NOTICE NO 127/2025
Notice is hereby given that a Special MPAC MEETING of the Garden Route District Municipality will be held at the CA Robertson Council Chambers and via Zoom, 54 York Street, George, on 03 December 2025 at 11:00
NOTICE NO 111/2025
Notice is hereby given that an MPAC MEETING of the Garden Route District Municipality will be held at the Loerie Committee Room and via Zoom, 54 York Street, George, on 25 November 2025 at 10:00.
20 November 2025
The 2025 Western Cape Investment Summit was hosted at the Cape Town International Convention Centre from 5 to 7 November 2025, bringing together local, national, and international investors with high-impact projects poised to accelerate economic growth in the province. Representing the Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM), Richard Dyantyi and Natalie Raubenheimer from the Integrated Planning and Development Section attended the three-day summit, engaging with investors and highlighting the region’s investment potential.
Anchored by the theme “Catalysing Growth, Connecting Opportunities,” the summit serves as a meticulously crafted deal-making platform designed to attract both foreign direct investment (FDI) and domestic direct investment (DDI).
In a pre-summit statement, Western Cape Premier Alan Winde emphasised the significance of the event: “The summit is vital to accelerating economic growth in our province and creating the jobs our communities need. It is an opportunity to showcase the Western Cape’s investment-ready projects and attract the capital that will drive transformation.”
Eight Transformative Sectors for Investment
The summit highlighted projects across eight key sectors:
Streamlined Investment Processes
The summit provided mechanisms to simplify regulatory frameworks and fast-track approvals, with a dedicated regulatory forum allowing direct engagement between investors and government facilitators.
Representatives from the Garden Route District, including officials from GRDM and the municipalities of George, Hessequa, and Mossel Bay, actively engaged with investors to showcase the district’s growing potential. On the final day, the GRDM team attended presentations by the Department of Economic Development & Tourism, Department of Infrastructure and logistics by Transnet Ports and Freight Rail amongst other sessions. The Garden Route district stand drew investors already planning projects in water management and industrial park development. Premier Winde visited the GRDM team during the summit, praising the Garden Route for its strong representation and commitment to drawing investment to the region.
Garden Route Investment Highlights
A key feature with direct impact on the Garden Route was Investment Overview #3, focusing on Target Projects by RW Architects & Condorgreen Holdings. The investment pledge includes six estate developments covering 213 hectares across the Southern Cape, Garden Route, and Overberg regions, with an estimated CAPEX of R5.1 billion over the next six years.
The projects will result in the creation of 3,669 new residential units designed with a regenerative ethos through RootedEARTH, an innovative approach integrating digital technology, ethical AI, biophilic and regenerative design, and real estate economics into a cohesive development ecosystem.
According to Richard Dyantyi, the 2025 Western Cape Investment Summit highlighted the province’s readiness for investment while positioning the Garden Route as a strategic hub for sustainable, transformative economic growth.
Featured image, from left to right (FLTR): Natalie Raubenheimer – GRDM Senior District Economic Development Officer; Alan Winde – Western Cape Premier; Mahlatse Phosa – Director: Town and Spatial Planning, LED & Tourism, George Municipality; and Richard Dyantyi – Manager: Tourism, District Economic Development, Job Creation & EPWP.
GRDM official engaging with delegates during the 2025 Western Cape Investment Summit, hosted at the Cape Town International Convention Centre.
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19 November 2025
In South Africa, the highest rabies fatalities have historically been reported in Limpopo, KwaZulu-Natal, the Eastern Cape, and the Free State/Lesotho border, mainly resulting from infected dog bites. According to the National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD), numerous cases of rabies were confirmed in Cape fur seals along the Western Cape shoreline in May 2024.
Rabies is a fatal zoonotic viral disease but is 100% preventable through the vaccination of pets and the administration of rabies post-exposure prophylaxis after contact with a suspected rabid animal. It is transmitted to humans through bites and scratches from infected animals. There is no cure for rabies once a person or animal begins to show clinical signs.
Legally, every pet owner must have their dogs and cats vaccinated to protect both humans and animals against rabies.
Image credit: Department of Agriculture
For more information enquire with your local state or private veterinarian, animal health technician or welfare organisation. Contact details of the State Veterinarian in our district: Tel 044 8735527
For any additional information regarding this article, or to report any incidents, please contact:
Mr Johan Compion
Manager: Municipal Health & Environmental Services
E-mail: info@gardenroute.gov.za
Tel: 044 803 1300 / Cell: 082 803 5161
DID YOU KNOW?
“Rabies is a preventable tragedy, and we have the power to stop it. By vaccinating our pets and raising awareness within our communities, we can mitigate the factors that allow this deadly virus to spread.”
Related Articles:
https://www.gardenroute.gov.za/2018/11/16/awareness-rabies/
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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 29 October 2025 at 11:00.
YouTube:
https://youtube.com/live/siw4C07psnE?feature=share
Notice Number: 114/2025
20 October 2025
Every year on 16 October, World Food Day is commemorated. This year, under the theme, “Hand in Hand for better Food and a Better Future,” the Environmental Health Practitioners (EHPs) of the Garden Route District Municipality’s (GRDM) Knysna sub-office, celebrated the day at the Masithandane Centre in Smutsville, Knysna.
EHP Mitetho Sithonga visited the Centre on 15 October 2025, where he addressed all the caregivers and beneficiaries, providing health education and awareness on several insightful topics. Topics included the following:
Buying only what you cannot grow locally and encouraging locals to start vegetable gardens in their own yards.
These topics highlighted this years’ theme, a call for global collaboration in create a peaceful, sustainable, prosperous, and food-secure future by working together across governments, organisations, sectors, and communities.
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20 October 2025
From 13 to 17 October 2025, the Garden Route District Municipality’s (GRDM) Disaster Management Section once again facilitated a First Aid Level 3 training session at the GRDM Head Office in George.
This time around, attendees included lifeguards, principals and teachers from two pre-schools in the Sedgefield area, as well as firefighter contractors, who are preparing for the upcoming fire season.
According to Executive Mayor Andrew Stroebel, “This training is of vital importance because it equips people with advanced life-saving skills and prepares them to respond effectively to medical and other emergencies during various incidents.” He also encouraged citizens within the Garden Route district to contact the Disaster Management Section using the contact numbers provided and submit their details to attend next year’s training sessions.
The next and last training sessions will be on:
10 – 14 November 2025
There is no cost involved if you do the training and sign up to become a Disaster Management Volunteer. However, if you are not planning to become a volunteer, the fee payable is R682.00 (rate valid till 30 June 2026).
Download the application form: https://tinyurl.com/m5sjuzmk
Send a completed form to gail.bekeer@gardenroute.gov.za or wouter@gardenroute.gov.za
For more information contact Gail Bekeer (044 803 1347) or Wouter Jacobs (044 803 1316)
Featured Image Caption: Facilitator Gail Bekeer with participants of the First Aid Level 3 training held from 13 to 17 October 2025.
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20 October 2025
The Klein Karoo Environmental Health Practitioners (EHPs) recently engaged in community outreach under the theme: “Clean Air, Healthy People.”
Garden Route District Municipality’s EHPs, Maxwelline Fatuse and Ikanya Hendricks visited Zoar Clinic and Amalienstein Clinic, where they engaged with patients on the importance of clean air, avoiding smoking in public spaces, safe water use, and improving indoor air quality. The public interaction was positive, asking questions and actively participating in the discussions.
The team also visited Ladismith Clinic, focusing specifically on safe water use and household air quality. The visit was particularly important as the community of Ladismith has faced numerous water challenges in the past months.
Environmental Health Practitioners (EHPs) hosted regular public education and health awareness activities, highlighting the importance of smoke-free public areas. They also monitored the safe storage, handling, and distribution of food served during the event. Food samples are collected on-site during events for bacteriological testing to ensure compliance with food safety standards.
These initiatives reflect Klein Karoo Environmental Health’s ongoing commitment to promoting healthier communities through education, preventative action, and strong public engagement.
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Afrikaans:
Die Klein Karoo Omgewingsgesondheidspraktisyns (EHP’s) van die Tuinroete Distriksmunisipaliteit het onlangs Wêreldomgewingsgesondheidsdag gevier met gemeenskapsuitreike onder die tema: “Suiwer Lug, Gesonde Mense.”
EHP’s Maxwelline Fatuse en Ikanya Hendricks het die Zoar- en Amalienstein-klinieke besoek waar hulle met pasiënte gesels het oor die belangrikheid van skoon lug, die vermyding van rook in openbare ruimtes, veilige watergebruik en binnenshuise luggehalte. Die besoek aan Ladismith-kliniek het gefokus op veilige watergebruik en huishoudelike luggehalte – ’n belangrike tema gegewe die dorp se onlangse wateruitdagings.
Tydens hierdie tipe uitreike word openbare gesondheidsbewustheid bevorder, rookvrye ruimtes beklemtoon en voedselveiligheid gemonitor deur monsters vir toetsing te neem. Hierdie inisiatiewe weerspieël die Klein Karoo-span se voortdurende verbintenis tot gesonder gemeenskappe deur opvoeding, voorkoming en aktiewe betrokkenheid.
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15 Oktober 2025
Laas week Dinsdag, 7 Oktober 2025, het die Tuinroete Distriksmunisipaliteit, in vennootskap met Kannaland Munisipaliteit, ’n skoonmaaksessie gehou. Die inisiatief is geïnisieer en gelei deur die Afvalbestuursafdeling van die Kannaland Munisipaliteit.
Die skoonmaak was ’n gemeenskapsgedrewe poging met die doel om die plaaslike ekosisteme te herstel en bewaar. Dié geleentheid het plaaslike vrywilligers saamgebring, omgewingsbewustheid bevorder, en besoedeling aan te spreek deur skadelike afval suksesvol uit die rivier verwyder. Die projek wys wat mense kan bereik as hulle saamwerk om die omgewing te beskerm.
Doelwitte van die skoonmaakinisiatief:
– Verwyder plastiek en ander rommel uit die rivier.
– Lig gemeenskappe in oor hoe om afval beter te bestuur en die natuur te beskerm.
– Moedig mense aan om die omgewing op die lang termyn te versorg.
– Versamel inligting oor die hoeveelheid afval om toekomstige skoonmaakplanne te verbeter.
Belanghebbendes en Vennootskappe:
Kannaland Munisipaliteit – Verskaf logistieke ondersteuning en afvalverwydering.
Kommunikasie- en LED-afdeling van Kannaland Munisipaliteit – Help met gemeenskapsbetrokkenheid en koördinering.
Departement van Bosbou, Visserye en die Omgewing (DFFE) – Jeug-omgewingsgradueerdes het deelgeneem.
FC Velocity Sokkerklub – Verskaf jeugvrywilligers.
Tuinroete Distriksmunisipaliteit – Verskaf T-hemde, sakke, water, bewustheidsmateriaal en die ‘maskot’.
Kantoor van die Uitvoerende Burgemeester, Kannaland Munisipaliteit – Bied versnaperinge aan.
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15 October 2025
George – The winners of various categories were announced last Saturday night following three days of the gruelling 10th Toughest Firefighter Alive (TFA) South Africa Championship, held at the Garden Route Mall in George. Firefighters and fire chiefs from across South Africa, as well as teams from Botswana and Namibia, participated in the prestigious event.
The awards ceremony which was held at the Garden Route Fire Station in George was officially opened by Councillor Jobieth Hoogbaard, Member of the Mayoral Committee responsible for Community Services and including Fire and Rescue Services. He welcomed all attendees, referring to every participant as a winner, and congratulated them on their efforts. He concluded with the event programme director’s memorable words from the first day of the competition: “𝗙𝗶𝗿𝗲𝗳𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗻𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗿 𝗾𝘂𝗶𝘁.”
During a very brief keynote address, Garden Route District Municipal (GRDM) Executive Mayor Andrew Stroebel extended a special thank you to all the sponsors, his team, including the Firefighters, Communicators, Leadership and the Organising Committee. “I hope the Garden Route treated you well. Please come back with your families and enjoy our hospitality and beautiful Blue Flag beaches ,” he said.
𝗛𝗲𝗿𝗲 𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝘆𝗲𝗮𝗿’𝘀 𝘄𝗶𝗻𝗻𝗲𝗿𝘀:
Aphiwe Ndukbini from Western Cape EMS Rescue Services claimed the title of Overall TFA Champion, in second place was Emile Conrad from the Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) Fire Services, followed by Manie Gouws from the Westrand N’zuri, who secured third place.
In a historic first for the competition, the Overall Female Champion title was shared between Baigum Abrahams and Thobeka Senatse, both representing the City of Cape Town Fire and Rescue Services. Sweetness Qinisile from Western Cape EMS Rescue Services earned second place, while Natasha Stoltz, a volunteer with Wildfire Services, took third.
The Overall TFA Relay Open Champions are firefighters from Westrand N’zuri, who claimed first place. In second place was the City of Cape Town Fire and Rescue Services, followed by the GRDM Fire Services in third place.
According to Mayor Stroebel, the Garden Route Council takes immense pride in its firefighters, who serve not only as ambassadors for the municipality but also as representatives of the region and South Africa on the global stage. Their dedication to health, fitness, and professional excellence embodies the true spirit of firefighting and serves as an inspiration to us all.
“Congratulations to Team Garden Route on their outstanding achievements and thank you to the public for their support throughout the event,” said Stroebel.
Two gentlemen, Andrew Burch and Faisel Dossary from Saudi Arabia, attended the three-day event as technical directors and event critics, providing expert insight and guidance to further develop the Toughest Firefighter Alive (TFA) competition in South Africa and globally. They also promoted the World Firefighters’ Games, scheduled to take place in Saudi Arabia next year and hosted by Aramco. Andrew co-MC’d the event alongside our local MC and event organiser, Mickie Louw, playing a key role in keeping the crowd engaged, entertained, and informed.
John Hartley, president of the World Firefighter Games, and his wife Laura Hartley from Australia, also attended the competition, showing their support for the event and the participating firefighters.
A huge thank you also has to go out to everyone who made this event such a huge success. The event was organised by Firefighters for Excellence, Garden Route District Municipality Fire and Rescue Services, and the World Firefighter Games. It was presented in collaboration with Garden Route District Municipality, George Tourism, Garden Route Mall, and George Municipality.
The event proudly acknowledges its partners and sponsors:
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