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Author: Marillia Veldkornet

13 January 2025 Media Release: Garden Route environment key to its economic prosperity, but wild fires remain a threat

Media Release: Garden Route environment key to its economic prosperity, but wild fires remain a threat

For immediate release
13 January 2025

“Thousands of tourists from all over the world flocked to the Garden Route over the 24/25 holiday season to experience one of the most beautiful places on earth, and in doing so, they make a vital contribution to the regional economy,” says Cobus Meiring of the Garden Route Environmental Forum (GREF).

Garden Route regional and local government and conservation bodies consistently go to great lengths to ensure that all necessary measures are taken to ensure a well- managed environment for all to enjoy. These efforts do come at a cost for those responsible for managing the environment, but the return on investment is high and the jobs created through the tourism sector is vital to the quality of life for all those living in the region.

Easily accessible clean and safe beaches, several world class nature reserves, hiking trails through forests and mountains, picnic spots, restaurants and high standard accommodation options – all contribute to the Garden Route value proposition for tourists.

Unfortunately during the festive season, the Garden Route suffered from increasingly frequent wild fires which kept authorities busy in actively fighting and monitoring several wild fires scattered all over the region. This ever- present threat will only increase as summer temperatures are set to rise to record highs in 2025.

The devastating fires presently raging through Los Angeles is a stark reminder to Garden Route residents who experienced the Knysna wildfire disaster back in June 2017. Fact is that, as climate change shows its teeth, the danger of regional wild fire disasters are clear and present and on the increase, and in many respects, there are correlations between the factors which contributed to the ferocity of the LA and Knysna wildfire disasters.

Garden Route regional authorities and professional firefighting entities such as the Southern Cape Fire Protection Association (FPA), are better prepared than ever to prevent and manage wildfires. Despite best efforts and equipment, the Los Angeles disaster showed that when nature unleashes its full fury, nothing will stop it from destroying everything in its path.

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

Photo: The scenic Garden Route is a major draw card for thousands of tourists and makes an invaluable contribution to the economic prosperity of the region.

12 December 2024 Media Release: Western Cape Government Urges Responsible Behaviour on Province’s Roads

Western Cape Government Urges Responsible Behaviour on Province’s Roads

For immediate release
12 December 2024

As the festive season gains momentum, the Western Cape Government calls on all road users to prioritise safety. Between 25 November and 8 December 2024, 114 arrests were made for driving under the influence of alcohol, and tragically, 33 pedestrians lost their lives on the province’s roads. These numbers are a stark reminder of the responsibility we all share in ensuring safer journeys for everyone.

With schools closed and a long weekend approaching, increased traffic is expected as residents and visitors travel to their holiday destinations.

Western Cape Mobility Minister, Isaac Sileku, emphasised the importance of vigilance on the roads, “This festive season, we urge every road user to make safety their top priority. Whether you are driving, walking, or cycling, your actions can save lives. Our traffic officers are fully mobilised and will enforce a zero-tolerance approach to offenders. Let us work together to make this a festive season one to remember for all the right reasons.”

To ensure safe travel, the Western Cape Mobility Department has the following tips:

For Drivers:

  1. Plan ahead: If you intend to consume alcohol, arrange for alternative transport or a sober driver. Even one drink can impair judgment.
  2. Vehicle safety: Check your vehicle’s roadworthiness before travelling. Ensure tyres are correctly inflated, lights, indicators, wipers, and brakes are in good working order.
  3. Obey speed limits: Drive within the speed limit and adjust your speed according to road conditions.
  4. Be patient: Anticipate congestion on popular routes and avoid risky overtaking maneuvers.
  5. Stay alert: Take regular breaks to avoid fatigue, especially on long journeys.

For Pedestrians:

  1. Be visible: Wear bright or reflective clothing, especially at night or in poor visibility.
  2. Avoid walking under the influence: Alcohol impairs your ability to judge distances and speeds, making walking near roads dangerous.
  3. Use safe routes: Stick to pavements and marked pedestrian crossings whenever possible.

Provincial Traffic Officers will be conducting extensive patrols and roadblocks throughout the province. Stringent action will be taken against those found speeding, driving under the influence, or engaging in reckless behaviour.

Let us all commit to ensuring that celebrations are marked by joy, not tragedy. Together, we can make our roads safer for everyone.

-ENDS-

MEDIA QUERIES:
Muneera Allie
Western Cape Mobility Department – Head of Communication
Muneera.Allie@westerncape.gov.za
083 755 3213

12 December 2024 Media Release: GRDM and stakeholders host Garden Route District Coastal Access Task Team Awareness & Training Workshop in George

GRDM and stakeholders host Garden Route District Coastal Access Task Team Awareness & Training Workshop in George

For immediate release
12 December 2024

The Garden Route District’s coastline is seen as one of its greatest natural and economic assets. “To date, however, development along the coastline have in some instances affected the free and equitable coastal access for all,” says Dr Nina Viljoen,  Garden Route District Municipality’s (GRDM) Head of Environmental Management.

Facilitators, speakers and representatives at the Garden Route District Coastal Access Task Team Awareness & Training Workshop in George.

Although the National Environmental Management: Integrated Coastal Management Act 24 of 2008 stipulates that South Africa’s citizens are the rightful owners of coastal public property, with the state serving as its public trustee, Dr Viljoen said that the region is experiencing significant challenges relating to the equitable access to the coast, alongside wide-scale access restrictions.

To discuss and address these challenges, the GRDM in collaboration with government and municipal stakeholders hosted a Garden Route District Coastal Access Task Team Awareness & Training Workshop that was held at the Conference Hall of the George Local Municipality on 10 December 2024. In attendance were also activists, community representatives and fishers who participated in the discussions.

The purpose of the workshop was to engage stakeholders regarding conflict between various groups in respect of equal access to the coast. For that reason, the platform allowed stakeholders and all present to discuss these pressing issues and advocate for Government and relevant municipalities to intervene in the entire process. This interactive workshop furthermore enabled Government departments to share valuable legislative information to representatives pertaining to the understanding of the rights in terms of access for all to coastal spaces.

In his welcoming address to the delegates who attended the event, Portfolio Chairperson for Community Services at GRDM, Cllr Jobieth Hoogbaard, expressed his gratitude to all present saying that the Garden Route District’s coastline has great value and importance as a natural resource for all coastal users.

Hoogbaard highlighted that the beauty of the coastline is driving local livelihoods, the tourism economy, and it provides for diverse social recreational activities. In addition, Hoogbaard stressed that although much of the wealth is locked up in the Garden Route coast, it is however wasted due to environmentally insensitive development and poor decision making. It is for this reason that the economic and social opportunities are being missed, coastal ecosystems are being degraded and people’s property and lives are being put at risk”.

In conclusion, Hoogbaard mentioned that the GRDM therefore recognises that “we need to ensure that the sharing of benefits derived from our resource rich coastal area is managed and protected to serve the best interest of all coastal users, without compromising the ability of future generations to access these benefits”.

Coastal resources include livelihood and food resources, as well as recreational and tourism resources, and the lack of access to these resources can disrupt local coastal communities who rely on the ocean and coasts for their livelihoods, cultural practices, and well-being. These cultural practices and not having access to spiritual spaces were vastly raised by activists at the event.  At the same time, it must be recognised that coastal ecosystems are sensitive and dynamic spaces, and that its on-going functionality is central to livelihoods and prosperity. Access to the coast and its resources must therefore be optimised without negatively impacting on the natural coastal environment.

Participants of the Garden Route District Coastal Access Task Team Awareness & Training Workshop at the event held on 10 December 2024 in George.

Dr Vijoen said that the coastal access legislation and provisions are to be implemented in very complicated and challenging situations, but she admits that to address this, communication and agreements between the involved parties are essential. In many cases, the problem of a lack of knowledge of the applicable Legislation seems to be the cause of some challenges.  After raising these concerns, GRDM’s Siphelele Sithole presented the GRDM’s campaign model to educate estate agents and property developers about the relevant legislation in terms of the equal access for all citizens to the coastline. Dr Viljoen in addition provided feedback regarding the public participation process and explained that all comments and submissions received during the 2nd public participation period of the draft reviewed Garden Route District Coastal Management Programme. These comments will have to be considered for inclusion in the final version of the document. Viljoen ensured representatives that it might take a lengthy period to process, but the correct processes need to be followed to ensure the desired results.

Ryan Apolles, Specialised Environmental Officer at the Department of Environmental Affairs and Development Planning, shared information regarding how coastal access processes are facilitated and supported by the Western Cape Government, as DEA&DP is the lead provincial agency for coastal management in the Western Cape. Apolles stated that while coastal access provision is a municipal decision, the Department is a key role-player in building commitment and providing guidance and support to municipalities to allow them to effectively facilitate, implement, maintain and monitor coastal access. He ensured DEA&DP’s support in respect of the entire process.

Corporal Johannes Matabata, from the South African National Parks (SANParks), shared insightful information with fishermen, more specifically regarding fishing activities, permits and where to apply for permits to name a few.

During his presentation, Richard Botha, former Rescue Manager of the Emergency Medical Rescue Service (EMS) and newly appointed as Provincial EMS Coordinator, shared insightful Coastal Access Safety and Awareness information to fishers present, and which are also relevant to the public. He advised fishers that identification is key to their safety while fishing, stating that hazards must be identified when a site is occupied for fishing purposes. He further presented a map indicating various danger spots of fisher-related incidents that the EMS continuously are called out to and advised that various safety aspects must be taken into consideration when planning to go fishing.

Botha also raised the aspect of the importance of self-rescue and shared practical examples to prevent drownings while fishing and he, on behalf of EMS, offered to continue conducting Awareness sessions on Coastal Safety specifically aimed at the safety of fishers. In conclusion he said: “We want to come out and rescue a person and not to conduct a search operation”. In terms of coastal access, he said: “As EMS, we do not experience problems entering the coast, however when it becomes a problem, we consult coastal property owners for easy access to particularly safe lives”.

Although activists question the credibility of processes conducted by Government in terms of equal coastal access for all, the fishing community expect government to provide feedback on the progress of the Garden Route District Coastal Access Task Team, the Garden Route District Coastal Management Programme, as well as feedback based on their concerns.

This workshop was hosted by the GRDM in collaboration with the Department Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, the Western Cape DEA&DP, George Local Municipality; Metro EMS and the South African National Parks and was highly welcomed by the fisher representatives, activists and members of the public.

Did you know?

As fishers and the public, the following tips can save you from severe incidents while fishing on the coast:

  • Checking the weather
  • Wearing of proper gear, e.g. non-slip footwear
  • Fishing with a buddy
  • Have a first aid kit at hand
  • Check the area for the stability of rocks
  • Be aware of tides and swell
  • Avoid standing on the edge of rocks
  • Secure your gear
  • Watch for marine hazards, e.g. moss can make rocks extremely slippery
  • Avoid risky spots
  • And always carry a whistle

ENDS

2024 12 09 Tender Notice: Subcontract Tender N.002.078.2023/2 – The Routine Road Maintenance of National Route 2 Section 7 to 8 from Rondeheuwel (Km 3.4) to Natures (Km 80.85)

SUBCONTRACT TENDER: SANRAL N.002.078.2023/2 FOR THE ROUTINE ROAD MAINTENANCE OF NATIONAL ROUTE 2 SECTION 7 TO 8 FROM RONDEHEUWEL (KM3.4) TO NATURES (KM 80.85)

TENDER NOTICE
CLOSING DATE: 24 January 2025

Rainbow Civils invites tenders from experienced EME/QSE subcontractors for Contract SANRAL N.002-078-023/2 FOR THE ROUTINE ROAD MAINTENANCE OF NATIONAL ROUTE 2 SECTION 7 TO 8 FROM RONDEHEUWEL (KM 3.42) TO NATURES VALLEY (KM 80.85) on behalf of Rainbow Civils in accordance with the requirements of The South African National Roads Agency SOC Limited (SANRAL). This project is in the province of Western Cape and in the Garden Route District Municipality.

  • The approximate duration is 15 months for the Minor Maintenance packages and 30 months for the General Maintenance package. CIDB Regulation 25 (1B) will be applicable to this contract.
  • Only tenderers who are at least 51% Black owned, who is an EME/EME start up or QSE and meet the definition of a Targeted Enterprise as defined in C3.2.2.5 are eligible to tender.
  • Only tenderers that meet all the eligibility criteria under clause 4.1.1 of the Tender Data will be considered.
  • Only tenderers who meet the minimum functionality score as stated in clause 5.11.9 will be evaluated further on price and preference.
  • The tenderers attention is drawn to clause 4.1.1 of the Tender Data for each work package when submitting their tender.
  • Tenders from tenderers registered as potentially emerging enterprises but with a CIDB contractor grading designation lower than a contractor grading designation determined in accordance with the sum tendered, or a value determined in accordance with Regulation 25(1B) or 25(7A) of the Construction Industry Development Regulations, will be accepted.
  • Only locally produced or locally manufactured products and components for construction with a stipulated minimum threshold for local content and production as stated in the Tender Data will be considered.
  • Preferences are offered to tenderers who comply with the criteria stated in the Tender Data.
  • A tenderer’s representative cannot represent more than one tenderer at the compulsory meeting.

CLOSING TIME, COMPLETION AND DELIVERY OF TENDERS
The Closing Time for receipt of tenders is 11:00 on Friday, 24 January 2025 at 66 Main Road, Knysna (Rainbow Civils Office).

Click here to download the Official Advert

06 December 2024 Media Release: GRDM EHPs continue with Spaza Shop Blitz Operations and Food Safety Workshops to prevent foodborne illnesses in the district

Media Release: GRDM EHPs continue with Spaza Shop Blitz Operations and Food Safety Workshops to prevent foodborne illnesses in the district

For immediate release
6 December 2024

During this week and the latter part of the last week, Environmental Health Practitioners (EHPs) from the Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) conducted a series of spaza shop-focused initiatives to address the outbreak of foodborne illnesses. These efforts aimed to ensure that spaza shops comply with health, safety, and legal regulations.

The compliance operations were carried out in collaboration with key stakeholders, including the South African Police Service (SAPS), Local Municipal representatives, Immigration authorities, and the Department of Home Affairs, among others.

Food safety inspections and workshops were held in several areas across the district, including Bitou, Mossel Bay, the Klein Karoo, Hessequa, George, and Knysna.

Bitou Municipal Area

On 2 December 2024, the GRDM Bitou Municipal Health team inspected four (4) spaza shops in the Wittedrift and Green Valley areas of the Bitou Municipality, focusing on health and safety regulations, hygiene standards, and legal compliance (e.g., COA certificates, permits). One (1) shop was closed due to non-compliance with relevant regulations.

On 3 December 2024, the team conducted inspections in the New Horizons, Pinetrees, and Bossiesgif areas, where a total of 21 spaza shops were inspected. Of these, four (4) shops were closed for failing to comply with health and safety requirements. Notices were issued to non-compliant shops, which included warnings or directives to address violations within a specified timeframe. Additionally, one (1) shop in Bossiesgif received a prohibition notice due to severe non-compliance and was temporarily shut down until specific health and safety concerns are resolved.

In total, twenty-five (25) spaza shops were inspected across the four areas (Wittedrift/Green Valley, New Horizons, Pinetrees, and Bossiesgif). Five (5) shops were closed due to non-compliance – one (1) in Wittedrift/Green Valley, three (3) in New Horizons, and one (1) in Bossiesgif. An additional shop in Bossiesgif was issued a prohibition notice.

Blitz operations conducted GRDM EHPs and stakeholders in the Bitou Municipal area.

Mossel Bay Municipal Area

On 27 November 2024, a Blitz Operation was conducted in the Kwanonqaba area, where five (5) shops were inspected. One (1) shop was temporarily closed, and a prohibition notice was issued to the owner.

On 28 November 2024, another Blitz Operation took place in the Great Brak River area. This operation included inspections of three (3) spaza shops and one (1) formal food premises. No closures were required during this operation.

Continuing efforts to enhance food safety, GRDM EHPs conducted Joint Informal Food Traders Workshops in several communities. On 3 December 2024, workshops were held in the Herbertsdale and D’Almeida communities to provide participants with valuable information about food safety. Another workshop was conducted at the Wolwedans Hall in Great Brak River on 4 December 2024, which was attended by three (3) spaza shop owners and employees. The workshop received positive feedback from participants.

Mossel Bay Municipality’s Waste Department, Building Control, and Town Planning Department formed part of the initiative.

Key topics discussed included:

  • Health and Safety – GRDM
  • Fire Safety – Mossel Bay Municipality
  • Building Plan Compliance – Mossel Bay Municipality
  • Waste Management – Mossel Bay Municipality

Informal Food Trader Workshops conducted in Herbertsdale, D’Almeida and Great Brak River by GRDM’s Mossel Bay based EHPs.

Knysna

In the Knysna area, a Blitz Operation was conducted on November 28, 2024, targeting identified areas including Nekkies, Kayalethu, Concordia, and Rheenendal. The operation was carried out in collaboration with the SAPS, Immigration authorities, and the Department of Home Affairs.

During the operation, EHPs seized and safely disposed of foodstuffs deemed unsound and unwholesome. Banned substances, including pesticides, were detained, and the National Department of Agriculture, Land Reform, and Rural Development will be contacted for their confiscation. Health and Hygiene education was also provided to food handlers at the inspected food premises during the operation.

Daily inspections will continue to ensure that quality food products are sold in communities served by these spaza shops.

EHPs from Knysna and stakeholders conducted Blitz Operations in the Nekkies, Kayalethu, Concordia, and Rheenendal areas of Knysna.

Klein Karoo

In the Klein Karoo, Spaza Shop Blitz operations were conducted by GRDM EHPs during the week in Calitzdorp, Ladismith, and Dysselsdorp. The operations involved key role players, including the SAPS, the Department of Agriculture, Immigration officials, and representatives from Local Municipalities’ Town Planning, Fire Services, and Building Control departments.

A total of twenty-six (260 spaza shops were inspected during the operations, with two (2) shops closed due to poor hygienic conditions.

Additionally, EHPs conducted Health and Hygiene workshops in Ladismith on 2 December 2024, and in Oudtshoorn on 3 December 2024. These workshops were well-attended, with twenty-eight (28) spaza shop owners participating in Ladismith and seventy-eight (78) spaza shop owners attending in Oudtshoorn. Read related article: https://www.gardenroute.gov.za/2024/12/03/3-desember-2024-persverklaring-gesondheids-en-higiene-werkswinkel-vir-spaza-winkel-eienaars-en-informele-kosverkopers-gehou-in-ladismith/

Hessequa

On 2 December 2024, EHPs from the GRDM Riversdale based Municipal Health office, conducted a Food Hygiene Workshop in Riversdale.

The workshop was attended by representatives from eighty-six (86) spaza shops, including shop and property owners.

The EHPs expressed their gratitude to all participants for their strong attendance and commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of the Hessequa residents.

Additionally, a Blitz Operation was carried out in Slangrivier on 28 November 2024. During the operation, ten (10) spaza shops were inspected, and one (1) shop was closed due to poor hygienic conditions.

EHPs from the GRDM Hessequa office hosted a Food Hygiene Workshop in Riversdale where eighty-six (86) spaza shops were represented.

George

In the George area, although no shops were visited for inspections, one (1) spaza shop was closed.

Possible Compliance Issues addressed during the operation

In terms of Health and Hygiene violations, shops that were closed may be linked to unsafe food handling practices, unsanitary conditions, or inadequate pest control. In terms of Safety Hazards where shops posed a direct risk to public health and safety, these shops could have been shut down or notices issued until improvements were made.

The Way Forward

  • Follow-Up Inspections: The Municipal Health teams serving the various regions will conduct follow-up Inspections to ensure that the spaza shops that were closed or issued notices have rectified their non-compliance issues.
  • Enforcement of Notices: Ensure that any prohibition or closure notices are enforced, and shops are only allowed to reopen once they meet the necessary compliance requirements.
  • Continued Education and Support: Ongoing training for spaza shop owners to understand and meet health, safety, and legal requirements, helping them avoid future violations.

These collaborative efforts highlight the proactive approach of EHPs and stakeholders in maintaining safe, legal, and hygienic conditions at spaza shops.

While inspections are crucial, continuous education campaigns and workshops are equally important. These initiatives aim to prevent foodborne illnesses, reduce shop closures, and support the communities that rely heavily on these businesses as valuable local assets.

ENDS

03 December 2024 Save the Date: Notice of Special Council Meeting – 11 December 2024 at 11:00

NOTICE OF A SPECIAL COUNCIL MEETING ON 11 DECEMBER 2024 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 at 54 York Street, George, on 11 December 2024 at 11:00.

Members of the public are invited to following the proceedings through the Municipality YouTube channel at:
https://youtube.com/live/mSQ0Vd-tfXY?feature=share

Click here to download the Official Notice

02 December 2024 Media Release: Garden Route Skills Mecca initiative invests millions of Rands in Skills Development opportunities in the Garden Route

Media Release: Garden Route Skills Mecca initiative invests millions of Rands in Skills Development opportunities in the Garden Route

For immediate release
02 December 2024

The Garden Route Skills Mecca (GRSM), an initiative of the Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM), has invested significantly in training and skills development programs across the district’s local municipal areas over the past three years.

Earlier this year, a group of participants from across the district with representatives of GRDM’s EPWP Unit, BIG Hearts and Oudtshoorn Municipality after the signing of their contracts to gain workplace experience at the GRDM, through the GRSM initiative.

Through these programmes, the GRSM continuously aims to collaborate, cooperate and integrate skills development activities across all GRSM roleplayers, ever-increasing its numbers of partnerships in support of Skills Development, as well as continue expanding its network of industry-based occupationally based programmes designed to meet the region’s needs.

The skills development programs implemented through GRSM include diverse fields such as cellphone repairs, construction, and more. These efforts highlight a steady increase in skills development initiatives within the Garden Route, contributing to noticeable growth in the region.

Since 2022, nearly R124.4 million has been invested across local municipalities, creating opportunities for more than 2191 individuals in the Garden Route district. An additional R114.26 million worth of projects are currently in the implementation phase. These efforts, made possible by the GRSM initiative, have included training in areas such as Training for Skills Mecca Technicians through the Expanded Public Works Programme, Project Management, Tourism and Hospitality, Small & Media Enterprise training and business support, Digital skills, Water and Sanitation, Firefighting and artisan development programmes such as plumbing, electrician training to name a few.

The breakdown of investment and programme rollout in local municipal areas includes:

  • Bitou: Programmes implemented in the area amounts to more than R12 million.
  • Knysna: An investment of nearly R35.5 million was made.
  • George: Approximately R23 million was invested in skills and training initiatives in the area.
  • Mossel Bay: Almost R13 million was allocated for the implementation of programmes.
  • Oudtshoorn: Received close to R14 million for the roll-out programmes.
  • Hessequa: Benefited from R8 million for skills development and training programmes.
  • Kannaland: Skills development investment amounted to almost R5.9 million.
  • Additionally, the GRSM furthermore invested approximately R5.3 million in the developing interns placed at various departments of the GRDM. These interns are placed at various departments of the municipality.

More Skills Development Programmes are in the pipeline to be implemented which include: Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Skills, Maritime Training, Rural Development, cell phone repairs training etc. The establishment of training academies are also in the process to the completed and established.

The success of the GRSM can be attributed to key milestones achieved since its inception, including:

  • The hosting of three Skills Summits in various areas within the district.
  • Local skills Indabas also took place across all local municipal areas during this period.
  • A website was furthermore developed that serves as central information hub for training providers and stakeholders;
  • The municipality established an online recruitment system for all projects and programmes.
  • R36 million received from the National Skills Fund to the GRSM.
  • Skills Mecca technicians placed at each municipality to coordinate activities of the GRSM at local level thus ensuring a more coordinated approach that contributes towards the smooth operations of the broader GRSM initiative.

Although the GRSM continues to create possibilities for both employed and unemployed persons within the Garden Route to drive its vision which is the “the preferred destination for developing and honing specific skills and expertise that leads to employability,” it cannot exist without valued partnerships that involves local municipalities, the various SETAs, training providers and the private sector.

Feature Image: Fire Services participants who graduated after completing an Occupational Firefighting training programme through the GRSM, with their families at the event earlier this year.

ENDS

22 November 2024 Opportunities: International Scholarship Opportunity in China for Unemployed Beneficiaries 2024/2025

Opportunities: International Scholarship Opportunity in China for Unemployed Beneficiaries 2024/2025

Opening Date of Funding Window: 14 November 2024
Closing Date of Funding Window: 14 December 2024

Are you a South African matric graduate seeking international study opportunities?
The Chinese Culture and International Education Exchange Centre (CCIEEC), in partnership with the Local Government Sector Education and Training Authority (LGSETA) and the Insurance Sector Education and Training Authority (INSETA), invites matric graduates who completed matric prior to 2024 to apply for an exciting opportunity to study towards a Diploma or Bachelor’s Degree in China.

This initiative aligns with the LGSETA and INSETA Annual Performance Plan targets, contributing to South African youth skills development and employability.

Who can apply?

To qualify for this incredible opportunity, applicants must meet the following criteria:

  1. South African citizens.
  2. Must have completed matric prior to 2024 (no restrictions on the number of years post-matric).
  3. Unemployed at the time of application.
  4. Aged 18 to 25 years.
  5. Willingness to commit to the full programme duration in China.
  6. Ability to adapt to a new cultural and academic environment.
  7. No criminal record.
  8. Medically fit for international travel (HIV, TB and Syphilis negative) according to the rules of the People’s
    Republic of China. A medical exam will take place before departure to China.

Click here to download the Official Advert

19 November 2024 Media Release: COP29 focus on funding to assist the global community in dealing with a fast changing climate

Media Release: COP29 focus on funding to assist the global community in dealing with a fast changing climate

For immediate release
19 November 2024

“Lead by Dr Dion George, Minister of the Department of Environment, Forestry and Fisheries (DFFE) South Africa has sent as strong delegation to attend and contribute to COP29 in Baku, Azerbaijan which will be wrapping up its business on climate change this week,” says Cobus Meiring of the Garden Route Environmental Forum (GREF).

The Garden Route has already experienced the impact of a changing climate and it is important that the region focus on what measures to take to be better prepared for mitigating climate induced impacts such as loss of biodiversity, prolonged drought, floods, fire, changes in rainfall patterns, rising sea levels and sea surges.

COP29 is an annual event where the world gathers to agree on the actions to address the climate crisis, such as limiting the global temperatures rise to 1.5 degrees Celsius, helping vulnerable communities adapt to the impact of climate change and achieving net- zero emissions by 2050.

Unfortunately the outcomes and gravitas of COP29 on the world stage has been overshadowed by the American elections, but COP29 is no doubt one of the most significant events on the global stage. With temperatures soaring to record levels and cataclysmic climate impacts wreaking havoc around the world, the need for urgent, transformative action to phase out fossil fuels, transform food systems and halt and reverse nature loss has never been greater.

One of the key outcomes for COP29 is to ensure that there will be sufficient funding available to enable every country with the means to make a just energy transition, slash greenhouse gas emissions and building resilient communities.

For many communities around the globe efforts to address climate change has come to late, and already thousands have been displaced by rising sea levels and millions more are facing hunger as drought, fires and floods impact on food production and food security.

Over and above the impact of climate change the South African reality is that the country is wreaking havoc on its own environment through unabated pollution at all levels, and it has to be addressed with urgency.

As much as climate change is a complex matter affecting humanity on many levels, fact of the matter is that failing to prioritize planning for it will have severe implications for future generations.

The Garden Route Environmental Forum (GREF) is an environmental management platform and climate change think- tank.

Photo: a fast- changing climate will have an impact on Garden Route bio- diversity and sustainable food production

15 November 2024 Media Release: GRDM and stakeholders continue with Blitz Operations and Health Education in communities of the Garden Route

Media Release: GRDM and stakeholders continue with Blitz Operations and Health Education in communities of the Garden Route

For immediate release
15 November 2024

 Continued Blitz Operations

On 12 November 2024, Garden Route District Municipality Environmental Health Practitioners (EHPs) accompanied by Mossel Bay Municipality’s Law Enforcement Officers and the South African Police Service (SAPS) from Kwanonqaba and Herbertsdale, conducted a joint Blitz Operation in the Mossel Bay area. During the operation, five (5) Spaza Shops were visited and inspected.

Following thorough inspections by EHPs, several foodstuffs were confiscated for non-compliance to the labelling regulations, damaged packaging (foodstuffs got freezer burn due to packaging being torn), expired products, rotten vegetables and fruit and best-before-dates being tampered with.

Mossel Bay Law Enforcement Officers then issued three (3) Notices for shop owners to appear in Court for failing to have valid Business Licences.

In Oudtshoorn’s Bongolethu area, GRDM Klein Karoo EHPs, alongside SAPS, Oudtshoorn Municipality Law Enforcement, and Immigration officials, conducted a similar Blitz Operation on 13 November 2024.

During the operation, from the four (4) of the six (6) spaza shops that was planned to be visited, two (2) shops were closed when the team arrived.

Furthermore, of all the premises visited and inspected in the Sector 1 of Bongolethu, three (3) of the premises was in an acceptable state, however one (1) was temporarily closed due to hygiene concerns. The team will be conducted a follow-up inspection at the premises that was closed during the blitz operation.

GRDM EHPs serving the Hessequa region, in conjunction with the Hessequa Municipality’s Law Enforcement Services and SAPS in the Melkhoutfontein and Heidelberg areas conducted  blitz operations at Spaza shops in Melkhoutfontein on 12 November 2024 and in Heidelberg on 14 November 2024. The team was also accompanied by GRDM Portfolio Chairperson for Community Services, Cllr Jobieth Hoogbaard, who monitored the activities of the operation.

Considering the recent deaths related to the consumption of food products bought from Spaza shops in various parts of the country, the team focused their attention on Food safety, with emphasis placed on hygiene; the sale of damaged (rusted and dented) products and products that is not labelled properly and the storage and sale of pesticides and insecticides. Furthermore, the operation was used as an education platform to address the sale of products that have reached their best before/ sell by/ use by dates.

During the operation damaged products, perishable products(yogurts, fresh milk, cheese and milk based juices), which have reached their use by dates and those not labelled properly, were confiscated and condemned. Subsequently, these products were destroyed and buried at the local landfill site, under the supervision of EHPs, Law Enforcement and SAPS.

GRDM urges the public to be vigilant when buying food products and that the public double check that the date markings on products are within the timeframe before buying them.

Door-to-door Health and Hygiene Awareness

Recently, the GRDM EHPs from the Outeniqua (George) region conducted a door-to-door health and hygiene awareness campaign within the Parkdene community, visiting households to educate residents on essential health practices. During the campaign, the team shared essential information such as health practices, including proper sanitation, waste management, handwashing and other hygiene practices to help prevent the spreading of diseases.

These initiatives aimed to raise awareness, address specific health concerns, and empower residents to create a cleaner, healthier environment. By promoting these practices, the campaign seeks to reduce the spread of diseases within the community.

Continue to report any incidents of suspected counterfeit or tampered foods, members of the public are urged to contact their nearest SAPS or reach out directly to the Garden Route District Municipality’s Municipal Health Services.

Johan Compion – Senior Manager: Municipal Health, Solid Waste Management & Air Quality Control

Desmond Paulse – Manager: Municipal Health Klein Karoo

Rinay Cloete – Acting Chief: Municipal Health Mossel Bay

  • E-mail: rinay@gardenroute.gov.za
  • Tel: 044 693 0006 /Cell: 083 630 6108
  • C/O Sampson & Marling Street, Ext 23, Mossel Bay

Emmy Douglas – Chief: Municipal Health George (Outeniqua)

Jessica Erasmus – Acting Chief: Municipal Health George (Wilderness)

James McCarthy – Chief: Municipal Health Knysna (Lakes)

Gawie Vos – Chief: Municipal Health Bitou (Lakes)

Haemish Herwels – Chief: Municipal Health Hessequa (Langeberg)

ENDS