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Author: Herman Pieters

Novel Coronavirus (2019-NCoV) Outbreak in China and other countries in the world

On 31 December 2019, the World Health Organization (WHO) office in China reported a cluster of pneumonia cases in Wuhan City, Hubei Province of China. During January 2020, it was reported by the WHO that the cases were caused by Coronavirus. This virus is officially known as the Novel Coronavirus (2019-nCoV). Most of the initial cases identified, were linked to seafood, poultry and a live wildlife market (Huanan Seafood Wholesale Market) in the Hubei Province of China. Researchers suspect that the virus was transmitted by infected animals to humans, the source is, however, not confirmed.

According to the Executive Manager of Garden Route District Municipality’s (GRDM) Department Community Services, Mr Clive Africa: “There have been no cases of the 2019-nCoV reported in South Africa because active surveillance is in place to identify an imported case should one occur. This includes fever screening at international airports. Procedures are also in place for case isolation, management, as well as rapid specimen collection and transport to speed up the diagnosis. Designated hospitals with isolation facilities have been identified and protocols to follow up case contacts to ensure that the virus is held at bay.

What is 2019-nCoV?

Human coronaviruses are common throughout the world. Many different types of coronaviruses are found in animals, but some of them can be transferred to humans.

The 2019-nCoV is a zoonotic disease is that spreads between animals (usually vertebrates) and humans.

Who is at risk to contract 2019-nCoV?

 Any person who travelled to or from Wuhan city, Hubei Province in China and has been in close proximity of an infected person who shows symptoms of being infected. Healthcare workers who care for patients with severe acute respiratory infections. People who have been in contact with an animal or an animal source in countries where 2019-nCoV is prevalent (the animal source transmission is still undetermined). Those who have compromised immune systems, especially vulnerable age groups like infants and the elderly, are at high risk of contracting the virus.

 How is 2019-nCoV transmitted?

Exposure to an animal source is suspected, but it is also known that the virus can spread from person-to-person via respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes (airborne).

The majority of the infections, to date, occurred in people who had close physical contact with confirmed cases and in health workers caring for patients with 2019-nCoV.

Coronavirus can also be spread in the following ways:

  • Touching or shaking hands with a person that has the virus;
  • Making contact with a surface or object that has the virus and then touching your nose, eyes, or mouth; and
  • Contact with faeces – on rare occasions.

What are the signs and symptoms of 2019-nCoV infection in humans?

The reported symptoms include mild to severe respiratory illness with fever, cough and difficulty breathing.

How to protect yourself if the virus breaks out here

  • Wash your hands thoroughly on a regular basis (see six (6) steps when washing your hands);
  • Avoiding close contact with people who are or appear to be sick.
  • Stay home while you are sick;
  • Practice respiratory hygiene (covering your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing, followed by hand hygiene;
  • Use disposable masks;
  • Dispose of waste (especially tissues and masks) in a responsible manner; and
  • Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces (diluted bleach solution =1-part bleach to 99 parts water).

Follow these six (6) steps when washing your hands.

  1. Wet your hands with clean, running water (warm or cold), turn off the tap, and apply soap.
  2. Lather your hands by rubbing them together with the soap. Lather the backs of your hands, between your fingers, and under your nails.
  3. Scrub your hands for at least 20 seconds. Need a timer? Hum the “Happy Birthday” song from beginning to end twice.
  4. Rinse your hands well under clean, running water.
  5. Dry your hands using a clean towel or air dry them.
  6. Close the tap with the towel

For any additional information with regards to 2019-nCoV, please contact:

Executive Manager – Community Services: Clive Africa on 083 253 3928.

Manager – Municipal Health and Environmental Services: Johan Compion on 082 803 5161.

 

 Disaster Management Graduate Internship Programme

Garden Route District Municipality is fully committed to Employment Equity.
Applications are invited for the following;                                     

 Disaster Management Graduate Internship Programme

(In collaboration with Western Cape Government Department Local Government)

 BACKGROUND

Garden Route District Municipality in partnership with the Western Cape Government – Local Government is proud to present a Disaster Management Graduate Internship Programme opportunity for youth residing within the Garden Route District area.

The aim of this programme is to provide opportunities for practical local government work experience to unemployed young graduates who have completed their qualifications.

QUALIFYING CRITERIA OF STUDENTS TO BE ACCOMMODATED

  • Young persons who have completed an NQF level 7 qualification (Degree) in the last three years (2017– 2019), from a registered Higher Education Institution.
  • The applicant must reside within the municipal area.

FIELD OF STUDY

  • Disaster Management

DURATION OF INTERNSHIP: (One (1) year)

 DATE OF ASSUMPTION OF INTERNSHIP: (On or before 01 February 2019)

STIPEND: R 6 666.67 per month

Interested applicants who meet the abovementioned criteria should apply using the prescribed application form obtainable from HR Development & Training Section (during normal office hours 07h30 – 16h30), as well as from our website www.gardenroute.gov.za. For any enquiries contact Reginald Salmons at 044-803 1363, Angeline Naidoo at 044-803 1420 during office hours.

Certified copies of the following documentation must be attached:

  • A comprehensive Curriculum Vitae
  • Proof of qualification / latest examinations results
  • Certified copy of Identity Document (not older than 3 months)
  • Proof of residential address (municipal account)

KINDLY NOTE THAT DISABLED PERSONS ARE ENCOURAGED TO APPLY.

Application forms and further information:

Please forward a completed application form with a comprehensive Curriculum Vitae, accompanied by a certified copy of your Identity Document (not older than 3 months) and certified copies of highest qualifications to Garden Route District Municipality, Registration Section, 54 York Street or P.O. Box 12, George, 6530. The application forms are available at the offices of Garden Route District Municipality or visit our website at www.gardenroute.gov.za

Failure to submit the required documents will result in the application not being considered.  No faxed or emailed documents will be considered. 

If you have not heard from us by the 01 March 2020 then consider your application unsuccessful.

Contact Person: Angeline Naidoo @ 044 803 1420 during office hours.

Closing date: Closing date: 31 January 2020

Notice no: 12/2020

MG STRATU
MUNICIPAL MANAGER
Candidates with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

Garden Route sprekers bemagtig Parkie-prefekte

Die Garden Route Distriksmunisipaliteit het Saterdag 25 Januarie 2020 by die prefekte kamp van Parkdene Primêr ‘n leierskapsopleiding sessie behartig.

Me Mercy James van die Geïntegreerde Ontwikkelingsplan-afdeling het die prefekte aangemoedig om in hulself te glo en met selfvertroue hul funksie as leiers uit te leef. “’n Leier moet n visie hê, beheer neem oor hom of haar lewe en verantwoordelikheid neem vir keuses en besluite”. Sy het verduidelik dat leiers nie probleme sien, maar eerder geleenthede sien vir ontwikkeling en bemagtiging.

Me Mercy James (middel), saam met hoofleiers, vlnr: me Keisha Jantjies (Onder-hoofdogter), me Chaynique Du Plessis (Hoofdogter), mnr Sedwin Gysman (Hoofseun) en mnr Suleiran Dolf (Onder-hoofseun)

Volgens me James moet leiers ‘n lus vir leer ontwikkel, sodat hulle relevant en ingeligte leiers  kan wees.  Tydens ‘n interaktiewe groep sessie het leerders ook sinvolle  oplossings voorgelê vir die rommelstrooiing kwessie en vroe skoolverlaters in ons gemeenskappe.

Na afloop van me James se praatjie het Senior Kommunikasiebeampte van Garden Route Distriksmunisipaliteit, mnr Herman Pieters, leerders se kennis verryk deur eienskappe van Spekbome mee gedeel. Leerders het self uit twee groepe die top-bydraers tot antwoorde identifiseer. Teagan Arendse en Carmelita Hedenrycht is as wennners aangewys.

Ter afsluiting van die sessie het leerlinge hul dank en waardering uitgespreek teenoor die Distrik vir hul bereidwilligheid om 40 prefekte te verryk met kennis.

Garden Route District Municipality presented a talk about leadership to prefects from Parkdene Primary School on 25 January 2020. Integrated Development Planning Officer, Ms Mercy James, urged learners to believe in themselves and to strive to be leaders filled with self-confidence. “A leader must have a vision, take control and responsibility for his or her life choices,” said Ms James.

According to her, leaders should not see problems but solutions to transform issues into approaches of developmental and empowerment.

She also said that “leaders must develop an eagerness to learn, in order for them to become informed leaders.” Later during the session, learners were given the opportunity to present workable solutions for littering and learners who drop-out from school.

Shortly after Ms James’s presentation, Senior Communicator, Mr Herman Pieters, educated learners about Spekboom plants and the impact they have on the environment. Two Spekbome were donated to the top-performing groups, who then chose the top-contributor in their respective groups as the overall winners to receive a plant each.

In conclusion, learners thanked Garden Route District Municipality for availing themselves to share their wisdom and knowledge with all 40 prefects.

A warm welcome to our district

Odds are, the moment you enter the iconic Garden Route District, your soul will awaken with a jolt!

We offer the perfect balance of nature and metropolis, outdoor adventure and shopping mall delight – our region is a gem, a springboard to launch visitors into an adventure of excellence across the entire region. You will find that there is never enough time to see and experience all that an area has to offer – so you have to come back again to continue your journey.

On a serious note, during your time with us, we encourage you to exercise caution and to be tolerant while travelling on the road. Please obey the speed limits, the road rules, do not text or call while driving, do not drink and drive, and always wear a seatbelt. An important number to dial in case of an emergency is 044 805 5071 or 10177.

See you on the Garden Route!

The GRDM minds behind the Regional Landfill Facility – hard work paid off: (FLTR): Johan Gie (District Waste Management Officer, Johan Compion (Manager: Municipal Health and Environmental Management Services), Clive Africa (Executive Manager: Community Services) and Morton Hubbe (Manager: District Waste Management).

Garden Route’s Regional Waste Facility a ground-breaking Public-Private Partnership

Above: The GRDM minds behind the Regional Landfill Facility – hard work paid off: (FLTR): Johan Gie (District Waste Management Officer, Johan Compion (Manager: Municipal Health and Environmental Management Services), Clive Africa (Executive Manager: Community Services) and Morton Hubbe (Manager: District Waste Management).
(Credit: Michelle Pienaar)

A first of its kind for South Africa

Garden Route District Municipality’s (GRDM) Council, on 13 December 2019, approved a ten-year and eight-month contractual agreement for a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) between GRDM and Eden Waste Management. The facility will include integrated disposal services to accommodate household and hazardous waste from four municipalities in the Garden Route – Bitou, Knysna, George and Mossel Bay.

According to Executive Mayor of GRDM, Cllr Memory Booysen: “This is a first PPP of its kind for South Africa. We are the first district municipality out of 44 district municipalities in South Africa to champion such an initiative.”

“We are also planning a sod-turning event for early 2020. Thereafter, construction of the facility will start in February 2020, with the first truckloads of domestic waste expected to be delivered by September 2020,” said Cllr Booysen.

Cost and Services

The total cumulative cost to the district municipality over the contract period is projected at R790 million.

According to Mr Morton Hubbe, GRDM Manager: District Waste Management: “The Regional Waste Management Facility will have a life-span of approximately 30 years”. He also said: “Provision was made to accommodate waste from Hessequa, Kannaland and Oudtshoorn Municipalities – if the need arises.” Hessequa Municipality also recently indicated that they are interested to dispose the domestic waste generated in Gouritzmond and Albertinia at the regional facility when in need of such a service.

The municipal services and support activities that will be provided by the Regional Waste Facility, will include the following:

  • The safe disposal of general waste;
  • a hazardous waste cell for the safe disposal of regional hazardous waste;
  • bulk waste transport;
  • chipping of green waste;
  • crushing of builder’s rubble; and
  • alternative waste treatment technologies, but only if the alternative waste treatment technologies can be incorporated on a no-additional cost basis.

The services of a roaming chipper, use for green waste, and crusher, used for builder’s rubble, will be made available to Mossel Bay, George and Knysna municipalities on a rotational basis. Bulk waste transport services will be available to George Municipality for the transport of domestic waste from Uniondale and George waste transfer stations to the Regional Facility.

Editor’s note:

Section 83 of the Local Government: Municipal Structures Act, 1998 (Act No. 117 of 1998), requires a district municipality to seek to achieve the integrated, sustainable and equitable social and economic development of its area, by:

  • Ensuring integrated development planning for the district as a whole;
  • Promoting bulk infrastructure development and services for the district as a whole;
  • Building the capacity of local municipalities in its area to perform their functions and exercise their powers where such capacity is lacking; and
  • Promoting the equitable distribution of resources between the local municipalities in its area to ensure appropriate levels of municipal services within the area.

 

Employees Awarded Long Service Certificates

Long Service Certificates were awarded to various employees of Garden Route District today, 13 December 2019, during an Ordinary Council meeting. Some, but not all of the following employees, were able to attend the award ceremony.

Here are a few of of the employees who received recognition for being employed from to 10 to 40 years.

Employees donate to NPO

GRDM joined the ‘Special Needs Children are Different, not Less‘ campaign of Binah and Legacy Centre to show support for special needs awareness. The campaign coincided with National Disability Rights Awareness Month from 3 November to 3 December and the International Day of Persons with Disabilities. Funds were raised by buying and selling green lollipops at a profit. GRDM officials bought a total of 130 lollipops and managed to raise R1450.00 that will be utilised to empower the special needs community of George by means of information and training on special needs.

We would like to thank the officials of GRDM for their eagerness to make a contribution towards this worthy cause.

GRDM Employee Assistance Practitioner, Shandré Abrahams said: “The funds raised will be used to remove barriers and to improve the quality of life of people with disabilities.”

It is important for the public to understand that disability is the consequence of an impairment that may be physical, sensory, cognitive, mental, emotional, developmental, or some combination of these.

Wilderness Beach launches Pilot Blue Flag

Wilderness Beach today (3 December 2019) hoisted its Pilot Blue Flag for the 2019/20 season during a short ceremony at the beach in front of Salina’s Restaurant.

The beach incorporates jurisdiction of SANParks, Garden Route District Municipality and George Municipality. The Blue Flag is a joint project of these roleplayers, with major involvement of Salina’s Restaurant, which overlooks Wilderness beach, and with the support of the Wildlife and Environment Society of South Africa (Wessa) that manages the Blue Flag Programme in South Africa. It is the second consecutive year the beach has Pilot Blue Flag status since Garden Route District Municipality re-applied for the accolade. Wilderness had full status in previous years but skipped application in 2017 due to administrative changes at the District Municipality.

Wilderness Blue Flag beach
From left are SANParks Wilderness representative Carel van der Merwe, Executive Deputy Mayor Charlotte Clarke and Garden Route District Municipality Executive Mayor Alderman Memory Booysen

Addressing roleplayers at the ceremony this morning, Garden Route District Municipality Head of Disaster Management Gerhard Otto said the roleplayers had hoped that Wilderness Beach would earn full Blue Flag status this year, but new changes in the WESSA Blue Flag Beach requirements had not made it impossible on short notice. “Salina’s had in the past made its disabled toilets available to disabled beachgoers, which was sufficient in the past to qualify, but this is no longer the case. The George Municipality has already allocated funding for such upgrades at the public toilets located in the parking area at the beach, but the implementation of these upgrades was unfortunately outside the Blue Flag application timeframe. We believe this will be resolved next year and expect that Wilderness will have full Blue Flag status for the 2020/21 season,” said Mr Otto.

Garden Route District Mayor Alderman Memory Booysen said the Pilot Blue Fag certificate ensured close scrutiny of beach management standards such as water quality, public safety, facility management, the provision of quality services, environmental management and commitment towards environmental education and information. “I am confident we can attain full Blue Flag status and together reap the fruits of the programme’s inherent benefits for many years to come,” said Mr Booysen.

George Municipality Ward Councillor for Wilderness, Marlene Barnardt thanked the many roleplayers and complimented by name Salina’s Restaurant owner Massimo Mariotti for his involvement and sited his role as a stellar example of the private sector working with local government and others for the greater good of the community. “

Selina’s Restaurant owner Massimo Mariotti said patrons often commented on the presence of a Blue Flag. “National and international tourists recognise the benefits associated with the Blue Flag and we believe it is very important for tourism in our village and on the Garden Route to have this accolade,” said Mr Mariotti.

The Blue Flag season in Wilderness runs from 1 December 2019 to 31 January 2020. Compliance includes high standards of water quality monitoring, public safety and lifeguard services, and well-maintained coastal amenities.

South Africa has participated in the Blue Flag programme since 2001. Blue Flag is an international coastal management programme that accredits beaches that meet standards of excellence in water quality, environmental management, environmental education and information as well as safety and services. The Blue Flag programme offers many benefits: improved tourism facilities, enhanced management of coastal ecosystems, increased awareness of the coast and capacity building of coastal municipalities. In South Africa, the programme is implemented by the Wildlife Environmental Society of South Africa (WESSA).

Another Unqualified Audit for Garden Route District Municipality

Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) has received its second consecutive unqualified audit. The Auditor-General (AG) attributed the Western Cape municipalities’ 2018/19 success to “effective leadership culture, the implementation of action plans, and established policies and procedures”.

Monde Stratu, GRDM Municipal Manager said: “we managed to reduce all deviations by almost half when compared to 2017/18 financial year.” This was one of the institution’s goals which was collectively achieved.

“I am proud of my administration and all the work they’ve put into retaining an unqualified audit status. Council’s oversight and support have also been invaluable,” said Stratu.

Putting good governance into practice is one of the reasons why the Western Cape Government has produced the best AG outcomes with 79% clean audits.  Earlier this year, GRDM hosted its first Good Governance Summit where it, among others, discussed topics such as:

  • accountability through the implementation of effective governance structures;
  • enhancing public participation processes through effective good governance structures and new innovations;
  • insulate municipalities against interference from external stakeholders
  • encourage and improve ethics and ethical conduct within municipal leadership

The MEC for Local Government at Western Cape Government, Anton Bredell, also voiced his opinion about audit outcomes and said: “Councils are increasingly struggling with severe ongoing financial constraints due to the country’s economic challenges.” At 74%, the province also had the highest number of auditees with good financial health status and there were no auditees with unauthorised expenditure. From the above, it is evident that there has been a solid and consistent pattern of good audit outcomes in the province.

Definition of various Audit Outcomes

Clean Audit Outcomes:

The financial statements are free from material misstatements and there are no findings on reporting on performance objectives or non-compliance with legislation.

Unqualified Audit Opinions:

The financial statements contain no material misstatements. Findings may have been made on either reporting on predetermined objectives or non-compliance with legislation, or both these aspects.

Qualified Audit Opinions:

The financial statements contain material misstatements in specific amounts, or there is insufficient evidence for us to conclude that specific amounts included in the financial statements are not materially misstated.

Disclaimer of Opinion:

On some occasions, an AQ is unable to complete an accurate audit report. This may occur for a variety of reasons, such as an absence of appropriate financial records. When this happens, the auditor issues a disclaimer of opinion, stating that an opinion of the firm’s financial status could not be determined.