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Author: Marlene Nqumse

01 December 2021 – World AIDS Day 2021

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

8 November 2021 Media Release: Youth to get vaccinated

Media Release: Youth to get vaccinated

For Immediate Release

5 November 2021

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.

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

8 November 2021 Media Release: Ophthalmic service on the road again

Media Release: Ophthalmic service on the road again

For Immediate Release
8 November 2021

Ophthalmic eye surgeon for the region, Dr. Nicolaas Stempels and his team have been hard at work servicing those who need cataract eye surgery as well as other ophthalmic procedures.

Venessa Cassel (55) from Kranshoek was one of the patients who received a cataract removal at Plettenberg Bay Town Clinic on 26 October 2021.

“I can’t drive due to the cataracts, so I am excited to be here and to get this procedure done”, she said.

Dr Stempels and his team are busy with outreaches across the Garden Route and Central Karoo and have visited George, Knysna, Bitou and Beaufort West.

The pandemic has had a profound effect on ophthalmic services. “I used to do between 1000 and 2000 ophthalmic operations for both the Garden Route and Central Karoo a year. I was only able to do 150 in 2020”, he said.

Cases seen to now are the semi-urgent ones. These include people who are unable to walk unassisted, people with complications, those needing the service to be able to work(drivers) as well as children.

One billion people around the world have a preventable vision impairment or one that has yet to be addressed. Reduced or absent eyesight can have major and long lasting effects on all aspects of life, including daily personal activities, interacting with the community, school and work opportunities and the ability to access public services. Reduced eyesight can be caused by several factors, including diseases like diabetes and trachoma, trauma to the eyes, or condition such as refractive error, cataracts, age-related macular degeneration or glaucoma.

Western Cape Government Health offers a range of ophthalmology services. Primary health care facilities in the Garden Route district have specialized Eye Care Professional Nurses supporting the above team and eye services is rendered offering screening for spectacles.

Caption: Back row: Sr Kotze, staff nurse Shabalala, Dr Stempels, Nolusindiso Mfumbata(patient) and nurse Tini.  Front:  Sr Z Mnyaka-Baby

END

Nadia Ferreira

Principal Communications Officer

Garden Route and Central Karoo Districts

Western Cape Government Health

Email: Nadia.Ferreira@westerncape.gov.za

Website: www.westerncape.gov.za

28 October 2021 Media Release: Another 22 students to reap fruits from Garden Route DM Cater Care Programme

Media Release: Another 22 students to reap fruits from Garden Route DM Cater Care Programme

For Immediate Release
28 October 2021

A successful partnership of approximately ten (10) years between the Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) and the Francois Ferreira Academy (FFA) continues as GRDM recently appointed them for three (3) more years until 2023. Youth continue to be equipped with vital skills in the hospitality industry after Council availed R450 000.00 for this programme for the next 12 months.

With plenty of opportunities offered by the hospitality and tourism industry, previously disadvantaged youth are the core focus of the programme.

The FFA received 300 applications, of which 63 were shortlisted for interviews. After that, 22 youth were selected to be part of the programme.  The interview panel consisted of officials and lecturers from the FFA and GRDM Tourism and EPWP representatives.

Three (3) weeks into the programme and students already completed their theoretical training. They started practical cooking classes on 25 October, which will end on 17 November 2021. Students will apply this knowledge in the kitchen. Towards the end of November 2021, students will be given the opportunity to enter the industry to get on-job training and experience. The training programme will end in December 2021, and the certificate handover ceremony will take place during mid-January 2022.

Today, during a ‘meet-and-greet’ by the GRDM Deputy Executive Mayor, Alderlady Rosina Ruiters and Cllr Erica Meyer, Alderlady Ruiters encouraged students to seize every opportunity they are given in life and to grab it with both hands.  She wished them well with the training programme and all their future endeavors.

03 November 2021 Media Release: Firefighters from Garden Route DM educate the youth and elderly about fires

Media Release: Firefighters from Garden Route DM educate the youth and elderly about fires

For Immediate Release
03 November 2021

As part of their daily mandatory functions, firefighters of the Garden Route District Municipality’s (GRDM) Fire Services eagerly share information about preventative measures to inform, educate and make their fellow Garden Routers aware of fire safety and the prevention of wildfires.

Since the start of the municipality’s financial year (July annually), the GRDM Fire Services rolled out educational awareness interventions primarily focused on schools and communities within traditional high risk rural and on urban interfaces. An urban interface is an area bordering residential areas and wildlife vegetation.

Additionally, the GRDM Fire Services performs an inclusive firefighting function within the Kannaland Municipal area and continuously conducts home fire safety, building fire safety interventions, and compliance inspections.

During the sessions, communities are informed, educated and equipped with the basic knowledge and skills needed in the event of a fire, as well as how to prevent a fire Topics and details being taught to community members, include (click on "+" to expand the tabs below):

What to do when discovering a wildfire

  • Warn people inside the house to get out safely.
  • Help people to get out and stay out of harm’s way.
  • If there’s a lot of smoke, crawl out below the smoke to escape the fire.
  • Where possible, have more than one exit from your house, with clear routes to a door.
  • Veld fires spread fast, so these need to be extinguished immediately when discovered, and if safe to do so, the Fire Brigade must be called immediately.

Using evacuation routes and sheltered areas

  • Follow the emergency exit signs that are mounted on walls and nearby doors.
  • Move to a safe space of shelter away from the fire or emergency.
  • Move to the point where of gathering.

What not to do in a fire situation

  • Never use water to kill an electrical fire. It’s also handy to keep a bucket of clean sand ready outside your kitchen door, or if possible, a small fire extinguisher.
  • Do not stand or evacuate uphill from a veld, bush or mountain fire because fires spread faster in an upwards direction.
  • Do not attempt to outrun a fast-spreading veld and bush fire, rather move back to where it has already burned.

Fire behaviour

  • Veld, bush and mountain fires spread faster uphill and through valleys.

How to put out a fire without water

  • A fire needs heat, oxygen and fuel to survive. Without one of these elements, the fire will die.
  • If you don’t have access to water or a fire extinguisher to put out a fire, you can use other methods such as sand or a wet blanket. If the fire occurs on your kitchen stove, try to smother the fire by placing a lid on top of the pot or pan.

To prevent fires from starting or spreading, you should

  • not leave open fires unattended and should use sand to kill the fire;
  • make sure that your home has no illegal electrical connections and that multi-plugs are not overloaded, as these can overheat, causing sparks and fires;
  • keep the area around your home clear of materials (leaves, rubbish, plastic and old timber) that can start a fire;
  • tell someone who’s playing carelessly with fires, matches or lighters to stop;
  • know your emergency numbers to report veld fires in your area immediately; and
  • Veld fires spread fast, so it needs to be extinguished immediately, or the Fire Brigade must be called immediately.

Assisting vulnerable citizens, such as the elderly and children, during an emergency

  • Children and the elderly should be assisted and evacuated to a place of safety first.

Locating and using fire extinguishers

  • Fire extinguishers are usually mounted in an area that is freely accessible should be about 1.0 to 1.2 meters from the floor and be unobstructed.
  • Pull the pin.
  • Aim at the base of the fire.
  • Squeeze the lever.
  • Sweep side to side.

How to safely evacuate

  • Go to the nearest door or opening, away from the fire;
  • If exit signs are present, follow the exit signs;
  • Go to a safe area away from the fire or to a known assembly point; and
  • Do not use elevators.

Safe practices around and inside homes

  • Never leave an open fire – for example, around a braai – unattended.
  • Don’t let open fires, such as a braai – get too big and out of control.
  • Monitor weather conditions. If the wind is strong, instead put the fire out till the wind dies down.
  • Open fires are a common cause of uncontrolled fires in the Garden Route District. It’s a good idea not to start a fire when it’s hot, dry and especially not when it’s windy.
  • Keep a braai well away from any surrounding vegetation or flammable materials, structures, as well as children and pets.

.

LIST OF SESSIONS THAT TOOK PLACE FROM JULY UNTIL SEPTEMBER 2021

Date Intervention Audience Coordinator
06 July 2021 Fire Safety Compliance

Inspection

 Ladismith Cheese Factory Platoon Commander

B Afrikander
23 August 2021 Flammable Substance Inspection Klein Karoo Agri Calitzdorp Platoon Commander

B Afrikander
11 September 2021 Public Fire Safety Education Voorbaat Farming Community Snr. FF Devonia Cupido
11 September 2021 Public Fire Safety Education Glentana Informal Community Platoon Commander

E Basson-Coetzer
14 September 2021

 

 Fire Safety Compliance

Inspection

 WJ Le Roux Primary School Platoon Commander

B Afrikander
16 September 2021 Fire Safety Compliance

Inspection

 Sterreland Kleuterskool, Voorbaat Platoon Commander

B Afrikander
16 September 2021 Public Fire Safety Education Alabama Pre-School, Zoar Snr. FF Morne Stuurman
18 September 2021 Disseminating Fire Prevention Material Vleesbay Platoon Commander

H Leslie
22 September 2021 Public Fire Safety Education Hoekwil Primary School Platoon Commander Nelani
29 September 2021 Public Fire Safety Education Die Heuwel Speelskool, Calitzdorp Snr FF W Petzer
 

06 October 2021

 Public Fire Safety Education Herold Primary School Snr FF L James
 

09 October 2021

 

 Public Fire Safety Education Smutsville, Sedgefield Snr FF J Wolmarans

Educating the public helps prevent fires, save lives and reduce the risk of lives being lost, damage to property and animals dying.  Therefore, it is essential for everyone to be mindful of the hidden fire dangers in and around a home and yard.

28 October 2021 Media Release: Wilderness Beach Awarded Full Blue Flag Status for the 2021/2022 Season

Media Release:  Wilderness Beach Awarded Full Blue Flag Status for the 2021/2022 Season

For Immediate Release
28 October 2021

Yesterday, the Garden Route District Municipality’s (GRDM) Disaster Risk Reduction & Climate Change Adaptation Practitioner, Dr Nina Viljoen, together with the Municipal Manager of the George Municipality, Dr Michelle Gratz, and Nosidima Vumindaba, Manager: Parks and Recreation, George Municipality, accepted a full Blue Flag status award for the Wilderness Beach. This prestigious award was presented to the GRDM and George Municipality by the Deputy Director-General: Tourism (Destination Development), Ms Shamilla Chettiar during the National 2021/22 Blue Flag Season Launch at the Grotto beach in Hermanus, South Africa, hosted by the Overstrand Municipality and Wildlife and Environment Society of South Africa (WESSA).

The Wilderness beach is one of 48 locations that achieved Blue Flag Status for the 2021/22 season nationally. A beach that has been awarded full Blue Flag Status means that it meets the highest standards of environmental management. Although the Blue Flag international award focuses on the environmental management of coastlines and coastal waters that aims to promote tourism and development, it is also a symbol for beach quality, as well as in terms of safety, amenities, cleanliness, environmental information and environmental management.

Dr Andrew Baxter, Chief Executive Officer of WESSA, Nosidima Vumindaba, Manager of Parks and Recreation at George Municipality, Dr Michelle Gratz, Municipal Manager of George, Shamilla Chettiar, Deputy Director-General: Tourism (Destination Development) and Dr Nina Viljoen, Head: Disaster Risk Reduction & Climate Change Adaptation Practitioner

According to a WESSA spokesperson, “The programme provides an excellent international standard for municipalities and tour operators to strive toward.  Sites flying the Blue Flag are showing their commitment to conserving our fragile marine and coastal environment, raising environmental awareness and increasing sound environmental practices.” A Blue Flag status, according to WESSA, is one of the world’s most acknowledged eco-labels awarded to beaches, marinas, and sustainable boating tourism operators. Therefore, to qualify for the Blue Flag Status, a series of strict criteria must be met and maintained. These include:

  • Compliance with the Blue Flag criteria;
  • Information relating to local eco-systems;
  • Environmental management of beaches;
  • Beach facilities such as parking, access points, cleanliness;
  • Access for the physically disabled;
  • Safety services provided on the beaches; and
  • Water quality, environmental education and information.

The Wilderness Blue Flag beach application to WESSA was put on hold for the previous 2020/21 season due to the devastating impacts, and safety risks, caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Dr Viljoen said: “It was a difficult road due to the impacts of the virus, but we are excited that we can boast full Blue Flag status once again this coming season – a symbol of quality and excellence”.

The Wilderness beach is managed as a collaborative effort by the following key stakeholders, who all work together to make the full Blue Flag status possible: the Garden Route District Municipality, the George Local Municipality, and the South African National Parks: Wilderness Section, as well as other stakeholders who all play their part to ensure compliance with the strict Blue Flag standards, such as the National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI), Salinas Restaurant, George Law Enforcement, amongst others.

Congratulations to all stakeholders involved!

27 October 2021 Media Release: We are controlling alien invasive species on all our properties

Media Release:  We are controlling alien invasive species on all our properties

For Immediate Release
27 October 2021

Section 76 of the National Environmental Management Biodiversity Act (Act 10 of 2004) requires that all “Organs of State in all spheres of Government”, develop an “Invasive Species Monitoring, Control and Eradication Plan” for land under their control. These plans have to cover all listed invasive species in Section 70(1) of the Act.

According to Executive Mayor, Alderman Memory Booysen, “the Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) has complied with the required mandatory legislation to take responsibility for eradicating alien species on its properties to adhere to the above”.  Booysen stated that during 2019 Council already appointed a service provider to compile an Invasive Monitoring Control and Eradication Plan as outlined in the two sets of legislation that regulate the declaration and control of Invasive Alien Species in South Africa.

These include the :

  • Conservation of Agricultural Resources Act (43 of 1983, CARA); and
  • the National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act (Act 10 of 2004, NEMBA).

GRDM, in 2019, submitted the Invasive Monitoring Control and Eradication Plan to the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and Environment (DFFE) for approval. After numerous engagements, including inspection of Council’s properties based on the submitted plan, on 05 August 2021, the GRDM received approval for the Plan. Following this, the GRDM Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) Section was mandated to monitor and evaluate properties bi-monthly as part of a monitoring and management control plan.  This approach was established to mitigate the risks on Council properties and adhere to NEMBA. Therefore, the progress and status of the Council properties regarding invasive species control is regularly tabled in Council.

Other recommendations from the GRDM Council regarding the management and monitoring of invasive and alien species includes:

  • creating fire breaks on Council’s properties; and
  • regular clearing and the erection of fencing at all Council properties to avoid sanction as outlined by section 102 of the Act (NEMBA).

Some of Council’s properties are located on the coastal lines with where there is a vast range of biodiversity species. However, easy accessibility to these properties contributes to illegal dumping, which poses a high risk to the threatened species. Numerous cleanup actions were conducted and are continuously planned for these properties.

With the current GRDM Council that approved Invasive Species Monitoring, Control and Eradication Plan, as well as all the control plans with specified timeframes, it is evident that future invasion by alien species is and will be managed and reduced.  An aggressive approach will be taken to implement proposed solutions and controls, pending the budget available within the 2021/22 financial year.

GRDM Invasive Species Monitoring, Control and Eradication Plan

 

27 October 2021: Message of Support to the Class of 2021

To the Matrics of 2021 – Well done, you’ve achieved something extraordinary, amid the COVID-19 pandemic with all its disruptions and new norms of doing things. As you sanitize your hands, wear masks, and walk into the last stage of writing your final exams, I would like to encourage you with the following words.

Be focused and confident in your abilities, and concentrate intensely on your books. Prepare well for the exams, and remember; only hand work, commitment, and determination will help you succeed and achieve your full potential and dreams. Visualise your dreams and be willing to put in time, energy, and sacrifices to reach your goals. Manage your time well, and avoid “time wasters” such as social media, television, and late-night gallivanting, which might interfere with your state of readiness to write exams.  Focus on ticking off one subject at a time, and don’t allow yourself to feel overwhelmed by looking at the whole list of papers you still need to complete.

To the parents, teachers and communities out there – thank you for being a pillar of strength to our learners in these unknown times.  Thank you for helping them to stay calm, confident and positive.  Evidently, the adage “it takes a village to raise a child” is still true in our society today.

As the Garden Route District Executive Mayor, I am incredibly proud of every Matric learner in our district.  For the past 12 years, you’ve been equipped with values and principles to make you a responsible member of society.  Work hard – be true to yourself and be part of a generation that will be recorded in history books for tackling the most crucial year of their schooling career at the height of a pandemic – what a feat.

Good luck to the Class of 2021!

I salute you.

Memory Booysen
Garden Route District Municipality Executive Mayor