Notice is hereby given that a COUNCIL MEETING of the Garden Route District Municipality will be held at the CA Robertson Council Chambers and via Zoom, 54 York Street, George, on 29 October 2025 at 11:00.
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Notice Number: 114/2025
20 October 2025
Every year on 16 October, World Food Day is commemorated. This year, under the theme, “Hand in Hand for better Food and a Better Future,” the Environmental Health Practitioners (EHPs) of the Garden Route District Municipality’s (GRDM) Knysna sub-office, celebrated the day at the Masithandane Centre in Smutsville, Knysna.
EHP Mitetho Sithonga visited the Centre on 15 October 2025, where he addressed all the caregivers and beneficiaries, providing health education and awareness on several insightful topics. Topics included the following:
Buying only what you cannot grow locally and encouraging locals to start vegetable gardens in their own yards.
These topics highlighted this years’ theme, a call for global collaboration in create a peaceful, sustainable, prosperous, and food-secure future by working together across governments, organisations, sectors, and communities.
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20 October 2025
From 13 to 17 October 2025, the Garden Route District Municipality’s (GRDM) Disaster Management Section once again facilitated a First Aid Level 3 training session at the GRDM Head Office in George.
This time around, attendees included lifeguards, principals and teachers from two pre-schools in the Sedgefield area, as well as firefighter contractors, who are preparing for the upcoming fire season.
According to Executive Mayor Andrew Stroebel, “This training is of vital importance because it equips people with advanced life-saving skills and prepares them to respond effectively to medical and other emergencies during various incidents.” He also encouraged citizens within the Garden Route district to contact the Disaster Management Section using the contact numbers provided and submit their details to attend next year’s training sessions.
The next and last training sessions will be on:
10 – 14 November 2025
There is no cost involved if you do the training and sign up to become a Disaster Management Volunteer. However, if you are not planning to become a volunteer, the fee payable is R682.00 (rate valid till 30 June 2026).
Download the application form: https://tinyurl.com/m5sjuzmk
Send a completed form to gail.bekeer@gardenroute.gov.za or wouter@gardenroute.gov.za
For more information contact Gail Bekeer (044 803 1347) or Wouter Jacobs (044 803 1316)
Featured Image Caption: Facilitator Gail Bekeer with participants of the First Aid Level 3 training held from 13 to 17 October 2025.
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20 October 2025
The Klein Karoo Environmental Health Practitioners (EHPs) recently engaged in community outreach under the theme: “Clean Air, Healthy People.”
Garden Route District Municipality’s EHPs, Maxwelline Fatuse and Ikanya Hendricks visited Zoar Clinic and Amalienstein Clinic, where they engaged with patients on the importance of clean air, avoiding smoking in public spaces, safe water use, and improving indoor air quality. The public interaction was positive, asking questions and actively participating in the discussions.
The team also visited Ladismith Clinic, focusing specifically on safe water use and household air quality. The visit was particularly important as the community of Ladismith has faced numerous water challenges in the past months.
Environmental Health Practitioners (EHPs) hosted regular public education and health awareness activities, highlighting the importance of smoke-free public areas. They also monitored the safe storage, handling, and distribution of food served during the event. Food samples are collected on-site during events for bacteriological testing to ensure compliance with food safety standards.
These initiatives reflect Klein Karoo Environmental Health’s ongoing commitment to promoting healthier communities through education, preventative action, and strong public engagement.
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Afrikaans:
Die Klein Karoo Omgewingsgesondheidspraktisyns (EHP’s) van die Tuinroete Distriksmunisipaliteit het onlangs Wêreldomgewingsgesondheidsdag gevier met gemeenskapsuitreike onder die tema: “Suiwer Lug, Gesonde Mense.”
EHP’s Maxwelline Fatuse en Ikanya Hendricks het die Zoar- en Amalienstein-klinieke besoek waar hulle met pasiënte gesels het oor die belangrikheid van skoon lug, die vermyding van rook in openbare ruimtes, veilige watergebruik en binnenshuise luggehalte. Die besoek aan Ladismith-kliniek het gefokus op veilige watergebruik en huishoudelike luggehalte – ’n belangrike tema gegewe die dorp se onlangse wateruitdagings.
Tydens hierdie tipe uitreike word openbare gesondheidsbewustheid bevorder, rookvrye ruimtes beklemtoon en voedselveiligheid gemonitor deur monsters vir toetsing te neem. Hierdie inisiatiewe weerspieël die Klein Karoo-span se voortdurende verbintenis tot gesonder gemeenskappe deur opvoeding, voorkoming en aktiewe betrokkenheid.
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15 Oktober 2025
Laas week Dinsdag, 7 Oktober 2025, het die Tuinroete Distriksmunisipaliteit, in vennootskap met Kannaland Munisipaliteit, ’n skoonmaaksessie gehou. Die inisiatief is geïnisieer en gelei deur die Afvalbestuursafdeling van die Kannaland Munisipaliteit.
Die skoonmaak was ’n gemeenskapsgedrewe poging met die doel om die plaaslike ekosisteme te herstel en bewaar. Dié geleentheid het plaaslike vrywilligers saamgebring, omgewingsbewustheid bevorder, en besoedeling aan te spreek deur skadelike afval suksesvol uit die rivier verwyder. Die projek wys wat mense kan bereik as hulle saamwerk om die omgewing te beskerm.
Doelwitte van die skoonmaakinisiatief:
– Verwyder plastiek en ander rommel uit die rivier.
– Lig gemeenskappe in oor hoe om afval beter te bestuur en die natuur te beskerm.
– Moedig mense aan om die omgewing op die lang termyn te versorg.
– Versamel inligting oor die hoeveelheid afval om toekomstige skoonmaakplanne te verbeter.
Belanghebbendes en Vennootskappe:
Kannaland Munisipaliteit – Verskaf logistieke ondersteuning en afvalverwydering.
Kommunikasie- en LED-afdeling van Kannaland Munisipaliteit – Help met gemeenskapsbetrokkenheid en koördinering.
Departement van Bosbou, Visserye en die Omgewing (DFFE) – Jeug-omgewingsgradueerdes het deelgeneem.
FC Velocity Sokkerklub – Verskaf jeugvrywilligers.
Tuinroete Distriksmunisipaliteit – Verskaf T-hemde, sakke, water, bewustheidsmateriaal en die ‘maskot’.
Kantoor van die Uitvoerende Burgemeester, Kannaland Munisipaliteit – Bied versnaperinge aan.
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15 October 2025
George – The winners of various categories were announced last Saturday night following three days of the gruelling 10th Toughest Firefighter Alive (TFA) South Africa Championship, held at the Garden Route Mall in George. Firefighters and fire chiefs from across South Africa, as well as teams from Botswana and Namibia, participated in the prestigious event.
The awards ceremony which was held at the Garden Route Fire Station in George was officially opened by Councillor Jobieth Hoogbaard, Member of the Mayoral Committee responsible for Community Services and including Fire and Rescue Services. He welcomed all attendees, referring to every participant as a winner, and congratulated them on their efforts. He concluded with the event programme director’s memorable words from the first day of the competition: “𝗙𝗶𝗿𝗲𝗳𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗻𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗿 𝗾𝘂𝗶𝘁.”
During a very brief keynote address, Garden Route District Municipal (GRDM) Executive Mayor Andrew Stroebel extended a special thank you to all the sponsors, his team, including the Firefighters, Communicators, Leadership and the Organising Committee. “I hope the Garden Route treated you well. Please come back with your families and enjoy our hospitality and beautiful Blue Flag beaches ,” he said.
𝗛𝗲𝗿𝗲 𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝘆𝗲𝗮𝗿’𝘀 𝘄𝗶𝗻𝗻𝗲𝗿𝘀:
Aphiwe Ndukbini from Western Cape EMS Rescue Services claimed the title of Overall TFA Champion, in second place was Emile Conrad from the Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) Fire Services, followed by Manie Gouws from the Westrand N’zuri, who secured third place.
In a historic first for the competition, the Overall Female Champion title was shared between Baigum Abrahams and Thobeka Senatse, both representing the City of Cape Town Fire and Rescue Services. Sweetness Qinisile from Western Cape EMS Rescue Services earned second place, while Natasha Stoltz, a volunteer with Wildfire Services, took third.
The Overall TFA Relay Open Champions are firefighters from Westrand N’zuri, who claimed first place. In second place was the City of Cape Town Fire and Rescue Services, followed by the GRDM Fire Services in third place.
According to Mayor Stroebel, the Garden Route Council takes immense pride in its firefighters, who serve not only as ambassadors for the municipality but also as representatives of the region and South Africa on the global stage. Their dedication to health, fitness, and professional excellence embodies the true spirit of firefighting and serves as an inspiration to us all.
“Congratulations to Team Garden Route on their outstanding achievements and thank you to the public for their support throughout the event,” said Stroebel.
Two gentlemen, Andrew Burch and Faisel Dossary from Saudi Arabia, attended the three-day event as technical directors and event critics, providing expert insight and guidance to further develop the Toughest Firefighter Alive (TFA) competition in South Africa and globally. They also promoted the World Firefighters’ Games, scheduled to take place in Saudi Arabia next year and hosted by Aramco. Andrew co-MC’d the event alongside our local MC and event organiser, Mickie Louw, playing a key role in keeping the crowd engaged, entertained, and informed.
John Hartley, president of the World Firefighter Games, and his wife Laura Hartley from Australia, also attended the competition, showing their support for the event and the participating firefighters.
A huge thank you also has to go out to everyone who made this event such a huge success. The event was organised by Firefighters for Excellence, Garden Route District Municipality Fire and Rescue Services, and the World Firefighter Games. It was presented in collaboration with Garden Route District Municipality, George Tourism, Garden Route Mall, and George Municipality.
The event proudly acknowledges its partners and sponsors:
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Furthermore, the adoption of The Community Fire Safety By-law (2002) for regulation of Building Fire Protection and related activities
The Garden Route District Municipality envisage to enact a Fire Safety By-Law, relating to Veld, Mountain, and Chemical Fires. In terms of Section 156 (2) of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, Act No. 108 of 1996, the Municipal Systems Act, No. 32 of 2000, and Section 16 of the Fire Brigade Services Act, 99 of 1987 the Garden Route District Municipality makes this bylaw for the effective administration of matters that it has the right to administer. As per the provisions of Sections 12 and 13 as well as sections 21 and 21A of the Municipal Systems Act, 32 of 2000, Garden Route District Municipality publish this by-law for public comment and input, prior to being gazetted.
Notice is hereby given that the Draft Garden Route District Municipality Fire Safety By-Law relating to Veld, Mountain and Chemical Fires will be available for public comment and input from 13 October 2025 to 13 November 2025. The draft Garden Route District Municipality Fire Safety By-Law will be available for viewing at the following places:
The District Municipality hereby invites comments from interested and affected parties on the draft Garden Route District Municipality Fire Safety By-Law. Any comments and inputs submitted will be considered during the finalisation of the draft document for final approval and Gazetting.
Written submissions may be directed to the Municipal Manager using the following address:
Garden Route District Municipality, Municipal Manager, Monde Stratu, 54 York Street, George or P.O Box 12, George, 6530 or via email to info@gardenroute.gov.za on or before 13 November 2025.
Any person who is unable to write can submit their input verbally to the Council’s offices where they will be assisted by a staff member to put their comments in writing. Enquiries can be directed to Mr Deon Stoffels at 044 8781000 or 083 9411994 or e-mail deon@gardenroute.gov.za
Click here to download the Provincial Gazette 10 October2025
MG Stratu
MUNICIPAL MANAGER
GARDEN ROUTE DISTRICT MUNICIPALITY
29 September 2025
During the National Heritage Day celebrations in Oudtshoorn on 24 September 2025, attended by Deputy President Paul Mashatile, GRDM Executive Mayor Andrew Stroebel, and other national and provincial ministers, EHPs from the GRDM Oudtshoorn office incorporated the World Environmental Health Day theme, ‘Clean Air, Healthy People,’ into the health promotion activities. They reached a broad audience of approximately 5000 people with vital health and environmental messages.
The attendees at the event included various cultural groups, schools, religious leaders, community leaders, and more. National Heritage Day educational activities, both before and during the celebrations, highlighted the adverse health effects of tobacco use and the importance of smoke-free environments. Awareness efforts emphasized tobacco control and the significance of clean air in promoting respiratory health and preventing pollution-related illnesses. The EHPs health promotional activities encouraged members of the public to adopt healthier lifestyle choices and support initiatives aimed at reducing tobacco consumption and improving air quality, ultimately fostering a healthier and a more sustainable environment for all.
By combining cultural celebration with health education, a joint health education team, including EHPs from GRDM, Community Development Workers (CDW) from Oudtshoorn Municipality, the Event Safety officer, catering unit of the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture, EHPs from the Presidential Medical Unit as well as community leaders and caterers, all work together.
Health education and awareness topics included the following:
The VIP guests were treated to a mouth-watering braaivleis lunch that honoured our rich local culinary heritage. The meal was prepared under hygienic conditions in a braai area designed to release smoke without causing smoke pollution in the adjacent Bridgton Secondary school hall, where the guests enjoyed their lunch.
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Applications are invited from students currently enrolled at accredited learning Institutions as well as learners who are currently in Grade 12 or have already passed Grade 12, for financial assistance towards further studies in the 2026 academic year. The financial contribution by GRDM applies only to full-time studies and attendance at SAQA-accredited tertiary or TVET institutions. This is ONLY applicable to students whose parents permanently reside within the Garden Route municipal area.
Application forms are available at the GRDM head office and satellite offices during normal office hours (Monday – Thursday 07:30 – 16:30; Friday, 07:30 – 13:30). Application forms can also be downloaded from the GRDM website at www.gardenroute.gov.za.
THE GARDEN ROUTE DISTRICT MUNICIPALITY WILL ONLY CONSIDER APPLICATIONS THAT ARE FULLY COMPLETED AND IF ACCOMPANIED BY ALL THE REQUIRED DOCUMENTS LISTED BELOW.
Applicants must attach a detailed Curriculum Vitae, cover letter, completed application form, and certified copies of the following documentation: latest Grade 12 results or equivalent qualification; latest examination results (for students currently enrolled at tertiary institutions); certified copy of ID; affidavit of parents’ combined income; and proof of residential address (e.g., municipal account).
Completed applications and supporting documents must be submitted to: Records, Garden Route District Municipality, 54 York Street, P.O. Box 12, George 6530. For attention: Training and Development Section.
For any enquiries, please contact Mr Reginald Salmons at 044 803 1363, Ms Berma Losper at 044 803 1344 or Mrs Nolwando Sambokwe on 044 803 1345 during office hours.
Kindly note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. If applicants have not been contacted within two months of the closing date, they should consider their application unsuccessful.
Closing date: 31 October 2025 Notice number: 99/2025
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