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Author: Marillia Veldkornet

3 December 2020 Media Release: GRDM holds its 4th IDP, Budget and Performance Management System Representative Forum

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.

END

1 December 2020 Media Release: Garden Route District Municipality supports the commemoration of World AIDS Day

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 on 0800 012 322.

References:

South African National Government  (https://www.gov.za/WorldAIDSDay2020)
World Health Organisation (https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/hiv-aids
Western Cape Government (https://www.westerncape.gov.za/service/hiv-aids-and-your-rights);
Western Cape Government (https://coronavirus.westerncape.gov.za/news/update-coronavirus-premier-alan-winde-30-november)

27 November 2020 Public Notice: Second Adjustment Budget, 2020/2021 – Open for Comment and Public Inspection

Public Notice: Second Adjustment Budget, 2020/2021 – Open for Comment and Public Inspection

Notice 87/2020

Notice is hereby given that the Garden Route District Municipal Council’s Second Adjustment Budget for the period 2020/2021-2022/2023, was compiled in accordance with the Local Government: Municipal Finance Management Act 2003 (Act 56 of 2003).

This document was approved by the Garden Route District Municipality at a District Council meeting held on Thursday, 26 November 2020 and is available for public inspection and comments on the GRDM municipal website www.gardenroute.gov.za from 26 November 2020.

Members of the public is invited to submit written comments or representations to the municipality in respect of this document. Click here to view the official notice.

All comments and inputs must be directed to:

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

Please contact the Budget Manager (Ms Louise Hoek) at 044 803 1300 with any enquiries.

M G Stratu
Municipal Manager
Garden Route District Municipality

23 November 2020 Media Release: Garden Route District COVID-19 Update 

Media Release: Garden Route District COVID-19 Update 

For Immediate Release
23 November 2020

We’re all eager to get back to our pre-COVID-19 lives and managing the risks can help us get there faster. The way we behave and socialise over the coming weeks will be crucial in the fight against a second wave. As we head into the Festive Season many workplaces will be having their annual year-end function. These events have been identified as a risk as they could easily become “COVID-19 Super spreader events”.  The Department appeals to each and every business and individual to reconsider hosting these events and to rather do these virtually at this time, or postpone them until we have gained control over the resurgence we are experiencing. Where a social event cannot be avoided, we encourage guests and hosts to:

  • Have it outside because fresh air is better
  • Review the capacity of a venue – if you cannot maintain 1.5m then consider an alternative venue
  • Avoid queues and close contact where possible
  • Ensure the venue you are at has its windows open to ensure fresh air circulation and where possible, try and sit close to a window that is open.
  • If inside, keep masks on whenever possible (when not eating and ensure that masks cover the mouth and nose)
  • Venues should have an attendance register which must be completed by every guest so that all contacts can be traced if a need arise
  • If you are sick or experiencing any flu-like symptoms, STAY at home

Daily stats update as of 23 November 2020:

Sub-district Total Active Recovered Died
Hessequa 440 40 380 20
Mossel Bay 3 004 369 2 552 83
George 5 207 1 018 4 056 133
Knysna 2 147 423 1 669 55
Bitou 1 080 293 753 34
Kannaland 150 3 145 2
Oudtshoorn 1 726 83 1 525 118
TOTAL 13 754 2 229 11 080 445

 Hospitalisations

From our latest available information, there are 160 patients in hospital of which 50 are in high care or ICU.

Quarantine and Isolation  

If you cannot safely isolate at home we urge you to make use of our quarantine and isolation facilities where you will receive temporary care away from home. Transport to and from the facility will be provided, as well as food, laundry services, and waste disposal.

Sick? Stay home and call 080 928 4102 or visit https://www.westerncape.gov.za/dept/health

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

16 November 2020 Severe Weather Alert – Disruptive Rain

The Cape Town Weather Office has issued an Impact Based Warning as follows:

Hazard: Disruptive Rain

Alert Level: Yellow(L2)

Affected Municipalities: Bitou, Cape Agulhas, George, Hessequa, Knysna, Mossel Bay and Swellendam

Valid From (SAST): 17/11/20 – 12h00

Valid To (SAST): 18/11/20 – 00h00

DISCUSSION: Significant rain is expected to affect the eastern parts of the Overberg district tomorrow afternoon, spreading to the coastal areas of the Garden Route District from late evening into Wednesday morning.The accumulated rainfall is likely to reach between 40 to 50mm over the period due to the strong southerly to south-easterly winds aided by an intense upper air system.

IMPACT: Localised flooding can be expected in susceptible formal and informal settlements and roads. Increased travel times and motor vehicle accidents may occur along with difficult driving conditions on dirt roads. Localised and short term disruption to essential services may also occur in places.

INSTRUCTION: If possible stay indoors and off the roads, avoid crossing rivers and swollen streams where water is above your ankles. If trapped in a vehicle during a flood, abandon it and climb to higher ground. In buildings, move valuables to a safe place above the expected flood level. Take caution driving on a roads covered by water. Listen to the radio or TV for warnings and obey the instructions from disaster management officers.

Report any severe weather related incidents to the Garden Route Disaster Management Centre at: 044 805 5071.

13 November 2020 Media Release: Garden Routers join efforts to remove nurdles from Mossel Bay and Hessequa coastline

Media Release: Garden Routers join efforts to remove nurdles from Mossel Bay and Hessequa coastline

For immediate release
13 November 2020

On Wednesday, 4 November and Friday, 6 November 2020, a team representing various organisations removed tens of thousands of nurdles from two beaches in Mossel Bay and Hessequa respectively. The clean-up operation took place after the nurdles were spilled along the Garden Route District Coastline during October this year.

Nurdles spilled at beaches on the Garden Route coastline.

The remnants of the spill is still a cause of concern because it poses a threat to marine life, coastal ecosystems and estuaries. According to Martina MacDonald, Disaster Management Officer at Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM), nurdles have been washing up along the Garden Route coastline, even in Cape Town and Port Elizabeth. She said:  “The source of the spill is unknown and under investigation by the South African Maritime Safety Authority, and although the identified source will be instructed to clean up, we needed to start removing the plastics from our beaches. Requests from residents from the area were also received to remove the nurdles, which indicated that communities have also been extremely concerned,” she added.

The remnants of the spill is still a cause of concern because it poses a threat to marine life, coastal ecosystems and estuaries.

Assisting the GRDM in making the clean-ups possible was the Hessequa and Mossel Bay Local Municipalities, Incident Working Group Africa and Provincial Department Environmental Affairs and Development Planning (DEA&DP).

The clean-up took place at Gouritsmond Beach on November, the 4th and Kanon Beach on November, the 6th.

Role-players involved in removing the marine debris, were:

  • GRDM Disaster Management
  • GRDM Fire and Rescue Services
  • Working on Fire (WoF)
  • Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP)
  • Department of Environment, Forestry and Fisheries (DEFF)
  • Cape Nature
  • Hessequa Municipality
  • Southern Cape Fire Protection Association (SCFPA)
  • Incident Working Group Africa
  • Gouritsmond Conservancy Trust
  • Fransmanhoek Conservancy

Representatives from GRDM, Hessequa and Mossel Bay Local Municipalities, the Incident Working Group Africa and Provincial Department of Environmental Affairs and Development Planning (DEA&DP) during the clean-up operation.

Although the clean-up operation was carried out, not all the nurdles could be removed due to the large scale of the spill. However, every bit that was cleaned up forms an integral piece of contribution to the overall solution of the problem. For this reason, the GRDM Disaster Management Centre encourages all members of the public and residents to continue collecting nurdles and also to spread the message of the threat that it poses to marine life and the eco-system.

Dr Nina Viljoen, Disaster Risk Reduction & Climate Change Adaptation Practitioner at GRDM who drafted the initial action plan, said:  “In the raw stage (pre-moulded and packaged) new nurdles are not toxic to touch. Once released into the marine environment they will, over time, attract harmful substances from land-based pesticides, herbicides and other organic pollutants that end up in the ocean. They never go away, but they break down into tiny pieces that then get eaten by small marine organisms, and then eventually can become part of the human food chain”.

She mentioned that, “while the investigation into the source of the nurdles is being undertaken, SpillTech has been appointed to assist and conduct clean-up efforts along the affected sections of the coastline. SpillTech will also be storing the nurdles collected through clean-up efforts and are working with authorities, Non-Governmental Organisations and volunteer groups to identify collection points and arrange the pick-up of nurdles.”

Dr Viljoen called on community members to assist to remove as many nurdles from affected beaches as possible. The GRDM requested that any private individuals who collects nurdles, to make note of information listed below. This data needs to be shared with Dr Viljoen via e-mail, nina@gardenroute.gov.za, as this information is required to assist us with important research data.

Responses needed to plan additional short and long-term solutions:

  • Where nurdles have been seen?
  • Where nurdles have been collected?
  • If you have collected it, how many, i.e. black bags, etc. (nurdles collected to be weighed if possible)
  • Where have you dropped it off?
  • Have you encountered any bird or animal carcasses?

Dr Viljoen indicated that “it is important to note that nurdles should not end up in our landfill sites, as it can be ingested by animals or birds. Any collected nurdles should therefore not be disposed of in the general waste, but should be placed in a sealed bag and taken to the nearest drop-off points.” For more information regarding your nearest drop-off points, SpillTech can be contacted on 063 404 2128.

ENDS