Author: Marillia Veldkornet
11 November 2024 Media Release: Garden Route District Municipality completes final phase of the installation of Smoke Detection Devices in Rheenendal
Media Release: Garden Route District Municipality completes final phase of the installation of Smoke Detection Devices in Rheenendal
For immediate release
11 November 2024
The Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM), in partnership with the Knysna Municipality, today (11 November 2024) completed the installation of over 60 smoke detectors in homes within the Rheenendal community near Knysna. This marks the final phase of the project to install almost 500 smoke detectors in the area.
The detectors were installed by firefighters with councillors fulfilling an oversight role. Firefighters, while installing the devices, also educated home-owners about the use of the devices.
The team of firefighters ready to install the smoke detectors at dwellings situated in the Rheenendal area.
Smoke detectors, or smoke alarms, are devices designed to sense smoke and emit an audible or visual alert to warn of a fire.
Today’s installations covered the following areas within Rheenendal:
- Monkey Valley (9 homes)
- Soccer Valley (9 homes)
- Lapland (18 homes)
- Pine Valley (3 homes)
- Busy Corner (5 homes)
- Uitsig Section 5 (2 homes)
- Uitsig Sections 1, 2, 3, and Honey Valley (15 homes combined)
- Hou my nat (2 homes)
The project has been supported by Cllr Hoogbaard, the Portfolio Chairperson for Community Services at GRDM, Cllr Hilton Stroebel, Knysna and GRDM Councillor, Deon Stoffels, GRDM’s Chief Fire Officer, Marthina Tieties, Community Facilitator from Asivikelane representing the Rheenendal community, as well as GRDM firefighters and officials who all formed part of the installations.
During his address as part of the formal programme, Cllr Hoogbaard said: “The installation of smoke alarms in informal dwellings is a critical step towards preventing fire-related tragedies and promoting a culture of fire safety. This project aligns perfectly with our municipality’s goals of providing a safe and healthy environment for all”.
Hoogbaard further commended the project’s organisers for their proactive approach to addressing this pressing need. “The partnership between GRDM, Knysna Municipality, the Provincial Government, as well as the community, demonstrates our collective commitment to improving the quality of life for our most vulnerable residents,” he added.
The project’s objectives include:
- Reducing fire-related deaths, injuries, and property damage;
- Educating residents on the importance of smoke alarm installation and maintenance;
- Assisting residents in developing and practicing home fire escape plans;
- Helping municipalities comply with legislative requirements under the Municipal Structures Act, Disaster Management Act, and Fire Brigade Services Act;
- Enhancing relations between the community and local fire departments.
Smoke detectors installed at various dwellings within the Rheenendal area.
Early detection of home fires is crucial for reducing fatalities and injuries. Fires can smoulder before igniting into flames, often releasing toxic gases that cause suffocation – the main cause of fire-related deaths. Smoke can disorient or incapacitate people quickly, especially during sleep, as studies show that the smell of smoke does not wake people. Detecting a fire early, while it is still smouldering, allows time for safe evacuation, and reduces the risk of suffocation.
GRDM therefore remains dedicated to enhancing fire safety for communities within the Garden Route.
ENDS
08 November 2024 Media Release: Media Release: Stakeholders discuss Community Safety at GRDM Workshop
Media Release: Stakeholders discuss Community Safety at GRDM Workshop
For immediate release
8 November 2024
The Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM), in collaboration with key stakeholders including the Civilian Secretariat of Police Service and the Western Cape Government’s Department of Police Oversight and Community Safety (PoCS), on Wednesday, 6 November 2024, hosted a Community Safety Workshop at the GRDM Joint Operation Centre.
The event also attracted representatives from the Department of Education, Ratepayers Associations, and other stakeholders to engage in discussions aimed at enhancing community safety in the district, especially with the upcoming holiday season in mind. The workshop served to align stakeholders on existing safety plans for the Garden Route district and laid the groundwork for the Community Safety Summit that was held at the Town Hall of Mossel Bay.
Key topics included the concept and structure of a Community Safety Forum, stakeholder support for the forum, the Integrated Crime and Violence Prevention Strategy 2023-2027 (ICVPS), and the role of local government in supporting and implementing this strategy.
Executive Mayor of GRDM, Andrew Stroebel, in his address, emphasised the shared objective of reducing crime in the region. Citing a recent tragedy in George, he noted that crimes not only harm individuals but also impact tourism and economic growth. “These crimes don’t just take lives; they also undermine our region’s attractiveness and potential,” he said. Mayor Stroebel underscored the importance of the Community Safety Forum as a platform where various stakeholders can combine their expertise to ensure a safer region for all. “Our journey toward community safety relies on collaboration between local government, law enforcement, civil society, and the community,” he added. Highlighting the anticipated influx of tourists during the festive season, he called upon stakeholders to work together to reinforce the Garden Route’s reputation as a safe and desirable destination.
Portfolio Chairperson for Community Services at GRDM, Councillor Jobieth Hoogbaard reiterated GRDM’s commitment to supporting local safety forums. “The good work initiated by PoCS is evident in each of our seven municipalities,” he said, commending the active safety forums across the district. He further encouraged stakeholders to inform communities that “safety is everyone’s responsibility,” and assured participants that the workshop would lead to tangible improvements in community safety.
The Community Safety Initiative, led by PoCS, aims to empower municipalities and communities to address safety concerns while preventing duplication of efforts across governmental spheres. Representatives at the workshop repeatedly highlighted the importance of working together to improve safety throughout the Garden Route. This collaborative approach aims to reduce crime and foster safer communities through coordinated efforts across all local municipalities.
The Garden Route district is committed to prioritising local safety issues and will continue to support the establishment of Safety Forums in local municipal areas, to implement their safety plans in partnership with PoCS and the South African Police Service (SAPS).
Amid pressing challenges such as youth unemployment, inequality, drug abuse, and the rise in gender-based violence, stakeholders acknowledged the need for comprehensive Community Safety Plans. This includes incorporating safety initiatives into municipal Integrated Development Plans with measurable Key Performance Indicators, as well as effective communication to reinforce public safety. The workshop also emphasised the importance of regular safety audits, placing safety as a priority on municipal agendas, enforcing by-laws in collaboration with law enforcement, and ensuring accountability through annual reporting.
To close the day’s discussions, Ntabeleng Raisa-Mlandu, the newly appointed Executive Manager of Community Services at GRDM, emphasised that while municipalities and stakeholders may have plans and resources in place, achieving success requires a strong commitment from the municipalities themselves. She added that for these Community Safety initiatives to succeed, all local municipalities and stakeholders need to come together in one room to work toward the shared outcomes.
Through these concerted efforts, the Garden Route District Municipality and its partners aim to create a safer, more cohesive community for residents and visitors alike.
ENDS
08 November 2024 Media Release: GRDM and Stakeholders conduct Collaborative Spaza Shop Blitz Operations in the Garden Route
Media Release: GRDM and Stakeholders Conduct Collaborative Spaza Shop Blitz in areas of the Garden Route
For immediate release
8 November 2024
Garden Route District Municipality’s (GRDM) Environmental Health Practitioners (EHPs) and stakeholders took part in a joint operation targeting Spaza shops in the Nekkies/Damsebos area of Knysna on 30 October.
During this initiative, eleven (11) Spaza Shops were inspected by EHPs, the Knysna Municipality’s Law Enforcement Unit, as well as the South African Police Service. The inspections focused on:
- Validity of Certificates of Acceptability, per Regulation 638 under the Foodstuffs, Cosmetics and Disinfectants Act, 1972 (Act 54 of 1972);
- overall hygiene standards;
- proper food labelling;
- expired products; and
- the Illegal sale of poisons or pesticides to the public.
Following thorough inspections, one (1) Spaza shop was closed due to serious hygiene violations. Additionally, five (5) food samples from various shops were collected for chemical health analysis at the National Health Laboratory Services.
In the Klein Karoo region, the GRDM Manager for Municipal Health, Desmond Paulse, and Warrant Officer, M. Govender from the Dysselsdorp Police, conducted a multi-stakeholder inspection to ensure that every Spaza Shop in the area have a Certificate of Acceptability in terms of Regulation 638 of 2018. They further inspected the shops to determine whether they are in a good state of hygiene, sell healthy foodstuffs to the public and that foodstuffs are properly labelled and provided with date marking so that the public can make informed decisions when buying foodstuffs. Five (5) shops were inspected throughout this operation.
In the George area, during a recent blitz several establishments were inspected and four (4) shops including three (Spaza Shops) as well as one (1) restaurant in town were closed.
These closures were enforced due to poor hygiene standards and the absence of valid Certificates of Acceptability, as required under the Foodstuffs, Cosmetics, and Disinfectants Act (Regulation 628 of 22 June 2018: General Hygiene Requirements for Food Premises, Transport of Food, and Related Matters).
Law enforcement will monitor the closed premises to ensure compliance, while follow-up inspections will be conducted by the respective EHPs overseeing these areas.
Other recent Municipal Health outreaches
In recent outreach efforts, GRDM’s Municipal Health team in Knysna conducted an educational session for food handlers from restaurants and grocery stores in Buffalo Bay, Goukamma, and Sedgefield. More than 30 food handlers attended, participating in presentations on food safety, handling, and hygiene practices. Attendees were assessed on the material covered and enthusiastically engaged in group discussions, applying principles learned during the session.
In Bitou, EHPs conducted a Health and Hygiene session at the Jack and Jill Educare Centre in Kranshoek, focusing on communicable disease prevention and handwashing. This initiative, as part of the recent Environmental Health Day, also highlighted the urgency of these practices amid rising measles cases.
EHPs strengthens operations through Food Safety Plan to Protect Public Health during the Festive Period
As the festive season approaches, GRDM’s Municipal Health Section is set to implement a Food Safety Plan to ensure safe food handling across all food premises, including stalls, retail shops, spaza shops, and mobile vendors in the District. The plan seeks to protect public health by reducing the risk of foodborne illnesses, also considering the recent food-poisoning related cases reported across the country.
EHPs, empowered under Regulation R328 of 20 April 2007, are responsible for ensuring that all food establishments meet hygiene standards to provide safe products to the public. The Food Safety Plan will focus on regions across the Garden Route, including the Klein-Karoo, Knysna, Mossel Bay, Hessequa, Bitou, and Outeniqua areas.
Targets and Operations
The campaign will target a variety of food premises and educational facilities, including informal traders, soup kitchens, wholesalers, taxi ranks, shopping centres, and early childhood development facilities. Inspections will assess pest control, chemical safety, labelling, and ventilation. Chemical and bacteriological sampling, including hand-swabs of identified foods, will be conducted in early November.
The plan also includes weekly awareness sessions and roadblocks in high-traffic areas to further promote health and hygiene. Community outreach events will involve both the general public and the business sector, with educational sessions and pamphlet distribution at food premises. Inspections will extend to weekends and after hours as needed, and non-compliant shops will face closure if operating without a Certificate of Acceptability.
Ultimate Risk
Failure to implement this food safety plan could pose a severe health risk to the community, potentially resulting in foodborne illnesses and, in extreme cases, fatalities. However, the GRDM is committed to actively monitoring and managing risks to safeguard the health of Garden Route residents.
Feature Image: Recent blitz operations conducted in the George area.
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31 October 2024 Media Release: GRDM bids farewell to dedicated Roads employee, Daniel Bruiners
Media Release: GRDM bids farewell to dedicated Roads employee, Daniel Bruiners
For immediate release
31 October 2024
This week, the Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) Roads Department will bid farewell to a cherished colleague, Daniel Bruiners, with a special memorial service celebrating his life on Friday, 1 November 2024.
Daniel, who sadly passed away on Friday, 25 October 2024, at the age of 55, dedicated 20 years of service to the GRDM. Appointed on 1 September 2004, he worked as a member of the Herold Maintenance Team in his hometown of Herold – the place where he was born, raised, and educated.
Daniel’s passing has left an emptiness among his colleagues. Team members remember him as a quiet, diligent worker known for his precision and neatness in every task. Gert Verwey, Deputy Manager of GRDM Roads, remarked: “Daniel’s meticulous work ethic and the significant contributions he made to GRDM Roads are deeply felt by our team. His absence is already felt profoundly.”
Born as the youngest of seven brothers, Daniel is survived by his siblings, his three children – one daughter and two sons – and a niece with whom he shared his home. The GRDM extends its heartfelt condolences to Daniel’s family, friends, and colleagues as they mourn his unexpected loss.
The memorial service will be held at the GRDM Council Chambers. Family, colleagues, friends, and community members are invited to join virtually through the municipality’s YouTube Channel:
https://tinyurl.com/msbtcr3x.
Rest in Peace, Daniel
Your dedication and service to the people of the Garden Route will be remembered.
You will be dearly missed.
ENDS
24 October 2024 Media Release: SAPS, GRDM, Mossel Bay Municipality and stakeholders in the Garden Route collaborate in launching October the Safer Festive Season campaign in Mossel Bay
Media Release: SAPS, GRDM, Mossel Bay Municipality and stakeholders in the Garden Route collaborate launching October the Safer Festive Season campaign in Mossel Bay
For immediate release
24 October 2024
The South African Police Service (SAPS), Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM), Mossel Bay Municipality, and various stakeholders from the Garden Route launched the Safer Festive Season campaign yesterday, 23 October 2024, at the Extension 23 Sports Ground Stadium in Mossel Bay. The event brought together police officers, municipal leaders, youth, and community members, all united in promoting safety during the upcoming holiday season.
Stakeholer representatives in attendance at the Joint Operation Centre in Mossel Bay.
The day commenced with a briefing session at Mossel Bay’s Joint Operations Centre, where plans and resources in ensuring the safety of residents and tourists, were discussed. Following the briefing, stakeholders participated in an integrated roadblock near PetroSA before gathering at the stadium for the official launch of the campaign.
During the briefing, Executive Mayor of GRDM, Andrew Stroebel, emphasised the importance of crime prevention in sustaining the district’s rapid growth, particularly as the Garden Route remains a major tourist destination. He expressed the municipality’s commitment to public safety, adding that “the crime rate is being addressed with utmost priority to continue fostering economic growth”. Western Cape Provincial Commissioner, Adv. Lieutenant General Thembisa Patekile, highlighted the need to support officers’ well-being, including addressing their housing needs. Mayor Stroebel responded that GRDM is actively working to become a housing authority, with an application currently in process.
The delegation subsequently participated in the roadblock near PetroSA in Mossel Bay creating awareness about safety in general.
Speakers addressing the representatives from various organisations as well as members of the community.
Arriving at the stadium, the delegation was welcomed by officers in ‘Blue’, representatives from various other organisations, community members and school representatives from the area, to name a few. The formal programme commenced with a parade in honour of the role of SAPS officers in the community and the safety of the residents of the district.
In his address at the event, Mayor Stroebel extended words of appreciation to all the partners involved in the campaign specifically pointing out SAPS, emergency services and the various departments that have come together in unity to make the launch of the Safer Festive Season campaign possible. He said: “Your dedication to ensuring the safety and security of our community is invaluable, and it gives me immense confidence in our collective ability to face the challenges of the festive season”. In addition, he further reiterated that “the Garden Route is not only a beautiful and vibrant region but also a significant tourist destination, drawing thousands of visitors during the holiday period”.
“We recognise the increased responsibility on our shoulders to ensure that both our residents and visitors feel safe and protected. Through our partnerships and the tireless work of all stakeholders involved, we are well-prepared to meet this challenge head-on.”
Parades of honour by SAPS officers at the event.
While Mayor Stroebel mentioned that safety and security cannot be achieved by one entity alone, he noted that “through strong partnerships we are able to ensure a cohesive and proactive approach to managing risks. These partnerships allow us to work together towards the common goal of providing a secure environment, not just over the festive season, but throughout the year,” he added. “Together, we will continue to build a region where everyone can enjoy the holidays in peace and security, knowing that they are supported by a strong and capable network of professionals,” he concluded.
Executive Deputy Mayor of Mossel Bay Municipality, Ald. Cliffie Bayman, when offering the residents of the Garden Route the assurance that Mossel Bay and the broader Garden Route is in safe hands while heading into the festive season, he said: “Today is an opportunity to show that partnerships built up through, for example, the Joint Operation Centre, have helped safeguard Mossel Bay and, through the K9 Unit, Mossel Bay has played a key supporting role in growing safety in the broader Western Cape”. In addition, Ald. Bayman further reminded all present that “today is a show of force and collaboration, a promise that the Council will continue to build on the success of these partnerships”. On behalf of the Mossel Bay he offered his full support towards the campaign and an overall safer festive season.
The operational plan handed over to Western Cape Commissioner, Adv. Lieutenant General Thembisa Patekile.
Lieutenant General Patekile encouraged communities to exercise caution during the December holidays as he made specific mention to the issue of gender-based violence (GBV), domestic violence, particularly women and children. Patekile further said: “We urge everyone as SAPS takes GBV extremely seriously – through our efforts, we will continue to protect the vulnerable, the elderly and women, as well as children”. In general, Patekile further encouraged communities to change their attitude, change the narrative and he advised that “we want you to be happy, everybody must be happy, as long as there should be no loss of life”.
Patekile further mentioned that SAPS deals with plenty occurrences of the loss of lives amongst young persons. He advised that “we should prevent situations that trigger conflict and that we should respect one another’s space”. he He further advised: “After attending an event, go home and sleep, do not cause problems”. He urged parents and communities to advise the youth, specifically young men, to act wisely and in the best interest of everyone’s safety. In terms of growing the economy he encouraged the public not to purchase counterfeit food at stores. These are merely a few of the many tips he shared with all present. In terms of extortion, he seriously advised that victims of extortion should report their cases to the toll-free number 0800 314 444.
Dry-runs conducted during the event.
The rest of the activities included the Code of Conduct of SAPS Officers delivered by Constable Slingers in committing themselves to the safety of society, dry-runs of various crime-related incidents that police officers are tasked with on a daily basis, the marching of the Guard of Honour and instrumental performances by the men and ladies in blue, an exhibition and ultimately the handing over of the Operation Plan to the Lieutenant General Patekile.
Strong partnerships created and fostered for a safer Garden Route district.
Representatives from the Community Policing Forum, Spiritual Crime Prevention, the Department of Correctional Services, as well as the Provincial Traffic Department were also in attendance.
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22 October 2024 Save the Date: Notice of Special Council Meeting – 24 October 2024 – 15:00
NOTICE OF A SPECIAL COUNCIL MEETING ON 24 OCTOBER 2024 AT 15:00
Notice No. 134/2024
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 24 October 2024 at 15:00.
View the proceeding at: https://youtube.com/live/K69PclPTLXQ?feature=share
MG Stratu
Municipal Manager
54 York Street
P O Box 12
GEORGE
6530
Tel: 044 803 1300
Click here download the Official Notice
21 October 2024 Media Release: Kaaimans Gorge, a lost treasure
Media Release: Kaaimans Gorge, a lost treasure
For immediate release
21 October 2024
“Paying a heavy price for development and road infrastructure, the iconic Kaaimans Gorge between Wilderness and George has lost much of its environmental and historical significance,” says Cobus Meiring of the Garden Route Environmental Forum (GREF). The iconic gorge symbolises everything the Garden Route represents but is subjected to the full impact of one of South Africa’s busiest highways.
Kaaimans Gorge is a vital conservation corridor linking the Indian Ocean with the Outeniqua mountains and is a marine and terrestrial biodiversity treasure chest. Periodic land- slides, the formation of erosion gullies, unprecedented growth of invasive alien plants and the damming of water flow upstream of Kaaimans Gorge collectively pushed the Kaaimans balance of nature and sense of place to a point of no return.
In addition to the above, an indigenous creeper has in less than a decade covered much of the northern slope of the Kaaimans indigenous forest. This development led to the collapse of the forest under the weight of the creeper and no doubt will cause further land-slides as dead biomass and water-logged soils with no plant cover to keep it in check, will at some point give way to gravity.
More often than not, the environment has to give way to development and the growing needs of resource-hungry populations. If the Garden Route is to retain any of its allure as an international point of interest, those living in it should make special efforts to conserve what remains of one of the most special natural spaces on the African continent.
Garden Route river systems are essential conservation corridors which are essential to the survival of biodiversity and land owners in their catchments can contribute to their optimal functionality by clearing their land of invasive alien plants.
The Garden Route Environmental Forum (GREF) is a public platform for environmental management agencies and a climate change think- tank. (grefscli.org.za)
Photo: Kaaimans gorge
16 October 2024 Media Release: Water security the most important need
Media Release: Water security the most important need
For immediate release
16 October 2024
“Forget about load shedding and bad roads, the lack of water security is without a doubt the most serious problem South African communities can face,” says Cobus Meiring of the Garden Route Environmental Forum (GREF).
The installation of water tanks to harvest rain water from rooftops coupled with measures to reduce consumption do contribute to water security, but consistent availability is critical to all.
Dam levels in the Western and Southern Cape is presently looking good going into summer with no immediate threat to water security. The long term challenge facing the region is exponential population growth and the pressure it will put on finite water resources.
Johannesburg and Pretoria are increasingly plagued by long water outages with reservoirs running dry despite storage dams being at acceptable levels and sufficient run- off from primary catchments. The water crises facing Gauteng is serious, was entirely preventable and is the result of poor planning, failure to upgrade infrastructure and incompetence at many levels of the water management chain.
Water supply infrastructure can be fixed and it is vital that it is approached with urgency, because a more serious threat to water security is the global change in climate and unpredictable rainfall patterns.
Water security demands a holistic approach including the management of catchments and rivers free of invasive alien plants, planning and maintenance of water infrastructure, evaporation suppression and compliance by water users implementing water saving measures.
The Garden Route Environmental Forum (GREF) is a public platform for environmental managers and a climate change think- tank. (grefscli.co.za)
Photo: Supplied
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