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Author: Marlene Nqumse

17 October 2024 Media Release: EHPs of the Garden Route District Municipality celebrate Global Handwashing Day

Media Release: EHPs of the Garden Route District Municipality celebrate Global Handwashing Day

17 October 2024

In a quest to raise awareness about the critical importance of hand hygiene, Global Handwashing Day was celebrated across the Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) the past few days, joining the rest of the world in promoting handwashing as a simple but powerful tool in preventing diseases.

The annual Global Handwashing Day, which takes place on October 15, promotes the importance of handwashing with soap as an effective and affordable way to prevent the spread of diseases. To curb the spread of illnesses like diarrhea, respiratory infections, and other communicable diseases, the day focused on educating communities about washing hands, especially before meals and after using the bathroom.

Environmental Health Practitioners (EHPs) play a fundamental role in preventing disease transmission. Throughout the year, they conduct health education outreach programs, equipping communities with knowledge on how to prevent communicable diseases.

Shaping ‘Little Minds’ for a Greater Impact

This year, EHPs carried out a series of interactive activities across the region, focusing on educating young children. Their aim was to influence “little minds” at schools with the hope that these children would, in turn, pass the message to “big minds” at home, creating a ripple effect of improved hygiene practices. These efforts are part of the district’s broader campaign to promote public health and prevent the spread of communicable diseases.

George Office

The GRDM George Region EHPs celebrated Global Handwashing Day with the Grade R – 2 learners of Geelhoutboom VGK Primary School, just outside George. The learners were very excited to participate in this life-changing lesson taught by educators from GRDM.

 Mossel Bay Office:

EHPs from the Mossel Bay office provided education on proper handwashing at Tao Tao Kleuterskool and St. Blaize Kleuterskool in Mossel Bay. A total of 79 children, along with their teachers, attended these sessions.

Bitou Office:

The EHPs from the GRDM Bitou sub-office, Zoleka Goniwe and Nokuphiwa Mbali, visited Khwezi Lokusa Educare in KwaNokuthula, Plettenberg Bay, to refresh learners and educators on the importance of handwashing.

The children enjoyed the hands-on activity demonstrated by the officials, showing the correct way to wash hands. The principal of the facility expressed gratitude to the GRDM team for reaching out to the crèche and supporting the fight against diseases that can be prevented by proper and frequent handwashing.

Oudtshoorn Office:

EHPs from the Oudtshoorn office held awareness and education sessions at schools and crèches in the Kannaland and Oudtshoorn areas, emphasizing that handwashing is the easiest, simplest, and most effective way to prevent bacterial illnesses. Health and hygiene awareness sessions were conducted by Environmental Health Practitioners in the Klein Karoo region at Roodewal Primary School near Oudtshoorn and The Heuwel Speelskool Crèche in Bergsig, Calitzdorp. A total of 60 learners participated in these handwashing awareness sessions.

Outeniqua Office

On Monday, 14 October 2024, representatives including Councillors and officials from the Garden Route District Municipality’s (GRDM) Municipal Health and Disaster Management Units, visited two crèches in George as part of the municipality’s national celebration of Global Handwashing Day, observed today 15 October 2024, to promote hygiene awareness.

Read the separate statement about this visit here.

Did you know?

Critical point for washing of hands are:

  • Before, during, and after preparing food
  • Before and after eating food
  • After using the toilet
  • After blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing
  • After touching waste
  • Before and after caring for someone at home who is sick with vomiting or diarrhea

Did you know?

Hand washing benefits both young and old and is the first line of defence in preventing the spread of disease and must be embraced vigorously by families, schools and health care professionals.

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14 October 2024 Impact-Based Severe Weather Warning: Level 2 for Damaging Winds

Impact-Based Severe Weather Warning: Level 2 for Damaging Winds

The Cape Town Weather Office has issued an Impact Based Warning for damaging winds valid for Monday, 14 October 01:00 until Wednesday, 16 October 00:00.

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

E-Mail: factfc@weathersa.co.za
Tel: 021 935 5700

04 October 2024 MEDIA RELEASE: Garden Route District and Hessequa Municipalities Join Forces with more stakeholders to clean parts of the Stillbay beach

MEDIA RELEASE: Garden Route District and Hessequa Municipalities Join Forces with more stakeholders to clean parts of the Stillbay beach

4 October 2024

Yesterday, the Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM), in partnership with Hessequa Local Municipality, rolled out a coastal cleanup at Stillbay. The cleanup, which began at the Preekstoel Caravan Park, forms part of the GRDM’s ongoing support to local municipalities to clean areas from illegal dumping and other waste.

GRDM annually coordinates resources for these clean-up events with support from the Provincial Department of Environmental Affairs and Development Planning (DEA&DP) and the National Department of Forestry, Fisheries, and the Environment (DFFE). This year, the GRDM secured 237 bottles of still water, 237 notebooks with pens, gloves from the Provincial DEA&DP, and additional resources from DFFE to equip the youth participants engaged in today’s clean-up.  The resources were handed over by the GRDM Portfolio Chairperson for Community Services, Councillor Jobieth Hoogbaard, to Cllr Hendrik Saayman, Hessequa’s Portfolio Chairperson for Development Planning.

Besides officials from the GRDM and Hessequa Municipality, today’s cleanup was supported by stakeholders including the DEA&DP, DFFE, and the Gouritz Cluster Biosphere Reserve (GCBR). The collective aim was to celebrate International Coastal Cleanup by removing litter from beaches and waterways, contributing to the global effort to protect oceans and coastal environments.

During the session, Mondray Arries, Drowning Prevention Instructor from the National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI), stationed in George, gave a brief and insightful awareness presentation on water safety, the factors contributing to drowning, and what to do if you get into trouble in the sea. He also demonstrated how to apply CPR if someone is saved from drowning and explained what steps to take after rescuing someone.

GRDM Portfolio Chairperson for Community Services, Councillor Jobieth Hoogbaard, delivered a brief speech at the event’s commencement, expressing gratitude to all stakeholders and highlighting the significance of the initiative. “Today, we will make a difference by removing waste from our coastline, we also help preserve our valuable marine life so that future generations can enjoy the beauty and biodiversity of our oceans. This is a step in the right direction to ensure the protection of our coast and marine life,” Hoogbaard stated.

Marine Week, celebrated during the second week of October each year, complements International Coastal Cleanup Month in South Africa. These events, driven by DFFE, focus on raising public awareness about the importance of oceans and coastal ecosystems, promoting sustainable usage and conservation. Numerous coastal and river cleanups are organized across the country in September and October to commemorate these events.

Dr. Nina Viljoen, Head of Environmental Management at GRDM, extended a challenge to all residents living near oceans, rivers, or lakes to take part in their own cleanup efforts. “Grab gloves, a sun hat, and a couple of refuse bags. Head down to your local beach, riverbank, or lakeside and pick up some litter. Make it an event—invite friends or colleagues and enjoy a coffee afterwards. One bag makes a difference, especially when thousands take action,” she encouraged.

Featured image and collage: Activities during yesterday’s Coastal Clean-up in Still Bay, where volunteers worked together to remove litter and debris from the shoreline, helping to preserve the local marine environment.

The GRDM is proud to support initiatives like today’s coastal cleanup, which are essential for raising awareness about marine conservation and ensuring a healthier, cleaner environment for future generations.

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03 October 2024 Media Release: Stenden South Africa Second-Year Students Tour Garden Route District Municipality’s Disaster Management Centre

Media Release: Stenden South Africa Second-Year Students Tour Garden Route District Municipality’s Disaster Management Centre

03 October 2024

Earlier this week the Garden Route District Municipality’s (GRDM) Disaster Management Centre welcomed a group of second-year students from Stenden South Africa as part of their educational tour. This visit marked an important stop on the students’ Cape Town-bound journey, which began in the Eastern Cape at the Sarah Baartman District Centre. Along their route, the students are scheduled to visit various Disaster Management Centres (DM centres) and important sites, including the Koeberg Nuclear Power Station.

Stenden South Africa is an international university that offers a Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) Honours degree in Disaster Management. The institution is renowned for its approach, combining theoretical knowledge with practical experiences, equipping students to manage real-world disaster scenarios and global development challenges. Their four-year program builds expertise in key areas such as disaster response, humanitarian security, and global social development.

Among the key modules covered during their studies are:

  • Conflict Management and Humanitarian Security Law
  • Disaster Response, Role Players and Relationships
  • Introduction to Accounting
  • Logistics & Business Communication 2
  • Research Methodology & Field Research 1

The program’s structure is designed to progressively cover foundational topics in the first year, such as Disaster Management Planning, Project Management, and Economics. By the third year, students engage in more advanced subjects like Climate Variability and Strategic Management. Furthermore, specialized international modules in Thailand, such as Global Social Development and International Relations, enhance the students’ global perspective.

The GRDM Disaster Management Centre was one of the major highlights of the trip, providing students with a first-hand look at operational disaster management processes. During the visit, the current GRDM interns were invited to share their experiences, offering the students valuable insights into the day-to-day realities of disaster management. These exchanges provided practical context to their studies and gave them a glimpse into potential career paths.

In addition to the intern presentations, a Stenden South Africa alumna, now working as a disaster management officer at GRDM, shared her personal career journey. Her reflections on transitioning from student to professional provided inspiration and guidance for the visiting students, showing how their studies could shape their future roles in the field.

This visit is one of many ongoing collaborations between GRDM and Stenden South Africa, nurturing a dynamic exchange of knowledge and mentorship. Each year, such engagements provide students with practical exposure to disaster management, enhancing their academic experiences. The inclusion of GRDM interns in this year’s program offered the students peer-level insights and further emphasized GRDM’s commitment to developing the next generation of disaster management professionals.

Featured image caption: GRDM Disaster Management Officials alongside second-year students from Stenden South Africa during their visit to the GRDM Disaster Management Centre.

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18 September 2024 Media Release: Garden Route Skills Mecca National Skills Fund Launch – a focus on Hospitality and Tourism

Media Release: Garden Route Skills Mecca National Skills Fund Launch – a focus on Hospitality and Tourism

18 September 2024

Today, 18 September 2024, the Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) witnessed a historic moment with the official launch of the National Skills Fund Hospitality and Tourism Project for the Garden Route. This training project is coordinated by the Garden Route Skills Mecca (GRSM) – the first and only Skills Mecca at a municipality in South Africa.

The primary goal of the Skills Mecca is to create jobs and improve livelihoods across the district by offering work-based learning opportunities for unemployed individuals, helping them develop the skills needed to secure meaningful employment. In doing so, the programme also strengthens the local economy.

Attendees at the launch event  included the Principal, her team and learners from Carpe Diem school, representatives from the National Skills Fund, CEOs of Sector Education and Training Authority and members of the business and tourism community, learners, councillors, officials, and other key stakeholders involved in the district’s skills development efforts.

Elzeth Grobler, Principal of Carpe Diem School, welcomed the guest to ‘the best special needs school in the district’. She provided a brief overview of the school and said: “We are a unique school with all disabilities except blind students. We do not just educate, but we strive to prepare each learner to reach their full potential”.

During his speech, GRDM Executive Mayor, Cllr Andrew Stroebel, highlighted the significance of the three Skills Summits previously held by the GRDM. At these summits, stakeholders unanimously supported the initiatives of the GRSM, leading to the development and endorsement of ten strategic resolutions that now guide the Skills Mecca’s objectives.

Cllr Stroebel emphasised that the National Skills Fund Tourism and Hospitality Project directly aligns with one of these key resolutions, which focuses on linking skills development to investment and economic development opportunities. This connection, he noted, is vital for advancing the well-being and prosperity of all communities within the Garden Route District.

Mayor Stroebel further highlighted the broader success of the GRSM beyond the current project. He mentioned other successful initiatives, such as the Home-Based Care Personal Assistants programme, Patrol Officers training, and Renewable Energy Workshop Assistants. “Collectively, these projects have created over 54 jobs and directed R8 million into local communities and households, showcasing the tangible impact of skills development in our region,” he stated.

Stroebel also shared an interesting fact from the impact analysis: “For every learner on a Skills Mecca programme, which includes a stipend, there is a benefit for 3.56 persons in that learner’s household. So, every Rand spent has a significant ripple effect on our community.”

Athenkosi Tshayingwe from the Department of Higher Education and Training expressed gratitude for being part of the impactful project. He highlighted that the initiative aims to train, mentor, and develop 400 unemployed residents of the Garden Route District, focusing on youth aged 18 to 35, to enhance their employability in the Tourism and Hospitality sector, with 200 specifically trained as cooks.

Tshayingwe also emphasised his department’s commitment to skills development, noting that the National Skills Fund (NSF) has invested over R5 billion in the Western Cape, benefitting more than 40,000 learners. The NSF has allocated R36.3 million to the GRDM project to equip young people with skills needed by the local industry and address unemployment.

Several beneficiaries of the GRSM program, rolled out in previous financial years, shared heartfelt testimonies during the event. These individuals, who are still gaining valuable practical experience, expressed their gratitude to the GRDM Skills Mecca for the opportunities provided. Their success stories underscore the program’s significant role in empowering communities and opening doors for personal and professional growth.

Alderman Stephen de Vries, who has a history of serving as the Chairperson of the Training and Development Committee at GRDM, shared his reflections during the event. He expressed pride in the program, stating, “The Skills Mecca is truly fulfilling the vision it set out to achieve.” Highlighting the initiative’s unique origins, he added, “To my knowledge, it is the only program of its kind in the country, born from the aftermath of a fire disaster.”

He concluded his speech by thanking all stakeholders for playing a role in this remarkable initiative. De Vries left the beneficiaries and learners with a powerful message, encouraging them not only to focus on becoming employable, but also to become entrepreneurs.

Ald. Nompumelelo Ndayi, Portfolio Chairperson of GRDM Corporate Services, delivered the vote of thanks at the event, expressing heartfelt gratitude to the Carpe Diem team and learners for their excellent performance and for hosting the event at their facility. She also extended her appreciation to the beneficiaries of the Skills Mecca initiative, who shared their personal learning experiences, inspiring all stakeholders present.

Caption for Featured Image: FLTR: Ald Stephen de Vries (GRDM), Themba Ndhlovu (CATHSSETA), Cllr Andrew Stroebel (GRDM), and Chris Mudau (SASSETA), united at the event, collaborating to foster skills development and community upliftment.

Did you know?

The Skills Mecca has promoted collaboration, cooperation, and integration among all skills development stakeholders within the district, and today’s launch of the National Skills Fund Tourism and Hospitality Project reflects the ongoing commitment to this mission. Learn more about the Garden Route Skills Mecca Initiative here: skillsmecca.gardenroute.gov.za

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12 September 2024: Media Release: Garden Route District Municipality Hosts Violence and Harassment Capacity Building Workshop

Media Release: Route District Municipality Hosts Violence and Harassment Capacity Building Workshop

12 September 2024

Yesterday, the Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) hosted a Violence and Harassment Capacity Building Workshop at the Protea King George Hotel in George. The workshop was attended by Councillors, Union and Labour Relations Representatives, Human Resource officials and senior management of GRDM. The focus of the workshop was on raising awareness, development of policies, and implementation strategies to address violence and harassment in the workplace.

The workshop was organised  by the Western Cape Provincial Government (WCG) Department of Local Government: External Human Rights Specifically Project (DLG-HRD) and the WCG Commission for Gender Equality (CGE). It was opened with a welcoming address by GRDM Speaker, Ald. Georlene Wolmarans, who expressed her appreciation for the informative and engaging discussions.

The purpose of the workshop was to foster collaboration and partnership between local government entities and the GRDM by promoting gender equality through gender mainstreaming programs. They emphasised the need for a collective approach involving workers, labour union representatives, and employer/employee representatives to ensure the successful implementation of a comprehensive Violence and Harassment Policy.

Workshop Discussions and Highlights

The workshop featured discussions on the barriers to implementing a Violence and Harassment Policy within organisations. Participants were encouraged to propose fair procedures for reporting incidents, conducting disciplinary hearings, and establishing the necessary structures to ensure fairness and equality in policy enforcement. Speakers also highlighted the successes and challenges faced by the municipality in addressing violence and harassment, and the need for proactive and reactive approaches to policy implementation.

Calvyn Scheepers, GRDM Human Resources Assistant Manager, provided an update on the progress made regarding the amendment and development of the GRDM Violence and Harassment Policy. After that, representatives from DLG-HRD and CGE discussed various topics, including violence and harassment and the importance of having such a policy.

Anele Mgubasi, Commissioner at the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA) delivered a comprehensive presentation on policy implementation and its impact in the workplace. Key topics included:

  • employer obligations,
  • disciplinary procedures,
  • consequences of policy implementation, and
  • advice on the roles needed to address workplace violence and harassment effectively.

Leonard Macakati, from CGE, also presented guiding principles on the prevention, elimination, and management of harassment, as well as procedures for reporting such incidents.

During her closing remarks, Cllr Nompumelelo Ndayi, Portfolio Chairperson of Corporate Services, emphasised the importance of collective action: “I was honoured to be present here today. I’ve learned so much. Let us leave this room as collective champions for gender equality. Let us find new ways to do more, together, to accelerate progress and strengthen our partnerships. And let us make the case, powerfully, for gender equality.”

The GRDM remains committed to fostering a safe and inclusive work environment for all its employees and stakeholders.

Highlights of the attendees and activities during the workshop.

Did you know:

Gender Mainstreaming is the process of assessing the implications for women and men of any planned action, including legislation, policies or programmes, in all areas and at all levels.  The goal of gender mainstreaming is to achieve gender equality.

Gender Equality means that the rights, responsibilities and opportunities of individuals will not depend on whether they are born male or female.  Equality does not require that girls and boys, women and men be the same or that they be treated exactly alike.  Equality involves ensuring that the perceptions, interests, needs and priorities of women and men (which can be very different because of the differing roles and responsibilities of women and men) will be given equal weight in planning and decision-making.

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12 September 2024 Media Release: Basic Wildland Firefighting Training Facilitated by GRDM and Southern Cape Fire Protection Association

Media Release: Basic Wildland Firefighting Training Facilitated by GRDM and Southern Cape Fire Protection Association

12 September 2024

In collaboration with the Southern Cape Fire Protection Association (SCFPA), the Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) this week facilitated a Basic Wildland Firefighting training session for participants from the Fransmanshoek Conservancy. The training also included representatives from the ’Boggomsbaai, Vleesbaai, and Springerbaai’ conservancies, as well as Buffelsfontein and the EPC Farm.

The training initiative aimed to equip local communities and conservancy members with essential firefighting skills to enhance their preparedness and ability to respond effectively to wildland fires. By including representatives from various local communities and conservancies, the training promoted a collaborative approach to managing vegetation and veld fires.

Essential topics covered, includes:

  1. Fire weather and danger index.
  2. Fire behavior and safety precautions.
  3. Detection and notification protocols.
  4. Personal protective clothing and equipment.
  5. Fire environment and risk assessment.
  6. Basic and incipient suppression techniques.
  7. Fuel load management and risk management practices.
  8. Fire prevention activities.
  9. Scope of practice for community first responders

This training will also empower participants with the knowledge and skills to safely manage incipient vegetation and veld fires, reducing the risk of larger fires that could damage properties, infrastructure, and the environment.

Benefits of this training include:

  • Enhanced firefighting knowledge and skills in the area.
  • Improved collaboration and coordination among local communities, conservancies, and authorities.
  • Increased awareness of wildland fire risks and prevention strategies.
  • Better equipped and trained personnel to handle vegetation fires.
  • Reduced risk of property damage and environmental impact.
  • More knowledgeable residents, especially regarding the notification of risks to authorities.

Assisting conservancies with basic firefighting training is important for enhancing quick detection and potential suppression while firefighting authorities are en-route to a fire notification.

To continue providing participants with thorough basic training and reinforcing safety measures for vegetation fires, a second phase of practical training will be added.

Featured Image caption: Fire Chief Deon Stoffels and Station Commander: Operations Heinrich Leslie facilitating the training session.

 

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05 September 2024 Media Release: Food Control: Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM)

Media Release: Food Control: Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM)

5 September 2024

Food control is a vital responsibility carried out by national and local authorities, such as the Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM), to ensure that food is safe, wholesome, and suitable for human consumption. The World Health Organization (WHO) defines food control as a “mandatory regulatory activity of enforcement” designed to protect consumers by overseeing every stage of food production, handling, storage, processing, and distribution.

To achieve these objectives, legislation plays a key role in regulating the food industry. Significant laws include the Foodstuffs, Cosmetic and Disinfectant Act (54 of 1972), the Labelling and Advertisement of Foodstuffs Regulations (GNR 146 of 2010), and the Tobacco Products Control Act (83 of 1993). These regulations are in place to ensure that public health and safety are upheld.

In the GRDM, Environmental Health Practitioners (EHP) are responsible for various duties that ensure food safety. Their tasks include:

  1. Inspections: EHPs conduct regular, often unannounced inspections of food premises, including formal establishments, informal vendors, factories, and dairy farms. These inspections assess structural compliance of buildings, the condition of vehicles transporting food, the availability of water and hand-washing facilities, proper refuse disposal, pest control, and whether food handlers wear protective clothing.
  2. Food Sampling: EHPs perform food sampling to ensure that storage and hygiene practices meet required standards, helping to detect potential contamination and confirm that food products are safe for consumption.
  3. Investigation of Food-borne Illnesses: In cases of reported food-borne illnesses, EHPs investigate to identify the source of contamination and take necessary actions to prevent further spread.
  4. Health Education: EHPs educate food handlers, industries, and consumers about food safety, promoting practices based on the WHO’s “Five Keys to Safer Food” to prevent contamination by harmful bacteria, viruses, parasites, or chemical substances.

The role of EHPs is essential in preventing foodborne diseases and ensuring the safety of food consumed by the public. Their work helps minimize risks associated with unsafe food handling, such as food poisoning, and ensures that food products meet the stringent safety standards required by law.

For more information, or for reporting, contact the following GRDM Municipal Health offices within the Garden Route:

Region Person in Charge Contact Number Address
Klein Karoo Region & Kannaland Region Desmond Paulse
Manager: Municipal Health		 083 678 6530 94 St John Street, Oudtshoorn
Mossel Bay Monique Anthony
Acting Chief:  Municipal Health		 061 445 1932 C/O Sampson & Marling Street, Ext 23, Mossel Bay
George Outeniqua Emmy Douglas
Chief: Municipal Health		 078 457 282 Mission Street, Industrial Area, George
George
Wilderness		 Khanyisa Joja
Acting Chief: Municipal Health		 071 883 6335 Mission Street, Industrial Area, George
Knysna Region James McCarthy
Chief: Municipal Health		 082 805 9417 26A Queen Street, Knysna
Bitou Region Gawie Vos
Chief: Municipal Health		 083 557 1522 4 Virginia Street, Plettenberg bay
Hessequa Region Haemish Herwels
Chief: Municipal Health		 083 678 6545 24 Michell Street, Riversdale

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

EHPs play a crucial role in maintaining high standards of food safety, protecting public health, and fostering consumer confidence in the GRDM.

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