Author: Marillia Veldkornet
13 March 2025 Media Release: Western Cape MEC for Mobility visit the Garden Route as part of Ministerial Road Safety Roundtable
Western Cape Minister of Mobility and delegation visit the Garden Route to improve Road Safety in the district
For immediate release
13 March 2025
The Western Cape Provincial Government (WCG) MEC of Mobility, Minister Isaac Sileku, and his delegation, on 11 March 2025, met with the Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) and local municipal representatives including Executive Mayors, MMCs responsible for Traffic and Law Enforcement, Municipal Managers and Senior Management, as part of the Ministerial Road Safety Roundtable.
Opening the discussions of the session, Executive Mayor of GRDM, Andrew Stroebel, highlighted the significance of the Mobility Department in our everyday daily lives mentioning a few of the many services rendered by the Department, including:
- the processing of driving and learner licences,
- processing of PDPs applications,
- handling of number plate registrations,
- vehicle registrations,
- processing of parking road access for sport and filming applications,
- processing of disabled parking discs,
- processing of driver instructor certificates, to name a few.
The purpose of the roundtable discussions was to provide feedback to the district regarding the road safety programme over the recent festive season. The discussions also aimed to explore ways for stakeholders to collaborate towards a shared vision and enhance overall road safety initiatives, share localised perspectives and concerns.
The roundtable therefore forms part of the WCG Department’s ongoing efforts to reduce road fatalities and injuries by ensuring safer roads through a coordinated and targeted approach by all traffic and law enforcement agencies.
Minister Sileku stated: “Our work reconfirms that we need to work together” and noted that measures be put in place to restore peace, order and discipline on the roads. Driving under the influence of alcohol, speeding, spatial planning etc. were also among the key concerns mentioned by Minister Sileku.
“It is no longer a time for people to disagree and not bring solutions to the table – if you disagree, bring solutions. We want to save lives and for that we need to intensify our initiatives to improve, because as much as accidents happens, it has a social and economic impact”. In addition, Minister Sileku added that “as much as we see a decline which is a step in the right direction, what we ultimately would want to see in the near future is that when we stop 1000 cars, that all 1000 cars comply with the rules of the road”.
Acting Chief Director for Traffic Management, Willie van der Merwe, presented the 2024/2025 festive season statistics and provided a breakdown of provincial and municipal roads, the Garden Route as a district as well as statistics per local municipality in the district, including challenges, concerns and recommendations. Elaborating on the challenges, Van der Merwe emphasised the importance of reporting to ensure better planning; the sharing of resources and collaboration between stakeholders; municipalities not in operation 24/7 during peak periods; poor visibility of traffic officers in certain areas; limited to no integration with provincial traffic centres resulting in a lack of an integrated plan, etc. These were a few of the challenges mentioned by Van der Merwe. He further recommended that Road Safety be incorporated into the Integrated Development Plans of the Municipalities as a priority.
Minister Sikelu stressed the importance of Communication and Awareness as key factors to educate communities in terms of road safety behaviour. He also highlighted cooperation between stakeholders, and said: “Instead of competing with one another, Traffic and Law Enforcement agencies need to focus on the work at hand – to work together for a common purpose and a goal, because if we are not working together, we will continue having these challenges every day,” he emphasised.
Soon after the engagement the delegation conducted a tour to the Municipal Emergency Centre to view the facilities in place for the services rendered by the GRDM Disaster Management Centre.
The event concluded with Executive Mayor of George, Cllr Jackie Von Brandis, sharing words of appreciation to Minister Sileku and his delegation for creating a platform and allowing sound and firm discussions regarding improved service delivery in terms of Road Safety, to the District Municipality for hosting the event and all municipal representatives who attended the engagement on behalf of their respective municipalities.
Feature Image: FLTR: Executive Mayor of GRDM, Andrew Stroebel, MEC of Mobility in the Western Cape, Isaac Sikelu and Acting Head of the Mobility Department, Darryl Jacobs
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11 March 2025 Media Release: Global Events Heavily Impact South African Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation
Media Release: Global Events heavily impact South African Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation
For immediate release
11 March 2025
“When Russia invaded Ukraine in April 2022, environmentalists sounded the alarm that as the world shifted focus and resources to the war, it would have a detrimental effect on global efforts to address climate change,” says Cobus Meiring of the Garden Route Environmental Forum (GREF).
Since 2022, this prediction has not only proven to be true, but the situation has worsened due to more recent events, such as the USA withdrawing from the UN Convention on Climate Change Paris Agreement and halting vital funding that sustains environmental efforts globally. In Countries like South Africa few realized the scale and impact of American financial support until it was retracted overnight.
The theme for the June 2025 GREF Annual Climate Change and Environmental Management Indaba is “A Global Reassessment of Sustainable Funding Mechanisms for Environmental Projects.” The Indaba will focus on finding alternative, innovative, and sustainable funding mechanisms for environmental management.
South African conservation and environmental efforts are already suffering as government and private funding has dwindled over time due to slow economic growth and rising costs. Ironically, the environment is the bedrock of the South African economy, yet given the financial predicament, it is being forced to take a back seat.
The recent return of the SA Agulhas II research ship from its annual voyage conducting vital research in Antarctica and open oceans was a momentous occasion. However, even this prestigious South African endeavour faces uncertainty, as looming budget cuts threaten its sustainability.
The loss of American funding, particularly from USAID, will have far-reaching effects on critical initiatives such as the South African Just Energy Transition Programme (JETP), which aims to move away from fossil fuels. Many other essential conservation projects funded through American grants, including anti-poaching efforts and biodiversity conservation, are also at risk.
As the global drive to protect the environment faces increasing threats, South Africans must take responsibility for ensuring better environmental management to secure a high quality of life for all who depend on our natural infrastructure and resources.
The Garden Route Environmental Forum (GREF) is a public platform for environmental managers and a regional climate change think tank. (www.grefscli.co.za)
Feature Image: In the face of less funding South Africans must do much more to protect the environment – Waste management
10 March 2025 Save the Date: Notice of a Special Council Meeting, 25 March 2025 at 11:00
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NOTICE OF A SPECIAL COUNCIL MEETING ON 25 March 2025 AT 11:00 Notice is hereby given that a SPECIAL 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 25 March 2025 at 11:00. |
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/live/9yMkAOpuePE?si=-g63b12t3ht70r65
28 February 2025 Media Release: Garden Route Skills Mecca Launches Tourism & Hospitality Project with Comprehensive Induction Workshops
Media Release: Garden Route Skills Mecca Launches Tourism & Hospitality Project with Comprehensive Induction Workshops
For immediate release
28 February 2025
The Garden Route Skills Mecca (GRSM), which forms part of the Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM), has officially launched its new Tourism and Hospitality Project, a significant initiative funded by the National Skills Fund (NSF), with a series of comprehensive induction workshops held across the Garden Route. The sessions commenced on 24 February 2025 and today the last session is held in Hessequa at the Riversdale Civic Centre.
Areas where workshops were already conducted include Bitou, Knysna, Mossel Bay, George, Calitzdorp, Ladismith and Oudtshoorn.
A packed hall of participants in attendance at the Workshop conducted in Knysna.
These workshops, facilitated by Reginald Salmons, Coordinator for Skills Development at GRDM, marked the commencement of a valuable opportunity for Work Integrated Learners (WIL) and Cooks to acquire essential skills and to contribute to the region’s vibrant hospitality industry.
Portfolio Chairperson for Corporate Services, Ald. Nompumelelo Ndayi said: “The sessions brought together learners and host employers from local businesses, with the GRDM team playing a pivotal role in guiding the participants and providing crucial insights”.
The Induction Workshop conducted in Mossel Bay on 25 February 2025.
Each morning, participants were welcomed by a representative of the respective municipality, fostering a positive and collaborative atmosphere, followed by a detailed overview of the GRSM’s background. Salmons further emphasised the importance of the GRSM in the local community and its contribution to regional skills development.
Following an opportunity for attendees to network and engage with one another, these workshops also explored the core components of the program, including:
- a thorough review of the learner contract of employment;
- the Code of Conduct;
- the roles and responsibilities of host employers; and
- salary cut-off dates.
“Discussions are designed to ensure that all participants have a clear understanding of their obligations and expectations, promoting transparency and accountability throughout the program,” said Ndayi.
Presentations made by the GRDM and NSF teams during the Induction Workshop in Oudtshoorn.
A dedicated question and answer session was built into the programme that provided learners with a platform to address any queries or concerns, fostering open communication and ensuring clarity. The induction concluded with a heartfelt expression of gratitude to the learners for their participation.
The launch of this NSF-backed Hospitality Project represents a significant investment in the future of the Garden Route’s workforce. By providing learners with essential skills and practical experience, the project aims to enhance their employability and contribute to the continued growth of the region’s thriving hospitality sector.
According to Mayor Andrew Stroebel, the GRSM’s commitment to skills development is “evident in the comprehensive nature of the induction workshops, laying a solid foundation for the success of the project and its participants”.
“This initiative promises to empower individuals and strengthen the local hospitality industry, ensuring a brighter future for the Garden Route,” he concluded.
More Induction Workshops conducted across the district.
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27 Februarie 2025 Persvrystelling: TDM reik uit na Dysselsdorp gemeenskap tydens waterkrisis
Persvrystelling: TDM reik uit na Dysselsdorp Gemeenskap tydens waterkrisis
Vir onmiddelikke vrystelling
27 Februarie 2025
Vanoggend, 27 Februarie 2025, het Tuinroete Distriksmunisipaliteit (TDM) begin om hulp te verleen aan die Dysselsdorp gemeenskap in die Klein-Karoo, met die verskaffing van ‘n 10 000 liter water.
Die Dysselsdorp gemeenskap ontvang water nadat tien duisend (10 000) liter vanoggend deur TDM in hul area afgelewer is.
Volgens Burgemeester Andrew Stroebel is die versoek gerig nadat die area probleme ondervind het met ‘n kabel wat beskadig was weens die onlangs kragonderbrekings (loadshedding) in die gebied. “Ons spanne het spoedig gereageer en het vanoggend die 10 000 liter water na die Dysselsdorp gemeenskap Vervoer”.
“TDM sal in noue samewerking met Oudtshoorn Munisipaliteit verseker dat die water by die nodige gebiede afgelewer word.”
Die Oudtshoorn Munisipaliteit se Tegniese Afdeling het hul dank uitgespreek teenoor die TDM se Rampbestuurseenheid vir die hulp in ‘n tyd van nood aan die gemeenskap van Dysselsdorp. Indien die pyp nie spoedig herstel word nie, sal verdere hulp vanaf die TDM aan hierdie gemeenskap volgende week voortgaan.
EINDE
21 February 2025 Media Release: GRDM facilitates Basic Veldfire Training conducted at Gourikwa Nature Reserve
Media Release: GRDM facilitates Basic Veldfire Training conducted at Gourikwa Nature Reserve
For immediate release
21 February 2025
The Garden Route District Municipality’s (GRDM) Fire Services was formally requested by the management of the Gourikwa Nature Reserve in Gouritsmond to present basic veldfire training to their personnel. The training was conducted on Tuesday, 18 February 2025, in collaboration with the Southern Cape Fire Protection Association (SCFPA), an Association frequently involved in GRDM’s responses to wildfires and a key stakeholder for the municipality.
“We are committed to working together with key stakeholders, such as the SCFPA, to ensure that our communities are well-prepared to handle the threat of veld fires,” said Mayor Andrew Stroebel. Stroebel added: “The training at the Gourikwa Nature Reserve is but one of many steps in equipping local personnel with the necessary skills and knowledge to respond effectively and safely to fire incidents”.
The training that was facilitated by officers from GRDM aimed to equip the staff and Nature Conservation students with the necessary knowledge and skills to respond effectively to the breakout of veld fires on their property.
- The session focused on key elements such as the fundamentals of veldfires, fire behaviour and associated risks.
In addition, the following topics were further unpacked:
– proper procedures for detecting and reporting veld and wildfires.
– basic wildfire suppression techniques and safety protocols during such.
– How on-site personnel can support, the Fire & Rescue Services during an active fire incident.
The session was led by GRDM Station Commander, Heinrich Leslie, and Senior Firefighter, Luciano James. Participants actively engaged in discussions, asked insightful questions, and took part in practical exercises designed to simulate real-life fire scenarios.
The training will be re-enforced when a burn permit is obtained for a pre-scribed fire later in the year.
If you would like to request similar training for a community, including but not limited to farm workers who are often faced by wildfires, kindly contact the GRDM Fire Chief, Deon Stoffels on 083 941 1994.
Feature Image: Teams from the Garden Route District Municipality’s Fire Services and the Southern Cape Fire Protection Association (SCFPA), during the basic veldfire training presented to personnel of the Gourikwa Nature Reserve in Gouritsmond.
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21 February 2025 Media Release: First Garden Route District Safety Forum for this year hosted by the Garden Route
Media Release: First Garden Route District Safety Forum for this year hosted by the Garden Route
For immediate release
21 February 2025
Yesterday, 20 February 2025, the Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) hosted the first District Safety Forum meeting for this year at the Joint Operation Centre of the municipality.
Stakeholders at the District Safety Forum meeting held at the Joint Operation Centre of the GRDM.
The Portfolio Chairperson of Community Services, Cllr Jobieth Hoogbaard, highlighted the importance of working together, not only as spheres of government but a whole of society approach to ensure a safer District for all. Hoogbaard informed the meeting that the GRDM is currently in discussions with the South African Police Service on how the District might be able to share and strengthen collective resources. “This will be to ensure a more coordinated and effective response to address the current situation, as well as foreseen safety and security challenges of the District”.
The main objectives of the meeting was for all stakeholders to provide progress reports on their current safety and security related programs and projects funded as part of the Provincial Whole of Society Approach grant. In addition, the meeting also endeavoured to prioritise the projects and programs to be funded for the remainder of this financial year.
The seven local municipalities of the Garden Route (Kannaland, Hessequa, Mossel Bay, George, Knysna, Oudtshoorn and Bitou), were requested to compile business plans that speak to their specific needs as captured – as part of their local safety plans. They were also prompted to indicate their specific needs for inclusion as part of the 25/26 Garden Route District Safety Forum business plan. This proactive approach will ensure that GRDM’s future project proposals are aligned with the district’s most pressing safety priorities.
Feature Image: The first Garden Route District Safety Forum of the year held on 20 February 2025.
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21 February 2025 Media Release: GRDM and stakeholders roll out a Recognition of Prior Learning Occupational Firefighting Certificate
Media Release: GRDM and stakeholders roll out a Recognition of Prior Learning Occupational Firefighting Certificate
For immediate release
21 February 2025
The Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) is pleased to announce the commencement of the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) Occupational Firefighting Certificate Programme. “This initiative reflects GRDM’s ongoing commitment to enhancing the skills and expertise of firefighters in the region,” said Ald. Nompumelelo Sumeia Ndayi, MMC for Corporate Services.
Information sessions with candidates from the Heidelberg and Riversdale regarding the RPL Programme.
The Occupational Certificate: Firefighting, is a national qualification that equips firefighters with the necessary skills and knowledge to respond to emergency situations. Being designed to recognise the prior learning and experience of firefighters, it will allow them to obtain the Occupational Certificate without undergoing the full training program.
The RPL programme offers several benefits to firefighters, including enhanced career prospects as it is a recognised qualification that can enhance career prospects and opportunities for advancement. It will furthermore provide firefighters with recognition of their prior learning and experience, boosting their confidence and self-esteem.
The RPL programme will be implemented in partnership with the Local Government Sector Education and Training Authority (LGSETA) and other stakeholders, including Hessequa Municipality, Kannaland Municipality, Bitou Municipality, Central Karoo District Municipality, Prins Albert Municipality, and Beaufort West Municipality. The rollout will occur in phases, with Phase 2 focusing on Candidate Self-Evaluation and the Formative Assessment Agreement.
Mayor Andrew Stroebel also added that the GRDM is committed to providing opportunities in the field of firefighting and providing necessary skills and knowledge to respond to emergency situations. “This RPL programme is an important process, aiming to improve their career prospects, by formally recognising their skills, knowledge and experience.”
Feature Image: Chief Fire Officer, Deon Stoffels (2nd from left), addressing the candidates from Hessequa during the information session.
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20 February 2025 Media Release: Twenty GRDM Roads Employees successfully complete ‘Dangerous Goods’ Training
Twenty GRDM Roads Employees successfully complete ‘Dangerous Goods’ Training
For immediate release
20 February 2025
Recently, twenty (20) Roads employees from the Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) successfully attended and completed one-year Dangerous Goods training. This initiative was aimed at equipping employees with the necessary skills and knowledge to handle, transport, and store hazardous materials safely and in compliance with legal and organisational regulations.
“I am incredibly proud of our Roads employees for successfully completing the rigorous ‘Dangerous Goods’ training. Their dedication to enhancing their skills and knowledge demonstrates a strong commitment to not only their own safety but also the safety of our communities,” said GRDM Mayor Andrew Stroebel
All participants in the programme are stationed within the Garden Route district, playing a crucial role in ensuring road safety and the effective management of hazardous substances. The training was structured to provide both theoretical and practical knowledge, enabling employees to navigate the complexities of transporting dangerous goods with confidence and competence.
The Dangerous Goods Training is essential in workplaces that involve the movement of potentially harmful materials. It enhances workers’ ability to identify risks, apply best practices, and ensure adherence to safety standards when loading, conveying, and off-loading dangerous goods.
Key Topics Covered:
During the training, employees engaged in in-depth discussions and practical exercises focused on the following key aspects:
- Compliance with Legal Documentation Requirements: Understanding the necessary legal documentation and regulatory obligations associated with transporting hazardous materials.
- Application of Safety and Standard Operating Procedures: Ensuring the correct protocols are followed during the loading and off-loading of dangerous goods to minimize risks.
- Incident Response Procedures: Learning how to effectively respond to and manage incidents involving hazardous materials to prevent harm to personnel, the public, and the environment.
- Adherence to SANS 10231 Requirements: Understanding and complying with the South African National Standard (SANS) 10231 regarding safe behaviour and operational conduct while transporting dangerous goods.
With these critical topics covered, participants are now well-equipped to apply their newfound expertise in real workplace scenarios. They can confidently and safely transport dangerous goods in line with legal, safety, and industry standards, while also being prepared to manage potential incidents effectively.
Upon successful completion of the programme, all learners were assessed and declared competent. These certifications and permits affirm their ability to handle dangerous goods responsibly and in full compliance with regulations.
The GRDM commends the dedication of its Roads employees in completing this vital training. Their commitment to safety and compliance ensures that dangerous goods are managed with the highest level of professionalism, ultimately contributing to a safer working and public environment.
Feature image: Facilitator of the Dangerous Goods Training programme, Elton Olivier from Victoria Driving School (right), with the GRDM Roads employees who successfully completed the Dangerous Goods training.
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