Media Release: Garden Route District Municipality loses Roads employee
For immediate release
11 January 2021
During the end of year and beginning of the new year while many families plan to enter the new year with hope and new plans, many other families experience a dark period in their lives; having to say farewell to a relative. And, it was during this period recently, when the family of Marthinus Pedro experienced the latter when they said goodbye to their loved one.
Marthinus sadly passed away at the age of 51. He was employed at the Garden Route District Municipality’s (GRDM’s) Roads Department from 6 August 2007. At the time of his passing, he was employed as Grader Operator at GRDM Roads, Oudtshoorn region. Marthinus was a dedicated employee until his departure, according to Kleinbooi Stoffels, Superintendent: Roads and supervisor of Marthinus since 2011.
Looking back at the type of person he was and the contribution he made to the organisation, Stoffels described Marthinus as a gentle soul with a great passion for his work. He was regarded as one of GRDM’s best operators considering the good quality of work he performed, as well as his work ethics. “He was not a talkative person – he listened most of the time, but he responded only when he needed to,” Stoffels said. Stoffels also referred to the late Pedro as person who was disciplined in every aspect of this job and he used his optimism to encourage his colleagues when things became tough. He was not only noticed by the colleagues as dedicated employee, but also by the public who loved and praised him, for his work. Stoffels furthermore added: “He did not believe in repeating a task – ‘You do it right the first time,’ he always said and we will miss him for being a great asset to the GRDM Roads Department”.
Gert Verwey, Deputy Manager for GRDM Roads, who also knew Marthinus well, described him as a quiet person. “Although he sometimes had to work through difficult circumstances, he remained polite”. Adding to this, Verwey commended him for his ability to perform miracles on a road. He said: “He was an exceptional artist in road works, and he had the ability to give new hope to a road that many of us thought was irreparable”. According to Verwey, his colleagues knew that they could not rush Marthinus to finish a task faster – quality was more important to him than quantity”.
Marthinus was loved by his colleagues at the Roads Department, especially the Oudtshoorn team. His passing leaves behind an emptiness as a person and as Grader Operator at GRDM, and we will sorely miss him.
We extend our deepest condolences to the family of Marthinus during his time of bereavement. May they hold on to his memories and may they find comfort in knowing that he was an great asset to the Municipality and the communities of the Garden Route district.
Rest in Peace Marthinus Pedro – until we meet again.
Media Release: Garden Route District Municipality and stakeholders intensify Covid-19 monitoring and compliance inspections
For Immediate Release 14 December 2020
The Garden Route District Covid-19 Command Centre on a regular basis receives various complaints about local businesses not complying to the Disaster Management Covid-19 Regulations. Latest complaints received are from the public regarding businesses that are operating as if Covid-19 does not exist anymore.
During recent compliance visits to the Garden Route, similar complaints were also raised and brought to the attention of the representatives of the Western Cape Premier’s Office. Most of these include non-compliance by businesses such as taverns, shopping malls and shopping centres, shebeens, and businesses selling alcoholic beverages from their premises.
During November this year, Environmental Health Practitioners (EHPs) from Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) embarked on a door-to-door campaign with the aim of educating and informing businesses in the Garden Route in terms of safe practices to avoid the spread of the Covid-19 virus. During these campaigns EHPs also distributed pamphlets and donated disinfectants, however many businesses still failed to follow the advice provided. Customers enter the premises without being screened or their hands being sanitised. Customers are also allowed to enter these premises without face masks and Covid-19 awareness branding are also not displayed or visible for customers. These were the findings made by EHPs, amidst this aggressive resurgence where people are still getting infected and/or sadly succumb to the virus.
A customer without a mask should not be allowed entrance into a shop.
In addressing complaints, on 7 December 2020, the Garden Route Covid-19 Command Centre had a meeting with the South African Police Services (SAPS) Eden Cluster, as well as other stakeholders regarding the Covid-19 monitoring and compliance visits in all the places that are regarded as possible “super spreaders” of the virus. It was resolved that from Friday night (11 December 2020) stricter visits to these “super spreader” businesses will be done where businesses will receive compliance visits and inspections by Compliance and Law Enforcement Task Teams. Teams consist of EHPs from GRDM, Local Municipal Law Enforcement and Traffic staff, SAPS members as well as officials from the Department of Health and the Department of Labour. Each team member simultaneously serve as conveners of the teams that have been established to conduct on-site inspections in seven (7) local municipal areas within the Garden Route district.
During the last Council meeting of the year, 10 December 2020, Executive Mayor, Alderman Memory Booysen, during his address urged businesses to become compliant. He said: “Out of this initiative that we have now embarked on where we visit premises to conduct spot-checks, we have already closed down some businesses in George and Hessequa, because they were found to be non-compliant. Mayor Booysen called on all businesses to comply to the regulations. “The next focus will be on businesses in the hospitality industry and recreation spaces,” he added.
The GRDM Command Centre call upon all members of the public within the Garden Route, to report any non-compliance by businesses to the Garden Route Disaster Management on telephone number at 044 805 5071 or contact an official (Task Team convener) relevant to your municipal area as follows:
It remains important that all members of the public, businesses and staff adhere to the following principles to protect themselves and others this festive season – if you are sick stay at home; wear a mask; keep a 1.5 meter distance from others; cover your cough or cough in your elbow; open doors as well as windows and avoid crowds, close contacts and confined spaces – most importantly stay safe!
Executive Mayor’s Speech – GRDM Council meeting on 9 December 2020
Mr Speaker,
BY-ELECTIONS – 9 DECEMBER 2020
I’m still tired of last night’s by-elections – this region once again proved itself that we can work together.
Mr Speaker, I would like to congratulate all the winners of last night – all the different political parties. We will still work together – there were no incidents of which I am aware of, therefore very well done to all the politicians.
COVID-19 PANDEMIC
Last Friday we had a visit by the National Minister of Health, Dr Zweli Mkize, and also the Western Cape MEC of Health, Honorable Nomafrench Mbombo and all the relevant role-players, partners, stakeholders and front-line people – all joined under one roof and all eyes are on us as the Garden Route as to what will be the next step in terms of addressing the Covid-19 pandemic.
It is evident that the numbers are still increasing and we are therefore pleading with the people, that all of this is in our own hands – we can only confront this if we stick to the basics and that we are not going to get tired in alerting people on what we are supposed to do. To reflect on that meeting, our gratitude of GRDM, on behalf of all the local municipalities, all the frontline people dealing with this pandemic – we know you do the best that you can. We are very fortunate in the sense that we do have the facilities in the Western Cape, in particularly the Garden Route.
The challenge is that the facilities will be strained if the numbers continue to grow and then we will exhaust our human resources such as medical doctors, nurses, to name a few. We are sincerely asking the people to take that into account – their behaviour will determine the outcome of the Garden Route. The President of the Republic of South Africa, President Cyril Ramaphosa, will make an announcement what will be the next step for the Garden Route. We’ve managed to put together a broader Joint Task Team initiative, which includes a broader spectrum – medical doctors, fire fighters, law enforcement officers, the South African Police Service, the Department of Labour, etc.
Again, out of this initiative, we have now embarked on spot-checks where we visit premises – I must say out of those spot-checks, we’ve already closed down some businesses in George and Hessequa, because they were found to be non-compliant. We are strictly monitoring the regulations as well. To all the business people out there and everybody else, we will be visiting business premises for inspections to see if people indeed comply.
The next focus will be on businesses in the hospitality industry and recreation spaces. We will unfortunately have to close any business down should they not comply. We are sick and tired of people not taking this pandemic seriously. We as GRDM, will be issuing more than 1 000 Covid-19 kits to be distributed to informal businesses.
ADDRESSING ILLEGAL DUMPING IN THE GARDEN ROUTE
Also, as a reminder to the people of the Garden Route, we did embark on a project in relation to fighting illegal dumping – it is a battle that we’re still engaging in. As soon as we have cleared certain areas, people go and dump again – it is a matter of education. People must not think that if we clear an illegal dumpsite, that it is regarded as a collecting point. These behaviours lead to comorbidities – we will start acting against offenders. We therefore encourage all communities in the Garden Route to also put ears and eyes in the streets, to identify the culprits and deal with them accordingly. To date, we have already cleared 100 cubic meters of waste. We realise there is still plenty to be done, but the roll-out of the project will continue with skips that were placed at illegal dumping hotspots.
BEST WISHES FOR THE FESTIVE PERIOD
This is also the last Council meeting for 2020 and on that note; I would like to wish all the councillors, officials and all our stakeholders, a Merry Christmas and a BETTER 2021. This year, 2020, has been tough on all of us. I also know because of the pandemic, meetings will still continue virtually – please be on standby if this happens.
ADDRESS BY EXECUTIVE MAYOR, ALDERMAN MEMORY BOOYSEN, AT THE COUNCIL MEETING TODAY
Thank you Mr Speaker.
Mr Speaker,
BY-ELECTIONS – 9 DECEMBER 2020
I’m still tired of last night’s by-elections – this region once again proved itself that we can work together.
Mr Speaker, I would like to congratulate all the winners of last night – all the different political parties. We will still work together – there were no incidents of which I am aware of, therefore very well done to all the politicians.
COVID-19 PANDEMIC
Last Friday we had a visit by the National Minister of Health, Dr Zweli Mkize, and also the Western Cape MEC of Health, Honorable Nomafrench Mbombo and all the relevant role-players, partners, stakeholders and front-line people – all joined under one roof and all eyes are on us as the Garden Route as to what will be the next step in terms of addressing the Covid-19 pandemic.
It is evident that the numbers are still increasing and we are therefore pleading with the people, that all of this is in our own hands – we can only confront this if we stick to the basics and that we are not going to get tired in alerting people on what we are supposed to do. To reflect on that meeting, our gratitude of GRDM, on behalf of all the local municipalities, all the frontline people dealing with this pandemic – we know you do the best that you can. We are very fortunate in the sense that we do have the facilities in the Western Cape, in particularly the Garden Route.
The challenge is that the facilities will be strained if the numbers continue to grow and then we will exhaust our human resources such as medical doctors, nurses, to name a few. We are sincerely asking the people to take that into account – their behaviour will determine the outcome of the Garden Route. The President of the Republic of South Africa, President Cyril Ramaphosa, will make an announcement what will be the next step for the Garden Route. We’ve managed to put together a broader Joint Task Team initiative, which includes a broader spectrum – medical doctors, fire fighters, law enforcement officers, the South African Police Service, the Department of Labour, etc.
Again, out of this initiative, we have now embarked on spot-checks where we visit premises – I must say out of those spot-checks, we’ve already closed down some businesses in George and Hessequa, because they were found to be non-compliant. We are strictly monitoring the regulations as well. To all the business people out there and everybody else, we will be visiting business premises for inspections to see if people indeed comply.
The next focus will be on businesses in the hospitality industry and recreation spaces. We will unfortunately have to close any business down should they not comply. We are sick and tired of people not taking this pandemic seriously. We as GRDM, will be issuing more than 1 000 Covid-19 kits to be distributed to informal businesses.
ADDRESSING ILLEGAL DUMPING IN THE GARDEN ROUTE
Also, as a reminder to the people of the Garden Route, we did embark on a project in relation to fighting illegal dumping – it is a battle that we’re still engaging in. As soon as we have cleared certain areas, people go and dump again – it is a matter of education. People must not think that if we clear an illegal dumpsite, that it is regarded as a collecting point. These behaviours lead to comorbidities – we will start acting against offenders. We therefore encourage all communities in the Garden Route to also put ears and eyes in the streets, to identify the culprits and deal with them accordingly. To date, we have already cleared 100 cubic meters of waste. We realise there is still plenty to be done, but the roll-out of the project will continue with skips that were placed at illegal dumping hotspots.
BEST WISHES FOR THE FESTIVE PERIOD
This is also the last Council meeting for 2020 and on that note; I would like to wish all the councillors, officials and all our stakeholders, a Merry Christmas and a BETTER 2021. This year, 2020, has been tough on all of us. I also know because of the pandemic, meetings will still continue virtually – please be on standby if this happens.
Save the date: Memorial Service of the late Councillor Mputumi Putco Mapitiza
On Tuesday, 8 December 2020, Councillors and Staff of Garden Route District Municipality will be celebrating the life of our late Councillor, Cllr Mputumi Putco Mapitiza, during a virtual Memorial Service that will be hosted from the Council Chambers of the Municipality in George.
Cllr Mapitiza sadly passed away on 3 December 2020.
Members of the public are invited to join the Memorial Service through the Municipality’s Zoom platform on:
Media Release: GRDM holds its 4th IDP, Budget and Performance Management System Representative Forum
Immediate release
3 December 2020
Last week on 24 November 2020, the fourth Garden Route District Integrated Development Planning, Budget and Performance Management Systems Representative Forum took place, since Council took office in 2015. The event took the form of a webinar as a result of the rapid increase in Covid-19 active cases in the region.
The purpose of this event was for all municipalities in the Garden Route District to provide an overview, scope, services delivered and challenges relating to planned capital projects and services to be rendered by the respective municipalities to their communities. The municipalities also provided status quo assessments and reflected on their 2019/2020 Annual Performance. They furthermore had to indicate what support they require to ensure that service delivery in their respective municipal areas can indeed take place.
The event was opened by Councillor Rowan Spies, Portfolio Chairperson for Roads and Transport Services at Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) who welcomed all participants to the webinar including: Mayors, Deputy Mayors from B-municipalities and Councillors, as well as Sector Department representatives. He also reminded participants that they remain part of this winning plan during these times.
Mr Monde Stratu, the GRDM Municipal Manager, during his address cautioned participants and the public to take extra care during this time as the Garden Route experience a resurgence of the Covid-19 pandemic. With reference to the event and its purpose, he emphasised the concept of public participation and said that the forum forms a structural link between municipalities and the public by informing the interest groups of relevant planning activities and outcomes. “It is also a platform for analysing integrated issues affecting various sectors to determine priorities, strategies, projects and programmes and to identify budgets,” Stratu said.
Executive Mayor, Alderman Booysen, together with Speaker Barnie Groenewald (left) and Deputy Executive Deputy Mayor, Alderlady Rosina Ruiters (2nd left) on 14 October 2020, hand over products and essentials to SMMEs of the Garden Route, as part of the SMME Development Programme of the GRDM.
Executive Mayor of GRDM, Alderman Memory Booysen, during his address, spoke about the district’s 2019/2020 plans and projects. He also gave an overview and shared the highlights of the 2019/2020 Annual Performance Report, as well as the current status of projects that are already underway. He referred to the vision of the municipality and said that the municipality uses its vision to directly take the lead and support and/or enable B-municipalities in terms of their needs in the form of partnerships. He concluded by saying that it also provides the projection for the municipality while ensuring that residents of the district have a high quality of life and that there are equal opportunities for all. He further stated that by achieving this, the municipality proves that it works hand-in-hand with B-municipalities of the district. The current focus is on the following programmes including: community safety programmes, food security, potential district food bank that are under currently discussions, as well as programme that focuses on the priority of the health of the residents. By ensuring inclusiveness in the roll-out of projects, he stated that the GRDM has good working relations with the Western Cape Government and National Government Departments.
Mayor Booysen, during his address, said that GRDM is training the youth of the GRDM, through Apprenticeship, Learnerships and Bursary programmes, so that the District has the relevant skills in the area.
Mayor Booysen also mentioned the influx of residents of the Eastern Cape to the Western Cape, hence the increase in the population of the Garden Route, according to the projections,” he said. With job losses being a big concern, when referring to the 15,6 % unemployment rate of the region’s citizens, he said that the youth are being the hardest hit by unemployment.
In further highlighting the achievements of the GRDM, which include the Garden Route being one of best film destinations, Alderman Booysen said: “The GRDM have contributed R200 000 to make sure that we deal with the basics of the film industry”. He further highlighted that the district has one of the biggest Roads Services Departments of the Western Cape; therefore construction plays a major role in terms of the vastness of the Garden Route district.
While sharing possible solutions for job losses and unemployment, he said: “To be able to create jobs, we need to deal with infrastructure projects that have the potential to create jobs and put food on the table. “District projects include the roofing of the municipality’s resort (Calitzdorp Spa Resort), the Regional Landfill Facility project, although discussions are still ongoing, etc” he said. Mayor Booysen further confirmed that more than R10 million have been spent on projects such as Law Enforcement; assistance with Early Childhood Development to help get children to get off the street; and Expanded Public Works Programmes, e.g. disinfecting of public areas in light of the Covid-19 pandemic. The Drivers Licence Programme was also mentioned; however he raised his concern relating to some learners who dropped out of the programme, even though the municipality carries all the costs relating to the programme. He therefore encouraged the youth that are enrolled to these programmes to make a success of the opportunities and put all their energy into it.
Programmes such as the Cater Care Programme to train the youth to fill up spaces in the Hospitality Industry, the Small Medium and Micro Enterprises (SMME) Programme which the municipality invested R500 000 towards identifying and assisting struggling SMMEs in the area, were also highlighted. In conclusion he said, that communication with all stakeholders during the pandemic is open and the municipality encourages members of the public, businesses and stakeholders to use these platforms to communicate their experiences, “advise us, so that we can tap into other resources to ensure that the Garden Route is open for business”. Mayor Booysen further acknowledged that none of the projects can be implemented without the support of stakeholders. ”If we all do what is expected from us, then we will definitely change the livelihoods of the people of the Garden Route.
Mayor Booysen further referred to the Illegal Dumping Project which is currently rolled out in George with the rest to all the areas to follow. “With this, we are extending the hand of the local municipalities to change people’s lives.” Mayor Booysen further admitted that approximately R32 million would be needed to assist all towns, but the GRDM is starting on a small scale by reaching out to George. One of the most ground-breaking projects that are currently under discussions, according to Mayor Booysen, is a level-1 housing accreditation which the municipality applied for. He admits that there is a shortage of middle income housing “and with our available land we want local municipalities to work hand-in-hand with us to provide middle income housing to residence of the area”. Student accommodation is also under discussion,” he said. Learnerships, internships and apprenticeships are rolled out to which Alderman Booysen added that with these programmes the GRDM is training the youth of thr district to be ready for when opportunity knocks on our doors and so that we have the relevant skills in our area. “We can only achieve all of this, if we work together, share information, we assist each other, partner with Non-Governmental and Faith Based Organisations, as well as partners at provincial and national level to make sure that whatever we do, we put the lives of our people first,”. Mayor Booysen concluded.
Most presentations made by local municipalities, revolved around concerns relating to businesses that closed down in their respective municipal areas and as a result thereof, many people were retrenched or lost their jobs or earn reduced wages. Municipal revenue collection was also negatively impacted by the national lockdown and drought still poses a threat to water security in the Klein Karoo and Kannaland municipal areas, to name a few.
Hospitals or 24/7 health facilities, high schools and primary schools, old age homes and rehabilitation centres, were amongst the critical support needed by municipalities as presented by municipal officials. Assistance with land for agriculture purposes and assistance to small farmers, as well as vegetable gardens were also made mentioned of. With the ongoing crime in the district, some municipalities also indicated their need for satellite police stations to increase police visibility and improved services. With the new normal as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic, the less fortunate are still the most vulnerable because it demands fibre connectivity and mostly the vulnerable can’t afford data and are unable to work from home.
Municipalities now rely on and anticipate that large infrastructure projects will turn the district economy around. Various projects have already commenced with others in the pipeline and in progress. More information regarding these identified projects can be viewed on the GRDM website.
Support by Sector Departments has also been presented by representatives at the Forum. These departments include: the Western Cape Government Department of Agriculture, Western Cape Government Department of Community Safety, Western Cape Government Department of Economic Development and Tourism, Western Cape Government Department of Environmental Affairs & Development Planning, Western Cape Government Department of Health and the Western Cape Government Department of Human Settlements. National Departments Water and Sanitation and ESKOM also presented their projects and plans for the Garden Route. Detailed information about these projects is also available on the municipality’s website.
The event was successfully directed by the Executive Manager for Planning and Economic Development, Mr Lusanda Menze, and organised by the IDP and Public Participation team of GRDM.
1 December 2020 Media Release For immediate release
Garden Route District Municipality supports the commemoration of World AIDS Day
World AIDS Day is commemorated annually on 1 December and provides an opportunity for communities to unite in the fight against HIV, support people living with HIV and sadly remember those who have succumbed to the virus. This year the event is commemorated under the theme: “We’re in this together, Cheka Impilo!”
According to the World Health Organisation, there were an estimated 38.0 million people living with HIV at the end of 2019 and keeping this in mind, South Africa has been relentless in its efforts to fight the virus and to turn the HIV, AIDS, and TB epidemics around. According to the South African National Government, there are notable achievements to celebrate these initiatives. There also have been many scientific advances in the treatment of HIV and we now have a much better understanding of the virus. Today, more people are receiving antiretroviral treatment, meaning the rates of infections are decreasing. Further to this, there is scientific optimism around the benefits of treatment as prevention, and progress towards a cure and vaccine.
Yesterday, 30 November 2020, Premier of the Western Cape, Mr Alan Winde, in his daily Covid-19 Update, stated: “As we battle the Covid-19 pandemic, we must not forget the battles fought and won in the Aids pandemic and the important work that remains in ensuring that we address both of these pandemics”. He further said that Covid-19 has presented us with a further challenge in that fewer people have been accessing health care services, including HIV testing, treatment.
Despite these advances, stigma and discrimination against people living with the virus still exist. Therefore it is important that people living with the disease are treated with utmost sensitivity, dignity and respect; the same way as any other human being. When referring to the stigma in relation to HIV/AIDS, Premier Winde said: “We still face obstacles – stigma continues to stop people from knowing and disclosing their status, and we still need to put considerable effort into reducing the number of HIV infections in high risk groups including teenage girls and young women, men who have sex with men, substance abusers and sex workers.,” he added.
The South African Government further listed the devastating effects of discrimination and the stigma in relation to HIV/AIDS that include: abandonment by spouse or family, social ostracism, job and property loss, school expulsion, denial of medical services, lack of support and support, and violence. It also results in a lower uptake of HIV preventive services and postponing or rejecting care. Women tend to experience greater stigma and discrimination than men and are more likely to experience its cruelest and most damaging effects.
According to the South African Government, World AIDS Day is important as it reminds the public that HIV has not gone away and that together, we need to create more awareness, fight prejudice and improve education to uphold and achieve the aims and objectives of the country. Stigma and discrimination can be as devastating as the illness itself and may mean abandonment by a partner or family, social exclusion, job and the loss of property, school expulsion, denial of medical services, lack of care and support, and violence for those affected by them. These consequences, or fear of them, mean that people are less likely to undergo HIV testing, disclose their HIV status to others, adopt HIV preventive behaviour or access treatment, care and support.
Every sexually active person is at risk of contracting HIV. The South African Government, therefore calls on all citizens to recognise that HIV and AIDS are chronic diseases, that people living with HIV can have full and happy lives and that all citizens should treat those with HIV with compassion, those with AIDS with care, and ourselves and our sexual partners with respect. Addressing stigma and discrimination is therefore important in mitigating the impact of HIV.
Did you know?
South Africa has come a long way in the fight against HIV and AIDS. In 2012 government implemented the National Strategic Plan on HIV, Sexually Transmitted Infections and Tuberculosis 2012 – 2016.
In 2010 government also scaled up its antiretroviral treatment programme. A further expansion is planned from January 2015 to bring South Africa in line with World Health Organisation treatment guidelines. As part of this, the Department of Health will start HIV-positive patients with a CD4 count of 500 or less on antiretroviral treatment, as opposed to the present CD4 count of 350. All HIV-positive pregnant women will also receive lifelong treatment, regardless of their CD4 counts. Currently, HIV-positive pregnant women receive treatment until they stop breastfeeding.
Former President Nelson Mandela said: “Many people suffering from AIDS and not killed by the disease itself are killed by the stigma surrounding everybody who has HIV and AIDS.”
For more information, contact the HIV/AIDS toll free helpline 24/7 on0800 012 322.
