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.
Media Statement 5: The majority of beaches have been cleaned of hydrocarbon oil drops
For Immediate Release
8 December 2022
Beach clean-up activities and monitoring continue following a recent incident that resulted in hydrocarbon, low-sulphur oil droplets spreading to Garden Route beaches.
According to Gerhard Otto, GRDM Manager: Disaster Management, most beaches are now classified as ‘green’. “It is unlikely that the multi-agency command center will meet again unless new serious issues arise.”
There have been no reports linking the oil spill to humans, birds, or marine life.
If any member of the public notices small black pellets on any beach along the Garden Route, please report it to the Emergency Call Centre, 044 805 5071.
The Garden Route District Municipality Multi-Agency Command Centre (MACC) includes the following stakeholders: Garden Route District Municipality, Bitou, Knysna, George, Mossel Bay and Hessequa Municipalities, Provincial Disaster Management Centre, South African Maritime Safety Authority, DFFE: Oceans-to-Coast, Transnet, CapeNature, PetroSA, South African National Parks (SANParks) and the Southern African Foundation for the Conservation of Coastal Birds (SANCCOB).
Notice is hereby given that an COUNCIL MEETING of the Garden Route District Municipality will be held at the CA Robertson Council Chambers, 54 York Street, George, on 14 December 2022 at 10:00.
WELCOME TO THE GARDEN ROUTE AND KLEIN KAROO, SOUTH AFRICA’S MOST BEAUTIFUL AREA
My warmest welcome goes out to all visitors to our region. Here you will find seven (7) municipalities with their respective local tourism offices keeping our region on the map. Areas are known as Hessequa, Mossel Bay, George, Knysna, Plettenberg Bay, Oudtshoorn and Kannaland. Each town has a myriad of unique offerings.
I’m honoured to boast that 19 of the 51 Blue Flag beaches in the country are located in our region this year. This means that we have the most Blue Flag beaches out of any other municipal area in South Africa! Our region’s beaches comply with strict standards of excellence in safety, cleanliness, amenities, environmental information, and management.
Let’s take a closer look at some of our areas. Zooming in on Hessequa, we see that all six (6) of its beaches have received Blue flag status. Additionally, they offer off-the-beaten-track experiences like Big 5 Game drives, forest glamping, fynbos gin, award-winning olive oil, cheese, wine, and aloe products.
Knysna is the most deserving winner of the KFM Best of the Cape Award known as the ‘Dorpie van die Jaar’. It is also the 19th most-loved destination around the world according to the 2021 Tourism Sentiment Index!
Plettenberg Bay has been nominated as a Whale Heritage Site and extensive work is being done by all stakeholders public and private with regard to their Marine and Ocean Economy.
Taking a glance at George, which is the central entry point to the region and boasts of the world’s top signature golf courses – it is indeed a golfers’ paradise!
With over 1100 meters of over-the-ocean zipline in the “Iconic Mossel Bay”, you’ll have plenty of time to take in the scenery. Zipline over the ocean at speeds of up to 80km/h and enjoy unparalleled views of the cliffs, ocean, and sea life. On the other side of the long stretch of mountain ranges, you’ll find the Klein Karoo which offers the largest cave system in Africa – the Cango Caves. Calitzdorp, located next to Oudtshoorn is also known as the port capital of South Africa – for good reason.
Our region is safe and offers wonderful forests along the coast with well-maintained boardwalks through thick forests, across gentle streams. Annually I also encourage visitors to also seek the little adventures offered by our region. One example is our region’s rich coffee culture, which offers a unique social setting and interaction between connoisseurs.
We promise you that tourism activities are right on your doorstep in this region.
Finally, while enjoying your time with us, you need to be tolerant while travelling. Please obey speed limits; road rules; do not text or call while driving; do not drink and drive, and always wear a seatbelt. Save our 24/7 emergency call centre number if you find yourself in a troubling situation – 044 805 5071.
See you on the beautifully, diverse Garden Route and Klein Karoo!
LGSETA conducts another due diligence visit at GRDM
For immediate release
2 December 2022
As part of the Due Diligence process, a Local Government Sector Education Training Authority (LGSETA) delegation led by Mr E Saeke, Manager in the Office of the CEO, and Ms J September, Provincial Coordinator, visited the Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) on Wednesday, 30 November 2022. The meeting follows GRDM’s application for a Discretionary Grant (DG) when the funding window for the period from 09 October 2022 to 01 November 2022 opened.
The Garden Route Skills Mecca Team supported the Training Team at the GRDM and coordinated the needs of the Skills Development Teams across all eight municipalities (including GRDM) and submitted a combined application for the following projects during the window:
Fire Fighter training
Water Reticulation
Water Purification
Minimum Competency Training
Bursaries for Unemployed Youth (18.2)
Bursaries for Employed Officials (18.1)
Artisan Training (Plumbing, Electrical, Bricklaying and Carpentry)
The Garden Route Skills Mecca (GRSM) Coordinator, Dr Florus Prinsloo said: “The above combined collaborative approach demonstrates that the District Development Model is being implemented pragmatically within the Garden Route for the benefit of all residents”.
The meeting was chaired by Trix Holtzhausen, Executive Manager of Services, who thanked LGSETA for considering GRDM for these projects. “We would like to thank LGSETA for their past and ongoing support, as well as assure you that these projects will greatly contribute to alleviating poverty within our district.”
After careful evaluation and consideration, LGSETA selected the following projects for the due diligence visits:
Fire Fighter training
Water Training
Artisan Training (Plumbing, Electrical, Bricklaying and Carpentry)
These projects amount to R30 million and will benefit employed and unemployed youth.
Dr Florus Prinsloo, gave a brief overview of the Garden Route Skills Mecca and introduced the Garden Route Skills Mecca Technicians who assist with the drafting of LGSETA proposals.
GRDM Skills Development Coordinator Reginald Salmon and Senior Training Officer Angeline Naidoo presented the different proposals. As Skills Development Facilitators, both officials act as a link between the LGSETA and the Municipality.
Fire Chief Deon Stoffels also attended the meeting with Brian Afrikaner, who facilitates training at the fire service. Stoffels thanked LGSETA for considering GRDM for Firefighter training and explained that GRDM recently received accreditation from the Quality Council for Trades and Occupations (QCTO). ” LGSETA’s Fire Training will be the first of its kind in the district, and it will serve as a pilot project to prepare GRDM for more significant projects in the future,” he concluded
Several sites and training facilities in the George area were visited by LGSETA delegates.
After the formal presentations, the delegates from LGSETA were accompanied to by the Training Section and GRSM Technicians to the various sites and training facilities within the George area. The following areas were visited:
Outeniqua Water Works in Pacaltsdorp
African Skills Village in Thembalethu
Garden Route District Municipality Fire
Did you know:
What is Seta discretionary grant?
Discretionary grants are paid out at the discretion of SETA management for skills development projects linked to scarce and critical skills (sector priority occupations). Funding for discretionary grants is focused on Professional, Vocational, Technical and Academic Learning (PIVOTAL).
What is due diligence?
Due diligence takes place when the LGSETA initially approves a project and then needs to check if the municipality will be able to deliver the training. Training venues, training facilities where participants will be trained, and accreditation of the service provider are all checked.
