Author: Marlene Nqumse
11 July 2021 Weather Alert: Impact Based Weather Warnings for Western Cape and Namaqua: Damaging Winds, Damaging Waves and Disruptive Snow
Weather Alert: Impact Based Weather Warnings for Western Cape and Namaqua: Damaging Winds, Damaging Waves and Disruptive Snow
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) | Beaufort West, Hantam, Karoo Hoogland, Laingsburg, Bitou, Cape Agulhas, Cape Agulhas, City of Cape town, George, Hessequa, Knysna, Mossel Bay, Overstrand, Saldanha Bay, Swartland, Table Bay, Prince Albert | 12/07/21 00h00 | 13/07/21 00h00 |
Discussion: Northwesterly winds associated with the cold front, will reach average speeds of 55-60km/h gusting up to 65-70km/h over the Namakwa District and the Western Cape eastern interior from mid-morning through into early Tuesday morning. Over the offshore areas between Cape Columbine and Cape Agulhas, These wind northwesterly winds (55-60km/h gusting 70km/h) are expected from Monday morning, becoming west to southwesterly and spreading to Plettenberg Bay in the afternoon, persisting into Tuesday afternoon.
Impact: Localised damage to formal and informal settlements is possible. Fallen trees may affect properties and road travel. High sided vehicles may be at risk of falling over as result of strong crosswinds (particularly on N1, N2, N7, R321, R43). Strong north-westerly winds over the eastern parts of the province may fuel runaway fires. Offshore: difficulty in navigation for small vessels and personal water craft can be expected. Disruption of beachfront activities is possible as well as danger to rock anglers.
Instruction: Be aware of the following: – sudden cross winds if traveling especially between buildings, fallen trees or power lines. Ensure that all temporary structures are well anchored. Small boats must stay away from the open sea and seek the shelter of a harbour, river estuary or protected bay.
| Hazard | Alert Level | Affected Municipalities | Valid from (SAST) | Valid to (SAST) |
| Damaging Waves | Yellow(L2) | Bergrivier, Bitou, Cape Agulhas, Cape Agulhas, Cederberg, City of Cape town, George, Hessequa, M_Kamiesberg, Knysna, Matzikama, Mossel Bay, Overstrand, Saldanha Bay, Swartland, Table Bay | 12/07/21 00h00 | 13/07/21 00h00 |
Discussion: The cold front is expected to affect the Western Cape on Monday. South-westerly swell with wave heights between 4.5-6.0m and wave periods of 16 seconds are expected along the south and southwest coastline behind the cold front persisting into Tuesday afternoon. The area of concern is between Hondeklip Bay and Cape Agulhas from Monday morning, and through to Plettenberg Bay in the afternoon.
Impact: Difficulty in navigation at sea for small vessels and person water craft (e.g. kayaks) can be expected. This may lead to vessels taking on water and capsizing in locality. Disruption to beach front activities is likely.
Instruction: Be aware of large unpredictable waves along the coast. Small vessels are advised to seek shelter in harbours, bays or inlets.
| Hazard | Alert Level | Affected Municipalities | Valid from (SAST) | Valid to (SAST) |
| Disruptive Snow | Yellow(L4) | Breede Valley, Cederberg, George, Hantam, Karoo Hoogland, Oudtshoorn, Witzenberg | 12/07/21 00h00 | 13/07/21 00h00 |
Discussion: Forecasts indicate a spread of 05-10cm with some parts receiving 15cm of snow over the mountains of the Cape Winelands and the West Coast District (Cederberg mountain range), as well as the southern high ground in the Hantam and Karoo Hoogland municipalities (N. Cape) from Monday afternoon. The snowfall will spread to the Garden Route mountain ranges during Monday evening, persisting into Tuesday afternoon with significant impacts expected in the Outeniqua and Swartberg mountains.
SOUTH AFRICAN WEATHER SERVICE
Cape Town Weather Office
2nd Floor: Oval Office Park
Cape Town Int airport
Freight Road
Matroosfontein
Cape Town
7 July 2021 Media Alert: Memorial Service of the late GRDM Fire Chief on 8 July at 10:00am
Media Alert: Memorial Service of the late GRDM Fire Chief on 8 July at 10:00am
Garden Route District Municipality will host a memorial service for the late Fire Chief Freddy Thaver on Thursday, 8 July 2021 at 10:00am.
You can join the proceedings via the following channels:
Webinar: https://gardenroute.zoom.us/j/95554168723
OR
Youtube link: https://youtu.be/OUoiEQMs4i4
#FireChief
#GardenRouteDM
5 July 2021 Media Release: GRDM Deputy Executive Mayor gets vaccinated
Media Release: GRDM Deputy Executive Mayor gets vaccinated
06 July 2016
For immediate release
The Garden Route District Municipality’s (GRDM) Deputy Executive Mayor, Alderlady Rosina Ruiters, was one of the first 50 years plus residents of Mossel Bay to receive a Covid-19 vaccine on Thursday, 1 July 2021.
According to a very excited Alderlady Ruiters, the overall process from start to finish went very well-ordered. “I need to comment the Western Cape Department of Health for the smooth, professional and safe manner in which the vaccination process was conducted. No long lines, with friendly, tolerant and helpful staff, skilled to make everybody feel at ease,” she said.
Alderlady Ruiters urges residents in the District who are 50 years and older, who have not registered on the EVDS system yet, to please do so. The SMS appointment notifications to people over the age of 50 who have successfully registered had commenced on Friday, 2 July 2021, and scheduled appointments followed from Monday, 5 July 2021.
Let us all work together towards flattening the curve of the wave by protecting ourselves and others – wearing a mask in public, wash hands regularly with soap and water or an alcohol-based sanitiser. Always keep a safe distance and, where possible, avoid crowded places.
5 July 2021 Media Release: Garden Route COVID Update
Media Release: Garden Route COVID Update 5 July 2021
For Immediate Release
5 July 2021
The Garden Route District has seen a 95 % increase in cases the last 7 days compared to 7 – 14 days ago. The district had an increase of 2 311 new cases the past 7 days. All sub-districts had large percentage increases.
District hospitals are seeing an increase in admissions, especially Mossel Bay Hospital. George Hospital continues to admit a large number of patients with COVID-19. The hospital currently has 44 COVID-19 patients of which 15 are in high care. All sub-districts are de-escalating non-essential services to cope with the increased load at primary health care facilities and hospitals.
COVID-19 stats as of 5 July 2021
| Sub-district | TOTAL | Active | Recovered | Deaths |
| Bitou | 3 029 | 115 | 2 811 | 103 |
| George | 14 277 | 1 433 | 12 373 | 471 |
| Hessequa | 2 278 | 190 | 1 974 | 114 |
| Kannaland | 997 | 71 | 877 | 49 |
| Knysna | 5 367 | 350 | 4 850 | 167 |
| Mossel Bay | 9 412 | 1 188 | 7 978 | 246 |
| Oudtshoorn | 4 532 | 243 | 3 985 | 304 |
| Sub-total | 39 892 | 3 590 | 34 848 | 1 454 |
Vaccination roll-out
A total of 46 902 vaccines have been administered since the start of the vaccine program. This includes healthcare workers, old age homes and public sites.
Registration for people 50 years and older frequently asked questions:
Has registration opened for people of 50 years and older?
Yes, people 50 years and older who want to receive the vaccine can now register on the available platforms.
Will people aged 50 – 59 years receive their appointments now?
Yes, the EVDS system will start allocating available appointments as from 5 July 2021.
What about people of 60 years and older who have still not received their 2nd SMS, will they be prioritised?
Yes, people aged 60 years and older will be prioritised over those of 50 – 59 years. We ask that those older than 60 who have not received their first dose to please come to a vaccination site as a walk-in, where they will receive their vaccination.
Will people of 60 years and older who must receive their second dose be prioritised over people aged 50 – 59 years? Yes, our current priority is those above 60 years, for both their first and second dose of the vaccination.
Will sites assist walk-in people aged 50 – 59 years who are registered? Yes, if the site has enough vaccines, you will be assisted. However, those with appointments will be assisted first.
The following sites in the Garden Route District will administer vaccinations on the following days for week 5 – 9 July.
| SUB-DISTRICT | Town | Dates 5 – 9 July |
| Knysna sub-district | Knysna Community Day Centre | 5 – 9 July |
| Knysna sub-district | Knysna Town Hall | 5 – 9 July |
| Knysna sub-district | Sedgefield Clinic | 5, 8, 9 |
| Knysna sub-district | Keurhoek Satellite Clinic | 9 |
| Bitou sub-district | Plettenberg Bay Clinic | 5 – 9 July |
| Bitou sub-district | Kranshoek clinic | 8 |
| Bitou sub-district | Kwanokuthula Community Day Centre | 5, 9 |
| Bitou sub-district | Crags Clinic | 6 |
| George sub-district | Harry Comay TB Hospital | 5 – 9 July |
| George sub-district | Thembalethu CDC (Sandkraal road) | 5 – 9 July |
| George sub-district | George Central Clinic | 5 – 9 July |
| George sub-district | Uniondale Hospital | 5 – 9 July |
| George sub-district | George & Herald Mobile Routes | 5 – 9 July |
| George sub-district | Touwsranten Clinic | 9 |
| George sub-district | Pacaltsdorp Clinic | 5 – 9 July |
| Hessequa sub-district | Riversdale Civic Centre | 5 – 9 July |
| Hessequa sub-district | Heidelberg Duivenhoks Hall | 6, 7 , 9 |
| Hessequa sub-district | Albertinia Theronsville Hall | 5, 8, 9 |
| Hessequa sub-district | Melkhoutfontein Satellite Clinic | 7 |
| Hessequa sub-district | Still Bay Civic Centre | 5, 6, 8, 9 |
| Hessequa sub-district | Slangrivier Satellite Clinic | 5 ,9 |
| Hessequa sub-district | Witsand de Duine Hall | 8 |
| Hessequa sub-district | Gouritsmond Hall | 6 |
| Kannaland sub-district | Ladismith DRC Church Hall | 5 |
| Kannaland sub-district | Zoar Sports Club | 7 |
| Kannaland sub-district | Calitzdorp DRC Church Hall | 8,9 |
| Kannaland sub-district | Van Wyksdorp Kerksaal | 6 |
| Mossel Bay sub-district | Alma Community Day Centre | 5 – 9 July |
| Mossel Bay sub-district | Wolwedans Community Hall | 5 – 9 July |
| Mossel Bay sub-district | Hartenbos NG Kerksaal outreach | 6 |
| Mossel Bay sub-district | Mossel Bay Town Hall | 5 – 9 July |
| Mossel Bay sub-district | Rheebok outreach | 5 |
| Mossel Bay sub-district | D’Almeida Community Hall | 5 – 9 July |
| Oudtshoorn sub-district | Toekomsrust Community Hall | 5 – 9 July |
| Oudtshoorn sub-district | Dysselsdorp Clinic | 6 |
| Oudtshoorn sub-district | De Rust (Blommenek) Clinic | 8 |
| Oudtshoorn sub-district | Oudtshoorn Clinic | 5 – 9 July |
Disclaimer: Dates and sites are subject to change.
ENDS
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
1 July 2021 Media Release: Western Cape Human Settlements Budget will empower residents in the Garden Route
Media Release: Western Cape Human Settlements Budget will empower residents in the Garden Route
For Immediate Release
1 July 2021
Western Cape Minister of Human Settlements, Tertuis Simmers says that his Department’s budget, totalling more than R 2.35 billion for the 2021/22 financial year, will help to qualify and deserving Garden Route District residents improve their lives.
Accompanied by his senior executive team, including the Acting Head of Department, Ms Phila Mayisela, virtual meetings were held with the Kannaland, Oudtshoorn, Knysna, George, Mossel Bay and Hessequa Municipalities. Full Municipal Councils were present in each meeting. A virtual meeting with the Garden Route District concluded the engagements.
Minister Simmer said: “I enjoyed engaging the various Councils, even though we had to conduct the meetings on a virtual platform due to the current increases in COVID-19 cases and the adjusted alert level 4 restrictions. It is unfortunate that we could not engage the Bitou Municipality due to the current instability in that Council.
I am particularly happy that the Councils are in full support of our strategic priority area, which is to create opportunities in the affordable housing market. This is particularly important, as more than 70% of the province’s citizens are employed, while in the Garden Route District itself, more than 80% of the residents are in a form of employment.
This means these residents who are registered on the Western Cape Housing Demand Database and have expressed a need to be assisted by the State, would in all likelihood not qualify for a free, fully subsidised housing opportunity, as their household income could be between R 3 501 – R 22 000.”
These affordable housing opportunities include the Non-Credit Linked-, Credit Linked- and Finance Linked Individual Subsidies (FLISP). It also includes the Credit Readiness Programme, which is linked to FLISP, which assists those currently seeking to acquire a property but who would first need to improve their impaired credit record.
Breaking New Ground (BNG) free housing units will still be offered to those earning between R 0 – R 3 500 per month, noting that the elderly, people living with certified disabilities, those who have been 15 years and longer on the Western Cape Housing Demand Database (WCHDD) and backyard dwellers will be prioritised.
Furthermore, the new Informal Settlements Upgrading Partnership Grant (ISUPG), which amounts to just over R 457 million for the entire province, is a people-centred and partnership-based approach to support informal settlement residents across the Western Cape. It will ensure that more than 74 000 households in various informal settlements across the province will experience an improvement in their area.
This programme will be implemented in Thembalethu and Wilderness Heights, both in the George municipal area, Zoar in Kannaland, Vision, Rheenendal and Sedgefield, all located in the Knysna municipal area and in Mossel Bay.
Minister Simmers added: “It was pleasing to confirm that the fund we proposed previously, and now known as the Western Cape Asset Finance Reserve for Human Settlements, is finally a reality. This reserve has been created for human settlements to augment the insufficient Municipal Infrastructure Grant (MIG) allocations in municipalities, as well as assist municipalities to unlock the value of strategic assets including land and buildings.
It will also assist with job creation initiatives, including developing business/industrial hubs and other initiatives. As part of the broader criteria to access the fund, municipalities should focus on creating affordable housing opportunities.”
The allocations to municipalities of their combined Human Settlements Development Grant (HSDG) and ISUPG for the 21/22 financial year are:
Kannaland: R 6.1 million
Oudtshoorn: R 12. 4 million
Knysna: R 46. 6 million
George: R 97. 1 million
Mossel Bay: R 211. 3 million
Hessequa: R 35. 1 million
Bitou: R 33. 2 million
“It is further unfortunate that due to the current COVID-19 alert level, we could not conduct the sod turning event in Melkhoutfontein for the new housing project, nor hand over any houses and title deeds in George and Slangrivier respectively. Along with the George and Hessequa Municipalities, we hope to find dates in due course to complete these activities, so that our deserving and qualifying residents can benefit in this empowering manner.
I’d also like to state that we remain committed to working hand-in-hand with local authorities, as they are a critical and strategic partner in the delivery of housing opportunities. It is my hope that they will share the information we presented with their residents, so that we can maximise housing opportunities across our province.
As the Western Cape Government, we remain committed to accelerating human settlement delivery, while promoting social inclusion through the development of integrated, resilient, safe and sustainable human settlements in an open opportunity society,” added Simmers.
Media Enquiries:
Marcellino Martin
Spokesperson for Minister Tertuis Simmers
Marcellino.martin@westerncape.gov.za
021 483 3397 (o)
082 721 3362 (m)
Or
Nathan Adriaanse
Director Communication & Stakeholder Relations
Tell: 021 483 2868
Mobile: 083 2631720
30 June 2021 Media Release: “We are two weeks ahead of schedule” – upgrades at Calitzdorp Spa
Media Release: “We are two weeks ahead of schedule” – upgrades at Calitzdorp Spa
For immediate release
30 June 2021
After almost a month of hard work, the Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) owned Calitzdorp Spa is gradually transforming into a new magical mountain retreat, reclaiming its rightful space in the magnificent mountain vistas of the Klein Karoo. Construction work, which was planned to be executed a number of phases, is currently well on track. “We are at least two weeks ahead of schedule,” Medron Bussack, Acting Manager for Calitzdorp Spa.
The roofs of the swimming pool chalets and mountain chalets have already been repaired. As of now, the reception area and main building’s roofs are being replaced with new steel-based, light roof thatch tiles. The contractors also replaced the roofs’ hip and ridge flashings with treated timber battens and related accessories. Amongst the work done has been a new face of the resorts Roman bath. Being one of the most popular tourist attractions of the Spa, the ‘mineral-rich hot spring bath’ is known for its healing and curative properties. The windows in the Roman bathing room were also replaced.
The next phases will commence as soon as funding becomes available in the new financial year, beginning on 1 July 2021. These phases will mainly focus on more repairs and upgrades of the mountain chalets, as well as the ablution facilities at the four (4) camping sites and the four (4) pool lapas.
With the construction works currently underway, the GRDM wants to assure the public that the resort is still in full operation and looks forward to welcoming visitors to the resort!
28 June 2021 Media Alert: Western Cape Human Settlements budget heads to Garden Route
Media Alert: Western Cape Human Settlements budget heads to Garden Route
For Immediate Release
28 June 2021
Dear Editors & Members of the Public
Kindly note the reminder below. Also, note due to the adjusted alert level 4 as announced by President Cyril Ramaphosa on 27 June 2021, all Municipal Council engagements will now be virtual.
Further to this, the planned Qolweni site visit and Slangrivier title deed handover have been postponed until further notice. Minister Tertuis Simmers and the team from the Provincial Department of Human Settlements will also no longer be based at the Garden Route District Municipal Chambers.
Apologies for any inconvenience caused.
MEDIA ALERT: WESTERN CAPE HUMAN SETTLEMENTS BUDGET HEADS TO GARDEN ROUTE
28 June 2021
Today, Western Cape Minister of Human Settlements, Tertuis Simmers will commence with his Ministerial outreach to the municipalities across the Garden Route District. Along with presenting the Western Cape Department of Human Settlements’ budget for the 2021/22 financial year, various other critical human settlements matters will also be discussed.
Joined by his senior executive officials, Minister Simmers will meet with full Municipal Councils. A virtual meeting with the Kannaland Municipality will kick-off the engagements.
On Tuesday, 29 June 2021, virtual engagements will occur with the Oudtshoorn and Knysna Municipalities.
On Wednesday, 30 June 2021, virtual engagements will occur with the George and Mossel Bay Municipalities.
On Thursday, 1 July 2021, a virtual engagement will occur with the Hessequa Municipality.
Citizens and the media across the Garden Route District can follow the different proceedings live on Minister Simmers’ Facebook page, https://www.facebook.com/HumanMinWC
Media Enquiries:
Marcellino Martin
Spokesperson for Minister Tertuis Simmers
Marcellino.martin@westerncape.gov.za
021 483 3397 (o)
082 721 3362 (m)
Or
Nathan Adriaanse
Director Communication & Stakeholder Relations
Tell: 021 483 2868
Mobile: 083 2631720
27 June 2021 Media Release: Western Cape Human Settlements Budget heads to Garden Route
Media Release: Western Cape Human Settlements Budget heads to Garden Route
For Immediate Release
27 June 2021
Tomorrow, 28 June 2021, Western Cape Minister of Human Settlements, Tertuis Simmers will commence with his Ministerial outreach to the municipalities across the Garden Route District. Along with presenting the Western Cape Department of Human Settlements’ budget for the 2021/22 financial year, various other critical human settlements matters will also be discussed.
Accompanied by his senior executive officials, Minister Simmers will meet with full Municipal Councils. A virtual meeting with the Kannaland Municipality will kick-off the engagements.
On Tuesday, 29 June 2021, hybrid engagements will occur with the Oudtshoorn and Knysna Municipalities. This will be followed by a site visit to Qolweni in Plettenberg Bay.
On Wednesday, 30 June 2021, a hybrid engagement will occur with the George municipality, followed by a virtual meeting with the Mossel Bay Municipality.
On Thursday, 1 July 2021, a hybrid engagement will occur with the Hessequa Municipality. This will be followed by door-to-door title deed handovers in Slangrivier.
Minister Simmers said: “I’m looking forward to these engagements, particularly the opportunity to help more resident become property owners. I’m also excited about engaging and where necessary, assist our elderly to register to be vaccinated.”
Citizens across the Garden Route District can follow the different proceedings live on Minister Simmers’ face book page, https://www.facebook.com/HumanMinWC
It is important to note that as of Tuesday, 29 June 2021, Minister Simmers and the entire team from the Provincial Department will be based at the Garden Route District Municipal Chambers.
ALL MEDIA ARE INVITED TO ATTEND.
DETAILS:
Date: Monday, 28 June 2021- Kannaland Municipality
Time: 11:00 – 13:00
Venue/Meeting Point: https://www.facebook.com/HumanMinWC
Date: Tuesday, 29 June 2021
Time: 10:00 – 12:00 – Oudtshoorn Municipality
12:30 – 14:30 – Knysna Municipality
15:30 – 17:00 – Qolweni Site Visit (no livestreaming)
Venue/Meeting Point: https://www.facebook.com/HumanMinWC
Date: Wednesday, 30 June 2021
Time: 10:00 – 11:30 – George Municipality
14:00 – 16:00 – Mossel Bay Municipality
Venue/Meeting Point: https://www.facebook.com/HumanMinWC
And
Date: Thursday, 01 July 2021
Time: 10:00 – 12:00 – Hessequa Municipality
13:00 – 14:00 – Slangrivier Title Deed handover (no livestreaming)
Venue/Meeting Point: https://www.facebook.com/HumanMinWC
Media Enquiries:
Marcellino Martin
Spokesperson for Minister Tertuis Simmers
Marcellino.martin@westerncape.gov.za
021 483 3397 (o)
082 721 3362 (m)
Or
Nathan Adriaanse
Director Communication & Stakeholder Relations
Tell: 021 483 2868
Mobile: 083 2631720
Email: Nathan.Adriaanse@westerncape.gov.za