Author: Marlene Nqumse
COVID-19 Health and Hygiene Awareness Sessions in the greater Oudtshoorn and Kannaland area
As part of the district-wide intervention to curb the rapid spread of COVID-19, also called Coronavirus, personal hygiene and coronavirus awareness sessions were held in the greater Oudtshoorn and Kannaland areas.
People were informed about the following aspects:
- What the coronavirus is;
- How the virus is spread;
- Symptoms;
- Treatment;
- Prevention;
- Measures that should be in place; as well as
- The importance of hand washing.
The awareness campaign was rolled-out in the form of one-on-one sessions, poster and pamphlet distribution and group sessions. During the sessions, emphasis was placed on proper hand wash techniques and the COVID-19 Coronavirus outbreak. The following premises and audiences were reached:
- Municipalities;
- Libraries;
- Community Halls;
- Hospitals;
- Clinics;
- Schools;
- Crèche’s;
- Barbers’ and Hairdressers;
- Food Premises;
- Police Stations and Courts;
- Churches;
- Resorts;
- Old age homes; and
- Public Facilities.
Ongoing sessions and outreaches programmes are schedule for weeks to follow.
GRDM Municipal Health Services conducts Corona COVID-19 awareness at St Pauls Primary School
According to Section 24 of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, Act 108 of 1996, “Everyone has the right to an environment that is not harmful to their health or well-being and to have the environment protected through reasonable legislative measures”.
In a quest to join forces with the rest of South Africa and to curb the rapid spread of the COVID-19, also called Coronavirus by many, Environmental Health Practitioners (EHPs) of the Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) recently embarked on a district-wide intervention by rolling-out a personal hygiene and coronavirus awareness campaign.
To start off the campaign, EHPs of the George office visited the St. Paul’s Primary School in George, where they explained the importance of good hygiene practices to learners. In a very simplified way, officials engaged with children about COVID-19, focusing on what the disease is; the symptoms; how the virus spreads and methods to prevent the virus. A practical illustration on proper hand-wash techniques was demonstrated. This kept learners attentive from beginning to end.
By the end of the session, the Executive Manager of Community Service, Mr Clive Africa thanked the Principal, Mr Baron Calvet for availing learners and teachers to attend the session. Mr Africa extended a special word of gratitude to the caretakers of the school for keeping the learners bathrooms, which he visited unexpectedly, in such a clean condition.
Through this campaign, the GRDM acknowledges the power of children in helping to educate and inform parents, families and members of the community. More sessions are underway at primary schools all over the district.
The Portfolio Chairperson of Community Services, Councillor Khayalethu Lose in his address encouraged learners to wash their hands regularly and to live responsibly in order to prevent the virus from spreading.
Mr Clive Africa – Executive Manager of Community Services inspired learners to apply everything they have learned at home.
Learners were very eager and enthusiastic to take part in the discussions.
Official launch of the CRF Regional Office in George
On Friday 6 March 2020, the Consolidated Retirement Fund (CRF) opened a regional office in the Garden Route, George. The purpose of this office is to bring services closer to members, and to promote accessibility and service delivery in the Garden Route district.
The Western Cape Chairperson and Member of Trustees, Mr Andreas Mokweni officially opened the regional office with a brief background address on the benefits of CRF and highlighted some of the positive improvements made over the past few years. He explained that the Board of Trustees took a decision to establish regional CRF offices throughout the country, in order to be closer to their members; to increase services and to improve accessibility and services offered in general. He continued by stating that people become very vulnerable when they retire, and at that stage would require access to services as quickly as possible. Mr Mokweni concluded by confirming that the same services received in bigger cities, will be applicable at regional offices – ‘’because it is our standard,” he said.
The formal formalities were followed by a ribbon cutting ceremony. The launch was attended by official and councillor representatives from all 7 b-municipalities in the Garden Route district.
Editor’s note:
CRF is a retirement fund which provides retirement solutions for officials and councillors in the local government sector. With more than 48 000 active members, CRF is known to be one of the largest and fastest growing Retirement Funds within Local Government.
2018/2019 Annual Report
Final Approved Annual Report
Severe Weather Alert: 17 – 18 January 2020
The Cape Town Weather Office has issued the following severe weather alert:
Hazard: Flooding
Alert Level: Warning
Valid From (SAST): 17/01/20 – 12h00
Valid To (SAST): 18/01/20 – 23h00
Significant rainfall leading to flooding over the coastal regions of the Garden Route today into tomorrow.
For more information or to report incidents, contact the Garden Route Disaster Management Centre at 044-805 5071.
Severe Weather Alert: Extreme Heat
The Cape Town Weather Office has issued the following severe weather alert:
Hazard: Extreme Heat
Alert Level: Advisory
Valid From (SAST): 13/01/2020 – 08h00
Valid To (SAST): 14/01/2020 – 18h00
Expected over Prince Albert and Oudtshoorn municipalities (Western Cape) today (13/01/2020) and tomorrow (14/01/2020) including Redelinghuys municipality (Western Cape) tomorrow.
Description: Dangerous veld/bush fire conditions
Whenever there are prolonged periods of little and no rain coupled with warm dry winds, veldt or bush fires can easily be sparked and will spread rapidly in strong winds.
Precautions: Dangerous veld/bush fire conditions
Don’t make fires in the open and/or leave fires unattended. Don’t throw cigarette butts out of cars or in the open veldt. Don’t throw bottles in the veldt as they can magnify the sun’s rays and start fires. Prepare and maintain fire breaks in controlled manner. In the case of a large fire report it immediately and move away from the area to let the professionals deal with it. Never throw water onto a fire started by an electrical fault or fires started by oil or paraffin lamps. In this case, sand or a blanket should be used to smother the fire. Listen to the radio or TV for warnings and obey the instructions from disaster management officers.
Description: Heat wave conditions
A heat wave happens in a place when temperatures of at least 5 degrees higher than the average maximum temperature of the warmest month for that place occur for at least three consecutive days.
Precautions: Heat wave conditions
Stay indoors in a cool room near a fan if possible. The old and infirm must take extra care to stay hydrated and cool. Avoid strenuous outdoor activity, playing excessive sport and hard labour. Dress in light weight clothes and drink plenty of liquids NOT alcohol.
Listen to the radio or TV for warnings and obey the instructions from disaster management officers.
For more information or to report incidents, contact the Garden Route Disaster Management Centre at 044-805 5071.