Garden Route District Municipality Achieves Fourth Consecutive Clean Audit
The Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) welcomes another Clean Audit outcome issued by the Auditor General of South Africa (AGSA). This is the fourth consecutive year for the GRDM to reach such a milestone.
According to GRDM’s Municipal Manager, Monde Stratu: “This achievement once again reflects the dedication and hard work of all our personnel, and the commitment by the GRDM Council to do their oversight”.
“While I acknowledge this milestone and remain thankful to every person who contributed to this outcome, I wouldn’t be celebrating it as the focus will remain on service delivery and fulfilling our mandate to improve the lives of residents in the district,” said Andrew Stroebel, GRDM Executive Mayor.
“Stable and accountable leadership, coupled with a culture of excellence and continuous improvement, not only ensures good governance but also creates a trustworthy environment for investment.Transparent government provides confidence to investors and stakeholders alike,” concluded Stroebel.
NOTICE OF A COUNCIL MEETING ON 30 JANUARY 2025 AT 11:00
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 30 January 2025 at 11:00.
Notice is hereby given that a COMBINED MPAC/ APAC MEETING of the Garden Route District Municipality will be held at the CA Robertson Council Chambers and via Zoom, 54 York Street, George, on 28 January 2025 at 14:00.
Media Release: GRDM Fire & Rescue Services had a Busy Fire Season So Far
10 January 2025
GARDEN ROUTE DISTRICT MUNICIPALITY HOLIDAY FIRE SEASON: 01 December 2024 to 05 January 2025
It has been an exceptionally demanding holiday season for the Garden Route District Municipality’s (GRDM) Fire & Rescue Service, as the summer sun intensified, and the annual wild-and-veld fire season commenced on 01 December and officially ends on 30 April.
Fires in the Garden Route district, renowned for their picturesque landscapes, often threaten the environment as well as residents and infrastructural safety. The GRDM team responded to a total of 17 fire emergency incidents across the district, with the majority involving vegetation fires in areas such as Melkhoutfontein and Jongensfontein near Still Bay, Korinterivier in Riversdale, the Swartberg Mountains in Oudtshoorn, and Kammanassie and Buffelsdrif Mountains in the northern parts of George.
Through coordinated efforts, including rapid response, public awareness campaigns, and partnerships with local communities, farmer organisations and other fire management agencies, the team continues to mitigate risks and manage the impacts of these fires.
A few pictures captured during the recent wildfire operations in Hessequa and Oudtshoorn.
From 6 December 2024 to 5 January 2025, the GRDM Fire and Rescue Services, were inundated with veld and mountain fire incidents, better known as wildfires.
A total of 17 veld and mountain fire incidents were attended to, with eight (8) of these fires escalating to extended wildfires, with the Jongensfontein, Hessequa wildfire extending to 14 days, the Melkhoutfontein Fire extending to 18 days, including several ‘flare-ups’, the Swartberg Mountain Fires extending to 15 days, and the Kammanassie and Buffelsdrif Mountain wildfires extending over 5 days respectively.
Additionally, the GRDM substation in Ladismith responded to seven (7) veld fires, including a dump site fire.
The wildfires in the Hessequa Municipal area were extremely challenging, due to the type of terrain, access limitations, including the very difficult to manoeuvre coastal dunes, and excessively overgrown and old vegetation type, including Acacia Cyclops (the famous Rooikrans and / or Rooiputjie), as well as Fynbos, including the Metalasia muricata (Blombos) vegetation types.
The Swarberg Mountains presented very challenging terrain, for both vehicles and ground teams, especially due to the rugged and steepness of the terrain, exacerbated by various hills, gorges and valleys. This necessitated trooping in ground crews, a total of 54 trooped in at one stage, to ensure more effective firefighting operations, walking up these mountains were timeous and straining.
A total of 23 Municipal firefighters, including GRDM and Hessequa Municipality, as well as 08 Garden Route Volunteer Fire Members, with 4 bakkie units, and daily, either a three (3) or four (4) team response from the Working on Fire Program, consisting of average 20 members mitigated the Hessequa Fires on peak days. Additionally, local farmers assisted with a bulldozer, and tractors. The Hessequa Municipality assisted with JCBs and a bulldozer, mainly constructing fuel and fire breaks, either in attempts to stop fire spread or preparing counter burn breaks.
WOF firefighters enjoying a well-deserved lunch, generously sponsored by Alison Bryant.
WOF firefighters enjoying a well-deserved lunch, generously sponsored by Alison Bryant.
Mayor Andrew Stroebel visited the Oudtshoorn Municipal area, commending firefighters who have been tirelessly working around the clock to protect lives and infrastructure.
One of GRDM’s dedicated firefighters hard at work during mopping-up operations.
For the Swartberg and Kammanassie mountain fires, CapeNature provided additional ground teams to assist with groundwork, having several ‘stick’ teams, ranging between 08 – 12 members, and ranging between 2 and 4 teams.
Calculated burnscars for some of the largest fires to date include,
Swartberg Mountain (Oudtshoorn): 15 251 hectares
Melkhoutfontein (Hessequa): 1346 hectares
Jongensfontein (Hessequa): 300 hectares
Korinterivier (Hessequa): 562 hectares
Kammanassie (George): 437 hectares
Buffelsdrift (George): 700 hectares
Herbertsdale (Mossel Bay): 30 hectares
A total of 48 aerial firefighting hours were utilised to date, including a combination of resources, i.e. bomber planes, spotter planes and helicopter.
Despite rapid initial attacks through the activation of aerial firefighting resources, early and precise detection of fires remains an area requiring continuous improvement. Several simultaneous lightning strikes, often occurring just before sundown, present significant challenges. These incidents limit the immediate activation of aerial firefighting resources and frequently result in fires intensifying during hot and humid evenings. This necessitates the strategic deployment of aerial resources in the days that follow. Addressing these challenges will require innovative measures and strategies moving forward.
Firebreak compliance and the prevalence of excessive alien invasive plants (essentially accumulative fuel loads that drive wildfires), remain significant challenges. However, efforts are underway to strengthen compliance measures in the future. Counter-burning (fighting fire with fire) emerged as a key and strategic firefighting tactic, particularly for managing coastal fires. Ultimately, this approach proved highly effective and will continue to be a preferred tactic in future firefighting efforts.
The deployment of firefighters on the ground, alongside aerial suppression, is a vital reinforcement given the combination of challenging topography, limited access, and high fuel loads. Heli-tack crews (firefighters who are part of helicopter-based initial attack teams) are a highly desirable solution for rapidly suppressing fires in their incipient stages, particularly in difficult-to-access terrain.
A coordinated and collaborative response approach remain the most ideal manner in combatting wildfires, and major incidents, which include landowners, local authorities, including local (structure protection) and the district municipalities, Working on Fire, the Fire Protection Association and trained disaster management and firefighting volunteer groups.
As mentioned before, the December holiday period proved extremely challenging due to multiple wildfires. However, resources were coordinated effectively, allowing us to address all the reported incidents. Notably, the success achieved during this period includes the preservation of lives—no lives were lost—and the protection of property, with no structures destroyed.
It is highly recommended that landowners, on whose land these fires occurred, innovatively utilise these burned areas for sound environmental rehabilitation and management of especially alien invasive plant species and constructing of fire breaks.
To report wildfires, call 044 805 5071 or WhatsApp 081 709 5193.
Swartberg Mountains wildfire on 30 December 2024.
A picture captured during the Kammanassie Wildfire on 27 December 2024.
Swartberg Mountains wildfire on 30 December 2024.
A picture captured during the Kammanassie Wildfire on 27 December 2024.
Public Notice: Closure of Offices on Friday, 13 December 2024 at 12h00
13 December 2024
Notice is hereby given that the offices of the Garden Route District Municipality will close on today, 13 December 2024 at 12:00 and re-open on Monday, 6 January 2025 at 07:30. All emergency services will continue to be rendered during this period. The number 044 805 5071 can be contacted at all hours for such services.
MG Stratu
Municipal Manager
54 York Street
P.O. Box 12
GEORGE
6530
Tel: 044 803 1300
The Cape Town Weather Office has issued an Impact Based Warning for the Western Cape and Namaqua Region of Northern Cape for damaging winds.
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
Media Release: Garden Route District Municipality ready for the 2024/2025 Summer Fire Season
10 December 2024
Last week, on 5–6 December 2024, the National Fire Services Indaba took place at the King George Hotel in George. Fire service delegates from across South Africa gathered under the theme, “Strengthening Fire Services and Building Resilient Communities Across South Africa.” This event brought together industry experts to discuss critical fire-related topics, share best practices, and foster collaboration, all aimed at enhancing fire services and community resilience nationwide.
On the first day of the event, the Garden Route District Municipality’s (GRDM) Executive Mayor, Andrew Stroebel, one of the guest speakers, launched and affirmed GRDM’s readiness for the 2024/2025 Summer Fire Season to the media, fire services, and dignitaries present.
The GRDM, in collaboration with its stakeholders, declared its readiness for the fire season, highlighting its commitment to protecting communities, property, and the environment from the threat of wildfires.
Elevated Risks During the Summer Season
The fire season, spanning the Summer months until March, brings heightened risks of veld and mountain fires due to rising temperatures, climatic conditions like lightning strikes, and human-related causes. Mayor Andrew Stroebel emphasized that while wildfires can occur year-round, this period demands increased vigilance and proactive measures.
Collaboration: Fire Is Everyone’s Fight
Acknowledging that effective fire management requires a collective effort, GRDM extends its gratitude to its Integrated Fire Management partners, including:
The Southern Cape Fire Protection Association
CapeNature
SANParks
The Department of Forestry, Fisheries, and the Environment
PG Bison Forestry and Mountain-to-Ocean Forestry
Working on Fire
Local municipalities of Bitou, Knysna, George, Mossel Bay, Hessequa, Oudtshoorn, and Kannaland
“Their dedication to fire prevention and suppression is a testament to the power of collaboration,” Mayor Stroebel stated.
He also highlighted the critical role of farmers, landowners, and residents in fire prevention and early detection. “Together, we must remain vigilant and proactive, especially with the increased temperatures predicted this season,” he added.
Strengthened Resources and Capacity
To enhance its firefighting capabilities, GRDM has appointed 20 temporarily seasonal firefighters to support its three fire stations across the district. The newly established regional fire station, strategically located along the N2, operates 24/7 with international standard facilities, ensuring rapid and effective responses to emergencies.
Aerial firefighting services, provided by Kishugu-WoF and Savannah Helicopters, will play a pivotal role in containing fires swiftly, supported by the Western Cape Government and the Department of Forestry, Fisheries, and the Environment (DFFE).
Additionally, GRDM’s Disaster Management Centre remains fully operational, managing over 25,000 emergency calls per month through its Joint Operational Command and advanced communication systems.
Featured Image Caption: GRDM Executive Mayor Andrew Stroebel and Portfolio Chairperson of Community Services, Cllr Jobieth Hoogbaard, alongside GRDM firefighters proudly dressed in blue.
A Call for Vigilance
As the festive season approaches, GRDM urges residents, visitors, and all emergency authorities to prioritize safety and remain vigilant. “Protecting our communities, environment, and economy from wildfires requires collective responsibility,” Mayor Stroebel emphasized.
In closure Mayor Stroebel expressed gratitude to the residents of the Garden Route, for their ongoing vigilance and cooperation. “Your role in safeguarding our district is invaluable, and together with our stakeholders, we are here to support you every step of the way,” he said.
To visitors, the Mayor extended a warm welcome: “The Garden Route is a place of unparalleled beauty and vibrant communities. We are committed to ensuring your safety as you enjoy our region.”
GRDM calls on everyone to celebrate responsibly, cherish the environment, and stay alert to potential hazards during the festive season. “Together, we can protect this treasure we call home, ensuring it remains safe and thriving for generations to come,” the Mayor Stroebel concluded.
Media Release: GRDM Waste Management Section Hosts Chemicals and Waste Management Training for Local Municipalities
10 December 2024
During the week of 2–6 December 2024, the Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) Waste Management Section in collaboration with the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) facilitated Chemicals and Waste Management training sessions for officials from local municipalities across the district.
The refresher training sessions, presented by DFFE, were extended to municipal officials across various roles. They focused on critical aspects such as legislation, policies, standards, regulations, and education & awareness in waste management. Participants included waste section officials, drivers, landfill operators, team leaders, LED officials, street sweepers, portfolio councillors, and recyclers within specific local municipalities.
“Waste management is a local government function, and it is crucial to refresh everyone’s knowledge on an ongoing basis of the best practices and trends.” The training aims to empower all stakeholders to improve waste management practices effectively in their communities, “ said GRDM Waste Management official Innocentia Sikweyiya.
While this week’s sessions focused on coastal municipalities, the inland local municipalities are scheduled to undergo similar training in 2025, ensuring that the entire district benefits from this comprehensive capacity-building initiative.
