Skip to content Skip to left sidebar Skip to footer

Community Services

2 December 2025 Media Release: Garden Route District Municipality Firefighters ready and on standby for holiday season

Media Release: Garden Route District Municipality Firefighters ready and on standby for holiday season

2 December 2025

Due to the region’s high-risk summer fire season, the Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) has enhanced its firefighting capacity.

“We’ve already noted the extremely dry vegetation, coupled with lower than usual rainfall and declining dam levels, and persistent hot and windy conditions. It is for this reason that the GRDM Firefighters have again increased their operational readiness across the district,” said Deon Stoffels, Chief Fire Officer.

According to Executive Mayor Marais Kruger, “the GRDM employs 32 full-time firefighters across its three fire stations located in George, Riversdale, and Ladismith. During the peak summer period, an additional 30 seasonal (temporary) firefighters are brought on board in from December 2025 until end of March 2026.”

The district’s firefighting fleet is equipped to respond rapidly across diverse and often challenging terrains. Resources include:

  • 4×4 off-road LDV skid units designed for rugged terrain and first-response deployment.
  • 4×4 off-road fire trucks for mountain and veld firefighting.
  • Water tankers to support operations in water-scarce areas or in locations where hydrants are unavailable.

GRDM also has a chemical fire (otherwise known as hazmat) responsibility and has a fully equipped hazmat response unit at its regional station. Additionally, a first response equipped mobile trailers at the Riversdale station and at the Knysna Fire Department for similar purposes in the Bitou and Knysna area. The procurement process is in an advanced stage for a 3rd First Response mobile trailer for the Kannaland and Oudtshoorn areas.

Aerial resources for first hour deployment to high-risk fires, are funded through the Western Cape Government’s Fire and Rescue Services and Disaster Management Directorate as well as from the Department Forestry’s, Fisheries, and the Environment. Five aircraft is planned for this purpose, and will be positioned at Denneoord, comprising of Command-and-Control aircraft, helicopters and a fixed-wing bomber plane. Additionally, ad-hoc resources are stationed at George Airport, and Still Bay, comprising of a bomber plane and helicopter respectively.

GRDM Firefighters maintain round-the-clock readiness. All three stations operate 24/7, with Riversdale and Ladismith functioning on an after-hours standby system.

GRDM’s Mandate

  • Veld and mountain fires.
  • Chemical and hazardous materials incidents.
  • Support during major emergencies through Mutual Aid Agreements with all municipalities, including with PetroSA.

Within Kannaland, GRDM performs the full firefighting function, including:

  • Structural fires.
  • Motor vehicle incident response.
  • Hazardous materials.
  • Highly prevalent snake removal call-outs during summer.

The following fire safety measures are essential for residents, businesses, and visitors:

  • Protect homes and structures by maintaining a safe, clear, defendable space.
  • Fires can be reduced by reducing the burn of materials that are flammable, such as dry wood, biomass, and excessive debris.
  • Make sure firebreaks are properly maintained and compliant.
  • Immediately report illegal burning, smoke, or suspicious activity.
  • Local municipalities issue burning permits that must be strictly adhered to. From 1 December to 28 February 2026, controlled burns are not permitted.
  • Stay informed by following official alerts and communicating with the appropriate authorities.
  • Keep outdoor braai fires supervised, ensure they are fully extinguished, and use only designated braai areas.
  • Campsite and resort owners must enforce strict oversight of visitor braai fires.

For emergencies, residents are encouraged to contact their local fire station or the GRDM Emergency Call Centre on 044 805 5071 or WhatsApp 081 709 5193.

Feature Image: Executive Mayor, Marais Kruger and his MMC for Community Services, Cllr Jobieth Hoogbaard, visited the GRDM Regional Fire Station on 1 December to touch base with the GRDM Fire Chief and to meet-and-greet the 20 newly appointed seasonal firefighters. 

ENDS

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/

-END-

25 August 2025 Media Release: GRDM Environmental Health Practitioners Delivered a Fun Lesson with a Serious Message

Media Release: GRDM Environmental Health Practitioners Delivered a Fun Lesson with a Serious Message

25 August 2025

On Tuesday, 19 August 2025, the children of Klein Wonderwerkies Kleuterskool  in Oudtshoorn enjoyed an interactive and educational visit from the Garden Route District Municipality’s (GRDM) Environmental Health Practitioners (EHP).  During the visit, the EHPs facilitated a fun, hands-on training session about proper handwashing techniques. The initiative aimed to raise hygiene awareness and help prevent the spread of germs among young learners.

A Fun Lesson with a Serious Message

The training, led by the EHPs transformed a basic health lesson into an exciting learning experience. Through the use of colourful visuals, catchy songs, and interactive activities, the visitors captured the children’s attention while emphasising the importance of clean hands.  The little ones learned not only how to wash their hands properly, but also why it matters, especially before eating, after using the toilet, or coming in from outside.

“We know how important hand hygiene is, especially in early childhood development settings like Klein Wonderwerkies,” said EHP Anelisa Fuzani. “By making it fun and memorable, we are not only teaching them the correct way to wash their hands, but also helping them develop healthy habits that can last a lifetime.”

Children were shown the five key steps of effective handwashing:

  1. Wet your hands with clean water.
  2. Lather with soap, don’t forget between the fingers!
  3. Scrub for at least 20 seconds (they sang “wash your hands” song twice).
  4. Rinse well under running water.
  5. Dry hands using a clean towel.

-END

30 Julie 2025 Persvrystelling: TDM se Munisipale Gesondheidsafdeling voer Spaza winkel Blitsoperasie in Oudtshoorn uit

Persvrystelling: TDM se Munisipale Gesondheidsafdeling voer Spaza winkel Blitsoperasie in Oudtshoorn uit

Vir onmiddellike vrystelling
30 Julie 2025

Die Tuinroete Distriksmunisipaliteit (TDM) se Munisipale Gesondheidsafdeling in Oudtshoorn het gister met ander rolspelers in die Groter Oudtshoorn area deel uitgemaak van ‘n spaza winkel blitsoperasie.  Tydens inspeksies het elke rolspeler spesifiek gefokus op hulle onderskeie rolle vir spaza winkels om te voldoen aan wetgewing in hiérdie bedryf.

Die volgende rolspelers het deel uitgemaak van die operasie, nl:

  1. TDM se Munisipale Gesondheidsafdeling – Oudtshoorn Kantoor.
  2. Die Suid Afrikaanse Polisiediens
  3. Oudtshoorn Munisipaliteit se Brandweer Dienste, Wetstoepassing, Elektriese Afdeling en Plaaslike Ekonomiese Ontwikkelingsafdeling

Daar was altesaam 15 amptenare betrokke by die blits operasie. Die TDM-span het gefokus op algemene higiëne van die voedselpersele, asook etikettering van voedselprodukte op die rakke van spaza winkels.

Van die 5 spaza winkels wat in die Rose Valley area besoek was, was elkeen in besit van ‘n voedselperseel Geskiktheidsertifikaat wat deur die TDM uitgereik is. Enige spaza winkel wat handel dryf moet in besit wees van ‘n geskiktheidsertifikaat om wettig handel te kan dryf.

Drie (3) van die persele is tydelik gesluit aangesien hul nie voldoen het aan die brandweervereistes nie.

Na afloop van elke inspeksie is die bevindinge met die eienaar of persoon in beheer bespreek, asook kort informele bewusmaking gegee met betrekking tot tekortkominge by die betrokke persele.

Gesamentlike Blitsoperasies gee die verskillende instansies ‘n kans om ‘n holistiese benadering te volg oor hoe om die spaza winkels in die Tuinroete te help om te voldoen aan verskillende wetgewings wat van toepassing is op die bedryf van ‘n spaza winkel. Dit gee ook die gemeenskap die gemoedsrus dat daar wel inspeksies gedoen word by dié tipe persele en dat daar opgetree word indien hulle nie voldoen aan standaarde nie.

Garden Route District Municipality’s (GRDM) Environmental Health Practitioners serving the Oudtshoorn area, yesterday (29 July 2025) conducted a blitz operation in Oudtshoorn aimed at spaza shops in the area. The purpose of the operation was to inspect spaza shops to determine whether they comply with relevant legislation. The operation was conducted in collaboration with other stakeholders including the South African Police Service and Oudtshoorn Municipality’s Fire Services, Electrical Services and their Local Economic Unit.

All 5 shops that were visited in the Rose Valley area, were in possession of Certificates of Acceptability; however, 3 shops were temporarily closed due to non-compliance with Fire Safety requirements.

EINDE

21 July 2025 Media Release: GRDM Achieves 88% Compliance in Latest National Municipal Health Services Assessment

Media Release: GRDM Achieves 88% Compliance in Latest National Municipal Health Services Assessment

21 July 2025

The Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) has once again scored an impressive compliance standard in the latest national assessment conducted by the National Department of Health.

This assessment forms part of a three-year national audit cycle which is focused on the quality and effectiveness of Municipal Health Services (MHS) across the country. The National Department of Health oversees and coordinates MHS nationally. The Department uses this measuring tool to establish whether municipalities meet the prescribed ‘Norms and Standards’ for Environmental Health Services.

In response to the assessment results, Executive Mayor, Andrew Stroebel, said:

“I am immensely proud of the continued excellent work done by our Municipal Health Unit, especially given the challenges faced by municipalities country-wide with regards to funding. Despite limited resources our team continues to uphold the highest standards in service of public health and safety. I would also like to extend my congratulatory remarks to our Mayoral Committee Chairperson for Community Services, Cllr Jobieth Hoogbaard and the Executive Manager for Community Services, Nthabeleng Raisa-Mlandu and the Municipal Health team, from management, to Chiefs and each EHP”.

“Thank you for the tireless community services work you render and thank you for upholding health-standards to be proud of.”

The national audit tool consists of 114 questions grouped into 18 components. These are cover the full spectrum of the MHS mandate. Environmental Health Practitioners (EHP) prepare for the assessment by compiling and submitting detailed written records, proof of compliance, and participating in direct observational inspections.

New assessment tool and challenges noted

The 2025 audit marked the first time a newly developed assessment tool was used, which made comparisons with previous years difficult. The tool includes new components, some of which are under debate regarding the scope of services expected from District Municipalities and Metros. In spite of these complexities, GRDM still managed to achieve a solid 88% rating.

On 19 May 2025, the GRDM Municipal Health Services Unit also received a Gold Certificate of Recognition from the Western Cape Government.

Presently, GRDM employs 29 EHPs, a shortfall in the EHP-to-population ratio, which impacts the frequency of inspections, especially on high-risk premises. The ratio currently stands at 1- 28 912 but should be 1-10 000 EHPs/population. This has been addressed previously by the GRDM because of the funding model of district municipalities not providing adequate budget for all the EHPs required. This is also an issue in other districts across the country.

While the new assessment introduced valuable reforms, some criteria evaluated functions not legislatively assigned to District Municipalities, resulting in deductions. GRDM has raised concerns about this misalignment.

Another point to note is that this initial national assessment round included only 17 municipalities across the country, limiting the ability to benchmark results. However, in previous assessments using the former tool, GRDM was the top-performing district in the Western Cape and among the best-performing districts nationwide.

Although this national audit is conducted every three years, the Provincial Department of Health will continue with interim assessments to ensure ongoing compliance and service excellence. GRDM remains dedicated to upholding and improving the standard of municipal health services, regardless of evolving assessment frameworks.

ENDS

Feature Image: Johan Compion, GRDM Manager for Municipal Health and Environmental Services, during an education event which focused on the correct way to wash hands.

17 June 2025 Media Release: GRDM Environmental Health Practitioners Gearing Up for Upcoming Oyster Festival

Media Release: GRDM Environmental Health Practitioners Gearing Up for Upcoming Oyster Festival

17 June 2025

Annually, Environmental Health Practitioners (EHP) of the Garden Route District Municipality’s (GRDM) Knysna Municipal Health office act proactively in planning and implementing mitigation measures and monitoring work schedules before, during and after the Oyster Festival.  This is done to minimize and address public health issues that might arise during the festival.

The 42nd Knysna Oyster Festival will take place this year from 4 – 13 July 2025 under the theme – “It’s time to come out of your shell” – setting the tone for a flavour-packed festival where culinary creativity takes centre stage. Based on attendance in previous years, more than
50 000 visitors are expected this year.

As always, the EHPs will focus on ensuring that the oysters sold to the public, as well as all culinary activities, are safe and fit for human consumption.

FOOD CONTROL

Inspections of informal food premises will include the following:

  • Daily inspections at the Oyster Festival “hot spots” and various food premises within the Greater Knysna area.
  • Inspections at the central festival grounds, which will host more food stalls and other activities than the year before.

This year, the oyster cooking competition is also back by popular demand.  Special attention will be given by the EHPs (both locally and within the District) to ensure that all oysters used during the event are sampled and monitored for compliance.

  • Several batches of oyster samples will be dispatched to the Merieux NutriSciences Laboratory in Cape Town for bacteriological analysis prior to the start of the festival, to establish the bacteriological quality status of the oysters.
  • Drinking water (sachets) to be provided to athletes participating in the Forest Marathon will be analysed to ensure compliance with the Bottled Water Regulations: “Regulation 692 of 1997, promulgated under the Foodstuffs, Cosmetics and Disinfectant Act (Act 54 of 1972)”.

WATER QUALITY MONITORING

  • Bacteriological water monitoring of the Knysna Estuary will be conducted by sampling water at 14 identified sites in and around the estuary.
  • Bacteriological water monitoring will also be carried out at sites where recreational water sport events will take place.

HEALTH SURVEILANCE OF PREMISES

Regular inspections and health surveillance of premises of all related public amenities will be conducted during the festival, including:
•    Public toilet facilities;
•    Accommodation establishments;
•    Festival grounds;
•    Food markets; and
•    Tobacco control at premises.

COMMUNICABLE DISEASE OUTBREAK

A strict communication protocol for reporting any communicable disease outbreak to the local District Municipal Health Authority has been established with all relevant medical healthcare providers, included private and provincial hospitals, general practitioners and pharmacies.

A glimpse of the usual festivities at the Knysna Oyster Festival.

For any additional information regarding the festival, please contact:

James McCarthy
Knysna Region Office
26A Queen Street, Knysna
james@gardenroute.gov.za / 044 382 7214 / 082 805 9417

Johan Compion
Senior Manager: Municipal Health & Environmental Services
info@gardenroute.gov.za / 044 803 1300 / 082 803 5161

– END –

10 June 2025 Understanding the Role of Environmental Health Practitioners: A short Career Guide

Understanding the Role of Environmental Health Practitioners: A short Career Guide

10 June 2025

What if we told you that a single profession is responsible for inspecting everything from your local spaza shop to major hospitals, ensuring safe drinking water, and even managing hazardous waste? In the Garden Route, and across South Africa, these vital tasks fall to Environmental Health Practitioners (EHP). These dedicated professionals are focused on public health – committed to preventing illness by tackling environmental risks head-on. Read more below to understand the immense scope of their work and the academic journey required to join this essential field.

EHPs either hold a Diploma in Environmental Health or a Bachelor‘s Degree in Environmental Health. The Diploma has recently been phased out, but is still valid for those holding it. Each EHP must be registered with the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA) as an independent practitioner. Community services is compulsory for those who aspire to be registered as independent practitioners.

EHPs fall within the area of often referred to as municipal health services and is defined in the National Health Act, 2003. These professionals have to focus on the following areas during their practice: Water Quality Monitoring, Food Control, Solid Waste Management, Health Surveillance of Premises, Supervision and Prevention of Contagious Diseases (excluding Immunization), Vector Control, Environmental Pollution Control, Disposal of Human Remains and the Safe handling of Chemical Substances.

EHPs from Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM), conduct crucial inspections across a wide range of premises to enforce public health legislation and protect our communities. You might be surprised at just how many places fall under their watchful eye:

  • Food Establishments: This covers the entire spectrum, from formal restaurants, caterers, bakeries, dairy farms, and abattoirs, all the way to informal food vendors and spaza shops.
  • Business Sector: Inspections extend to places like old age homes, frail care homes, bed and breakfasts, Airbnbs, self-catering accommodation, caravan parks, campsites, hostels, and hotels.
  • Healthcare Facilities: Doctor’s rooms, dentists, veterinary practices, hospitals, and clinics are all subject to inspections to ensure health standards are met.
  • Personal Care Services: Barber shops, spas, tattoo parlours, beauticians, and piercing shops are also inspected to prevent the spread of infections.
  • Residential & Government Spaces: This includes private homes, government buildings, and funeral undertakers.
  • Industrial Sites: Both small and large industrial operations are inspected to ensure they comply with environmental health regulations.
  • Educational Facilities: Schools, crèches, aftercare premises, nurseries, colleges, and universities are checked to provide safe environments for learning.
  • Public Sanitation: Public ablution facilities in malls, petrol stations, and informal settlements are regularly inspected.
  • Waste Management: This is a huge area, encompassing landfill sites, recycling facilities, hazardous waste facilities, and even illegal dump sites.
  • Water Quality: Inspections include private and municipal wastewater treatment works, along with the critical sampling of river water, drinking water, and food samples for bacteriological contamination. 

Why are EHPs the cornerstone of community health?

EHPs are absolutely necessary for monitoring and upholding public safety and health. They focus on the environmental factors that may have a directly impact on the well-being of humans, covering the nine key performance areas within the scope of practice for EHPs. There’s a strong emphasis in this profession on the principle – ‘prevention is better than cure’. The goal is to eliminate a hazard before anyone’s health is affected, ensuring a proactive approach to the well-being of communities.

When are inspections scheduled?

Inspections and surveillance of all identified premises are determined and undertaken as per approved frequency schedule compiled for EHPs, however, random visits are also done and tip-offs from the public are welcome about unfavourable conditions.

How can the public report health concerns?

To report any Food Safety related complaints, contact your nearest GRDM Municipal Health Office:

Johan Compion
jcompion@gardenroute.gov.za
044 803 1550 / 082 803 5161

Desmond Paulse – Manager: Municipal Health Klein Karoo
desmond@gardenroute.gov.za
044 272 2241 / Cell: 083 678 6530
94 St John Street, Oudtshoorn

Rinay Cloete – Acting Chief: Municipal Health Mossel Bay
rinay@gardenroute.gov.za
044 693 0006 /Cell: 083 630 6108
C/O Sampson & Marling Street, Ext 23, Mossel Bay

Emmy Douglas – Chief: Municipal Health George (Outeniqua)
emmy@gardenroute.gov.za
044 803 1537 / Cell: 078 457 2824
Mission Street, Industrial Area, George, 6530

Jessica Erasmus – Acting Chief: Municipal Health George (Wilderness)
jessica@gardenroute.gov.za
044 803 1522 / Cell: 081 346 3118
Mission Street, Industrial Area, George

James McCarthy – Chief: Municipal Health Knysna (Lakes)
james@gardenroute.gov.za
044 382 7214 / Cell: 082 805 9417
26A Queen Street, Knysna

Gawie Vos – Chief: Municipal Health Bitou (Lakes)
Gjvos@gardenroute.gov.za
044 501 1600 / Cell: 083 557 1522
7 Gibb Street, Plettenberg Bay

Haemish Herwels – Chief: Municipal Health Hessequa (Langeberg)
haemish@gardenroute.gov.za
028 713 2438 / Cell: 083 678 6545
23 Mitchell Street, Riversdale

 *Landline numbers are only in use during weekdays

20 May 2025 Media Release: GRDM Municipal Health Services awarded a ‘Gold Certificate of Recognition’

Media Release: GRDM Municipal Health Services awarded a ‘Gold Certificate of Recognition’

20 May 2025

The Western Cape Provincial Government (WCG) held an award ceremony earlier today, 19 May 2025, at the Lentegeur Hospital in Cape Town, for several categories relating to Health and Wellness. The Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM)’s Municipal Health Unit received a Gold Certificate for its performance coined “the technological advancement of environmental health and outstanding performance and adherence to Municipal Health Norms and Standards”. The Central Karoo District landed 3rd position with the City of Cape Town in 2nd position.

In his congratulatory message, GRDM Mayor Andrew Stroebel said: “I extend my heartfelt congratulations to our Environmental Health Practitioners (EHP) on this remarkable achievement. Receiving a Gold Certificate of Recognition reflects every EHPs dedication, innovation, and excellence that define the GRDM’s approach to environmental health.”

Cllr Jobieth Hoogbaard, who is the MMC for Community Services also shared a word by mentioning: “As the MMC for Community Services, I am excited and I want to congratulate the team on the excellent work they keep doing. I’m pleased that the residents of the greater Garden Route remain safe through the services delivered, especially in terms of food safety and water quality. We will continue to prioritise these efforts and put the safety of residents first.”

GRDM Municipal Manager Monde Stratu also shared a word on behalf of the GRDM administration to the Municipal Health Unit by saying: “Your hard work sets a benchmark for service delivery across the province. Well done!”

Nthabeleng Raisa-Mlandu, the Executive Manager for Community Services, said: “During the audit done by WCG, we achieved a compliance rate of 96.7%. For me, it is evident that we are making substantial progress and that my team of 32 EHPs are moving in a positive direction. I am proud of every EHP in my Department”.

Johan Compion, Senior Manager of Municipal Health, Solid Waste Management and Air Quality Control at GRDM, who received the award on behalf of all the EHPs, has been heading the Unit since 2006 and is one of the longest-serving employees of the GRDM.

The WCG Directorate Facilities Management of the Western Cape Provincial Department of Health and Wellness conducted the audit of the GRDM’s Municipal Health Services during the 2023/2024 year and does this on an annual basis.

The following municipal health-related key performance indicators and administration processes were audited:

  • client rights;
  • operational management;
  • facility and infrastructure;
  • leadership;
  • corporate governance;
  • vector control;
  • environment pollution control;
  • waste management;
  • water quality monitoring;
  • law enforcement;
  • health surveillance of premises.

Image caption: Simon Kaye, Deputy Director: Corporate Services; Johan Compion, Senior Manager of Municipal Health, Solid Waste Management and Air Quality Control at GRDM; Stanley Nomelo, Program Manager: Environmental Health Services, WCG Health and Wellness; and Laura Angeletti-du Toit, Chief Director: Integrated Facilities Management.

Editors’ Note:

Municipal Health Services is defined in the National Health Act of 2003 and include the following Key Performance Areas: Water Quality Monitoring, Food Control, Solid Waste Management, Health Surveillance of Premises, Supervision and Prevention of Communicable Diseases, Vector Control, Environmental Pollution Control, the Disposal of Human Remains and the Safe handling of Chemical substances. The primary aims of Municipal Health Services are to promote health and to ensure a healthy environment for the community.

 

13 May 2025 Media Release: Holy Cross Primary School visits GRDM Firefighters

Media Release: Holy Cross Primary School visits GRDM Firefighters

13 May 2025

The Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) Firefighters were visited by learners from the Holy Cross Primary School in George on Wednesday, 9 May 2025. The event, described as an enjoyable experience where both learners and teachers were made aware and educate on very important basic fire safety dos and don’ts.

Firefighters enjoyed educating and entertaining the youngsters, who showed a keen interest in the field of firefighting. Presentations were made about essential fire safety elements around the home, at school, as well as what to do when spotting a fire elsewhere. In a fun-filled and interactive way, learners were also taught the relevant emergency contact numbers of the emergency services.

“The learners enjoyed interacting with real firefighters and trying on the protective gear,” said Elana Basson-Coetzer, Platoon Commander.

“The ‘little ones certainly enjoyed their visit at the GRDM fire station.”

The young learners enjoyed their time with the firefighters.

The most exciting part of the visit to the fire station was when water was sprayed from the high-pressure hose, allowing the children to experience how flames are extinguished. They were also fascinated seeing how foam is generated, which is used to remove oxygen from certain fire types.

The visit was facilitator by Elana Basson-Coetzer and learner firefighter Corne Fourie. Both indicated that they equally enjoyed empowering the youth of Garden Route,  and the leaders of tomorrow.

Please contact Devonia Cupido, Acting Station Officer: Fire Safety & Training, at Devonia@gardenroute.gov.za if you would like our firefighters to visit your location.

-END-

24 March 2025 GRDM Hosts Fun Run to Raise Awareness for World TB Day

Media Release: GRDM Hosts Fun Run to Raise Awareness for World TB Day

24 March 2025

In commemoration of World Tuberculosis (TB) Day which is today, 24 March, the Environmental Health Practitioners (EHP) from the Garden Route District Municipality’s (GRDM) Hessequa Office, in collaboration with the local Child Welfare South Africa office in Hessequa, hosted a 5km fun run on Saturday to celebrate and raise awareness about TB.

The fun run took place in Riversdale, starting at the Town Sports Stadium (“Steg”). Approximately 120 community members, including councillors, and local rugby players, participated in the event.

The event was officially opened by Councillor Jobieth Hoogbaard, the Portfolio Chairperson for Community Services. During a brief speech, Hoogbaard welcomed everyone and mentioned that it is always enjoyable to participate in community initiatives—not only for the fun of it but because there is always an important purpose behind them.

“The purpose of this fun run is, first and foremost, to raise awareness about TB and to convey the message that TB can be prevented and is easily treatable. Too many people in our communities die from TB every year, and enough is enough,” said Hoogbaard.

The theme for the 2025 World TB Day is ‘YES! WE CAN END TB: COMMIT, INVEST AND DELIVER.

Among the participants were several dedicated young athletes who took the fun run very seriously.

The GRDM Executive Mayor, Andrew Stroebel, who is also a local resident, attended the celebrations. Stroebel used the opportunity to engage with residents and handed out water and cool “ysies” to participants at the water point, encouraging them along the way. Towards the end of the festivities, Mayor Stroebel conducted the lucky draw and handed over the power bank prize, to the lucky winner. He delivered the closing remarks, thanking the participants and everyone present, especially the children, for their support.

The Riversdale Municipal Health Office wants to use this opportunity to thank all individuals and shop owners for the donations received. “We were quite surprised with the turnout this morning as well as with the support we received from both our superiors and our local community,” said Bronwen Moolman, one of the organising members from the Riversdale office.

A special word of gratitude to:

Sponsors:

  • GRDM Communications
  • Child Welfare SA – Riversdale
  • Riversdale Superspar
  • JC Butchery
  • Era Soda
  • Klein Begin Ice
  • Bubble Boys Space
  • The staff of the local FNB branch
  • Engen One Stop – Riversdale
  • Riversdale Hospital
  • EMS
  • Droom
  • CPF Riversdale
  • DJ – Ethan du Preez
  • Sandra Daries
  • Hessequa Municipality

Acknowledgments:

Riversdale Blues Rugby Club – for assisting with the setup and cleanup of the stadium.

Riversdale Town Rugby Club – for allowing the use of their home field.

Caption: Exciting Activities from This Morning’s Fun Walk/Run!

-END-