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Disaster Management

10 December 2025 Media Release: Coastal Erosion Threatens Homes and Infrastructure Along Western and Eastern Cape

Media Release: Coastal Erosion Threatens Homes and Infrastructure Along Western and Eastern Cape

For Immediate Release

10 December 2025

“Coastal erosion is a harsh reality along the Western and Eastern Cape coastlines. The damage is visible, measurable, and ongoing as rising sea levels and increasingly severe storm surges take their toll,” says Cobus Meiring, Chairperson of the Garden Route Marine and Coastal Committee.

Coastal degradation is now a high priority for towns and cities along the coast, with planning increasingly focused on relocating infrastructure out of harm’s way. The Committee recently raised these concerns in a meeting which included municipalities, SANParks, and CapeNature, highlighting the urgent need for the implementation of proactive coastal management strategies. The issue also received attention at the Eastern Cape Sustainability Seminar hosted at Nelson Mandela University in Gqeberha in early December.

In Cape St. Francis, there are growing fears that the marina and properties bordering the canals from the Krom River could be flooded if the dune system protecting them from the ocean collapses. This erosion results largely from human interventions that disrupted large scale natural dune movement, leaving dune systems exposed and unable to perform their protective function.

Different approaches have been tried along the coast. Langebaan required hard engineering interventions, while in Buffels Bay, softer methods like heavy sandbagging have shown some success. Despite these efforts, landowners with sea-front properties remain at risk, and unregulated attempts to protect property can worsen erosion on neighbouring land due to the shifting of kinetic energy of surging waters.

The problem extends beyond property damage. Sand build-up in river mouths such as the Touw river and estuaries disrupts ecosystems, while ongoing drought conditions in 2025 have reduced freshwater flow, contributing to the water crisis in Buffels Bay.

Looking ahead, municipalities and landowners face a complex challenge. More research, smart planning, and innovative engineering solutions are essential to manage the changing coastline.

The Garden Route Environmental Forum provides a public platform for landowners, managers, and climate change experts to share knowledge, explore solutions, and promote sustainable coastal management. (www.grefecsf.co.za)

Image: Unsightly hard intervention was the only option to save properties in Langebaan from flooding following aggressive storm surges

ENDS

09 December 2025 Media Release: GRDM empowered 228 First Aid Level 3 Participants in 2025

Media Release: GRDM empowered 228 First Aid Level 3 Participants in 2025

For immediate release
9 December 2025

Garden Route District Municipality’s (GRDM) Disaster Management Centre, this year, presented First Aid Level 3 training to 228 candidates from the Garden Route district. The team facilitated 11 training sessions of which 228 candidates in total were trained.

Executive Mayor of GRDM, Cllr Marais Kruger, commended the team, as well as those who participated in the training throughout the year and said: “By training 228 individuals in First Aid Level 3, we’ve strengthened our region’s capacity to respond to emergencies at every level. Thank you facilitators and all participants for your participation in the programme. Your willingness to step up, learn, and serve is exactly what builds a safer and more resilient Garden Route,” he said.

First Aid Level 3 Training Sessions conducted throughout the year.

These 11 sessions included learners from schools across the district, different government departments, as well as private companies and individuals, including employed and unemployed youth, but sessions were mostly facilitated to members of the Garden Route Disaster Management Volunteer Corps.

Other groups who benefited from the programme include: the South African Police Service and POPs, lifeguards, officials from the Departments of Forestry, Fishery, and the Environment, as well as Justice, Firefighters across the district, Fidelity Security Guards, GRDM employees including Disaster Management Interns, Unjani Clinic employees, counselors from Legally You and educators, as well as several participants from Early Childhood Development Centres.

The First Aid training is done to equip individuals with the necessary knowledge and skills to help themselves and others in emergency situations. The programme consists of three days of theoretical training and a practical exercise on the Thursday where students get the opportunity to practice Cardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR), wound dressings, and other critical first aid skills. On the Friday, the program concludes with a competency test.

The course is open to all, offering a week-long opportunity to gain essential life-saving skills. Upon successful completion where students have to score 80%, they will be issued a First Aid Level 3 course Certification that is valid for a three year period.

The last training session which included 19 enrolled candidates took place from 24 to 28 November 2025, at GRDM’s Joint Operation Centre. These successful candidates will now also be able to assist any person in an emergency.

Among the dedication witnessed by facilitators Gail Bekeer and Wouter Jacobs, together with GRDM Firefighters, many highlights stood out throughout the year. These included strong teamwork, high energy levels, a commitment to understanding various concepts and practical exercises, excellent class attendance, as well as excellent marks of up to 100% by some participants. These are testament of how thoroughly the facilitators prepare themselves to present the course in the best possible manner.

The Level 3 First Aid Training allows members of the public to enroll directly without needing to complete First Aid Level 1 and 2.

There is 𝗻𝗼 𝗰𝗼𝘀𝘁 𝗶𝗻𝘃𝗼𝗹𝘃𝗲𝗱 if you apply to become a Disaster Management Volunteer!

Download the application form: https://tinyurl.com/m5sjuzmk
Send a completed form to 📧 gail.bekeer@gardenroute.gov.za or wouter@gardenroute.gov.za

𝗡𝗢𝗧𝗘: If you are not planning to become a volunteer, the fee payable is R682 (rate valid till 30 June 2026).

Don’t miss out on this opportunity!

📍 Training takes place at the GRDM Joint Operation Centre, 54 York Street, George
📞 Gail Bekeer (044 803 1347) or Wouter Jacobs (044 803 1316)

Feature Image: A demonstration during a First Aid Level 3 training session.

ENDS

4 December 2025 Media Release: R1 Million Safety Implementation Plan to help keep communities safe across the district

Media Release: R1 Million Safety Implementation Plan to help keep communities safe across the district

4 December 2025

Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) recently approved its Safety Implementation Business Plan for 2025/2026. This is a commitment to improving community wellness, strengthening crime-prevention systems, and enhancing coordinated responses to social instability across the region.

According to Mayor Marais Kruger, “the budget of R1 million will be utilised for a whole-of-government safety approach aimed at supporting municipalities, law enforcement agencies, and neighbourhood watches”.

The funding forms part of a Whole-of-Society Approach (WOSA) Grant, which promotes integrated collaboration across the Criminal Justice System (CJS), provincial and local government departments, SAPS, Neighbourhood Watches, Community Police Forums (CPFs), NGOs, and other civil society partners.

Neighbourhoods across South Africa face complex societal issues, including poverty, substance abuse, crime, illegal shebeens, land invasions, and unfavourable socio-economic conditions and vandalism of municipal infrastructure. Many of these challenges divert municipal funds away from development toward repairing damaged properties.

To respond more effectively, GRDM has strengthened its District Safety Forum and Community Safety Forum (CSF) structures, which are platforms designed to coordinate rapid, targeted interventions that prevent social unrest, land invasions, and localised other crime.

This collaborative model is supported by the Western Cape Provincial Department of Police Oversight and Community Safety (POCS).

Budget Breakdown: R1 Million Investment in District Safety
Project / Activity Budget
Admin Support & Safety Plans for all Local Municipalities R332 500
District Law Enforcement Officer Project R300 000
16 Days of Activism & GRDM CSF Safety Summit R70 000
District SAPS Partnership Projects R80 000
Community Dialogues R70 000
Rural Safety Project R60 000
CPF Support R30 000
District Safety Forum Operations R20 000
ABT Support R20 000
Garden Route District Safety Summit R17 500
Total Budget: R1 000 000

“This investment gives us the tools to coordinate more effectively, act faster, and support our municipalities in making communities safer,” said Mayor Marais.

GRDM Member of the Mayoral Committee for Community Services, Cllr Jobieth Hoogbaard, Chairs the District Safety Forum and added: “Through WOSA, we continuously do our best to bring together government, South African Police Services, civil society, and communities to create lasting, sustainable safety solutions”.

ENDS

20 November 2025 Media Release: Garden Route District Municipality is assisting Knysna Municipality with water for Sedgefield residents

Media Release: Garden Route District Municipality assisting Knysna Municipality with water for Sedgefield residents

For immediate release
20 November 2025

The Disaster Management team of the Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) from this morning, 20 November 2025, commenced with the provision of water to the residents of Sedgefield.

“This assistance followed a request received from the Municipal Manager of Knysna. However, a truck incident on the Kaaiman’s Pass caused a delay in our response efforts yesterday, but today we were able to deliver water to the affected areas,” said Gerhard Otto, Manager for Disaster Management at GRDM.

With the water treatment plant in Sedgefield that is currently unable to remove the salt from the water, support from the GRDM will continue until the water shortage experienced by the residents of Sedgefield has been resolved. Otto, explained: “The water treatment works needs to operate outside of its design parameters and therefore process controllers are struggling to produce water for domestic use that meets normal approved salinity standards”.

GRDM Executive Mayor Marais Kruger said: “The GRDM values its strong relationships with local government stakeholders in the Garden Route and will continue its efforts to support Knysna in ensuring the delivery of essential services to the residents of Sedgefield.”

ENDS

18 November 2025 Media Release: Lack of government funding fighting invasive plants poses a challenge

Media Release: Lack of government funding fighting invasive plants poses a challenge

For immediate release
18 November 2025

“The multiple fires we’ve seen in the Garden Route over recent weeks again confirm what we have warned about for years,” says Cobus Meiring of the Garden Route Environmental Forum (GREF). “With rainfall figures remaining low, invasive alien plants proliferating, and climate conditions becoming harsher, the region is facing rising fire danger and intensifying pressure on already stressed water resources.”

Invasive alien plants (IAPs) are one of the greatest threats to the Garden Route’s critically endangered habitats, sensitive mountain catchments, and the ecological functioning of rivers and estuaries. Species such as pines, wattles, Lantana, bugweed, gums and hakeas consume large volumes of water, starving rivers of sustained flow and undermining the health of estuaries that depend on reliable freshwater input. At the same time, these invasives create dense, highly flammable fuel loads that can turn ordinary wildfires into uncontrollable events.

To better understand and respond to these risks, entities such as the Southern Cape Fire Protection Association (SCFPA), SANParks, CapeNature and the Garden Route District Municipality established the Risk Reduction Task Team – a working group that continuously evaluates the growing threats posed by IAP’s and advises on coordinated mitigation.

However, the challenge is outpacing the resources available. Government grants, including those that previously supported large-scale clearing under programmes such as Working for Water, have shrunk dramatically. The breeding and release of biological control agents- once an essential tool for suppressing the spread of several invasive species is now no longer freely available, further compounding management difficulties. As a result, landowners, conservancies and local initiatives are increasingly left to carry the financial burden themselves, with uneven success.

More sustained investment from government is essential. Firefighting is expensive, and so are the preventative measures required to reduce risk, but prevention is far cheaper than disaster. Alien plant control must be funded consistently, prioritised strategically, and integrated with fire management, biodiversity conservation and climate-adaptation planning. Without this, the region’s water security, natural heritage and community safety will remain increasingly vulnerable.

The Garden Route Environmental Forum is a public platform for landowners and environmental managers and a climate change think tank. (www.grefecsf.co.za)

Photo: Homestead saved from raging wildfire by determined GRDM fire fighters and the landowner in Hessequa in October 2025 – Michael Raimondo.

ENDS

5 November 2025 Media Statement: Traces of a Greasy Residues Found Along Garden Route Coastline

Media Statement: Traces of a Greasy Residues Found Along Garden Route Coastline

5 November 2025

Minor traces of a smearable and sticky sheen-like dark substance have been found on a number of beaches along the Garden Route coastline in recent weeks. The exact source of it remains unknown. At a special JOC meeting called by the District Disaster Centre earlier today,  Gerhard Otto, Garden Route District Municipality Manager: Disaster Management: indicated that

“Initial reports were received about traces of the substance found along the Bitou municipality coastline, with subsequent sightings gradually moving westward across the region up to Still Bay”.

“The substance typically dries out and breaks down within approximately 6 days,” says Otto.

Traces of small smearable and soft globule patches have been found on most beaches along the Garden Route coastline over the past few weeks with the exact source being unknown.

REPORT TRACES OF THE SUBSTANCE TO THE GRDM EMERGENCY CALL CENTRE

Some beachgoers have reported traces of the sticky patches of residue on their feet, surfboards, and strips of patches visible along the high and low tide marks.

Currently, there are no reports of any impact on wildlife.

Members of the public who spot traces of the residue are urged to contact the GRDM Emergency Call Centre via WhatsApp at 081 709 5193, and to include a location pin of where it was spotted. These pins help GRDM accurately map and track where patches have occurred and where clean-up operations are required.

An interactive map where residues have been discovered, will be published within the next week.

CLEAN-UP EFFORTS ONGOING

Ongoing assessment and clean-up operations are underway by local municipalities and stakeholders to remove any visible residue. It is important to note that when these incidents occur at sea, the National Department of Transport is responsible for responding to the spill and implementing the relevant contingency plan. Only once residue reaches the coastline above the high-tide mark do municipalities assume responsibility for clean-up operations.

WHERE IS THE WASTE ROUTED TO?

Approximately 30 bags have been collected during clean-up operations and will be transported to approved hazardous waste disposal sites located in Cape Town and Gqeberha.

WHERE DOES THE RESIDUE COME FROM?

Samples of the residue will be tested; however, there is currently no conclusive evidence linking it to any specific source. Investigations of this nature are complex and can take some time to conclude.

A follow-up update will be provided again on 19 November.

ENDS

20 October 2025 Media Release: GRDM continues to roll out First Aid Level 3 Training

Media Release: GRDM continues to roll out First Aid Level 3 Training

20 October 2025

From 13 to 17 October 2025, the Garden Route District Municipality’s (GRDM) Disaster Management Section once again facilitated a First Aid Level 3 training session at the GRDM Head Office in George.

This time around, attendees included lifeguards, principals and teachers from two pre-schools in the Sedgefield area, as well as firefighter contractors, who are preparing for the upcoming fire season.

According to Executive Mayor Andrew Stroebel, “This training is of vital importance because it equips people with advanced life-saving skills and prepares them to respond effectively to medical and other emergencies during various incidents.”  He also encouraged citizens within the Garden Route district to contact the Disaster Management Section using the contact numbers provided and submit their details to attend next year’s training sessions.

The next and last training sessions will be on:

10 – 14 November 2025

There is no cost involved if you do the training and sign up to become a Disaster Management Volunteer. However, if you are not planning to become a volunteer, the fee payable is R682.00 (rate valid till 30 June 2026).

Download the application form: https://tinyurl.com/m5sjuzmk

Send a completed form to gail.bekeer@gardenroute.gov.za or wouter@gardenroute.gov.za

For more information contact Gail Bekeer (044 803 1347) or Wouter Jacobs (044 803 1316)

Featured Image Caption: Facilitator Gail Bekeer with participants of the First Aid Level 3 training held from 13 to 17 October 2025.

-END-

15 October 2025 Update: GRDM provides water to residential areas within the Knysna municipal area

Update: GRDM provides water to residential areas within the Knysna municipal area

The Disaster Management Centre (DMC) of the Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) recently received a request from the Municipal Manager of Knysna to assist with the tankering of water to areas in Hornlee, as well as Concordia residential areas where low water levels in the higher lying reservoirs are making it difficult for them to ensure un-interrupted water supply.

Since Monday, 13 October 2025, the DMC in collaboration with the GRDM Fire Service has been using both the 10 000 and 6000 litre water tankers to deliver water to these communities.  According to the Knysna Municipality’s Technical Services Department, personnel experienced in some instances 13 hour long electrical outages that occurred over the weekend resulting in the below normal levels of the higher situated bulk water reservoirs which supply water to these areas. Water flow to these specific areas has been running at full capacity since Monday and it was foreseen that the water levels in these reservoirs would reach normal operating values by today, 15 October 2025.

The GRDM will however extend water tankering assistance to also include water tankering to Buffalo Bay, as well as Kurland in Bitou, where current drought conditions remain a challenge to ensure normal water supply.

ENDS

08 October 2025 Media Release: GRDM acknowledges 31 successful First Aid Level 3 participants during graduation ceremony in Oudtshoorn

GRDM acknowledges 31 successful First Aid Level 3 participants during graduation ceremony in Oudtshoorn

For immediate release
08 October 2025

The Garden Route Disaster Management Centre (GRDMC) at Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) believes in building the capacity of ordinary members in our communities to be able to help those in need.

Most often the people closest to the person in need of medical assistance is a close relative, friend of family member and with seconds being the difference between a life and death event, the most basic first aid provided could save a life.

Last night, 7 October 2025, the Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM), in collaboration with Oudtshoorn Municipality, hosted a graduation ceremony to acknowledge graduates who underwent First Aid Level 3 and Firefighting for Disaster Management training during September this year.

The ceremony took place at the Bongolethu Thusong Centre in Oudtshoorn. During September month, special emphasis was placed on presenting this course to the community members in Oudtshoorn. Certificates were issued to the first group of 31 students who successfully completed the course.

The course covers a range of topics from the principles of first aid, basic life support, injuries, and medical emergencies and even emergency childbirth. The GRDMC has been providing the training free of charge to all Disaster Management Volunteers over a 4 full day period, with a formal written, as well as practical assessment on the 5th day.

During his address on behalf of Executive Mayor of the Garden Route District Municipality, Andrew Stroebel, Cllr Jobieth Hoogbaard, MMC for Community Services at GRDM, expressed his appreciation to be part of this significant event, celebrating hard working individuals during this year. Referring to the event as a milestone, Hoogbaard highlighted that “this programme has equipped participants with critical life-saving skills and has restored a sense of hope, dignity, and opportunity to the people of Oudtshoorn”.

Additionally, he extended his sincere appreciation to all partners, trainers, and facilitators who have shared their knowledge and expertise, ensuring that this programme was a success. While also acknowledging the community leaders and stakeholders, Hoogbaard shared his appreciation on behalf of GRDM for their continued support regarding initiatives that empower the people of the area.

Above all, to the graduates Hoogbaard highlighted: “You have worked hard, remained committed, and have set an inspiring example for others. May you continue to use these skills not only to benefit yourselves but also to serve and protect your communities”. In addition, he said: “This achievement is only the beginning – we are proud of you, and we look forward to the positive impact you will make in your families, communities, and beyond. May this event be remembered as the start of even greater things to come,” Hoogbaard concluded.

This celebration, once again demonstrates the powerful outcomes that can be achieved when government and the community work together and remain committed to supporting initiatives that promote safety, skills development, and economic opportunities for all.

Feature Image:Cllr Jobieth Hoogbaard, MMC for Community Services at GRDM (front, 3rd left), Gail Bekeer –  GRDM First Aid Training Facilitator (front, right) and Wouter Jacobs – GRDM First Aid Training Facilitator (back, 4th right), with the graduates who successfully completed the First Aid Level 3 programme.

ENDS

25 September 2025 Media Release: Revival of commercial forestry in the Southern Cape a huge relief

Media Release: Revival of commercial forestry in the Southern Cape a huge relief

25 September 2025

“The Southern Cape’s economy was built on forestry for close to two centuries. Unfortunately, this vital industry, supporting thousands of jobs and a wide downstream value chain, which included saw mills and timber sales, has fallen into sharp decline as major plantations on state land have not been replanted and only small pockets remain on private land,” says Cobus Meiring of the Garden Route Environmental Forum (GREF).

One of the unfortunate environmental impacts were that vast areas formerly managed as commercial plantations were no longer managed and thousands of hectares of land succumbed to dense infestations of invasive alien plants. This in turn held considerable risks for the region including potential wildfire disasters, water security and loss of biodiversity.

Over and above the environmental risks posed the demise of commercial forestry coincided with substantial job losses, loss of skilled labour, experience and a generational forestry management culture developed over a century.

The recent reversal of government policy allowing Cold Stream Timber Company (CTC) to replant a number of dormant plantations is a welcome relief to the Garden Route. Commercial forestry can create huge amount of jobs to skilled and unskilled labour at a time when unemployment in the region carries enormous socio- economic risks.

The newly formed Garden Route Risk Reduction Task Team (RRTT) welcomes the additional capacity of the forestry industry in protecting the region against overwhelming fire risks as a result of more available manpower and resources. This will include controlled burns, large scale management of invasive plants, the development of essential fire breaks and critical biodiversity corridors free of invasive plants.

As the Southern Cape again enters a period of low rainfall in the medium term fire risk increases exponentially, as the recent wild fires in Ruitersbos are testimony to. Combatting wild fires are extremely costly, and since its re- occurrence is guaranteed it requires an integrated approach, constant planning, vigilance and a high state of preparedness.

The Garden Route Environmental Forum (GREF) is a public platform for environmental managers and a climate change think tank. www.grefscli.co.za

Photo: The return of commercial forestry brings hope to the Southern Cape socio- economic and biodiversity sustainability