Garden Route District Municipality Executive Mayor, Ald. Memory Booysen wishes all Garden Routers and tourists in our region a Merry Christmas and a happy new year!
“This year, 2022, has been memorable but also experienced with mixed emotions, small-scale celebrations, and some challenges. However, what is important for me to say during this time is thank you. You chose our region as the place to enjoy your festivities, and I am sure that you’ve experienced the impressive variety of attractions on offer here. Please make the same choice next year by revisiting us. On that note, let’s welcome 2023 with renewed energy!”
NOTICE OF 2021/2022 ANNUAL REPORT AND OVERSIGHT REPORT
Notice is hereby given in terms of Section 129(3) of the Local Government: Municipal Finance Management Act, 2003 (Act 56 of 2003) that the Garden Route District Municipal Council hereby makes public the Oversight Report on the Annual Report for the 2021/2022 financial year.
The 2021/2022 Annual Report was also approved in a Council Meeting on 14 December 2022.
The 2021/2022 Annual Report and Oversight report is available at the IDP unit of the Garden Route District Municipality and can also be viewed on the Garden Route Municipality’s website www.gardenroute.gov.za.
For further inquiries, please contact: Mrs M James (IDP Unit) Tel no: 044 803 1431
M STRATU
MUNICIPAL MANAGER
GARDEN ROUTE DISTRICT MUNICIPALITY
Click on the link below and download the Official Notice.
Please find included the Impact Based Warning for the Western Cape and Namaqua Region of Northern Cape.
Areas impacted from Friday, 16 December until Saturday, 17 December along the Garden Route district, include:
Bitou, George, Hessequa, Kannaland, Knysna, Mossel Bay and Oudtshoorn.
The telephone line of the Garden Route Emergency Centre (044-805 5071) is still offline, including the Emergency Medical Services Ambulance Service line, 10177. The following arrangements remain in place: Report emergencies to the South African Police Service at 10111 or contact 021 937 0555. For medical emergencies dial 112 (from a cellphone), until further notice.
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: Cater Care students ready to gain practical experience
For Immediate Release 9 December 2022
On Thursday, 8 December 2022, the last intake of the Francois Ferreira Academy (FFA) Cater Care Programme students for 2022 completed their practical training and are now ready to begin the second phase of their training. Their training involve being placed in hospitality establishments in order to gain practical experience during the month of December.
The last intake of Francois Ferreira Academy (FFA) Cater Care Program students for 2022.
During the theoretical training of students.
Earlier this year 223 applications were received from youth across the district who applied to form of the Cater Care Programme. Ninety-four (94) applicants were shortlisted for interviews and in the end, 25 youth were selected to be part of this year’s programme. On 17 October 2022, classes for the last intake of the program began, and the award ceremony will be held in February 2023. The Cater Care is a three (3) month programme providing both theoretical and practical (industry-based) training.
The Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) through this Cater Care (Food Handler) Training Programme aims to train previously disadvantaged youth in the district, in the hospitality sector. By doing so, the high unemployment rate in the district is being addressed; the unemployed are being trained in Culinary Skills, so they can find employment in local hospitality and tourism companies.
As one of GRDM’s flagship programmes, the Tourism Unit of the District Municipality is responsible for funding the programme, with the Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) Unit contributing to it as well.
In their last practical assignment, students prepared pastry dough.
Media Release: GRDM Integrated Human Settlements Strategic Plan to be enhanced
For Immediate Release
9 December 2022
The Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) held its annual Integrated Human Settlements Strategic Plan Review Workshop at the Pine Lodge Conference Centre in George on 10 and 11 November 2022. Several municipalities in the district, internal stakeholders consisting of councillors, senior management from the various internal directorates and external stakeholders consisting of representatives from the Western Cape Department of Human Settlements, government agencies in the form of Social Housing Regulatory Authority and Housing Development Agency attended this two-day workshop. Own Haven, GRDM’s development and long-term management partner, also joined the work session on day two.
Alderman Jerome Lambaatjeen, Portfolio Chairperson of Strategic Services, opened the session and welcomed attendees, followed by GRDM Municipal Manager Monde Stratu, who opened his remarks with a quote from Charles Darwin, “It is not the strongest of the species that survives, nor the most intelligent; it is the one most adaptable to change.” Stratu encouraged those present to plan properly in order to fulfil and accomplish Local Government’s objectives and purpose as outlined in Section 51 of the Constitution of South Africa. To change the past, attendees need to make a deliberate effort, he said, leaving them with some food for thought.
The two-day work session was opened and closed by Ald Jerome Lambaatjeen.
GRDM Municipal Manager Monde Stratu.
Joel Mkunqwana, GRDM Manager: Human Settlements, presented the current Human Settlement Strategic Plan, highlighting its strengths, weaknesses and opportunities. He outlined the purpose of the workshop which is to determine whether substantive changes have been made in relation to the National Legislative and Programme context in order to consider the impact of these changes; to ensure that the Strategic Plan remains relevant to such changes as well as aligned with its administration. In his remarks, he praised the Municipal Manager for his contribution and words of encouragement to planners, noting that he has set the bar high for them to reach. As he closed, he stated that in the human settlement industry, a long-term approach and synergy are the keys to being most effective and making an impact.
Shehaam Sims, co-manager of the GRDM Human Settlement Section, delivered a comprehensive presentation titled, Pursuing an Enabling Environment for Affordable Housing Delivery. In her reflection, she reviewed all the foundational work that has been done so far, including the feasibility study being undertaken; all the applications that had been submitted to all the relevant bodies; the decisions that had been taken; the alignments made with the appropriate authorities; and the information shared on the various platforms. She outlined what has been achieved so far using the GRDM’s vision of becoming the leading, enabling, and inclusive district, characterized by equitable and sustainable development, high quality of life, and equal opportunity for all, as foundation.
Shehaam Sims, Manager in the GRDM Human Settlement Section.
Joel Mkunqwana, GRDM Manager: Human Settlements.
This was followed by best practice and useful benchmark presentations by representatives from the Mossel Bay Municipality, GRDM IDP Section, the Western Cape Department of Human Settlements, the Housing Development Agency and GRDM Communication & Graphic Design Section. Topics under discussion and related impacts included:
Long term financial modelling and targeted use of municipal and state land for long term delivery;
Implementation of the Typology driven approach and model;
Incentives Framework: Comparative Income/Cost implications across the district context;
Human Settlements as one of the significant Chapters of the Integrated Development Planning (IDP) and Municipal Spatial Development Framework (MSDF);
Spatial Justice as define and advocate by the MSDF;
Latest on the strategic acquisition and leveraging of Municipal and State Land/Properties; and
Effective communication and consultative conduits.
The GRDM Social Housing Partners presented comparative social housing products on day two, highlighting the challenges and opportunities and useful lessons learned. Representatives were very interactive and robust in their interaction throughout the two-day sessions, willing to learn from each other. The questions and proceedings were documented and used to refine and update the current GRDM Human Settlements Strategic Plan, which will be reviewed annually in accordance with the Municipal IDP and MSDF.
Presentations made on day one and two can be accessed here:
UPDATE ON THE CURRENT STATUS OF THE GRDM SOCIAL HOUSING PROJECT:
The first project that the Human Settlements department hopes to pursue, is at Erf 26823, Omega Street in George, for the potential development of Social Rental Housing. Social Rental Housing targets people whose monthly income is between R1850 and R22 000.
A service provider has been procured through the supply chain management process to conduct a feasibility study on the site. The service provider was appointed on 1 August 2022. Numerous activities have been conducted to determine whether the site and its infrastructure can support such development.
The soil conditions have been tested. Currently we await capacity confirmation of water, electricity and sanitation for a 4 storey walk up building, with units varying in arrangement from 1 bedroom to 3 bedrooms with communal areas and requisite parking areas.
A final feasibility report is scheduled to be available by the end of January 2023.
In the event the feasibility report declares the project feasible, the site will be handed over to the Social Housing partner who will prepare a concept plan for approval, followed by other required plans.
Media Release: Garden Route DM is installing 700 smoke detectors in Kannaland
For Immediate Release
9 December 2022
The Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) firefighters in collaboration with the Kannaland local municipality’s firefighters installed early smoke detection devices in Varkieskloof, an informal settlement in Ladismith during the past week. A total of 700 devices will be installed in Kannaland municipal area by the GRDM. The outlying areas such as Calitzdorp and Van Wyksdorp will also follow. It is expected that the project will take at least three months to complete.
The smoke detection device project kicked-off earlier this year, when GRDM installed 1368 smoke detectors in Qolweni and Bossiesgif informal settlements in the Bitou municipal area, after several informal structures were destroyed by fire, which resulted in the deaths of three (3) Garden Routers.
The GRDM’s Disaster Management and Fire and Rescue Services are managing and implementing the project. Over the past two day, ±178 smoke detectors were installed focusing on structures in the rural settlement.
Having a smoke detector in the home not only alerts residents to the presence of smoke, but also saves lives and minimises property damage.
The installation of smoke detection devices in Varkieskloof in Ladismith.
Heinrich Leslie and Brian Afrikaner from GRDM Fire Department working on their schedule.
Afrikaans
Die Garden Route Distriksmunisipaliteit (GRDM) se brandbestryders in samewerking met die Kannaland plaaslike munisipaliteit se brandbestryders het die afgelope week ‘vroeë rookopsporingstoestelle in Varkieskloof, ‘n informele nedersetting in Ladismith, geïnstalleer. Altesaam 700 toestelle sal deur die GRDM in Kannaland geïnstalleer word. Die buitegebiede soos Calitzdorp en Van Wyksdorp sal ook later volg. Daar word verwag dat die projek minstens drie maande sal neem om te voltooi.
Die rookopsporingstoestelprojek het vroeër vanjaar afgeskop toe GRDM 1368 rookverklikkers in Qolweni en Bossiesgif informele nedersettings in die Bitou munisipale gebied geïnstalleer het, nadat verskeie informele strukture deur brand vernietig is, wat tot die dood van drie (3) inwoners gelei het.
Die GRDM se Rampbestuur en Brand- en Reddingsdienste bestuur en implementeer die projek. Oor die afgelope twee week ±178 rookverklikkers geïnstalleer met die fokus op strukture in die landelike nedersetting.
Om ‘n rookverklikker in die huis te hê, waarsku nie net inwoners van die teenwoordigheid van rook nie, maar red ook lewens en verminder eiendomskade.
Media Release: GRDM is gearing up for the SUMMER SEASON!
For Immediate Release
9 December 2022
In preparation for the Summer season, Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) Fire Services hosted a joint Integrated Fire Management launch with district partners on Thursday, 01 December 2022.
A wide range of intergovernmental stakeholders attended the event, including representatives from the Department of Forestry, Fisheries & the Environment, Cape Nature, San Parks and GRDM Disaster Management. Also in attendance were representatives from PG Bison Forestry, MTO Forestry, Kishugu Aviation (WOF), Working on Fire, and Nelson Mandela University.
The Executive Mayor of GRDM, Alderman Memory Booysen delivered the keynote address during which he emphasised the need for stronger collaboration and integration between the different stakeholders. “This will ensure better preparedness for the task at hand, as we deal with fires in a preventative rather than a punitive manner,” he said.
GRDM Executive Mayor Ald Booysen delivered the keynote address.
Deon Stoffels, GRDM Chief Fire Office
In his remarks, Mayor Booysen acknowledged the role played by the different stakeholders and noted the fact that there is no longer a beginning or end to the annual ‘fire seasons,’ especially in light of climate change. He referred to the fuel loads in the region as a massive risk and called upon all governmental stakeholders to work better together. “Our discussions must shift to preparedness. District Mayors need to address the fuel loads on all their various platforms. It is imperative that fires are detected early, and we ought to use the technology available, such as cameras and satellites, to assist in the response and preparation,” he said.
In conclusion, Alderman Booysen mentioned that the work of the firefighting fraternity is not unnoticed, and the challenges they faced are well known to the district’s mayors. He praised the Working on Fire Program and pointed out how these firefighters walk, on the N2 and in the mountains, as a sign of their care and devotion.
Frank Smook, of WoF/Kishugu Aviation, spoke about coordinated operations and noted that Denneoord Airbase will be home to two Command & Control planes, two AT802 Bomber planes, and a helicopter. The importance of having all agencies working and pulling together was stressed by him. Also the importance of having fire apparatus and aerial resources ready at all times, as well as knowing your region’s fire danger index on any given day. Smook explained the significance of activating an aerial firefighting response, such as an initial attack, as soon as smoke is detected in high-risk areas, in order to suppress a fire quickly and efficiently. Lastly, he said good communication is essential, particularly WhatsApp groups, which assist in coordination and can be utilised for communication amongst agencies.
The Southern Cape Fire Protection Association’s Dirk Smit explained the importance of having sound systems in place, alluded to efforts to improve Integrated Fire Management, creating platforms to address the real issues and reinforcing partnerships in our region to make a difference. He also pointed out that firefighters’ safety is very important and that this aspect must be a priority to ensure that they can perform the tasks at hand. He wished everyone a safe season.
In conclusion Deon Stoffels, GRDM Chief Fire Officer started his address as follows: “First and foremost, we are here to protect people and property, but it is equally vital to protect the environment, which provides a wealth of natural resources essential to the economy of the region, and that collaboration is imperative between stakeholders in fire management. Whilst protecting the urban areas, it is also equally important to protect the rural areas, including farmers and farm workers, crops, vineyards and infrastructure,” he said.
The Summer Season Operational Plan, inclusive of all stakeholder’s resource availability are in place and ready to be activated for each respective jurisdictional area when and if the need arises.
A special recognition was given to the Provincial Disaster Management Centre for the ‘PDMC First Hour’. This is available to the District for a period of 01 December 2022 to 31 March 2023 to ensure rapid aerial firefighting resources could be activated upon vegetation or mountain fire detection.
Fire Safety & Prevention is everyone’s responsibility and the public is urged to apply caution in their own individual spaces. It is however vitally important to alert the Fire Brigade Services immediately upon detecting any form of fire breakout.
