Author: Marillia Veldkornet
26 October 2023 Impact Based Weather Warning: Damaging Waves
Impact Based Weather Warning: Damaging Waves
The Cape Town Weather Office has issued a Level 2 weather warning fro Damaging Waves valid from Friday, 27 October to Saturday, 28 October 2023.
Areas affected by damaging waves include Bitou, George, Hessequa, Knysna and Mossel Bay.
Report weather related incidents to the Garden Route Disaster Management Centre at 044 805 5071.
26 October 2023 Media Release: Executive Mayor of GRDM donates R10 000 to local athlete to participate in Ultra 2023 World Championship
Media Release: Executive Mayor of GRDM donates R10 000 to local athlete to participate in Ultra 2023 World Championship
For immediate release
26 October 2023
Executive Mayor of Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM), Ald. Memory Booysen, recently donated R10 000 to local Backyard Ultra-Running athlete, Tembinkosi Sojola, to participate in the Ultra 2023 World Champions. The championship started on 21 October 2023 in Nashville, Tennessee in the United States of America and concluded on Wednesday, 25 October 2023.
In an update received from the Bayethe Multisport Academy, Sojola has achieved a remarkable feat by establishing a new South African and African Record. With the event that started off with 75, Tembi’s Race came to an end at lap 56 with a total of 368.83km after 2 days and 7 hours of running, he is now ranked 90th in the World.
Thirty-nine-year-old Sojola, a resident of George is, apart from his passion for the sport, also a husband and father of four (4).
Sojola annually also participates in the Comrades and Two Oceans Marathons. The passion has fuelled his desire to participate in this world-class event, where he represented South Africa in the USA. This was the first event where he competed against other countries.
Myra Tisch, supporter of Sojola at the event, thanked all those who supported Sojola during the championship”. Tisch explained: “He had problems with his hip flexor for over 30-hours and pushed through the pain. There were several moments of doubt, but he trusted himself and his capabilities and pushed beyond even when the pain was there to stop him”. Tisch described Sojola as an incredible athlete, beautiful person and hard-working family man. “Let us all thank the Lord above for protecting our friend/dad/husband through the biggest tribulation of his life!” Tisch concluded: “This is a time to rejoice his accomplishment”.
Mayor Booysen, on behalf of GRDM, wished him the best going forward especially with this achievement of now being ranked 90th globally.
Tembinkosi Sojola now holds the South African and African Record with an open invitation to the German Backyard Ultra in 2024.
ENDS
20 October 2023 Media Release: Heavy rain and storms over Western and Eastern Cape this weekend – 21-22 October
Media Release: Heavy rain and storms over Western and Eastern Cape this weekend – 21-22 October
For immediate release
20 October 2023
Scarcely a week after the last bout of heavy rainfall over southern Africa, numeric weather prediction (NWP) models are suggesting yet another episode of significant rainfall, this time over the Western and Eastern Cape. This system may also produce some severe thunderstorms, with appropriate warnings already issued for Saturday (21 October).
A cut-off low-pressure system (the equatorward displacement of a low-pressure system at high altitudes) is in the process of developing over the southern Atlantic Ocean, to the south-west of the Western Cape. This fast moving system is evolving rapidly and is expected to be encroaching on the west coast of Western Cape as early as this evening (20 October).
Whilst cut-off lows are typically efficient producers of rain, often of a heavy nature, these systems also have a reputation for causing widespread severe weather such as flooding, heavy rainfall, and severe thunderstorms. Widespread showers and thundershowers can be expected over parts of the Western and Eastern Cape tomorrow (21 October), shifting eastwards on Sunday (22 October), when continuing to affect the Eastern Cape.
Figure 1 indicates the current location of the developing cut-off low, positioned to the south-west of the country. By this evening, the system will start to invade of the western extremities of the Western Cape. Notably, the system is fast-moving and will affect the majority of the Cape provinces, especially Western Cape and Eastern Cape, tomorrow.
As indicated by Figure 2 as well as Figure 3, rainfall, in the form of scattered showers and thundershowers, can be anticipated over Western Cape tomorrow, when some of the storms may become severe. Western Cape Districts expected to be affected include the Cape Winelands, Overberg, Garden Route and central Karoo. The southern extremities of Northern Cape could also be similarly affected by severe storms.
With reference to Figure 2 (A), it is significant that disruptive rainfall may occur over parts of Eastern Cape on Saturday (21 October), resulting in possible flooding as well as posing a significant risk to life and property. Numeric Weather Prediction (NWP) models suggest 100 mm or more of rainfall, within a 24-hour period, for some places. Hence, a Level 6 ORANGE Warning has been issued for parts of the Eastern Cape, as indicated in Figure 3. It is also relevant to mention that the surface terrain over many parts of the Eastern Cape is still wet and saturated, following recent episodes of good rainfall. Saturated ground has a reduced capacity for infiltration of rainfall. Fresh rainfall on saturated ground rapidly leads to overland runoff, thus exacerbating the risk of flooding, as excess rainfall is diverted to swell river systems.
The cut-off low will continue to rapidly intensify during the weekend as it migrates eastward. By Sunday, most of the thunderstorms will have cleared over the Western and Northern Cape, with the focus shifting to the Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal, where further rainfall is expected to persist.
The South African Weather Service will continue to monitor this weather system and issue subsequent updates over the next few days. Updated impact-based warnings will be issued in due course. It is strongly advised that the public regularly follow weather forecasts on television, radio, as well as all social media platforms. Updated information in this regard will regularly be available at www.weathersa.co.za as well as on X @SAWeatherServic and Facebook @SouthAfricanWeatherservic.
Click here to download the Official Media Release.
Compiled by Kevin Rae
Edited by Elizabeth Viljoen
Approved by Tshepho Ngobeni, Senior Manager: Disaster Risk Reduction
For technical and weather enquiries:
National Forecasting Centre: Tel: 012 367 6041
Media enquiries:
Ms Hannelee Doubell: Manager, Communications; Tel: (012) 367 6104; Cell: 072 222 6305;
E-mail: hannelee.doubell@weathersa.co.za
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ENDS
20 October 2023 Media Release: Low Risk of Human Infection related to Avian Influenza Outbreak in South Africa
Media Release: Low Risk of Human Infection Related to Avian Influenza Outbreak in South Africa
Date Issued: Friday, 13 October 2023
Low Risk of Human Infection Related to Avian Influenza Outbreak in South Africa. A number of poultry farms in South Africa are experiencing outbreaks of avian influenza. Avian influenza is a highly contagious viral infection that affects poultry and wild birds.
Currently, two different strains are causing avian influenza outbreaks in South Africa, these are influenza A(H5N1) and influenza A(H7N6).
According to the Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development (DALRD), the current influenza A(H5N1) outbreaks have been ongoing since April 2023 and to date, 10 outbreaks in poultry (Western Cape and KwaZulu-Natal) and 39 outbreaks in non-poultry birds (Western Cape, KwaZulu-Natal, Eastern Cape, Gauteng, Mpumalanga and North West provinces) have been reported. The influenza A(H7N6) outbreaks have been ongoing since June 2023, and to date, 50 outbreaks to date have been reported in poultry farms (Free State, Gauteng, Mpumalanga, Limpopo, North West and KwaZulu-Natal provinces) and non-poultry birds in Gauteng.
Internationally, sporadic cases of influenza A(H5N1) infection have been reported in humans, related to outbreaks in birds but infection in humans remains very rare. Globally, only 8 cases of influenza A(H5N1) in humans have been reported to the World Health Organization (WHO) in 2023, despite large outbreaks in poultry and wild birds across the globe. These cases have been linked to close contact with infected birds (handling, culling, slaughtering or processing). Current circulating strains of avian influenza have not been shown to transmit from person to person. The risk of transmission of influenza A(H5N1) and influenza A(H7N6) from infected birds to humans is extremely low.
In the uncommon instance where avian influenza is transmitted to humans, the most common route of transmission of avian influenza is airborne, through aerosolisation of virus particles from live birds or during the culling process. Poultry products including commercially available eggs, and fresh and frozen chickens are safe to consume. Any persons with known or suspected close contact with dead or sick birds (especially birds with confirmed A(H5N1) or A(H7N6) infection) and who presents with upper or lower respiratory tract symptoms (cough, runny nose, scratchy throat, or pneumonia) and/or conjunctivitis should be investigated. This should include the collection of respiratory samples (detailed below) and testing for avian influenza. All exposed individuals should be monitored for 14 days for respiratory symptoms and encouraged to seek care as soon as possible after the onset of symptoms. Clusters of three or more cases of severe respiratory illness (hospitalisation or death) which are epidemiologically linked should also be investigated even if there is no documented bird or poultry exposure.
Clinicians who suspect avian influenza infection in their patients should contact the National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD) doctor on to discuss the case before a sample is collected. Nasal or nasopharyngeal swab/s (preferably a flocked swab) should be collected from the patient. The swab/s are placed in viral or universal transport media (VTM,UTM). If two swabs are collected they can be placed in the same tube of VTM/UTM. Samples may be stored in the fridge (2-8°C) until submitted in a cooler box with ice packs to (NICD) for testing (preferably within 72 hours of collection). Please complete the case investigation form and laboratory request form in the link below to accompany the sample.
Persons who are in contact with live or dead birds, especially those in the poultry industry are advised to wear personal protective equipment including safety goggles, gloves, boot covers, disposable aprons/clothing (fluid resistant), disposable head covers and masks (N95) capable of preventing inhalation of aerosolised virus particles. Handwashing with disinfectant soap after contact with poultry or birds is essential.
The public health response remains; prevention of avian influenza at source (biosecurity at farms, good hygiene and vaccination of poultry in some situations), rapid detection, reporting and response to animal outbreaks and strengthening of surveillance in animals and humans (including collaborations with animal and human health sectors). In addition, laboratory confirmation of the strains involved (PCR and sequencing) and sharing of genetic
sequencing data is important.
The following resources are available on the NICD webpage
(https://www.nicd.ac.za/diseases-a-z-index/avian-influenza/)
- Avian influenza guidance: https://www.nicd.ac.za/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Avian-Influenza-Guidance_Nov-2022-002.pdf
- Standard operating procedures for the collection of nasal swabs:
https://www.nicd.ac.za/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/SOP_collectionofNasalOPSwabs_20221104.pdf - Avian influenza case investigation forms: https://www.nicd.ac.za/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Case-Investigation-form-Avian-Influenza-_November-2022.pdf
- Avian influenza screening and case definitions: https://www.nicd.ac.za/wpcontent/uploads/2022/11/Screening-and-Case-Definition_Avian-influenza_Nov-2022.pdf
- Avian influenza frequently asked questions https://www.nicd.ac.za/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/NICD-Avian-influenza-FAQ_final1-1.pdf
DALRD is providing veterinary support including diagnostics, surveillance and control measures. Farmers who suspect infection in their poultry/ birds should notify the local provincial Veterinary office or Extension officer who will visit the farm, investigate the incident and collect samples from the birds to rule out the disease.
References:
- https://www.gov.za/speeches/update-highly-pathogenic-avian-influenza-outbreaks-25-sep-2023-00003
- https://www.who.int/news/item/12-07-2023-ongoing-avian-influenza-outbreaks-in-animals-pose-risk-to-humans
- https://www.who.int/publications/m/item/cumulative-number-of-confirmed-human-cases-
- https://www.cdc.gov/flu/avianflu/h5/worker-protection-ppe.htm
For enquiries contact: Media@nicd.ac.za
Issued by: National Institute for Communicable Diseases
ENDS
19 October 2023 Impact Based Weather Warning: Severe Thunderstorms
Impact Based Weather Warning: Severe Thunderstorms
The Cape Town Weather Office has issued a weather warning valid for Saturday, 21 October 2023.
Areas affected by wet and windy conditions include Bitou, Oudtshoorn, George, Hessequa, Knysna, Kannaland and Mossel Bay.
Report weather related incidents to the Garden Route Disaster Management Centre at 044 805 5071.
16 October 2023 Media Alert: Appreciate our EMS personnel by pledging to keep them safe
16 October 2023
Media Alert: Appreciate our EMS personnel by pledging to keep them safe
To commemorate National Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Day on 17 October, the Western Cape Department of Health and Wellness will host several community events in appreciation of the province’s EMS men and women who play critical roles every day in bringing quality health care delivery closer to residents.
On the day, residents can interact with EMS personnel in their districts about service improvements or complaints, as well as write messages on ambulances and pledge their support to keep our province’s EMS personnel safe.
The Department is deeply disturbed by reports of EMS personnel being attacked by the very same community members they are serving. A total of 37 incidents have taken place in 2023, leaving 60 EMS personnel traumatised and disrupting essential healthcare services to the most vulnerable.
Media are invited to attend these EMS appreciation events on 17 October. There will be opportunities for photographs and interviews.
| District | Location | Time |
| Garden Route | Multipurpose Community Centre, Thembalethu | 08h00 |
| Central Karoo | Shoprite Park, Beaufort West | 10h00 |
| Overberg | Thusong Community Centre, Grabouw | 10h00 |
| West Coast | Moorreesburg Community Hall | 10h00 |
| Cape Winelands | Mountain Mall, Worcester | 09h00 |
| Southern Division | Watergate Mall, Lentegeur | 09h00 |
| Eastern Division | Macassar, corner of Burg and Hospital Street | 11h30 |
| Northern Division | Civic Centre, Delft | 11h30 |
| Western Division | Town Square, Fish Hoek | 11h00 |
Note to Editors:
Media wishing to attend these events can reach out to Megan Davids.
Contact
Media Liaison, Western Cape Department of Health and Wellness
Email: Megan.Davids@westerncape.gov.za
Mobile: 082 041 5203
Issued: Western Cape Department of Health and Wellness
ENDS
13 October 2023 Media Release: GRDM co-coordinates another Film Famtrip with some attendees from as far as USA
Media Release: GRDM co-coordinates another Film Famtrip with some attendees from as far as USA
For immediate release
13 October 2023
As part of the Growth & Development Strategy for the Garden Route which was approved on 20 March 2021, and the Sustainable tourism cluster that flows from it, the Garden Route & Klein Karoo Tourism Unit of Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM), identified the film industry as an economic stimulant to potentially promote the Garden Route & Klein Karoo as the preferred tourism and film destination globally.
The GRDM received a request to assist with arranging a Famtrip for October. This led to a diverse delegation officially being welcomed by the GRDM Executive Mayor, Ald. Memory Booysen, in Bitou on 11 October. The Famtrip will conclude in Mossel Bay on 18 October 2023.
The following representatives form part of the trip:
- Jennifer Farris – LMGI – Atlanta, USA;
- Kate Beall – LMGI – New York, USA;
- Joseph Mennella – LMGI – Boston, New York;
- Lwazi Mvusi – Rous House, South Africa;
- Shadley Lombard – Moonlighting / Know Associates;
- Khanyeza Khanyeza – Moonlighting / Know Associates;
- Thamebi Zikalala – SA Film Chronicles; and
- Azania Muendane – Locations Africa.
Location Africa, a private sector entity, are set up to facilitate the promotion of Africa as a filming destination of choice. They are looking primarily at high-end producers locally, abroad and inter-continental to use the various regions of the continent as film locations.
The more the producers experience, the better they are able to imagine what can be produced in the region without having to cheat the location elsewhere, in post-production, or in studios. This ensures that they have a full idea of what is achievable in the region and thus promoting the Garden Route as a film-friendly destination
ENDS