE CUT-OFF DATE FOR APPLICATION FORMS IS 3 SEPTEMBER 2021

*All successful candidates are responsible for their own accommodation arrangements and transport and only serious and committed applicants will be considered for this opportunity.

28 August 2021 Media Alert: Minister Simmers to conduct Sod-turning for Qolweni Housing Project

Media Alert: Minister Simmers to conduct Sod-turning for Qolweni Housing Project

On Monday, 30 August 2021, Western Cape Minister of Human Settlements, Tertuis Simmers will conduct a sod turning for the Qolweni Phase 3A 169 Housing project in Plettenberg Bay.

Minister Simmers said: “I’ve been looking forward to this day, since this project was handed over to my Department on 18 June this year. It’s been unfortunate that we were delayed by litigation, but I’m glad that we finally have this opportunity. This project will ensure that the lives of the most vulnerable in the area, particularly the elderly and those living with medically certified disabilities are afforded improved and safer living conditions.

This is a joyous occasion, which the entire Plettenberg Bay community should celebrate with us. It also once again shows how the Western Cape Government remains resolute in ensuring that our people’s lives are improved.”

There will be an opportunity for interviews and photographs.

ALL MEDIA ARE INVITED TO ATTEND.

DETAILS:

Date: Monday, 30 August 2021
Time: 09:00 – 10:00
Venue/Meeting Point:  Qolweni Project Site

Media Enquiries:

Marcellino Martin
Spokesperson for Minister Tertuis Simmers
Marcellino.martin@westerncape.gov.za |
021 483 3397 (o)
082 721 3362 (m)

or

Nathan Adriaanse
Director Communication & Stakeholder Relations
Tell: 021 483 2868
Mobile: 083 263 1720
Email: Nathan.Adriaanse@westerncape.gov.za