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Author: Marillia Veldkornet

18 November 2025 Media Release: Lack of government funding fighting invasive plants poses a challenge

Media Release: Lack of government funding fighting invasive plants poses a challenge

For immediate release
18 November 2025

“The multiple fires we’ve seen in the Garden Route over recent weeks again confirm what we have warned about for years,” says Cobus Meiring of the Garden Route Environmental Forum (GREF). “With rainfall figures remaining low, invasive alien plants proliferating, and climate conditions becoming harsher, the region is facing rising fire danger and intensifying pressure on already stressed water resources.”

Invasive alien plants (IAPs) are one of the greatest threats to the Garden Route’s critically endangered habitats, sensitive mountain catchments, and the ecological functioning of rivers and estuaries. Species such as pines, wattles, Lantana, bugweed, gums and hakeas consume large volumes of water, starving rivers of sustained flow and undermining the health of estuaries that depend on reliable freshwater input. At the same time, these invasives create dense, highly flammable fuel loads that can turn ordinary wildfires into uncontrollable events.

To better understand and respond to these risks, entities such as the Southern Cape Fire Protection Association (SCFPA), SANParks, CapeNature and the Garden Route District Municipality established the Risk Reduction Task Team – a working group that continuously evaluates the growing threats posed by IAP’s and advises on coordinated mitigation.

However, the challenge is outpacing the resources available. Government grants, including those that previously supported large-scale clearing under programmes such as Working for Water, have shrunk dramatically. The breeding and release of biological control agents- once an essential tool for suppressing the spread of several invasive species is now no longer freely available, further compounding management difficulties. As a result, landowners, conservancies and local initiatives are increasingly left to carry the financial burden themselves, with uneven success.

More sustained investment from government is essential. Firefighting is expensive, and so are the preventative measures required to reduce risk, but prevention is far cheaper than disaster. Alien plant control must be funded consistently, prioritised strategically, and integrated with fire management, biodiversity conservation and climate-adaptation planning. Without this, the region’s water security, natural heritage and community safety will remain increasingly vulnerable.

The Garden Route Environmental Forum is a public platform for landowners and environmental managers and a climate change think tank. (www.grefecsf.co.za)

Photo: Homestead saved from raging wildfire by determined GRDM fire fighters and the landowner in Hessequa in October 2025 – Michael Raimondo.

ENDS

17 November 2025 Media Release: GRDM Prioritises Safety and Compliance with Essential Small Plant Equipment Training for Roads Teams

Media Release: GRDM Prioritises Safety and Compliance with Essential Small Plant Equipment Training for Roads Teams

For immediate release
17 November 2025

The Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) is significantly investing in the safety and operational capacity of its Roads Department personnel by launching the GRDM Use and Maintain Small Plant Training Programme. This essential training is designed to ensure all relevant staff are fully compliant with Construction Regulations and proficient in operating the small plant equipment critical to daily operations.

The program’s core focus is on enhancing skills across the maintenance, reseal, and concrete sections of the Roads Department.

“Safety and competency are non-negotiable, particularly when operating machinery,” said Gert Verwey Manager Maintenance. “By standardising this training, we are not only protecting our valuable staff but also guaranteeing that we meet all regulatory requirements, enabling us to deliver better, safer, and faster service delivery on our road network.”

This critical training initiative ensures full compliance with the current Construction Regulations, reinforcing the organisation’s commitment to employee safety, regulatory adherence, and the delivery of high-quality infrastructure.

The training program is essential for all workers who operate small plant equipment and is designed to mitigate operational risks while maximising efficiency across all roadwork disciplines. The comprehensive curriculum is structured around four key areas of competence:

  • Identify and Select: to correctly identify and select the appropriate small plant and equipment for specific tasks.
  • Prepare for Use: training in the essential pre-operation checks and preparation procedures necessary to ensure equipment is ready and safe.
  • Utilise Effectively: skilled and efficient utilisation of the equipment to achieve required roadwork standards.
  • Maintain Equipment: in-depth training on basic maintenance and fault-finding to ensure equipment longevity and minimal downtime.

Specific equipment covered in the hands-on and theoretical modules includes:

  • Jumping Jacks (Tampers)
  • Rollers (various types)
  • Bomags (Compactors)
  • Pedestrian Rollers
  • Grinders
  • Electrical Equipment
  • Concrete mixers and related apparatus
  • Generators

“The Head of department, John Daniels, said. “By investing in this specialised training, we are not only ensuring compliance with the Construction Regulations, but are also empowering our workforce with the skills needed to execute projects safely and to the highest professional standards. Our commitment to worker safety and the integrity of our national road network remains paramount.”

The programme will be completed by the end of November 2025, accommodating approximately 144 learners from various regional teams including Oudtshoorn, George, Ladismith and Riversdale,

The training will be facilitated by Nqobile Mkhize and Richard Fembi form the company South Africa Value Education (SAVE), ensuring expert guidance for all participants across the various sites.

This proactive approach confirms GRDM’s commitment to creating a highly skilled, legally compliant, and safe working environment for all its employees.

ENDS

12 November 2025 Media Release: GREF: Western Cape Nature Reserves Offer a Safe Haven for Biodiversity and Holiday Visitors

Media Release: GREF: Western Cape Nature Reserves Offer a Safe Haven for Biodiversity and Holiday Visitors

For immediate release
12 November 2025

As the holiday season approaches, the Garden Route Environmental Forum (GREF) highlights the importance of the Western Cape’s nature reserves, which continues to stand out as a beacon of conservation excellence and effective environmental management in South Africa.

A recent report by the EMS Foundation (NGO) on 53 provincial nature reserves across South Africa paints a grim national picture: widespread decay, biodiversity loss, and crumbling infrastructure threaten the future of many protected areas. The Western Cape, through CapeNature, remains a rare exception. Its network of reserves, spanning marine, coastal, and estuarine ecosystems is renowned for strong management, skilled personnel, and innovative conservation practices.

Partnerships with SANParks and private landowners and conservancies further extend the province’s conservation footprint, while collaboration with local authorities ensures a coordinated approach to protecting fragile ecosystems. In addition, private reserves and conservancies, driven by passionate environmental custodians, contribute invaluable expertise, resources, and on-the-ground stewardship to safeguard biodiversity and habitats that are increasingly rare.

“Our quality of life depends on how we manage what remains of the Western Cape’s biodiversity and unique ecosystems,” says Cobus Meiring, GREF Convener. “Through responsible stewardship, public–private partnerships, and community engagement, these reserves continue to thrive — providing safe havens for wildlife and natural beauty for all to enjoy.”

Holidaymakers visiting the Western Cape this season can look forward to exploring well-managed, secure, and scenic reserves, from coastal pathways to pristine fynbos landscapes and vibrant estuaries. GREF encourages visitors to respect these special places: leave no trace, avoid littering, and follow reserve guidelines to ensure that every footprint remains clean.

GREF applauds CapeNature, private reserve managers, and the province’s conservancy networks for their tireless efforts to protect biodiversity. These reserves are more than tourist attractions — they are essential to the ecological health of the Western Cape and the protection of its natural legacy for future generations.

By working together, authorities, landowners, and visitors can ensure that the Western Cape remains a model of conservation excellence in South Africa — protecting biodiversity while offering unforgettable holiday experiences.

The Garden Route Environmental Forum (GREF) is a regional platform for environmental managers and conservation entities, serving as a climate change think tank.

For more information, visit: www.grefecsf.co.za

Issued by:
Garden Route Environmental Forum (GREF)
Enquiries: cobus@naturalbridge.co.za

ENDS

11 November 2025 Media Release: GREF: Western Cape Nature Reserves Offer a Safe Haven for Biodiversity and Holiday Visitors

Media Release: GREF: Western Cape Nature Reserves Offer a Safe Haven for Biodiversity and Holiday Visitors

For immediate release
11 November 2025

As the holiday season approaches, the Garden Route Environmental Forum (GREF) highlights the importance of the Western Cape’s nature reserves, which continue to stand out as a beacon of conservation excellence and effective environmental management in South Africa.

A recent report by the EMS Foundation (NGO) on 53 provincial nature reserves across South Africa paints a grim national picture: widespread decay, biodiversity loss, and crumbling infrastructure threaten the future of many protected areas. The Western Cape, through CapeNature, remains a rare exception. Its network of reserves, spanning marine, coastal, and estuarine ecosystems is renowned for strong management, skilled personnel, and innovative conservation practices.

Partnerships with SANParks and private landowners and conservancies further extend the province’s conservation footprint, while collaboration with local authorities ensures a coordinated approach to protecting fragile ecosystems. In addition, private reserves and conservancies, driven by passionate environmental custodians, contribute invaluable expertise, resources, and on-the-ground stewardship to safeguard biodiversity and habitats that are increasingly rare.

“Our quality of life depends on how we manage what remains of the Western Cape’s biodiversity and unique ecosystems,” says Cobus Meiring, GREF Convener. “Through responsible stewardship, public–private partnerships, and community engagement, these reserves continue to thrive — providing safe havens for wildlife and natural beauty for all to enjoy.”

Holidaymakers visiting the Western Cape this season can look forward to exploring well-managed, secure, and scenic reserves, from coastal pathways to pristine fynbos landscapes and vibrant estuaries. GREF encourages visitors to respect these special places: leave no trace, avoid littering, and follow reserve guidelines to ensure that every footprint remains clean.

GREF applauds CapeNature, private reserve managers, and the province’s conservancy networks for their tireless efforts to protect biodiversity. These reserves are more than tourist attractions — they are essential to the ecological health of the Western Cape and the protection of its natural legacy for future generations.

By working together, authorities, landowners, and visitors can ensure that the Western Cape remains a model of conservation excellence in South Africa — protecting biodiversity while offering unforgettable holiday experiences.

The Garden Route Environmental Forum (GREF) is a regional platform for environmental managers and conservation entities, serving as a climate change think tank.

For more information, visit: www.grefecsf.co.za

Issued by:
Garden Route Environmental Forum (GREF)
Enquiries: cobus@naturalbridge.co.za

ENDS

05 March 2026 Save the Date: Notice of a Special Council Meeting, 12 March 2026 – 11:00

Notice of a Special Council Meeting, 12 March 2026, 11:00

Notice Number: 17/2026

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 12 March 2026 at 11:00.

YouTube Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=03M0goZzF20

05 November 2025 Notice to Bidders: Non-Compulsory Briefing Session (New Date) – Tender Number: GRDM/12/25-26

NOTICE TO BIDDERS: NON-COMPULSORY BRIEFING SESSION (NEW DATE)

Tender Number: GRDM/12/25-26

Appointment of a Service Provider to Undertake Specific Initiatives and Collaborations in terms of Destination Marketing, Destination Marketing and Destination Management and Destination Development for a Period of Three Years

INITIAL NON-COMPULSORY BRIEFING SESSION
An Open Session Via Microsoft Teams.
Use link below to join the meeting.
Meeting ID: 384 273 643 253 1
Passcode: CM3vW7Hc
Date: Thursday, 30 October 2025 10:00-11:00.

NEW NON-COMPULSORY BRIEFING SESSION
An Open Session Via Microsoft Teams.
Join the meeting here: https://shorturl.at/SeK1z
Meeting ID: 315 017 549 795 9
Passcode: yN9Bo9Sd
Date: Thursday, 06 November 2025 10:00 – 11:00.

Tender documents for GRDM/12/25-26 are obtainable from Norman October during office hours (Mondays to Thursday 08:00 – 16:30 and Fridays 08:00 – 13:30) Tel: (044) 803 1338;
E-mail: normano@gardenroute.gov.za.

Tenders will be evaluated and adjudicated in terms of the Preferential Procurement Policy of Council based on the Preferential Procurement Regulations of 2022 and the Garden Route District Municipality Supply Chain Management Policy, where 80 points will be allocated in respect of price and 10/10 points in respect of B-BBEE level contributor status and Locality.

CLARITY ON BIDDING PROCEDURES MAY BE DIRECTED TO:
Norman October; Tel: (044) 803 1337; E-Mail: normano@gardenroute.gov.za

CLARITY ON TECHNICAL INFORMATION MAY BE DIRECTED TO:
Denver Johnson Tel: (044) 803 1427 / Cell: 067 037 0352.
E-Mail: denver@gardenroute.gov.za / Ms Raynechia Goliath. Tel: (044) 803 1420
Email: raynechia@gardenroute.gov.za.

Closing Date: 18 November 2025

Notice Number: 117/2025

Click here to download the Official Notice