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Author: Marlene Nqumse

13 July 2022 Media Release: GRDM Environmental Health Practitioners annually ensures Knysna Oyster Festival safe

Media Release: GRDM Environmental Health Practitioners annually ensures Knysna Oyster Festival safe

For immediate release
13 July 2022

Environmental Health Practitioners (EHPs) of the Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) fulfils their mandatory duties by ensuring that hygiene standards at all festivals are maintained.  The recent Knysna Oyster Festival is one of many examples where EHPs worked diligently to ensure quality health standards were maintained.

Role and interventions during the festival

EHPs from the GRDM Knysna office prepared for the Knysna Oyster Festival well in advance.  They had to plan, and implement mitigating and monitoring activities for the entire festival. This already started days before the festival commenced and concluded after the festival officially ended.

Food control

  • All informal food premises were inspected before and during the festival, including daily inspections at Oyster Festival “Hot spots”;
  • Inspections were also conducted at various locations in town where thousands of oysters were kept under prescribed conditions;
  • Several batches of oyster samples were dispatched to the Merieux NutriSciences Laboratory in Cape Town for bacteriological analysis, prior to the start of the festival, to establish the status of the holding tank water, as well as the bacteriological oyster quality. This lab requested EHPs from the Garden Route District assist with the surveillance of oysters procured from other areas within the Southern Cape; and
  • The drinking water to be provided to the athletes participating in the Forest Marathon was analysed to ensure compliance with the Bottled Water Regulations: “Regulation 692 of 1997, promulgated under the Foodstuffs, Cosmetics and Disinfectant Act (Act 54 of 1972)”.

Water quality monitoring

Bacteriological water monitoring of the Knysna Estuary was conducted by sampling water at 14 sites in and around the estuary.

Health surveillance of premises

Regular inspections and health surveillance of premises of all related public amenities was undertaken during the Festival, including:

  • Public toilet facilities;
  • Accommodation establishments;
  • Cycle race registration;
  • Marathon;
  • Food markets; and
  • Tobacco control at premises.

Communicable disease outbreak

The local EHPs and relevant medical health care providers have established a strict protocol for reporting communicable disease outbreaks. Hospitals, general practitioners, and pharmacies, both private and provincial, were included.

After the festival, the EHPs participated in debriefing sessions to discuss the best practices and challenges identified.

For any further information, please contact GRDM Lakes (Knysna) Region Municipal Health Services:

Mr James McCarty

Chief:  Municipal Health Lakes (Knysna)

Tel: 044 382 7214

Cell: 082 805 9417

Address: 26A Queen Street, Knysna

 

 Mr. Johan Compion

Manager: Municipal Health & Environmental Services

E-mail: johan@gardenroute.gov.za

Tel: 044 803 1300

Featured image:  Picture taken during an oyster competition at Taste of Knysna.

12 July 2022 Media Release: Blanco health outreach to youth

Media Release: Blanco health outreach to youth

For immediate release
12 July 2022

Community health workers (CHWs)from Blanco had an outreach to youth in Golden Valley in June to raise awareness on sexual and reproductive health. CHWs informed the groups of youth they met on the range of contraceptives methods available and to use contraceptives in addition to condoms every time during sexual intercourse to protect them from unwanted pregnancies and sexual transmitted infections, including HIV. They also touched on voluntary male medical circumcision to prevent the acquisition of HIV and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Information packages were shared and the CHWs referred youngsters to the Blanco health facility for contraception.

‘It was good to hear that the young boys knew what medical male circumcision was and where to go for the services,’ said health promoter, Claudel Draai.

The CHWs also discussed the dangers of cigarettes, dagga and hookah pipes with the youngsters. ‘We can only inform them of the dangers of using any form of drugs and hope that they will make an informed decision regarding their health.’

Emphasis was specifically on the importance of visiting the nearest healthcare facility when not feeling well and to go for sexual reproductive health services when needed.

Western Cape Government Health and Wellness invites youth to make use of our services through their local clinic.

‘We welcome youth to Blanco clinic to make use of the services on offer. These include family planning, HIV and AIDS and TB screening and testing, mental health services, substance abuse and health promotion. We have a dedicated time slot from 14:00 to 16:00 for youth, but you are welcome to visit us throughout the day,’ said operational manager, Barinda van der Merwe.

END

Nadia Ferreira

Principal Communications Officer

Garden Route and Central Karoo Districts

Western Cape Government Health

Tel: 044 813 1831

Email: Nadia.Ferreira@westerncape.gov.za

Website: www.westerncape.gov.za

11 July 2022 Impact Based Weather Warnings for Western Cape and Namaqua: Yellow level 2: Damaging Waves 12/07/2022 – 14/07/2022

The Cape Town Weather Office has issued an Impact Based Weather Warning for Western Cape and Namaqua for Damaging Waves  valid from Tuesday, 12 July 2022 (12:00) to Thursday, 14 July 2022 (00:00), as follows:

 Hazard Alert Level Affected Municipalities Valid From
(SAST)		 Valid To
(SAST)
Damaging Waves Yellow(L2)
(High likelihood of Minor Impacts)		 M_Bitou, M_Cape Agulhas, M_Cape Agulhas, M_City of Cape Town, M_George, M_Hessequa, M_Knysna, M_Mossel Bay, M_Overstrand, M_Saldanha Bay, M_Swartland, M_Table Bay 12/07/22 – 12h00 14/07/22 – 00h00

Discussion: High energy waves with periods of between 15 and 16 seconds will result in significant south-westerly waves of 4.5 to 5.5m between Saldanha Bay and Cape Agulhas tomorrow spreading to Plettenberg Bay from Wednesday afternoon into Thursday, these conditions may result in difficulty in navigation at sea.

Impact: Difficulty in navigation at sea for small vessels and personal water crafts (e.g. kayaks) is possible, small vessels at risk of taking on water and capsizing in locality as well as localised disruptions of small harbours and ports for a short period of time.

Instruction: Small vessels are advised to seek shelter in harbours, bays or inlets.

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 any weather related incidents to the Garden Route Disaster Management Centre at 044-805 5071.

WC_IBF_DM_Warning_Damaging_Waves_L2_11072022

01 July 2022 Media Release: Garden Route District Municipality launches electronic job application platform

Media Release: Garden Route District Municipality launches electronic job application platform

For immediate release 
01 July 2022

The Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) is pleased to announce that, as of 1 July 2022, it will introduce its own E-recruitment system. The aim of the system is to make it convenient for applicants to apply for a vacant position at the municipality.

This paperless online job application system will allow applicants to apply for a vacancy without having to complete an application form, make copies of their Curriculum Vitaes (CV) and relevant qualifications every time they apply for a vacancy.  GRDM’s vision is to be a leading, enabling, and inclusive district. With this in mind, this system will provide a platform where job vacancies can be advertised, viewed, and applied for online, enhancing the recruitment and selection process by increasing responses.

When a candidate registers and creates a profile on the E-recruitment system, it is mandatory to upload their CV and qualifications, which is stored on the system and can be updated at any time.  This makes the application process for a vacancy flow more efficiently.

Why an E-recruitment system?

  • E-recruitment will improve the efficiency of filling vacancies because of semi-automated digitisation processes;
  • The system stores a backup file of all the applicant information; and
  • A move from paper to an electronic system improves auditing processes.

What does this system mean for the public?

  • To apply for a vacancy, a person can use any computer or visit a Thusong centre or library in his area;
  • No more traveling to the post office or the GRDM offices to submit a completed application;
  • No more emailed applications because, once applying for a position, the system will automatically send an email informing an applicant that they’ve applied and successfully uploaded their application; and
  • Candidates will be able to track how far along the vacancy process is on the e-recruitment system.

How does the application process work?

  • The vacancy will be advertised on several platforms, clearly marked that only online applications will be accepted;
  • Applicants will be reminded to register and create their profiles on the system;
  • Others who are already registered are welcome to apply for a vacancy;
  • Once registered, one can apply for any vacancy by selecting the vacancy and filling out the mandatory fields; and
  • The recruitment process will be fast and accurate since there will be no manual capturing of information.

When will the system be officially active?

  • The system will be live from Friday, 01 July 2022.
  • One vacancy will be advertised on the E-recruitment system as a trial run to monitor and evaluate public response.
  • In the beginning, only vacancies on T10 and above will be advertised on the system.
  • After two months an evaluation will be done to see how effective the system was.
  • After that, the system will be fully implemented for vacancies below T9.
  • Please note, currently the system is not mobile-friendly; it is only functional on a computer for now, but it will be compatible with a cell phone during the next phase or the system enhancement.

How to access the system?

Brows to https://www.gardenroute.gov.za/apply-for-work/ and it will take applicants to the landing page to start their registration process.  This page also gives applications the option to update their profiles or to apply for a vacancy.

GRDM calls upon the public to start registering and creating their profiles on the e-recruitment system.  If anyone doesn’t have access to a computer, the GRDM encourages those to visit any of the Thusong centres or libraries in their respective areas where they can register and create their profiles.

Who should I contact if I need assistance with the system?

Ms Amanda Booysen – GRDM Human Resources Representative – 044-803 1389 / 078 450 7950

Ms Margaret Powell – GRDM IT Representative – 044 803 1409

Click on the link below to view a short training video that will help you to understand how the Garden Route District Municipality E-recruitment system works and how to apply for vacancies.

23 June 2022 Media Release: Latest COVID – 19 regulations Vol 684 published 22 June 2022, in the Government Gazette No 11447

Media Release:  Latest COVID – 19 regulations Vol 684 published 22 June 2022, in the Government Gazette No 11447

For Immediate Release
23 June 2022

The above-mentioned regulations Repeals Regulations 16A, 16B and 16C of the Regulations relating to the Surveillance and the Control of Notifiable Medical Conditions made in terms of sections 90(1)(j), (k) and (w) of the National Health Act, 2003 (Act 61of 2003) and promulgated on 4 May 2022 under Government Notice 2060 in their entirety.

Regulation 16A – Wearing of face masks to contain the spread of COVID-19 – Repealed

Regulation 16B – Regulation of gatherings to contain the spread of COVID-19 – Repealed

Regulation 16C – Regulation of persons entering the country to contain the spread of COVID-19 – Repealed

Read more:  Government Gazette No 11447

15 June 2022 Media Release: Oral health is important

Media release: Oral health is important

For Immediate Release
15 June 2022

There is simply no health without oral health according to dentist Dr Dillon Manuel. “Good oral health is one of the most important practices to prevent future pain and discomfort. The role of a dentist is to preserve and prevent oral diseases of teeth, gingiva and supporting structures. With good oral health practices,  treating pain and sepsis will not have to be an everyday occurrence. A beautiful smile can be a person’s most inexpensive gift”, he said.

Around 90% of the world’s population will suffer from oral diseases at some point in their lifetime.

The following guidelines are important contributors towards good oral hygiene:

  • Brush your teeth twice a day – in the morning and before going to bed.
  • Brushing harder doesn’t clean better.  Brushing hard damages the tooth and causes tooth sensitivity.
  • Floss daily to prevent cavities in between teeth. Brushing alone does not reach these areas.
  • Brush for at least 2 minutes.  Many people brush fast which does not adequately clean the teeth well.
  • Avoid drinks and foods with high quantity of sugar. This is not only good for oral health but also overall health.
  • Use toothpaste and mouth wash with fluoride.

Many parents are misinformed about the importance of primary teeth (baby teeth) and therefore neglect their children’s oral hygiene.

Dentist, Dr Julien Joubert explains. “It is very important to brush the teeth of young children because baby teeth become carious (rotten) very quickly. Limit the sugar in the bottle and don’t let them sleep with the bottle. Brush the teeth twice a day. If it comes to the point where one has to extract the baby teeth, the permanent teeth often come out skewed and the smile can be spoiled. It is all preventable and I prefer if they get to me before it is so bad that I have to extract. I prefer to save teeth by doing a filling when possible. The back baby teeth are particularly important and hold space open for the permanent teeth to erupt into”.

Tips for parents for oral hygiene for children: 

  • Use a clean, damp wash cloth (with toothpaste the size of rice grain) to gently wipe clean the first teeth and the front of the tongue, after meals and at bedtime.
  • Never put your child to bed with bottle or food.
  • If your child wants to have the bottle or sippy cup in between meals, try to fill it with water only
  • Avoid giving your children sugary drinks (including juice) or sticky foods.
  • Visit the dentist as soon as your baby’s first teeth appears.
Shirmone Kriga knows that oral health is important. With her is Dr Julien Joubert and dental assistant Siya Sishuba at her appointment.

Good oral health is also important for your overall health. “Periodontal gum disease creates a portal of entry for bacteria into the bloodstream and some of the bacteria can affect the heart. It can put the body in a pro-inflammatory state which can make the person more susceptible to cardiovascular disease. Periodontal disease can progress very rapidly and if left uncontrolled, all the teeth could be lost. Vitamin C intake is also very important because it is needed to build and maintain the tissues around the teeth”, said Dr Joubert.

The Garden Route district offers oral health services at selected facilities. Please contact your local facility to make an appointment for the next oral health visit.

“END”

Nadia Ferreira
Principal Communications Officer
Garden Route and Central Karoo Districts
Western Cape Government Health
Tel: 044 813 1831
Email: Nadia.Ferreira@westerncape.gov.za
Website: www.westerncape.gov.za