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Author: Marillia Veldkornet

23 April 2021 Media Release: GRDM continues its efforts to collaboratively address Gender-Based Violence (GBV) 

Media Release: GRDM continues its efforts to collaboratively address Gender-Based Violence (GBV)

For immediate release
23 April 2021

Media Release: GRDM continues its efforts to collaboratively address Gender-Based Violence (GBV) 

Stakeholders from various government departments, municipalities in the Garden Route district and community representatives, gathered as a collective in Mossel Bay on 20 April 2021 to continue to strategise and discuss methods to prevent GBV in the Garden Route.

The Gender-Based Violence (GBV) and Femicide Prevention Summit was the second of its kind to be hosted by the Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) in collaboration with the South African Police Service (SAPS) and the Western Cape Department of Community Safety. The event’s primary purpose was to tackle the issues women and children are challenged with to claim and retain their rightful place in society. The aim of the event was thus for representatives to identify future actions to safeguard communities. These were done through four commissions. The entire room of attendees was split into four groups to discuss the following topics: Pro-Active and Preventative; Re-Active and Response; Rehabilitation and Re-integration and GBV in the context of Covid 19 lockdown.

The shortcomings in our communities identified by these groups were, among others, the lack of mentors and role models and moral values, access to services, to name a few. Some of the proposed actions identified include establishing victim support programmes, the empowerment of non-governmental organisations and non-profit organisations to drive awareness programmes relating to GBV. Furthermore, safe houses should be established in all local municipal areas of the Garden Route district. It was also proposed that government organisations such as the Department of Correctional Services should provide a 24/7 service to assist victims with domestic violence-related crimes.

During his welcoming address, GRDM Executive Mayor Ald. Memory Booysen said: “I tend to look at the big crimes when it comes to violence, the crimes SAPS are trying to resolve. But there are other issues; sometimes, men do not realise that they have abusive habits. For example, when a woman arrives at home after a day’s work and the partner/husband asks her to see what messages she had received during the day and from whom, or why are certain messages deleted from her cell phone – these are the type of abuse women are faced with”. Adding to this, he said: “Most of the times women are happy at work because being at work is a distraction from what is happening at home or what is waiting at home. When business close, they start to realise that they still need to go home to the monster waiting for them at home – these are the fears women have to deal with,” he said.

Major-General Oswald Reddy, Eden Cluster Commander, provided a message of support to the initiative and explained the structure in place to defeat the issue of GBV. He said:” SAPS has worked on the GBV programme on a national level which is an integrated Sexually Offences and Gender-Based Violence Action Plan”. According to Reddy, a forum is further launched on the Provincial level with all clusters in the Western Cape Province. On the cluster level operations, he said: “We have appointed chairpersons for all streams working on issues of GBV, which is going to filter down to each police station. And during our next Community Police Forum (CPF) meeting, we will discuss how we get the CPF on board to take ownership of the plan so that their six focus areas can be given serious attention”.

Advocate Leslie Morris, a passionate lawyer who educates vulnerable victims of domestic violence, as well as assisting and educating them when they experience difficulties  relating to their cases, referred to the reality of how crimes are classified according to categories. He made an example of a woman killed in a luxury hotel or upper-class area and how it is categorised differently from a woman being killed in an informal settlement.

He highlighted that no one is above the law, “whether you stay in an upmarket area or an in an informal settlement. When addressing the men in the room, he said: “We will never get rid of gender-based violence as long as we want to be seen as the superior of women – we need to understand and remember that all of us have equal rights and we are all equal before the law”.

According to Siphiwe Dladla, Chief of Staff in the Office of the Executive Mayor and co-driver of the project, all inputs and proposed actions by the various commissions will be circulated to all participants with the main aim that it be implemented by the relevant stakeholders in the various municipal areas (constituencies) of the district.

As the attendees left the event, the GRDM Council is optimistic that participants will remember and convey the messages of advice and hope to their respective community representatives and implement the proposed resolutions, because as Justin Lottring, Deputy Director: Community Safety in the Western Cape at the event said: “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed individuals can change the world. In fact, it’s the only thing that ever has”.

In the video:
Executive Mayor, Ald. Memory Booysen, sharing his thoughts while welcoming all representatives from government departments, municipal officials in the district and non-governmental organisations who acknowledged and attended the importance of the event.

ENDS

9 April 2021 Obituary: ‘A servant of the people, a library containing a wealth of knowledge’ – GRDM Cllr Klaas Windvogel passes away

Obituary: ‘A servant of the people, a library containing a wealth of knowledge’ – GRDM Cllr Klaas Windvogel passes away

For Immediate Release
9 April 2021

It is with sadness that the Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) Council was recently informed about the passing of Cllr Klaas Windvogel on Wednesday, 7 April 2021. The late Cllr Windvogel was a Proportional Representative from Oudtshoorn at the GRDM Council since 2016 and passed on as having served Council till the age of 60. Also read the statement issued by Oudtshoorn Municipality on Thursday, 8 April 2021.

After his passing became public, various tributes and messages of comfort poured in from different groups, communities and individuals who were known to him, including the political and church communities, family and friends. Many used social media platforms to share their fond memories of him, and his colleagues at GRDM shared tributes and condolences at a special prayer session hosted from the Municipality’s head-office in George on Thursday, 8 April 2021.

Cllr Windvogel is described as a servant of the people, who was also a member of the Community Services Portfolio Committee, one of the service delivery departments of GRDM.

Saddened and devastated by the loss of a great leader – “one of us,” ANC Chief Whip at the GRDM, Cllr Piet Van der Hoven, described the late councillor as a servant of the people.   Van der Hoven said: “We met almost 30 years ago, but even far beyond that, we both were involved in the struggle for democracy. He was a true cadre of his political party and served as regional chairperson of the South Cape region from 2015 to 2018”. Van der Hoven further recalled how Cllr Windvogel was one of the most reliable and humble souls. He further said: “He was also a conceivable person, but extremely scarce in words, although extravagant in wisdom.  He deliberated on issues in a well-thought through manner”. Van der Hoven further emphasised that Cllr Windvogel added immeasurable value to the caucus and that he served his constitution to the best of his ability with distinction. “He will be remembered as a real and committed cadre. Our deepest condolences to his wife, children, family and loved “many(ies),” – instead of loved ones, because he was dearly loved by many”.

Speaker of the GRDM Council, Ald Barnie Groenewald, extended a special message of comfort to the family and said: ”Our sincerest condolences to the family,  friends and the African National Congress (ANC) on the loss of a soft, loving person who was a true comrade and colleague. He will be sorely missed”.  Ald Virgill Gericke from the Plaaslike Besorgde Inwoners (PBI) shared the following words with the family: “Our deepest sympathy and condolences to his wife, children and broader family. Also heartfelt condolences to the ANC on the loss of a dear and committed cadre. May God comfort us all in this bereavement – Amen,” he said.

During the prayer session, GRDM Executive Mayor, Ald Memory Booysen, said: “Once again we are hit by a tragedy, hit by an incident that we are never getting used to. Cllr Windvogel was not a man of many words, but every time he engaged us, he was constructive. Things will never be the same, especially from a political perspective, as it is not the first time since 2016 that the ANC has lost a member,” Mayor Booysen added.  He concluded by saying:  “Our prayers are with the family and with the caucus. We are all affected by the passing of Cllr Windvogel and we must hold hands under these difficult circumstances. He encouraged his colleagues at GRDM by saying: “words will never be enough, the pain will always be there, but fortunately if we work together we can comfort each other to a certain extent. We hope and pray that God will give us comfort and strength during these difficult times”.

After delivering a prayer at the session, GRDM Councillor, Cllr Ivan Mangaliso, also extended a heart-warming message with the family, friends and colleagues of the late Cllr Windvogel.  He said: “Today is a sad day, because we have lost a library, a wealth of knowledge and experience that could have impacted so many lives in the future to come.  Our loss is difficult, because we saw and regarded Cllr Windvogel as a chairperson, a friend, comrade, as confidant – we have seen him as someone who we could depend on when we needed advice and guidance. We could communicate with him in very challenging times”. To these words, he added: “I thank God that we had the opportunity to engage with him and that he had formed part of our lives”. ICOSA’s GRDM Councillor, Cllr Wilbur Harris also shared a encouraging message with the family, stating that, “we want to encourage the family of our dear colleague, to have faith and trust in God that he departed to his eternal home with Jesus.  What Cllr Windvogel did for the community of Oudtshoorn will not go unnoticed – rest in peace,” he said.

The prayer session was concluded by GRDM Portfolio Chairperson for Roads and Public Transport, Cllr Rowan Spies, who delivered a vote of thanks. During his speech, he also shared some of his memories of Cllr Windvogel.  To the Oudtshoorn community he said: “The capacity that ‘Oom Klaas’ brought to your community was outstanding and what he did for Oudtshoorn will never be forgotten. Also, what he did for the youth and to those who will continue in his footsteps from now onwards, is highly appreciated”.

To the Windvogel family Cllr Spies said:  “Our appreciation to you is enormous. Cllr Windvogel’s footprints are deep and will last long and therefore we thank you for what he sacrificed for our communities. We wish you strength for the next few days, weeks and grieving months ahead,” he concluded.

Details of a memorial services which will be hosted by GRDM will be made available on various platforms in due course.

Rest in Peace Servant of the People, Cllr Klaas Windvogel.

GRDM Council, Management and Staff

7 April 2021 Public Notice: Draft Reviewed 2021/2022 IDP, Draft 2021/2022 Medium Term Revenue and Expenditure Framework and Multi-Year Budget

Public Notice: Draft Reviewed 2021/2022 IDP, Draft 2021/2022 Medium Term Revenue and Expenditure Framework and Multi-Year Budget

Notice 18/2021

FOR PUBLIC COMMENT

Notice is hereby given that the Garden Route District Municipal Council’s Draft Reviewed Integrated Development Plan for the period 2021/2022, the Medium Term Revenue and Expenditure Framework as well as the Multi-Year Budget for the period 2021/2022-2023/2024, 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, 30 March 2021.

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 from 12 April 2021.

All comments and inputs must be directed to:

The Municipal Manager
Garden Route District Municipality
54 York Street
George
6530

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.

The public has 21 days to comment on the aforementioned documents from the publication date of this notice.

Please contact the District IDP Manager (Ms Mercy James) or Budget Manager (Ms Louise Hoek) at 044 803 1300 with any enquiries.

Click to download the following documents:

M G STRATU
MUNICIPAL MANAGER
GARDEN ROUTE DISTRICT MUNICIPALITY

7 April 2021 Public Notice: 2019/2020 Annual Report &  2019/2020 Oversight Report

Public Notice: : 2019/2020 Annual Report &  2019/2020 Oversight Report

Notice  No. 24/2021

Notice is hereby given in terms of Section 129(3) of the Local Government: Municipal Finance Management Act, 2003 (Act 56 of 2003) that the Garden Route District Municipal Council hereby makes public the Oversight report on the Annual Report of Council for the 2019/2020 financial year.

The Oversight Report and 2019/2020 Annual Report were approved by Council on 30 March 2021.

The Oversight Report and 2019/2020 Annual Report are available at the Integrated Development Planning (IDP) unit of the Garden Route District Municipality and can also be viewed on the Garden Route Municipality’s website www.gardenroute.gov.za.

For further enquiries, please contact:
Mrs M James (IDP Unit)
Tel no: 044 803 1431

M STRATU
MUNICPAL MANAGER
GARDEN ROUTE DISTRICT MUNICIPALITY

31 March 2021 Request for Assistance: Urgent appeal for breast milk donations

Request for Assistance: Urgent appeal for breast milk donations

For Immediate Release
31 March 2021

A little breast milk can go a long way in improving the overall health of an infant whose mother may be unable to produce enough milk or is in isolation. The George Hospital’s milk bank has run out of donor milk and calls on breastfeeding mothers for their kind donations.

According to George Hospital Operational Manager at Ward B3 and B3 Neonatal Unit, Sr Allida Portland there is a constant need for breast milk donations as there is a possibility that a mother may need to go into isolation and her baby will have to be dependent on donor milk.

Image: Western Cape Department of Health

What is needed to become a donor?

You can become a breast milk donor if you are a healthy breastfeeding mother who are able to express enough milk. You will have to fill out the necessary paperwork and be willing to undergo a rapid HIV blood test.

Who will benefit from donor milk?

Babies weighing less than 1,5kg at birth; babies of mothers with limited breast milk as well as premature twins and triplets of mothers who are unable to meet their infants’ nutritional requirements.

 Why is breast milk preferred over formula milk?

Breast milk is the best source of nutrition for infants as it improves their health; helps them to recover faster when ill; it ensures good growth and development; protects them against infections and prevents other health problems.

If you are interested in becoming a donor, please contact the hospital’s Neonatal Unit on 044 802 4577/ 4578.

Containers will be made available for mothers to express milk either at the hospital or in the comfort of their homes. Milk can be dropped off at the hospital or alternatively, contact the hospital’s Neonatal Unit for a driver to collect the milk.

Photo caption:

Young mother, Tamlin Scheepers seen with her son Luciano, who is currently in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. Luciano was born last month at 24 weeks old. He is one of the many babies who will benefit from donor milk as his mother struggles to produce enough milk.

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

Issued: Garden Route and Central Karoo Districts, Western Cape Government Health