Media Release: Third Garden Route DM employee loses his life to COVID-19

For Immediate Release
31 August 2020

It is with profound sadness and loss that the Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) announces its third employee who succumbed to COVID-19. On Friday, 28 August 2020, Mr Nono Willie Nkasayi, a Senior Worker at the GRDM Oudtshoorn Roads Services Department passed away when he lost his battle against Covid-19.

The 54-year-old Willie Nkasayi worked at the Oudtshoorn region since 3 June 2005. Colleagues remember him as a humble and beloved person. Mr Gert Verwey, Deputy Manager at the Oudtshoorn region described him as a man who has always treated everyone with respect, and who had the ability to look at the “bigger picture” of things in life. He further described the late Nkasayi as an exceptional person – well-known, as a God-fearing person.  Having been a pastor at his church, Verwey refers to Willie as a prominent religious leader in the Southern Cape and Karoo area.  He acknowledges that Willie’s passion for the Lord and people drove him to always serve his fellow community members.

Mr Kleinbooi Stoffels, Roads Services Superintendent and the immediate supervisor of Willie Nkasayi said that he will be deeply missed amongst his colleagues.  He described Willie as a very disciplined and caring person.  “Willie was a go-getter in his team, always ready to make plans on how to complete a task productively.  His passing really ‘shocked’ me, and made me realise how short life is and that we should appreciate each other while we still can. I will miss his visits in the morning in my office. I am eternally grateful that I was able to walk a path with such a great spirit,” said Kleinbooi.

During his journey at GRDM Roads Services, Willie served his colleagues as a union representative for the South African Municipal Workers Union (SAMWU).  As a shop steward, he lived his passion and he believed that a matter could be resolved in a respectful and orderly manner.  Willie Nkasayi will also be remembered as a family man whose loved ones and relatives meant the world to him; as a community leader; a teacher for many; a caring colleague and friend.

Hamba Kahle – ‘Tata Nkasayi – as you were known by all’.

Media Release: Minister Simmers conduct COVID-19 awareness in George

For Immediate Release
27 August 2020

Today the Western Cape Minister of Human Settlements, Tertuis Simmers, in his capacity as the Provincial Government’s lead in the covid response for the Garden Route conducted an awareness campaign in Pacaltsdorp and Thembalethu, George.

Minister Simmers, who was accompanied by the Garden Route District Mayor, Memory Booysen and the George Municipal Mayor, Leon van Wyk, along with various MAYCO members, Councillors and the Premier’s Community Liaison Officers (CLO’s) distributed masks and information pamphlets, while also supporting a local boerewors seller in Thembalethu.

Minister Simmers said: “It was enjoyable to engage residents and remind them of the importance of adhering to all covid regulations. The only way we will fully overcome this virus, is if we all play our part. It is critical that we continue keeping the spotlight on this virus, as we have to push the infection rate down. This is truer now, particularly since the alert level has been relaxed and more people can move around. I also enjoyed the boerewors roll and I encourage all residents to support their local and small businesses, but it must be done in a responsible manner.”

The Garden Route’s total cases, as at 4 pm on 26 August 2020 was 8659 with 7440 recoveries. George’s total cases at the same time, was 3249, with 2903 recoveries.

Minister Simmers added: “It was deeply concerning to see a number of people walking in their respective communities not wearing masks. I’d like to implore all residents to not take this virus lightly. I’d also like to thank both the Garden Route District and George Mayors, along with the various MAYCO members and Councillors as well as the Premier’s CLO’s for their support today.

We have to ensure that the message to fight COVID-19 remains a priority for all while wearing our masks, keeping a safe distance of at least 1.5 metres apart, wash our hands with soap for a minimum of 20 seconds or sanitise our hands, remain at home if there’s no need for us to be out and about and should we display any symptoms, to immediately consult a health practitioner.”

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

Media Alert: Minister Tertuis Simmers to conduct COVID-19 awareness in George

For Immediate Release
26 August 2020

Tomorrow, 27 August 2020, Western Cape Minister of Human Settlements, Tertuis Simmers, in his capacity as the Provincial Government’s lead in the covid response for the Garden Route, will conduct a Covid-19 awareness campaign in George.

Minister Simmers, who will be accompanied by the Garden Route District Mayor, Memory Booysen and the George Municipal Mayor, Leon van Wyk, along with various MAYCO members, Councillors and the Premier’s Community Liaison Officers (CLO’s) will be distributing masks and information pamphlets.

Minister Simmers said: “I’m looking forward to engaging residents and reminding them of the importance of adhering to all the covid regulations. It is critical that we continue keeping the spotlight on this virus, as we have to push the infection rate down. This is truer now, particularly since the alert level has been relaxed and more people can move around.”

There will be an opportunity for interviews and photographs.

ALL MEDIA ARE INVITED TO ATTEND.

DETAILS:

Date: Thursday, 27 August 2020

Time: 08:00 – 09:00

Venue/Meeting Point: Hypersave, Pacaltsdorp, George

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 of Communication & Stakeholder Relations

Tell: 021 483 2868 / Mobile: 083 2631720

Email: Nathan.Adriaanse@westerncape.gov.za

Media Release: Southern Cape coastal degradation visible as winter storms take their toll

For Immediate Release
25 August 2020

“Much of the erosion and degradation of the Southern Cape coastline, in particular from Mossel Bay to Storms River, is well documented and closely monitored by scientists, and for good reason,” says Cobus Meiring of the Garden Route Environmental Forum (GREF).

He says even a modest rise in global sea levels and increased wind velocity make for exponentially stronger wave action, which in turn results in rapid shoreline degradation. The degradation potentially renders coastal communities and infrastructure vulnerable to irreparable destruction and displacement.

“Coastal degradation is a complex matter and due to a great many factors, the manner in which it manifests is not uniform.”

“For example, the ongoing degradation of a dune system in St Francis, leaving multi-million rand properties exposed to the might of the open ocean, is not necessarily the same process as the degradation of ancient sand dunes at Kleinkrans near Wilderness, or severe damage to roads and the promenade in Cape Town and Bloubergstrand.”

According to Meiring the overall onslaught by nature on the Southern Cape coastline is relentless, consistent and on the increase with every winter as cold fronts bring ever-stronger winds and increasingly powerful wave action.

“Climate change and global warming are matters that are frightening to present and future generations, but there is a lot ordinary folk can do to mitigate the damage to the environment. A point of departure is the way we plan future developments along the Southern Cape coast, the way we manage our water sources, and the way we conserve what remains of our biodiversity,” concludes Meiring.

** The Garden Route Environmental Forum (GREF) is a regional forum for collaboration in conservation, environmental adaptation and community interaction. The forum aims to coordinate regional conservation efforts, serves as a catalyst to drive climate adaptation practices in the Southern Cape and strives to establish a better-coordinated approach to environmental management.

MEDIA ENQUIRIES

Cobus Meiring: Chair of the Garden Route Environmental Forum (GREF)

Cell: 083 626 7619

Email: cobus@naturalbridge.co.za

Photo: Coastal degradation along the Wilderness coast near Kleinkrans is on the increase and is symptomatic of increased wave action, stronger winds and global sea level rise. (Photo: Cobus Meiring)

Media Release: Western Cape Government acknowledges the role of Faith-Based Organisations and Religious Leaders in combating COVID-19

For Immediate Release
25 August 2020

The Western Cape Provincial Government has identified and implemented several measures which focus on public health and behaviour, using a whole of society approach. As part of Government’s Whole of Society Approach, Cabinet resolved to have regular interactions with Western Cape Faith Based Organisations (FBO’s) and religious leaders about Covid-19 government interventions.  An Inter-Ministerial Committee headed and chair by Minister Ivan Meyer has been meeting weekly, to improve and streamline communication between government and citizens in the province.

The Minister of Cultural Affairs and Sport, Ms Anroux Marais and Ms Sharna Fernandez, Minister of Social Development also form part of the FBO Inter-Ministerial Committee.  The focus of this committee is to utilise skills in the religious community to expand the caring and humanitarian relief footprint to those in need.

In addition, the FBO forum creates a platform where members can obtain vetted information from the Western Cape Government and in many ways, becomes a voice piece for religious leaders and their constituencies to directly engage with government.  Questions and concerns that relate to what communities and congregants are currently unclear about are being addressed at the forum.  Issues like humanitarian relief, funeral and bereavement support plans and information regarding various regulations and feeding schemes form part of the regular agenda.

According to MEC Ivan Meyer, “Religious leaders and faith-based organisations play an important role in society. We also welcome suggestions and ideas in the fight of Covid-19 in the Western Cape. We believe that spiritual leaders offer us unique insights into the social and spiritual wellbeing of our citizens. As crucial stakeholders in our provincial response to Covid-19, our religious leaders have been asking the right questions and guiding us in many ways, to package information that is the most practical at ground level. We appreciate the commitment and levels of engagement that we share with them as well as the constant inputs they provide in helping us find solutions where necessary.”

He continues to acknowledge the exceptional work done by religious leaders during the Covid-19 and lockdown period, as well as the significant contributions, inputs and suggestions as joint efforts to combat the pandemic. “Suicides during the Covid-19 lockdown period are a great matter of concern and spiritual leaders play an integral part in emotional and physical support to the bereaved family members. They also provide counseling, care and relief activities and food relief scheme,” Meyer said.                                    

District Mayors from the various municipalities in the Western Cape also from part of this platform, and are encouraged to establish similar forums within their respective districts. This will enable them to engage with spiritual leaders at local level, thus ensuring that information shared during these engagements cascade down to the citizens within the Western Cape. FBO leaders are champions in establishing a behavioural change in the areas of higher transmissions.

 In the Garden Route District, the Executive Mayor of the Garden Route District Municipality, Alderman Memory Booysen, chairs the Garden Route Faith-Based Organisations Forum and is assisted by Councillor Liza Stroebel. The George FBO Forum has been established and is meeting via an online platform weekly. It is anticipated that other FBO forums in the Garden Route will soon follow suit. Inputs by various Stakeholders are also shared during such weekly meetings.

Psycho-social support is available on the hotline number on 0800 220 250.

Media Release: Severe Weather Update

For Immediate Release
16 August 2020

Disaster Management centres across the province and emergency responders are on standby for the severe weather predicted for the Western Cape this week.

The South African Weather Services are advising that the province can expect very cold weather and disruptive snowfall over the high lying areas of Cape Winelands, Central Karoo and Garden Route Districts from this evening to Tuesday. The SAWS further projects heavy rainfall leading to localised flooding across the coastal regions of the province, from Cape Town to the Garden Route over the period.

The Minister of Local Government, Environmental Affairs and Development Planning, Anton Bredell, is urging members of the public to stay indoors and off the roads over the period as far as possible.

“We want to make the public aware of the latest weather warnings and in particular, highlight the risks of being outdoors during these weather conditions. Avoid crossing rivers and swollen streams where water is above your ankles. In buildings, move valuables to a safe place above the expected flood level. In rural areas relocate animals to a safe place on higher ground.”

Bredell says the public should contact the relevant disaster management entities as quickly as possible should an emergency occur.

“The easiest number to remember to call in an emergency is 112. This number can be dialled toll-free from any cell phone.”

In case of emergency other relevant numbers to call are:

Cape Winelands Municipality                               021-886-9244 / 021-8874446

Garden Route District:                                           044 805 5071

Central Karoo:                                                          023 449 8000

West Coast:                                                               022 433 8700

Overberg:                                                                 028 425 1690

City of Cape Town:                                                 107 landline or 080-911-4357

Flooding related Tip Sheet

How Can I Prepare for a Flood?

• Identify the risk in your local area.
• Prepare a home emergency plan, and identify risks around your home.
• Remove leaves (from downpipes or gutters) or any other items that can increase the risk of flooding in your area.
• Have an evacuation plan. Everyone in your family has to know where to go to find shelter.
• Prepare an emergency toolkit. This should include a first aid kit, torch and portable radio with batteries, candles and waterproof matches, drinking water, a multi-tool, whistle and emergency contact numbers.

What Should I do during a flooding?

• Monitor current flood warnings. Listen to the radio for emergency warnings, evacuation advice and weather updates.
• Avoid entering floodwater unless it is necessary, and never underestimate the strength of floodwater, even if you are inside a vehicle.
• Follow all instructions from emergency authorities.
• Turn off all electricity and water and take your cellphone with you.
• Assist elderly and disabled neighbours.

What Should I do after the flood?

• Before entering your house, wait until the water has dropped below floor level.
• Check with electricity and water authorities to know whether it is safe for you to use these resources.
• Be aware of contamination if water sources have been flooded; this could be unsafe to drink.

ENDS

Media enquiries:

James-Brent Styan

Spokesperson for the Minister of Local Government, Environmental Affairs and Development Planning, Anton Bredell

Mobile: 084 583 1670 / Telephone: 021 483 2820

E-mail:  James-Brent.Styan@westerncape.gov.za