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Author: Marlene Nqumse

1 December 2025 Media Release: GRDM and Mossel Bay Municipality Join Forces for Successful Clean-Up Campaign

Media Release: GRDM and Mossel Bay Municipality Join Forces for Successful Clean-Up Campaign

1 December 2025

On 19 November, the Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM), in partnership with the Mossel Bay Municipality, conducted a clean-up campaign in Ward 15, KwaNonqaba. The initiative, led by the Mossel Bay Municipality, aimed to promote a clean environment, raise awareness about proper waste disposal, and encourage responsible management of natural resources and pollution.

Objectives of the campaign included

  • Litter picking in targeted areas.
  • Educate the public on the importance of proper waste management.
  • Raising awareness about recyclable waste.
  • Encouraging community involvement through a petition to keep the neighbourhood clean.

The campaign was well attended by the Ward Councillor, officials and staff from the Mossel Bay Municipality, Henque Waste, VLT Cleaning Services, volunteers, and Ward Committee members. In addition, strong collaboration with Polyco, Aquelle, and the Department of Correctional Services contributed significantly to the success of the initiative.

Key Outcomes

  • Noticeable improvement in cleanliness across the targeted areas
  • Increased public awareness about maintaining a clean and healthy environment
  • Strengthened cooperation and community engagement between GRDM and the Mossel Bay Municipality

The clean-up campaign achieved its intended goals and had a positive impact on the KwaNonqaba community. The combined efforts of GRDM, Mossel Bay Municipality, community members, and key partners helped restore cleanliness, promote environmental education, and strengthen community partnerships. Continued collaboration and active participation from all stakeholders will remain essential in sustaining a clean, healthy, and environmentally responsible Mossel Bay.

Featured Image and above pictures: Participants and key moments from the clean-up campaign in action.

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20 November 2025 Media Release: 2025 Western Cape Investment Summit Showcases Transformative Opportunities for the Garden Route

Media Release: 2025 Western Cape Investment Summit Showcases Transformative Opportunities for the Garden Route

20 November 2025

The 2025 Western Cape Investment Summit was hosted at the Cape Town International Convention Centre from 5 to 7 November 2025, bringing together local, national, and international investors with high-impact projects poised to accelerate economic growth in the province. Representing the Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM), Richard Dyantyi and Natalie Raubenheimer from the Integrated Planning and Development Section attended the three-day summit, engaging with investors and highlighting the region’s investment potential.

Anchored by the theme “Catalysing Growth, Connecting Opportunities,” the summit serves as a meticulously crafted deal-making platform designed to attract both foreign direct investment (FDI) and domestic direct investment (DDI).

In a pre-summit statement, Western Cape Premier Alan Winde emphasised the significance of the event: “The summit is vital to accelerating economic growth in our province and creating the jobs our communities need. It is an opportunity to showcase the Western Cape’s investment-ready projects and attract the capital that will drive transformation.”

Eight Transformative Sectors for Investment

The summit highlighted projects across eight key sectors:

  1. Green Economy & Sustainability: Renewable energy projects (solar, wind, hybrid) and innovations in water resilience.
  2. Technology & Digital Innovation: Opportunities in FinTech, digital infrastructure, and e-commerce, leveraging Africa’s thriving tech      ecosystem.
  3. Manufacturing & Industry: Advanced production, marine engineering (blue economy), and aerospace innovation.
  4. Agribusiness & Food Systems: Export-driven horticulture and agri-tech advancements.
  5. Logistics & Warehousing: Smart warehousing, multimodal transport, and cold chain logistics solutions.
  6. Tourism & Experiential Economy: Reinforcing the Western Cape as a premier global travel destination.
  7. Property & Retail: Nearly half of South Africa’s commercial property investment in retail has been directed to the Western Cape in        recent years.
  8. Creative Industries: Cape Town’s film and media sector contributes an estimated R5 billion annually to the local economy, creating over 35,000 jobs.

Streamlined Investment Processes

The summit provided mechanisms to simplify regulatory frameworks and fast-track approvals, with a dedicated regulatory forum allowing direct engagement between investors and government facilitators.

Representatives from the Garden Route District, including officials from GRDM and the municipalities of George, Hessequa, and Mossel Bay, actively engaged with investors to showcase the district’s growing potential. On the final day, the GRDM team attended presentations by the Department of Economic Development & Tourism, Department of Infrastructure and logistics by Transnet Ports and Freight Rail amongst other sessions. The Garden Route district stand drew investors already planning projects in water management and industrial park development. Premier Winde visited the GRDM team during the summit, praising the Garden Route for its strong representation and commitment to drawing investment to the region.

Garden Route Investment Highlights

A key feature with direct impact on the Garden Route was Investment Overview #3, focusing on Target Projects by RW Architects & Condorgreen Holdings. The investment pledge includes six estate developments covering 213 hectares across the Southern Cape, Garden Route, and Overberg regions, with an estimated CAPEX of R5.1 billion over the next six years.

The projects will result in the creation of 3,669 new residential units designed with a regenerative ethos through RootedEARTH, an innovative approach integrating digital technology, ethical AI, biophilic and regenerative design, and real estate economics into a cohesive development ecosystem.

According to Richard Dyantyi, the 2025 Western Cape Investment Summit highlighted the province’s readiness for investment while positioning the Garden Route as a strategic hub for sustainable, transformative economic growth.

Featured image, from left to right (FLTR): Natalie Raubenheimer – GRDM Senior District Economic Development Officer; Alan Winde – Western Cape Premier; Mahlatse Phosa – Director: Town and Spatial Planning, LED & Tourism, George Municipality; and Richard Dyantyi – Manager: Tourism, District Economic Development, Job Creation & EPWP.

GRDM official engaging with delegates during the 2025 Western Cape Investment Summit, hosted at the Cape Town International Convention Centre.

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19 November 2025 Media Release: Rabies reports in South Africa

Media Release: Rabies reports in South Africa

19 November 2025

In South Africa, the highest rabies fatalities have historically been reported in Limpopo, KwaZulu-Natal, the Eastern Cape, and the Free State/Lesotho border, mainly resulting from infected dog bites. According to the National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD), numerous cases of rabies were confirmed in Cape fur seals along the Western Cape shoreline in May 2024.

Rabies is a fatal zoonotic viral disease but is 100% preventable through the vaccination of pets and the administration of rabies post-exposure prophylaxis after contact with a suspected rabid animal. It is transmitted to humans through bites and scratches from infected animals. There is no cure for rabies once a person or animal begins to show clinical signs.

Legally, every pet owner must have their dogs and cats vaccinated to protect both humans and animals against rabies.

 

Image credit: Department of Agriculture

For more information enquire with your local state or private veterinarian, animal health technician or welfare organisation. Contact details of the State Veterinarian in our district: Tel 044 8735527

For any additional information regarding this article, or to report any incidents, please contact:

Mr Johan Compion
Manager: Municipal Health & Environmental Services
E-mail: info@gardenroute.gov.za
Tel: 044 803 1300 / Cell: 082 803 5161

DID YOU KNOW?

 “Rabies is a preventable tragedy, and we have the power to stop it. By vaccinating our pets and raising awareness within our communities, we can mitigate the factors that allow this deadly virus to spread.”

 Related Articles:

https://www.gardenroute.gov.za/2018/11/16/awareness-rabies/

https://www.gardenroute.gov.za/2024/06/27/27-june-2024-public-notice-alert-public-health-response-to-the-confirmation-of-rabies-in-cape-fur-seals/

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21 October 2025 Save the Date: Notice of a Council Meeting on 29 October 2025 at 11:00

NOTICE OF A COUNCIL MEETING ON 29 OCTOBER 2025 AT 11:00

Notice is hereby given that a COUNCIL MEETING of the Garden Route District Municipality will be held at the CA Robertson Council Chambers and via Zoom, 54 York Street, George, on 29 October 2025 at 11:00.

YouTube:

https://youtube.com/live/siw4C07psnE?feature=share

Notice Number: 114/2025

21 October 2025 Media Release: “Hand in Hand for Better Foods and a Better Future” GRDM Celebrates World Food Day 2025

Media Release: “Hand in Hand for Better Foods and a Better Future” GRDM Celebrates World Food Day 2025

20 October 2025

Every year on 16 October, World Food Day is commemorated. This year, under the theme, “Hand in Hand for better Food and a Better Future,” the Environmental Health Practitioners (EHPs) of the Garden Route District Municipality’s (GRDM) Knysna sub-office, celebrated the day at the Masithandane Centre in Smutsville, Knysna.

EHP Mitetho Sithonga visited the Centre on 15 October 2025, where he addressed all the caregivers and beneficiaries, providing health education and awareness on several insightful topics. Topics included the following:

  • Environmental Health Practitioner (EHP) Mitetho Sithonga with beneficiaries at the Masithandane Centre in Smutsville.

    Buying only what you cannot grow locally and encouraging locals to start vegetable gardens in their own yards.

  • Lessons that can be learned from other African countries regarding food security.
  • Avoid unnecessary food waste, instead reviving the spirit of Ubuntu.
  • Different things to consider when buying food products.
  • The importance of checking date marking on food products.
  • The Five Keys to Safer Food.

These topics highlighted this years’ theme, a call for global collaboration in create a peaceful, sustainable, prosperous, and food-secure future by working together across governments, organisations, sectors, and communities.

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20 October 2025 Media Release: GRDM continues to roll out First Aid Level 3 Training

Media Release: GRDM continues to roll out First Aid Level 3 Training

20 October 2025

From 13 to 17 October 2025, the Garden Route District Municipality’s (GRDM) Disaster Management Section once again facilitated a First Aid Level 3 training session at the GRDM Head Office in George.

This time around, attendees included lifeguards, principals and teachers from two pre-schools in the Sedgefield area, as well as firefighter contractors, who are preparing for the upcoming fire season.

According to Executive Mayor Andrew Stroebel, “This training is of vital importance because it equips people with advanced life-saving skills and prepares them to respond effectively to medical and other emergencies during various incidents.”  He also encouraged citizens within the Garden Route district to contact the Disaster Management Section using the contact numbers provided and submit their details to attend next year’s training sessions.

The next and last training sessions will be on:

10 – 14 November 2025

There is no cost involved if you do the training and sign up to become a Disaster Management Volunteer. However, if you are not planning to become a volunteer, the fee payable is R682.00 (rate valid till 30 June 2026).

Download the application form: https://tinyurl.com/m5sjuzmk

Send a completed form to gail.bekeer@gardenroute.gov.za or wouter@gardenroute.gov.za

For more information contact Gail Bekeer (044 803 1347) or Wouter Jacobs (044 803 1316)

Featured Image Caption: Facilitator Gail Bekeer with participants of the First Aid Level 3 training held from 13 to 17 October 2025.

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20 October 2025 Media Release: Klein Karoo EHPs Celebrate World Environmental Health Day

Media Release: Klein Karoo EHPs Celebrate World Environmental Health Day

20 October 2025

The Klein Karoo Environmental Health Practitioners (EHPs) recently engaged in community outreach under the theme: “Clean Air, Healthy People.”

Garden Route District Municipality’s EHPs, Maxwelline Fatuse and Ikanya Hendricks visited Zoar Clinic and Amalienstein Clinic, where they engaged with patients on the importance of clean air, avoiding smoking in public spaces, safe water use, and improving indoor air quality. The public interaction was positive, asking questions and actively participating in the discussions.

The team also visited Ladismith Clinic, focusing specifically on safe water use and household air quality.  The visit was particularly important as the community of Ladismith has faced numerous water challenges in the past months.

Environmental Health Practitioners (EHPs) hosted regular public education and health awareness activities, highlighting the importance of smoke-free public areas. They also monitored the safe storage, handling, and distribution of food served during the event. Food samples are collected on-site during events for bacteriological testing to ensure compliance with food safety standards.

These initiatives reflect Klein Karoo Environmental Health’s ongoing commitment to promoting healthier communities through education, preventative action, and strong public engagement.

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Afrikaans:

Klein Karoo EHP’s vier Wêreldomgewingsgesondheidsdag

Die Klein Karoo Omgewingsgesondheidspraktisyns (EHP’s) van die Tuinroete Distriksmunisipaliteit het onlangs Wêreldomgewingsgesondheidsdag gevier met gemeenskapsuitreike onder die tema: “Suiwer Lug, Gesonde Mense.”

EHP’s Maxwelline Fatuse en Ikanya Hendricks het die Zoar- en Amalienstein-klinieke besoek waar hulle met pasiënte gesels het oor die belangrikheid van skoon lug, die vermyding van rook in openbare ruimtes, veilige watergebruik en binnenshuise luggehalte. Die besoek aan Ladismith-kliniek het gefokus op veilige watergebruik en huishoudelike luggehalte – ’n belangrike tema gegewe die dorp se onlangse wateruitdagings.

Tydens hierdie tipe uitreike word openbare gesondheidsbewustheid bevorder, rookvrye ruimtes beklemtoon en voedselveiligheid gemonitor deur monsters vir toetsing te neem. Hierdie inisiatiewe weerspieël die Klein Karoo-span se voortdurende verbintenis tot gesonder gemeenskappe deur opvoeding, voorkoming en aktiewe betrokkenheid.

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15 Oktober 2025 Persverklaring: Klein-Karoo Tuinroete- en Kannaland-munisipaliteite verenig vir gemeenskapsgedrewe rivier-skoonmaakinisiatief

Persverklaring: Klein-Karoo Tuinroete- en Kannaland-munisipaliteite verenig vir gemeenskapsgedrewe rivier-skoonmaakinisiatief

15 Oktober 2025

Laas week Dinsdag, 7 Oktober 2025, het die Tuinroete Distriksmunisipaliteit, in vennootskap met Kannaland Munisipaliteit, ’n skoonmaaksessie gehou. Die inisiatief is geïnisieer en gelei deur die Afvalbestuursafdeling van die Kannaland Munisipaliteit.

Die skoonmaak was ’n gemeenskapsgedrewe poging met die doel om die plaaslike ekosisteme te herstel en bewaar. Dié geleentheid het plaaslike vrywilligers saamgebring, omgewingsbewustheid bevorder, en besoedeling aan te spreek deur skadelike afval suksesvol uit die rivier verwyder. Die projek wys wat mense kan bereik as hulle saamwerk om die omgewing te beskerm.

Doelwitte van die skoonmaakinisiatief:

– Verwyder plastiek en ander rommel uit die rivier.
– Lig gemeenskappe in oor hoe om afval beter te bestuur en die natuur te beskerm.
– Moedig mense aan om die omgewing op die lang termyn te versorg.
– Versamel inligting oor die hoeveelheid afval om toekomstige skoonmaakplanne te verbeter.

 

Belanghebbendes en Vennootskappe:

 

Kannaland Munisipaliteit – Verskaf logistieke ondersteuning en afvalverwydering.

Kommunikasie- en LED-afdeling van Kannaland Munisipaliteit – Help met gemeenskapsbetrokkenheid en koördinering.

Departement van Bosbou, Visserye en die Omgewing (DFFE) – Jeug-omgewingsgradueerdes het deelgeneem.

FC Velocity Sokkerklub – Verskaf jeugvrywilligers.

Tuinroete Distriksmunisipaliteit – Verskaf T-hemde, sakke, water, bewustheidsmateriaal en die ‘maskot’.

Kantoor van die Uitvoerende Burgemeester, Kannaland Munisipaliteit – Bied versnaperinge aan.

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