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Author: Marlene Nqumse

15 December 2021 Media Release: WELCOME TO THE MOST BEAUTIFUL PART OF SOUTH AFRICA, THE GARDEN ROUTE

15 December 2021

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, https://buff.ly/3o7Tqtx.

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

14 December 2021 Impact Based Weather Warnings for Western Cape and Namaqua: Yellow level 2: Damaging Winds

14 December 2021

Impact Based Weather Warnings for Western Cape and Namaqua: Yellow level 2: Damaging Winds

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)
 Damaging Winds Yellow(L2)
(High likelihood of Minor Impacts)		 City of Cape Town, M_Bergrivier, M_Cape Agulhas, M_Cape Agulhas, M_Cederberg, M_City of Cape town, M_Hessequa, M_Kamiesberg, M_Matzikama, M_Nama Khoi, M_Overstrand, M_Richtersveld, M_Saldanha Bay, M_Swartland, M_Table Bay 16/12/21 00h00 17/12/21 00h00

 Discussion: Strong to near gale force south-easterly wind of 60 to 80km/h is expected offshore between Alexander Bay and Hermanus on Thursday. Strong winds coupled with wave heights between 4.0 to 4.5m from Thursday, the sea conditions will be very rough and choppy with quick successive steep waves. These wind and wave conditions are expected between Cape Point and Still Bay on Friday. Over the City of Cape Town, very strong winds are expected mainly from Thursday late morning and afternoon, reaching 60 to 70km/h.

Impact: Difficulty in navigation at sea due to rough and choppy conditions can cause small vessels and personal watercrafts to take on water and capsizing in locality. Short and localised disruption of small harbours and beachfront activities can also be expected. Over land, high sided vehicles might be at risk of being blown over in the City of Cape Town as well as the Huguenot Tunnel. Localised damage to settlements and temporary structures is also possible.

 Instruction: Small boats must stay away from the open sea and seek the shelter of a harbour, river estuary or protected bay. Ensure that all temporary structures are well anchored. Take extra caution on roads.

SOUTH AFRICAN WEATHER SERVICE
Cape Town Weather Office
2nd Floor: Oval Office Park
Cape Town Int airport
Freight Road
Matroosfontein
Cape Town

 

WC_IBF_DM_Warning_Damaging_Winds_L2_14122021

13 December 2021 Impact Based Weather Warnings for Western Cape and Namaqua: Yellow level 1: Severe Thunderstorms

13 December 2021

Impact Based Weather Warnings for Western Cape and Namaqua: Yellow level 1: 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(L1)
(Medium likelihood of Minor Impacts)		 Hessequa, Mossel Bay, Swellendam 13/12/21 10h00 13/12/21 15h00

Discussion: Showers and thundershowers are expected to develop over the southern and eastern parts of the Western Cape today where generally 10-25mm can be expected. However, there are a possibility of one or two of these thunderstorms to become severe for the Swellendam, Hessequa and Mossel Bay municipalities leading to pockets of heavy downpours (40-50mm in an hour) leading to flash flooding. Large amounts of small hail may also occur in pockets.

Impact: Localised areas of flash flooding of susceptible roads and low-lying areas along with localised damage to infrastructure and settlements (mainly informal) may occur. Very isolated events of a large amount of small hail are expected over an open area that can cause damage to livelihood and livestock.

Instruction: 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 conductor of electricity. Be aware that any combination of hail, strong winds and/or heavy downpours can accompany the storms.

SOUTH AFRICAN WEATHER SERVICE
Cape Town Weather Office
2nd Floor: Oval Office Park
Cape Town Int airport
Freight Road
Matroosfontein
Cape Town

10 December 2021 Public Notice: NOTICE OF 2020/2021 ANNUAL REPORT AND OVERSIGHT REPORT

Public Notice: 119/2021

NOTICE OF 2020/2021 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 2020/2021 financial year.

The 2020/2021 Annual Report was also approved in a Council Meeting on 10 December 2021.

The 2020/2021 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 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.

2020/2021 Annual and Oversight Reports Notice

10 December 2021 Public Notice: Final Reviewed 2021/2022 Integrated Development Plan

Notice nr 122/2021

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.

Final Reviewed 2021/2022 Integrated Development Plan

2021 12 09 Media Release: Health platform update

Media Release: Health platform update

8 December 2021

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.

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

3 December 2021 Impact Based Weather Warnings for Western Cape and Namaqua: Yellow level 2: Severe Thunderstorms

03 December 2021

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

02 December 2021 Media Release: WELCOME TO THE MOST BEAUTIFUL PART OF SOUTH AFRICA, THE GARDEN ROUTE

2 December 2021

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

01 December 2021 Media Release: Garden Route officials mourn the loss of another dear colleague

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!  

Memorial Services Program