Garden Route District Firefighters participate in the International Firefighters Day event
For Immediate Release 8 May 2023
On Thursday, the 4th of May, International Firefighters Day was commemorated and celebrated across the globe.
The Cape Winelands District Municipality Fire Services hosted an International Firefighters Day Event, inclusive of a vehicle parade, drill marches, equipment capability displays, demonstration of technical skills, a Firefighter fitness and skills competition, as well as a Firefighters ball.
Garden Route District Municipality’s (GRDM) Fire Services, including many other municipalities supported the event in making a success of the day by acknowledging the efforts of firefighters and volunteer firefighters, as well as remembering those who have died in the line of duty.
In the firefighter fitness and skills competition, GRDM team achieved a 4th place. The top achievers were as follows:
1st place: Seavuna
2nd place: Overstrand Municipality Fire & Rescue Services
3rd place: Hessequa Municipality Fire & Rescue Services
Well done to the GRDM team and congratulations to the winners, as well as to the local team, Hessequa Municipality, with their achievement of 3rdplace!
Feature Image: Garden Route District Firefighters (fltr), Emile Conrad, Grant Gericke, Jonathan van Vuuren, Branville Abrahams, Petrus Jordaan and Martino Jacobs, at the Cape Winelands International Firefighters Day event.
Notice: Special Council Meeting (In-closed) 09 May 2023 at 11:00
Notice is hereby given in terms of Section 19 of Local Government: Municipal Systems Act, 2000 (Act 32 of 2000) that an In-closed Special Council meeting of the Garden Route District Municipality is scheduled for Tuesday, 09 May 2023 at 11:00 at the CA Robertson Council Chambers, 54 York Street, George.
Media Release: Preparing for a changing climate indicates that all is not bad news for the Southern Cape
For immediate release 26 April 2023
“A battered economy and several high profile local and global challenges such as continued power outages and the Russian invasion of the Ukraine grips South Africa’s socio- political attention and at the same time divert vital focus away from the growing impact a of a changing climate and the challenges it already pose,” says Cobus Meiring of the Garden Route Environmental Forum (GREF).
“Despite these challenges there are positive signs of sincere efforts to plan ahead, and GREF wishes to keep a clear view on climate change and the impact it has already bestowed on the Southern Cape over the past decade, including unimaginable wild fire disasters in June 2017 and 2018, persistent drought and slow but measureable sea level rise resulting in coastal degradation, and as rainfall patterns change, the advent of episodic rain storms resulting in flash floods destroying millions of rand worth of often irreplaceable infrastructure.”
“ The present and predicted impact of climate change is well known and solutions to lessen and mitigate its impact are well chartered, but more often than not targets are difficult to achieve as government spending required to act pro- actively is subdued as a result of a shrinking local economy and a myriad of urgent socio- economic issues to address, including the needs of impoverished jobless communities, unsustainable rates of urbanization and the deterioration of South Africa’s vital infrastructure backbone including power, water, roads and railways and falling behind the global curve in modernization and technology.”
“ Despite all the challenges mentioned, positive progress is being made as South Africa and its citizenry does show a clear understanding of the challenges it has to prepare for, and with the private sector and private landowners investing on an unprecedented scale in ensuring their own future survival in terms of green and sustainable energy options and by putting water security measures in place, including fresh water harvesting , water evaporation prevention and reducing the presence of invasive alien plants on their land, topped by significant foreign investment packages such as western financial funding aid to assist the country towards a just energy transition are major positive strides and is setting a platform for a more sustainable future.”
GREF will be hosting its Annual Climate Change and Environmental Management Indaba on Thursday 29 June at the Nelson Mandela University George Campus.
The Garden Route Environmental Forum (GREF) is a public platform and climate change think tank for all those in the Southern Cape involved in active and ongoing conservation and environmental management efforts to meet up, interact and showcase what they are busy with and what they are doing in terms of planning ahead.
Photo caption: Critically endangered biodiversity in the Garden Route is under threat from climate change and rapid urbanization – Image – Cobus Meiring.
MEDIA ENQUIRIES
Cobus Meiring: Garden Route Environmental Forum (GREF)
Small Steps, Big Impact: Kids receive much needed school shoes
For immediate release 18 April 2023
On Wednesday, 11 April 2023, stakeholders of the Walk-a-Child-to-School campaign, school principals and learners gathered at the Conville Civic Hall in George to launch this year’s annual event. The campaign has been in existence for three years. Last year, 14 schools benefited from the campaign. This year, more than 20 schools received 40 pairs of shoes each. These figures indicate the substantial growth of the campaign since its inception.
Stakeholder representatives at the event, include (From left): Nomonde Makhubalo (Eden FM, Radio), Queeny Diko (Vodacom), Cllr Jerome Lambatjeen (Portfolio Chairperson for Strategic Services, GRDM), Alderman Memory Booysen (Executive Mayor, GRDM), and Ntombi Kulati (RAF).
During the event, the Executive Mayor of Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM), Alderman Memory Booysen, handed over school shoes to more than 20 schools in the Garden Route district. The collaborative initiative is annually rolled out by GRDM, Eden FM, Vodacom, the George Museum, the Road Accident Fund (RAF), as well as the Garden Route Mall, again. This group of stakeholders work towards a corporate social responsibility vision aimed at changing the lives of the most vulnerable school-goers. Also, the project aims to restore the dignity of human beings.
Mayor Memory Booysen (middle), and Cllrs. Jerome Lambatjeen (left) and Rayno April (right) with a few pairs of shoes.
GRDM Executive Mayor, Ald Memory Booysen (middle) and Councillors, with school representatives at the ceremony.
Nomonde Makhubalo, Marketing Manager of Eden FM, gave an overview of the project at the event and said that this project is growing fast as the campaign is donating shoes to 21 schools this year”. Adding to this she said: “Last year we had a target of 10 school, but we donated shoes to 14 schools instead – this campaign is all about “Umntu ngumntu ngabantu,”’ she said. In addition, the Programme Director of the event, and Station Manager of Eden FM, Morne Pietersen, extended a word of gratitude to all partners who put their hands in their pockets,” to make another success of the campaign this year. Queeny Diko, Cluster Specialist for Eden Country at Vodacom and Ntombi Kulati, Marketing and Communications Manager at the Road Accident Fund also shared messages of their continued support at the event.
Queeny Diko, Cluster Specialist for Eden Country at Vodacom,.
Siphiwe Dladla, Chief of Staff – GRDM Executive Mayoral Office.
Eden FM Radio Station Manager, Morne Pietersen.
Teachers and learners receive the shoes on behalf of their schools during the event.
When finally handing over the donations to the principals of the schools, Executive Mayor of GRDM, Alderman Memory Booysen, stressed that “children really need these shoes”. Mayor Booysen also explained why the items are distributed from February to April every year and said: “If we were to hand over the shoes in December, everybody will raise their hands, as well as those parents who are able to afford shoes for their kids – only later, in the beginning of the following year, we are able to see what children are truly in need – by that time, they would still not own a pair for themselves,” he added. Apart from the shoe initiative, he said that girls also are faces with other challenges. “The GRDM is already in discussions with other potential stakeholders regarding this possible new addition to the campaign. We are hopeful that next year this time, this addition will furthermore address those challenges that girls struggle with,” Mayor Booysen said.
To the men present he said: “Gone are the days that women must fight their battles alone. We as men must be part of the battles that our sisters and mothers are facing” To the men he said: “Gone are the days that we must struggle with our own issues”. As Makhubalo, Mayor Booysen also echoed the words of the lyrics sang by the late musician Brenda Fassie: “Umntu ngumntu ngabantu – Ons is wie ons is deur ander mense”.
In closing Mayor Booysen said: “We are going to walk the walk with you; we are going to put rubber on gravel with you”.
Media Release: GRDM once again supports SMMEs in the district through their 2022/2023 budget
For Immediate Release
4 April 2023
The Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) took a decision five years ago ‘to put their money where their mouths are’ by supporting and investing tangibly in Small Medium and Micro Enterprises (SMMEs) in the district.
GRDM Councillor Cobus Meiring, acknowledged all 16 companies that succeeded in this rigorous application process, during his welcoming speech.
CEO of Casidra, Dr du Plessis, highlighted and praised the GRDM for an excellent initiative. He said that GRDM is serious about SMME development.
Municipal Manager of GRDM, Monde Stratu, encouraged businesses to form part of the municipalities’ public participation processes.
A SMME representative, Vuyokasi Melenie, shared a special vote of thanks to stakeholders that were involved in the programme.
Melanie Wilson, Manager for Economic Development and Tourism, who concluded her tenure at GRDM the next day,delivered the closing remarks at the event.
Melanie Wilson also shared a word of gratitude with the District Economic Development team and a special word of thanks to Johannes Jafta, for his passion and energy in driving the programme.
GRDM Executive Manager for Planning and Economic Development, Lusanda Menze, directed the programme at the event.
GRDM Executive Mayor, Alderman Memory Booysen, said that it was essential for all Stakeholders that SMMEs receive priority treatment during critical economic times.
On Thursday, 30 March 2023, sixteen (16) Small, Medium & Micro Enterprises (SMMEs) in the Garden Route district received much needed equipment/products as part of the GRDM SMME support program. These products will enhance their businesses and assist them to grow their businesses, which will benefit the economy.
Last year, sixty-three (63) businesses responded to the call for proposals, and the following applications were received: Bitou – 5 applicants, Knysna – 12 applicants, George – 25 applicants, Oudtshoorn – 4 applicants, Kannaland – 0 applicants, Mossel Bay – 2 applicants and Hessequa – 5 applicants.
During his welcoming address at the event, GRDM Councillor Cobus Meiring, acknowledged all 16 companies that succeeded in this rigorous application process. He highlighted: “The GRDM invested a substantial amount of R350 000 in this project for this financial year and as a Municipality, we would like to do more”. Adding to these words Cobus said that the development of SMMEs in the Garden Route is invaluable”. “We are relying on these businesses to enable themselves to make a living and to go somewhere in life”.
Dr Keith du Plessis, Chief Executive Officer of Casidra, said that small businesses have been challenged in various ways over the past few years and with the economy that is staggering, “we all know that small business are the heart of the economy”.
Executive Mayor of GRDM, Alderman Memory Booysen (right), and CEO of Casidra, Dr Keith du Plessis (left), during and after signing a Partnership Agreement that signifies a long term collaborative partnership between GRDM and Casidra towards the implementation of the Garden Route Growth & Development Strategy.
Over the past 3 years, sixty-six (66) SMMEs benefitted from the programme to the total value of more than R1.6 million. Dr du Plessis highlighted: “These figures are an indication that GRDM is serious about SMME development. Well done with the excellent initiative – I hope this programme will continue to grow from strength to strength – we would like to keep on partnering with this progressive and excellent Municipality”. He also thanked his colleagues from Casidra that made the delivery of the programme possible.
Municipal Manager of GRDM, Monde Stratu, shared a congratulatory message with all beneficiaries and spoke about the importance of the business sector’s participation in the municipality’s public participation processes. Stratu reiterated that with regards to budget allocations in support of small businesses in the area, the municipality is now getting into the phase of engaging with the public. He said: “We expect from representatives and individuals in this sector to interact with the document and see what is allocated to them and what it is that must be done”. Adding to this, he stressed: “When we send documents out for public comments, we do not receive any feedback and for that reason, we believe that people are happy”. When those that did not respond, give feedback to GRDM after the budget has been approved, it makes it difficult for the municipality”. He urged all present and said: “It is your time to scrutinize the budgets of all the municipalities in the Garden Route and see what has been catered for SMMEs”.
Executive Mayor of GRDM, Alderman Memory Booysen and CEO of Casidra, Dr Keith du Plessis hand over the products to all SMMEs as beneficiaries of the GRDM 2022/2023 SMMEs Development Programme.
Executive Mayor, Alderman Memory Booysen, during his keynote address stated that in this critical time with difficult economic circumstances, “it gives me joy that this event is a deliberate decision taken by GRDM together with the partners, Casidra and other the stakeholders. We told ourselves that ‘even if we have money, even if we don’t have money, with the little we have we will make provision to support our SMMEs’”.
Alderman Booysen also congratulated Casidra for receiving clean audits over 33 consecutive years. He said: “There is a belief in this country that when we talk about clean audits, people will tell you that “clean audits do not put food on the table”.
When addressing the SMMEs, Mayor Booysen stressed that South Africa must understand that not everyone will be employed by Government. Therefor “you as SMMs, must create employment – you will employ your neighbours, people who have passed Grade 12, people with skills, you as SMMEs will employ them and not just Government. Government must lay this foundation so that you your businesses can thrive” he added.
Mayor Booysen also spoke about the matter on how law enforcement, sometimes, remove small businesses from the pavements. He also shared his concerns that sometimes those business products also get destroyed in the process. He explained: “There is a reason for Aunt Sannie that sells vetkoek at a specific area. There are feet – people come and go”. And as Government, he said that “we regard this as the breaking of by-laws”. Mayor Booysen advised that if a business is functioning well at a specific area which does not carry the approval of the specific municipality, the situation and business need to be assessed. It is therefore important for municipalities to revisit their by-laws to legalise business operations at an area of choice of the SMME”. In closing his speech Mayor Booysen said: “If we give you money, that money must take you to your dream, but not everything that you need for your business is money, connections and ideas also generate money”.
A SMME representative, Vuyokasi Melenie, shared a special vote of thanks to stakeholders and sketched a scenario to all present on how the programme contributed to their businesses. When Government closed businesses operations down because of the pandemic, it was a lot for small businesses – it came with a lot a strain and a lot of stress whereby staff lost their jobs.
Melanie Wilson, Manager for Economic Development and Tourism, who concluded her tenure at GRDM the next day (Friday, 31 March 2023) delivered the closing remarks at the event. She expressed her appreciation towards Mayor Booysen for his passion, energy, support and commitment towards SMMEs. She also thanked all Councillors who were present and to the Executive Manager responsible for Economic Development, Lusanda Menze she said: “Thank you for allowing us the freedom to do what we as team must do”.
The beneficiaries of the programme received a message from Wilson to carry their businesses for a lifetime, when she said: “May you get the feet, the clients and that your businesses will grow and excel. May your business not only grow for yourself and that you will not only provide for yourself, but that you will create generational wealth for your children and your communities. Continue with what you are doing and with your hard work, you will see the results in your lifetime,” she concluded.
Stakeholder representatives at the event were (FLTR): Lusanda Menze (GRDM), Clyde Lamberts (Department of Agriculture), Warren Marcus (Casidra), Melanie Wilson and Ald. Memory Booysen (GRDM), Dr Keith du Plessis (Casidra), Natalie Raubenheimer (GRDM) Paul Hoffman (WCEDP), as well as Johannes Jafta, Richard Dyantyi and Amagene Koeberg (GRDM).
Wilson furthermore expressed a special word of gratitude to the District Economic Development team and extended a special word of thanks to Johannes Jafta, Officer of Economic Development at GRDM, for his passion and energy and his skills to drive this programme.
Did you know?
The stakeholders involved in the GRDM SMME Development Programme of 2022/2023, included Small Enterprises Development Agency (Seda) LED Managers from Local Municipalities in the Garden Route, Cassidra, the Department of Agriculture, WCEDP and DEDAT.
Casidra renders project management service to Departments within the Western Cape Government (WCG), local authorities, businesses, non-governmental organisations (NGO’s) community-based organisations (CBO’s), academic institutions, other governmental agencies and international assistance institutions. As the Provincial Government Enterprise for the Western Cape Government, development projects are planned and implemented by Casidra. Its proven ability and skills, ground level involvement in communities, proven track record and sound financial record-keeping, reporting and auditing make Casidra the preferred service provider.
Public Notice: Draft Amended 2022-2027 Integrated Development Plan (IDP) & Draft 2023/2024 Medium Term Renvenue and Expenditure Framework and Multi-Year Budget
Open for Comment
Notice is hereby given that the Garden Route District Municipal Council’s Draft Amended Integrated Development Plan for the period 2022-2027 and the Medium Term Revenue and Expenditure Framework (MTREF) Draft Multi-Year Budget for the period 2023/2024-2025/2026, were compiled in accordance with the Local Government: Municipal Systems Act 2000 (Act 32 of 2000) and Municipal Finance Management Act 2003 (Act 56 of 2003).
These documents were considered by the Garden Route District Council at a District Council meeting held on Tuesday, 28 March 2023.
These documents will be available for public inspection and comments at all main local libraries, satellite offices and the Garden Route District Municipality’s IDP Unit, 54 York Street George and on the GRDM municipal website www.gardenroute.gov.za.
All comments and inputs must be directed to: The Municipal Manager Garden Route District Municipality
54 York Street George 6530 rekords@gardenroute.gov.za
Persons who are unable to read or write are encouraged to contact the Garden Route District Municipality during ordinary office hours, where they will be assisted to formulate their written comments or objection.
Written comments and inputs regarding the above documents must reach the Office of the Municipal Manager on or before 30 April 2023.
Please contact the District IDP Manager (Ms Mercy James) or Budget Manager (Ms Louise Hoek) at 044 803 1300, rekords@gardenroute.gov.za with any enquiries.
Click here to download the Garden Route District Municipal Council’s Draft Amended IDP Click here to download the MTREF Draft Multi-Year Budget
M STRATU
MUNICIPAL MANAGER
GARDEN ROUTE DISTRICT MUNICIPALITY
