Call to Register: EPWP Contractor Development Programme – Apply today!
Emerging contractors are invited to register for the Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) Contractor Development Programme that is driven by the Department of Transport and Public Works’ EPWP.
The programme was designed to support emerging contractors in the Western Cape.
The objective of contractor development is to implement structured programmes that facilitate the development of emerging enterprises within the construction industry through skills and business enhancement initiatives. This will enable them to compete effectively and independently in the open marked beyond state intervention.
Media Release: Garden Route Clean Fires Campaign reach expands year-on-year
10 June 2021
For Immediate Release
For the last seven (7) years, Garden Route District Municipality has incorporated air pollution as part of its community awareness-raising activities. The project was identified due to poor air quality, especially in informal settlements. This pollution is often caused by fires used for household purposes, such as cooking and heating.
The peer education project was first launched in the Klein Karoo in 2014 and was later rolled out in the rest of the Garden Route. The project advanced over the last three years, where the focus was shifted to primary school learners. More communities are being reached when primary school learners are educated.
Dr Johann Schoeman, Manager: District Air Quality Control at GRDM, said, “The municipality awarded a three-year tender to Mingcele Africa NPC. Mingcele facilitates and manages community development projects with a special focus on educational training support and environmental awareness”. Adding to this, he said: “The Western Cape Education Department was approached whereby the Clean Fires campaign is now incorporated as part of the Grade 3 curriculum”.
The course material covers the following air pollution aspects:
what air pollution is;
the health effects thereof;
what causes air pollution;
how you can help to reduce air pollution;
how to make a fire;
how to make a “cleaner” fire for heating purposes; and
how to construct a stove from waste material.
Each participating school receives a study pack with the course material that is very convenient to the teacher. The course material is in line with the Curriculum and Assessment Policy Statements (CAPS), are printed in English, isiXhosa and Afrikaans, and each resource pack consists of:
Six printed posters;
A game pack to learn about pollution and the environment;
Five lesson plans; and
Five worksheets in English, isiXhosa and Afrikaans.
(Lesson plans and worksheets are all bound in a full-colour booklet DVD with five plug-ins for an interactive whiteboard).
This year alone, 66 schools in the Garden Route participated in the programme – that is, 115 teachers and 4400 children. It is anticipated that four family members are reached per child with a cumulative impact of 17 600 community members reached through this project for this year alone.
The project statistics for the last three years are as follows:
2019: 37 schools and 72 Teachers;
2020: 46 schools and 63 Teachers; and
2021: 66 schools and 151 Teachers.
For the last three years, the project almost reached 50 000 people in the Garden Route district.
Continuous monitoring and evaluation of the project occur through follow-ups and communication through two-way social media channels and attendance registers.
Due to the success of this project and the positive feedback received from the participating schools, the GRDM committed itself for another three years and a new tender was subsequently advertised for the continuation of the project.
As at Wednesday, 9 June 2021, the sixty-six (66) schools in the district have already received their study packs.
For any further information on the project, please contact Dr Johann Schoeman or Mr Angus Andries at: jschoeman@gardenroute.co.za or 044 693 0006.
Feature image: Study packs ready for distribution to schools in the Garden Route district.
3 June 2021 Weather Alert: Impact Based Warning: Damaging Waves
The Cape Town Weather Office has issued the following impact based warning for damaging waves valid from Friday, 4 June 2021 to Saturday, 5 June 2021. Report any weather related incidents to the Garden Route Disaster Management Centre at 044-805 5071.
Media Release: GRDM Executive hands over registration certificates for cooperative and PPE to ‘Farming-with-Pride’ Small Scale Farmers in Calitzdorp
For Immediate Release 3 June 2021
The Executive Mayor of the Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM), Ald. Memory recently delegated two officials to engage with the Farming-with-Pride Small farmers in Calitzdorp, Kannaland, to investigate the possibility of assistance from the District. After discussions and meetings with the participants, interventions were initiated, and a surprise visit from Mayor Booysen took place. The purpose of the visit was for the Mayor and his delegation to view the farm’s operations and progress.
The visit occurred after GRDM approved their application for R15 000 Grand-in-Aid funding on 22 April 2021. GRDM made the funding available for the project to boost and expand the business activities of the farm.
Cornelde Exquire (right) receive the personal protective clothing items from Executive Mayor, Ald. Memory Booysen (left).
Executive Mayor, Ald Memory Booysen (left), hands over the certificates to the project owner from Farming-with-Pride, Christolino Perel (right).
Last year the project owner, Christolino Perel, applied for grand-in-aid funding to GRDM after Mayor Booysen saw the potential for the project to be expanded. He explained: “The project started from nothing to a coffee shop named Lino’s PTY, to a small tomato farm that still needed infrastructure to store and process tomatoes into various products to be market-ready. The project is now fully registered with the intervention of GRDM and the Small Enterprise Development Agency (SEDA). A training session was scheduled on 09 March 2021 with the Farming-with-Pride team. The session’s objectives were to outline the cooperative registration and draft their constitution.
During his address, Richard Dyantyi, GRDM Manager for the Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP), said: “It may seem as we took a long time to come up with a solution, but time is sometimes needed to see significant results.” He explained that some of the grant-in-aid funds were also used to clean the site after earmarking the project. GRDM also went as far as to appoint six (6) of the workers from 1 April to the end of June 2021 as part of its EPWP programme under the principle of supporting Small Macro Enterprises (SMEs).
Mayor Booysen, during the latter part of the programme, handed two certificates over to Perel – SEDA issued the 1st Certificate to declare the project legally registered. The second document is the Certificate of Acceptability issued by the GRDM Environmental Health Practitioners. Together with this, Mayor Booysen donated Personal Protective Equipment (clothing) to the team members. When handing over the items, Mayor Booysen commended the team for starting the project from nothing. He said: “As far as possible, we have to do what we are supposed to and at the same time address unemployment and drug abuse issues in the area. Your location and your distance from the major towns is also one of those challenges.”
In concluding the visit, Mayor Booysen encouraged commercial farmers to support the project as it would benefit the lives of the communities of Calitzdorp.
Media Release: GRDM Executive Mayor and Mayoral Committee visit three key projects in the Greater Oudtshoorn and Kannaland areas
For immediate release 26 May 2021
On Friday, 21 May 2021, the Executive Mayor of Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM), Alderman Memory Booysen, together with his Mayoral Committee members, first visited the Western Cape Honey Bush Tea Co-operative (PTY) Ltd in Oudtshoorn and later, two other projects in the Kannaland region where the GRDM is involved.
Executive Mayor, Alderman Memory Booysen, during his address to members from the Western Cape Honey Bush Co-operative.
The Cape Honey Bush Tea Co-operative (PTY) Ltd leases land from GRDM to produce honeybush tea for domestic consumption and international markets. The land is situated adjacent to the GRDM’s De Hoek Mountain Resort in Oudtshoorn. According to Lusanda Menze, GRDM Executive Manager for Economic Development and Planning, the Cape Honey Bush Tea Co-operative (PTY) Ltd is currently leasing the property from the municipality for nine years. However, he further explained: “It will take an extended period for the farm to reach a level of sustainability and to provide the Co-operative ample time to achieve all the objectives they have set out to achieve”.
During the visit, members of the Co-operative shared essential information with the delegation, including their background, the progress of the farming operations and what plans they have in place to attract tourists to the farm and Greater Oudtshoorn area. The plan also includes a training facility for those interested in this unique honeybush product and other related products that could be produced in the area.
As part of the programme, the delegation was accompanied to the Nooitgedagt Farm where honeybush plants will be grown and harvested. Currently, small-scale farmers harvest honeybush in mountainous areas, but in a sustainable manner. Honeybush is pruned for optimal regrowth and more are cultivated for planting during the growing season.
The Nooitgedagt Farm where honeybush plants will be grown and harvested.
Mayor Booysen and his Mayoral Committee members welcomed the presentations made by the members of the Co-operative and Ald. Booysen said: “This initiative and partnership has the potential to add value to families, the Garden Route and Western Cape economies”. When referring to De Hoek Mountain Resort and its activities, Mayor Booysen said: “When GRDM Council took office in 2016, the following questions came to mind: How the municipality fits in as government and as landlords of the property and how the project fits in with us in becoming a partner of with small business”. In explaining his statement, he said: “One leg of government rest on the community which we operate in and of which you form part of”. He then highlighted: “The time has come to formally put this initiative on the map; however, we are now first navigating through red-tape and we need to follow the relevant processes,” he emphasised.
In conclusion, he said: “Let us make this initiative work – this has to work, it needs to be on the map of the Garden Route, on the map of the Western Cape and the map of the entire Republic of South Africa.
The municipality is now in the process of requesting the Council to withdraw its previous Council resolution relating to the lease period and consequently seeking approval from the Council to proceed with the legislative processes to extend the current lease contract to twenty (20) years.
As soon as the item is approved, both parties and the communities of Greater Oudtshoorn will be able to look forward to mainstream Honeybush tea production activities in their area. Together with this, the initiative will address the issue of unemployment in the area and the training facility where formal training can become a reality and economic spin-offs for the Klein-Karoo and the Garden Route district.
The GRDM delegation during their visit to the Pomegranate Factory in Calitzdorp.
Executive Mayor, Alderman Memory, Booysen and Mayoral Committee Members during their visit to the Calitzdorp Spa where chalets are getting a new face.
Subsequently, the delegation also visited other projects while in the Klein-Karoo, namely the borehole/pomegranate project in Calitzdorp, as well as the municipality’s resort, Calitzdorp Spa, to view the progress made regarding the installation of new roofing for chalets.
Media Release: Eighty-year old the first to get jab as part of Phase 2
For Immediate Release 25 May 2021
Kitty Rossouw(80) was the first public person to be vaccinated, today 25 May 2021, in the Garden Route district as part of Phase 2 of the vaccination drive.
“I’ve decided long ago to get the vaccination, and I am glad my chance has finally come. I want to visit my children and feel safe doing so”, said Kitty.
Katty can’t wait to see her children and grandchildren after being fully vaccinated.
“We have started with people in old age homes, and plan to visit all the old age homes in our district. We plan to start vaccinating the rest of those who are over 60 and who have registered, at our sub-district sites in June. This is all dependant on the number of vaccines we receive and when we do receive them. Those who have registered will then receive an SMS with a date, time, venue, and unique code. SMS messages will be sent out a few days in advance in order for clients to make the necessary arrangements. Please do not visit vaccination sites if you have not received your SMS to confirm your appointment”, said District Director Mr Zee Brickles.
Kitty is one of 81 980 persons over the age of 60 living in the Garden Route District. Registration on EVDS has been slow in some sub-districts.
The following percentage of persons over 60 have registered in the following sub-districts:
We ask that you assist a family member, friend or neighbour to register so that they can receive the vaccine and be protected against severe illness from COVID-19.
To register, please visit www.westerncape.gov.za and click on the link, or Dial *134*832# and follow the prompts (FREE on all South African Networks), or WhatsApp the word REGISTER to 0600 123456.
Appointments for vaccinations for over 60’s
We expect most people (above 60) who have registered to start getting their SMS in 2 to 3 weeks. If you missed your appointment date, don’t worry. All unredeemed vaccination vouchers will remain open on the database. The system will then generate a second appointment date, venue and time. If you unfortunately miss this appointment, the system will generate a third invitation. Should you miss your third appointment, the system will close your registration and you will need to contact 0800 029 999. Those residents who have registered and still waiting for their second SMS, please do not worry. Public sites will soon open. We urge residents to take up their invitation to be vaccinated the first time they receive their invitation SMS.
We urge people to only come to a vaccination site if you have received the second SMS confirming your appointment and your unique code.
Caption: Katty can’t wait to see her children and grandchildren after being fully vaccinated.
Caption 2: Katty receives her vaccination from Rabanya Lebone as part of Phase 2 of the vaccine roll-out.
END
Nadia Ferreira
Principal Communications Officer
Garden Route and Central Karoo Districts
Western Cape Government Health
Town Clinic,Plettenberg Bay
Tel: 076 379 5423
Email: Nadia.Ferreira@westerncape.gov.za
Website: www.westerncape.gov.za
Media Release: GRDM’s Calitzdorp Spa receives a facelift with new roofs
For Immediate Release 20 May 2021
Garden Route District Municipality’s (GRDM) Calitzdorp Spa is getting a facelift. New steel-based, lightweight roofs will replace the current roofing at the resort. Work commenced on Monday, 17 May 2021 and seeks to replace fascias, hip and ridge flashings, treated timber battens and related accessories. The service provider, Shivacon (Pty), was appointed through a tender process to install the roofs after the tender was advertised on 10 September 2020.
According to Mario Appels, Superintendent at GRDM, the first phase of the project includes the reception area, main building and the mountain chalets and is envisaged to be completed by end June. “The second phase of the project will commence as funding becomes available in the new financial year starting from 1 July 2021,” he said. This phase will include the upgrading of twenty (20) swimming pool chalets, four (4) ablution facilities at the camping sites and four (4) pool lapas.
With the construction works in full swing and other upgrading projects in the pipeline, the Municipality looks forward to welcome visitors to the resort!
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Media Release: GRDM Council and Staff acknowledge Firefighters on International Firefighters Day
For Immediate Release 4 May 2021
This day, 4 May, marks an important day on the calendar of firefighters all around the world, especially for the role they fulfil when protecting the lives of people, assets and livestock. On this day we remember all their efforts when they have to risk their lives to protect others.
While we all are fast asleep at night, they ensure our safety by protecting us from deadly blazes that could destroy our lives in an instant and when they are unable to save people and/or properties, they also feel the pain and heartache experienced by those families. We must recognise that firefighers also have families of their own who are burdened with the thought of losing one of their loved ones.
Simultaneously, with the Covid-19 pandemic still in our midst, the Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) firefighting team plays a vital role in disinfecting various public places and facilities, to combat the deadly virus from spreading faster through the Garden Route. We are grateful towards all firefighters who participate in the initiative while they aim for a safer, clean and Covid-free environment.
Lastly, particularly on this day, we remember and pay tribute to all firefighters who have lost their lives in the line of duty – may their souls continue to rest in peace.
We respect and salute you all, every GRDM firefighter and volunteer!
Thank you for your dedicated and selfless service!
From Council, Management and Staff at Garden Route District Municipality.
Media Release: Garden Route District Municipality supports the Commemoration of Freedom Day 2021
27 April 2021 For Immediate Release
Garden Route District Municipality supports the Commemoration of Freedom Day 2021
On the 27th of April 1994 South Africa held its first democratic election, marking an annual commemorative day, which is Freedom Day. On this very important day South Africa does not only remember the historic change that took place but more importantly also celebrates the freedom of the people and the country from a long period of oppression and apartheid.
This day highlights the journey of moving away from hatred, segregation and a painful past for a common goal of building a better future together as South Africans. Celebrating freedom day we emphasize on the peace, unity and the rebuilding of South African dignity.
