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Author: Marlene Nqumse

20 March 2025 Media Release: GRDM Waste Management take hands in celebrating Global Recycling Day

Media Release: GRDM Waste Management take hands in celebrating Global Recycling Day

20 March 2025

Earlier today, the Garden Route District Municipality’s (GRDM) Waste Management Section who have an office in Mossel Bay, in collaboration with the Mossel Bay Municipality and Henque Waste, celebrated Global Recycling Day with Denneprag Primary School.

Global Recycling Day was officially celebrated for the first time on 18 March 2018 and has since been held annually on 18 March to acknowledge and promote recycling as a vital tool for environmental preservation and sustainability.

“As the Garden Route Municipality, we believe that initiatives like these are essential in shaping environmentally responsible future generations. Educating our youth about the importance of recycling empowers them to make a positive difference in preserving our planet. I applaud and fully support our Waste Management Section, Mossel Bay Municipality, Henque Waste, and Denneprag Primary School for their commitment to fostering a culture of sustainability,” said the Executive Mayor Andrew Stroebel.

During the celebration, the excited group of learners was tasked with creating an object or product from recyclable materials. The main objective of this activity was to educate learners that waste can be reused or recycled into another product.

The learners proudly showcased their final projects, which were judged based on the following categories:

  • Design
  • Materials used
  • Purpose and functionality
  • Importance of recycling

Each category had four winners, and participants were awarded medals and goodies to reward their enthusiastic participation.

“We were very surprised and impressed with the creative learning experience and the imaginative and innovative ideas the learners came up with. They created various products such as pencil holders, clothing, shoes, pot plants, and clutch bags,” said Innocentia Sikweyiya, GRDM Waste Management Officer.

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20 March 2025 Media Release: Regulation 638 Training  for employees of Watsons Butchery 

20 March 2025

Enshrined in the National Health Act of 2003, food control is one of the nine key performance areas of Municipal Health Services. The training of food handlers is a crucial aspect of food control which Environmental Health Practitioners (EHP) perform.

On Thursday, 13 March 2025, EHPs from the Wilderness Region Municipal Health Section conducted training at the Watsons Butchery relating to requirements set out in REGULATION 638 OF 22 JUNE 2018:  REGULATIONS GOVERNING GENERAL HYGIENE REQUIREMENTS FOR FOOD PREMISES, THE TRANSPORT OF FOOD AND RELATED MATTERS, PROMULGATED IN TERMS OF THE FOODSTUFFS, COSMETICS AND DISINFECTANTS ACT, 1972 (ACT 54 OF 1972).

Health and hygiene training at food premises is essential to ensure that all food handlers are properly educated on hygiene and to protect the public from foodborne illnesses.  The theme of the training entails:  5 keys to safer foods, importance of personal hygiene and hygiene requirements.

“Overall, premises that receive this training show improved compliance during routine inspections conducted by Environmental Health Practitioners. Our goal is to educate and train as many food handlers across the region as possible to increase the compliance rate of premises,” said Ivy Mamegwa, an EHP from the GRDM in George.

During the training, 58 employees of Watson’s Butchery participated. The sessions were conducted in groups, with each group consisting of over 20 participants.

For more information on food safety and health surveillance, please contact

Johan Compion
Senior Manager: Municipal Health, Air Quality and Waste Management
E-mail: info@gardenroute.gov.za
Cell: 082 803 5161

Feature Image Caption: EHP Jessica Erasmus busy presenting to the food handlers and employees of Watson’s Butchery

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19 March 2025 MEDIA RELEASE: Paediatric Surge Season: Protecting Young Children from Diarrhoea and Respiratory Illnesses

MEDIA RELEASE: Paediatric Surge Season: Protecting Young Children from Diarrhoea and Respiratory Illnesses

19 March 2025

As the period between November and May marks the paediatric surge season, healthcare professionals are urging parents and caregivers to remain vigilant in preventing and managing diarrheal and respiratory related disease in young children. Both diarrhoea and pneumonia remain one of the leading health risks for infants and young children, yet it is both treatable and preventable with prompt action.

November 2024 to 3 March 2025 stats shows that 1585 children in the Garden Route district were hospitalised at public hospitals with pneumonia. The First 1000 Days of a child’s life presents a crucial window of opportunity to ensure optimal growth and development. One of the most effective ways to safeguard children’s health during this season is ensuring they are vaccinated on time according to the recommended schedule, which significantly reduces the risk of severe symptoms associated with common paediatric illnesses.

Know the Danger Signs – The Road to Health booklet provides vital information on warning signs that requires urgent medical care. If a child exhibits any of the following, immediate medical attention should be sought:

  • Persistent coughing and rapid breathing
  • Inability to feed and presence of fever
  • Vomiting everything consumed
  • Diarrhoea( loose ,watery stools ) accompanied by sunken eyes and a swollen fontanelle (soft spot on an infant’s head,18 months and younger )
  • Shaking or convulsions
  • Signs of malnutrition such as swollen feet and hands
  • Inability to breastfeed
  • Lack of movement or response

From November 2024 to 3 March 2025, 1266 children in the Garden Route district under the age of 5 presented with diarrhoea. Of those, 559 children were hospitalised. If a child develops loose stools, immediate administration of an oral rehydration solution or Sugar Salt Solution is advised. This can be prepared by adding half a level teaspoon of salt and eight level teaspoons of sugar to one litre of cooled, boiled water. If breastfeeding, give more frequent and longer breastfeeds at a time.

Recognising Dehydration Symptoms

Parents and caregivers should be aware of the symptoms of dehydration, which include:

  • Reduced urination
  • Dry mouth
  • Few tears when crying
  • Sunken eyes
  • Weakness

Severe dehydration is a medical emergency and presents with symptoms such as:

  • Drowsiness
  • Pale or mottled skin
  • Cold hands or feet
  • Dry nappies
  • Rapid and shallow breathing

Althea Adams, clinical programme coordinator in the Garden Route: “Our healthcare facilities provide diagnosis and treatment for a range of childhood illnesses. Especially during surge season, our healthcare staff offer valuable guidance on nutrition and encourage families and caregivers to seek medical care as promptly of showing any of the danger signs”.

Parents and caregivers play a vital role in protecting children from the dangers of diarrheal disease and dehydration. Early intervention can save lives and ensuring that children receive the necessary medical attention in time is crucial.

Featured Image Caption: Staff Nurse Jacqueline Howley-January from Plett Town Clinic discussing the sugar-salt solution with patients.

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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

17 March 2025 Media Release: Environmental Health Practitioners (EHP’s) from GRDM conduct health inspections at KKNK in Oudtshoorn

Media Release: Environmental Health Practitioners (EHP’s) from GRDM conduct health inspections at KKNK in Oudtshoorn

17 March 2025

This year, the annual Klein Karoo National Arts Festival (KKNK) will take place in Oudtshoorn for the 29th time. The festival will begin on 1 April and conclude on 6 April 2025. Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) Executive Mayor, Andrew Stroebel has also met with the KKNK organisers to take hands and partner with them. The GRDM will therefore be present at the KKNK to support it and Environmental Health Practitioners (EHP) to monitor of food stalls comply with health standards.

EHPs are, amongst others, responsible for Food Control, Solid Waste Management, and Health Surveillance of Premises. With this in mind, the EHPs from the GRDM will once again conduct inspections at the festival’s food stalls to ensure compliance with Regulation No. 638 of 22 June 2018.

During the festival, EHPs from the Oudtshoorn Municipal Health office will conduct daily routine inspections and monitor various environmental health aspects, including food stalls, solid waste storage and removal, wastewater disposal, public toilet facilities, and camping sites.

The EHPs also provide food hygiene education to food handlers during inspections. By doing so, they help ensure that all food stored, handled, and prepared at food stalls is safe, wholesome, and fit for human consumption, while also conforming to the applicable quality and safety requirements prescribed by legislation.

Additionally, the EHP team carries out inspections and monitors public toilets, wastewater disposal systems, and refuse disposal and removal. They also ensure compliance with regulations relating to smoking in public places and certain outdoor public areas.

What are the Hygiene Guidelines for Food Stalls?

  1. Every food stall owner must be in possession of a Certificate of Acceptability (COA)  in terms of R638 of 22 June 2018.
  2. The COA must be available at the food stall and be visible to the public.
  3. People working on the premises must be properly trained in food hygiene.
  4. Suitable protective clothing, which includes a full-length apron and head covering, must be worn by all food handlers.
  5. Proper facilities must be provided for the storage of perishable foodstuffs at temperatures under 5°C for cold food and above 65° for warm food.
  6. All working surfaces must be made of smooth, dust free, non-absorbent and washable material.
  7. Cover and protect all foodstuffs from contamination by dust and insects.
  8. Smoking in food stall is prohibited.
  9. Keep a bucket or bowl with water, soap and preferable paper towels at hand for the wash and drying of hands.
  10. A dustbin with a tight lid must be available for use at all times.
  11. Animals may not be allowed in the food stall.
  12. If the natural ground surface of the premises is dusty, it must be covered with a dustproof, washable ground sheet.
  13. All pre-packed food must be properly labelled. (Foodstuffs and Cosmetic and Disinfected Act, 1972) (Act no 54 of 1972). Provision must be made for the collection and storage of wastewater until disposal thereof.
  14. The stall / premises where food is handled, must always be kept clean and in a hygienic condition.
  15. Smoking in or near food stalls is prohibited and is only allowed in designated smoking area.

For any further information, please contact GRDM Klein Karoo Region Municipal Health Services:

Mr. Desmond Paulse
Chief: Municipal Health (Klein Karoo)
Tel: 044 272 2241
Cell: 083 678 6530
Address: 94 St John Street, Oudtshoorn

Mr. Johan Compion
Senior Manager: Municipal Health Services, Waste Management and Air Quality Control
E-mail: johan@gardenroute.gov.za
Tel: 044 803 1300

Download the Requirements for Informal Food Premises

6 February 2025 Media Release: Emergency Personnel in the Garden Route Attend RIMS Training

Media Release: Emergency Personnel in the Garden Route Attend RIMS Training

6 March 2025

Earlier this week, the Garden Route District Municipality’s (GRDM) Fire and Rescue Services attended the Road Incident Management Systems (RIMS) Training Workshop. This was hosted in George by the National Department of Transport and the South African National Roads Agency Limited (SANRAL).

“The safety of road users and emergency responders remains a priority for us at the GRDM. This training is important becausee it strengthens our region’s ability to respond swiftly and decisively to incidents. I commend all participants for their dedication and commitment to keeping our roads safe,” said GRDM Executive Mayor Andrew Stroebel.

The workshop was attended by emergency responders, including GRDM Disaster Management and Fire Services, Oudtshoorn Municipal Traffic and Law Enforcement, George Municipal Fire Department and Traffic Management, METRO Emergency Medical Services (EMS). Attendees from George, Mossel Bay, and Ladismith rescue technicians, as well as other private role players, including a breakdown service, also attended.

The objective of the workshop was to equip participants with the necessary skills to coordinate and implement standardised procedures for incident response. This can help to ensure a more efficient and safer roadway environment.

Some of the key elements covered in the training included:

  • Understanding RIMS protocols.
  • Identifying major and minor incidents using the METHANE method for reporting to the Control Centre.
  • Defining roles and responsibilities of services and agencies within RIMS.
  • Strengthening collaboration between emergency services, law enforcement, and road maintenance teams.
  • Improving safety and risk management protocols for first responders at road incidents.
  • Addressing hybrid energy vehicles as an innovative approach, especially given the increasing number of hybrid electric cars in our region.

The one-day workshop was well received by attendees who also were also exposed to numerous real-life incident examples and ways to mitigate them.

According to GRDM Fire Station Commander Heirich Leslie, the training provided the necessary knowledge to equip attendees with the appropriate steps toward building a more efficient and coordinated road incident management framework. To this end, it ensures that South Africa’s roads remain safe and accessible in the face of unforeseen incidents.

Feature image and images above showcasing emergency personnel from the district who attended the RIMS Workshop.

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3 March 2025 Impact Based Warning for the Western Cape and Namaqua Region of Northern Cape

The Cape Town Weather Office has issued an Impact Based Warning for the Western Cape and Namaqua Region of Northern Cape as follows:

Hazard: Veld Fire Conditions
Alert Level: FDI above 75
Affected Municipalities: Beaufort West, Breede Valley, Cederberg, Drakenstein, Hantam, Kannaland, Karoo Hoogland, Khâi-Ma, Laingsburg, Oudtshoorn, Prince Albert, Swartland
Valid From (SAST): 03/03/25 – 08h00
Valid To (SAST): 04/03/25 – 19h00

Discussion: The hot temperatures along with dry conditions and strong winds can result in the development of runaway and veld/bush fires.

Impact: Conditions are such that the FDI index is above 75. Under these conditions fires may develop and spread rapidly resulting in damage to property and possible loss of human and/or animal life.

Instruction: All personnel and equipment should be removed from the field. Fire teams, labour and equipment are to be placed on full stand-by. At first sign of smoke, every possible measure should be taken in order to bring the fire under control in the shortest possible time. All available aircraft are to be called for without delay.

Legal notice:
“This warning from SA Weather Service must be communicated as received and may not be altered under any circumstance.
It must be forwarded or communicated in its entirety and no portion hereof may be replicated or copied and distributed.”

SOUTH AFRICAN WEATHER SERVICE
Cape Town Weather Office
2nd Floor: Oval Office Park
Cape Town Int airport
Freight Road
Matroosfontein
Cape Town

3 March 2025 World celebrates International Wildlife Day

World celebrates International Wildlife Day

Twenty five years ago the United Nations declared 3 March as International Wildlife Day dedicated to the celebration of fauna and flora, as well as marine life, globally.

South Africa is the custodian of some of  the world’s most unique fauna and flora and has over decades invested heavily into conserving our very special habitats and bio- diversity from over- exploitation and extinction.

The good news is that there are today perhaps more land under conservation and official protection than fifty years ago, but despite these obvious goals there are many problems of which the most prominent is the near extinction of South Africa’s black and white rhino population due to relentless and violent poaching, and perhaps not as conspicuous there are several other plant and wild life species facing a similar fate country wide.

The conservation and protection of fauna and flora has to face many challenges in a South Africa that looks vastly different from what it was fifty years ago.

Some of the biggest challenges include a fast- growing population with an insatiable quest for land to be developed and supporting infrastructure, as well as the more recent impact of a changing climate and changing rainfall patterns which are proving to be substantial in its detructive impact.

Perhaps the single biggest threat to conservation in South Africa is invasive alien plants (I&AP’s) which found a very fertile home for themselves in millions of hectares covering the full extent of the South Africa in one degree or another depending on climate, rainfall and soil types.

Almost impossible to eradicate I&AP’s has rendered large sections of the South African landscape unusable for agriculture and conservation, and is spreading at an alarming rate putting ever more of the country’s sensitive eco- systems under threat of irreversible destruction.

Due to negative land management practices and invasive alien plants in primary catchments and rivers systems, South Africa has already lost more than two thirds of our precious wetland systems sustain an array of eco- systems found nowhere else on the planet.

The conservation of South Africa’s fauna and flora rests on the shoulders of all its citizens, whether it includes not dumping rubbish in undesignated spaces, by not contaminating or over extracting water resources or clearing your land from invasive alien plants, let us unite in conserving our beautiful land and celebrate our natural heritage.

Featured image caption: A Great Crested Grebe Podiceps cristatus, often seen at the lakes all around the Garden Route region.

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27 February 2025 Public Notice: Second Adjustment Budget 2024/2025 Approved

Notice 14/2025

SECOND ADJUSTMENTS BUDGET 2024/2025

Notice is hereby given that the Garden Route District Municipal Council’s Second Adjustments Budget for the period 2024/2025-2026/2027, was compiled in accordance with the Local Government: Municipal Finance Management Act
2003 (Act 56 of 2003).

This document was approved by the Garden Route District Municipality at a District Council meeting held on Tuesday, 25 February 2025.

This document will be available for public inspection and comments on the GRDM municipal website www.gardenroute.gov.za.

Members of the public are invited to submit written comments or representations to the municipality in respect of this document.
All comments and inputs must be directed to “The Municipal Manager, Garden Route District Municipality, 54 York Street, George 6530”.

Please contact the Budget Manager (Ms Louise Hoek) at 044 803 1300 with any enquiries.

Click here to open the Official Notice

M G Stratu
Municipal Manager
Garden Route District Municipality