Skip to content Skip to left sidebar Skip to footer

Author: Marlene Nqumse

15 October 2025 Media Release: GRDM bags two awards during the 10th Toughest Firefighter South Africa Championship

GRDM bags two awards during the 10th Toughest Firefighter South Africa Championship

15 October 2025

George – The winners of various categories were announced last Saturday night following three days of the gruelling 10th Toughest Firefighter Alive (TFA) South Africa Championship, held at the Garden Route Mall in George. Firefighters and fire chiefs from across South Africa, as well as teams from Botswana and Namibia, participated in the prestigious event.

The awards ceremony which was held at the Garden Route Fire Station in George was officially opened by Councillor Jobieth Hoogbaard, Member of the Mayoral Committee responsible for Community Services and including Fire and Rescue Services. He welcomed all attendees, referring to every participant as a winner, and congratulated them on their efforts. He concluded with the event programme directorโ€™s memorable words from the first day of the competition: โ€œ๐—™๐—ถ๐—ฟ๐—ฒ๐—ณ๐—ถ๐—ด๐—ต๐˜๐—ฒ๐—ฟ๐˜€ ๐—ป๐—ฒ๐˜ƒ๐—ฒ๐—ฟ ๐—พ๐˜‚๐—ถ๐˜.โ€

During a very brief keynote address, Garden Route District Municipal (GRDM) Executive Mayor Andrew Stroebel extended a special thank you to all the sponsors, his team, including the Firefighters, Communicators, Leadership and the Organising Committee. โ€œI hope the Garden Route treated you well. Please come back with your families and enjoy our hospitality and beautiful Blue Flag beaches ,โ€ he said.

๐—›๐—ฒ๐—ฟ๐—ฒ ๐—ฎ๐—ฟ๐—ฒ ๐˜๐—ต๐—ถ๐˜€ ๐˜†๐—ฒ๐—ฎ๐—ฟโ€™๐˜€ ๐˜„๐—ถ๐—ป๐—ป๐—ฒ๐—ฟ๐˜€:

Aphiwe Ndukbini from Western Cape EMS Rescue Services claimed the title of Overall TFA Champion, in second place was Emile Conrad from the Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) Fire Services, followed by Manie Gouws from the Westrand N’zuri, who secured third place.

In a historic first for the competition, the Overall Female Champion title was shared between Baigum Abrahams and Thobeka Senatse, both representing the City of Cape Town Fire and Rescue Services. Sweetness Qinisile from Western Cape EMS Rescue Services earned second place, while Natasha Stoltz, a volunteer with Wildfire Services, took third.

The Overall TFA Relay Open Champions are firefighters from Westrand Nโ€™zuri, who claimed first place. In second place was the City of Cape Town Fire and Rescue Services, followed by the GRDM Fire Services in third place.

According to Mayor Stroebel, the Garden Route Council takes immense pride in its firefighters, who serve not only as ambassadors for the municipality but also as representatives of the region and South Africa on the global stage. Their dedication to health, fitness, and professional excellence embodies the true spirit of firefighting and serves as an inspiration to us all.

โ€œCongratulations to Team Garden Route on their outstanding achievements and thank you to the public for their support throughout the event,โ€ said Stroebel.

Two gentlemen, Andrew Burch and Faisel Dossary from Saudi Arabia, attended the three-day event as technical directors and event critics, providing expert insight and guidance to further develop the Toughest Firefighter Alive (TFA) competition in South Africa and globally. They also promoted the World Firefighters’ Games, scheduled to take place in Saudi Arabia next year and hosted by Aramco. Andrew co-MCโ€™d the event alongside our local MC and event organiser, Mickie Louw, playing a key role in keeping the crowd engaged, entertained, and informed.

John Hartley, president of the World Firefighter Games, and his wife Laura Hartley from Australia, also attended the competition, showing their support for the event and the participating firefighters.

A huge thank you also has to go out to everyone who made this event such a huge success. The event was organised by Firefighters for Excellence, Garden Route District Municipality Fire and Rescue Services, and the World Firefighter Games. It was presented in collaboration with Garden Route District Municipality, George Tourism, Garden Route Mall, and George Municipality.

The event proudly acknowledges its partners and sponsors:

  • Media Partner: Fire and Rescue International.
  • Platinum Sponsor: Industrial Fire and Hazard Control.
  • Silver Sponsors: Vanguard Fire and Safety and Ramcom Truck Load Bodies.
  • Other Sponsors: Garden Route District Municipality, Drรคger, Form Scaff, FirstCare, Frontiermedix, Perfectwater, Pick n Pay, TyreMart, Henra, Kiron Pty Ltd & Project One Pty Ltd, and Design Plus.

-END-

13 October 2025 NOTICE OF PUBLIC PARTICIPATION FOR THE GARDEN ROUTE DISTRICT MUNICIPALITY FIRE SAFETY BY-LAW RELATING TO VELD, MOUNTAIN, AND CHEMICAL FIRES

NOTICE OF PUBLIC PARTICIPATION FOR THE GARDEN ROUTE DISTRICT MUNICIPALITY FIRE SAFETY BY-LAW RELATING TO VELD, MOUNTAIN, AND CHEMICAL FIRES.

Furthermore, the adoption of The Community Fire Safety By-law (2002) for regulation of Building Fire Protection and related activities

The Garden Route District Municipality envisage to enact a Fire Safety By-Law, relating to Veld, Mountain, and Chemical Fires. In terms of Section 156 (2) of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, Act No. 108 of 1996, the Municipal Systems Act, No. 32 of 2000, and Section 16 of the Fire Brigade Services Act, 99 of 1987 the Garden Route District Municipality makes this bylaw for the effective administration of matters that it has the right to administer. As per the provisions of Sections 12 and 13 as well as sections 21 and 21A of the Municipal Systems Act, 32 of 2000, Garden Route District Municipality publish this by-law for public comment and input, prior to being gazetted.

Notice is hereby given that the Draft Garden Route District Municipality Fire Safety By-Law relating to Veld, Mountain and Chemical Fires will be available for public comment and input from 13 October 2025 toย  13 November 2025. The draft Garden Route District Municipality Fire Safety By-Law will be available for viewing at the following places:

  • Garden Route District Municipality Head office, 54 York Street, George.
  • Garden Route District Municipality Fire Station, Opal Close, Tamsui Industrial.
  • George Municipality Head office, York Street, 71 York Street.
  • George Municipality Fire Station, 124 Mitchell Street.
  • Mossel Bay Municipality Head office, 101 Marsh Street.
  • Mossel Bay Municipality Fire Station, Heiderand
  • Knysna Municipality Head office, 5 Clyde Street.
  • Knysna Municipality Fire Station, Waterfront Drive, Knysna Central.
  • Buffelsnek Public Library, 6 Protea Straat, Buffelsnek, Knysna.
  • Uniondale Post Office, 48 Voortrekker Street.
  • Bitou Municipality Head office, 04 Sewell Street.
  • Bitou Municipality Fire Station, 6 Flying Cloud Drive.
  • Hessequa Municipality Head office, Civic Centre Van den Berg Street.
  • Garden Route District Municipality Sub-Fire Station, 35 Mulder Street, Riversdale.
  • Kannaland Municipality Head office, 32 Church Street.
  • Garden Route District Municipality Sub-Fire Station, 54 Van Riebeek Street.
  • Oudtshoorn Municipality Head Office, 69 Cnr. CJ Langenhoven Street & Voortrekker Road
  • Oudtshoorn Municipality Fire Station, 28 Church Street.
  • Heidelberg Post Office, 50 Van Riebeek Street.
  • 20) Garden Route District Municipality website – link: gardenroute.gov.za

The District Municipality hereby invites comments from interested and affected parties on the draft Garden Route District Municipality Fire Safety By-Law. Any comments and inputs submitted will be considered during the finalisation of the draft document for final approval and Gazetting.

Written submissions may be directed to the Municipal Manager using the following address:

Garden Route District Municipality, Municipal Manager, Monde Stratu, 54 York Street, George or P.O Box 12, George, 6530 or via email to info@gardenroute.gov.za on or before 13 November 2025.

Any person who is unable to write can submit their input verbally to the Councilโ€™s offices where they will be assisted by a staff member to put their comments in writing. Enquiries can be directed to Mr Deon Stoffels at 044ย 8781000 or 083ย 9411994 or e-mail ย deon@gardenroute.gov.za

Click here to download the Provincial Gazette 10 October2025

Click here to download the MUNICIPALITY FIRE SAFETY BY-LAW RELATING TO VELD, MOUNTAIN, AND CHEMICAL FIRES

 

MG Stratu
MUNICIPAL MANAGER
GARDEN ROUTE DISTRICT MUNICIPALITYย ย 

29 Media Release:ย  GRDM Environmental Health Practitioners of Oudtshoorn Promote Clean Air and Healthier People during National Heritage Celebrations on 24 September 2025 in Oudtshoorn

Media Release:ย  GRDM Environmental Health Practitioners of Oudtshoorn Promote Clean Air and Healthier People during National Heritage Celebrations on 24 September 2025 in Oudtshoorn

29 September 2025

During the National Heritage Day celebrations in Oudtshoorn on 24 September 2025, attended by Deputy President Paul Mashatile, GRDM Executive Mayor Andrew Stroebel, and other national and provincial ministers, EHPs from the GRDM Oudtshoorn office incorporated the World Environmental Health Day theme, โ€˜Clean Air, Healthy People,โ€™ into the health promotion activities.ย  They reached a broad audience of approximately 5000 people with vital health and environmental messages.

The attendees at the event included various cultural groups, schools, religious leaders, community leaders, and more. National Heritage Day educational activities, both before and during the celebrations, highlighted the adverse health effects of tobacco use and the importance of smoke-free environments. Awareness efforts emphasized tobacco control and the significance of clean air in promoting respiratory health and preventing pollution-related illnesses. The EHPs health promotional activities encouraged members of the public to adopt healthier lifestyle choices and support initiatives aimed at reducing tobacco consumption and improving air quality, ultimately fostering a healthier and a more sustainable environment for all.

By combining cultural celebration with health education, a joint health education team, including EHPs from GRDM, Community Development Workers (CDW) from Oudtshoorn Municipality, the Event Safety officer, catering unit of the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture, EHPs from the Presidential Medical Unit as well as community leaders and caterers, all work together.

Health education and awareness topics included the following:

  • Avoid smoking in buildings, tents and during food preparation, smoke only in demarcated areas;
  • Prevent smoke pollution;
  • Proper waste management;
  • Prevent littering and avoid environmental pollution;
  • Consume only drinking water from reputable and safe water sources;
  • Practice good sanitation; and
  • Ensure hygienic food preparation and food safety.

The VIP guests were treated to a mouth-watering braaivleis lunch that honoured our rich local culinary heritage. The meal was prepared under hygienic conditions in a braai area designed to release smoke without causing smoke pollution in the adjacent Bridgton Secondary school hall, where the guests enjoyed their lunch.

-END-

22 September 2025 Opportunities: Financial Assistance towards Further Studies 2026

FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE TOWARDS FURTHER STUDIES 2026

Applications are invited from students currently enrolled at accredited learning Institutions as well as learners who are currently in Grade 12 or have already passed Grade 12, for financial assistance towards further studies in the 2026 academic year. The financial contribution by GRDM applies only to full-time studies and attendance at SAQA-accredited tertiary or TVET institutions. This is ONLY applicable to students whose parents permanently reside within the Garden Route municipal area.

Application forms are available at the GRDM head office and satellite offices during normal office hours (Monday – Thursday 07:30 – 16:30; Friday, 07:30 – 13:30). Application forms can also be downloaded from the GRDM website at www.gardenroute.gov.za.

THE GARDEN ROUTE DISTRICT MUNICIPALITY WILL ONLY CONSIDER APPLICATIONS THAT ARE FULLY COMPLETED AND IF ACCOMPANIED BY ALL THE REQUIRED DOCUMENTS LISTED BELOW.

Applicants must attach a detailed Curriculum Vitae, cover letter, completed application form, and certified copies of the following documentation: latest Grade 12 results or equivalent qualification; latest examination results (for students currently enrolled at tertiary institutions); certified copy of ID; affidavit of parentsโ€™ combined income; and proof of residential address (e.g., municipal account).

Completed applications and supporting documents must be submitted to: Records, Garden Route District Municipality, 54 York Street, P.O. Box 12, George 6530. For attention: Training and Development Section.

For any enquiries, please contact Mr Reginald Salmons at 044 803 1363, Ms Berma Losper at 044 803 1344 or Mrs Nolwando Sambokwe on 044 803 1345 during office hours.

Kindly note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. If applicants have not been contacted within two months of the closing date, they should consider their application unsuccessful.

Closing date: 31 October 2025 Notice number: 99/2025

Click here and download the Official Advertisement.

Click here and download the Official Bursary Application Form.

15 September 2025 EXPANDED PUBLIC WORKS PROGRAMME (EPWP): LAW ENFORCEMENT AMBASSADORS

EXPANDED PUBLIC WORKS PROGRAMME (EPWP): LAW ENFORCEMENT AMBASSADORS

The EPWP of Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) is providing an exciting opportunity to unemployed youth who have completed Grade 12, to gain practical experience as Law Enforcement Ambassadors for a period of seven (7) months.

PERIOD:ย  7 Months

RESIDENTIAL AREAS:ย Within the Garden Route district, including: Kannaland, Hessequa, George, Oudtshoorn, Knysna and Bitou.

Candidates who wish to apply must meet the following minimum requirements:

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

  • Grade 12 (Matric).
  • A valid police clearance certificate or proof of payment for police clearance.
  • Ability to speak at least two (2) of the three (3) official languages of the Western Cape.
  • Must be a South African citizen between the ages of 18 – 35.
  • Unemployed and not registered on any other Learnership, Internship, and/or Work Integrated Learning (WIL) Programme.
  • Must reside within the Garden Route district municipal area.

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS:

  • Certified copy of Identity Document.
  • Certified copy of Grade 12 Certificate.
  • Proof of police clearance or proof of payment for police clearance.
  • Comprehensive Curriculum Vitae (CV).
  • Completed EPWP application form.

APPLICATION FORMS AND FURTHER INFORMATION:

Please submit a completed EPWP application form, together with your Curriculum Vitae (CV), a certified copy of your Identity Document, a certified copy of your Grade 12 certificate, and proof of police clearance, at one of the Garden Route District Municipalityโ€™s satellite offices listed below, or via email to: epwp@edendm.co.za

GRDM Offices
GRDM Environmental Health Office
23 Michell Street, RIVERSDALE.
Tel nr: 028 7132438		 GRDM Fire and Rescue Office
54 Van Riebeeck Street, LADISMITH.
GRDM Environmental Health Office
24A Queen Street, KNYSNA.
Tel nr: ย 044 382 7214		 GRDM Head-Office
54 York Street, George.
Tel nr: ย 044 803 1300
GRDM Environmental Health Office
4 Virginia Street, PLETTENBERG BAY, 6600. Tel nr: 044 5011600		 GRDM Environmental Health Office
15 Regent Street, OUDTSHOORN, South Africa, 6620. Tel nr: 044 5011600

The current EPWP application forms are available at the Garden Route District Municipalityโ€™s Office in George (54 York Street and Mission Street) and satellite offices within the district during normal office hours (Monday โ€“ Thursday 07:30 โ€“ 16:30; Friday 07:30 โ€“ 13:30). EPWP Application forms are also available from the GRDM’s website at www.gardenroute.gov.za.

For any enquiries, please do not hesitate to contact Mrs. H. Claassen at (044) 803 1531 or Ms. A. Killian at (044) 803 1501 during office hours.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. Applicants who do not receive any communication within one week after the closing date should consider their application unsuccessful.

Click here and download the EPWP Database Application form.

Click hereย and download the Official Advert.

CLOSING DATE: 30 September 2025
Notice number: 97/2025

MG STRATU

11 September 2025 Media Release: Garden Route District Municipality Bids Farewell to a โ€˜Big Oneโ€™

Media Release: Garden Route District Municipality Bids Farewell to a โ€˜Big Oneโ€™

ย 11 September 2025

Colleagues from the Garden Route District Municipalityโ€™s (GRDM) mourn the passing of their beloved colleague, Mxolisi John Klaas, fondly known as Uncle John.ย  He sadly passed away on Sunday, 31 of August, at the Groote Schuur Hospital in Cape Town after a short illness.

Mxolisi John Klaas was born on 12 October 1965 in the small Eastern Cape town of Middelburg in the Great Karoo.ย  He would have celebrated his 60th birthday this coming October.

Uncle John joined the then Eden District Municipality (now GRDM) on 08 September 1997 as a General Operator, but due to his dedication and eagerness to learn, he ends up operating a wide variety of plants and machinery.

Since 2019, Uncle John worked under the Roads Services Workshop Section, reporting directly to Melissa Koen.

โ€œItโ€™s difficult to put into words what Uncle John meant to us, not just as a colleague, but as a person. No matter the changes around him, one thing never changed, his attitude. He was consistent, respectful, and deeply committed to his work. For 16 years, he drove the lowbed truck with a quiet sense of purpose, showing up day after day with a calm, steady presence that made him stand out in the best possible way,โ€ said his direct supervisor, Melissa Koen.

Colleagues remember that even in the final weeks before he became severely ill, Uncle John continue to show up for work with dedication and commitment. He worked through discomfort, pain and even when it would have been more than understandable for him to step back. โ€œThat kind of dedication is rare. It wasnโ€™t for recognition or praise, but it was simply who he was,โ€ Koen said.

According to his colleagues, some of the outstanding characteristics of Mxolisi John Klaas were his steady nature, his calm and reserved demeanour and his ever-present warm smile. He never drew attention to himself, but you always noticed when he was there and even more so now that he is not around.

Uncle John leaves behind not just memories, but a lasting impression on those who had the privilege of working with him. Heโ€™ll be fondly missed not just for what he did, but for who he was.

He leaves behind his wife,ย Vuyiseka Veronica Klaas, 3 daughters and 2 grandchildren.

-END-

04 September 2025 Notice of a Special In-Closed Council Meeting on 10 September 2025 at 10:00

NOTICE OF A SPECIAL IN-CLOSED COUNCIL MEETING ON 10 SEPTEMBER 2025 AT 10:00

Notice Number: 96/2025

Notice is hereby given that a SPECIAL IN-CLOSED 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 10 September 2025 at 10:00.

 

03 September 2025 Media Release:ย  GRDM rolls out First Aid Level 3 Training in Oudtshoorn

Media Release:ย  GRDM rolls out First Aid Level 3 Training in Oudtshoorn

3 September 2025

Last week, Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) course facilitators Gail Bekeer and Wouter Jacobs trained 30 unemployed young people in Oudtshoorn area. They were joined by GRDM Firefighters.

The GRDM Disaster Management Section throughout the year conducts several First Aid Level 3 training sessions at the GRDM Head Office in George, however, a need for expanding the training to areas outside George was identified as word of the success of the programme spread.ย  The GRDM Executive Mayor, Andrew Stroebel, was subsequently requested by Oudtshoornโ€™s Mayor Johannes Allers, to also accommodate residents from Oudtshoorn in the training, but in their home town for logistical purposes. According to Andrew Stroebel, โ€œThis 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 incidentsโ€.

In Oudtshoorn, 125 people showed up for the training, but unfortunately only 30 unemployed young people could be accommodated.ย Samuel Misemengo from the Oudtshoorn Tourism Office, together with the Office of the Oudtshoorn Executive Mayor, shared a call-to-action to WhatsApp Channels, used word-of-mouth, shared messages at the Oudtshoorn Thusong Service Centre, and social media, to inform youth about the training opportunity.

The next training sessions will be on:

06 โ€“ 10 October 2025

10 โ€“ 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)

Photo Caption: Garden Route DM facilitators pictured with unemployed young people who attended the training session in Oudtshoorn.

-END-

01 September 2025 Expanded Public Works Programme Seasonal Firefighters

Expanded Public Works Programme Seasonal Firefighters

ย The EPWP of the Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) is offering an exciting opportunity for unemployed youth who have completed Firefighter 1, Hazmat Awareness, and First Aid Level 3, and who are physically and mentally fit. This opportunity will run for a period of four (4) months, from 1 December 2025 – 31 March 2026.

PERIOD:ย  4 Months

Candidates who wish to apply must meet the following minimum requirements:

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

ยทย ย ย ย ย ย ย  Completion of Firefighter 1 course at an accredited firefighting training institution.
ยทย ย ย ย ย ย ย  Completion of Hazmat Awareness course at an accredited firefighting training institution.
ยทย ย ย ย ย ย ย  Completion of First Aid Level 3 course at a registered first aid training institution.
ยทย ย ย ย ย ย ย  Valid police clearance or proof of payment for police clearance.
ยทย ย ย ย ย ย ย  Ability to speak at least two of the three official languages of the Western Cape.
ยทย ย ย ย ย ย ย  Must be unemployed and not registered on any other Learnership, Internship, or WIL Programme.
ยทย ย ย ย ย ย ย  Must reside within the borders of the Garden Route region.

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS:

ยทย ย ย ย ย ย ย  Certified copy of Identity Document.
ยทย ย ย ย ย ย ย  Proof of police clearance or proof of payment.
ยทย ย ย ย ย ย ย  Proof of Firefighter 1, Hazmat Awareness, and First Aid Level 3 completed courses.
ยทย ย ย ย ย ย ย  Completed Curriculum Vitae.
ยทย ย ย ย ย ย ย  Completed EPWP application form.

APPLICATION FORMS AND FURTHER INFORMATION:

Please submit a completed EPWP application form, together with your Curriculum Vitae (CV), a certified copy of your Identity Document, and proof of police clearance at one of the Garden Route District Municipality Satellite Offices listed below, or via email to: epwp@edendm.co.za.

Click here and download the EPWP Database Application form.

Click here and download the Official Advert.

CLOSING DATE: 19 October 2025

Notice number: 86/2025

MG Stratu
MUNICIPAL MANAGER