Media Release: Garden Route Health Platform Update on 29 June 2020
For Immediate Release
29 June 2020
GARDEN ROUTE HEALTH PLATFORM UPDATE
As Covid-19 cases are increasing in the Garden Route, we should all do our part and adhere to the 5 Golden Rules:
• Keep 1,5 meters away from others (social distancing) and wear a cloth mask when you go out
• Wash your hand often with water and soap or handsanitiser
• Do not touch your face
• Cough and sneeze in the fold of your arm or in a tissue
• Stay home when sick
Garden Route cases and recoveries per subdistrict.
Hessequa 1
Mossel Bay 2
George 12
Knysna 4
Bitou 1
Hospitalisation
There are currently 44 patients admitted in public and private hospitals with 5 in ICU.
Community Testing and Screening
The approach to active Covid-19 case finding within the rural areas remain that of community testing and screening with a focus on people > 55 years, the vulnerable and those of high risk (people with co-morbidities). To date 121 095 people have been screened and 635 referred for testing.
Isolation and quarantine
Isolation facilities are for patients with mild to moderate symptoms where they can recover from Covid-19 (usually 14 days) and quarantine facilities are for those awaiting test results. These facilities are safe and comfortable and you will receive free transport, meals, and a laundry service. People who cannot isolate or quarantine safely at home, can be referred to a isolation or quarantine facility.
PetroSA (West Camp) is currently the only activated isolation and quarantine facility in the Garden Route. More facilities will be announced, if and when the need arises or capacity is exceeded at PetroSA. We currently have 53 people in isolation.
What should I bring with me to a quarantine or isolation facility?
Favourite snack or treats, clothes and pyjamas, toothbrush, toothpaste and other toiletries, towels, face cloths and soap. A phone charger if you have a phone, chronic medication something that reminds you of your loved ones e.g family photo, books magazines or crafts.
What can I expect?
• Transport to and from the facility
• A room and access to a bathroom
• Regular meals
• To monitor and report your symptoms
• To stay in touch with your loved ones using your own phone
• To clean your own room
• Laundry facility
• Rules to protect other guests and staff e.g. not leaving your room
• No visitors will be allowed
• No alcohol or drugs will be allowed
• Advice from your health and social worker on returning home
Primary healthcare
Although we urge patients to only visit their nearest clinic for essential services we remind parents and caregivers that services such as immunisations are still rendered. It is important to attend all your confirmed appointments. Services such as women’s health(family planning, antenatal and post-natal care), child health(immunisations) and TB, are still rendered. Stable chronic care patients must collect their chronic medicine at the chronic off-sites. “should you require guidance or advice around your current treatment or scheduled appointment, please contact your clinic/hospital.
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Nadia Ferreira
Principal Communications Officer
Garden Route and Central Karoo Districts
Western Cape Government Health
Town Clinic, Plettenberg Bay
Tel: 044 5333846
Weekly update on the Corona virus by the Garden Route District Municipality Command Centre
For Immediate Release 28 June 2020
The Garden Route has recorded nineteen (19) COVID-19 deaths to date – twelve in George, one in Mossel Bay, four in Knysna, one in Hessequa and one in Bitou. We send our condolences to their loved ones at this time.
Since 21 June 2020, the Garden Route has recorded 312 new COVID-19 positive cases. The Garden Route has now recorded 386 recoveries. While most people who get infected with Covid-19 will recover at home or at one of our comfortable quarantine or isolation facilities, some patients will require hospitalisation and medical care.The total number of people referred for further testing since the start of community screening stands at 635 – a total number of 121 095 have been screened to date. It is important to remember for the public to stay home if they feel sick and to call the hotline number, 021 928 4102, for advice on what to do next.
Western Cape Provincial Minister of Human Settlements, Tertuis Simmers.
This week was also the first week for MEC Tertuis Simmers to attend the Garden Route District Command Council’s weekly Friday session where he plays an oversight role in the District’s efforts to combat the COVID-19 Coronavirus. MEC Simmers said: “It is noteworthy to observe how the Garden Route District Municipality, and the 7 B-municipalities (Hessequa, Mossel Bay, George, Knysna, Bitou, Oudtshoorn and George), have worked together with the Western Cape Government and other role players to ensure that all areas are focused on the objectives of defeating the spread of the COVID-19 virus”.
Executive Mayor for GRDM, Cllr Memory Booysen provided an overview of what was discussed at the recently held Men’s Parliament, specifically on the issue around Gender-Based Violence. Listen to what he said here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8hVXGrWiJkw
George midwife shares her COVID-19 experience
Alida (58), a midwife at George Hospital, survived COVID-19 while living with her comorbidities of type 2 diabetes and hypertension. She also had a stroke a year ago. ‘I made it,’ she said. Read more here: Press Release
Home visits to those who tested positive for COVID-19
The Garden Route District Environmental Health Practitioners visited 100 people over the past week who had tested positive and found that only 2 people did not adhere to the rules and regulations.
During visits to COVID-19 positive persons, Environmental Health Practitioners maintain social distancing and engages with patients outside their homes. This is done in a discrete manner that doesn’t create suspicion to surrounding community members. Read more here: Press Release
EPWP essential workers to assist at COVID-19 hotspots in the Garden Route
All participants will perform their duties under the supervision of the Environmental Health Practitioners (EHPs) of Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM). Their activities will include the following:
health promotion on COVID-19 prevention, hand washing practices and social distancing measures in public places;
distribution of hygiene soap and hand sanitizers in identified high risk communities, education on proper handwashing techniques;
home-to-home education interventions, where required; and
cleaning and disinfection of frequently touched high-risk areas, e.g. communal water collection points, taxi ranks and other places identified by the applicable municipality.
Regular handwashing and hygiene measures which include coughing into your elbow or a tissue, regular cleaning of surfaces at home or at work, and not touching your face.
Stay at home whenever possible. Do not go to places where groups of people gather unless necessary. Do not visit family or friends to socialise as this could put everyone at risk.
Always keeping a distance of at least 1.5 metres between yourself and any other person when you are not at home. This includes in the workplace, in queues, on public transport or anywhere where people gather.
Wearing a clean, cloth mask whenever you leave home. Wearing your mask correctly and at all times, not only protects you but can prevent you from making others sick.
Stay at home if you feel sick.
Seek medical care if you experience shortness of breath
If you are over the age of 55 or you have an underlying illness, you are at higher risk of becoming seriously ill or dying. It is therefore important that you take extra precautions and stay home wherever possible.
Those who are healthy should assist those at higher risk with tasks like shopping or errands that require them to leave the house.
The Western Cape Department of Health found that the following risk factors are most prevalent for people who succumbed to the COVID-19 coronavirus in the region. A shift in testing strategy to prioritise persons most at risk for severe disease, therefore include:
Diabetes, hypertension or heart disease on treatment
Cancer on treatment
TB on treatment
HIV with poor adherence to ARVs
Chronic lung disease on treatment (e.g. asthma, emphysema, chronic bronchitis)
Many people who contract Covid-19 will have mild symptoms and most will recover without any need for hospitalisation. But this does not mean that we should be any less careful- as you could experience mild symptoms, but you could also pass on the virus to your parents or grandparents, or someone in one of the high risk groups.
People with existing comorbidities are more at risk of becoming severely ill if they contract Covid-19.
Media Release: George midwife shares her COVID-19 experience
For Immediate Release 25 June 2020
Bleach stains on all her furniture is a stern reminder of Alida Portland’s COVID-19 journey.
Alida (58), a midwife at George Hospital, has survived, with her comorbidities of type 2 diabetes and hypertension. She also had a stroke a year ago. ‘I made it,’ she said.
Delighted to be back at work, Alida shares her COVID-19 journey. “My first symptoms were a sore throat, pressure on my chest and a cough. I immediately had myself tested and went into isolation. The results came two days later. I was positive.”
Her initial reaction was of shock and anxiety. “I was very scared,” says Alida. She lives with her son, 23, who took care of her while he isolated with her as he was one of her close contacts.
“He made sure I had a bucket of clean water, a bucket of water and bleach to clean my hands, and a separate bucket for my eating utensils. He also prepared my food when I did not feel up to the task and brought it on a tray. I felt really ill on day three with immense chest pressure. I was, however, in constant contact with the contact tracing team in George, my manager. and hospital management. Everyone made sure I was being monitored and I really felt that I could press on their button any time of the day.”
Alida says that being in isolation can become lonely. “Loneliness is a big factor during your COVID-19 journey. Two weeks might not seem long, but confined to your bedroom or only certain parts of your home, this can be become a very long and lonely journey. I made sure to be in constant contact with family and friends on WhatsApp. Sadly, we also lost two extended family members due to COVID-19 during my isolation, which was especially difficult for me. Mourning without other family was extremely difficult to go through, but our online counselling support network through government meant I could tap into professional help to assist me during this time,” explains Alida.
When asked what she did to assist her body in healing, she lists eating healthy, drinking enough fluids, getting lots of sunlight, and a positive mindset.
Alida expresses her concern with the behaviour of some members of the public. “People need to realise that COVID-19 can cause serious illness in some, and to protect those people, we need to take all the necessary precautions. We need to change our behaviour.” As someone with comorbidities who had a high risk of severe COVID-19, she urges residents in the Western Cape to protect the vulnerable by practicing social distancing and wearing a mask when they leave their homes.
She laughs when she explains the white bleach stains on all her furniture. “My son was determined to keep all our common areas clean, including parts of furniture I might have touched. This led to white bleach stains on some of our furniture pieces. I had such a laugh – he was the best nurse a nurse could ask for.”
-END-
Photo caption: Alida shares her story.
Contact:
Nadia Ferreira
Principal Communications Officer
Garden Route and Central Karoo Districts
Western Cape Government Health
Tel: 044 5333846
Email: Nadia.Ferreira@westerncape.gov.za
Media Release: Fencing subsidies available – call for applications
For Immediate Release 23 June 2020
On an annual basis, Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) provides fencing subsidies for a selected number of landowners on neighbouring provincial rural roads with fencing of their properties.
This is subject to a budget as received from the Western Cape Government.
The funding is only applicable on a subsidy basis, meaning that a 60% subsidy will be contributed towards a landowner’s material costs for fencing. The subsidy will therefore be determined by an average cost for material. The material is deemed as 60% of total cost. Labour cost is deemed as 40% of the total cost and must be carried by the applicant. All initial costs must be carried by the applicant and a subsidy will be paid out to successful applicant after the completion of the fence. For more information refer to the Fencing Subsidy Policy of GRDM.
The new fences must adhere to the specifications of the Western Cape Government Roads Infrastructure Department. Minimum specifications will be made available to successful applicants.
Application process
Application forms can be obtained from Mr Qamani Nkebana at the Roads Transport & Planning Department. Contact numbers at the office is 044 803 1500 or 1506 or email qamani@gardenroute.gov.za.
Application period: 24 June 2020 to 10 July 2020.
Applications will be audited and evaluated according to risk analysis by a panel. Risk factors include the following: status of road, traffic count, operating speed of vehicles, type of farming, condition of current fence, etc.
The panel outcome will be decided by 14 August 2020. All applicants will be informed. A fencing subsidy contract will be signed with successful applicants. Unsuccessful applicants can apply again in the next financial year.
All fences must be fully completed by 11 December 2021 for payment before 28 February 2021.
Payment will be done after an inspection and an approval for the fence has been made.
Weekly update on the Coronavirus by the Garden Route District Municipality Command Centre
For Immediate Release 14 June 2020
The Garden Route has recorded nine (9) COVID-19 deaths to date – five in George, one in Mossel Bay, two in Knysna and one in Hessequa. Our heartfelt condolences go out to all family members and friends of the deceased and we continue to keep them in our prayers. Since 7 June 2020, the Garden Route has recorded 102 new COVID-19 positive cases – a total of 209 Garden Routers have now recovered from the virus.
Executive Mayor of GRDM, Councillor Memory Booysen on Saturday thanked the public for donating 459 cloth face masks that will be distributed to community members who cannot afford to buy their own. Cllr Booysen thanked those who donated masks by name (in no particular order): Lee Neto, Gerty Bezuidenhoudt, Jenny Streiger, Lorrain Gerberg, Khutala Maki Gewegwe, Penny Tyson, Elize Loots, Bev Pollocks, Lisa Murray and Rohan Compion.
GRDM Executive Mayor, Cllr Memory Booysen (middle), with Cllr Liza Stroebel (right) and the George Junior City Council Municipal Manager, Mr Haydin Wentzel (left), Mayor Inilé du Toit (second from left) and Speaker, MsJalaser Basman (second from right).GRDM Executive Mayor Cllr Memory Booysen with Mr Herman Pienaar (Love George) and Mr Horne (Faith Based Organisation).
On Saturday, Mayor Booysen also visited the Shofar Christian Church in George where a lot of good work happens. Shofar provides space for the Love George NGO to create and distribute food parcels from to the most vulnerable. The storehouse has played a pivotal role in feeding the most vulnerable communities in the region. Another highlight of Cllr Booysen’s visit to the site was to meet the George Junior City Council members. Under the leadership of Inilé du Toit (Mayor), Haydin Wentzel (Municipal Manager) and Jalaser Basman (Speaker), the Junior City Council members managed to source various donations for the needy. Items collected include non-perishable food, clothing, toys and other items.
Listen to Councillor Memory Booysen’s address to the George Junior City Council, FBOs and Love George NGO here:
GRDM HEALTH INTERVENTIONS
In an effort to break the rate and cycle of COVID-19 infections, Garden Route District Municipality’s (GRDM) Environmental Health Practitioners (EHP) will conduct home visits to those who tested positive for COVID-19. This will be done to ensure that they are adhering to the rules relating to self-isolation. The GRDM is also investigating the possibility of providing individuals who tested positive for COVID-19 with hand sanitisers.
The Western Cape Department of Health found that the following risk factors are most prevalent for people who succumbed to the COVID-19 coronavirus in the region. A shift in testing strategy to prioritise persons most at risk for severe disease, therefore include:
Diabetes, hypertension or heart disease on treatment
Cancer on treatment
TB on treatment
HIV with poor adherence to ARVs
Chronic lung disease on treatment (e.g. asthma, emphysema, chronic bronchitis)
Many people who contract Covid-19 will have mild symptoms and most will recover without any need for hospitalisation. But this does not mean that we should be any less careful- as you could experience mild symptoms, but you could also pass on the virus to your parents or grandparents, or someone in one of the high risk groups.
People with existing comorbidities are more at risk of becoming severely ill if they contract Covid-19.
Those most at risk include those who are:
Individuals with comorbidities, at any age
55 years an older, with or without co-morbidities
CLOSE CONTACTS
One must clearly distinguish between direct (close) contact, and casual contact. Direct contact involves being very close to someone physically, or giving a hug or a handshake. It is important that we keep direct contact to a minimum as required by physical distancing protocols. Only the direct contacts of a confirmed case need to isolate for up to 14 days from the date of last contact.
Just being in the same room as a confirmed case, when maintaining the 1.5m physical distancing requirement, is considered casual contact. Casual contacts do not need to isolate, but they should be monitored for any symptoms of COVID-19.
Circumstances of each positive case will determine whether a person needs to self-isolate.
HUMANITARIAN AID
Agrimark in Stellenbosch promised to donate fruit and vegetables to the region, which will delivered to the Garden Route within the next two weeks and distributed to local municipalities to use at soup kitchens.
The Western Cape Department of Social Development also donated various foodstuffs to the Garden Route homeless shelters, including porridge, beef and chicken soup, juice, pasta and mince, chicken casserole, maize meal and pilchards. There are 296 homeless people housed at the shelters all over the Garden Route at the moment.
Red Cross International has indicated that they will provide assistance to the quarantine and isolation facility at PetroSA in terms after a request for vanity packs were received. Other items that could make the stay of Covid-19 infected people at this facility more bearable will also be considered.
The Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) has appointed GIBB Pty Ltd (GIBB) to develop a waste minimization strategy for the district municipality and the seven local municipalities in the district namely:
Bitou Local Municipality
George Local Municipality
Kannaland Local Municipality
Knysna Local Municipality
Hessequa Local Municipality
Mossel Bay Local Municipality
Oudtshoorn Local Municipality
The aim of the waste minimization strategy is to identify mechanisms which can be used to minimize waste generation, increase waste recycling or treatment (including composting) and reduce waste disposal at landfill.
GIBB are engaging with local residents, business and industry, companies involved in waste management, non-governmental organizations, and environmental organisations to gather data and understand recycling and waste minimisation challenges as well as opportunities to increase waste minimization, recycling and diversion from landfill.
The business/ industry survey consists of 8 sections and the majority of questions are multiple choice or require a short answer. The survey should take no longer than 10 – 15 minutes to complete.
The public survey consists of 5 sections and the majority of questions are multiple choice or require a short answer. The survey should take no longer than 10 minutes to complete.
Questions/ queries can be directed to GIBB:
Ms Kate Flood Email:kflood@gibb.co.za all emails to be copied to wastesurvey@gibb.co.za Tel: 041 509 9160/ 084 631 1456 Deadline for responses: Both surveys will close on 10 July 2020
Please note that an Afrikaans and Xhosa survey will be made available in the week of the 15 – 19th of June 2020.
Once a person has been diagnosed with Covid -19, has had mild symptoms only, and has been in isolation for 14 days, no follow-up test is needed. The person is then considered as recovered, and may return to work.
(This also applies to a person who self-isolates for 14 days after the onset of Covid-19 symptoms without testing). Public health facilities will not re-test anyone after 14 days of isolation. We have received numerous requests from private companies to retest their staff or to issue them with a letter to confirm that they don’t have Covid-19 anymore. The re-test will not be done, but Western Cape Government Health can issue a letter to confirm that a person is fit for work after this above period of isolation.
Wanneer ‘n persoon met Kovid -19 gediagnoseer word, slegs ligte simptome gehad het en 14 dae in isolasie was, is geen opvolgtoets nodig nie. Die persoon word dan as herstel beskou en kan terugkeer werk toe. (Dit is ook van toepassing op iemand wat 14 dae na die aanvang van Kovid-19-simptome ge-self isoleer het sonder om te toets). Gesondheidsfasiliteite sal nie opvolgtoetse na 14 dae van isolasie doen nie. Ons het talle versoeke van privaatondernemings ontvang om hul personeel weer te toets of om ‘n brief aan hulle te gee om te bevestig dat hulle nie meer Kovid-19 het nie. Die opvolgtoets sal nie gedoen word nie, maar die Wes-Kaapse Regering Gesondheid kan ‘n brief uitreik om te bevestig dat ‘n persoon geskik is vir werk na hierdie bogenoemde periode van isolasie.
Nadia Ferreira
Principal Communications Officer
Garden Route and Central Karoo Districts
Western Cape Government Health
Town Clinic,Plettenberg Bay
Email: Nadia.Ferreira@westerncape.gov.za
Weekly update on the Coronavirus by the Garden Route District Municipality Command Centre
For Immediate Release 7 June 2020
The Garden Route has recorded seven (7) COVID-19 deaths to date – three in George, one in Mossel Bay, two in Knysna and one in Hessequa. Our heartfelt condolences go out to all family members and friends of the deceased and we continue to keep them in our prayers. Since 31 May 2020, the Garden Route has recorded 57 new COVID-19 positive cases – a total of 155 Garden Routers have now recovered from the virus.
Today, 7 June 2020 is day 7 of the National Alert Level 3 COVID-19 Lockdown, day 82 of the GRDM District Covid -19 Command Centre activation and day 84 of the National Disaster Declaration. Please note that on Friday, 5 June 2020, the National State of Disaster Declaration was extended to the 15th of July 2020.
Top (fltr): Cllr Memory Booysen (Executive Mayor of Garden Route District Municipality, Mr Monde Stratu (GRDM Municipal Manager). Second row (fltr): Mr Gerhard Otto (Head of GRDM Disaster Management Centre and Command Centre Chairperson, Dr Terence Marshall (Cluster lead: Health), Mr Johan Compion (Cluster lead: Municipal Health), Ms Melanie Wilson (Cluster Lead: Business, Economy and Tourism). Bottom row (fltr): Mr Ettienne Terblanche (Cluster lead: Security), Ms Una Pietersen (Cluster lead: Social Services), Mr Thys Harmse (Cluster lead: Education), Mr James Robb (Cluster lead: Transport) and Mr Herman Pieters (Cluster lead: Communication).
The following list of actions/important matters discussed over the past week
The Red Dot Taxi service to be used to transport people to quarantine as well as isolation facilities will be in operation from next week;
SASSA indicated that in terms of the Covid-19 R350-00 grant, they had received 6 million applications and of these 2,7 million were processed and approved. These payments should be done before the end of this month;
All Western Cape schools were re-opened on Monday 01 June 2020 for the return of grade 7 and grade 12 learners;
It has been verified that businesses with on-consumption liquor licences would be allowed to sell alcoholic beverages for take-away purposes only. This has to happen between 9h00 -17h00 from Mondays-Thursdays only;
From this week the GRDM Executive Mayor, Cllr Memory Booysen will be allowed to attend a high-level feedback meeting with Cabinet on Tuesdays and Fridays;
The District Executive Mayor expressed his concerns and the concerns of businesses regarding the delay in re-opening of the George, Oudtshoorn, Mossel Bay as well as Bitou airports.
Social Development in the Western Cape reported that to date they delivered 37 287 of the 50 000 food parcels the past week;
All municipalities were advised to implement special arrangements to ensure the continuation of essential service delivery.
COVID-19 Statistics from a week back compared to today, 7 June 2020.
Cases (31/05)
Recoveries (31/05)
Cases (07/06)
Recoveries (0706)
Bitou
17
11
15 (+2)
14 (+3)
George
72
24
105 (+33)
50
Hessequa
13
9
13
10 (+1)
Kannaland
1
All recovered
1
All recovered
Knysna
51
26
69 (+18)
44 (+18)
Mossel Bay
29
23
34 (+5)
28 (+5)
Oudtshoorn
11
4
17 (+6)
8 (+4)
Totals
194
98
254 (+60)
155 (+57)
Public Health and Hygiene interventions
Cloth Masks
We note the new advice issued by the World Health Organisation on the use of cloth masks. The organisation now advises that people should wear masks in public places like on public transport and in places where social distancing may be hard such as in grocery shops, schools and in places of worship.
Please ensure that your masks are clean and worn correctly, which includes only touching them by the straps when putting them on and taking them off, and sanitising hands before and after this.
Cloth masks should not be seen as the only line of defense against this virus and must always be used in conjunction with good hygiene, hand washing and social distancing must always be adhered to.
Healthcare workers
The Western Cape Department of Health is currently conducting a recruitment drive for healthcare professionals such as doctors and nurses, to take up temporary posts during the COVID-19 period. Qualified healthcare professionals who are interested in taking up temporary employment during the peak, can find more information on the work, and the application processes.
Advice for home-based recovery
Most people will recover from COVID-19 and experience only mild symptoms. The province’s new risk adjusted testing strategy means that healthy people under 55 will not be able to be tested in the metro region.
The following groups of people who are experiencing symptoms will be tested: healthcare workers, those over the age of 55, those in hospitals or in old aged homes, those under the age of 55 with comorbidities including diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, cancer, TB, chronic lung disease and HIV with poor ARV adherence.
This strategy is in place because of the national backlog in testing and will prioritise those groups of people who are at higher risk of becoming seriously ill or dying. This system will ensure that those who need testing most are prioritised over young, healthy individuals.
If you are experiencing symptoms such as a fever, a sore throat, or a cough, and are young, fit and healthy, you should act as if you have Covid-19.
If you are able to self-isolate at home, you will need to move to a separate room or area of the house, where you have no contact with anyone else.
If you live with other people, one healthy person can act as your caregiver. This person should leave food for you at the door of your room, and regularly clean surfaces.
Use a dedicated set of items such as cups, plates, cutlery and towels for yourself. Dispose of any waste carefully by placing it in two bags and keeping it separately for five days before putting out for collection. Ensure you wash your clothing, towels and cloth masks at a high heat.
You should not leave your home, and should rest, drink lots of fluids, eat healthily and use paracetamol for fever or pain.
If you are unable to do this at home, you will be referred to an isolation or quarantine facility where you will be able to safely complete the isolation period.
If at any stage of your illness, you experience shortness of breath or pain or a sensation of pressure in your chest, you should contact your doctor or healthcare provider immediately.
The National Institute of Communicable Diseases considers a person recovered 14 days after first symptoms are experienced, or 14 days from discharge from hospital for those who have been discharged. It is essential that if you are recovering at home, this 14 day period is observed.
IMPORTANT TOOLS FOR BUSINESSES
Western Cape Government has created the following important tools for businesses to access during the COVID-19 pandemic:
SupportFinder tool which helps businesses navigate and apply for the available financial relief packages,
Tech Volunteers Programme which connects businesses who want to become more digital with industry experts for free two-hour advisory consultations, and
#GoDigitalWC webinars which brings leading experts in digital technology and business transformation to present ideas and advice for SMMEs on how they can adapt and innovate during Covid-19.
IMPORTANT RESOURCES FOR BUSINESSES
The Western Cape Government has made online resources available for employees and employers which can be accessed here:
Media Release: Sunday 7 June marks three years after the 2017 Knysna and Bitou wildfire disaster
For Immediate Release
1 June 2020
“The 2017 Knysna wildfire disaster was without a doubt the most devastating of its kind in the history of Southern Africa,” says Cobus Meiring of the Garden Route Environmental Forum (GREF).”
“With the loss of life and a badly-affected local economy, irreparable damage done to infrastructure, businesses, agriculture, forestry and property running into trillions of rand, the Knysna disaster caused unparalleled ecological havoc in an area of over 20 000 hectares.
As part of an ongoing debate on the correlation between the consequences of COVID-19 and that of climate change, GREF asked Gerhard Otto, Head of the Garden Route District Municipality’s Disaster Management Centre, if the Southern Cape is today better prepared in the event of a repeat of the 2017 wildfire disaster.
“From a preparedness level the Garden Route District Disaster Management Centre, Local Municipalities, nature conservations entities, forestry as well as regional fire protection associations have, as a collective, ramped up capacity to fight wildfire disaster way beyond what was in place in 2017. Aerial firefighting capacity, clearing of fire breaks and upgraded firefighting equipment, all makes for a better-prepared region dealing with regular and intense wildfire scenarios,” says Otto.
7 June 2020 commemorates the 2017 Knysna wildfire disaster, and in many ways the risk of a repeat thereof in the Southern Cape remains.
“The 2017 Knysna wildfire disaster was caused by a perfect storm of climate change, super strong winds, possible human error and the prevalence of large-scale invasive alien plants in the landscape, all of which contributed to the scale and ferocity of the disaster.”
“For instance, in as much as disaster management and firefighting services are better resourced than three years ago, there is still too much invasive alien plants in the landscape that has the potential to provide the biofuel necessary for a repeat of the 2017 wildfire disaster.”
“Landowners, in general, do their best, within their means, to eradicate and control invasive alien plant growth on their land, but the task at hand is a mammoth one, and much more needs to be done in order to achieve a fire-safe environment in the Southern Cape,” says Otto.
“COVID-19 has had a severe and tangible effect on the socio-economic fabric of the Southern Cape and we know that the real challenge the advent of the pandemic is posing, is still nowhere near its true impact. Both COVID-19 and climate change will affect the future of the present-day Southern Cape dramatically. The new normal should no doubt include a rethink of how we manage our environment at all levels, not only for exposure to wildfire risk, but, just as important, the way we manage human settlement, water security and biodiversity conservation.”
“As we commemorate the physical horror of the 2017 Knysna wildfire disaster, and now having to deal with the trauma of COVID-19, all stakeholders and communities in the Southern Cape will have to take hands, develop an understanding of what the future will force upon us, and plan ahead for a safer and more secure region,” concludes Otto.
MEDIA ENQUIRIES
Gerhard Otto: Head of the Garden Route District Municipality’s Disaster Management Centre Cell: 081 469 9128 Email:gotto@gardenroute.gov.za
Herman Pieters: Senior Communications Officer: Garden Route District Municipality Cell: 081 455 5699 Email:communications@gardenroute.gov.za
Cobus Meiring: Chair of the Garden Route Environmental Forum Secretariat Cell: 083 626 7619 Email:cobus@naturalbridge.co.za
