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Author: Marillia Veldkornet

9 February 2021 Media Release: GRDM Grader Operator tragically passes away in motor vehicle accident

Media Release: GRDM Grader Operator tragically passes away in motor vehicle accident

For Immediate Release
09 February 2021

The past weekend, on 5 February 2021, council, management and employees from Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) were once again shocked by the sudden passing of a GRDM employee. Johannes Amsterdam, a GRDM Roads Services employee, sadly succumbed due to a motor vehicle accident near Riversdale in the Hessequa Municipal area.

This has been the 6th GRDM employee who passed away since July last year.  He passed away at the age of 59.

Johannes was appointed at the municipality (formerly South Cape Regional Services Council) on 4 April 1995 as a Roads Worker in Riversdale and was later promoted to the position of Supervisor where he was responsible for supervising a team of eight (8) staff members. His last position at GRDM was that of Grader Operator in Riversdale.

Executive Manager for Roads at GRDM, John Daniels, recalls his first conversation with Johannes. During the time Johannes was on sick leave after he fractured his foot. “I could sense he was a wise man and it was clear that he had a great passion for his work, specifically as a Grader Operator.  With his years of experience, he enjoyed mentoring other operators, but most of all for him to be employed at GRDM was something he boasted about. He had tremendous respect for this organisation, his work and his role at the GRDM Roads Department”.

Japie Strydom, GRDM Manager Maintenance, Construction and Mechanical Services, who worked with Johannes many years ago said they had good times together. He added: “It was a pleasure for me to work with Johannes – we shared many joyous moments together on road projects”.

Superintendent at GRDM Roads in Riversdale and Supervisor of Johannes, Jacques Joseph, described him as “an asset to GRDM Roads. He was an employee with many years of experience and because of that many were presented with the opportunity to learn from him”.  He is also remembered as “a strict and straightforward person, yet committed and very hard working – a leader with a passion for his work”.

“Once again, we would like to extend our sincere condolences to his wife and children during this difficult period of their lives and may they find peace in knowing that he fulfilled his role at GRDM with great passion, sincerity and wisdom. We will always remember him for sharing his expertise to ensure that our roads stayed in the best shape possible.”

A virtual memorial service will be hosted by GRDM on Friday, 12 February 2021 at 10:00.

Rest in Peace Johannes Amsterdam – you will be sorely missed.

5 February 2021 Media Release: Garden Route Health Platform Update

5 February 2021

The Garden Route District has recorded a 35% decrease in active COVID-19 cases the last 7 days compared to 7 – 14 days ago.

The latest stats for 5 February 2021.

Sub-district Total Active Recovered Died
Hessequa 1 901 83 1 723 95
Mossel Bay 7 140 125 6 811 204
George 11 475 261 10 806 408
Knysna 4 721 63 4 501 157
Bitou 2 653 35 2 514 104
Kannaland 811 42 733 36
Oudtshoorn 3 771 150 3 391 230
TOTAL 32 472 759 30 479 1 234

Vaccine

The first of 1 995 vaccinators from all corners of the health system in the Western Cape have started with training towards administering the COVID-19 vaccine.

The training will equip them with adequate knowledge and skills to ensure safe and efficient COVID-19 vaccine administration. These vaccinators are the backbone of our vaccination programme and will be a major asset in ensuring that as many people as possible are reached within the shortest possible time, with safety and due process at the heart of the roll out.

The number of vaccinators that need to be trained is determined by the NDOH – one vaccinator can vaccinate between 40 to 50 people per day. It is estimated that 414 vaccinators are required for phase one. As the number of people needing to be vaccinated increases in phases 2 and 3, our number of vaccinators will also increase.

Healthcare workers have years of training, experience, and knowledge on administering vaccines. Therefore, the focus of this training will be on specific information related to the COVID-19 vaccine – including the handling, storage, research, product information, data management and reporting aspects of this vaccine.

Healthcare workers are at higher risk of COVID-19 infection and illness. That is why they have been prioritised to get a COVID-19 vaccine when it will be administered in the coming months. Information sessions will continue at health facilities to equip health workers with all the relevant information regarding the vaccine in order for them to make an informed choice.

“I will definitely take the vaccine, particularly because I’ve previously had COVID and I really don’t want to get it again. Also, both my parents are older than 60 years and are on chronic medication and therefore I  rather want to be safe than unnecessarily put their lives at risk”, said Allinda Van Blerk, Assistant Director: Support Services at George Hospital.

Professional Nurse, Asekhona Matinise from Kwanokuthula community day centre will also be getting a COVID-19 vaccine. “I need to protect myself”.

Sr Roslyn Broster is responsible for the day-to-day running of the Virus Testing Unit (VTU) at the George Hospital, and is a COVID-19 survivor herself. She says that she will definitely get the vaccine as she does not want to get sick with COVID again. Broster mentioned that at first she was a bit sceptical about the vaccine, but after speaking to a friend who is a health care worker in Canada who got immunized, aside from the usual flu, experienced no side effects. This has convinced her to also get the vaccine. “  As health care workers we have to do everything in our power to protect ourselves as there is still a long way to go”.

Feature photo: Sr Asekhona Matinise will get the vaccine to protect herself.

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

4 February 2021 Media Release: Eradication of illegal dumping campaign in George extended to end of March 2021

Media Release: Eradication of illegal dumping campaign in George extended to end of March 2021

For immediate release
4 February 2021

With the roll-out of the Illegal Dumping Project in George last year and the various phases that have been implemented so far, the timeframe of the project has now been extended to the end of March 2021, according to Morton Hubbe, Garden Route District Waste Manager.

The Illegal Dumping Project is a joint initiative between Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) and George Municipality in the fight against the illegal dumping of waste in the George and surrounding areas. The project was launched in Thembalethu and Pacaltsdorp during October last year, however the financial assistance by GRDM to George Municipality for the renting of machines to remove the waste has ended on 30 November 2021. George Municipality subsequently decided to continue with the renting of machines at their own cost.

Waste burnt in skips placed at hotspots areas within the George municipal area.

With the funds made available to George Municipality, Hubbe said: “Nine skips were placed at various spots within the Thembalethu and Pacaltsdorp areas and are rotated to other illegal dumping hotspots within these two areas”.

George Municipality is already in the process to secure more funds in order for the project to continue to achieve the desired outcomes.

Deployment of EPWP workers

In addition to the project, two teams of thirty Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) workers are working in both areas to clean-up illegal dumping hotspots throughout these areas. Various items are then placed into nearby skips, for removal. So far nearly 2700 tons of illegally dumped items have been removed with JCBs and Tipper Trucks in both areas.

Awareness about illegal dumping

One of the components of the project, is to create awareness about illegal dumping in the most effected areas. For this purpose, 36 educators were appointed to conduct door-to-door sessions in the respective areas. Households reached also have an opportunity to complete a survey regarding the issue at hand. Questions focus specifically on personal experience in relation to waste removal in their specific areas, the reporting of illegal dumping to the local municipality etc. To date, two thousand (2000) households have been visited and the more are expected to follow. These visits will be conducted until the end of March this year.

Waste burned in Skips

Although the skips are placed at identified hotspots, it has come under the attention of the both municipalities that people within these areas are burning their waste in the skips. This is an unacceptable behaviour and residents are requested to directly report these incidents to the Law Enforcement Unit of George Municipality at 044-801 6350 or sprins@george.gov.za. The skips are only used for the purpose to dump waste and efficient plans to remove full bins are in place.

END

28 January 2021 Media Release: GRDM delegation led by Executive Mayor visits Garden Route Food Pantry 

Media Release: GRDM delegation led by Executive Mayor visits Garden Route Food Pantry 

For immediate release
28 January 2021

Executive Mayor of Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM), Alderman Memory Booysen, and officials visited the Garden Route Food Pantry in George to view the progress made so far before the facility’s launch in February this year.

The Food Pantry is owned by the Non-Governmental Organisation, Eden Community Hope Outreach (ECHO), and is operated in collaboration with GRDM and local municipalities in the district with the purpose of alleviating hunger.

During the visit, Carl van Blerk, Managing Director of ECHO, spoke about the progress made so far and what has been achieved thus far. He said:  “We are working together with Government (Municipalities) and private sector companies and do this hand in hand.

Executive Mayor of GRDM, Ald. Memory Booysen (middle) and Managing Director of the Garden Route Food Pantry, Carl van Blerk (left) with Clive Africa, GRDM Executive Manager for Community Services (right) during discussions at the Garden Route Food Pantry.
Executive Mayor of GRDM, Ald. Memory Booysen (right), Managing Director of the Garden Route Food Pantry, Carl van Blerk (left) and Siphiwe Dladla, GRDM Chief of Staff in the Office of the Mayor (middle), during the visit.

“The idea is to get all local municipalities in the Garden Route involved in the Food Pantry to assist with the running cost of the facility”. He added that private sector businesses already donate essential food items to struggling communities through the NGO, while many other businesses also pledged their support to the initiative – discussions are ongoing with all those interested in bringing a positive change to people who need aid,” he added.

Executive Mayor, Alderman Memory Booysen, said: “We have to lead by the example and this initiative is what we need for this district. It can only be successful if it is run in partnership will all businesses and community members,” he added.

Mayor Booysen highlighted: “This is the first joint initiative of its kind in the Western Cape, therefore we will prove to everyone that this type of strategic partnership is not only important, but much needed to restore the well-being of our friends, families and neighbours. Through this initiative, we hope that other municipalities throughout South Africa will duplicate our approach to assist struggling communities,” Booysen concluded.

The Garden Route District Municipal Council in May 2020 resolved that an investigation needed to be conducted into the joint initiative of a district foodbank. Following meetings with relevant stakeholders in the district, it was resolved that one strategy for the District should be formulated, with clear objectives and targets to address poverty and hunger within the Garden Route district.  Due to the urgency of the current situation, exacerbated by the knock-on effects of the current Covid-19 pandemic,  the Eden Lions Club secured funding for the establishment of a District Food Pantry. In September last year, the GRDM Council indicated their interest in joining the initiative and made a decision to share the operational costs with all local municipalities in the Garden Route. However, according to Clive Africa, GRDM Executive Manager for Community Services who was also present during the visit, the National Covid-19 fund will stop by the end of January, which will have a negative impact on food security within the Garden Route district.

Planning to get the facility ready for the launch are now underway, while engagements with local municipalities not yet forming part of the initiative, continue. The private sector businesses in the Garden Route involved is one of the cornerstones of this initiative and will ensure the successful roll-out of it in the fight against hunger within the district.

Feature Photo:  The GRDM delegation with the Garden Route Food Pantry team in front of the Kevin van Niekerk mural, depicting the entire Garden Route inside the Food Pantry.

END

28 January 2021 Garden Route Covid infections continues to decrease – we need to save jobs urgently

Garden Route Covid infections continues to decrease – we need to save jobs urgently

28 January 2021

The reduction in the number of covid infections in the Garden Route is a clear demonstration that the current hotspot declaration of the area should be lifted.

After a short period where cases plateaued, the Garden Route is once again on a downward trajectory, with a  49% drop in the last week. Since 1 January the weekly number of new cases reduced from 1 975 to 296 between 22 – 26 January 2021, resembling those seen around 11 November 2020.

As the Western Cape Government’s lead in response to covid-19 for the entire Garden Route, I therefore call on President Cyril Ramaphosa to urgently repeal this declaration, while also taking heed of Premier Alan Winde’s submissions to him.

The people of the Garden Route have clearly shown that they are adhering to all the regulations, and I am certain President Ramaphosa does not want to replace the health pandemic with an economic disaster.

I’d like to take this opportunity and thank all our health and other frontline workers who are steadfast in their commitment to assist and support our people. Your work is not going unnoticed and we applaud your tireless efforts. Further to this, I also thank our partners across the various sectors and particularly our communities at large for diligently playing their part in combatting the spread of covid and ensuring that the infection rate could be reversed.

Since our collective call to adhere to all the regulations the entire Garden Route demonstrated their resilience, and this along with the behaviour change is commendable.

I’d like to urge President Cyril Ramaphosa to be rational and take this opportunity to show the people of this region that he acknowledges our efforts and therefore agrees with the various proposals which Premier Alan Winde’s has placed before him. Amongst others, these include opening our beaches, relaxing the curfew time and allowing liquor trading within a limited period. This will bring about an immediate economic boost, which is desperately needed in the area.

In order for us to continue saving lives, I also encourage all citizens of the Garden Route to wear a mask, regularly wash or sanitise our hands, keep a safe distance of at least 1,5m and at all cost avoid gatherings where space can be an issue.

The onus remains on us if we’re to continue reducing the infection rate.

Media Enquiries:

Marcellino Martin
Spokesperson for Minister Tertuis Simmers
Marcellino.martin@westerncape.gov.za
021 483 3397 (o)
082 721 3362 (m)

or

Nathan Adriaanse
Director Communication & Stakeholder Relations
Tel: 021 483 2868
Mobile: 083 2631720
Email: Nathan.Adriaanse@westerncape.gov.za

25 January 2021 Media release: Garden Route Health platform update

25 January 2021

The Garden Route District has shown a 43% decline in new COVID-19 cases the past 7 days compared to 7-14 days previously as well as a decline in hospitalisations.

“We are optimistic about the decline in numbers but remain vigilant in order to contain any cluster outbreaks through responding as early as possible. We have to maintain our momentum of surveillance and monitoring as a Department but also rely on the community to keep up with the protective behaviours (wearing a mask at all times in public, avoiding crowded spaces, avoiding spaces with poor ventilation and maintaining social distancing) that has brought about the gains which we now see”, said District Director of Health Mr Zee Brickles.

Sub-district Total Active Recovered Died
Hessequa 1 806 239 1 483 84
Mossel Bay 7 041 347 6 498 196
George 11 322 549 10 400 373
Knysna 4 680 163 4 363 154
Bitou 2 624 119 2 402 103
Kannaland 768 109 631 28
Oudtshoorn 3 687 286 3 179 222
TOTAL 31 928 1 812 28 956 1 160

Increasing our protection through vaccination                                                           

It is estimated that 1 000 000 vaccines will be made available for all frontline workers in South Africa in January, including those in the public and private sector, care workers, community health workers, etc. A further 500 000 vaccines will be made available in South Africa in February.

The roll-out will be executed in a phased approach, with the first phase targeting healthcare workers. The second phase will target essential workers, people in congregate settings, persons older than 60 years, and persons older than 18 years with comorbidities. The third phase is envisioned to target people older than 18 years who has not been vaccinated during the first two phases.

Western Cape Government will play a stewardship role. Administration of these vaccines forms part of the vaccine roll-out strategy. The Department is working on this strategy, including the logistics thereof, with the input of private sector roleplayers. More engagements on the finer details of this plan will be made available once finalised. This is a massive operation that requires a multi-sectoral approach and the support of public, private and all parts of civil society.

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

25 January 2021 Media Release: Climate Change likely to blindside RSA on the back of Covid-19

Media Release: Climate Change likely to blindside RSA on the back of Covid-19

For immediate release
25 January 2021

“Disaster management is the name of the game going forward in a rapidly changing world. In as much as COVID-19 is a wake-up call to the South African Government’s ability to deal with the pandemic, affecting everyday life in complicated layers, climate change will have a much deeper-cutting and lasting effect. Climate change will most likely blindside countries such as South Africa if we fail to heed the warning signs that are already there for all to see,” says Cobus Meiring of the Garden Route Environmental Forum (GREF).

“Regional natural disasters, such as persistent drought and tropical storms in neighbouring countries, have brought the implications of climate change to South Africa’s doorstep.”

“More focused public awareness efforts, education and re-directing public finances, coupled with better planning and more advanced abilities to proactively deal with natural disasters, –including the way we nurture and protect our environment – are vital for those living in South Africa.”

“Policy failure, or the failure to implement sound existing policies due to a lack of political will or the competence to do so, rather than an absolute lack of resources, will have consequences that will haunt South Africa in generations to come. Most likely the consequences will include reduced quality of life for most, increased levels of poverty and social unrest, and the inability to bounce back from climate-change-induced natural disasters imposed upon us by wildfires, floods and droughts,” says Meiring.

“In recent times, the northern parts of Mozambique, including the city of Beira, were completely obliterated by tropical Cyclone Idai. The very same region is now again suffering the devastating effects of Cyclone Eloise, without having recovered from the devastation of Cyclone Idai some three years ago.”

“In addition to the effects of a changing climate on northern Mozambique, the very same region is becoming inhospitable through extremely violent political instability, displacing some 500 000 people, who have no choice but to migrate elsewhere fast if they are to physically survive another year.”

“RSA, despite experiencing a sharp and constant decline in governmental management capacity and the resultant general socio-economic decay, coupled with the devastation of COVID-19 that will set back potential economic revival by decades, South Africa remains the ultimate safe haven for displaced, destitute and desperate refugees from many Sub-Saharan countries, most notably from neighbouring Zimbabwe and Mozambique.”

“Already grappling with service delivery and skyrocketing unemployment, South Africa can ill afford to accommodate millions of people who have no choice but to leave their country of origin because of the realities brought about by climate change.”

“Dealing with COVID-19 no doubt draws away attention and resources in government’s response and ability to focus on dealing with climate change. However, we simply have to wake up to the bigger challenge posed by a changing climate that is already on our doorstep and shouting to be heard,” warns Meiring.

“Environmental management in the context of climate change, and the management of precious natural resources, such as water and agricultural capacity to adapt and feed a fast-growing nation, must take centre stage if South Africa is to survive intact. Planning and sensible political leadership, based on sound policy, is what is required.”

Based in George, the Garden Route Environmental Forum (GREF) is a public platform for climate change and adaptation. The forum is supported by the Disaster Management Centre of the Garden Route District Municipality.

Feature Photo: Informal settlement, Garden Route

“Regional natural disasters, such as persistent drought and tropical storms in neighbouring countries, have brought the implications of climate change to South Africa’s doorstep, and fast-growing populations in new and expanding informal settlements are testimony to that, posing a much bigger political and socio-economic challenge than COVID-19,” says Cobus Meiring of the Garden Route Environmental Forum (GREF).  (Photo: Cobus Meiring)

MEDIA ENQUIRIES

Cobus Meiring: Garden Route Environmental Forum (GREF) Secretariat

Cell: 083 626 7619

Email: cobus@naturalbridge.co.za

22 January 2021 Media Release: New Councillors sworn it at GRDM 1st Council Meeting of 2021

Media Release: New Councillors sworn it at GRDM 1st Council Meeting of 2021

For Immediate Release
20 July 2021

Councillor of the African National Congress, Cllr F N Mdumiso, and Councillor of the Civic Organisation of South Africa (ICOSA), Cllr R D Ruiters have today been sworn as Councillors of the Garden Route District Council.

Councillor Mdumiso is replacing Cllr P Mapitiza who sadly passed away in December last year and Cllr Ruiters is replacing Cllr Joslyn Johnson as representative of the Kannaland Municipal Council, to the district.

Pictured, with Cllr Mdumiso (right) is the GRDM Manager for Integrated Support Services and Legal Compliance, Adv. Sinekaya Maqekeni (left), during her inauguration at the first GRDM Council meeting of 2021.

The inauguration of Cllr Ruiters took place virtually via zoom.

Councillors representing various political parties warmly welcomed both councillors to the first Council Meeting of 2021 and the Council of Garden Route District Municipality.