NOTICE OF THE ADOPTION OF THE FINAL REVIEWED 2021/2022 INTEGRATED DEVELOPMENT PLAN
Notice is hereby given that Council at its inaugural meeting on 25 November 2021 adopted the Final Reviewed 2021/2022 Integrated Development Plan of its predecessor without amendments as per Section 25(3) of the Local Government: Municipal Systems Act 32, 2000.
The Final Reviewed 2021/2022 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 enquiries, 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.
The Garden Route District had an increase of 272 COVID-19 cases the past 7 days. There are now 54 active cases per 100 000 population( one week ago it was 14).
All sub-districts had an increase in the active cases per 100 000 population.
District Hospitals and George Hospital had a total of 14 COVID-19 patients as of 7 December. Mossel bay Hospital:1; George Hospital: 2; Harry Comay Hospital: 10 and Knysna Hospital: 1
VACCINATIONS
With the new Omicron variant rapidly spreading, we once again appeal to those who have not yet been vaccinated to take up any of the many opportunities provided within the communities. Get vaccinated and be protected, especially as we are entering the fourth wave.
Western Cape Government Health will continue with efforts to increase uptake of vaccination in all groups. Get vaccinated at the Vooma Vaccination week from 3-10 December before the holidays so that you and your loved ones can be fully protected and have a safe holiday period together and help us prevent severe illness and death ahead of the fourth wave.
Over the last few days, the Western Cape breached the 50% mark of adults in the province being vaccinated with at least one dose. Though only halfway, the 51,36% or 2 556 131 of adults in the province have ensured they are protected against severe illness.
Pastor Grec Jantjies from Zoar received his vaccination.
Vaccination teams have administered 358 034 vaccine doses to date within the Garden Route District.
The percentage of the Garden Route population over 18 years who have received at least one dose vaccine stands at 53% (2 percentage points more than a week ago) and the percentage of the total Garden Route population who have received at least one dose vaccine stands at 36% (1 percentage points more than a week ago).
We implore anyone who has not yet received their vaccination to do so as a matter of urgency.
Impact Based Weather Warnings for Western Cape and Namaqua: Yellow level 2: Severe Thunderstorms
Please find included the Impact Based Warning for the Western Cape and Namaqua Region of Northern Cape
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.”
Hazard
Alert Level
Affected Municipalities
Valid From (SAST)
Valid To (SAST)
Severe Thunderstorms
Yellow(L2)
(High likelihood of Minor Impacts)
Beaufort West, Bitou, Breede Valley, Cape Agulhas, George, Hantam, Hessequa, Kannaland, Karoo Hoogland, Knysna, Laingsburg, Langeberg, Mossel Bay, Oudtshoorn, Overstrand, Prince Albert, Swellendam, Theewaterskloof, Witzenberg
04/12/21 10h00
06/12/21 00h00
Discussion: Scattered to widespread thundershowers due to a cut-off low-pressure weather system are expected over the north and central parts of W. Cape (Cape Winelands, Central Karoo) and the southern Namakwa tomorrow Saturday (04/12/2021), and over south and eastern parts of W. Cape (Central Karoo, Garden Route, Langeberg and Overberg) on Sunday through to Monday (05-06/12/2021). Some of these storms may be severe, leading to periods of heavy downpours associated with rainfall accumulations of 20 to 35mm, lightning strikes, strong and gusty winds as well a large amount of small hail as they move through an area.
Impact: Localised flash flooding of susceptible roads, low-lying areas, and bridges due to heavy downpours may be expected. Large amount of small hail causing slippery roads may be expected. This can also contribute to vehicle accidents. Localised damage to infrastructure and settlements due to gusty wind as well as localised and short term disruption to essential services due to excessive lightning are also possible.
Instruction: Load Weather Smart APP, scroll to the last page and use two fingers to navigate the storm tracking application. If possible stay indoors away from metal objects. Do not seek shelter under trees or tall objects. Do not go fishing or play golf as both the golf clubs and fishing rods are good conductors of electricity. Be aware that any combination of hail, strong winds and/or heavy downpours can accompany the storms.
Please plan accordingly, keeping in mind the recent heavy rainfall experienced over most parts of the Garden Route with soaked soil, overflowing dams and already damaged infrastructure.
SOUTH AFRICAN WEATHER SERVICE
Cape Town Weather Office
2nd Floor: Oval Office Park
Cape Town Int airport
Freight Road
Matroosfontein
Cape Town
WELCOME TO THE MOST BEAUTIFUL PART OF SOUTH AFRICA, THE GARDEN ROUTE
This is our second year of living through an unprecedented time. However, as Garden Routers, I continue to believe that we will bounce back from this situation as we are a resilient district.
South Africa, including the Garden Route District’s Tourism Sector, remains the backbone of our country’s economy; this is why we need people to visit us from all over the world. Support of our regional tourism sector is imperative because it advances prosperity, drives inclusive and sustainable development.
Last year, I also encouraged you to seek the little adventures the Garden Route offers, indulge yourself, take a break, and support our businesses. This year, my plea is the same. Please support our local businesses. Explore the region and the many tourist activities that are right on your doorstep; in turn, you will be contributing to the growth of the tourism sector. We depend on tourism for jobs and livelihoods. Thank you to the businesses that remain conscious of the current economic climate and provide budget-friendly tourism packages. This clever approach will attract more visitors to our region.
Before visiting us or when you arrive here, you will be able to find a myriad of activities to do in our region. A few that come to mind, include iconic sightseeing spots, fun-filled days and unmissable events, in particular this December. To see what I am talking about, visit our regional tourism website, www.visitgardenrouteandkleinkaroo.com.
While enjoying your time with us, you have to exercise caution and 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. As we head into the festive season we’d like to keep the Covid-19 infection rates low, so please, adhere to the Covid- 19 protocols and regulations. Remember to wear your mask, wash your hands, sanitize, avoid large crowds, and keep your social distance – hang outside with friends and family!.
Thank you for all the efforts to keep safe and move forward. See you in the Garden Route!
Alderman Memory Booysen Executive Mayor Garden Route District Municipality
As 2021 drifts slowly towards its end, the Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) family, sadly bids farewell to another colleague who has passed on in the early morning hours of Friday, 26 November 2021. This brings the total employees lost during 2021 to six (6).
The late Yolande Fielies, a talented Senior Worker in the Heidelberg Maintenance team, started her career at the then Eden District Municipality on 01 March 2008. The 39-year-old Fielies was married to Wane Fielies and had two children, ages 13 and 18 years, respectively.
Fielies is remembered by her immediate Supervisor, Mr David Meyer and the Superintendent of the GRDM Riversdale Roads Maintenance, Mr Jacques Joseph, as a wonderful, hardworking and positive person. “When it comes to her work, she was known for being a loyal and reliable person, ready to always give her best in the workplace. Her positive attitude made her well-known and loved, resulting in colleagues always wanting to be around her. Yolande will be dearly missed,” Josephs concluded.
GRDM will host an official memorial service to celebrate the life of our late colleague on Thursday, 2 December at 09:00. Family members, friends, colleagues and members of the public, who will not be in attendance, are invited to follow the proceedings through the municipality’s YouTube channel at: https://youtu.be/RAhpW0xVnTc or join the webinar at: https://gardenroute.zoom.us/j/93617229168
Yolande Fielies leaves behind her husband, two (2) children, her parents, two (2) sisters, and three (3) brothers.
Rest in Peace, beloved Colleague – till we meet again!
World AIDS Day takes place on 1 December each year. It’s an opportunity for people worldwide to unite in the fight against HIV, to show support for people living with HIV, and to commemorate those who have died from an AIDS-related illness.
Difference between HIV and Aids?
HIV – is a virus that attacks the immune system, the body’s natural defences against illness. If HIV is not treated, it can lead to AIDS.
The human body can’t get rid of HIV, and no effective HIV cure currently exists. So, once you have HIV, you have it for life, but it can be suppressed by ARV treatment.
AIDS:
AIDS is the late stage of HIV infection that occurs when the body’s immune system is badly becoming extremely weak and “gives up” fighting the virus. If left untreated, a set of symptoms and illnesses develops at the final stage of HIV infection. Please note, if HIV is left untreated, a person’s immune system will get weaker and weaker until it can no longer fight off life-threatening infections and diseases. However, with ARV treatment, people living with HIV can enjoy a long and healthy life.
Prevention is better than cure.
Using male (external) condoms or female (internal) condoms during sex is the best way to prevent HIV and other sexually transmitted infections. Never share needles and syringes with others because the virus can spread through blood. Mothers can pass the virus from themselves to the unborn child during pregnancy? That is why it is essential to go for regular checkups.
Getting tested is the only way to find out if you have HIV. If you are living with HIV, starting treatment early means you can live a full, healthy and productive life.
Access to Antiretroviral is free in South Africa.
In 2020, 73% [56–88%] of all people living with HIV in South Africa were accessing ARV treatment.
74% [57–90%] of adults aged 15 years and older living with HIV had access to treatment, as did 54% [37–69%] of children aged 0–14 years.
79% [61–95%] of female adults aged 15 years and older had access to treatment; however, just 68% [52–83%] of male adults aged 15 years and older had access.
85% [63– >98%] of pregnant women living with HIV had access to antiretroviral medicines to prevent transmission
District Director for the Garden Route and Central Karoo Health districts, Mr Zee Brickles, visited Harry Comay Hospital on 4 November 2021, together with his 15-year-old daughter Riyanna Brickles for her COVID -19 vaccination.
“Our children are undeniably, our future. This certainty is however challenged daily by the COVID-19 pandemic. Research has shown that vaccination prevents severe disease and death and that is why we eagerly supported our child when she decided to take the vaccine”, said Mr Brickles.
Riyanna was initially a bit scared of the needle but now knows it was not necessary. “I was a bit stressed about the injection part and what a relief when it was not half as bad as I thought it would be. It was quite simple and quick”, she said. Riyanna wants to encourage other youth to also protect themselves and their families by getting the vaccine.
Mr Brickles added: “We share many dreams with our children; their matric ball, their first day heading off to university, their dream job, their wedding day etc., and we owe it to ourselves to be there with them on those days when their dreams are realised. We can absolutely achieve this if we get vaccinated and support our children to also vaccinate when they are ready, like we did. Our children have the right to choose whether or not to take the vaccine and we as parents have the obligation to support them in their informed decision. Our daughter did her own research but we also provided her with reliable and credible information about COVID and the vaccine, on which she based her own decision to take the vaccine. I would like to encourage all parents to do the same as it remains our responsibility to be that support, at times when our children need us most.
Mr Zee Brickles with his daughter Riyanna who received her COVID-19 vaccination. With them is vaccinator Elsabe Kamfer.
We are living in times where we endure repeated attacks from COVID-19 on our mental state, on our choice to socialise and on our physical health. We have all lost loved ones and colleagues, we have all witnessed how families were left in utter despair and we have certainly all endured the many restrictions imposed upon our freedom in an effort to curb the spread of the virus. December of last year was a particular challenge for us when we experienced the devastating effects of the 2nd wave, our liberties were restricted to socialise in the confines of our own homes, separated from friends and families and our movement was limited when beaches and recreational facilities were closed. We were on edge when our phones rang for fear that it may be bad news about a friend, loved one or colleague as we saw so many deaths occurring daily. The festive season last year was sombre; with seemingly no light at the endless dark tunnel.
This year I am optimistic and positive! The vaccine has brought us an opportunity to again experience the silly season as we have in previous years with lots of joy, happiness and laughter with friends and family whilst being able to visit our beaches and recreational facilities. This time we will be better prepared and protected if we are vaccinated. Children from the age of 12, adults and our most precious seniors have an opportunity to again experience the festive season as we know it without fear of severe disease and death. Let us all Unite to Vaccinate and support our children to become our allies in pursuit of a healthy and protected people. Let us not forget the dreams of our children and ensure that we help them get there through ensuring that they too are protected from severe disease and death”, said Brickles.
We implore the public to visit their nearest vaccination site for their free and quick vaccination to save our summer.
