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13 May 2025 Media Release: NSF visits GRDM to witness success of R36 million skills investment benefiting 400 people

Media Release: NSF visits GRDM to witness success of R36 million skills investment benefiting 400 people

12 May 2025

The Garden Route District Municipality’s (GRDM) Training Section received a visit from the National Skills Fund (NSF) Executive Committee from 8 to 9 May 2025.  The visit formed part of their  annual performance monitoring and oversight visits to beneficiaries. This follows the approval last year by the Director-General of the Department of Higher Education and Training, allocating R36 378 000 to the GRDM to benefit 400 beneficiaries over a period 31 month period.

During a brief ‘meet-and-greet’ session on Thursday with the NSF Executive Committee, the Municipal Manager of GRDM Monde Stratu, welcomed the team and highlighted the good working relationship that has been established since 2017. Stratu expressed his appreciation for the strong partnership between GRDM and NSF and thanked them for their continued financial contribution and support, towards skills development in the region. Following this, the NSF leadership continued to reflect and assess the progress of NSF projects in the region.

GRDM and NSF delegations during the Day 1 meet-and-greet session.

On Friday morning, the visit by the NSF continued as the GRDM Training Unit briefed the delegates on the performance of the NSF funded projects.  Ald. Ndayi  (Portfolio Councillor of the Corporates Services) thanked the NSF for the project and the positive impact of the program on the life of the beneficiaries. She motivated the learners on the program and encouraged them to remain positive and dedicated to complete it. During the same session, the NSF representatives also met with some of the Professional Cookery Learnership and Work Integrated Learning (WIL) students, who had the opportunity to share their experiences, skills gained and overall appreciation.

Following this, NSF leadership visited the African Skills Centre in Thembalethu, where they met and engaged with beneficiaries trained as professional cooks.  The final stop was at Fancourt, where they interacted with beneficiaries working and training in the hospitality industry.

Activities underway during Day 2

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9 May 2025 Media Release: Fruitful Pre-Indaba Discussions lay the groundwork for Skills Development Indaba later this year in Uniondale

Media Release: Fruitful Pre-Indaba Discussions lay the groundwork for Skills Development Indaba later this year in Uniondale

9 May 2025

Local skills development providers from the Garden Route District recently gathered for the George/Garden Route Skills Uniondale Pre-Indaba, hosted by the George Municipality in conjunction with Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM).  This engagement provided a platform for local representatives from the business chambers, TVET colleges, and various departments involved in skills development.

The well-attended event took place in Uniondale and was chaired by Luvo Bomvana, the Local Economic Development (LED) Manager of George Municipality.  Bomvana stated that the purpose of the meeting was to discuss the Skills Mecca Programme and how it fits in to the town of Uniondale. There were also engagements with community leaders and the local business community about the skills development potential of Uniondale and key initiatives.

George Municipality’s Councillor Jarques Esau who officially opened the event, also extended his special appreciation to the George Municipality’s LED Unit and the Garden Route District Municipality’s Skills Mecca for bringing skills development opportunities to Uniondale. He reiterated that youth unemployment is very high in the area. Uniondale currently faces various skills shortages, particularly in the fields of Occupational Qualifications and urgently needs Read Seal Artisans in bricklaying, welding, furniture making, motor mechanics, and many more.

This was followed by a presentation from Reginald Salmons, the GRDM Coordinator of Skills Development, who provided an informative overview of the Garden Route Skills Mecca journey and the various opportunities available. Following the presentation, stakeholders provided valuable input.

It was agreed that a two-day Summit and Career Festival would be organised in June 2025, with various stakeholders and SETAs in attendance to inform and uplift the youth of Uniondale and Haarlem.  Also that the LED Manager of George Municipality will communicate the date to all role players and stakeholder and will work closely with the Garde Route Skills Mecca Team to coordinate the Summit and Carrer Festival.

The successful event will pave the way for the official Skills Indaba for Uniondale and Haarlem, bringing together a broad spectrum of key role players.

Featured image and images above: Stakeholders participating in the Pre-Indaba discussion session in Uniondale.

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06 May 2025 Media Release: Strengthening Our Partnership for Youth Empowerment in 2025

Media Release on behalf of Bighearts Africa: Strengthening Our Partnership for Youth Empowerment in 2025

6 May 2025

Reflecting on our successful collaboration in 2023 and 2024, Bighearts Africa is proud of the impact made through the YES Program in various departments of the Garden Routhe District Municipality (GRDM). Successful placements were made in the EPWP, IDP, Traffic, IT, Waste Management, Tourism, and Records departments. With the support of the GRDM, over thirty young individuals gained valuable work experience, setting the stage for a brighter future.

At Bighearts Africa, we believe in the power of opportunity and mentorship to uplift youth and transform communities. Our goal is a future where every young person gains essential work experience and skills.

This success wouldn’t have been possible without Christine de Wet, our dedicated host liaison. A strong host liaison ensures a smooth transition into the workplace. Christine represents everything we value – nurturing connections, fostering collaboration, and offering unwavering support to both youth and hosts. Her leadership has been key in creating lasting opportunities for young people.

As we look ahead to 2025, we are eager to continue and expand our partnership with the GRDM, further strengthening our shared commitment to youth empowerment, skills development, and local socio-economic growth.

Our vision for the coming year includes:

  • Enhanced Training & Mentorship: Provide structured, quality mentorship to improve job retention and career growth.
  • Workforce Development: Offer tailored skills development that aligns with local needs and supports community growth.
  • Sustainable Employment Pathways: Strengthen connections between youth and employers to foster long-term employment.

Let’s build on the momentum of 2024 and create even greater opportunities for young people in the Garden Route District.

Olivia Goosen: Finding Confidence, Purpose and a Path Forward

Since joining the YES Youth Program, Olivia Goosen has embraced every opportunity to grow. She began working in the Solid Waste section of Knysna Municipality, doing data capturing, and is now assisting in the Traffic department with administrative tasks and handling phone calls. This shift not only broadened her experience but helped her develop practical skills she’ll use for life.

Through her work, Olivia has learned how to respond to emails professionally, communicate with the public about traffic enquiries, and capture data more efficiently in Excel. Her supervisors, Natalie Salmons and Randall Bower, were incredibly supportive and approachable, guiding her with patience and care. “They were always there to assist when I needed help,” she says.

Before the program, Olivia faced the emotional weight of repeated college rejections due to funding issues, which left her feeling stuck. But instead of giving up, she found purpose in her work. “The program made me realise I can do anything I put my mind to,” she says. “I used to be shy and wanted to be in my own corner, but now I’m not afraid to take the lead when it comes to getting something done.”

Olivia is now supporting both her household and extended family with groceries and electricity. Her next goal is to study administrative management—and you just know she’s going to make it happen.

Jay-dene Botha: From Listless Days to a Life with Purpose

Before joining the YES Youth Program Jay-dene’s days had felt long and empty. “I spent most of my time at home, not really doing anything,” she recalls. “I didn’t have a sense of purpose.” That all changed when she began working in the Property Section at the Garden Route District Municipality.

What started as a chance to gain experience, quickly became something more meaningful. Under the guidance of a supervisor whom she describes as “an exceptional role model”. Jay-dene began to see what’s possible when you take pride in your work. “She handles difficult situations with grace and delivers excellent results. Watching her has really motivated me to push myself,” Jay-dene says of her mentor.

Today, she walks into work with confidence and goes home with a sense of pride. The relief of no longer being idle has been matched by the joy of being able to support her mother, who was once the sole breadwinner in their home. “Now I help pay the bills,” she says. “It feels good knowing I’m making things easier for her.”

Jay-dene is a star. She’s grabbed opportunity with both hands and hasn’t forgotten to show up for the people who’ve always shown up for her.

Lutho Kemele: Dreams for the Future, Revived!

Although he already had a Diploma in Business Management, Lutho Kemele couldn’t seem to find any opportunities to utilise his qualifications.  “I didn’t know what to do or how to advance in my career,” he says. “This program gave me a new outlook on life.”

Placed at the Mossel Bay Municipality, Lutho quickly got stuck in, doing business licensing, data capturing, and more. “It’s been great,” he says. “I did a lot and learned a lot.” He credits much of this growth to the people around him. Mentors like Lukhanyo, Mabatho and Ntombifuthi not only showed him the ropes, but helped him believe in his own potential. “I’ve learned many valuable things that I’ll implement in my life going forward.”

Lutho has big dreams, seeing himself owning properties and building his own business. He’s already witnessing change right at home. “We managed to buy a few new things for the house,” he says, “and I even saved some money for my own needs.”

Sometimes a little belief, good people, and an open door at just the right time is all it takes to start dreaming again!

Angelo Manho: A Voice for His Community

Angelo Manho, now working in the Power Station Department at the George municipal buildings, joined the YES Youth Program at a time when hope felt distant. Despite applying for many jobs, he struggled to find work—often turned away simply because he hadn’t yet obtained a driver’s license.

Since joining the program, Angelo has not only gained practical workplace experience but also a deeper understanding of the issues facing his community. “The work has taught me a lot,” he shares, “especially about what people are struggling with most, and how we as workers can help improve things for them.”

With the support of mentors like Stephan Blok, Angelo has learned valuable professional skills and developed strong work ethics. Now, he’s also able to support his family in meaningful ways. “I can give a portion of my money to my parents each month, and I also help my mom buy things like cleaning products for the house.”

Angelo’s journey is a reminder that with the right support, young people can rise above their circumstances, find purpose—and bring home the Handy Andy, too.

Featured Image Caption: All role-players involved in the successful Bighearts Africa YES Programme, pictured with Christine de Wet (Host Liaison) and the GRDM team led by former Executive Manager, Trix Holtzhausen.

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5 May 2025 Media Release: Role-players sign Workplace Skills Plan for the 2025/26 Financial Year

Media Release: Role-players sign Workplace Skills Plan for the 2025/26 Financial Year

5 May 2025

Last week, all the relevant stakeholders, including the Garden Route District Municipality’s (GRDM) Human Resources Training Section, the Municipal Manager, and representatives from the trade unions – the South African Municipal Workers’ Union and the Independent Municipal and Allied Trade Union, signed the Workplace Skills Plan (WSP) for GRDM.

All municipalities fall under the Local Government Sector Education and Training Authority (LGSETA), which requires them to pay a levy of 1% of their total payroll, in accordance with the Skills Development Levies Act 97 of 1998. With this, each year municipality is required to submit a WSP in order to claim back Mandatory and Discretionary Funding from the LGSETA.

Trix Holtzhausen with some of the role-players during the signing of the Workplace Skills Plan (WSP).

During the signing of the WSP, the now former Executive Manager of Corporate Services, Ms. Trix Holtzhausen, took the opportunity to thank the Human Resources Training Section, which falls under her portfolio, for their hard work and dedication in ensuring that GRDM Consistently meets the annual deadline for submitting the WSP to LGSETA by 30 April.  Holtzhausen, who will also be leaving the service of GRDM on 30 April 2025, expressed her appreciation for the team’s continued commitment and wish them success with all their future endeavours.

Did you know:

The Workplace Skills Plan (WSP) is a document that outlines the skills needs of Garden Route District Municipality. It outlines the proposed skills development interventions that will be implemented to address institutional skills needs. The WSP is informed by data gathered from the Skills Audit, Personal Development Plan (PDP) processes, and the Organisational Needs Analysis conducted through the Integrated Development Plan (IDP).

To ensure that the WSP aligns with the IDP, the GRDM Training Unit must ensure that each employee completes both a Skills Audit form and a Personal Development Plan.

All role-players endorsing the Workplace Skills Plan (WSP) prior to its submission to LGSETA.

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07 November 2023 Media Release: Regional Skills Development Forum focuses on Training Initiatives and Grant Applications

Media Release: Regional Skills Development Forum focuses on Training Initiatives and Grant Applications

For Immediate Release
7 November 2023

A Regional Skills Development Forum convened on 2-3 November 2023, bringing together all Skills Development Facilitators (SDF) from the Garden Route and Central Karoo District Municipal areas. This quarterly engagement serves as a platform for SDFs to discuss and strategise various training initiatives within these two districts.

One (1) of the key highlights of the forum was a discussion revolving around discretionary grant applications for municipalities.  Ms. Aneeka Jacobs, the Provincial Manager of LGSETA (Local Government Sector Education and Training Authority), provided valuable insights into the application process for discretionary grants. It was emphasised that the deadline for the submission of Discretionary Grant Applications is Wednesday, 8 November 2023.

During his presentation, Dr Florus Prinsloo provided valuable insights.

In addition to grant applications, the forum also featured the participation of the Garden Route Skills Mecca Technicians and Coordinator, Dr. Florus Prinsloo. He facilitated a workshop on the evolving SETA landscape and the processes of the Quality Council on Trades and Occupational (QCTO). This insightful discussion shed light on the changing dynamics of skills development and education in the region.

The Regional Skills Development Forum continues to play a vital role in promoting skills development and education within the Garden Route and Central Karoo Districts. By fostering collaboration and sharing best practices, SDFs and their partners are working towards enhancing the workforce’s skills and employability, ultimately contributing to the region’s economic growth and prosperity.

Featured image caption: A group of skills development facilitators from municipalities in the Garden Route District and the Central Karoo District.

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2 June 2023 Media Release: Garden Route District Municipality celebrates Archives Week

Media Release:  Garden Route District Municipality celebrates Archives Week, 5 – 9 June 2023

For immediate release
02 June 2023

Leave No One Behind: Archives in the Era of Artificial Intelligence

Archives and Records Management functions and processes are essentially necessary, and it helps the Municipality to keep track of the information it creates and needs.

These processes also help to ensure that information is stored in an organised manner so that it can be retrieved when needed.

To comply with relevant legislation, the Garden Route District Municipality disposes of, and transfers all records every year. The Municipality recently undertook a Records Clean-Up Project for which 3 unemployed youth were assigned to assist.

The Municipality also conducted records management information sessions with departments to ensure that all records are centralised for easy retrieval.

The Municipality will, therefore, continue to encourage GRDM staff to send records to the registry section for processing and safekeeping in accordance with good governance practices.

The Western Cape Archives and Records Service would like to invite everyone interested to attend the National Archives Awareness Week Launch ONLINE on Friday 2 June 2023, 11:00-13:00, ahead of Archives Week, 5-9 June 2023.

Interested staff members are invited to attend/log into any of the workshops, at: https://forms.gle/TjKBYTaZjXujWTHXA

No Good Governance without a proper Records Management System.

ENDS

10 May 2023 Media Release: GRDM adopts its Workplace Skills Plan

GRDM adopts its Workplace Skills Plan

For Immediate Release
10 May 2023

An organisation’s Workplace Skills Plan (WSP) describes its skills needs and the range of skills development interventions it will use to address them. It comprises of information from the Skills Audit and Personal Development Plan processes as well as the Organisational Needs Analysis through the Integrated Development Plan (IDP). To align the WSP with the IDP, the Training Section of GRDM must ensure that each employee completes a Skills Audit form and a Personal Development Plan (PDP).

On Monday, 24 April 2023, the Garden Route District Municipality’s (GRDM) Education, Training and Development Committee approved the 2023 Workplace Skills Plan. This meeting was also attended by the Western Cape Deputy Director: Training Coordination from the Department of Local Government and the Provincial Manager from the Local Government Sector Education and Training Authority (LGSETA).

According to Mr Reginald Salmons, Coordinator of Skills Development of the organisation, most of the skills-related projects included in the WSP are in their implementation stages and include the Home-Based Care; Work Based Learning and Development; Renewable Workshop Assistants; Tourism and Hospitality; Water and Sanitation; Fire Fighter, Patrol Officers and Just Energy Transition Projects. “With these projects, the main objective is to eradicate unemployment in the region and make unemployed people employable by equipping them with the necessary skills, particularly the youth,” Salmons said.

Photo Caption:  GRDM Municipal Manager, Monde Stratu, signing the WSP with Ms Trix Holthausen, Executive Manager of Corporate Services and officials from the Training and Development Section.

ENDS

Op Maandag, 24 April 2023 het die Tuinroete Distriksmunisipaliteit (GRDM) se Opvoeding, Opleiding en Ontwikkelingskomitee die 2023 Werkplek Vaardigheidsplan goedgekeur. Hierdie vergadering was ook bygewoon deur die Wes-Kaapse Adjunkdirekteur: Opleidingskoördinering van die Departement van Plaaslike Regering en die Provinsiale Bestuurder van die Plaaslike Regering Sektor Onderwys en Opleiding Owerheid (LGSETA).

Volgens mnr Reginald Salmons, Koördineerder van Vaardigheidsontwikkeling van die organisasie, is die meeste van die vaardigheidsverwante projekte wat in die Werkplek Vaardigheidsplan ingesluit is in hul implementeringsfases. “Die hoofdoelwit van hierdie projekte is om werkloosheid in die streek uit te roei en werklose mense indiensneembaar te maak deur hulle toe te rus met die nodige vaardighede, veral die jeug,” het Salmons gesê.

31 January 2023 Public Notice: Garden Route District Municipality telephones offline

31 January 2023 Public Notice: Garden Route District Municipality telephones offline

Members of the public, please be informed that all telephone lines of the Garden Route Municipality (GRDM) are currently offline due to technical problems. Only the switchboard number (044 803 1300) is working, however no calls can be transferred.

If you need to contact an official urgently, we kindly advise that you alternatively send an email to the relevant official or contact him or her on a cell phone number until the problem is resolved.

Thank you for your patience in this regard.

Issued: GRDM Communications

2 September 2022 Media Release: GRDM is gearing up for Public Service Month: Walk-the-Talk

Media Release: Garden Route DM is gearing up for Public Service Month: Walk-the-Talk

2 September 2022
For immediate release

South Africa celebrates Public Service Month (PSM) annually in September. This month is a reminder of what it means to serve communities and to consider how the government impacts service delivery.

In South Africa, Public Service Month is supposed to help governments clear up the red tape and bottlenecks that get in the way of people getting services and access. Also, ensure that public resources are used efficiently according to the public’s expected standards.

We are very excited to announce that the Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) will join the rest of the country in embracing the upcoming public service month. We plan to recommit ourselves to belonging, caring and serving the district. Enhance service delivery through various forms of interventions in order to solve service delivery challenges and hasten the transition to a more responsive public service that meets citizens’ expectations.

This year marks the 25th anniversary of the Batho Pele White Paper as a framework for the transformation of public service delivery, therefore the theme of the 2022 Public Service Month is: “Batho Pele Revitalisation- walking the talk“.  We’ve linked our activities for September to some of the eight Batho Pele principles. Why? Because a ‘People first’ approach is what the public deserves.

The following are some of the municipalities’ interventions for the month:

A new GRDM E-recruitment system launched today, 2 September.

The online job application system aims to make it convenient for applicants to apply for vacant positions. This means applicants won’t need to go to the municipality’s office to fill out an application or bring in their Curriculum Vitae.

It is GRDM’s vision to be a leading, enabling, and inclusive district. Therefore, this system will allow vacancies to be advertised, viewed, and applied for online, enhancing recruitment and selection.

Internal stakeholders who were present during the launch of the GRDM E-recruitment system.

Having an Anti-Fraud Hotline helps whistle-blowers to be protected when they report instances of fraud and corruption. A 24/7 call centre will guide the public and assist whistle-blowers in the language of their choice. They can assist in all the 11 official languages example, English, Afrikaans, Xhosa, Southern Sotho, Northern Sotho, Tsonga, Venda, Swati, Tswana, Ndebele and Zulu.

We encourage the public to let their voices be heard – toll-free. Contact 0800 116 616. Other means of reporting alleged corruption or fraud, include grdm@thehotline.co.za, www.thehotlineapp.co.za, SMS 30916 or by reporting it through the Vuvuzela Hotline (App Store).

It remains the primary responsibility of the Garden Route Emergency Communications Call Centre and Emergency Medical Services (EMS) to act as the ‘middle-man’ when coordinating different types of emergency calls made by the public.

Both call centres serve the public 24/7, 365 days a year, and are based at the Head Office of Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) in George (54 York Street). The Unit forms part the Disaster Management Section of the Community Services Directorate.

Monthly call logs of both the call centres have, to date, assisted more than 200 000 callers per annum. This means that the average emergency call rate per month can easily reach 20 000 while during the festive season, call logs nearly double.

Emergency Call Centre Operators are busy serving the public every day of the year, 24/7 a day.

We are doing our best to meet and exceed your service expectations!

ENDS