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Author: Marillia Veldkornet

18 March 2024 Media Release: GRDM Municipal Health Services continue to fulfill its role in Knysna and Bitou during March 2024

Media Release: GRDM Municipal Health Services continue to fulfill its role in Knysna and Bitou during March 2024

For immediate release
18 March 2024

During the month of March 2024, Environmental Health Practitioners from Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) continued to fulfill their roll in the respective communities they serve.  Some of the activities in Knysna and Bitou areas included a visit, together with GRDM councillors, to Annie’s Daycare Centre in Rheenendal, a training session at The Crags Bread and Brew restaurant in Bitou, and an awareness session at the Paradise Manor Frail Care Centre in Knysna.

Knysna: GRDM donates mattresses to Annie’s Day Care in Rheenendal and educate children regarding proper hand washing techniques

Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) Portfolio Chairperson for Community Services, Ald. Nompumelelo Ndayi, recently visited Annie’s Day Care centre in Rheenendal near Knysna. Accompanying Cllr Ndayi, were GRDM and Local Ward Councillor, Cllr Hilton Stroebel, as well as officials from the GRDM’s Knysna Municipal Health Services Section.

This crèche opened its doors in 2020, to assist in the need for Early Childhood Development services in the Rheenendal area. In their quest to address these needs, Cllrs Ndayi and Stroebel handed over 18 mattresses to the principal of the crèche after Cllr Stroebel extended a warm welcome to all present who witnessed the proceedings that would ultimately contribute to a healthier and more comfortable learning environment for the children of the facility.

During her address, Ndayi said: “Since the crèche was registered, the facility grew rapidly which resulted in the crèche eventually not having sufficient mattresses for all the children. The principal approached the ward councillor for a possible donation – thank you for approaching us,” she added.

The event was concluded with the GRDM Environmental Health Practitioners led by Lindon Herwels, demonstrating proper hand washing techniques to learners with their caretakers present.

Principal and owner of the crèche, Ms Anne Barends, extended words of appreciation to the GRDM, particularly Ald. Ndayi and Cllr Stroebel for the generous donation to the facility, as well as Linden Herwels for educating the children about proper hand washing techniques.

Bitou: GRDM’s EHPs conducts Health and Hygiene training at Food Premises

Regulation R638 of 2018, under Act 52 of 1972, outlines comprehensive guidelines for food safety and hygiene practices. Together with the guideline, the Regulation also mandates that all food handlers undergo formal training in Health and Hygiene practices.

Garden Route District Environmental Health Practitioners (EHPs) responsible for the Bitou region, recently conducted a training session at one of the restaurants in the area, The Crags Bread and Brew.

The training covered essential topics such as the 5 Keys to Safer Foods, which include hygiene, separating raw and cooked foods, cooking food thoroughly, keeping food at safe temperatures, and using safe water and raw materials.

Moreover, R638 specifies structural requirements for food premises to ensure safe handling and preparation of food. These requirements encompass adequate ventilation, lighting, and drainage systems, as well as provisions for waste disposal and pest control. Additionally, the regulation mandates proper storage facilities, sanitation measures, and equipment maintenance to prevent contamination and ensure food safety.

In summary, Regulation R638 of 2018 underscores the importance of training food handlers in health and hygiene practices, adhering to the 5 Keys to Safer Foods, and maintaining appropriate structural standards in food premises to safeguard public health and promote food safety.

EHPs from GRDM therefore encourages all food premises in the Bitou region to comply with these requirements stipulated in the Regulations to ensure the best possible service to the communities it serve.

Knysna: EHPs from Garden Route District Municipality conduct Health and Hygiene Session at Frail Care Centre

Environmental Health Practitioners (EHPs) from Garden Route District Municipality’s (GRDM’s) Municipal Health Services section in Knysna recently conducted and presented a Health and Hygiene education session to the staff of Paradise Manor Frail Care Centre.

The following information was presented to the staff, including food safety covering the five (5) keys to safer food; the prevention of food borne illnesses; all food handlers and Care Takers partook in the session and water quality (The premises is situated in a rural area and the treatment of water to ensure it complies with SANS 241:2015, formed part of the training). The session also included talks about safe storage and disposal of medical waste on the premises.

The owner, manager, caretakers, maintenance staff, as well as food handlers attended and participated in the session.

Feature Image: GRDM Environmental Health Practitioners, Linden Herwels, demonstrating proper hand washing techniques to a learner during their visit to Annie’s Daycare Centre.

ENDS

15 March 2024 Public Notice: Public Participation for the Garden Route District Climate Change Adaptation Response Implementation Plan and Needs- and Response Assessment  – For Comment

Public Notice: Public Participation for the Garden Route District Climate Change Adaptation Response Implementation Plan and Needs- and Response Assessment – Notice Number: 30/2024

Open for Comment
15 March 2024

The Municipal Structures Act, 1998 (Act 117 of 1998) provides for the development of a Climate Change Adaptation master plan for the district, and through which local municipalities can develop their Integrated Development Plans.

Notice is therefore hereby given that a public participation period of 30-days will be provided for public comments and inputs on the following two Climate Change Adaptation documents, namely the:

  • Draft Garden Route District Climate Change Adaptation Response Implementation Plan;
  • Draft Garden Route District Climate Change Adaptation Needs and Response Assessment.

Any comments and inputs submitted will be considered during the finalisation of the draft documents for final Council approval.

The documents will be available for public review and comment from 15 March 2024 to 15 April 2024, and will be available for viewing at the following places:

  1. Garden Route District Municipality, 54 York Street, George;
  2. Mossel Bay Public Library, 99 Marsh Street, Mossel Bay;
  3. Hessequa Public Library (Gouritsmond Library), 9 Kerk Street, Gouritz;
  4. Albertinia Public Library, 2 Horne Street, Albertinia;
  5. Still Bay Public Library, Main Road, Still Bay West;
  6. Riversdale Public Library, Van Den Berg Street, Riversdale;
  7. Oudtshoorn Public Library, 3 Baron Van Reede Street, Oudtshoorn;
  8. Ladismith Public Library, 21 Queen Street, Ladismith;
  9. Plettenberg Bay Public Library; Saringa Way, New Horizons, Plettenberg Bay;
  10. Knysna Public Library, Memorial Square, 2 Main Street, Knysna;
  11. George Public Library, Corner of Caledon and Courtenay Streets, Camphersdrift, George, and;
  12.  Garden Route District Municipality website at:
    1)  https://www.gardenroute.gov.za/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Draft-Garden-Route-District-Climate-Change-Adaptation-Response-Implementation-Plan-2024.pdf

        2) https://www.gardenroute.gov.za/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Garden-Route-District-Climate-Change-Adaptation-Needs-and-Response-Assessment-2024.pdf

Written submissions may be directed to the Municipal Manager on/before 15 April 2024 using the following address:

Garden Route District Municipality, Municipal Manager, Monde Stratu, 54 York Street, George or PO Box 12, George, 6530 or via email to info@gardenroute.gov.za.

Any person who is unable to write can submit their input verbally to the Council’s offices where they will be assisted by a staff member to put their comments in writing. Enquiries can be directed to Dr Nina Viljoen at 044 803 1318 or e-mail nina@gardenroute.gov.za

M Stratu
MUNICIPAL MANAGER
GARDEN ROUTE DISTRICT MUNICIPALITY

Click here and download the Official Notice

13 March 2024 Media Release: Southern Cape Water Resources in the Spotlight

Media Release: Southern Cape water resources in the spotlight

For immediate release
13 March 2024

“The Southern Cape’s present and future water resources will be in the spotlight as stakeholders meet in George today (13 March 2024) to look at Strategic Water Source Areas (SWSAs). These identified areas  are crucial for their importance in providing water resources to downstream regions of which the Outeniqua and Tsitsikamma mountains form part of,” says Cobus Meiring of the Garden Route Environmental Forum (GREF).

The event is sponsored by the World Wide Fund for Nature South Africa (WWF SA) in collaboration with the Provincial Department of Environmental Affairs and Development Planning (DEADP), and spearheaded by the Garden Route Biosphere Reserve (GRBR).

  1. SWSAs are areas of high biodiversity, high water yield, and high levels of ecosystem services. Protecting these areas is essential for ensuring water security for both human and ecological needs. The Garden Route is one of the world’s biodiversity hotspots and contains important water catchment areas for several rivers.

The workshop is aimed to inform policy makers, water resource managers, and conservation practitioners in order to be able to make informed decisions to safeguard the integrity of Strategic Water Source Areas in the Southern Cape and ensure the sustainable management of water resources for future generations.

The Garden Route is growing at a rate of just above four percent per annum, which is significant given the fact that the region is relatively resource- poor, including the availability of water in dry areas such as the Klein Karoo. As pressure mounts on available water sources due to development and demands posed by an increasing population, agriculture, forestry and industry alike there are several other impacts to consider, including climate change, drought, changes in rainfall patterns and a marked increase in extreme weather events leading to flooding and damage caused to both natural infrastructure such as rivers and streams and damage to man-made infrastructure such as property, roads and bridges and putting communities in harm’s way.

Over the years, a number of studies have been done focusing on understanding the water balance, hydrological processes, and water availability in SWSAs. This research will assist decision makers in managing water resources sustainably and predicting the impacts of climate change on water availability, identifying land management practices that minimize negative impacts on water quality and quantity and finding ways to mitigate their impact to be able to adapt in accordance.

Feature Image: The Garden Route is a home to one of only a few of South Africa’s Strategic Water Source Areas (SWSAs) – Photo: George Herald.

Issued: The Garden Route Environmental Forum (GREF)

ENDS

The Garden Route Environmental Forum (GREF) is a public platform for entities involved in environmental management and conservation.(ww.scligref.co.za)

13 March 2024 Public Notice: Public Participation for the Garden Route District Coastal Management Programme – Notice number: 29/2024

Public Notice: Public Participation for the Garden Route District Coastal Management Programme – Notice number: 29/2024
Open for Comment

13 March 2024

The Garden Route District Coastal Management Programme was reviewed and updated, in terms of Section 48 of the Integrated Coastal Management (ICM) Act (Act No 24 of 2008). As per the provisions of the ICM Act, any amendments that are made to the existing Coastal Management Programme must be subject to the public participation requirements in accordance with Chapter 4 of the Municipal Systems Act, prior to being Gazetted.

Notice is hereby given that the Draft Garden Route District Coastal Management Programme will be available for review and comment from 14 March 2024 to 14 April 2024. The draft Garden Route District Coastal Management Programme will be available for viewing at the following Places:

1)      Garden Route District Municipality, 54 York Street, George;
2)      Mossel Bay Public Library, 99 Marsh Street, Mossel Bay;
3)      Hessequa Public Library (Gouritsmond Library), 9 Kerk Street, Gouritz;
4)      Albertinia Public Library, 2 Horne Street, Albertinia;
5)      Still Bay Public Library, Main Road, Still Bay West;
6)      Riversdale Public Library, Van Den Berg Street, Riversdale;
7)      Hessequa Municipal Office, Mitchell Street, Riversdale;
8)      Plettenberg Bay Public Library; Saringa Way, New Horizons, Plettenberg Bay;
9)      Knysna Public Library, Memorial Square, 2 Main Street, Knysna;
10)    George Public Library, Corner Caledon and Courtenay Streets, Camphersdrift, George;U
11)     Community centres and SAPD reception offices within subsistence fisher communities, and;
12)    Garden Route District Municipality website – link:

https://www.gardenroute.gov.za/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Draft-Garden-Route-District-Coastal- Management-Programme-2023-2024.pdf

The District Municipality hereby invites comments from interested and affected parties on the draft reviewed Garden Route District Coastal Management Programme. Any comments and inputs submitted will be considered during the finalisation of the draft document for final approval and Gazetting.

Written submissions may be directed to the Municipal Manager using the following address:

Garden Route District Municipality, Municipal Manager, Monde Stratu, 54 York Street, George or Private Bag 12, George, 6530 or via email to info@gardenroute.gov.za on or before 14 April 2024.

Any person who is unable to write can submit their input verbally to the Council’s offices where they will be assisted by a staff member to put their comments in writing. Enquiries can be directed to Dr Nina Viljoen at 044 803 1318 or e-mail nina@gardenroute.gov.za

M Stratu
MUNICIPAL MANAGER
GARDEN ROUTE DISTRICT MUNICIPALITY

Click here to Download the Official Notice

23 February 2024 Media Release: GRDM funds training for 120 unemployed youth as Patrol Officers

Media Release: GRDM funds training for 120 unemployed youth as Patrol Officers

For immediate release
23 February 2024

The Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) was granted funding by Safety and Security Sector Education and Training Authority (SASSETA) to train 120 unemployed learners as Patrol Officers across the Garden Route district. This programme includes all the (7) b-municipalities, under the coordination of the Garden Route Skills Mecca (GRSM) program – a skills development initiative owned by the GRDM.

Training commenced on 30 October 2023 and will conclude on the 1st of March 2024.

Management and officials from Garden Route District Municipality, with beneficiaries of the Patrol Officer Training Programme.

The allocation per municipal area includes: Bitou – 17, Knysna – 14, George –13, Mossel Bay – 10, Kannaland – 31, Hessequa – 20 and Oudtshoorn – 15.

The course consists of both theory and practical experience that includes the following unit standards:

  • How to perform basic firefighting.
  • Carry out basic first aid treatment in the workplace.
  • How to use security equipment.
  • Conduct a security patrol in an area of responsibility.
  • Handle complaints and problems.
  • Perform handover and take-over responsibilities.
  • Give evidence in court.
  • Apply legal aspects in a security environment.
  • Explain the requirements for becoming a security service provider.

Training takes place at various venues across the region and learners are hosted at different workplaces to complete their practical part of the programme. Apart from learners receiving a monthly stipend, each student will furthermore receive a certificate for General Security Practices Skills Program: Patrol Officer NQF 3, when successfully completed.

These learners were placed at various institutions to do their practical training. These institutions include:

  • George Municipality
  • Knysna Municipality
  • Oudtshoorn Municipality
  • Hessequa Municipality
  • Kannaland Municipality
  • Mossel Bay Municipality
  • Alert Patrol Securities (Mossel Bay)
  • Plett Security (Bitou)
  • Isolomzi Securities (Bitou)

Sisanda Sajini, one of the twelve (12) Garden Route Skills Mecca Technicians who is based at the GRDM’s Economic Development Unit, currently provides project management assistance by coordinating meetings and continuously gives feedback and updates to the GRDM.

Project Manager of the SASSETA, Boniswa Witbooi, on the 7th of September 2023, visited the GRDM for an induction session as part of a monitoring process organised by the Corporate Service Department of GRDM.

GRDM is grateful for the opportunity to work with the SASSETA, especially the team, including Wahida Moosa, Boniswa Witbooi and Katlego Pitso, in combating unemployment and poverty within the Garden Route district.

Did you know?

After completion of the Patrol Officer Training, learners will be able to work as Patrol Officers, Security guards and will operate mainly in the security sector.

This is an entry-level qualification which will enable individuals to enter the Security industry and develop competencies in standard security practices, such as access and egress control, security response and patrols, asset protection and visible security operations and will also enhance their career opportunities within the security environment.

ENDS

22 February 2024 Opportunity: The National Business Initiative (NBI)

Opportunity: The National Business Initiative (NBI)

14 February 2024

REQUIREMENT
The National Business Initiative (NBI) wishes to appoint a professional that will provide Construction Project Management and Quantity Surveying services to support the establishment of skills and enterprise development hubs (Installation, Repair and Maintenance Hubs) across various locations across the country. In the initial stages, the PM/QS will work as part of a team of consultants, to deliver concept and viability stages. At the point of handover
during stage 3, their role will shift to act as a client representative and to oversee the work of the professionals appointed to deliver stages 3-6.

PROJECT DESCRIPTION
The National Business Initiative (NBI) is the Project Executing Agency; for the establishment of 7 IRM Hubs across South Africa.

IRM hubs are multi-functional industrial facilities that act as interfaces between supply and demand of labour. They support all facets of job creation throughout the value chain in different kinds of installation, repair and maintenance businesses. The IRM hub is a public institution (facility) that serves entrepreneurs and SMMEs from the local community: It provides workspaces, technology, business development support and skills training to existing enterprises and start-ups. The hub also serves as a public institution (facility) that supports the delivery of short skills programmes to enable unemployed youth to access employment opportunities in entry level technical roles in installation, repair and maintenance. The IRM hub builds networks of the business community and acts as facilitator for SMMEs to access business opportunities.

Infrastructure-wise, the hubs will consist of a set of workshop spaces for different user groups, a maker space, meeting and training rooms and an entrance area that foresees a hall for multiple purposes as well as a space for selected businesses to open up the hub towards the community.

CONTRACT DURATION
It is envisaged that the construction programme will be completed in 2028 as such the contract period will be from the 15 th March 2024 until programme completion. Resource allocation will however not be full-time during the project duration. This will be reviewed annually.

TIME COMMITMENT
We are anticipating that the successful professional will be contracted for at least 10 days per month.

RESPONSE
Please provide your response via email to irm@nbi.org.za and copy shavillah@nbi.org.za no later than the 1st March 2024, indicating your availability and kindly provide the following for consideration:
• CV with relevant supporting documents.
• Evidence of having completed similar work.
• Proof of registration with the SACPCMP.
• A daily professional fee rate for the Provision of the aforementioned services

Click here to read more.

Issued: National Business Initiative (NBI)

20 February 2024 Update: Gwaiing Road Construction Works, George

Update: Gwaiing Road Construction Project

20 February 2024

The Gwaing project is still in its construction phase with 65% works completed.

The main focus areas currently are the processing of the layer works, where the team will soon commence with the stabilisation process of the first lane, as material is currently being carted into the site from the approved source. Various other activities are still in process such as the improvement of the drainage network by means of laying new stormwater pipe crossings, which are nearing its completion.

The final completion date set for 18 September 2024.

-ENDS-

20 February 2024 Public Notice: Council Meeting, 27 February 2024 at 10:00

Notice of a Council Meeting: 27 February 2024 at 10:00

Notice Number 13/2024

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 27 February 2024 at 10:00.

MG Stratu
Municipal Manager
54 York Street
P O Box 12
GEORGE
6530

Tel: 044 803 1300
Notice Number 13/2024
20 February 2024

Click here to download the official Notice.

9 Febuary 2024 Media Release: A Collaborative Effort in Disaster Preparedness: Strengthening Community Resilience, starting with our Schools

Media Release: A Collaborative Effort in Disaster Preparedness: Strengthening Community Resilience, starting with our Schools

For immediate release
9 February 2024

In a concerted effort to fortify community resilience against potential disasters, the Western Cape Provincial Disaster Management team joined forces with the Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM), Bitou and Knysna Municipalities. Together, they embarked on a mission to equip schools within our communities with knowledge and tools necessary to mitigate and respond effectively to various hazards with the key focus on floods, fires, and how to stay safe during loadshedding.

Recognising the pivotal role of education in disaster preparedness, the initiative placed schools at the forefront of the Departmental disaster awareness strategy. Drawing insights from a comprehensive Disaster Risk and Vulnerability assessment, it was a reminder that educational institutions serve as vital hubs for disseminating critical information to students and surrounding communities. Along the eastern border of the Western Cape and within the Garden Route district, ten (10) schools were identified as potential hosts for the Disaster Awareness Campaign that started on the 5th of February 2024 and end on the 9th of February 2024.

Among the schools that were earmarked for participation, are:

Bitou Local Municipal Area

– Wittedrift Primary School
– The Crags Primary School
– Formosa Primary School
– Phakamisani Primary School
– Kranshoek Primary School

Knysna Local Municipal Area

– Chris Nissen Primary School
– Thembelitsa Primary School
– Fraaisig Primary School
– Bracken Hill Primary School
– Karatara Primary School

These schools were strategically chosen based on their geographic positioning and capacity to engage with students. Spearheaded by the Western Cape Provincial Disaster Management Centre, the campaign sought to collaborate with schools in conducting a disaster awareness play tailored specifically for learners. The simulated plays helped to foster a culture of preparedness and responsibility within schools and surrounding communities. By empowering learners with the knowledge of what to do and whom to call in times of crisis, the initiative aimed to instill a sense of confidence and self-reliance among individuals.

Disaster educations sessions held at schools within the Knysna and Bitou areas.

Lee-Ann Joubert, Disaster Management Officer at GRDM, said: “As the Disaster Awareness Campaign reaching its conclusion, reflections on its success underscore the power of collective effort and collaboration. By harnessing the strengths of educational institutions and community stakeholders, significant strides are made towards building resilient and disaster-ready communities. Looking ahead, it is imperative to sustain the momentum generated by this initiative. Prioritising proactive measures and educational initiatives will be paramount in enhancing preparedness and response capabilities.

In closing Joubert said: “Together, let us remain steadfast in our commitment to navigating the challenges posed by natural disasters with resilience, unity, and unwavering determination”.

Feature Image: Lee-Ann Joubert, Disaster Management Officer at GRDM, during an education session.

ENDS