Zubayda January, the Provincial Manager of the Health and Welfare Sector Education and Training Authority (HWSETA), visited the Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) on Friday, 31 March 2023. A welcoming event was organised by the GRDM Corporate Services Department for the visit of the HWSETA Provincial Manager and to recognise the excellent work of Mr Harold Martiens within the organisation for the past year.
Ms January’s visit was two-fold; first, to hand over from outgoing HWSETA Provincial Officer Harrold Martiens to HWSETA Provincial Manager, and second, to discuss a current project between HWSETA and GRDM.
GRDM was awarded an amount R 5 231 625.00 for the training of 140 unemployed persons as Personal Care assistants across the district that includes the seven (7) b-municipalities. The programme was initiated on the 1 March until 31 August 2023. Training takes place at various training venues across the region where students are exposed to theoretical training and equally to work-based learning. While on training, learners receive a stipend, and at the end of the program they will receive a certificate of completion.
The HWSETA has established an office at the GRDM in George. Martiens served as the Provincial Officer for HWSETA in George for nearly a year. He left HWSETA on 31 March 2023 to pursue another career opportunity. GRDM’s best wishes go out to him for his future endeavours.
-End-
AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING
Die Provinsiale Bestuurder van HWSETA het die Tuinroete Distriksmunisipaliteit besoek om ‘n opleidingsprojek te bespreek en om Harold Martiens totsiens te wens. Tuinroete DM het R5,2 miljoen ontvang vir die opleiding van 140 werklose persone as Persoonlike Sorg-assistente. Die program word uitgerol tot Augustus 2023. HWSETA het ‘n kantoor in George gestig en Martiens, die vorige Provinsiale Beampte, het op 31 Maart 2023 sy vlerke gesprei na ‘n ander maatskappy in die Wes-Kaap.
Awareness about Clean Air a priority for Garden Route DM
For Immediate Release
11 April 2023
Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) is committed to promoting a healthy and sustainable environment for its residents. In light of that, GRDM is proud to sponsor the 2023 Clean Air Project, which aims to promote awareness about pollution among primary school students in circuits one and two of the Eden/Karoo educational district. This project will have a significant impact on the community with 96 teachers and 2917 learners participating.
The 2023 Clean Air Project is designed to align with the CAPS curriculum regarding pollution, and focuses on Life Skills in Grade 3. The project is divided into several stages, starting with the distribution of resources to the different schools. The resources include six (6) posters, lesson plans, worksheets, and game cards, available in English, Afrikaans, and iSixhosa.
The second stage involved a 30-minute online introduction presentation, which was well attended and received by teachers. As part of stage three, teachers were provided with self-paced online training where they can earn 5 CTDP points.
During the fourth and final stage of the 2023 Clean Air Project, the project will be implement in the classroom with the learners. So far, the programme has been well received by all the schools and teachers involved.
It is worth noting that Oudtshoorn has achieved a reward for the best air quality in Africa, according to IQ Air. This achievement is attributed to GRDM consistent investment and contribution towards improving the air quality in the area. It is the goal of GRDM to have all the towns in the Garden Route district among the top ten with the cleanest air in Africa.
The 2023 Clean Air Project is just one of the many initiatives that GRDM’s Air Quality Section is undertaking to achieve this goal. “With the success of this project, it is hoped that more schools in the region will participate in the coming years. The project is currently in its 6th year cycle. We have reached all the schools in the district and are currently working on the second round. The Klein Karoo was covered last year; next year and the following year, it will be George, Uniondale, Knysna, Plettenberg Bay and all primary schools in-between,” said Dr Johann Schoeman, GRDM Manager: District Air Quality Control
Die Tuinroete Distriksmunisipaliteit borg die 2023 Skoon Lug Projek, wat daarop gemik is om bewustheid te skep oor lugbesoedeling onder laerskoolleerders van die Eden/Karoo opvoedkundige distrik. Die projek is in lyn met die CAPS kurrikulum en fokus op Lewensvaardighede in Graad 3. Die inisiatief sluit die verspreiding van hulpbronne na skole, aanlyn opleiding vir onderwysers, en implementering van die projek in die klaskamer in. Die program is goed ontvang deur alle skole, onderwysers en ander rolspelers. Tuinroete Distriksmunisipaliteit werk daarna toe om alle dorpe in die streek onder die top tien Skoonste lug in Afrika te bevorder.
Impact Based Severe Weather Warning: Veld Fire Conditions
The Cape Town Weather Office has issued an Impact Based Warning for Veld fire conditions valid from Wednesday, 5 April 2023 (08:00) to Thursday, 6 April 2023 (18:00) as follows:
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.”
Report weather related incidents to the Garden Route Disaster Management Centre at 044 805 5071.
Media release: Garden Route District hosts its 2nd Safer Schools Conference
For Immediate Release
23 March 2023
On March 18, 2023, the Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) hosted the second Safer School Conference in Plettenberg Bay in collaboration with 7 b-municipalities, the Western Cape Department of Community Safety, and the South African Police Services (SAPS) and several school representatives – including learners and principals. There were also a few community organisations present, such as neighbourhood watches and community policing forums.
During the Safer School Conference, the hall was packed with delegates.
Safer Schools encompasses a whole-of-society and whole-of-government approach, with numerous stakeholders working together to promote school safety and reduce the prevalence of violence. A game-changer objective of the event was to link schools with local police stations in order to raise awareness among children about crime and violence and their impact on individuals, families, and education.. Also, to influence, train, and equip learners, families, teachers, and community members with effective partnership knowledge that will encompass a holistic approach to how the school operates in terms of safety.
The interactive program of the day included addresses from a number of remarkable speakers, including GRDM’s Executive Mayor, Alderman Memory Booysen, who once again inspired learners with his own story of growth. The other speakers also conveyed their messages, which included, the impact of substance abuse; crime at school; and gang-related issues, to the audience in an incredibly simple, but informative and understandable manner, encouraging participants to form a coalition with government and community stakeholders and reduce crime.
Alderman Memory Booysen, GRDM Executive Mayor, delivered the keynote address during the conference.
Substance abuse was discussed by Dr Reuter from the WC Department of Health.
A speech by former prisoner Micheal Dlamini, who served over forty years in prison, was one of the highlights of the conference. Dlamini urged children to listen to their parents as well as elders in the community when they say NO. Also, they choose their friends wisely. “Gangsterism is not easy, and prisons are not good. Stop disrespecting your teachers – STOP bad habits.”
During the second segment of the program, there was much excitement and it was clear that the topics were something school-goers encountered every day. Five break-away groups were created addressing the following topics:
– Social media impact
– Impact of substance abuse
– Gender-based violence
– Gang-related issues
– Sexual crimes and teenage pregnancies
All the learners present formed part of the different groups and ‘grow-ups’ were amazed by the knowledge, eagerness and confidence they portrayed. Also, the curiosity in asking questions and feedback provided, was also a clear sign that the message reached them and they learned a lot through the conference.
During the closing remarks and vote of thanks, it was evident that partnerships are essential for addressing the topics discussed. Also that the success of this type of program depends on the cooperation of all stakeholders, from the government to sector departments, to communities and their leaders. The importance of parenting also came to the fore, and the organisers were tasked with developing a program that would equip parents with the tools they need to succeed. The group discussions also identified other issues that needed to be addressed in future programmes that arose as shortcomings. In order to ensure the success of the event, the outcomes of the day need to be channeled to the correct people. In conclusion, the audience was reminded that a lot of knowledge was placed in their hands during the event, but that each person has a choice, and it is up to them to do the right thing with it.
Some of the learners with GRDM and Bitou political leaders.
A presentation on crimes at schools was given by Mr Jonkers, District Director of the Department of Education.
Interaction between the GRDM Executive Mayor and the various stakeholders.
Leaders from different sectors of the community.
A few of the students with their teacher and the GRDM Executive Mayor.
The gatering was also attended by councillors from Bitou Municipality.
Leaders from different sectors of the community.
A presentation was given by Mr. Lose from GRDM on the compilation of Community Safety Forums in the district.
GRDM Executive Mayor and Bitou Pastor Hewu.
Learners reported back on their breakaway groups.
Learners reported back on their breakaway groups.
Learners reported back on their breakaway groups.
The program of the day was directed by Ms Pamela Lufele, the Chief Audit Executive of GRDM.
Different topics were discussed in a break-away group.
Different topics were discussed in a break-away group.
Different topics were discussed in a break-away group.
Different topics were discussed in a break-away group.
Different topics were discussed in a break-away group.
A few of the students with their teacher and the GRDM Executive Mayor.
Media Release: Update 2 on the construction of the Garden Route District Municipality Fire Station
For immediate release 17 March 2023
The newly constructed Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) Fire Station has progressed relatively well despite the good rains influencing the excavated trenches which were filled with water on more than two (2) occasions. This resulted in re-evaluating of the filling work (G7) and additional foundation work required for the main structure. Depending on weather conditions, filling will be completed by next week, and formwork will be completed by the following week.
The secondary building, which is known as a “Ground Crew Building”, planned for a specialist firefighting ground crew has progressed well with brickwork completed up to ground level.
This project is being managed by local companies, Khubeka Construction and Principal Agent and Kantey & Templer.
Notice is hereby given in terms of the Local Government: Municipal Finance Management Act (No 56 of 2003) (MFMA), read with the Municipal Asset Transfer Regulations (R878 of 2008), the Promotion of Administrative Justice Act (No 3 of 2000) as well as the Local Government: Municipal Systems Act (No 32 of 2000) that the Council of the Garden Route District Municipality in terms of resolution H.8 dated 07 November 2022 intends to alienate the following Council Properties.
