Public Notice: Notice of a Municipal Public Accounts Committee (MPAC) Meeting,
20 May 2026 at 14:00
Notice is hereby given that aMunicipal Public Accounts Committee (MPAC) Meeting of the Garden Route District Municipality will be held at the Loerie Committee Room, and via Zoom, 54 York Street, George,on20 May 2026at14:00.
MG Stratu Municipal Manager
54 York Street
P O Box 12
GEORGE
6530
Media Release: Garden Route District Municipality and TETA Launch Milestone R4.7 million Driver’s Licence Project to Fuel Regional Employment
For immediate release 13 May 2026
The Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM), through the Garden Route Skills Mecca (GRSM), officially launched the GRDM/TETA Rural Development Driver’s Licence Project on Friday, 8 May 2026.
The event, held at the GRDM Council Chambers, signalled the commencement of Phase 1 focusing on the George Municipal area. This phase includes the first 80 beneficiaries of the 560 participants set to benefit from this district-wide programme.
GRDM Municipal Manager, Monde Stratu, welcomed participants and stakeholders to the event.
Thembani Loliwe, GRSM Programme Manager at GRDM explained the significance of the programme to participants.
Victoria Driving School’s Elton Olivier motivated the selected candidates to make a success of the opportunity.
TETA’s EDTP, Malcolm Alexander, reaffirmed the funder’s commitment to rural development.
Lungiswa Bini acknowledged the difficulties unemployed youth face in obtaining a driver’s licence.
Participant, Liyema Magajana, extended words of appreciation to the GRDM, TETA and Victoria Driving School.
Cllr Nompumelelo Ndayi, GRDM Portfolio Chairperson for Corporate Services, delivered the vote of thanks.
Speaker of the GRDM Council, Ald Georlene Wolmarans, directed the program of the event.
The project is coordinated by the GRSM and funded by the Transport Education and Training Authority (TETA). This initiative marks a significant investment in the socio-economic mobility of residents across the district.
While welcoming the group at the event, GRDM Municipal Manager, Monde Stratu, said: “As a District Municipality, we ensure that the partnerships that we are developing with various stakeholders e.g. TETA, Victoria Driving Schools and many others, are maintained and that the funding allocated for these programmes is used for the purpose for which it was granted and intended”. Stratu further referred to the shortage of certain skills within the economy and emphasised that, “this programme is an indication that our training interventions are aligned with the needs of the economy”.
Thembani Loliwe, GRDM Program Manager of the Garden Route Skills Mecca (GRSM) explained that the program originated through the GRSM – a product of the Knysna fire disaster, which created economic havoc across the district in 2017 and nearly destroyed the district’s main economic contributors, namely the Tourism and Hospitality industries. He said: “This disaster resulted in many job losses, but by turning it into an opportunity through the GRSM, R135 million have so far been invested in the program, already benefiting 2 760 youth district-wide”.
Elton Olivier represented Victoria Driving School at the event. The driving school has been appointed as the service provider to ensure high-quality training and high pass rates for all learners. Olivier inspired participants with his personal achievements and encouraged them to prioritise this programme for the betterment of their lives. He highlighted: “You were selected to be part of this opportunity to obtain your learner’s- and drivers’ licences and to equip yourselves to secure employment or better job opportunities”.
Stakeholders and participants during the launch of Phase 1 (George) of the GRDM/TETA Rural Development Driver’s Licence Project.
TETA’s Education, Development and Training Practitioner (EDTP), Malcolm Alexander, reaffirmed the funder’s commitment to rural development. He emphasised that professional driving skills are critical to the sustainability of the South African transport industry. Alexander also highlighted the excellent working relations between TETA and GRDM, before emphasising how opportunities like these do not often become available. Addressing the participants, Alexander said: “You have this one opportunity – stay focused and achieve it. We want to see you climbing the ladder of success – and having a driving licence is a significant step-up towards achieving that success”.
Lungiswa Bini and Liyema Magajana, both participants in the program, extending words of appreciation to the GRDM and stakeholders for their strong partnership in rolling out this program. Although Bini acknowledged the difficulties unemployed youth face in obtaining a driver’s licence, Magajana commended the GRDM and stakeholders saying that “being part of this program not only help us to gain important skills, but it also opens doors for employment and a brighter future”. On behalf of the group, he undertook “to make the most of this opportunity and use the knowledge and skills responsibly”. In addition, Liyema said: “Many of us would not have been able to afford this opportunity on our own, and for that reason we are immensely grateful”. In conclusion he thanked the TETA, facilitators, instructors, and everyone involved in making the programme a reality.
The Garden Route District Municipality extends its gratitude to TETA for the funding and to all local municipal partners for their cooperation in making this life-changing project a reality.
Media Release: GRDM and Stakeholders ready to host the 11th Toughest Firefighter Alive – South Africa (TFA-SA) 2026 competition
For immediate release 30 April 2026
Today, 30 April 2026, the Executive Mayor of the Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM), Ald. Marais Kruger, announced and declared the Garden Route as official host of the Toughest Firefighter Alive South Africa (TFA-SA) 2026 competition.
Executive Mayor of Garden Route District Municipality, Ald. Marais Kruger.
Deon Stoffels (Chief Fire Officer) at Garden Route District Municipality.
Sonja Anderson (Sales & Event Coordinator at the Garden Route Mall).
Rion Olivier (General Manager at the Garden Route Mall).
Emile Conrad (GRDM’s Senior Firefighter and former South African Toughest Firefighter).
Aphiwe Ndukbini (Defending champion), receiving a gift from the Garden Route Mall.
The official launch took place and was hosted at the Garden Route Mall in George where the event will be held for the 2nd year in a row.
This year’s event signifies the loyal and ongoing partnership of the GRDM with the Firefighters for Excellence Foundation and the Garden Route Mall to host the 11th competition in George.
The date is set for 01 to 03 October 2026.
“Following the success of the 2025 event, the GRDM, in partnership with the Garden Route Mall, is honoured to once again host this prestigious national competition,” Mayor Kruger said. He further explained that the event signifies and celebrates the courage, strength, and dedication of firefighters who serve our communities daily, while promoting professional excellence, fitness, tourism, and regional economic growth.
In addition, Mayor Kruger, while addressing stakeholders present, reminded the public to also look forward to an exciting Mini Toughest Firefighter competition, creating an opportunity for families and communities to share in this inspiring experience. “We encourage the public to watch for registration dates and we look forward to welcoming firefighters and visitors from across South Africa to the Garden Route for another outstanding event. On behalf of the Garden Route District Municipality, I proudly and officially declare the venue and dates and warmly invite the nation to join us in George this October,” Mayor Kruger highlighted.
The Garden Route Mall is the center of retail in the region and is the largest shopping centre along the Garden Route. Set strategically next to the N2 and close to other attractions in George, spectators and competitors will enjoy a safe space with the picturesque Outeniqua Mountains in the background.
Stakeholder representatives who were also present from the Garden Route Mall include: Rion Olivier (General Manager) and Sonja Anderson (Sales & Event Coordinator), the GRDM team, including, Deon Stoffels (Chief Fire Officer), Emile Conrad (Senior Firefighter and former South African Toughest Firefighter and representatives from Metro Emergency Medical Services (EMS), including Aphiwe Ndukbini (defending champion from the Overberg), as well as Rescue Manager in the Garden Route, Jethro Jacobs, Rescue Manager in Overberg, John Davids, Rescue Technician, Rodriques Christoffels and Dane Lotter from Frontier Medix. Mark Smith from the Firefighters for Excellence Foundation virtually participated in the engagement.
𝗧𝗛𝗜𝗦 𝗬𝗘𝗔𝗥’𝗦 𝗖𝗢𝗠𝗣𝗘𝗧𝗜𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡
Previous category winners such as Emile Conrad, men’s overall category eight times and Aphiwe Ndukbini (defending champion from the Overberg) who won the competition last year, will be in action again to showcase the magnitude of their talent and overall fitness.
The Mini Toughest Firefighter Challenge will also be hosted to ensure that youngsters are able to also feel the rush and excitement of the TFA competition. Members of the public are encouraged to watch for announcements regarding registrations and spectator opportunities on the Toughest Firefighter Alive South Africa Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/104703576298608
Mayor Kruger encouraged the public and invited the nation to join firefighters across the country to gather in George this October to contribute to yet another remarkable experience for firefighters, stakeholders and the community at large.
ORIGINS OF THE TFA-SA
The event has been initially hosted in Cape Town, later in George in 2016, in Mossel Bay the competition was hosted from 2022 until 2024 and last year it has been hosted at the Garden Route Mall in George. This event attracts teams from across South Africa making the TFA-SA one of the biggest events of this nature across the globe.
According to Mark Smith, the Chairperson and founder of TFA-SA: “We are planning to make the event bigger and improve on the overall outcomes. Each year, we improve on the previous year’s event, as the competition has a massive and positive influence on Emergency Services across South Africa”. Smith further stated that the manner in which the event impacted the different areas is unbelievable – “more than what we could have imagined,” he said. Smith also highlighted how the event plays a pivotal role in ensuring improved service delivery to the communities, saying that “emergency responders must at all time be physically and mentally fit – testing their patience, resilience, camaraderie etc.”.
Aphiwe Ndukbini and Emile Conrad with loyal supporters showcasing what to expect at this year’s TFA-SA 2026.
The TFA-SA is linked to the World Firefighter Games, which was launched in Auckland, New Zealand, in 1990. It has since become the flagship competition for firefighters globally, with South Africa hosting its first TFA event in 2011 at the Good Hope Centre in Cape Town. The competition, nowadays, draws competitors from municipalities, private sector businesses, volunteer organisations, airport fire and rescue services and the military, as well as international firefighters.
Members of the public who are interested in volunteering at the event, are invited to send an e-mail to GRDM Fire Services to deon@gardenroute.gov.za.
Companies interested in sponsoring/exhibiting may contact the official media partner, Fire and Rescue International’s Lee Raath-Brownie at lee@fireandrescue.co or mobile 082 371 0190.
Media Release: Collective Effort Brings Renewed Dignity to Skills Mecca Participant
For Immediate Release
24 April 2026
Government and the private sector have partnered to donate an electric wheelchair and a pair of spectacles to Clidine Davids, a beneficiary of the Garden Route Skills Mecca, an initiative of the Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM).
This effort will enhance her mobility and provide greater independence, enabling easier access to George and surrounding areas.
Clidine Davids with the brand new wheelchair donated to her by GRDM in collaboration with Eden FM and private sector businesses.
GRDM’s Bonisile Desha, who started the initiative to change the life of a colleague, Clidine Davids.
Bonisile Desha (left) and GRDM Speaker, Ald. Georlene Wolmarans (right) with Clidine at the event.
The initiative began in February 2026, when a GRDM employee, Bonisile Desha, noticed that the wheels of Clidine’s wheelchair were damaged. He promptly contacted Morné Pieterse, Station Manager at Eden FM, to enquire about possible assistance in funding the replacement.
Without hesitation, Pietersen committed to supporting the effort and arranged for the wheels to be replaced. However, the broader vision extended beyond this immediate solution – it was to replace Clidine’s wheelchair entirely with a foldable model that could fit into smaller vehicles. This would significantly improve her ability to travel, get access to areas previously out of reach, particularly as she relies primarily on public transport.
With Davids’ needs in mind, Desha approached additional businesses to support the procurement of an EW-03 electric foldable wheelchair. Letsatsi committed to covering the full cost of a foldable wheelchair, while Mafori and Loxion Lounge jointly funded her new pair of spectacles.
As the initiative gained momentum, more partners came on board to support the handover event. Mestile Projects provided catering, while Sugarbird supplied refreshments for the event. The region’s largest community radio station, Eden FM, further supported the initiative by offering on-air exposure, allowing participating sponsors to showcase their services.
At an emotional handover ceremony today held at the GRDM, Davids extended words of gratitude to all stakeholders and sponsors involved in this life-changing initiative.
Generous sponsors celebrating the moment with Clidine after the official handover of the wheelchair.
The GRDM, which facilitated the initiative, takes pride in knowing that Clidine’s quality of life will be enhanced. It furthermore builds on the impact already envisioned through the Garden Route Skills Mecca.
“As a District Municipality, we are deeply grateful to the private sector for their meaningful contribution to Claudine’s well-being.”
Media Release: Garden Route reflects on 2025/26 tourism dynamics
For immediate release 21 April 2026
The Garden Route tourism sector has rebounded strongly after the COVID-19 downturn, with 2025/26 figures showing growth beyond pre-pandemic levels in both domestic and international markets. This recovery highlights renewed confidence in one of South Africa’s premier nature-based destinations.
Despite rising travel costs linked to global instability and fuel prices, regional tourism is expected to remain resilient. International arrivals, particularly from Europe are increasing, drawn by the Garden Route’s strong value-for-money offering and unique experiences.
The Port of Mossel Bay.
“The tourism industry is one of the top contributors to the regional economy, supporting jobs and growth,” says Cobus Meiring of the Garden Route Environmental Forum (GREF). “Strategic investments, including upgrades to George Airport and developments around the Port of Mossel Bay, are strengthening the sector’s long-term potential.”
George Airport.
Central to this growth is the region’s natural environment. Indigenous forests, fynbos, and coastal ecosystems underpin a wide range of outdoor activities, from hiking and mountain biking to golf and paragliding. The environment remains the foundation of the Garden Route’s global appeal.
However, sustaining tourism growth will require a stronger focus on environmental protection. Safeguarding biodiversity and advancing the green economy are essential to long-term success.
Climate change is intensifying risks such as drought, flooding, severe storms and wildfires, placing pressure on both infrastructure and ecosystems. Addressing these challenges demands coordinated action from government, the private sector and civil society.
As a climate change think tank, GREF continues to promote sustainable development to ensure the Garden Route’s environment and its tourism economy endures.
The Garden Route Environmental Forum (GREF) is a public platform for environmental managers and a climate change think tank.(www.grefecsf.co.za).
Feature Image: Garden Route & Klein Karoo Tourism represented at the World Travel Market.
Notice of a Council Meeting on 28 April 2026 at 13:00
Notice Number: 41/2026
Notice is hereby given that a COUNCIL MEETING of the Garden Route District Municipality will be held at the CA Robertson Council Chambers and via Zoom, 54 York Street, George, on 28 April 2026 at 13:00.
Media Release: Garden Route District Municipality and Eden Sport Council to host the Eden/Garden Route Inaugural Municipal Sports Indaba
For immediate release 14 April 2026
The Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) in collaboration with the Eden Sport Council, including sports federations and local municipalities in the district, are gearing up to host the first ever Sports Indaba within the Western Cape, on 23 April 2026.
The Eden/Garden Route Inaugural Municipal Sports Indaba will be attended by representatives from the Western Cape Provincial Government’s (WCG) Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport led by Minister Ricardo Mackenzie, Executive Mayors and representatives from the Eden Sport Council including sports federations, as well as sport representatives at local municipal level in the district.
The purpose of the event will be to inclusively address ongoing efforts to strengthen collaboration and improve sport structures across the district. The programme will also focus on how:
the role of municipalities in sport development can be strengthened;
access to and maintenance of sport facilities can be improved; and
opportunities to position the region as a leading sport tourism destination, can be explored.
Developing a clear and shared understanding of roles and responsibilities among all sport stakeholders operating within the district, is thus a vital focal point as these aspects will be addressed.
Other key focus areas for discussion at the event will include:
Custodianship of Sport – who holds the responsibility for sport at municipal and district level, and how this role is
exercised in practice.
Role of Municipalities in Sport Development – how municipalities can support federations, clubs, and athletes through programmes, partnerships, and policy implementation.
Infrastructure, Facilities and Development – ensuring access to quality facilities, maintenance of infrastructure, and long-term planning for sport development.
Sport Tourism and Major Events – opportunities to position the Garden Route district as a hub for sport tourism and major events.
Funding and Resource Support – available funding streams, support mechanisms, and opportunities for financial sustainability within sport structures.
Municipal Sport Council Structures and Jurisdiction – the structure, legitimacy, and operational boundaries of municipal sport councils within the district.
The event will take place at the Council Chambers of GRDM, starting from 10:00 and it will include approximately 80 delegates in hybrid format.
Through constructive dialogue and shared understanding, stakeholders aim to position themselves to better serve federations, local councils, and athletes, while fostering stronger partnerships together with municipal stakeholders.
Photo caption: Ready for the Eden/Garden Route Inaugural Municipal Sports Indaba are (fltr): Zelda van Staden (Eden Sport Council Secretary), Ald. Marais Kruger (GRDM Executive Mayor) and Desmond Speelman (Eden Sport Council Chairperson).
