Media Release: Garden Route District Municipality Recognises Industry Excellence in Air Quality Management

9 April 2026

The Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) has officially launched its Annual Industry Air Quality Best Practice Recognition Programme, culminating in a handover ceremony held to honour industry excellence in environmental stewardship.

The programme, aligned with the objectives of the GRDM’s 2025 Air Quality Management Plan, seeks to recognise industries that demonstrate outstanding commitment to compliance, innovation, and collaboration in air quality management.

This initiative forms part of the Municipality’s broader commitment to proactive environmental governance, developed in partnership with industry stakeholders, local air quality officers, and provincial authorities.

Dr Johan Schoeman highlighted the importance of the programme, stating: “This recognition programme is designed to encourage a culture of accountability and continuous improvement within industry. It acknowledges those Section 21 industries that not only comply with regulatory requirements but actively engage with authorities and implement innovative solutions to improve air quality outcomes.”

• Industries are assessed against a transparent and rigorous set of criteria, including:
• Active participation in Air Quality Working Group meetings
• Timely submission of statutory reports
• Compliance with minimum emission standards
• Implementation of voluntary measures to enhance air quality performance

The evaluation process is conducted by a multi-stakeholder panel and internally audited to ensure fairness, transparency, and credibility.
The 2026 recipient of the Air Quality Best Practice Award, based on performance during the 2025 evaluation period, is Cape Karoo International Tannery in Mossel Bay, which achieved full marks across all evaluation criteria.

Charl du Pisani, who is the Technical Director, said “Cape Karoo International Mossel Bay Tannery feels privileged to receive the recognition for our efforts to continually improve environmental matters in line with international requirements”.

Cape Karoo International is a globally recognised leader in the tanning of ostrich and other exotic leathers and has consistently demonstrated excellence in environmental management. As one of the first industries to receive an Atmospheric Emission Licence from GRDM, the company has remained an active and committed participant in the Municipality’s Air Quality Working Group.

During the assessment period, the tannery:

• Attended all working group meetings
• Submitted all required quarterly and annual reports
• Maintained full compliance with licence conditions and emission limits
• Demonstrated continuous improvement in air quality performance
• In addition, the company implemented targeted interventions to reduce the release of harmful gases, further strengthening its environmental impact.

Speaking at the handover ceremony, the Executive Mayor of the Garden Route District Municipality said:

“Today’s recognition is not only about compliance, but about leadership. It is about acknowledging those industries that go beyond minimum requirements and actively contribute to protecting our environment while supporting economic growth.

Cape Karoo International has set a benchmark for responsible industrial practice in our region, demonstrating that sustainability and economic success can go hand in hand. As a Municipality, we are proud to partner with industry in building a cleaner, healthier, and more sustainable Garden Route.”
The programme is designed to complement, not replace, regulatory enforcement, and aims to foster a culture of continuous improvement, innovation, and collaboration across the district.

The GRDM continues to make significant progress in environmental health, with a Municipal Health Compliance Rate of 88%. In addition, Oudtshoorn, within the Garden Route district, was recognised by IQAir as the least polluted city in Africa during the 2022/23 period.

Caption:  The winners of the Air Quality Best Practice Award from Cape Karoo International Mossel Bay Tannery, front (fltr):  Ms Anya Bits (Environmental Officer), Dr Francois de Wet (Managing Director) and Mr Charl du Pisani (Technical Manager / Director). Back (fltr): Angus Andries (District Air Quality Officer), Dr Johann Schoeman (Manager: District Air Quality Control), Cllr Jobieth Hoogbaard (Mayoral Committee Chairperson: Community Services) and Ald. Marais Kruger (GRDM Executive Mayor).

ENDS

Media Queries

Kabelo Mohlohlo (Manager: Support Staff)
079 133 0543 / kabelo@gardenroute.gov.za

Herman Pieters (GRDM Communication Manager)
081 4555 699 / communications@gardenroute.gov.za