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Disaster Management

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.

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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

05 September 2025 Media Release: GRDM assists Knysna Municipality with water for the Buffalo Bay residents

Media Release: GRDM assists Knysna Municipality with water for the Buffalo Bay residents

For immediate release
05 September 2025

Last week, the Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) Disaster Management Centre received a request from Knysna Municipality to assist with the tankering of water to residents of the Buffalo Bay area.

“The need for water developed due to the high salinity levels in the Goukamma River at the point of abstraction, about 10 kilometres up-stream from the sea,” said Gerhard Otto, Manager for Disaster Management at GRDM.  Otto explained: “These high salinity levels were a result of the combination of the following:

  • The river mouth being closed.
  • There has been very little rain for an extended period of time, therefore very little run-off reached the river from the river catchment area; and
  • Due to evaporation, the salinity of the water in the river increases day-by-day”.

The GRDM Disaster Management and Firefighting teams immediately dispatched the 10 000-litre water tanker to Sedgefield where the tanker was filled and then used to transport water to the main reservoir in Buffalo Bay. The operation was supported by a fleet of three additional tankers; two rented by Knysna Municipality from private service providers, and one made available by the Central Karoo District Municipality.

Due to the lengthy process to fill-up the tankers in Sedgefield, the GRDM reinforced the fleet with an additional 6,000-litre tanker to improve turnaround times.

While assisting in Knysna, a fire broke out in Albertinia, requiring the temporary diversion of the GRDM firefighters who had been driving the tankers. From Monday, 1 September 2025, however, the GRDM team resumed daily water deliveries to Buffalo Bay.

The GRDM is aware that the tankering of water is only a temporary solution and that the only short-term solution would be to do an emergency breaching of the Goukamma River Mouth. This process, however, does not reflect in the current Management Plan of this system,” said Otto. He added: “GRDM is in ongoing discussions with CapeNature – we received confirmation from Cape Nature that a special emergency breaching committee meeting will be scheduled for Tuesday next week, where all the latest data will be assessed to decide on a way forward”

ENDS

03 September 2025 Media Release:  GRDM rolls out First Aid Level 3 Training in Oudtshoorn

Media Release:  GRDM rolls out First Aid Level 3 Training in Oudtshoorn

3 September 2025

Last week, Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) course facilitators Gail Bekeer and Wouter Jacobs trained 30 unemployed young people in Oudtshoorn area. They were joined by GRDM Firefighters.

The GRDM Disaster Management Section throughout the year conducts several First Aid Level 3 training sessions at the GRDM Head Office in George, however, a need for expanding the training to areas outside George was identified as word of the success of the programme spread.  The GRDM Executive Mayor, Andrew Stroebel, was subsequently requested by Oudtshoorn’s Mayor Johannes Allers, to also accommodate residents from Oudtshoorn in the training, but in their home town for logistical purposes. According to 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”.

In Oudtshoorn, 125 people showed up for the training, but unfortunately only 30 unemployed young people could be accommodated. Samuel Misemengo from the Oudtshoorn Tourism Office, together with the Office of the Oudtshoorn Executive Mayor, shared a call-to-action to WhatsApp Channels, used word-of-mouth, shared messages at the Oudtshoorn Thusong Service Centre, and social media, to inform youth about the training opportunity.

The next training sessions will be on:

06 – 10 October 2025

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)

Photo Caption: Garden Route DM facilitators pictured with unemployed young people who attended the training session in Oudtshoorn.

-END-

25 August 2025 Media Release: Garden Route Risk Reduction Task Team to Be Established

Media Release: Garden Route Risk Reduction Task Team to Be Established

For immediate release
05 August 2025

“Growing concerns about an increase of fire risk exposure levels in the Garden Route have led to the establishment of a Risk Reduction Task Team (RRTT),” says Cobus Meiring of the Garden Route Environmental Forum (GREF).

The mission of the RRTT is to help prevent a recurrence of catastrophic events such as the 2017 Knysna and Plettenberg Bay wildfires, which were worsened by uncontrolled growth of invasive alien plants (IAP).

The RRTT aims to be a collaborative platform focused on strategic risk reduction and sustainable landscape management, working closely with landowners, conservation bodies, and enforcement agencies across the Garden Route.

Key stakeholders who form part of the task team will assist and encourage private landowners to reduce IAPs on their properties. Where necessary, action will be taken through the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) Biosecurity resources.

Awareness creation will be a central pillar of the RRTT strategy. This will include direct engagement with landowners and sustained information-sharing campaigns through traditional media and social media platforms over the long term.

The RRTT will include experts and representatives from the Southern Cape Fire Protection Association (SCFPA), Garden Route District Municipality’s (GRDM) Disaster Management, local municipalities, DFFE, Nelson Mandela University, and GREF stakeholders.

Individuals or entities involved in invasive alien plant management, are invited to register as interested and affected parties by writing to louisamare@gmail.com.

The GREF is a climate change and environmental management think-tank. (www.grefscli.co.za).

Feature Image: Without collective action by all landowners in the Garden Route the region remains highly vulnerable to wildfire disasters.

ENDS