Skip to content Skip to left sidebar Skip to footer

Author: Marillia Veldkornet

11 June 2024 Media Release: GRDM bids farewell to departed colleague, Bernard Janse van Rensburg

Media Release: GRDM bids farewell to departed colleague, Bernard Janse van Rensburg

For immediate release
11 June 2024

Last week, Thursday, 6 June 2024, the Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM), family and friends of the late Bernard Janse van Rensburg gathered at the municipality’s Council Chambers, to hold a memorial service for him after his passing on 26 May 2024.

At the age of 48, Bernard left a profound void in the hearts of his coworkers, family, and friends, who joined together to honour his memory on this occasion. Among those present were also Bernard’s wife, Lynette Janse van Rensburg.

GRDM colleagues and friends shared fond memories of the late Bernard Janse van Rensburg during his Memorial held at the Municipality’s Council Chambers on 6 June 2024.

Trix Holtzhausen, Executive Manager of the GRDM Corporate Services Department, shared Bernard’s work history as an employee of municipality after he was permanently appointed at the Municipality’s Roads Department as Senior Switchboard Operator on 1 October 2009.  He was later temporarily seconded to the GRDM head office on 1 November 2022 to form part of the Communications Team and thereafter he left for his final position as the “friendly voice of the municipality” – the Senior Switchboard Operator for the organisation.

During his time at GRDM, he completed his BA Communication Science Degree and also a Sound Engineering Diploma. These qualifications proved that he was passionate about the multimedia industry, including music, movie productions, and written content creation, to name a few. These were emphasised by a former colleague, Angeline Naidoo who conveyed a comforting message to his family, friends and colleagues describing him as a multi-talented individual. She said: “Of all the talents he had, he was a boffin in electronics, but that his voice was one of the best talents he had”. She added: “And he left us with that voice, which we are forever grateful for”.

In a touching tribute by a friend of two decades, Johan du Toit reminisced about Bernard’s adventurous spirit and that the two of them shared many life experiences. He also remembered his friend as being a body builder who was also a participant of martial arts. Describing him as being brilliant in his production works, he also had a great sense of humour and his general knowledge of music and movies was incomparable”, he said:

Lastly, he added: “Thank you for the privilege of knowing you and that I could call you my friend Bernard. Thank you for being inspirational – we will miss you”.

John Daniels, Bernard’s former Executive Manager at the GRDM’s Roads Department praised Bernard for his professionalism and unwavering composure in navigating workplace challenges. “With his calm demeanour, he could deal with and handle any type of situation in the workplace”. Councillor George Maloyi also comforted the family and Bernard’s wife with words of solace to carry them through this time of sorrow.

Holtzhausen further remembered the late Bernard as an extremely dedicated colleague and his meticulous attention to detail. “He was very particular when it comes to detail, and very gifted indeed,” she said. “The voice of the Garden Route became quiet, but will remain in our hearts,” she added.

Municipal Manager, Monde Stratu extended words of gratitude to Lynette for the opportunity that GRDM was allowed to share in the life of Bernard, as a colleague, as an employee and as a friend “and for affording the GRDM the opportunity to spend this time with the family in their time of grief.

In closing Stratu said: “I was privileged to have worked closely with Bernard when he was seconded to the Communications Unit,” a section housed in the Office of the Municipal Manager and “we were privileged to witness him being a ‘genius’ in the work he performed for the organisation. I am happy and personally grateful that him being part of this organisation happened in my lifetime. He was indeed one of the best, professional, gifted and a loved colleague”, Stratu concluded.

Rest in Peace Bernard, you will be sorely missed.

ENDS

11 June 2024 Public Notice: Performance Agreements 2024/25 approved

Public Notice: Performance Agreements 2024/25 approved

The following Performance Agreements for the 2024/2025 financial year are approved and available on the municipal website:

Click here to access and download the agreements.

For more information, please contact the GRDM Performance Management Manager, Ms Ilse Saaiman at:
E-mail: performance@gardenroute.gov.za
Switchboard: 044 803 1300

07 June 2024 Update 8: Garden Route Floods 9h00 Update on 7 June 2024

𝗨𝗽𝗱𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝟴: 𝗚𝗮𝗿𝗱𝗲𝗻 𝗥𝗼𝘂𝘁𝗲 𝗙𝗹𝗼𝗼𝗱𝘀 𝟬𝟵𝗵𝟬𝟬 𝗨𝗽𝗱𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗼𝗻 𝟳 𝗝𝘂𝗻𝗲 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟰

𝗜𝘀𝘀𝘂𝗲𝗱 𝗯𝘆 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗚𝗮𝗿𝗱𝗲𝗻 𝗥𝗼𝘂𝘁𝗲 𝗗𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗶𝗰𝘁 𝗠𝘂𝗻𝗶𝗰𝗶𝗽𝗮𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆 (𝗚𝗥𝗗𝗠) 𝗝𝗼𝗶𝗻𝘁 𝗢𝗽𝗲𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 𝗖𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗿𝗲 (𝗝𝗢𝗖) 𝗮𝘁 𝟬𝟵𝗵𝟯𝟬

𝗛𝗨𝗠𝗔𝗡𝗜𝗧𝗔𝗥𝗜𝗔𝗡 𝗔𝗦𝗦𝗜𝗦𝗧𝗔𝗡𝗖𝗘

Areas that were cut-off including, Warmbad and Proefplaas, were assisted by the NGO, Gift of the Givers, with humanitarian support.

The following areas will be attended to this morning, including Varkenskraal in Meiringspoort, Nel’s River, De Rust and Middelplaas.

To access relief offered by the Gift of the Givers or if you’d like to contribute, kindly reach out to Mario Ferreira at 082 490 2752.

𝗦𝗧𝗔𝗧𝗨𝗦 𝗤𝗨𝗢

The GRDM’s JOC remains active at its Head Office in George. However, the water levels of the rivers are gradually decreasing. Gerhard Otto, GRDM Head of Disaster Management, stated, “The water levels thankfully did not reach the 1996 levels at the Calitzdorp Hot Springs. Although the water spilling from dams in the catchment matched the 1996 level, they did not peak simultaneously. This resulted in the river flow moving south in ‘waves’ rather than as a single, destructive giant wave.”

Over the course of the incident, 17 people were rescued. These include four (4) women, nine (9) men and 4 children. According to the latest update, water levels are still subsiding and reached the Gouritz and are flowing to sea.

𝗦𝗧𝗔𝗧𝗨𝗦 𝗢𝗙 𝗥𝗢𝗔𝗗𝗦

𝗥𝗢𝗔𝗗𝗦 𝗧𝗛𝗔𝗧 𝗥𝗘𝗠𝗔𝗜𝗡 𝗖𝗟𝗢𝗦𝗘𝗗

Roads are proactively closed as the water flows to the southern part of the District towards the Gouritz area.

HESSEQUA

1) De Draai Road – between Albertinia and Riversdale a structure is damaged at km 26.5 (Alternative route available both sides)

2) Slangrivier – Road that provide access to the first community in Slangrivier (Alternative route to both sides)

MOSSEL BAY

1) Muiskraal /Herbertsdale road – Gouritzriver in flood (closed since 06/06/2024)

(Alternative routes available to both sides)

OUDTSHOORN

1) Kleinspoort Road between , Kammanassie river in flood (No alternative route available)

2) Waaikraal, Olifantsrivier in flood (Alternative route available both sides)

3) Le Rouxstasie, Olifantsriver in flood (Alternative route via Dysseldorp)

4) Middelplaas, Olifantsriver in flood (No alternative route available)

5) Vlakteplaas, Olifantsriver in flood, Road washaways (Locals only)

6) Oude Muragie, Debris on drift (No alternative route)

7) Vergelegen, River in flood gravel wash aways. Locals only (No alternative route available)

8) Paardebond, River in flood (Locals only with 4 x 4)

9) Slangrivier, rift approaches washed away (No alternative route available)

10) Potgieterspoort, Major damage on road (Alternative route available to both sides)

11) Volmoed, Rockfalls (Alternative routes to both sides)

12) Kammanassie dam /Rooiheuwel, River in flood (Alternative route via Dysselsdorp)

13) Rooiloop, Olifants river big waterhole over road

(Alternative routes to both sides)

14) Meiringspoort (remains closed since 04/06/2024)

Alternative Route: Via the N9, Willowmore from Beaufort West.

15) Volmoed Road due to rockfalls (remains closed since 05/06/2024)

Alternative Route: Access via the R328 between Mossel Bay and Oudtshoorn.

16) Rooiheuwel Road (remains closed since 05/06/2024)

Alternative Route: Via Dysselsdorp

GEORGE/WILDERNESS/UNIONDALE

1) Pietersrivier (Alternative route via Avontuur)

2) Vaalwater, Road washaways (No alternative route)

3) Kammanassie, River in flood (Locals only) (Alternative routes on both sides)

4) Toorwater, River in flood (Locals only)

5) DR1660 Joncksrust Road (or known as Kliprivier Road) (30km from Uniondale) due to rockfalls (remains closed since 04/06/2024)

Alternative Route: Road is not fully cut-off, but can follow an alternative route via Avontuur.

6) Prince Alfred Pass between Uniondale and Knysna due to rockfalls and flooding (remains closed since 05/06/2024)

Alternative Route: No alternative route for this road.

7) Haarlem access on the west side is restricted (remains closed since 05/06/2024)

Alternative Route: Access possible from the east turn-off.

8) Oshoek, Approaches washed away. (No alternative route)

9) Gwaing, closed @ km 6.5 Structure washed away (Alternative routes on both sides)

KANNALAND

1) Gai se middelpad, Gamka river in flood (Alternative route available via Gamka west)

2) Jachtberg, Gamka river in flood (Alternative route available via Gamka west)

3) Doornkloof, Olifantsrivier river in flood (No alternative route available)

4) Vleirivier, Olifantsrivier river in flood (No alternative route available)

5) Middelpad, Olifantsrivier river in flood (No alternative route available)

𝗥𝗢𝗔𝗗𝗦 𝗢𝗣𝗘𝗡𝗘𝗗 𝗔𝗚𝗔𝗜𝗡 𝗧𝗢𝗗𝗔𝗬

OUDTSHOORN

1) Cango Caves – OPEN (One lane)

2) N12 between Oudtshoorn and De Rust, proceed with caution – OPEN

3) DR1713/R328 adjacent to Raubenheimers Dam (enroute to Bergoord) – OPEN

4) R328 between Mossel Bay and Oudtshoorn – OPEN

5) Swartberg Pass – OPEN

MOSSEL BAY

1) Geelbeksvlei Road – OPEN

KNYSNA

1) Rheenendal Road off the N2 – OPEN

For more roads information, please contact: Japie Strydom at 083 629 0155 / Gert Verwey at 082 882 8886.

𝗦𝗧𝗔𝗬 𝗦𝗔𝗙𝗘

People in areas near rivers or those who are considering to cross low-water bridges or structures should avoid doing so at all costs. If a residence is prone to flooding, people should move to higher ground to ensure the safety of family members, pets, and livestock. Do not attempt to walk, swim, or drive through floodwaters, as these can be deeper and faster-moving than what is assumed.

Report weather-related incidents to the Garden Route Emergency Call Centre on 044 805 5071.

Updates are posted to the GRDM Facebook Page, www.facebook.com/gardenroutedm

The next update is planned for 13h30 today, 7 June 2024.

Issued: GRDM Joint Operation Centre (JOC)

06 June 2024 Update 6: Garden Route Floods 13h00 Update on 6 June 2024

Update 6: Garden Route Floods 13h00 Update on 6 June 2024

Issued by the Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) Joint Operations Centre (JOC) at 13h30

HUMANITARIAN ASSISTANCE

Areas cut-off that have been reported to the GRDM DMC and to whom humanitarian assistance would be provided for are as follow:

1) Varkenskraal, Meiringspoort (4 Persons)

2) Warmbad (90 families)

3) Muisplaas (30 Families)

4) Nel’s River, De Rust (17 Persons)

5) Middelplaas (30 Persons)

To access relief offered by the NGO Gift of the Givers or if you’d like to contribute, kindly reach out to Mario Ferreira at 082 490 2752.

STATUS QUO

The GRDM’s JOC remains active at its Head Office in George. However, the water levels of the rivers are gradually decreasing. Gerhard Otto, GRDM Head of Disaster Management, stated, “The water levels thankfully did not reach the 1996 levels at the Calitzdorp Hot Springs. Although the water spilling from dams in the catchment matched the 1996 level, they did not peak simultaneously. This resulted in the river flow moving south in ‘waves’ rather than as a single, destructive giant wave.”

Over the course of the incident, 17 people were rescued. These include four (4) women, nine (9) men and 4 children.

STATUS OF ROADS
ROADS THAT REMAIN CLOSED

Roads are proactively closed as the water flows to the southern part of the District towards the Gouritz area.

HESSEQUA

1) De Draai Road – between Albertinia and Riversdale a structure is damaged at km 26.5 (Alternative route available both sides)

2) Slangrivier – Road that provide access to the first community in Slangrivier (Alternative route to both sides)

MOSSEL BAY

1) Muiskraal /Herbertsdale road – Gouritzriver in flood (closed since 06/06/2024)
(Alternative routes available to both sides)

OUDTSHOORN

1) Kleinspoort Road between , Kamanassie river in flood (No alternative route available)

2) Waaikraal, Olifantsrivier river in flood (Alternative route available both sides)

3) Le Rouxstasie, Olifantsriver in flood (Alternative route via Dysseldorp)

4) Middelplaas, Olifantsrivier river in flood (No alternative route available)

5) Vlakteplaas, Olifantsriver in flood, Road washaways (Locals only)

6) Oude Muragie, Debris on drift (No alternative route)

7) Vergelegen, River in flood gravel wash aways. Locals only (No alternative route available)

8) Paardebond, River in flood (Locals only with 4 x 4)

9) Slangrivier, rift approaches washed away (No alternative route available)

10) Potgieterspoort, Major damage on road (Alternative route available to both sides)

11) Volmoed, Rockfalls (Alternative routes to both sides)

12) Kammanassie dam /Rooiheuwel, River in flood (Alternative route via Dysselsdorp)

13) Rooiloop, Olifants river big waterhole over road
(Alternative routes to both sides)

14) Meiringspoort (remains closed since 04/06/2024)
Alternative Route: Via the N9, Willowmore from Beaufort West.

15) N12 between Oudtshoorn and De Rust where the road crosses the Nel’s river (remains closed since 04/06/2024)
Alternative Route: Access via the Langkloof road.

16) Volmoed Road due to rockfalls (remains closed since 05/06/2024)
Alternative Route: Access via the R328 between Mossel Bay and Oudtshoorn.

17) Rooiheuwel Road (remains closed since 05/06/2024)
Alternative Route: Via Dysselsdorp.

GEORGE/WILDERNESS/UNIONDALE

1) Pietersrivier (Alternative route via Avontuur)

2) Vaalwater, Road washaways (No alternative route)

3) Kamanassie, River in flood (Locals only) (Alternative routes on both sides)

4) Toorwater, River in flood (Locals only)

5) DR1660 Joncksrust Road (or known as Kliprivier Road) (30km from Uniondale) due to rockfalls (remains closed since 04/06/2024)
Alternative Route: Road is not fully cut-off, but can follow an alternative route via Avontuur.

6) Prince Alfred Pass between Uniondale and Knysna due to rockfalls and flooding (remains closed since 05/06/2024)
Alternative Route: No alternative route for this road.

7) Haarlem access on the west side is restricted (remains closed since 05/06/2024)
Alternative Route: Access possible from the east turn-off.

8) Oshoek, Approaches washed away. (No alternative route)

9) Gwaing, closed @ km 6.5 Structure washed away (Alternative routes on both sides)

KANNALAND

1) Gai se middelpad, Gamka river in flood (Alternative route available via Gamka west)

2) Jachtberg, Gamka river in flood (Alternative route available via Gamka west)

3) Doornkloof, Olifantsrivier river in flood (No alternative route available)

4) Vleirivier, Olifantsrivier river in flood (No alternative route available)

5) Middelpad, Olifantsrivier river in flood (No alternative route available)

ROADS OPENED AGAIN TODAY

OUDTSHOORN

1) DR1713/R328 adjacent to Raubenheimers Dam (enroute to Bergoord) – OPEN

2) R328 between Mossel Bay and Oudtshoorn – OPEN

3) Swartberg Pass – OPEN

4) Cango Caves – OPEN (One lane)

MOSSEL BAY

1) Geelbeksvlei Road – OPEN

KNYSNA

1) Rheenendal Road off the N2 – OPEN

For more roads information, please contact: Japie Strydom at 083 629 0155 / Gert Verwey at 082 882 8886.

*STAY SAFE*

People in areas near rivers or those who are considering to cross low-water bridges or structures should avoid doing so at all costs. If a residence is prone to flooding, people should move to higher ground to ensure the safety of family members, pets, and livestock. Do not attempt to walk, swim, or drive through floodwaters, as these can be deeper and faster-moving than what is assumed.

Report weather-related incidents to the Garden Route Emergency Call Centre on 044 805 5071.

Updates are posted to the GRDM Facebook Page, www.facebook.com/gardenroutedm

The next update is planned for 17h00 today, 6 June 2024.

Issued: GRDM Joint Operation Centre (JOC)