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Author: Marillia Veldkornet

15 September 2025 Media Release: GRDM plants indigenous trees at Rosemoor Home for Aged in celebration of Arbor Month

Media Release: GRDM plants indigenous trees at Rosemoor Home for Aged in celebration of Arbor Month

For immediate release
15 September 2025

This morning, Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM), visited the Rosemoor Home for the Aged to celebrate the importance of the trees in celebration of Arbor Month under the unified theme: “Our Forest – Our Future”.

Portfolio Chairperson for Community Services, Cllr Jobieth Hoogbaard, hands over the trees to Ms Jael Africa from Rosemoor Home for the Aged before planting it.

As part of the celebration, the GRDM Community Services team, led by the Portfolio Chairperson for Community Services, Cllr Jobieth Hoogbaard, joined representatives from the retirement home to plant three indigenous trees (a Water Pear and two Spekboom) on the premises.

In addition, GRDM Environmental Management Intern, Zine Tyam, used the opportunity to raise awareness about the importance of planting trees and protecting those that already exist.

MMC Hoogbaard, during his address to all present said that “The Garden Route District Municipality reiterates its commitment to sustainable practices that will secure a green and safe environment for future generations to enjoy”. Adding to these words, he further highlighted: “The GRDM is committed to planting trees and to ensuring that communities are empowered to contribute to nature by planting trees, and to share in the benefits from trees and the environment”.

In terms of the threat of climate change he said: “It is also important that we continue emphasising that climate change is the most serious threat to the existence of human beings”.  To address this threat, he advised: “We need to continue to plant trees, which can better the harmful effect of global warming and contribute greatly to the effective regulation of our environment and atmosphere”.

Hoogbaard further stated that trees can grow and survive for hundreds of years. “And once fully grown they bring many benefits to us, our children and their children; so, while we plant trees to grow and support the future, we remember those that have come before us”. In conclusion Hoogbaard stated: “We hope that the residents of the will find joy in the beauty and shade that it will provide.”

While delivering the vote of thanks, Johan Compion, Senior Manager for Environmental Health at GRDM said: “It is a privilege to know there are people that look after the environment and that this Old Age Home promise to look after the trees. He extended a heartfelt thanks to Sister Charmaine Titus, Ms Jael Africa and the entire Rosemoor Home for the Aged for welcoming GRDM and its officials to celebrate Arbor Month with them.

This collaborative initiative stands as a symbol of partnership and a step toward a greener, more sustainable future for the Garden Route district.

Why are trees important?

  • Trees are often called the lungs of the earth, because they give us oxygen and clean the air.
  • They absorb carbon dioxide, helping us fight climate change.
  • They also provide shade, fruit, medicine, and even wood for our daily use.
  • Beyond that, trees protect the soil from erosion, support birds, and wildlife; and
  • They make communities more beautiful and provide a peaceful atmosphere.

What can we do

  • Plant a tree at home, school or in the community – always make sure the roots are not invasive.
  • Care for the trees we already have.

We urge communities to spread the message of why trees matter!

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15 September 2025 Media Release: GRDM joins Knysna Municipality and others to clean up some beach areas

Media Release: GRDM joins Knysna Municipality and others to clean up some beach areas

For immediate release
15 September 2025

To celebrate International Coastal Clean-Up Day in Knysna from 11 to 12 September 2025, Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) joined hands with the Knysna Municipality, the Western Cape Provincial Department of Environmental Affairs and Development Planning (DEA&DP), CapeNature, and the South African National Parks (SANParks).

Participants clean-up the Main Beach of Buffalo Bay, in celebration of International Coastal Clean-up Day.

The annual International Coastal Clean-Up Day is celebrated on 20 September 2025 every year, however this initiative is celebrated worldwide with various coastal, estuarine, river, and marine clean-up activities. According to Dr Nina Viljoen, GRDM Head: Environmental Management, ‘this initiative is a meaningful approach to raise awareness on the impact of waste and littering on the Garden Route’s sensitive coastline, and why coastal and marine wildlife, birds and plants rely on a clean coastal and marine environment”.

“It inspires sustainable habits, as awareness is the first step towards change,” she said.

On Thursday, 11 September, Knysna Municipality hosted a coastal clean-up awareness event at the Hornlee Civic Hall in Knysna, where High School Tourism learners from surrounding schools were treated to awareness talks and exhibitions. Organisations, including CapeNature, the SANParks, and Knysna Tourism, collectively raised awareness to learners about the Tourism Industry, focusing on the benefits of eco-tourism and the challenges within the Sector.

Learners are educated about various marine life species during the Clean-up operation at Buffalo Bay beach.

The next day, Knysna Municipality also hosted a clean-up operation along the Buffalo Bay main beach. During the event, learners from the Rondevlei Learning Centre participated to clear the beach as they collected waste and small litter particles they came across. In rewarding them for all their efforts, the CapeNature team presented an interactive activity to them, where they had to identify marine life on the beach, and were furthermore educated on ‘why clean beaches are important’. The GRDM Environmental Management team, under leadership of Dr Nina Viljoen, furthermore spoiled them with stationery packs and snacks that were donated by the Western Cape DEA&DP.

This collaborative partnership between these participating organisations symbolises how Government institutions take hands and make a difference in ensuring the success of environmental projects rolled out within communities of the Garden Route district.

Did you know?

Rondevlei Learning Centre is established in 2019 and is a registered NPC (2024/453120/08) and PBO with Section 18A registration. Their aim is to provide stimulating forms of learning to children struggling with mainstream education.

Also read: https://www.gardenroute.gov.za/2025/09/01/46214/

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05 September 2025 Media Release: GRDM assists Knysna Municipality with water for the Buffalo Bay residents

Media Release: GRDM assists Knysna Municipality with water for the Buffalo Bay residents

For immediate release
05 September 2025

Last week, the Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) Disaster Management Centre received a request from Knysna Municipality to assist with the tankering of water to residents of the Buffalo Bay area.

“The need for water developed due to the high salinity levels in the Goukamma River at the point of abstraction, about 10 kilometres up-stream from the sea,” said Gerhard Otto, Manager for Disaster Management at GRDM.  Otto explained: “These high salinity levels were a result of the combination of the following:

  • The river mouth being closed.
  • There has been very little rain for an extended period of time, therefore very little run-off reached the river from the river catchment area; and
  • Due to evaporation, the salinity of the water in the river increases day-by-day”.

The GRDM Disaster Management and Firefighting teams immediately dispatched the 10 000-litre water tanker to Sedgefield where the tanker was filled and then used to transport water to the main reservoir in Buffalo Bay. The operation was supported by a fleet of three additional tankers; two rented by Knysna Municipality from private service providers, and one made available by the Central Karoo District Municipality.

Due to the lengthy process to fill-up the tankers in Sedgefield, the GRDM reinforced the fleet with an additional 6,000-litre tanker to improve turnaround times.

While assisting in Knysna, a fire broke out in Albertinia, requiring the temporary diversion of the GRDM firefighters who had been driving the tankers. From Monday, 1 September 2025, however, the GRDM team resumed daily water deliveries to Buffalo Bay.

The GRDM is aware that the tankering of water is only a temporary solution and that the only short-term solution would be to do an emergency breaching of the Goukamma River Mouth. This process, however, does not reflect in the current Management Plan of this system,” said Otto. He added: “GRDM is in ongoing discussions with CapeNature – we received confirmation from Cape Nature that a special emergency breaching committee meeting will be scheduled for Tuesday next week, where all the latest data will be assessed to decide on a way forward”

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03 September 2025 Update 9 – Gwaiing Road Construction Works, George

Update 9 – Gwaiing Road Construction Works, George

Upgrading of the Gwaiing road between the R404 and the R102 remains the focus of the GRDM Road Construction Team.

The final tests have been conducted on the material and Basecourse layer on the right hand side (RHS) lane, and the team is awaiting the final results and approval before the RHS lane can be completed in full. After approval has been granted to proceed with works on the RHS lane, the surface will be slushed, primed, and the final seal will be placed on the road.

Preparation works on the left hand side (LHS) lane has commenced in the interim, with the sub-grade layer being bladed. Material for the second to last layer (subbase) will be imported from next week, after which the processing of the cemented subbase layer on the LHS will be done.

All concrete structures have been completed in full, and the team is in the process of completing the concrete lined side drains.

Completion date of the project still remains at 31 January 2026.

ENDS

01 September 2025 Media Release: Garden Route & Klein Karoo Tourism celebrates Tourism Month

Media Release: Garden Route & Klein Karoo Tourism celebrates Tourism Month 2025

For immediate release
1 September 2025

Tourism Month, celebrated every September, highlights the vital role tourism plays in South Africa’s economy and communities.

In the Garden Route and Klein Karoo (GR&KK) region, tourism is a powerful driver of sustainable transformation, creating jobs, attracting local investment, and fostering a sense of regional pride. By promoting cultural exchange and showcasing the area’s rich heritage and traditions, tourism not only strengthens the local identity but also encourages responsible travel practices that preserve the environment and empower communities for future generations.

A basic intro of the GR&KK

The Garden Route and Klein Karoo (GR&KK) region is one of South Africa’s most breath-taking and diverse travel destinations. Stretching over 24,000 km from Witsand in the west to Plettenberg Bay in the east, this region is home to lush forests, pristine beaches, majestic mountains, and charming towns like Still Bay, Mossel Bay, George, Knysna, Oudtshoorn, Calitzdorp, and Ladismith and more!

As a key tourism hub, the GR&KK offers something for everyone from thrilling outdoor adventures and rich wildlife to cultural heritage and culinary delights. Under the theme “Tourism and Sustainable Transformation,” the region continues to grow in ways that protect its natural beauty, celebrate its people, and create lasting opportunities for local communities.

Find out what the Garden Route & Klein Karoo has to offer or for more information, visit/contact:

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29 August 2025 Public Notice: Amendment of the Garden Route District Municipality Spatial Development Framework (2025) open for Comment

Amendment of the Garden Route District Municipality Spatial Development Framework (2025) – Notice Number 88/2025

Open for Comment

Notice is hereby given in terms of Section 21(a) and 28(1) of the Municipal Systems Act, 2000(Act 32 of 2000), Section 20(3) of the Spatial Planning and Land Use Management Act, 2013 (Act.16 of 2013) and Section 11 of the Western Cape Land Use Planning Act,2014 (Act. 13 of 2014) that the Draft Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) Spatial Development Framework (SDF) is now open for public comment.

The SDF is amended in terms of Chapter 2 section 3 of the Municipal Planning and Performance Management Regulations (2001) and Section 11 of the Western Cape Land Use Planning Act, 2014 (Act 13 of 2014).

Interested and affected parties are hereby requested to provide comments on the Draft SDF of the GRDM.

The document is available on the GRDM website.

Furthermore, the draft document is available for inspection at the GRDM Municipal Office at 54 York Street, George.

Motivated comments must reach the Municipality on/or before 29 October 2025 and should be directed to the Municipal Manager (Reference: SDF), Garden Route District Municipality, 54 York Street, GEORGE, 6530 / andisiwe@gardenroute.gov.za. Comments received after the closing date will not be considered.

For any queries, please contact Ms. Monalisa Gcilitshana via email at monalisag@gardenroute.gov.za or at (044) 803 1440.

Persons who cannot write, are invited to visit the above-mentioned office of the Municipality for assistance to transcribe and submit their respective comments and/or objections.

MG Stratu
Municipal Manager
54 York Street / PO Box 12
GEORGE
6530
Tel:   044 803 1300

Click here to download the Official Notice.

Media Alert: Sedfa, in partnership with GRDM and partners, to host Pop-Up Market in George

Media Alert: Sedfa, in partnership with GRDM and partners, to host Pop-Up Market in George

29 – 31 August 2025 at the Garden Route Mall, George.

The South African Enterprise Development Finance Agency (Sedfa), in partnership with Garden Route District Municipality and other key ecosystem partners, is proud to host the Sedfa and Garden Route Pop-Up Market from 29 to 31 August 2025 at the Garden Route Mall, George.

The official opening and walkabout will take place on Friday, 29 August at 13h30, led by Executive Mayor Andrew Stroebel, alongside Sedfa representatives and ecosystem partners.

The Pop-Up Market will shine a spotlight on local Micro-, Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (MSMEs), offering them a platform to showcase their products, network with potential buyers, and grow their market access.

“This market is a direct response to the need for greater visibility and access for local entrepreneurs. At Sedfa, we believe in supporting MSMEs through practical platforms that not only promote their products but also build pathways toward long-term economic inclusion.” – Kiewet Mhlongo, Acting Provincial Manager: Western Cape, Sedfa.

“Garden Route District Municipality is proud to support initiatives that give local Micro-, Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (MSME) the much-needed exposure they deserve. This Pop-Up Market is more than just an opportunity to showcase locally made products; it is also a platform that strengthens our economy from the ground up. As the Municipality, we remain committed to creating meaningful partnerships that open doors for MSMEs to drive job creation and stimulate sustainable development throughout the region and beyond.” – Executive Mayor Andrew Stroebel

The Members of the Media are invited to attend the opening and engage with MSME participants and stakeholders.

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25 August 2025 Media Release: Garden Route Risk Reduction Task Team to Be Established

Media Release: Garden Route Risk Reduction Task Team to Be Established

For immediate release
05 August 2025

“Growing concerns about an increase of fire risk exposure levels in the Garden Route have led to the establishment of a Risk Reduction Task Team (RRTT),” says Cobus Meiring of the Garden Route Environmental Forum (GREF).

The mission of the RRTT is to help prevent a recurrence of catastrophic events such as the 2017 Knysna and Plettenberg Bay wildfires, which were worsened by uncontrolled growth of invasive alien plants (IAP).

The RRTT aims to be a collaborative platform focused on strategic risk reduction and sustainable landscape management, working closely with landowners, conservation bodies, and enforcement agencies across the Garden Route.

Key stakeholders who form part of the task team will assist and encourage private landowners to reduce IAPs on their properties. Where necessary, action will be taken through the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) Biosecurity resources.

Awareness creation will be a central pillar of the RRTT strategy. This will include direct engagement with landowners and sustained information-sharing campaigns through traditional media and social media platforms over the long term.

The RRTT will include experts and representatives from the Southern Cape Fire Protection Association (SCFPA), Garden Route District Municipality’s (GRDM) Disaster Management, local municipalities, DFFE, Nelson Mandela University, and GREF stakeholders.

Individuals or entities involved in invasive alien plant management, are invited to register as interested and affected parties by writing to louisamare@gmail.com.

The GREF is a climate change and environmental management think-tank. (www.grefscli.co.za).

Feature Image: Without collective action by all landowners in the Garden Route the region remains highly vulnerable to wildfire disasters.

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