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Author: Marillia Veldkornet

Media Alert: Sedfa, in partnership with GRDM and partners, to host Pop-Up Market in George

Media Alert: Sedfa, in partnership with GRDM and partners, to host Pop-Up Market in George

29 – 31 August 2025 at the Garden Route Mall, George.

The South African Enterprise Development Finance Agency (Sedfa), in partnership with Garden Route District Municipality and other key ecosystem partners, is proud to host the Sedfa and Garden Route Pop-Up Market from 29 to 31 August 2025 at the Garden Route Mall, George.

The official opening and walkabout will take place on Friday, 29 August at 13h30, led by Executive Mayor Andrew Stroebel, alongside Sedfa representatives and ecosystem partners.

The Pop-Up Market will shine a spotlight on local Micro-, Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (MSMEs), offering them a platform to showcase their products, network with potential buyers, and grow their market access.

“This market is a direct response to the need for greater visibility and access for local entrepreneurs. At Sedfa, we believe in supporting MSMEs through practical platforms that not only promote their products but also build pathways toward long-term economic inclusion.” – Kiewet Mhlongo, Acting Provincial Manager: Western Cape, Sedfa.

“Garden Route District Municipality is proud to support initiatives that give local Micro-, Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (MSME) the much-needed exposure they deserve. This Pop-Up Market is more than just an opportunity to showcase locally made products; it is also a platform that strengthens our economy from the ground up. As the Municipality, we remain committed to creating meaningful partnerships that open doors for MSMEs to drive job creation and stimulate sustainable development throughout the region and beyond.” – Executive Mayor Andrew Stroebel

The Members of the Media are invited to attend the opening and engage with MSME participants and stakeholders.

ENDS

25 August 2025 Media Release: Garden Route Risk Reduction Task Team to Be Established

Media Release: Garden Route Risk Reduction Task Team to Be Established

For immediate release
05 August 2025

“Growing concerns about an increase of fire risk exposure levels in the Garden Route have led to the establishment of a Risk Reduction Task Team (RRTT),” says Cobus Meiring of the Garden Route Environmental Forum (GREF).

The mission of the RRTT is to help prevent a recurrence of catastrophic events such as the 2017 Knysna and Plettenberg Bay wildfires, which were worsened by uncontrolled growth of invasive alien plants (IAP).

The RRTT aims to be a collaborative platform focused on strategic risk reduction and sustainable landscape management, working closely with landowners, conservation bodies, and enforcement agencies across the Garden Route.

Key stakeholders who form part of the task team will assist and encourage private landowners to reduce IAPs on their properties. Where necessary, action will be taken through the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) Biosecurity resources.

Awareness creation will be a central pillar of the RRTT strategy. This will include direct engagement with landowners and sustained information-sharing campaigns through traditional media and social media platforms over the long term.

The RRTT will include experts and representatives from the Southern Cape Fire Protection Association (SCFPA), Garden Route District Municipality’s (GRDM) Disaster Management, local municipalities, DFFE, Nelson Mandela University, and GREF stakeholders.

Individuals or entities involved in invasive alien plant management, are invited to register as interested and affected parties by writing to louisamare@gmail.com.

The GREF is a climate change and environmental management think-tank. (www.grefscli.co.za).

Feature Image: Without collective action by all landowners in the Garden Route the region remains highly vulnerable to wildfire disasters.

ENDS

14 August 2025 Media Release: Garden Route plays host to Fynbos Forum

Media Release: Garden Route plays host to Fynbos Forum

For immediate release
14 August 2025

“The Garden Route played host to the Fynbos Forum from 12 to 14 August at the iconic Wilderness Hotel”, says Cobus Meiring of the Garden Route Environmental Forum (GREF)

Established in 1997 the Fynbos Forum is South Africa’s premier conservation and research group dedicated to the preservation of the South African Fynbos Biome.

Vital to indigenous bio- diversity the Southern Cape is home to a magnificent treasure chest of Fynbos species. Unfortunately much of what remains of our once abundant Fynbos is critically endangered due to intensive agriculture, over development, encroachment of invasive alien plants and animals as well as frequent wild- fire disasters.

The Fynbos Forum is a scientific group of natural scientists, researchers, planners, managers, landowners and key stakeholders. It meets annually to discuss the collaborative production of knowledge that underpins regional conservation efforts in the Fynbos Biome in South Africa.

The good news is that as more land and conservation corridors in the Garden Route are becoming available for conservation and rewilding purposes as well as awareness grows on the incalculable value of Fynbos, there is a real chance that it may prevail despite many challenges.

As a transdisciplinary regional learning network, the Fynbos Forum supports discussions on management issues and research results, prioritizing future research and conservation management actions required to ensure the conservation and sustainability of fynbos ecosystems.

The Garden Route Environmental Forum (GREF)- a climate change and environmental management think- tank.(www.grefscli.co.za)

ENDS

07 August 2025 Media Release: GRDM Disaster Management and EHPs teams assist Bitou Municipality in Bossiesgif fire

GRDM Disaster Management and EHPs teams assist Bitou Municipality in Bossiesgif fire

For immediate release
07 August 2025

The last few days have been traumatic for the Bossiesgif residents of the Bitou Municipal area.

A fire broke out in the informal settlement, with flames that raged through structures leaving approximately 500 people, including children, affected by the flames.

The fire destroyed 162 informal structures with 3 structures that burned partially in Bossiesgif, Bitou

Reports from Bitou Municipality confirmed that the fire broke out in the early hours of 4 August 2025.  In a report that was published on 5 August, it was confirmed that 162 informal structures were destroyed and 3 were partially burned, affecting approximately 500 people with a count of 4-6 people per household.

In collaboration with Bitou Municipality, the Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) acted swiftly to provide the needed assistance to lessen the impact of the fire on affected individuals. GRDM’s Disaster Management team assisted with the activation of key role players in coordinating a rapid and effective response. The GRDM Disaster Management Centre (DMC) also fulfilled their role as an important link between the district and local coordinators when the centre facilitated communication and provided regular situational reports to district and provincial coordinators. These efforts demonstrated the solid working relations between GRDM and Bitou Municipality.

In ensuring that humanitarian relief was provided to all affected residents, the GRDM DMC supplied 59 mattresses and 71 blankets to the families. This was part of a larger relief effort that included donations received from the Gift of the Givers, meals from Dignity Fund and the Shoprite Act For Change soup kitchen, and ongoing municipal efforts.

GRDM, Bitou Municipality and stakeholders assessing the damages and providing humanitarian aid to residents affected by the fire.

GRDM’s EHPs also played a critical role at the identified sites when they conducted an assessment of all health processes related to food handling and waste disposal thereof at the hall. These processes were well coordinated and the assessment confirmed that all the necessary protocols were followed.

Executive Mayor of GRDM, Andrew Stroebel, commended GRDM, Bitou teams, as well as other stakeholders involved, for their swift response to rescue the residential structures in Bossiesgif, but most importantly the lives of the residents of the settlement. Mayor Stroebel said: “As a district, we applaud the swift reaction of both Bitou and GRDM Emergency and Disaster Management teams and we are thankful that no lives were lost in this devastating fire”.

ENDS

07 August 2025 Media Release: GRDM Air Quality Unit Delivers Perfect Score in National Emissions Reporting

Media Release: GRDM Air Quality Unit Delivers Perfect Score in National Emissions Reporting

For immediate release
07 August 2025

The “National Atmospheric Emission Inventory System” (NAEIS) is an internet-based emissions reporting system which is a component of the South African Atmospheric Emission Licencing and Inventory System (SAAELIP) portal. NAEIS allows for regulated industries, as well as authorities to report atmospheric emissions from all sectors, for the purpose of compiling a national atmospheric emission inventory profile.

The system is legislated through the National Emission Reporting regulations that prescribe NAEIS reporting. Emission inventory means an accounting of the number of pollutants discharged into the atmosphere and it contains the total emissions for one or more specific greenhouse gases and air pollutants originating from all sources in a certain geographical area and within a specified time span.

Furthermore, the system is a web-based atmospheric emissions monitoring and reporting system that is aimed at providing accurate, current and complete information on all significant sources of identified atmospheric emissions, including greenhouse gas emissions from South Africa. NAEIS introduces a single national reporting system of atmospheric emissions, which will be used:

  1. To inform policy formulation;
  2. For the Republic of South Africa to meet its obligations under the United Framework Convention on Climate Change and any other international treaties to which it is bound; and
  3. To establish and maintain a National Emission Inventory Profile.

To comply with the reporting regulations, Facilities must report emissions from the preceding year.  The NAEIS system is open for reporting from 1 January to 30 June each year.

Since the start of NAEIS reporting in 2015, the GRDM Air Quality Unit, under leadership of Dr Johann Schoeman, District Manager for Air Quality, arranged training sessions for its industries to assist them with their NAEIS reporting. Since the start, the Garden Route had a 100% submission of NAEIS reports.

Schoeman highlighted: “This 100% submission rate was achieved through relentless assistance to our Industry”. In addition, Schoeman explained GRDM’s role and said: “We guide the industry through special NAEIS completion target-group sessions, appointments and personal assistance”. He further stated that most of the larger industries also have the capacity to appoint consultants to assist them with NAEIS reporting. “We therefore focus on the smaller industries that do not have the capacity to do the reporting, he added.

“Within the Garden Route, we have 25 Facilities that must report on NAEIS and for 2025 we again achieved a 100% submission rate with all of them reporting within the deadline”.

After the NAEIS reporting cycle, Authorities will audit the NAEIS report after which the National Department will do the National verifications.

ENDS

04 August 2025 Update 8: Gwaiing Road Construction Works, George

Update 8: Gwaiing Road Construction Works, George

The Road Construction team of Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) remains fully focused on the upgrading of the Gwaiing Road between the R404 and the R102.

The basecourse layer on the right hand side (RHS) lane has been completed in full, and operations have now been shifted to the left hand side (LHS) lane.

Due to the inclement weather conditions, however, the curing and finishing of the final surface on the RHS lane is still in process, and once completed, the surface will be primed, and would then be ready for the final bituminous surface seal. Preparation works on the underlying layer on the LHS lane is also being completed, after which the G5 material will be imported for the construction of the LHS lane subbase layer.

Completion date of the project still remains at 31 January 2026.

ENDS

01 August 2025 Media Release: Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) staff reach out to various communities across the district in support of the annual International Mandela Day celebrations

Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) staff reach out to various communities across the district in support of the annual International Mandela Day celebrations

For immediate release
1 August 2025

𝗢𝗳𝗳𝗶𝗰𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗠𝘂𝗻𝗶𝗰𝗶𝗽𝗮𝗹 𝗠𝗮𝗻𝗮𝗴𝗲𝗿 𝘁𝗼 d𝗼𝗻𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗦𝗮𝗻𝗶𝘁𝗮𝗿𝘆 𝗣𝗮𝗱𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝗧𝘆𝗵𝗼𝗹𝗼𝗿𝗮 𝗣𝗿𝗶𝗺𝗮𝗿𝘆 𝗦𝗰𝗵𝗼𝗼𝗹 𝗶𝗻 𝗧𝗵𝗲𝗺𝗯𝗮𝗹𝗲𝘁𝗵𝘂

In honour of Mandela Day, Departments at GRDM reached out to various communities and facilities across the district to continue with the legacy left behind by the late and former father of the nation, Nelson Mandela. Teams contributed their 67 minutes towards the international campaign as follows:

Office of the Municipal Manager donate sanitary pads to Tyholora Primary School

Office of the Municipal Manager employees from GRDM chose girls from Tyholora Primary School in Thembalethu, George, as the beneficiary of their sanitary pad donation drive.  Although schools were closed on the day, employees managed to collect the sanitary pads varying from 8 to 32 per pack and handed it over to the school on Thursday, 31 July 2024. This initiative aims to help reduce school absenteeism among girls and promotes dignity. Speaker of GRDM, Ald. Georlene Wolmarans, also attended the handover occasion.

De Hoek Mountain Resort clean graves of possible former owners of the resort

Staff from the Garden Route District Municipal resort, De Hoek Mountain Resort, cleaned nearby graves of the possible former owners of the resort. Die span het hul dankbaarheid uitgespreek en gesê: “Ons is dankbaar dat ons as deel van hierdie veldtog ‘n klein bydra kon maak deur menswaardigheid te herstel”.

𝗗𝗶𝘀𝗮𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗠𝗮𝗻𝗮𝗴𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗼𝗳𝗳𝗶𝗰𝗶𝗮𝗹𝘀 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝗱𝘂𝗰𝘁 𝗮𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝘀𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗮𝘁 𝗕𝗲𝗿𝗴𝘃𝗮𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗶, 𝗞𝗻𝘆𝘀𝗻𝗮

The Disaster Management team visited the Bergvallei community to create awareness about the Garden Route Disaster Management Centre (GRDMC). A key component of the campaign was raising awareness about the Emergency Communications Call Centre. Residents learned the critical importance of what to say and do when reporting an emergency, ensuring that vital information is conveyed effectively to facilitate a swift and appropriate response. The outreach also included basic life-saving first aid skills education. Lastly, soup and bread were shared with all attendees.

𝗜𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗴𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝗣𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗘𝗰𝗼𝗻𝗼𝗺𝗶𝗰 𝗗𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹𝗼𝗽𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗼𝗳𝗳𝗶𝗰𝗶𝗮𝗹𝘀 𝗱𝗼𝗻𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗮𝗹𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝗥𝗼𝘀𝗲𝗺𝗼𝗼𝗿 𝗢𝗹𝗱 𝗔𝗴𝗲 𝗛𝗼𝗺𝗲, 𝗚𝗲𝗼𝗿𝗴𝗲

The Integrated Planning and Economic Development Department visited the Rosemoor Old Age Home to deliver much needed adult diapers. The donation was warmly received, as the home is often in urgent need of these essential supplies. The staff of the Old Age Home expressed their sincere gratitude for the thoughtful gesture and emphasised how much the support means to the well-being of their residents.

EHPs 𝗽𝗮𝗶𝗻𝘁 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗿𝗲𝘃𝗶𝘁𝗮𝗹𝗶𝘀𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗴𝗮𝗿𝗱𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝗳 𝗡𝗲𝘄 𝗛𝗼𝗿𝗶𝘇𝗼𝗻𝘀 𝗣𝗲𝗻𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗖𝗹𝘂𝗯

The Garden Route District Municipality’s Bitou (Plettenberg Bay) Environmental Health Practitioners, together with community volunteers, spent the day painting and revitalising the garden at the New Horizons Pensioners Club. The team also made monitory donations in support of Bitou’s Victim Support initiative. This outreach beautifully combines community service, environmental beautification, and meaningful fundraising to uplift elderly residents and strengthen local social support networks.

𝗠𝘂𝗻𝗶𝗰𝗶𝗽𝗮𝗹 𝗛𝗲𝗮𝗹𝘁𝗵 𝗦𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗶𝗰𝗲𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝗥𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗱𝗮𝗹𝗲 and 𝗖𝗵𝗶𝗹𝗱 𝗪𝗲𝗹𝗳𝗮𝗿𝗲, hosted 𝗮 𝘀𝗼𝘂𝗽 𝗸𝗶𝘁𝗰𝗵𝗲𝗻 𝗱𝗿𝗶𝘃𝗲

GRDM’s Municipal Health Services in Riversdale, in collaboration with Child Welfare – South Africa-Riversdale, celebrated Mandela Day by hosting a soup kitchen drive at the offices of Child Welfare. The team extended a word of gratitude to all businesses who contributed towards the initiative, including: Riversdale Superspar, JC Slagtery, Savemore Store, the All in One Solomon Shop, Cabby’s Family Market, Lexean and Pop Shop.

𝗪𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗻 𝗖𝗮𝗽𝗲 𝗕𝗹𝗼𝗼𝗱 𝗦𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗶𝗰𝗲 𝗧𝗮𝗸𝗲𝘀 𝗛𝗮𝗻𝗱𝘀 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗚𝗮𝗿𝗱𝗲𝗻 𝗥𝗼𝘂𝘁𝗲 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗚𝗲𝗼𝗿𝗴𝗲 𝗠𝘂𝗻𝗶𝗰𝗶𝗽𝗮𝗹𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗲𝘀

For the second year in a row, the Western Cape Blood Service was supported by GRDM and George Municipality to promote blood donation. This year’s blood drive was hosted at the George’s Banquet Hall, where every donor also received a pair of warm socks as a token of appreciation. GRDM Employee Assistance Practitioners and George Municipality Practitioners, together with Communicators, worked hand-in-hand to encourage staff and residents to participate in this life-saving initiative. Each person who donated blood can save three lives.

𝗙𝗶𝗿𝗲 and 𝗥𝗲𝘀𝗰𝘂𝗲 𝗦𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗶𝗰𝗲𝘀 𝘃𝗶𝘀𝗶𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗚𝗲𝗼𝗿𝗴𝗲 𝗪𝗮𝘀𝘁𝗲 𝗠𝗮𝗻𝗮𝗴𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗙𝗮𝗰𝗶𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗠𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗦𝗶𝗱𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗥𝗼𝗮𝗱.

Garden Route District Municipal Fire & Rescue Services visited the George Waste Management Facility, as well as the Men on the Side of the Road in Industrial Street, George. The team handed out hotdog rolls and soft drinks to those present. “It was indeed a humbling experience – it was evident how grateful the beneficiaries were, for just something to put in their stomachs over the lunch time period”.

𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗺𝘂𝗻𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗦𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗶𝗰𝗲𝘀 𝗠𝘂𝗻𝗶𝗰𝗶𝗽𝗮𝗹 𝗛𝗲𝗮𝗹𝘁𝗵 𝗦𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗶𝗻 𝗢𝘂𝗱𝘁𝘀𝗵𝗼𝗼𝗿𝗻 𝗱𝗼𝗻𝗮𝘁𝗲𝘀 𝗰𝗹𝗼𝘁𝗵𝗲𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝗦𝗰𝗵𝗼𝗲𝗺𝗮𝗻𝘀𝗵𝗼𝗲𝗸 𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗶𝗱𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀

Community Services’ Municipal Health section in Oudtshoorn, reached out to the Spies Kamp community, a rural area outside Schoemanshoek, Oudtshoorn. The team donated clothes to the community which they handed over to a community leader/representative within the specific area. They also took responsibility for the sorting and distribution of the clothing items to residents that may have a need.

𝗚𝗮𝗿𝗱𝗲𝗻 𝗥𝗼𝘂𝘁𝗲 𝗗𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗶𝗰𝘁 𝗠𝘂𝗻𝗶𝗰𝗶𝗽𝗮𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆’𝘀 𝗙𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗳𝗳 𝗺𝗲𝗺𝗯𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗱𝗼𝗻𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗱𝗼𝗴 𝗳𝗼𝗼𝗱 𝘁𝗼 𝗚𝗲𝗼𝗿𝗴𝗲 𝗦𝗣𝗖𝗔

Staff from the Finance Department at Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) visited the SPCA today to hand over dog food to the facility. The event formed part of the Mandela Day celebrations and their 67 minutes contribution in honour of his legacy.

Officials at SPCA welcomed the outreach and visit from the officials and extended words of gratitude to the team for their caring hearts in contributing to the wellbeing of the dogs at their facility.

𝗚𝗥𝗗𝗠’𝘀 𝗚𝗲𝗼𝗿𝗴𝗲 𝗠𝘂𝗻𝗶𝗰𝗶𝗽𝗮𝗹 𝗛𝗲𝗮𝗹𝘁𝗵 𝗨𝗻𝗶𝘁 𝗺𝗲𝗺𝗯𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗲𝗱𝘂𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗕𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗼 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗺𝘂𝗻𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗿𝗲𝗴𝗮𝗿𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗶𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗴𝗮𝗹 𝗱𝘂𝗺𝗽𝗶𝗻𝗴

EHPs presented a health education session to the Golden Valley community regarding illegal dumping. Team members also handed out magnets depicting contact information about where communities can report illegal dumping cases. More than 50 households were reached during the campaign. They also joined George Municipality’s Waste Management section and  Environmental Management educators to conduct a clean-up campaign in the same area. They collected over 20 bags within the first hour.

𝗚𝗥𝗗𝗠 𝗪𝗮𝘀𝘁𝗲 𝗠𝗮𝗻𝗮𝗴𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗨𝗻𝗶𝘁 𝘁𝗼𝗴𝗲𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗕𝗶𝘁𝗼𝘂 𝗠𝘂𝗻𝗶𝗰𝗶𝗽𝗮𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆, 𝗠𝗮𝘀𝗶𝗾𝗵𝗮𝗺𝗲 𝗥𝗲𝗰𝘆𝗰𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗣𝗼𝗹𝘆𝗰𝗼 𝗹𝗮𝘂𝗻𝗰𝗵 𝘁𝘄𝗼 𝗕𝘂𝘆 𝗕𝗮𝗰𝗸 𝗖𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗕𝗶𝘁𝗼𝘂 𝗠𝘂𝗻𝗶𝗰𝗶𝗽𝗮𝗹 𝗮𝗿𝗲𝗮

GRDM’s Waste Management Unit, Bitou Municipality and Masiqhame Recycling, launched two Buy Back centers in the Bitou. District Waste Management Officer, Innocentia Sikweyiya, encouraged the community to make use of the Buy Back centers, by separating their waste at home as it will contribute to the reduction of waste disposed at the landfill facility. She emphasised that “promoting recycling is a vital tool for environmental preservation and sustainability”.

𝗞𝗻𝘆𝘀𝗻𝗮 EHPs 𝗳𝗲𝗲𝗱 𝗱𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗶𝘁𝘂𝘁𝗲 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗺𝘂𝗻𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗶𝗻 𝗤𝘂𝗲𝗲𝗻 𝗦𝘁𝗿𝗲𝗲𝘁, 𝗞𝗻𝘆𝘀𝗻𝗮

Municipal Health Knysna office embarked on feeding the destitute community surrounding the Knysna office situated in Queen Street. During the event, approximately 20 people were provided with food and beverages, donated by local businesses, as well as mutual contributions from the Knysna office. “Mandela Day is not just a celebration, but a call to action for all of us, encouraging people to continue Madiba’s fight for a better world by addressing issues like poverty, inequality and a lack of education and health care.”

𝗟𝗮𝗱𝗶𝘀𝗺𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗥𝗼𝗮𝗱𝘀 𝗠𝗮𝗶𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗻𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗙𝗶𝗿𝗲 𝗦𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗶𝗰𝗲𝘀 𝘁𝗲𝗮𝗺𝘀 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝗱𝘂𝗰𝘁 𝘀𝗼𝘂𝗽 𝗱𝗿𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗶𝗻 𝗟𝗮𝗱𝗶𝘀𝗺𝗶𝘁𝗵

In honour of International Mandela Day celebrations, the Garden Route Municipal Roads Maintenance and Fire Services teams responsible for the Ladismith area, took part in a soup drive feeding community members residing in the area.

The community welcomed the initiative and extended words of appreciation to the GRDM teams involved.

Die Tuinroete Distriksmunisipaliteit se Padonderhoud en Brandweerspanne het sop aan die gemeenskap van Ladismith uitgedeel. Die gemeenskap het die inisiatief verwelkom en waardeer.
“Baie dankie inwoners van Ladismith – dit was ‘n voorreg om Mandela Dag met julle te kon deurbring”.

ENDS

Feature Image: Speaker of GRDM, Ald. Georlene Wolmarans with staff from the Office of the Municipal Manager, handed over the sanitary pads to the Tyholory Primary School in Thembalethu.

30 Julie 2025 Persvrystelling: TDM se Munisipale Gesondheidsafdeling voer Spaza winkel Blitsoperasie in Oudtshoorn uit

Persvrystelling: TDM se Munisipale Gesondheidsafdeling voer Spaza winkel Blitsoperasie in Oudtshoorn uit

Vir onmiddellike vrystelling
30 Julie 2025

Die Tuinroete Distriksmunisipaliteit (TDM) se Munisipale Gesondheidsafdeling in Oudtshoorn het gister met ander rolspelers in die Groter Oudtshoorn area deel uitgemaak van ‘n spaza winkel blitsoperasie.  Tydens inspeksies het elke rolspeler spesifiek gefokus op hulle onderskeie rolle vir spaza winkels om te voldoen aan wetgewing in hiérdie bedryf.

Die volgende rolspelers het deel uitgemaak van die operasie, nl:

  1. TDM se Munisipale Gesondheidsafdeling – Oudtshoorn Kantoor.
  2. Die Suid Afrikaanse Polisiediens
  3. Oudtshoorn Munisipaliteit se Brandweer Dienste, Wetstoepassing, Elektriese Afdeling en Plaaslike Ekonomiese Ontwikkelingsafdeling

Daar was altesaam 15 amptenare betrokke by die blits operasie. Die TDM-span het gefokus op algemene higiëne van die voedselpersele, asook etikettering van voedselprodukte op die rakke van spaza winkels.

Van die 5 spaza winkels wat in die Rose Valley area besoek was, was elkeen in besit van ‘n voedselperseel Geskiktheidsertifikaat wat deur die TDM uitgereik is. Enige spaza winkel wat handel dryf moet in besit wees van ‘n geskiktheidsertifikaat om wettig handel te kan dryf.

Drie (3) van die persele is tydelik gesluit aangesien hul nie voldoen het aan die brandweervereistes nie.

Na afloop van elke inspeksie is die bevindinge met die eienaar of persoon in beheer bespreek, asook kort informele bewusmaking gegee met betrekking tot tekortkominge by die betrokke persele.

Gesamentlike Blitsoperasies gee die verskillende instansies ‘n kans om ‘n holistiese benadering te volg oor hoe om die spaza winkels in die Tuinroete te help om te voldoen aan verskillende wetgewings wat van toepassing is op die bedryf van ‘n spaza winkel. Dit gee ook die gemeenskap die gemoedsrus dat daar wel inspeksies gedoen word by dié tipe persele en dat daar opgetree word indien hulle nie voldoen aan standaarde nie.

Garden Route District Municipality’s (GRDM) Environmental Health Practitioners serving the Oudtshoorn area, yesterday (29 July 2025) conducted a blitz operation in Oudtshoorn aimed at spaza shops in the area. The purpose of the operation was to inspect spaza shops to determine whether they comply with relevant legislation. The operation was conducted in collaboration with other stakeholders including the South African Police Service and Oudtshoorn Municipality’s Fire Services, Electrical Services and their Local Economic Unit.

All 5 shops that were visited in the Rose Valley area, were in possession of Certificates of Acceptability; however, 3 shops were temporarily closed due to non-compliance with Fire Safety requirements.

EINDE

29 July 2025 Media Release: Your signature, their future: Are your kids protected?

Media Release: Your signature, their future: Are your kids protected?

For immediate release
29 July 2025

The Western Cape Department of Health and Wellness encourages all parents to be on the lookout for consent forms that will be sent home for your child to receive the HPV (human papillomavirus) vaccine.

HPV is the virus that causes cervical cancer.

The vaccine does not contain any live virus or DNA from the virus so it cannot cause cancer or other HPV-related illnesses. The vaccine does not affect fertility; and it’s also not used to treat HPV infections or diseases caused by HPV, but instead to prevent the development of cancers, as outlined by the World Health Organisation.

To safeguard our children’s health, the HPV vaccination campaign was rolled out in our country in 2014 with more than 350,000 young lives protected since its inception. More than 1 200 schools are visited annually in the Western Cape to administer the vaccine, with strong support from parents and communities to safeguard their children’s futures.

As part of the HPV campaign, the National Department of Health has directed that Tetanus, Diphtheria and Pertussis (TDaP) vaccine boosters be administered to all eligible children (both boys and girls).

This campaign aims to boost protection against tetanus, diphtheria, and whooping cough by offering a TD booster to all Grade 5 learners. It helps prevent outbreaks and supports ongoing school-based vaccination. All that’s needed is a signed consent form.

Round 2: School-based vaccination – what you need to know

The second round of the school-based vaccination campaign will take place from 1 August to 30 September 2025. During this period, our school health teams will visit both public and private schools to provide the following vaccinations:

  • HPV vaccine (single dose): Offered to eligible Grade 5, 6, and 7 girls in private schools, with consent.
  • Catch-up HPV vaccinations: Girls who missed the HPV vaccine during the first round in February/March will have another opportunity to receive their dose, with consent, at public schools.
  • Tdap booster vaccine: Administered to all boys and girls in Grade 5 across public and private schools, with consent.

We have been providing the HPV vaccine to girls in our communities for many years. Make use of this opportunity. Protect your daughter against cervical cancer”, said Tonia Aylward, school health nurse for Mossel Bay sub-district.

What about side effects?

You deserve clear answers to make the best choice for your child. Parents may have questions about safety and what to expect after vaccination. The vaccines administered at our schools and clinics are safe and have been tested. These vaccination campaigns are not new, and we welcome questions from parents and communities.

Like any vaccine, some children might have mild side effects such as some redness, swelling or pain where the injection was given, a mild fever, or feeling a bit tired. These usually go away on their own within a day or two. Serious reactions are very rare. If you’re worried about how your child reacts, please speak to your clinic or doctor.

If you’re unsure, please keep asking questions. Look at reliable sources, speak to healthcare workers in your local clinic, or check the Road to Health booklet for details on vaccines and schedules to make the right choice for your children’s future.

Feature Image: Our children grow fast. Let’s work together keep their protection up to date.

Nadia Ferreira
Communication Officer
Western Cape Government Health and Wellness
Tel: 044 813 1831
Email: Nadia.Ferreira@westerncape.gov.za
Website: www.westerncape.gov.za

ENDS

22 July 2025 Media Release: Deputy Minister of Higher Education and Training Visits Garden Route District Municipality to Discuss Skills Development

Media Release: Deputy Minister of Higher Education and Training Visits Garden Route District Municipality to Discuss Skills Development

For immediate release
22 July 2025

Yesterday, 21 July 2025, the National Deputy Minister of Higher Education and Training, Dr Mimmy Gondwe, visited the Offices of Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) to engage in discussions and information sharing regarding the importance of skills development in the district and initiatives that can sharpen the implementation of programmes to ensure its overall success thereof.

In welcoming Dr Gondwe, Speaker of Council, Ald. Georlene Wolmarans, noted: “Our district has placed significant emphasis on creating an enabling environment for youth development, education and work-based learning opportunities. A commitment reflected in our adoption of the Skills Mecca model,” she added.

Discussions were mainly revolving around the effectiveness of the Garden Route Skills Mecca (GRSM) within the district, matters pertaining to the National Skills Development legislation.

A thorough presentation regarding the overview of the GRSM was delivered by the Strategic Manager in the Office of the Municipal Manager, Thembani Loliwe, who is responsible for overseeing the programme since 1 July 2025.

The presentation covered topics ranging from the initiative’s inception to the number of skills development programmes created and implemented across the district to the partnerships with various stakeholders, such as the Sector Education and Training Authorities (SETA) and the National Skills Fund. These discussions prompted questions raised by Dr Gondwe enquiring about the collaboration between GRDM and Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) colleges to ensure student success, including placement in organisations for practical skills development. In response to the question, Dr Florus Prinsloo acknowledged that work have already been put into agreements by the GRDM and certain colleges, stating that the development of task teams to ensure the finalisation of agreements hinders the processes.

Dr Gondwe also shared her interest questioning how the GRSM is implemented on local municipal level in the district, to which Mr Loliwe explained the process of Skills Mecca Technicians that are placed at each municipality. Dr Prinsloo elaborated saying that the placement of Skills Mecca Technicians is a coordinated structure, as they have to fulfil a certain role in their respective local municipalities and has a responsibility to report back through the structure in terms of skills development progress made.

Apart from raising the importance of aligning local and national efforts in strengthening skills development, improving coordination and ensuring that communities benefit from inclusive and future-fit education systems, she made an example of the issue of exclusivity. She provided examples highlighting the need to consider various aspects when formalising agreements, such as the distance youth must travel to access TVET colleges. She said: “The distance that youth have to travel from Knysna to Plett or George to access these facilities, is putting an extra financial burden on these students resulting in them dropping out and ending up in front of spaza shops”.

These discussions were the beginning of many discussions to follow, and the Deputy Minister committed to be in the centre of sharpening Skills Development within the district, stating that close relations between the GRDM and the Office of the Deputy Minister will foster growth in the field of skills development.

In closing, Ald. Nompumelelo Ndayi, MMC for Corporate Services at GRDM, extended words of gratitude to Dr Gondwe for her visit to the GRDM and said: “The GRDM appreciates the commitment of your office to strengthening skills development across all levels of government and society. Regarding Dr Gondwe’s and the department’s continued collaboration with local government, Ald. Ndayi said: “It will be realising a skills development agenda that is responsive, inclusive and forward-thinking”.

GRDM Deputy Executive Mayor, Ald. Vlancio Donson, also thanked all Councillors, officials, stakeholders, and partners who participated and shared their thoughts and ideas. “By working together, we can build skills and create more opportunities for our people,” he concluded.

ENDS