Author: Kabelo Mohlohlo

18 August 2026 Media Release: Skills Mecca Indabas turn talk into action across the Garden Route

Media Release: Skills Mecca Indabas turn talk into action across the Garden Route

18 August 2026

The Garden Route Skills Mecca (GRSM), a skills development programme by the Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM), is enhancing economic inclusion through a series of Skills Development Indabas held across the region.

With this initiative, the GRSM is connecting all the seven local municipalities in the district, business, training providers, and residents to explore skills development, training opportunities and create pathways to employment, especially for the youth.

On 11 August 2026, in collaboration with the Bitou Local Municipality, the GRSM held another successful session in KwaNokuthula Community Hall in Plettenberg Bay, bringing together government departments, Sector Education and Training Authority (SETA), and various stakeholders. This was done to connect the community with opportunities that promote skills development, employment and economic participation.

Held biannually in all seven local municipal areas (Hessequa, Mossel Bay, George, Knysna, Bitou, Oudtshoorn and Kannaland), this year’s programme has been expanded to include unemployed youth, creating access to valuable information and opportunities that can help transform their futures.

GRDM Training Coordinator, Reginald Salmons said, “The Indabas form an important part of the GRSM’s commitment to ensuring that skills development responds directly to the needs of local communities and the regional economy”.

George kicked off the current round on 16 June with LevelUp, a partnership with SUFF Academy that helped Grade 12 learners from more than 10 schools navigate university applications, funding and career pathways.
Knysna’s Indaba on 24 July brought together stakeholders including the Small Enterprise Development and Finance Agency, the Knysna Business Chamber and Africa Skills Village. The area is now moving toward a Mini Skills Summit to tackle rural outreach and broader skills needs.
Mossel Bay’s engagement on 28 July led to plans for a local task team to organise a Job and Career Expo within two months, linking job-seekers directly to employers, SETAs and training providers.
Hessequa’s Indaba on 4 August surfaced a clear need for a School of Skills in the Hessequa/Kannaland area, backed by the Western Cape Provincial Department of Education.
Kannaland took its Indaba directly to Zoar on 5 August, reaching unemployed youth and agreeing to extend outreach to Van Wyksdorp, Calitzdorp and surrounding farming communities.

The Local Government Sector Education and Training Authority (LGSETA) Provincial Manager, Anneka Jacobs, commended the GRSM for its work by saying: “This approach will ensure that skills development information and opportunities reach communities that may otherwise experience barriers in accessing information and support”.

Salmons said that these indabas are not talk shops, but rather exists to produce tangible solutions to local challenges. “The communities are sharing their needs with us, and we’re connecting with partners to deliver it.”

The GRSM is taking the next leg of these indabas straight to Oudtshoorn at the Thusong Service Centre on 18 August 2026, and unemployed youth, businesses, training providers and community organisations are encouraged to attend and help shape the region’s skills agenda.

The GRSM encourages community members to use these engagements to obtain information about available opportunities, communicate their skills development needs and contribute to identifying practical solutions for their communities.

To learn more, visit skillsmecca.gardenroute.gov.za

Caption: Skills Mecca Indaba sessions in Kannaland, Hessequa and Bitou Local Municipalities.

END

Save the Date: Notice of a Council Meeting on 31 August 2026 at 11h00

NOTICE OF A COUNCIL MEETING ON 31 AUGUST 2026 AT 11:00

Notice Number 75/2026

Notice is hereby given that a COUNCIL MEETING of the Garden Route District Municipality will be held at the CA Robertson Council Chambers, 54 York Street, George, and via Zoom on 31 August 2026 at 11:00.

YouTube:
https://youtube.com/live/QbcBTxy4cuA?feature=share

N Raisa-Mlandu
Acting Municipal Manager
54 York Street
P O Box 12
GEORGE
6530
Tel: 044 803 1300

Notice Number: 75/2026
19 August 2026

Save the Date: Notice of a Special Council Meeting on 25 August 2026 at 11:00

NOTICE OF A SPECIAL COUNCIL MEETING ON 25 AUGUST 2026 AT 11:00

Notice Number 72/2026

Notice is hereby given that a SPECIAL COUNCIL MEETING of the Garden Route District Municipality will be held at the CA Robertson Council Chambers, 54 York Street, George, and via Zoom on 25 August 2026 at 11:00.

YouTube: https://youtube.com/live/41abMZQMMkQ?feature=share

N Raisa-Mlandu

Acting Municipal Manager

54 York Street

P O Box 12

GEORGE

6530

Tel: 044 803 1300

Notice Number: 72/2026

17 August 2026

27 July 2026 Media Release: Climate Resilience Tops the Garden Route Agenda

Media Release: Climate Resilience Tops the Garden Route Agenda

27 July 2026

The Garden Route can no longer prepare for yesterday’s climate. Building resilience is now essential for protecting communities, the economy and the environment.

This was the overriding message from the recent Garden Route Environmental Forum (GREF) Extreme Weather Summit hosted in collaboration with NMU and GRDM, where renowned climate, environmental and disaster management experts shared the latest science and practical solutions for adapting to a changing climate.

Presentations suggested that a strong El Niño event may develop towards 2027, potentially bringing drought conditions to parts of the region. At the same time, experts warned that climate change is driving more frequent and intense extreme weather events, including severe storms, floods and wildfires.

GREF Convener, Cobus Meiring, said the Garden Route has already experienced the enormous social and economic costs of climate-related disasters.

“Climate resilience is no longer an option but a necessity. Every investment in protecting our natural environment and strengthening community preparedness will reduce future disaster risks and economic losses”, said Meiring.

Delegates heard that local communities are increasingly adapting through rooftop solar energy, rainwater harvesting, improved water management and the clearing of invasive alien plants that reduce water availability and increase wildfire risks.

One of the Summit’s strongest conclusions was that protecting and restoring natural infrastructure—including mountain catchments, wetlands, rivers and estuaries—is among the most effective ways to improve water security and reduce flood impacts.

Recent disasters illustrated the urgency. The extensive damage to Meiringspoort disrupted transport and tourism, while increasingly frequent heavy truck accidents on the Swartberg Pass highlight the growing challenges posed by difficult weather conditions and climate-related risks.

The Summit demonstrated that building climate resilience requires collaboration between government, business, scientists and communities to prepare for an increasingly uncertain future.

The Garden Route Environmental Forum (GREF) is a public platform for environmental managers and serves as a climate change think tank. Visit grefecsf.co.za for more information.

Caption 1: A panel discussion about preparing for a changing climate in the Garden Route and beyond.

Caption 2: Nelson Mandela University’s George Campus Principal, Dr Kaluke Mawila, engaging with one of the attendees.

Caption 3: Garden Route District Municipality’s Head of Disaster Management, Mr Gerhard Otto, giving an overview of disaster management in the Garden Route.

– END –

30 June 2026 Media Release: Partnerships Key to Building Climate Resilience in the Garden Route

Partnerships Key to Building Climate Resilience in the Garden Route

30 June 2026

The severe weather that affected the Southern Cape during May and June once again exposed the region’s vulnerability to extreme weather and the urgent need to strengthen climate resilience. Following widespread flooding, storm damage, power outages, infrastructure failures and environmental impacts, stakeholders called for a coordinated reflection on the events, their consequences and the practical steps needed to improve future preparedness.

Responding to this need, the Garden Route Environmental Forum (GREF), together with Nelson Mandela University (NMU), the Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM), George Municipality, Envirodev, Stihl South Africa, Husqvarna South Africa, Suzuki George, George Herald, Beachouse Accommodation and Cape Saint Blaize, have partnered to host the Garden Route Extreme Weather Reflection Summit on 2 July 2026 at the NMU George Campus.

As the region shifts from emergency response to recovery, the full extent of the damage is becoming clearer. Some communities have been without electricity for almost two months, while clearing fallen trees, repairing damaged roads, public infrastructure and environmental assets will require significant time and investment.

A practical outcome of this partnership is capacity building.

Nearly 50 disaster management and emergency response personnel from George Municipality, GRDM, Working on Fire (WoF) and contractors will receive chainsaw operation and maintenance training to strengthen disaster preparedness, improve emergency response and support ongoing recovery efforts.

The Summit will bring together leading environmental, disaster management and climate specialists to examine the causes and impacts of recent events and explore how the region can better prepare for an increasingly uncertain climate.

Public-private partnerships are becoming indispensable for effective environmental management and disaster preparedness.

By pooling expertise, skills and resources, organisations can build stronger, more resilient communities. The lesson from recent events is clear: investing in collaboration and preparedness today is essential to reducing the social, environmental and economic costs of tomorrow’s disasters.

The Garden Route Environmnetal Forum is a public platform for environmental management entities in the Southern Cape and a climate change think- tank. (www.grefecsf.co.za)

– END –

12 June 2026 Media Release: GRDM delivers health outreach at a Knysna Informal Settlement

Media Release: GRDM delivers health outreach at a Knysna Informal Settlement

For immediate release
12 June 2026

The Garden Route District Municipality’s (GRDM) Environmental Health Practitioners (EHPs) conducted a health and hygiene awareness inspection at an informational settlement situated near the Knysna Waste Transfer Station. This was done in commemoration of World Environment Day, celebrated annually on 5 June, combined with Food Safety Day, which took place 7 June.

According to Johan Compion, GRDM Senior Manager: Municipal Health, Waste Management, Air Quality: “This settlement, in existence for roughly 2 years, comprises of nine informal structures, housing 21 people (12 men and 9 women)”.

“Of most concern is that the site in its current form is not connected to basic services such as water and sanitation.”

New settlements, not forming part of Integrated Development Plans, and budgets of municipalities always run the risk of resulting in serious health hazards to the occupants because basic services were not planned by the relevant planning departments of a municipality.

Health and Hygiene Interventions

Focus areas by the EHPs relating to environmental health included the following:

The importance of hand hygiene practices
Safe food preparation (including clean fires and environmental pollution control)
Personal hygiene practices (including safe waste disposal/sanitation)
Personal health screening
Communicable disease awareness

Litter strewn across the site before clean-up.

GRDM’s Knysna Municipal Health Practitioners donating supplies to the dwellers of the informal settlement

After completion of the awareness session, residents were given 9 potable water containers and hand soap. Containers hold up to 20 litres of water each.

GRDM EHPs further identified urgent infrastructure gaps that pose environmental and public health risks to residents and the adjacent Knysna Estuary.

GRDM will continue to ensure that there’s ongoing coordination with the Knysna Local Municipality and other stakeholders to provide sanitation, water access, and waste management to prevent contamination and protect community health.

Dwellers standing outside their housing structures

ENDS

Garden Route Weather: Multi-Agency Command Centre Update 3 on 5 June 2026 @ 12:15

Issued by GRDM Communications
05 June 2026

SITUATION SUMMARY

Overnight, the district continued to experience isolated heavy showers. However, our major concern remains the significant volume of water moving into the district from the northern areas. The Gamkapoort Dam is currently spilling at around 170%, while the Floriskraal, Stompdrift and Kammanassie dams are also overflowing. Emergency services and SAPS members are actively monitoring river crossings and implementing crowd-control measures to ensure that potentially compromised structures remain clear of people.

Late yesterday, a woman and a man attempted to cross the Klip River at Waboomskraal and were swept away by the strong current. EMS teams successfully rescued the woman, but unfortunately the man could not be saved. Following an extensive search operation, his body was recovered early this morning.

Rescue teams have also been dispatched to an incident in the Oudtshoorn Mountain Resort area, where it has been reported that a man was washed away while attempting to cross a river. Further information will be shared as it becomes available.

In George, municipal technical services teams are currently working to reconnect the water supply between the Uniondale Dam and the town.

The water situation in Knysna remains a concern and requires close monitoring. The main water supply pumps are still not fully operational, and reserve water levels at the Akkerkloof Dam are dropping to critically low levels.

Community members remain accommodated at several halls across the district. Currently, there are 65 people at Toekomsrus, 38 in De Rust, 29 in Ladismith, and eight families at the Lyonville Community Hall in Uniondale.

Requests for humanitarian assistance have been received from Zoar, where 14 people require support; Voorbaat, with 29 people affected; and the Vlakteplaas, Barandas and Snyberg areas, where approximately 110 people may require assistance. This latter request is still being assessed by the Department of Social Development, although colleagues from the Department of Infrastructure have indicated that the area is accessible by 4×4 vehicles.

Finally, 21 schools remain closed today, primarily because they are inaccessible due to poor road conditions.

We continue to monitor conditions closely and will provide further updates as necessary.

Disaster-related updates are published by Local Government here:

Garden Route District Municipality
– https://www.facebook.com/gardenroutedm

Hessequa Municipality
– www.facebook.com/hessequamunicipality

Mossel Bay Municipality
– www.facebook.com/mosselbaymun
– https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaObfDbBadmjaxmERb0d

George Municipality
– www.facebook.com/george.municipality
– https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaRHVS9HAdNXTJPKis3k

Knysna Municipality
– www.facebook.com/knysnamunicipality
– https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaddGzkKwqSX9z7fPm2V

Bitou Municipality
– www.facebook.com/bitoulocalmunicipality
– https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vb5xx5wGE56kaY90693M

Greater Oudtshoorn Municipality
– www.facebook.com/oudtmun
– https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VagZwTjHgZWmFke9An2N

Kannaland Municipality
– www.facebook.com/kannaland.munisipaliteit.5

Report Provincial Road Issues via Download the Roads4U app
Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=za.gov.westerncape.roadsforyou
iOS: https://apps.apple.com/za/app/roads4u/id6752285666

Garden Route District Municipality encourages the public to report flood-related incidents to the regional 24/7 Emergency Call Centre on 044 805 5071 or WhatsApp 081 709 5193

Image: Gamka Wes Calitzdorp, 05 June 2026.

05 June 2026 Media Release: GRDM promotes cleanliness and hygienic practices across spaza shops in the Klein Karoo

Media Release: GRDM promotes cleanliness and hygienic practices across spaza shops in the Klein Karoo

For immediate release:
05 June 2026

The Garden Route District Municipality’s (GRDM) Environmental Health Practitioners (EHPs) conducted a comprehensive Food Safety Day Awareness campaign across the towns of Ladismith and Oudtshoorn on 5 June 2026, to enforce compliance with norms and standards of food handling and raise awareness about foodborne risks.

In observation of World Food Safety Day, the EHPs of the Klein Karoo area, are supporting the theme: Food Safety: From Burden to Solutions – safe food everywhere” by promoting cleanliness and food safety at spaza shops in the Oudtshoorn and Ladismith areas. “Through inspections, education, and engagement with shop owners, EHPs encourage proper hygiene practices, safe food handling and regular cleaning of premises,” said GRMD’s Municipal Health Chief: Klein Karoo, Desmond Paulse.

“This year’s theme aims to inspire action to help prevent and manage foodborne risks to safeguard food security and healthy communities.”

GRDM’s highly competent team of EHPs regularly conducts inspections not only to spaza shops, but also to manufacturers, restaurants and supermarkets, to name a few. This is done to monitor compliance with hygienic and preparation standards. Paulse added that these actions help reduce foodborne health risks, improve compliance with food safety standards, and contribute to healthier communities.

The EHPs placed particular emphasis on cleaning and proper disinfection as these are effective methods to ensure safer food for human consumption. “Clean and hygienic shops play an important role in food safety. A clean shop helps prevent contamination, reduces the spread of harmful bacteria, viruses, and protects customers from a range of foodborne illnesses,” said Paulse.

The EHPs encourage spaza shop owners to adhere to good hygiene practices, such as regular cleaning, proper food storage, and safe handling of food, to ensure that food remains safe and of high quality.

On World Food Safety Day, as GRDM, we recognise that maintaining clean shops remains essential for protecting public health.

ENDS

05 June 2026 Awareness Article: Pest Control: A Key Pillar of Food Safety on World Food Safety Day

Awareness Article: Pest Control: A Key Pillar of Food Safety on World Food Safety Day

For immediate release:
05 June 2026

World Food Safety Day is commemorated annually on 7 June, and in 2026 the global theme, “Safer Food, Better Health,” reinforces the importance of protecting consumers from foodborne risks. One of the most critical, yet often underestimated, components of food safety is effective pest control.

Pests such as rodents, flies, cockroaches, and ants pose a serious threat to food safety across the entire food supply chain, from farms and food processing plants to retail outlets, restaurants, schools, and households. These pests are known carriers of harmful pathogens that contaminate food, equipment, and preparation surfaces, increasing the risk of foodborne diseases.

Disease causing pathogens such as salmonella, E. coli, listeriosis, and Norovirus can result from poor pest management practices. Vulnerable groups, including young children, the elderly, pregnant women, and immunocompromised individuals, are particularly at risk. Preventing pest infestations is therefore not only a hygiene issue, but a public health priority.

In South Africa, food premises are legally required to implement pest control measures. The Foodstuffs, Cosmetics and Disinfectants Act, 1972 (Act 54 of 1972) mandates that food sold or handled must be safe and free from contamination. In addition, Regulation R.638 of the Health Act, 1977 (General Hygiene Requirements for Food Premises and the Transport of Food) clearly states that food premises must be kept free of pests, and that adequate measures must be in place to prevent their access and harbourage.

Furthermore, the National Health Act, 2003 (Act 61 of 2003) places a responsibility on food business operators to ensure that conditions do not pose a risk to human health. Failure to comply with these regulations may result in fines, closure of premises, or legal action.

Environmental Health Practitioners (EHPs) emphasise that pest control is a non-negotiable element of food safety.

“Effective pest control is one of the first indicators of a well-managed food premises. Where pests are present, the risk of food contamination and disease transmission increases significantly. Preventing infestations protects not only consumers, but also the reputation and sustainability of food businesses,”

An effective approach to pest control is Integrated Pest Management (IPM), which prioritises prevention through good housekeeping, proper waste disposal, regular cleaning, sealing of entry points, and safe food storage. Where chemical control is necessary, it must be conducted by trained and registered pest control operators using approved products in a manner that does not compromise food safety.

World Food Safety Day serves as a reminder that food safety is everyone’s responsibility. Business owners, food handlers, regulators, and consumers all play a role in preventing contamination and safeguarding public health.

By maintaining strict pest control measures, we protect food from contamination, reduce the spread of disease, and support healthier communities. As we observe World Food Safety Day under the theme “Safer Food, Better Health,” it is clear that effective pest control is not optional — it is essential.

Here’s how you can maintain hygiene when handling food:

ENDS

Garden Route Weather: Multi-Agency Command Centre Update 2 on 4 June 2026 @ 08h10

Issued by GRDM Communications
04 June 2026

SITUATION SUMMARY

The Garden Route has experienced moderate but persistent rainfall over the past 24 hours, with periods of intense showers reported overnight. While no major weather-related incidents have been reported to the Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) Emergency Call Centre, several impacts are being experienced across the district. The GRDM Multi-Agency Command Centre (MACC) remains activated, with municipal and emergency services personnel on standby and actively monitoring conditions throughout the district.

Dozens of low-lying bridges and river crossings are currently flooded, making it dangerous for motorists to attempt crossings. As a result, a number of roads remain closed due to flooding, rockfalls, landslides and other weather-related hazards.

COMMUNITIES STILL RECEIVING SHELTER

A total of 93 community members who were precautionarily evacuated from De Rust and Welgeluk remain accommodated at the Toekomsrus Community Hall, where support continues to be provided by the Western Cape Provincial Government Department of Social Development.

MOTORISTS EXERCISE EXTREME CAUTION

* Water is pooling in several urban areas, causing some manhole covers to lift due to pressure from stormwater systems.
* Most road closures are due to flooding of low-lying bridges and river crossings.
* Rockfalls have been reported on the N12 near Chandelier Game Lodge, Nature’s Valley, Wittedrift (road closed), and the Kaaimans area.
* Water pooling has also been reported on the N2 between Sedgefield and George, shortly after the Waves Garage.
* Several trees that fell along Saasveld Road have been cleared by George Municipality, but more is expected to fall and this area is extremely dangerous to travel through.

Garden Routers and tourists are advised to avoid flooded roads, low-water crossings and riverbanks, and to remain alert to official weather and safety updates published by the GRDM and Local Municipalities.

River levels remain under close observation. Water levels in the Keurbooms, Knysna, Great Brak, Kandelaars and Olifants river systems have increased significantly, while higher inflows from the Gamka Dam and increased releases from Stompdrift Dam are also being monitored. Emergency services are conducting regular assessments of communities and low-lying areas adjacent to these river systems. The Garden Route Dam is overflowing, the first time this year.

Localised flooding has been reported in Nature’s Valley, while emergency teams continue to monitor vulnerable areas throughout the district.

Roads authorities will continue to assess the road network and provide updates as conditions change.

SCHOOLS REMAIN CLOSED FOR TODAY, 4 JUNE