Media Release: Garden Routers to benefit from LGSeta awarded Local Economic Development Programme – Students inducted
For immediate release 04 September 2024
The Garden Route District Municipality has been awarded a LGSETA Discretionary Grant to fund the National Certificate in Local Economic Development (SAQA 36436) for the training of 50 employed individuals from the district. On 27 August 2024, participants attended an Induction Session held at the GRDM’s Council Chambers.
The session was conducted by the GRDM Human Resource Unit, in collaboration with the Garden Route Skills Mecca (GRSM). During the session, officials thoroughly reviewed all necessary documents and outlined the operational aspects of the program.
This 18-month qualification serves as an entry-level credential in Local Economic Development (LED), marking the first step in a qualifications framework that culminates in a Level 6 qualification. This NQF Level 4 qualification thus serves as a stepping stone towards the National Diploma in Local Economic Development at Level 5.
Participants who complete the program will gain essential knowledge and understanding of LED, including the critical role that Local Government plays in it. This qualification lays the foundation for developing practical competence in LED, enabling learners to identify key values and frameworks necessary for effective governance of local economic initiatives.
The qualification will equip future LED Officers with the knowledge, skills, and tools needed to operate professionally in their roles. It will also enhance their career prospects by providing them with the expertise required to implement policies and procedures effectively in their field.
The Garden Route District Municipality is proud to coordinate and facilitate this programme for the seven Local Municipalities within the region.
Media Release: GRSM’s continues commitment to Skills Development – Occupational Electrician Programme learners inducted
For immediate release 02 September 2024
The Garden Route Skills Mecca (GRSM), an initiative of the Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) continues to implement life-changing skills development and training initiatives in the district. These initiatives are designed to empower the unemployed by equipping them with the necessary skills to enter the job market, while also providing employed individuals with opportunities to enhance their career portfolios. These skills not only open doors to better employment but also inspire many to pursue entrepreneurship.
Willie Matthiae, Chief Operational Officer at Africa Skills George Tech, explained the importance of apprenticeship.
Trix Holtzhausen, GRDM Executive Manager: Corporate Services, inspired the group with a word of motivation.
The event was directed by Reginald Salmons, Skills Development Coordinator at GRDM.
Michelle Smith, GRDM Human Resources Manager, explained the importance of electricity in our lives.
On Friday, 16 August 2024, an Induction Session for students of the Occupational Electrician Programme that will be rolled out by the GRDM’s Skills Mecca, in collaboration with the Local Government Sector Education and Training Authority (LGSETA), was conducted at the Africa Skills Tech (formerly known as Africa Skills Private College). This program once again proof that the GRSM initiative is thriving, as the programme will equip yet another group of Garden Routers with essential skills needed in the district.
The three-year program is fully funded by LGSETA, with an investment of R55,000 per student, enabling them to complete this comprehensive course. Willie Matthiae, Chief Operational Officer at Africa Skills George Tech, articulated the importance of apprenticeship in all aspects of life. He shared the institution’s vision, stating: “All things you can think about, and all things people do, are linked to apprenticeship. In explaining the vision of the institution, he said: “Our vision is to be George Tech, the specialists in training artisans, an institution that has vast knowledge, skills and background to train the best artisans for this country – being about the skills gab and economy growth”. In addition, he emphasised what the group may accept being part of the programme: “This programme is going to be hard work, commitment, a few blisters, but that is the reality, that is why you want to become artisans. We believe, we as Africa Skills George Tech is the ticket for you to start with the apprenticeship that will lead you into your career,” he added.
Trix Holtzhausen, GRDM Executive Manager for Corporate Services, welcomed the participants with words of encouragement: “You are the chosen ones, fortunate to have this opportunity. Seize it and make the most of it. This is your chance to grow, improve, and move forward”. Holtzhausen further inspired the group by saying: “Be diligent in your efforts and enjoy the journey. Your success is our success—remember, nothing worthwhile comes easy, so it’s essential to work hard”.
Addressing the significance of the program, Michelle Smith, Human Resources Manager at GRDM responsible for Skills Development, highlighted the vital role electricity plays in our daily lives. She said: “Electricity connects us in our everyday lives and how we do business”. Smith made an example regarding “cellphones that you see here cannot be charged without electricity”. Smith further elaborated on the various types of electricity and their importance in maintaining a safe and reliable network. “The network requires a safe and reliable access to electricity to continue with what we do every day”. In closing off her remarks, Smith said: “There are so many innovations and technology that happens in this field that advances every day and for that we need to be adaptable and take those initiatives and transform it into something that we can use. So as the technology and innovation grow, our societies grow, if society grow, our needs grow”. In addition, Smith highlighted to the group that by choosing this career “you are helping to develop these skills in our area and also making a difference in your own lives and in your own communities”.
In her closing remarks, Smith expressed gratitude to all program partners—GRDM, LGSETA, and Africa Skills George Tech—stating, “Thank you for making dreams come true through this initiative.” She ended with a motivational note to the learners, saying, “Embrace this opportunity fully and live it to the fullest.”
Re-Advertisement: Tourism and/or Hospitality Work Experience placement opportunities – A Garden Route Skills Mecca Initiative
The Garden Route District Municipality invites unemployed persons currently residing within the Garden Route District Municipal area, to apply for an opportunity to be placed at a Tourism and/or Hospitality Organisation for an eighteen (18) month work experience opportunity, as part of a Garden Route Skills Mecca Initiative. Preference will be given to persons with disabilities. Applicants must be between the ages of 18 and 35. Opportunities are currently available within the Kannaland Municipal Area.
Programme and Entry Requirements
This is an eighteen (18) month work experience placement programme at a Tourism / Hospitality organisation in the Garden Route.
Applicants will be selected based the following sequentially prioritised criteria:
1st Criteria: Persons with a NATED N6 Tourism / Hospitality Qualification that need 18-months work experience for a National Diploma.
2nd Criteria: Persons with any Local or International Tourism / Hospitality Qualification with no work experience .
3rd Criteria: Persons with any Local or International Tourism / Hospitality Qualification with less than six months work experience.
4th Criteria: Persons with at least a NQF 1 Qualification with a desire to work in the Tourism / Hospitality Sector.
Persons with a disability supported by a medical certificate are encouraged to apply and will be exempt from any of the above criteria.
In addition, the GRDM, subject to receiving enough applications and available workplaces, will also attempt to allocate applicants evenly across all municipal wards in the District.
Scope of Work and Duties
This will be determined by the Tourism / Hospitality organisation, but could include administration, reception, room services bar services, restaurant services, food services customer services or any other typical work within tourism and hospitality.
All shortlisted candidates will be required to complete a pre-assessment to assist with correct career development.
Stipends will be paid for eighteen months by the Garden Route District Municipality. Stipends must be used for meals, accommodation and travel costs. The Programme also does not include uniforms, PPE or any equipment unless supplied voluntarily by the host employer. Applicants must apply using the GRDM online system called Unemployed Solutions (red button) found at https://skillsmecca.gardenroute.gov.za/.
THE GARDEN ROUTE DISTRICT MUNICIPALITY WILL ONLY CONSIDER APPLICATIONS COMPLETED IN FULL AND IF THE FOLLOWING DOCUMENTS HAVE BEEN UPLOADED:
A copy of South African ID Document certified within the last six months
A copy of highest educational qualifications certified within the last six months
An affidavit certified within last six months that confirms previous work experience, including any Learnerships.
A criminal record clearance report from the SA Police Services.
For any enquiries, do not hesitate to contact Reginald Salmons at 044-803 1363, or Nolwando Sambokwa at 044 803 1344 during office hours only. Only short-listed candidates will be contacted. Should candidates not be contacted within two months after the closing date, they must consider their application as unsuccessful.
Training Opportunities – Occupational Certificate: Cook x 25 Opportunities
Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) invites unemployed persons between the ages of 18 to 35, male or female residing within the Kannaland Local Municipal area of the Garden Route District, to apply for the opportunity to be trained on the Occupational Qualifications programme as a Cook. This forms part of a Garden Route Skills Mecca Initiative (skillsmecca.gardenroute.gov.za).
Programme and Entry Requirements
This is a twelve (12) month training programme in the Garden Route only.
Applicants need to have as a minimum, an NQF Level 1 Qualification (Grade 9) with Mathematics.
Pure Academic Mathematics or Technical Mathematics or Mathematics Literacy will all qualify.
Applicants will undergo a formal psychometric assessment for selection and those selected will undergo a medical assessment.
In addition, the GRDM, subject to receiving enough applications and available workplaces, will also attempt to allocate applicants evenly across all municipal wards in the district.
Scope of Qualification
A qualified learner will be able to:
Prepare for food production, associated areas, commodities, staff and cooking environment.
Communicate with and assist other kitchen personnel.
Prepare, cook and assemble specific food items using the correct method and techniques to meet customer and organisational requirements.
Assist kitchen and service staff to prepare and serve food.
Hygienically prepare and assemble food, and clean food preparation areas.
THE GARDEN ROUTE DISTRICT MUNICIPALITY WILL ONLY CONSIDER APPLICATIONS COMPLETED IN FULL AND IF THE FOLLOWING DOCUMENTS HAVE BEEN UPLOADED:
A copy of South African ID Document certified within the last three months.
A copy of the highest educational qualifications certified within the last three months.
An affidavit certified within the last three months that confirms previous work experience.
For any enquiries, do not hesitate to contact Reginald Salmons at 044-803 1363 during office hours only.
Only short-listed candidates will be contacted. Should candidates not be contacted within two months after the closing date, they must consider their application as unsuccessful.
“Throughout the year the Garden Route was faced by significant cold fronts and certainly more of the same is on the way before the Southern Cape can say goodbye to the winter of 2024, but the natural environment is visibly wakening to spring,” says Cobus Meiring of the Garden Route Environmental Forum (GREF).
Favourable rains received throughout the year will ensure that springtime will bring all its splendour to the uniquely beautiful region with its unmatched biodiversity and splendour. As incoming cold fronts decrease in number and strength and stop damaging infrastructure and the vulnerable coastline the famous Garden Route beaches will recover well in time for the approaching summer and festive season.
Tourism is one of the key drivers of the Garden Route economy and dependent on the steady influx of tourists. Comparatively to the average South African employment figure the Garden Route has a relatively low unemployment figure at below twenty percent, but it is still extremely high and pose a challenge to the region’s ability to provide an acceptable quality of life to its citizens.
Some of the general factors challenging regional prosperity is slow economic growth, insufficient energy supply and the unpredictable and damaging effects of a changing climate to which the Garden Route is no exception.
Environmentally- speaking extremely high levels of invasive alien plants remain a threat to the Garden Route landscape and is something the community must address themselves as government lacks the means to address the scourge on private land.
Land owners and land managers are encouraged to comply to environmental legislation and clear their land of invasive alien plants where they can and promote the revival of indigenous vegetation. Indigenous vegetation is vital for the survival of critically endangered species such as coastal fynbos and other sensitive eco- systems, dramatically reduce fire risk and increase water security.
The Garden Route Environmental Forum (GREF) is a regional environmental management and climate change think- tank.(www.grefscli.co.za).
Public Notice: Notice of Public Participation for the GRDM Fire Safety By-Law relating to Veld, Mountain, and Chemical Fires
Open for Comment
The Garden Route District Municipality envisages to enact a Fire Safety By-Law, relating to Veld, Mountain, and Chemical Fires.
In terms of Section 156 (2) of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, Act No. 108 of 1996, the Municipal Systems Act, No. 32 of 2000, and Section 16 of the Fire Brigade Services Act, 99 of 1987 the Garden Route District Municipality makes this bylaw for the effective administration of matters that it has the right to administer in terms of the Municipal Structures Act, 84 (1)(j)(ii), i.e. the National Veld and Forest Fire Amendment Act, 2023, the Hazardous Substances Act, No 15 of 1973, and the Occupational Health and Safety Act, No 85 of 1993. As per the provisions of Sections 12 and 13 as well as sections 21 and 21A of the Municipal Systems Act, 32 of 2000, Garden Route District Municipality publish this by-law for public comment and input, prior to it being gazetted.
Notice is hereby given that the Draft Garden Route District Municipality Fire Safety By-Law relating to Veld, Mountain, and Chemical Fires will be available for public comment and input from 23 August 2024 to 23 September 2024.
The draft Garden Route District Municipality Fire Safety By-Law will be available for viewing at the following Places:
Garden Route District Municipality, 54 York Street, George.
Garden Route District Municipality Fire Station, Opal Close, Tamsui Industria.
George Municipality, York Street, 71 York Street.
George Municipality, Fire Station 124 Mitchell Street.
Mossel Bay Municipality Head Office, 101 Marsh Street.
Mossel Bay Municipality Fire Station, Heiderand.
Knysna Municipality Head Office, 05 Clyde Street.
Knysna Municipality Fire Station, Waterfront Drive, Knysna Central.
Buffelsnek Public Library, 6 Protea Street, Buffelsnek, Knysna.
Uniondale Post Office, 48 Voortrekker Street.
Bitou Municipality Head Office, 04 Sewell Street.
Bitou Municipality Fire Station, 06 Flying Cloud Drive.
Hessequa Municipality Head Office, Civic Centre Van den Berg Street.
Garden Route District Municipality Sub Fire Station, 35 Mulder Street, Riversdale.
Kannaland Municipality Head Office, 32 Church Street.
Garden Route District Municipality Sub Fire Station, 54 Van Riebeek Street.
Oudtshoorn Municipality Head Office, 69 Cnr. CJ Langenhoven Street & Voortrekker Road.
Oudtshoorn Municipality Fire Station, 28 Church Street.
Heidelberg Post Office, 50 Van Riebeek Street.
Garden Route District Municipality website.
The District Municipality hereby invites comments from interested and affected parties on the draft Garden Route District Municipality Fire Safety By-Law. Any comments and input submitted will be considered during the finalization of the draft document for final approval and Gazetting.
Written submissions may be directed to the Municipal Manager using the following address: Garden Route District Municipality, Municipal Manager,
Mr Monde Stratu,
54 York Street, George /or Private Bag 12,
George,
6530
/or via email to:
info@gardenroute.gov.za on or before 23 September 2024.
Any person who is unable to write can submit their input verbally to the Council’s offices where they will be assisted by a staff member to put their comments in writing. Enquiries can be directed to Mr Deon Stoffels at 044 878 1000/083941 1994 or e-mail deon@gardenroute.gov.za.
Click here to download the Government Gazette Notice Click here to download the Bylaw
M G Stratu
MUNICIPAL MANAGER
GARDEN ROUTE DISTRICT MUNICIPALITY
Media Release: Uncertain future as sand dunes are washed away
For immediate release 26 August 2024
“The frequency and severity of winter storms are on the increase and as sand dunes protecting infrastructure and residential properties from the ferocity of the ocean that are regularly damaged and often completely washed away, beachfront home owners have reason for concern”, says Cobus Meiring of the Garden Route Environmental Forum (GREF).
Primary and secondary sand dunes covered by indigenous vegetation are considered natural infrastructure and act as vital barriers protecting the interior from incoming high tides and wave action. As much as storms and super high tides affecting coastlines and dune systems can be considered normal, it is their frequency and increased ferocity that are posing a real and present threat to hard infrastructure and properties along beaches and low-lying areas such as lagoons, river mouths and estuaries.
Along the SA coastline homeowners with valuable beach properties are concerned about the long term future prospects of their houses. Along sections of the N2 highway in the Southern and Eastern Cape the ocean recently breached the vital road a number of times leading to road closures and damage.
Sand dunes and beaches are protected under environmental legislation and landowners are not permitted to strengthen and re- enforce washed- away dune systems in front of their properties without permission from the powers that be. Still, there is no doubt that the problems and threats of rising seas and storm surges are getting worse and there is reason for concern.
Even where permissions have been granted to protect dunes from being completely washed away those interventions are expensive and need to be comprehensive in order to be effective against the power of the sea. More often than not municipalities lack the funds to build back climate resilient infrastructure with damage incurred due to flooding, landslides and high seas.
Insurance entities are well aware of where high risk properties are located and may well amend their policies over time to be able to compensate for the high levels of exposure to the elements.
Disaster management entities monitor the impact of the ocean on high risk areas and regularly issue advisory notices when strong wind, super high tides and torrential rain all join forces in creating potential threats to coastal communities and properties.
Feature Image: Wilderness beach: Beach-front properties are increasingly threatened by rising sea levels and storm surges. –Photo Supplied
Issued: GREF
GREF is the premier public platform for regional environmental and conservation managers in the Southern Cape.
Media Release: GRDM’s Fire & Rescue Services completes the first ever External Integrated Summative Assessment for Firefighting in South Africa
For immediate release 26 August 2024
Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) and Fire & Rescue Services through the municipality’s Garden Route Skills Mecca (GRSM) programme on 22 August 2024, completed their first ever External Integrated Summative Assessment (EISA) for Firefighting in South Africa.
Learners undertaking their final assessment as part of the External Integrated Summative Assessment.
The Assessment was performed in collaboration with the Quality Council for Trades and Occupations (QCTO) and the Local Government Sector Education and Training Authority (LGSETA). The EISA were conducted at the Municipality’s Calitzdorp Hot Springs, which is also accredited by the QCTO as a Training Assessment Centre.
Deon Stoffels, Chief Fire Officer at GRDM Fire and Rescue Services said: “The External Integrated Summative Assessment (EISA) is the final assessment managed and conducted by the Quality Partner/Assessment Quality Partner; used to assess all learners nationally. In the EISA the learner proves his/her competence against the Exit Level Outcomes of the Qualification. Learners qualify for entry into EISA via a Statement of Results (SoR) issued by the accredited Skills Development Provider (SDP) – the GRDM in this regard”.
Learners pictured with the LGSETA External Integrated Summative Assessment Facilitators and Invigilators. Front: Gillian Tobin (middle), Mpume Madondo (right) and back Donald Mathebula (right) and Albert Sekhwela (far right). Also in the picture is Daniel Dippenaar, GRDM Station Commander: Fire Safety & Training (far left), who took over as lead facilitator from the now retired, Brian Afrikander, and successfully saw out the last quarter of the program.
In August 2023 the GRDM Fire & Rescue Services commenced with the implementation of the NQF Level 04 Occupational Certificate in Firefighting. This qualification is a national qualification that is achieved through a training program offered by an accredited fire training institution or a fire department. The GRDM obtained accreditation as a Skills Development Provider for this qualification in September 2022. This accreditation was obtained through joint efforts of the GRDM and the Fire & Rescue Services.
The qualification bears 149 credits, equating to 1490 notional hours of learning, and in effect a total of 187 days of training, including classroom study, assignments and examinations.
This qualification addresses a need to have qualified entry level firefighters who can respond to both structural and incidental emergency situations in South Africa.
It is an entry-level qualification for persons wishing to start a career in the emergency services, especially fire and rescue services. It is aimed at learners from formal schooling background and/or employees who are currently employed as fire fighters or individuals performing firefighting related activities.
Stoffels added: “Learners who successfully complete this qualification will have a range of foundational competencies relating to emergency services, firefighting, rescue operations, victim care and protection of property and the environment, as well as generic skills in workplace processes”.
The completion and attainment of this qualification will benefit learners in terms of employment in various public and private sector organisations, as they will be in possession of the required skills. In addition, Stoffels highlighted: “The employment of qualified learners by the industry will benefit both the communities and the South African economy at large”.
The 24 learners who completed the programme include three (3) members from Bitou, five (5) from Knysna, two (2) from Mossel Bay, three (3) from Kannaland, three (3) from Oudtshoorn, two (2) from Hessequa, as well as six (6) members from George.
Students will be capped at a passing out parade on 27 August 2024, whereafter they will be eligible for work opportunities locally, as well as elsewhere.
It is a good example of how the GRDM through the GRSM initiative, continues to lead skills development throughout the district in a collaborative, cooperative and integrated manner.
Did you know?
The qualification has been developed in compliance with the South African National Standards, particularly Community Protection against Fire (SANS 10090:2003). This SANS standard, in turn, gives normative references to seven National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) standards that are registered by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI). The most relevant NFPA standards for this qualification are NFPA 1001 and 472.
The International Fire Service Accreditation Congress (IFSAC) is an international organisation that accredits over 100 Fire Service Providers internationally basing its accreditation on NFPA standards. This qualification has been compared against four NFPA certificates which deal with entry-level fire-fighter requirements, namely: (1) Fire fighter 1; (2) Fire fighter 2; (3) Dangerous goods awareness; and (4) Dangerous goods operations.
Feature Image: A happy and relieved group of learners after the completion of their final assessment.
