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Author: Marillia Veldkornet

18 July 2020 Media Release: Garden Route District Municipality celebrates Mandela Day and donates essential items to the vulnerable

Media Release: Garden Route District Municipality celebrates Mandela Day and donates essential items to the vulnerable

For Immediate Release
18 July 2020

While the world celebrates the life of an icon, the late President of the Republic of South Africa, Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela, employees of the Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) also followed his example to reach out to vulnerable community members in George.

Employees from the Corporate Services Department at GRDM did their bit by contributing towards buying essential food hampers for households who are struggling under the financial strain of the COVID-19 pandemic.  The items were donated to the beneficiaries on Friday, a day before the celebration of Madiba’s birthday.

Readily prepared food hampers soon before it was donated to vulnerable residents of George.

Ms ShandrĂ© Abrahams, GRDM Employee Wellness Practitioner, who drives this annual programme, said: “This is a very difficult time in the lives of many South Africans and it’s amazing to see employees reaching in their pockets to continue to do their bit to support the residents of the Garden Route”.

In previous years officials based at all the Municipal Health offices across the district also participated in this initiative, however due to their added COVID-19 responsibilities of creating awareness, monitoring additional hygiene compliance measures and contact tracing activities, they were unable to partake in this years’ programme. However, the GRDM Municipal Health office in George plans to hand out masks to the community of Thembalethu in George after news broke that this area was recently declared as the COVID-19 hotspot in the region and George. The Environmental Health Practitioners continue to create awareness about the virus and the danger thereof to members of the community and continuously urge them to adhere to the relevant regulations.

Through this initiative, it is fulfilling to observe how every single donation can make a difference in the lives of those who need it most. It never matters how big or small selfless acts or donations are, what matters is the intention and compassion of a person to bring about change during a time when the world is on its knees.

“As we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same.” -Nelson Mandela

ENDS

14 July 2020 Media Release: Dysselsdorp Soup Kitchens providing a helping hand during the COVID-19 pandemic

Media Release: Dysselsdorp Soup Kitchens providing a helping hand during the COVID-19 pandemic

For immediate release
14 July 2020

Soup kitchens in Dysselsdorp, which forms part of the Greater Oudtshoorn municipal area, provide an ideal service for those who struggle to make ends meet by providing food assistance. Soup kitchens serve food to anyone who arrives at their doorstep and often serve meals, consisting of not only soup, but sandwiches too. Volunteers assist to prepare meals, serve food, and help with cleaning up.

In Dysselsdorp, the community and spiritual leaders have set the tone for the establishment of soup kitchens. They contacted the Municipal Health Services office of Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) in Oudtshoorn for guidance regarding minimum requirements and approvals. Environmental Health Practitioners (EHPs) continue with inspections of soup kitchens and ensure that they always comply with health requirements.

Dysselsdorp soup kitchens adhere to the requirements of the COVID-19 protocols to protect all members of the community in their respective settings.

According to Mr Desmond Paulse, GRDM Manager for Municipal Health in Oudtshoorn, the EHPs continue to work closely with the Department of Social Development in terms of soup kitchen applications and approvals. “A protocol and guidelines specifically relating to operating a soup kitchen during the COVID-19 pandemic was developed and now there are ten approved soup kitchens operating in Dysselsdorp,” he said.

New soup kitchens must adhere to the minimum structural requirements in terms of building control (ventilation and lighting), potable running water, basic health requirements including sufficient working surfaces, temperature control, vector control, disposal of waste, provision of toilet facility and hand washbasin on preparation sites, including hand-sanitizing agents. Personal protective equipment for food handlers, regular health screening of food handlers and approved storing facilities for the storage of food and utensils must be provided.

These general COVID-19 requirements include:

  • Ensuring social distancing when receiving food at identified soup kitchen.
  • People must not gather at the facility after receiving their food.
  • Face masks and gloves to be worn by persons distributing the food.
  • Provision of sufficient hand wash facilities on site to accommodate people receiving food.

EHPs monitor the soup kitchens in Dysselsdorp with the assistance of the Expanded Public Workers Programme workers to ensure that the COVID-19 measures are implemented. Furthermore, regular inspections are carried out by the EHPs to ensure compliance and that all basic health requirements are met and to ensure that food is prepared hygienically and safe for consumption to vulnerable residents of the area.

ENDS

13 July 2020 Severe Weather Warnings – Storm Surges, High Seas & Damaging Winds

The Cape Town Weather Office has issued the following severe weather warnings:

HAZARD (1): Storm surges

Alert Level: Warning

Valid From (SAST): 13/07/20 06h00

Valid To (SAST): 14/07/20 00h00

Expected between Cape Columbine and Plettenberg Bay today, persisting into Tuesday morning east of Cape Agulhas (13-14/07/2020).

HAZARD (2): High Seas

Alert Level: Warning

Valid From (SAST): 13/07/20 06h00

Valid To (SAST): 14/07/20 00h00

High to very high seas with wave heights between 6-9m is expected between Lambert’s Bay and Plettenberg Bay from today through to Tuesday afternoon, but very high wave heights between 9-13m between Slangkop and Plettenberg Bay (13-14/07/2020).

HAZARD (3): Damaging Winds

Alert Level: Warning

Valid From (SAST): 12/07/20 12h00

Valid To (SAST): 13/07/20 17h00

WARNING: Gale to strong gale force north-westerly to westerly winds (65-100km/h) are expected between Cape Columbine and Cape Agulhas, spreading to Plettenberg Bay, while (65-75km/h) over the entire Western Cape today (12-13/07/2020).

DESCRIPTION: Snow

Snow is precipitation in the form of flakes of crystalline water ice that fall from clouds. Since snow is composed of small ice particles, it is a granular material.

PRECAUTIONS: Snow

If driving, decrease your speed and leave yourself plenty of room to stop, you should allow at least three times more space than usual between you and the car in front of you. Brake gently to avoid skidding. If your wheels start to lock up, ease off the brake. Even at temperatures above freezing, if the conditions are wet, you might encounter ice in shady areas or on exposed roadways like bridges. Listen to the radio or TV for warnings and obey the instructions from disaster management officers.

DESCRIPTION: Storm surges

Generally storm surges are a result of strong winds blowing over a large area called a fetch combined with low pressure systems. Dangerous waves or surges may also be caused by storms and/or tsunami’s resulting in widespread coastal damage and loss of life.

PRECAUTIONS: Storm surges

All recreational beach activities should be suspended. People with beach side properties should be aware of the possibility of being flooded by a rise in sea level and wave surges that could cause damage to their property.

If possible relocate valuable assets to higher ground and be vigilant especially during high tide. If the surge is associated with a Spring High Tide then significant inundation is possible and one should be aware of the times of occurrence of the High tide. Listen to the radio or TV for warnings and obey the instructions from disaster management officers.

DESCRIPTION: Storm surges / High Seas

Generally heavy seas or damaging waves are a result of strong winds blowing over a large area called a fetch combined with low pressure systems. Long period swells are often very dangerous to tankers as they may literally snap them in half. Dangerous waves or surges may also be caused by storm surges and tsunami’s resulting in widespread coastal damage and loss of life. In oceanography, a sea state is the general condition of the free surface on a large body of water—with respect to wind waves and swell—at a certain location and moment. A sea state is characterized by statistics, including the wave height, period, and power spectrum. The sea state varies with time, as the wind conditions or swell conditions change.

PRECAUTIONS: Storm surges / High Seas

Ships should “idle” into the swell and wind so that the bow of the ship always faces the oncoming swell. If in a small sailing vessel reduce the sail area and steer into the oncoming swell. If along the shore-line stay well back from the highest high water mark as Secure all hatches, doors, windows and ports. Secure all loose items in the interior.

Pump the bilge’s dry and keep pumping them dry at regular intervals. Stow away all loose gear and lash down any large items that cannot be stowed. Break out your life preservers and inform your crew that everyone will be putting them on well in advance of their necessity.

Break out emergency gear like flares and first aid kit, sea anchor, safety harnesses, etc.

Check your position and update your course as plotted on your chart. Prepare alternative routes to more protected areas. If you think you will be in for relatively long haul prepare some hot soup, coffee or stew freak waves may run up beyond the normal high water mark.

If the sea recedes exposing rock and sea bed normally not exposed immediately seek higher ground at least 50m above your current position. Do not try swimming or fishing or other marine recreation during these events. Only extremely experienced surfers will temp their fate under these conditions.

Listen to the radio or TV for warnings and obey the instructions from disaster management officers.

To report any severe weather related incidents, contact:

Garden Route District Disaster Management Centre at 044-805 5071.

10 July 2020 Severe Weather Alert: Damaging Winds

The Cape Town Weather Office has issued the following severe weather alerts.

Hazard: Damaging Winds

Alert level: Warning

Valid From (SAST): 10/07/20 01h00

Valid To (SAST): 11/07/20 18h00

  1. Strong interior westerly to north-westerly winds (50-62km/h) are expected over the Namakwa District (N.Cape) as well as the Central Karoo (W.Cape) today.
  2. Gale to strong gale force south-westerly winds (70-100km/h) along the coastal areas between Lambert’s Bay and Plettenberg Bay on Saturday (11/07/2020) morning, moderating by the afternoon.

DESCRIPTION: STRONG DAMAGING WINDS

Strong damaging winds often occur along coastal regions, but also often occur during thunderstorm activity. These winds are sudden and can cause much damage.

PRECAUTIONS: STRONG DAMAGING WINDS

Stay indoors where possible away from the windows that open towards the severe winds. Be aware of the following: – sudden cross winds if traveling especially between buildings, fallen trees or power lines and flying debris.

Small boats must stay away from the open sea and seek the shelter of a harbour, river estuary or protected bay.

Parked aircraft should be pointed into the direction of the wind and secured Listen to the radio or TV for warnings and obey the instructions from disaster management officers.

DESCRIPTION: SNOW

Snow is precipitation in the form of flakes of crystalline water ice that fall from clouds. Since snow is composed of small ice particles, it is a granular material.

PRECAUTION: SNOW

If driving decrease your speed and leave yourself plenty of room to stop, you should allow at least three times more space than usual between you and the car in front of you. Brake gently to avoid skidding. If your wheels start to lock up, ease off the brake. Even at temperatures above freezing, if the conditions are wet, you might encounter ice in shady areas or on exposed roadways like bridges. Listen to the radio or TV for warnings and obey the instructions from disaster management officers.

DESCRIPTION: FLOODING / HEAVY RAIN

Flooding occurs when water overflows its normal channels such as streams and storm water drains. It can occur with prolonged period of rain, with continuous heavy falls or in the form of flash floods which are usually associated with severe thunderstorms. Heavy rain may also result in river flooding causing damage downstream to areas that may receive no rainfall at all during the flooding event.

PRECAUTIONS: FLOODING / HEAVY RAIN

If possible stay indoors and off the roads, avoid crossing rivers and swollen streams where water is above your ankles. If trapped in flooding in a vehicle, abandon it and climb to higher ground. In buildings, move valuables to a safe place above the expected flood level. Switch off electricity at the supply point to the building. In rural areas protect/relocate animals to a safe place on higher ground. Abandon your home immediately if evacuation is recommended, before access is cut off by flood water. NEVER drive on a road covered by water. You do not know how deep it is or if the road has been washed away. If the vehicle stalls, leave it immediately and seek higher ground. Be especially cautious at night when it’s harder to recognize flood dangers. Listen to the radio or TV for warnings and obey the instructions from disaster management officers.

Contact the Garden Route Disaster Management Centre at 044-805 5071 to report any severe weather related incidents.

8 July 2020 Alert: Garden Route Home Composting Project – 2 days left to apply!

Public reminder: Garden Route Home Composting Project – 2 days left to apply!

For Immediate Release
8 July 2020

Don’t miss out!

Only two days left for all Bitou and Oudtshoorn residents to apply to participate in the home composting project!

Application forms to participate in the pilot project can be obtained from the following link: https://www.gardenroute.gov.za/document-category/application-forms/.

Completed application forms must be sent to wayne@gardenroute.gov.za by no later than Friday 10 July 2020.  For any enquiries please contact Wayne Odendaal on 044 693 0006.

9 July 2020 Media Release: Essential workers from GRDM continue to do their best to prevent the spread of COVID-19

Media Release: Essential workers from GRDM continue to do their best to prevent the spread of COVID-19

For immediate release
9 July 2020

During the past weekend (3-5 July 2020) essential workers from Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) continued with their schedule to disinfect areas in George in their endeavour to reduce the risk of the transmission of the COVID-19 Coronavirus in the district.

The latest charts issued by the Western Cape Department of Health, illustrating the hotspots identified in the George area.

Fourteen (14) Environmental Health Practitioners and 12 Firefighters from GRDM accompanied by Municipality’s Portfolio Chairperson for Community Services, Cllr Khayalethu Lose, with the assistance of the South African Police Services, formed part of the operation.  The disinfection took place at areas located in Thembalethu, Pacaltsdorp, Lawaaikamp and Maraiskamp, with the focus on reaching the emerging hotspots in George.  Routine visits to those in self-quarantine or self-isolation at their private residences also formed part of the operation. This is done to ensure that members of the public adhere to the regulated COVID-19 protocols and for team to continue with contact tracing. It is also welcomed by patients because a time in isolation or quarantine can be lonely.

The Garden Route District Municipal team disinfecting various areas in George.

In the Thembalethu area, the Shopping Square, 30 taxis and the garage area were disinfected, as well as the inside of shops and business premises. According to GRDM Station Officer: Fire & Safety Training, Mr Deon Stoffels, who supervises the operations, these businesses include: barbers, hair salons, timber shops and car spares shops. “The operation continued in Pacaltsdorp with the outside of the food retail stores and all other places where many feet pass through,” he said. In the Rosemoor residential area, all main shops and four spaza shops in Protea Park were also disinfected.The operation continued in Pacaltsdorp with the outside of Spar, the Mingo Camp and all main shops that were disinfected,” he said. In the Rosemoor residential area, all main shops and four spaza shops in Protea Park were also disinfected.

As part of the programme, bottles of disinfectant, hand sanitisers and soap are handed over to the owners and/or representatives of the respective public areas, as well as patients/contacts at private residences to ensure they and the environment they live in, are kept hygienic and safe.

According to Mr Johan Compion, Manager for Municipal Health and Environmental Services at GRDM, visits to disinfect these spots were not randomly done. He explained: “These areas were identified as hotspots or to reach patients who have tested positive for COVID-19”.  Compion further said:  “During our visits to especially the private residences, 3.77% of these were non-compliant, but we issued notices of warning to all who did not comply to the regulations that were put in place by the Western Cape Department of Health”.

“As part of the continued programme, we plan to visit and disinfect more areas in the Garden Route,” Mr Clive Africa, GRDM Executive Manager for Community Services, said.  He concluded and confirmed that areas in Mossel Bay and Knysna will be the next areas where similar exercises will be conducted in the upcoming weeks.

[ENDS]

Media Release: EPWP essential workers to assist at Covid-19 hotspots in the Garden Route

The Department of Public Works and Infrastructure (DPWI) as a member of the National Joints (NatJoints) Committee, has to respond to combating the spread of COVID-19 in terms of the Disaster Management Act, No 57 of 2002, as stipulated in the NatJoints Containment Work Stream.

The DPWI has identified the Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) Non-State Sector (NSS) Non-Profit Organisations (NPOs) as the best response mechanism to support the Department of Health to deliver necessary public health services at elementary level for purposes of COVID-19 spread prevention and control. To give effect to this commitment, DPWI has signed a three month addendum with the Independent Development Trust, on 12 April 2020, to contract qualifying NPOs throughout the country in 44 districts and 8 metros, to appoint youth (16-35 years) to participate in this initiative. The NPOs will also be required to sign three month contracts with each EPWP participant. The Garden Route district was allocated 119 participants for the first category of the COVID-19 response (George 41, Hessequa 23, Mossel Bay 15, Oudtshoorn 12, Bitou 10, Knysna 10 and Kannaland 8).

All participants will perform their duties under the supervision of the Environmental Health Practitioners (EHPs) of Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM). Their activities will include the following:

  • health promotion on COVID-19 prevention, hand washing practices and social distancing measures in public places;
  • distribution of hygiene soap and hand sanitizers in identified high risk communities, education on proper handwashing techniques;
  • home-to-home education interventions, where required; and
  • cleaning and disinfection of frequently touched high-risk areas, e.g. communal water collection points, taxi ranks and other places identified by the applicable municipality.

Furthermore the DPWI has issued Personal Protective Equipment and identification cards to the NPOs which must be used by participants while they are on duty.

GRDM EHPs had to identify the hotspots within the Local Municipal areas and guide the participants through an orientation programme to outline their work.

The orientation/ training programme

 The Municipal Health Section of the GRDM was tasked to train the EPWP personnel in line with the Golden rules to prevent/minimise the spread of COVID-19 in the district. The training programme took place at the beginning of June 2020 and included the following disciplines:

  • Wearing of face masks in public areas and while travelling with other individuals in a vehicle (i.e. lift clubs, taxi, bus and/or any other form of public transport);
  • maintaining a social distance of 1.5m;
  • proper hand washing techniques;
  • avoid touching your face with unwashed hands;
  • proper cough etiquette;
  • waste management (i.e. disposable masks and gloves); and
  • avoiding crowded places as far as it is possible.

After undergoing orientation, appointed EPWP participants will conduct awareness at “hotspots” areas which were identified as problematic areas within communities to ensure that all members of the public remain adequately informed to protect themselves.

These “hotspots” areas include;

  • general public facilities, including municipal/ public toilets, taxi ranks etc.;
  • food premises – spaza shops;
  • soup kitchens;
  • informal settlements; and
  • government grant pay points – ATM’s, post offices and/or any other business premises which are utilised to distribute grants.
EPWP workers trained by GRDM Environmental Health Practitioners to assist at hotspots within the Garden Route district.

Executive Mayor of GRDM, Cllr Memory Booysen, extended a word of appreciation to all stakeholders involved in the programme and highlighted: “As a municipality we are glad for the appointment of the EPWP personnel, as all participants will be a great addition to the initiatives of the GRDM in the fight against COVID-19 pandemic”.

The following stakeholders are involved in the coordination of this project; DPWI, Independent Development Trust, NPOs Edu-Plett and God Care International, Department of Employment and Labour, GRDM and Local Municipalities in the Garden Route district.

For more information regarding the project, contact,

Mr Mzimkulu Gusha, National Public Works Programme Manager

Tel: 021 402 2164 / 076 423 7558

Mr Richard Dyantyi, Manager: EPWP at Garden Route District Municipality

Tel: 044 803 1404 / 084 900 5556

Mr Johan Compion, Manager: Municipal Health at Garden Route District Municipality

Tel: 044 803 1525 / 082 803 5161

22 June 2020 Invitation to participate in the Household Composting Pilot Project: Bitou and Oudtshoorn Municipalities

Garden Route District Municipality, in collaboration with Bitou and Oudtshoorn Municipalities, will roll out a Household Composting Pilot Project in the Bitou and Oudtshoorn municipal areas.  Approximately 30% of household waste being disposed of at landfill consists of organic waste that could potentially be diverted from landfill by means of household composting.  Further, household composting could subsequently result in a huge waste management cost saving and put sorely needed nutrients back into our soil.

The pilot project will run for the duration of one year and the data collected will be used to motivate the further roll out of the project to all households in the Bitou and Oudtshoorn municipal areas.  Permanent residents in the Bitou and Oudtshoorn areas are invited to apply for participation in the pilot project.

It must be noted that provision was made to accommodate only thirty (30) households per municipality in the pilot project who will be provided with a composting bin, and / or a worm farm, a scale and data sheets.  Due to the limited number, the first thirty applications per municipality received will be selected to participate in the project.

All applicants must conform to the following criteria:

  • Must reside permanently in the Bitou or Oudtshoorn municipal areas for the duration of the pilot project (at least one year).
  • Must attend an information session regarding the composting project that will be held in Bitou and in Oudtshoorn respectively. (This may be an online / virtual session due to the COVID-19 pandemic).
  • Must be willing to participate in the pilot project and report organic waste quantities on a monthly basis for the duration of the pilot project (one year).
  • Composting bins will only be distributed to households with a garden / lawn generating green waste.
  • Households / apartments that do not have gardens / yards i.e. that generate green waste can be provided with only a worm farm for kitchen scraps etc.

Application forms to participate in the pilot project can be obtained from the following link: https://www.gardenroute.gov.za/document-category/application-forms/.

Completed application forms must be sent to wayne@gardenroute.gov.za by no later than Friday 10 July 2020.

For any enquiries please contact  Mr Wayne Odendaal on 044 693 0006.

Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport relief funding application process update

18 June 2020

In response to the adverse implications the global health pandemic and subsequent national lockdown imposed on the cultural and sport sector, the Western Cape Government resolved to fund provincial athletes and artists through a relief and recovery package application process.

The call for applications officially opened on 5 May and closed on 19 May 2020. Pivotal to providing financial assistance from the Western Cape Government is ensuring objective criteria, an independent and competent adjudication panel and further motivating documentation to evaluate and confirm the needs of those we serve.
As all applications received have now been consolidated and verified, the adjudication process has commenced and is scheduled to be concluded on Friday, 19 June 2020.

Once concluded, the adjudicating panels will compile a report and present their findings to the department. These will be reviewed by top management and will be followed by a formal submission for administrative process.
Once approved, applicants will be informed of their outcome and the process to transfer relief funds to beneficiaries will begin. Transfers may be delayed in instances where compliance documents were not in place at the time of application. Kindly note that compliance documents were not used to disqualify any applicant, but they will be required to process transfers to beneficiaries.

To ensure a competent and independent adjudication process, it was required of adjudicators to promote objectivity informed by the Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport (DCAS) values and ethics guiding this transparent Covid-19 Relief Funding process.

Equally important, the adjudicators are representatives from the Sport and Recreation and Cultural, Heritage and Arts sectors, with a track record in working to ensure the respective sector is sustained and resilient. Fulfilling the important role of adjudication, the following representatives, amongst others, are included:

  • The Western Cape Provincial Sport Confederation, that administers, promotes and monitors all sport through its federation members in the Western Cape;
  • Seasoned Sport Administrators in the region;
  • The Western Cape Cultural Commission;
  • The Cultural and Creative Industries Federation of South Africa;
  • Internationally established arts administrators, production managers, directors and designers.

Minister Anroux Marais said, “As the application process progressed, we received various enquiries, mostly on the National Department of Sport and Culture’s (DSAC) communication and payment processing ahead of our provincial process.

This resulted in some applicants who had applied for both the national and provincial funding, misinterpreting the national communication as our provincial communication, which is not the case as our adjudication process is only now underway. I can also confirm that technical complications led to some applicants not receiving the automated acknowledgement of receipt. However, each applicant will receive official correspondence informing on their respective application(s) outcome”.

During these unprecedented times in which we are to be physically distanced, the DCAS remains proactively committed to our vision of a socially inclusive, active and connected Western Cape. To maintain transparency, further updates, once confirmed, will be communicated in due course.

Media Enquiries:

Stacy McLean
Spokesperson to Minister Anroux Marais
083 504 1171

Tania Colyn
Head of Communications
Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport
076 093 4913