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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-

 

20 March 2025 Media Release: Regulation 638 Training  for employees of Watsons Butchery 

20 March 2025

Enshrined in the National Health Act of 2003, food control is one of the nine key performance areas of Municipal Health Services. The training of food handlers is a crucial aspect of food control which Environmental Health Practitioners (EHP) perform.

On Thursday, 13 March 2025, EHPs from the Wilderness Region Municipal Health Section conducted training at the Watsons Butchery relating to requirements set out in REGULATION 638 OF 22 JUNE 2018:  REGULATIONS GOVERNING GENERAL HYGIENE REQUIREMENTS FOR FOOD PREMISES, THE TRANSPORT OF FOOD AND RELATED MATTERS, PROMULGATED IN TERMS OF THE FOODSTUFFS, COSMETICS AND DISINFECTANTS ACT, 1972 (ACT 54 OF 1972).

Health and hygiene training at food premises is essential to ensure that all food handlers are properly educated on hygiene and to protect the public from foodborne illnesses.  The theme of the training entails:  5 keys to safer foods, importance of personal hygiene and hygiene requirements.

“Overall, premises that receive this training show improved compliance during routine inspections conducted by Environmental Health Practitioners. Our goal is to educate and train as many food handlers across the region as possible to increase the compliance rate of premises,” said Ivy Mamegwa, an EHP from the GRDM in George.

During the training, 58 employees of Watson’s Butchery participated. The sessions were conducted in groups, with each group consisting of over 20 participants.

For more information on food safety and health surveillance, please contact

Johan Compion
Senior Manager: Municipal Health, Air Quality and Waste Management
E-mail: info@gardenroute.gov.za
Cell: 082 803 5161

Feature Image Caption: EHP Jessica Erasmus busy presenting to the food handlers and employees of Watson’s Butchery

-END-

03 Desember 2024 Persverklaring: Gesondheids- en Higiëne Werkswinkel vir Spaza winkel eienaars en informele kosverkopers gehou in Ladismith

Persverklaring: Gesondheids- en Higiëne Werkswinkel vir Spaza winkel eienaars en informele kosverkopers gehou in Ladismith

3 Desember 2024

Die Omgewingsgesondheidspraktisyns (OGP) van die Tuinroete Distriksmunisipaliteit (TDM) se Klein Karoo Munisipale Gesondheidkantoor, in samewerking met Kannaland Munisipaliteit, het gister ’n opvoedkundige werkswinkel aangebied om informele voedselhandelaars in die Ladismith omgewing te bemagtig.

Die werkswinkel het gevolg na ’n week van blitsoperasies wat plaasgevind het en  verskeie rolspelers soos die OGP’s van die TDM, die Suid-Afrikaanse Polisiediens (SAPD), Immigrasiedienste, en verskeie departemente binne Kannaland Munisipaliteit, onder andere die  Brandweerdienste, Wetstoepassing, Boubeheer en Stadsbeplanningsdienste ingesluit het.

Op die foto, van links na regs: TDM OGP Desmond Paulse, saam met die Waarnemende Munisipale Bestuurder van Kannaland Munisipaliteit, Hendrik Barnard; Eric Schutte – Kannaland Stadsbeplanning; Marc Rensburg – Kannaland Boubeheer; CC Cornelius Willemse – Kannaland Veiligheid en Wetstoepassing; en Wilmie Viljoen van Kannaland Munisipaliteit.

Gesondheid- en Higiëne Opvoeding deur OGP

Tydens die werkswinkel, het die OGP’s ‘n omvattende gesondheids- en higiëne opvoedingsessie aangebied wat op die volgende aspekte gefokus het:

  • Die Regulasies wat Algemene Higiënevereistes vir Voedselpersele, die Vervoer van Voedsel en Verwante Sake beheer, naamlik Regulasie R638 van 2018, afgekondig kragtens die Wet op Voedsel, Skoonheidsmiddels en Ontsmettingsmiddels, Wet 54 van 1972. Hierdie regulasie vereis dat alle voedselbesigheidsoperateurs by die higiëne- en veiligheidsprotokolle hou en oor ‘n geldige Sertifikaat van Aanvaarbaarheid beskik.
  • Geen voedselperseel mag voedsel aan die publiek verkoop sonder ‘n geldige Sertifikaat van Aanvaarbaarheid nie.
  • ‘n Sertifikaat van Aanvaarbaarheid kan slegs verkry word deur aansoek te doen by die plaaslike munisipale gesondheidsdiensowerheid. Hierdie sertifikaat word slegs uitgereik nadat  die voldoening aan Regulasie R638 van 2018 deur ‘n inspekteur geverifieer is.

Indien ‘n OGP, nadat ‘n inspeksie uitgevoer is, tevrede is dat aan die volgende vereistes voldoen word, sal hulle ‘n Sertifikaat van Aanvaarbaarheid (COA) uitreik:

  1. Strukturele vereistes.
  2. Temperatuurbeheer.
  3. Skei van rou en gaar kos.
  4. Aangewese voedselbergingsareas.
  5. Higiënevereistes.
  6. Plaagbeheer en verbode plaagdoders.
  7. Persoonlike higiëne van voedselhanteerders.
  8. Gereelde handewas.
  9. Beskerming van voedsel.
  10. Identifisering van onveilige kos.
  11. Datumbeheer: Verduideliking van “verkoop teen,” “gebruik teen,” en “beste voor” datums.
  12. Belangrike feite oor etikettering van voorafverpakte voedsel.

Drie tipes Sertifikate van Aanvaarbaarheid (COA’s) wat aan voedselhandelaars uitgereik kan word:

  1. Sertifisering vir die verkoop van voedselprodukte: Vir handelaars wat voedselprodukte aan die publiek verkoop.
  2. Voedselvoorbereiding: Vir die voorbereiding van kos op die perseel.
  3. Voedselverwerking: Vir fabrieke wat voedselprodukte vervaardig.

Belangrike Nota:
Voldoening aan Regulasie 638 van 2018 bied nie outomaties goedkeuring om besigheid op voedselpersele te bedryf nie. Alle ander relevante vereistes van die plaaslike owerheid en toepaslike wetgewing moet ook nagekom word.

Vyf sleutels vir veiliger kos:

  1. Hou skoon.
  2. Skei rou en gaar.
  3. Kook deeglik.
  4. Berg kos by veilige temperature.
  5. Gebruik skoon water en rou materiaal.

Higiëne 10-punt plan vir voedselpersele:

  1. Was altyd jou hande voordat jy kos hanteer en nadat jy die toilet gebruik het.
  2. Rapporteer enige vel-, neus-, keel- of diarreeprobleem by jou toesighouer en bedek enige snye met ‘n waterdigte pleister.
  3. Moet nie oor kos of werkoppervlak hoes of nies nie.
  4. Was jou liggaam goed en dra altyd skoon, beskermende klere.
  5. Onthou, rook in die kosbereidingsarea is verbode.
  6. Werk netjies in kosareas, hou altyd die kombuistoerusting en eetgerei skoon.
  7. Hou kos skoon, bedek en op die regte temperatuur (warm of koud) soos benodig. Hou rou en gaar kos apart.
  8. Hou jou kaal hande so ver as moontlik van die kos af.
  9. Hou die deksel op die vullisdrom.
  10. Moet nie die wet oortree nie! Vra die persoon in beheer as jy nie die regulasies verstaan nie.

Vir navrae met betrekking tot COA’s uitgereik deur OGP’s in die Oudtshoorn en Kannaland munisipale gebiede, kontak:

Desmond Paulse, Bestuurder Munisipale Gesondheidsdienste: Klein Karoo – 044 272 2241, desmond@gardenroute.gov.za

Hooffoto:  Spaza Winkel eienaars van Ladismith wie die werkswinkel bygewoon het

-END-

08 November 2024 Media Release: Media Release: Stakeholders discuss Community Safety at GRDM Workshop

Media Release: Stakeholders discuss Community Safety at GRDM Workshop

For immediate release
8 November 2024

The Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM), in collaboration with key stakeholders including the Civilian Secretariat of Police Service and the Western Cape Government’s Department of Police Oversight and Community Safety (PoCS), on Wednesday, 6 November 2024, hosted a Community Safety Workshop at the GRDM Joint Operation Centre.

The event also attracted representatives from the Department of Education, Ratepayers Associations, and other stakeholders to engage in discussions aimed at enhancing community safety in the district, especially with the upcoming holiday season in mind. The workshop served to align stakeholders on existing safety plans for the Garden Route district and laid the groundwork for the Community Safety Summit that was held at the Town Hall of Mossel Bay.

Key topics included the concept and structure of a Community Safety Forum, stakeholder support for the forum, the Integrated Crime and Violence Prevention Strategy 2023-2027 (ICVPS), and the role of local government in supporting and implementing this strategy.

Executive Mayor of GRDM, Andrew Stroebel, in his address, emphasised the shared objective of reducing crime in the region. Citing a recent tragedy in George, he noted that crimes not only harm individuals but also impact tourism and economic growth. “These crimes don’t just take lives; they also undermine our region’s attractiveness and potential,” he said. Mayor Stroebel underscored the importance of the Community Safety Forum as a platform where various stakeholders can combine their expertise to ensure a safer region for all. “Our journey toward community safety relies on collaboration between local government, law enforcement, civil society, and the community,” he added. Highlighting the anticipated influx of tourists during the festive season, he called upon stakeholders to work together to reinforce the Garden Route’s reputation as a safe and desirable destination.

Portfolio Chairperson for Community Services at GRDM, Councillor Jobieth Hoogbaard reiterated GRDM’s commitment to supporting local safety forums. “The good work initiated by PoCS is evident in each of our seven municipalities,” he said, commending the active safety forums across the district. He further encouraged stakeholders to inform communities that “safety is everyone’s responsibility,” and assured participants that the workshop would lead to tangible improvements in community safety.

The Community Safety Initiative, led by PoCS, aims to empower municipalities and communities to address safety concerns while preventing duplication of efforts across governmental spheres. Representatives at the workshop repeatedly highlighted the importance of working together to improve safety throughout the Garden Route. This collaborative approach aims to reduce crime and foster safer communities through coordinated efforts across all local municipalities.

The Garden Route district is committed to prioritising local safety issues and will continue to support the establishment of Safety Forums in local municipal areas, to implement their safety plans in partnership with PoCS and the South African Police Service (SAPS).

Amid pressing challenges such as youth unemployment, inequality, drug abuse, and the rise in gender-based violence, stakeholders acknowledged the need for comprehensive Community Safety Plans. This includes incorporating safety initiatives into municipal Integrated Development Plans with measurable Key Performance Indicators, as well as effective communication to reinforce public safety. The workshop also emphasised the importance of regular safety audits, placing safety as a priority on municipal agendas, enforcing by-laws in collaboration with law enforcement, and ensuring accountability through annual reporting.

To close the day’s discussions, Ntabeleng Raisa-Mlandu, the newly appointed Executive Manager of Community Services at GRDM, emphasised that while municipalities and stakeholders may have plans and resources in place, achieving success requires a strong commitment from the municipalities themselves. She added that for these Community Safety initiatives to succeed, all local municipalities and stakeholders need to come together in one room to work toward the shared outcomes.

Through these concerted efforts, the Garden Route District Municipality and its partners aim to create a safer, more cohesive community for residents and visitors alike.

ENDS

05 November 2024 Media Release: New Executive Manager for Community Services at Garden Route District Municipality

Media Release: New Executive Manager for Community Services at Garden Route District Municipality

5 November 2024

Today, Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) Executive Mayor Andrew Stroebel and his Mayoral Committee Chairperson for Community Services, Cllr Jobieth Hoogbaard met the newly appointed Executive Manager for Community Services, Nthabeleng Raisa-Mlandu. Monde Stratu, the Municipal Manager for GRDM, was also present during the meet-and-greet session in Mayor Stroebel’s office.

A little bit of background – Nthabeleng Raisa-Mlandu

Nthabeleng Raisa-Mlandu brings extensive experience in community services, health, and safety to the GRDM.

She was born and raised in the Eastern Cape. She obtained her National Diploma in Environmental Health in 2007 in the Free State, followed by a BTech in Environmental Health in 2013. She attained her BTech in Project Management in 2020 and completed the Municipal Finance Management Program in 2016. Currently, she is furthering her studies with a Master’s in Environmental Studies and a Postgraduate Diploma in Public Management.

She began her career as an Environmental Health Practitioner for the Department of Health in the Eastern Cape in 2008. She later moved to Harrismith in the Free State, where she worked as a Meat Inspector for a year. From 2010 until the end of 2019, Raisa-Mlandu was employed by the Walter Sisulu Local Municipality in Burgersdorp, where she held several positions, including Waste Management Officer, Manager: Environmental Management and Compliance, and Acting Director of Community Services. Continuing her career journey across various provinces, she later worked as the Manager of Social Services at Ngwathe Local Municipality in Parys. Her last employer before joining the GRDM team was the Govan Mbeki Municipality in Secunda, Mpumalanga, where she served as Director of Community Services for nearly two years.

She officially joined the GRDM on 4 November 2024, where she will “steer the ship” alongside more than 100 professionals in her Department. Her team encompasses sections such as Disaster Management (managed by Gerhard Otto), Fire & Rescue Services (Managed by Deon Stoffels), and Municipal Health (Managed by Johan Compion), which includes sub-sections like Environmental Health, Waste Management (Managed by Johan Gie), and Air Quality (Managed by Dr Johann Schoeman).

On a personal note, she is the first-born in her family. She is married and a mother of three, with her eldest daughter currently completing her law degree. She is looking forward to them joining her soon in George.

Nthabeleng described herself as a dynamic, goal-driven person, motivated by a result-driven approach to work. “My actions are motivated by wanting to achieve. I have strong leadership skills and experience in strategic management, project management, etc. I possess working knowledge of development issues, along with excellent time and financial management skills and good interpersonal and communication abilities. My decision to join this municipality is motivated by a desire to make a positive change in the community, as communities rely on us for the provision of services. I look forward to adding value, contributing positively, and show my valuable contributions to this institution,” she concluded.

GRDM leadership expresses confidence that this appointment will strengthen efforts to enhance the quality of services provided to residents of the Garden Route district and would like to welcome Nthabeleng Raisa-Mlandu to #teamGardenRoute.

Feature Image: Cllr Jobieth Hoogbaard (MMC for Community Services), Andrew Stroebel (GRDM Executive Mayor), Nthabeleng Raisa-Mlandu (Executive Manager: Community Services) and Monde Stratu (Municipal Manager). 

ENDS

27 June 2024 ALERT: Public Health Response to the Confirmation of Rabies in Cape Fur Seals

ALERT: Public Health Response to the Confirmation of Rabies in Cape Fur Seals

Environmental Health Practitioners (EHPs) from Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM), together with Western Cape Veterinary Services, the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and Environment (DFFE), City of Cape Town Coastal Management, and other partners are working closely to establish the extent and timeline of the outbreak through further sampling and testing.

Circular H80/2024, which is aligned to Circular H19/2022: Rabies: Updated Draft National Human Rabies Prophylaxis Guideline and the Prevention of Human Rabies Cases:

This serves as an alert to inform healthcare providers and workers of the necessary public health response following a confirmed rabies case in a wild Cape Fur Seal from Big Bay, Blouberg, Cape Town.

The sample was taken from the seal in question on 22 May 2024 and was confirmed to be infected with rabies by the Western Cape Department of Agriculture on 7 June 2024.

Rabies has never been detected in seals in Southern Africa before, and this is one of the very few detections in seals worldwide.

Information on various seal bite incidents has been received by the Western Cape Department of Health and Wellness from the City of Cape Town Coastal Management, Oudekraal, Kommetjie, Muizenberg, Blouberg in Cape Town, and Plettenberg Bay.

Rabies in unvaccinated animals can lead to the spread of the disease and can be fatal to humans. Therefore, with the confirmed rabies case in Cape Town, the public needs to be advised of the following:

All human and animal contact should be avoided as far as possible.

  1. Anyone bitten by a seal from December 2023 should seek medical attention and after risk assessment, be given PEP (Post Exposure Prophylaxis) if necessary.
  2. Anyone with an animal bitten by a seal from December 2023 should consult a local state vet.
  3. Owners to ensure that their animal’s Rabies vaccination is up to date.

Public Health Response and Measures Following the Confirmed Rabies Case in Cape Fur Seals:

  1. Ensure all persons who have sustained seal bites since December 2023 access medical advice for a risk assessment to determine the need for PEP (Post-Exposure Prophylaxis).
  2. All new seal bites should be managed and treated as animal bites.
  3. PrEP (Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis) should be recommended for persons at high risk or those directly and continually exposed to animals, such as veterinarians.
  4. Healthcare facilities and medical professionals should record any seal bite cases that have occurred within the last six months using the Western Cape Animal Bite Incident Form.
  5. Ensure the availability of an adequate supply of rabies immunoglobulin and rabies vaccine.
  6. Implement risk communication strategies.

BACKGROUND ON RABIES

Rabies is a zoonotic, fatal, vaccine-preventable viral disease which is spread through the bite of an infected animal. It is endemic in South Africa with an average of 10 laboratory confirmed cases of human rabies confirmed annually.

Signs of Rabies in animals

  • Abnormal behaviour.
  • Domestic animals show aggression, disorientation and paralysis. They may foam at the mouth and bite people without provocation.
  • It is important to note that animals are infectious before they develop any signs of unusual behaviour.

Signs and symptoms of Rabies in humans

  • Discomfort and pain at the site of the wound.
  • Fever, headache, nausea and vomiting and this progresses to signs of neurological dysfunction and death.

Transmission from animals to humans

  • The rabies virus is present in the saliva of infected animals and is transmitted by a bite or scratch, a lick on broken skin and a lick on mucous membrane (eyes or mouth).

Human to human transmission

  • It has been infrequently reported and has been limited to a few cases involving organ and graft transplantation from donors who have died of undiagnosed rabies.
  • Although rabid patients may inflict bites and scratches on health care workers, no secondary cases of human rabies have been confirmed or reported following such exposures.

 Preventative measures

  • Vaccinate animals. By law, all dogs and cats in South Africa must be vaccinated against Rabies and re-vaccinated every 1-3 years.
  • Rabies infection in humans can be prevented by prompt administration of rabies PEP (Post-Exposure Prophylaxis) following exposure to rabid or suspected Rabies-infected animals.
  • All animal bites should be assessed for potential rabies virus exposure.
  • All wounds must be immediately washed for 5 – 10 minutes with water.

For any additional information regarding this article please 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