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Author: Marillia Veldkornet

19 October 2020 Media Release: GRDM SMME Development Programme benefits SMMEs of the Garden Route

Media Release: GRDM SMME Development Programme benefits SMMEs of the Garden Route

For immediate release
19 October 2020

Representatives from small businesses in the Garden Route, on 14 October 2020 received essential business products from the Executive Mayor of Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM), Ald. Memory Booysen. This handover formed part of the GRDM Small Medium and Micro Enterprise (SMME) Development Programme.

Executive Mayor of GRDM, Ald. Memory Booysen, during his keynote address to all stakeholders and beneficiaries of the SMME Development Programme at the event.

The objectives of the initiative are to assist small businesses with equipment, stock and other necessities to strengthen, improve and expand their businesses to create more employment opportunities within the Garden Route district. A total of R400 000 was made available in the 2019/2020 financial year for this project. As of now, this initiative will assist these businesses that have been challenged in various ways – even prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, as a result of the weakened economy.  The SMME sector is also the cornerstone of the economy and is a key priority of the GRDM. SMMEs support and restore the economy in line with the municipality’s Economic Recovery Plan. The Plan is therefore one of the interventions of the municipality to revive its economy.

To qualify as a beneficiary, businesses had to be in operation for at least one year within the boundaries of the Garden Route district.

During his keynote address, Executive Mayor of GRDM expressed a word a gratitude to the GRDM Council, Municipal Manager, Mr Monde Stratu, and the Economic Development team for their continued efforts to ensure that SMMEs from the District are sought after. Although Alderman Booysen admitted that the COVID-19 lockdown has turned everything upside down, it also presented many opportunities to the GRDM. He said:  “COVID-19 has given us an opportunity in terms of what we can do and it made us realise what we are not doing. During this time we realised as Government, what we are not doing so well when holding hands with the informal sector. We focus a lot on big businesses, and COVID-19 has shown us that we have to reach out now more than ever to the informal sector”.

Alderman Booysen said to the entrepreneurs present:  “The President of the Republic of South Africa, Mr Cyril Ramaphosa and the Premier of the Western Cape, Mr Alan Winde, are all looking for innovation and for us to turn the economy around is to be innovative – we thus have to walk the talk with you as small businesses. When we walk with you, we would be fully informed about your operations. When you would need help, we would be able to open up more doors for you,” Mayor Booysen added.

After Alderman Booysen highlighted that the GRDM has embarked on some big developments, he further encouraged all entrepreneurs to be ready with their products when these developments fall in place. “For us to beat what the lockdown has caused to the economy of the Garden Route,” he said: “We need to create jobs and more jobs. We must stop thinking that we only have to stand in queues to apply for jobs, “what we need is to create entrepreneurs and jobs”.

Mr Quinton Coetzee, Regional Manager of Seda (left) and Mr Alex Qunta, Provincial Manager of Seda (right), thanked GRDM, Mayor Booysen and Municipal Manager, Mr Monde Stratu for the municipality’s relationship with Seda.

While addressing the entrepreneurs at the event, Mr Quinton Coetzee, Regional Manager of Seda, said, “Business entrepreneurs sometimes feel alone, but you need to understand that you are part of the bigger team”. He further said that with the support of partners it becomes easier to stay in business and to keep the doors of the business open. While elaborating on their role in the partnership to assist SMMEs becoming successful exporters of their products, he said, “We looked at the needs of the entrepreneurs and how to fill those gaps. Mr Coetzee stated:  “For the past twelve months we trained the entrepreneurs in exporting and pricing, and now these entrepreneurs are in a position to price their products correctly. Training, information and access to information are therefore critical in the success of any business,” he emphasised.  Mr Alex Qunta, Provincial Manager of Seda, thanked the leadership of GRDM, Mayor Booysen and Mr Stratu for the municipality’s relationship with Seda.  To the SMMEs, Mr Qunta said:  “There are only two days in the year that nothing can be done, one being yesterday and the other day is called “tomorrow”.  He added:  “Today is the right day to love, believe in yourself and mostly live your idea and passion”.

Words of appreciation from Beneficiaries

Two of the entrepreneurs Hendrik Tiemie from Hendrik’s Wire Art and Ms Sherrelle Swartbooi from Pure Niqua (Pty) used the platform to share special words of gratitude to the all stakeholders involved.

Mr Tiemie said: “I thank our Heavenly Father for making these contributions possible”. He also thanked the GRDM Team, Mayor Booysen, the GRDM Council and Economic Development team for investing into his business and for their support. He also expressed his appreciation to the relevant Seda business advisor, for her assistance in support of his business. To his fellow SMMEs he said:  “Do not give up; stand firm and you will eventually see the results – you will indeed see it was all worth it”. 

When addressing the audience, Ms Swartbooi highlighted, “Whenever you see a successful business, someone once gave birth to a decision that traveled from the mind, through the heart and into the world to be nurtured by sacrifices, hard work, by innovation, by mistakes, small and large wings, determination and triumph. On behalf of all SMMEs she said: “Thank you to GRDM for this initiative and for assisting our businesses during these difficult times. You have made our dreams a reality and also if you don’t build on your dreams, someone will hire you to build their dreams. Always dream and build your own dreams,” she added.

Municipal Manager, Mr Stratu, in his closing remarks, said that this event came at an opportune time, while the country is facing an economic crisis. After sharing his views with all present and saying that our main role is to ensure that we create an environment for business to thrive, he also conveyed a special word of thanks to all stakeholders for making the event possible and for giving entrepreneurs of the Garden Route another opportunity for their businesses to succeed.

The event was directed by Mr Lusanda Menze, GRDM Executive Manager for Planning and Economic Development and successfully organised by the Economic Development Unit of GRDM in collaboration with the Seda and the Department of Agriculture.

ENDS

6 October 2020 Financial Assistance towards Further Studies – 2021

Applications are invited from students who are currently studying at tertiary or TVET institutions; as well as learners that are currently in Grade 12; or have passed Grade 12 for financial assistance towards further studies for the 2021 academic year.  The award is restricted to full-time study and attendance at a SAQA accredited tertiary or TVET institution and is ONLY eligible to students whose parents permanently reside within the Garden Route municipal area.

Application forms are available at the GRDM head-office and satellite offices within the district during office hours (Monday – Thursday 07:30 – 16:30; Friday 07:30 – 13:30). Application forms are also available on the municipality’s website at www.gardenroute.gov.za.

GRDM WILL ONLY CONSIDER YOUR APPLICATION IF COMPLETED IN FULL, AND IF THE DOCUMENTS MENTIONED BELOW, AS AND WHERE APPLICABLE, HAVE BEEN INCLUDED.

A detailed Curriculum Vitae and cover letter, application form and certified copies of the following documentation must be attached: Latest or Grade 12 results or equal qualification; latest examinations results of students currently enrolled at tertiary institutions; certified copy of ID; affidavit of parents` combined income and proof of residential address (municipal account).  Please forward the application form and all documents to: Records, Garden Route District Municipality, 54 York Street, PO Box 12, George 6530, for attention: Training and Development Section.

For any enquiries do not hesitate to contact Mr Reginald Salmons at 044-803 1363, Ms Angeline Naidoo at 044-803 1420 or Mrs Angela-Ziva Coetzee at 044 803 1344  during office hours (Monday – Thursday 07:30 – 16:30; Friday 07:30 – 13:30).

Only short-listed candidates will be contacted. Should candidates not be contacted within two months after the closing date, they must consider their application as unsuccessful.

Click here to download the full advert.

Closing date: 30 October 2020

Notice number: 52/2020

30 September 2020 Severe Weather Alerts: Disruptive Snow and Rain & Damaging Winds

The South African Weather Service has issued the following Impact Based Severe Weather Forecast:

HAZARD 1: DISRUPTIVE SNOW

Alert Level: Yellow (L2)

Affected Municipalities: Beaufort West, Breede Valley, Kannaland, Karoo Hoogland, Laingsburg, Langeberg, Oudtshoorn, Prince Albert and Witzenberg.

Valid From (SAST): 01/10/20 00h00

Valid To (SAST): 02/10/20 00h00

Discussion: Significant low freezing levels are expected over the interior of the Western Cape and southern parts of the Northern Cape for Thursday and Friday morning due to a passage of a cold front supported by an intense upper cut-off low pressure system. Snowfall is anticipated to cover the mountainous areas during the period. Cold wet and windy weather can be expected.

Impact: Loss of vulnerable crops and livestock, especially sheep that has already been sheered. Light snow leading to icy roads high up in mountains.

Instruction: Small stock farmers are encourage to shelter animals. Dress warmly and avoid high mountain passes if possible. Make contact with your closest disaster manager or community leader and keep listening to the Radio for updates. Bring livestock in and sheltered overnight.

HAZARD 2: DAMAGING WAVES

Alert Level: Yellow (L1)

Affected Municipalities: Cape Agulhas,  City of Cape town, George, Hessequa, Knysna, Mossel Bay, Overstrand, Saldanha Bay, Swartland and Table Bay.

Valid From (SAST): 30/09/20 20h00

Valid To (SAST): 02/10/20 00h00

Discussion: A deep high pressure system (center 1037hPa) accompanied by an intense upper cut-off low pressure system in the upper levels will result in strong southerly to southeasterly winds over the Northern and Western Cape provinces, including the coastal areas from late Wednesday through to early Friday morning. Swell heights are expected to reach 4 to 6m on Thursday along the entire coastlines easing off from early Friday morning. The area of concern is between Cape Columbine and Plettenberg Bay due to the southerly component of both the wind and waves.

Impact: Difficulty in navigation is likely. Small vessels are at risk of taking on water and capsizing. Localized disruptions to beachfront activities and danger to rock anglers can be expected.

Instruction: Be aware of large unpredictable waves along the coast. Small vessels are advised to seek shelter in harbours, bays or inlets. Be aware of strong rip currents especially during periods around spring tide (30 Sep 2020 – 04 October 2020).

HAZARD 3: DISRUPTIVE RAIN

Alert Level: Yellow (L2)

Affected Municipalities: Beaufort West, Bitou, Cape Agulhas, George, Hessequa, Knysna, Laingsburg, Mossel Bay, Overstrand, Swellendam and Theewaterskloof.

Valid From (SAST): 01/10/20 00h00

Valid To (SAST): 02/10/20 00h00

Discussion: Significant rain is expected for the Overberg, southern parts of the Garden Route District and Central Karoo Districts from tomorrow Thursday morning into Friday. The accumulated rainfall is likely to reach between 35 to 45mm over the period due to the strong southerly winds aided by a cut-off low pressure system in the upper levels.

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 telephone number 044 805 5071.

28 September 2020 Weather Forecast for the Week (28 September to 2 October 2020)

The Cape Town Weather Office has issued the weather outlook for the week, as follows:

A weak cold front is expected to brush through the South Western parts by late afternoon (Monday) resulting in rainfall between 0.2mm to 5mm, spreading to the South Coast by late evening. Wind is expected to reach 20 to 30km/h and slightly higher along the south and South Western coastal areas.

No significant weather predicted for Tuesday.

A cold front associated with an intense upper air system (cut-off low) is expected to affect the Province from Wednesday afternoon through to Friday morning. Accumulated rainfall amounts of 15 to 35mm are be expected in places in the Cape Metropole and Cape Winelands but 40 to 65mm in the Overberg, Garden Route and Central Karoo over the period.

Temperatures are expected to drop significantly on Thursday where Snowfalls are expected over the mountainous areas of Cape Winelands, Central Karoo and the Garden Route.

Strong and gusty southerly to South Easterly winds (45-60km/h) are expected on Wednesday through to Friday over the Province.

WIND:

Generally moderate to fresh (25 to 40km/h) Southerly to South Westerly winds are expected for the rest of the week, but strong to near gale southerly to South Easterly (50 to 62km/h) with gusts >63km/h are expected between Alexander Bay and Cape Agulhas by late Wednesday afternoon, spreading to Plettenberg Bay by the evening, persisting into Friday.

WAVES: 

 Two to 3m wave heights are expected for the rest of the week, but very rough seas with wave height of 4 to 5.5m are expected between Alexander Bay and Plettenberg Bay by late Wednesday evening into early Friday morning with south-westerly swell and periods of 10 to 12 seconds becoming southerly to South-South Easterly from Thursday morning south of Slangkop.

VISIBILITY:

 Generally good visibility is expected for the week but moderate to poor in rain and showers between Alexander Bay and Plettenberg Bay from late Wednesday evening  into early Friday morning.

Weather conditions will be monitored during the week and any further developments will be communicated if need be.

For more information, contact the Garden Route Disaster Managment Centre at 044 805 5071.

27 September 2020: Garden Route & Klein Karoo celebrates World Tourism Day

 

 

 

 

Many people around the world celebrate the United Nations’ (UN) World Tourism Day, which is celebrated on 27 September each year.

The day aims to foster awareness among the international community about the importance of tourism and its social, cultural, political and economic values.

Tourism and rural development celebrates the unique ability of the sector to drive local economic development and provide opportunities outside big cities, including in those communities that would often be left behind. In addition, World Tourism Day 2020 highlights the important role tourism plays in preserving and promoting culture and heritage globally.

For many rural communities, tourism means opportunity. It provides jobs and economic empowerment to all groups, but in particular to women and youth. The sector furthermore gives rural communities the ability to protect and promote their natural surroundings, as well as their culture and heritage. In doing so, it allows tourists to enjoy unique experiences.

Tourism has experienced continued growth and deeper diversification to become one of the fastest growing economic sectors in the world. ‎Modern tourism is closely linked to development and includes new destinations for tourists. These dynamics turned tourism into a key driver for socio-‎economic progress.‎ Tourism therefore has become one of the major players in ‎international commerce, and represents at the same time one of the main income ‎sources for many developing countries

However, the COVID-19 Coronavirus entered most of the countries globally and resulted in a complete tourism industry shutdown. The South African Tourism industry was only allowed to open up after alert level 2 with the majority of damage already done. Looking forward, Alert level 1 starts on 1 October 2020 which will see restrictions on domestic and some international travel lifted.

As the Garden Route & Klein Karoo, the focus is primarily to restore trust in the tourism industry through promoting world standard health and safety protocols without taking away from the experience of the traveler and in doing so re-imagining the Garden Route & Klein Karoo as a preferred tourism destination. “We thus encourage domestic travelers to experience the uniqueness of our region and the diversity on offer with the support from our Local Tourism offices and their respective members,” said Mr Denver Johnson, Tourism Officer at GRDM.

The GRDM therefore encourages residents: “To go out, re-imagine and experience our backyard in the Garden Route & Klein Karoo; we’re open and ready to welcome everyone with an elbow shake, virtual hug and an experience that will urge you to revisit”.

Visit our regional website www.visitgardenrouteandkleinkaroo.com with direct links to our diverse towns and their unique offerings.

ENDS

23 September 2020 Media Release: Executive Mayor shares Tourism highlights and concerns with National Parliament Committee

Media Release: Executive Mayor shares Tourism highlights and concerns with National Parliament Committee

For immediate release
23 September 2020

One of the main sectors of the National Economy is Tourism, this sector was hardest hit by the COVID-19 pandemic. Subsequently, Executive Mayors were tasked to present their COVID-19 Policy Responses relating to the Tourism Sector to National Parliament. This virtual engagement was hosted by the Select Committee on Trade and Industry, Economic Development, Tourism, Employment and Labour, on behalf of Parliament.

Each Executive Mayor’s presentation was approximately 10 minutes long and focused on the following:

  • Financing and concessions district municipalities offer to Tourism SMMEs, including cooperatives;
  • Non-Financial Development Programmes;
  • Partnership initiatives with other spheres of government including other development institutions;
  • Donor funding to support Tourism SMMEs and Cooperatives;
  • Partnership Initiatives established with private sector including civil society and institutions of higher learning;
  • Policy response initiated in response of COVID-19;
  • Action Plans to reset the Tourism Industry post COVID-19; and
  • The Way-forward/Policy Recommendations.

During his presentation on behalf of the Garden Route district, Executive Mayor of Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM), Alderman Memory Booysen, gave a concise overview of the district and its diverse characteristics relating to the Tourism industry which is a coastal, inland and rural region. He further elaborated: “We are home to a port in Mossel Bay which is under-utilised. The port requires official port-of-entry status, as well as expansion. The district also has a regional airport in George, which is currently pursuing international status. If this is approved it will lead to its expansion, especially with the recent oil and gas discovery in Mossel Bay. He furthermore referred to the quality of the beaches within the district, saying that most of the coastal municipalities boast with pristine beaches that have blue flag status. Also, with the region that is very well known for tourism events and taking into consideration all these factors, he said that the Garden Route is the preferred Tourism destination.

Coastal activities – Plettenberg Bay area.

When referring to GRDM earmarked as one of the “district development model” municipalities, Mayor Booysen emphasised that the GRDM looks forward to building partnerships with other spheres of Government, including the sharing of resources and intellectual property for this model to work.

He furthermore mentioned the District’s relationships with stakeholders, referring to the engagement platform with the Premier of the Western Cape and said: “The Premier provides access to all five district mayors to participate in the Extended Cabinet meeting. These meetings are also represented by cluster leaders, such as Safety, Post-Covid-19 Economic Recovery, Tourism etc., to keep all municipalities aligned with the vision of the Western Cape Provincial Government.

Alderman Booysen raised his concerns regarding the district’s support to businesses. With regard to Small, Medium, Macro Enterprises (SMMEs).  He further elaborated that the cost-containment regulations prohibit the municipality from providing the best possible support to SMMEs, as well as processes that are delayed as a result of red tape. “Some processes have to be directed to other spheres of Governments for their approvals or to be concluded,” he emphasised. With reference to support programmes for spaza shops and general dealers, Alderman Booysen said that GRDM have been working with the banks (Nedbank, Standard Bank) and SEDA for the successful roll-out of this programme in the district. Support with regards to items and equipment is also provided to SMME’s to assist them in keeping their businesses open and expanding it.

Alderman Booysen made mention of a Webishop that was held in collaboration with all local municipalities on 12 August 2020. This WebiShop aimed to address several topics relevant to re-imagining the Garden Route in an innovative and creative way post the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent lockdown period. It also provided a platform for representatives from various think tanks, based locally and internationally, to share how they do things differently in a streamlined way to enable a “next” normal. Presenters logged in from as far as the United Kingdom and Finland to share their ideas.

The themes and topics discussed provided a perfect baseline from which to begin with a process of re-imagining the Garden Route. He said:  “More sector specific workshops are envisaged to take place between September and October 2020 and by the end of October, a final economic recovery plan would be ready as a result of these engagements,” Mayor Booysen added. Furthermore, a memorandum of understanding with tertiary institutions in the region is in place to allow these institutions to assist the Garden Route with the turnaround of the economy.

GRDM furthermore embarked on many other campaigns, such as the launching of the Business support campaign. To assist businesses to recover, remain open and keep their current employees post-COVID-19.

September is also Tourism month, with a specific focus on boosting tourism and rural development. These role players are critical and play a major role towards the development of rural communities through measures that could alleviate poverty, create jobs and stimulate the economy.  The impact of COVID-19 on the Tourism sector was devastating, causing most businesses not to operate for months. This resulted in many communities to losing their income streams.

Garden Routers were invited to participate in a campaign which aimed to boost the visibility of small businesses on social media. This could be done by posting a positive review of a business you often support to your personal profile on social media using the hashtags (#gardenrouteandme and #myfavouritebusiness), Mayor Booysen explained.

As COVID-19 was the key element of the presentation, Mayor Booysen further spoke about how GRDM is dealing with COVID-19 through various partnerships. He elaborated that safety kits and masks were distributed in collaboration with local municipalities and the Department Economic Development and Tourism to SMME’s in hotspot areas, to ensure client and employee safety and that the district made provision for isolation facilities in the areas of Mossel Bay to accommodate more than 200 beds. GRDM also made two of its resorts available in preparation of any eventuality that might occur in relation to COVID-19.  Due to partnerships with clusters and discussions with the business chambers in the region, Mayor Booysen highlighted and said that these chambers did surveys regarding the impact of the COVID-19 within various sectors such as construction, tourism etc. He said: “These Chambers came back with reports that indicated that the district have to go into overdrive for the economy to be revived”.

The Garden Route is home to many world-class golf courses, Mayor Booysen confirmed that all these golf courses qualify to be part of the world calendar. Adding to this he said:  “Mr Ernie Els who is a world renowned golf champion, engaged with GRDM regarding a plan to attract golfers and the golf community around the world to the district through the hosting of a golf tournament. “However, as District Municipality we are still constrained with the cost containment regulations”.

All inputs made by the Executive Mayors will be compiled into a report in preparation of recommendations that will be presented to the National Council of Provinces for consideration.

ENDS

17 September 2020 Awareness: COVID-19 Return to Place of Worship Guideline

17 September 2020

Fighting COVID-19 is a collective responsibility. Therefore, this guideline is developed to guide churches and places of worship to adhere to the golden rules of COVID-19 to curb the spread of the disease.

The virus can spread in churches and places of worship through singing, shouting, talking, preaching, sneezing and coughing. It can also spread if social distancing and no physical touching protocols are not adhered to.

Everyone should be aware that returning to place of worship will be different and a lot of adjustments need to be made. All churches are different and it is important that these principles should be viewed as a guide in developing their own document.

Click here to download the guideline.

For more information, contact:
Mr Johan Compion,
Manager: Municipal Health & Environmental Services
Tel: 044-803 1300 / 044-803 1525
E-mail: jcompion@gardenroute.gov.za