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Disaster Management

14 August 2025 Media Release: Garden Route plays host to Fynbos Forum

Media Release: Garden Route plays host to Fynbos Forum

For immediate release
14 August 2025

“The Garden Route played host to the Fynbos Forum from 12 to 14 August at the iconic Wilderness Hotel”, says Cobus Meiring of the Garden Route Environmental Forum (GREF)

Established in 1997 the Fynbos Forum is South Africa’s premier conservation and research group dedicated to the preservation of the South African Fynbos Biome.

Vital to indigenous bio- diversity the Southern Cape is home to a magnificent treasure chest of Fynbos species. Unfortunately much of what remains of our once abundant Fynbos is critically endangered due to intensive agriculture, over development, encroachment of invasive alien plants and animals as well as frequent wild- fire disasters.

The Fynbos Forum is a scientific group of natural scientists, researchers, planners, managers, landowners and key stakeholders. It meets annually to discuss the collaborative production of knowledge that underpins regional conservation efforts in the Fynbos Biome in South Africa.

The good news is that as more land and conservation corridors in the Garden Route are becoming available for conservation and rewilding purposes as well as awareness grows on the incalculable value of Fynbos, there is a real chance that it may prevail despite many challenges.

As a transdisciplinary regional learning network, the Fynbos Forum supports discussions on management issues and research results, prioritizing future research and conservation management actions required to ensure the conservation and sustainability of fynbos ecosystems.

The Garden Route Environmental Forum (GREF)- a climate change and environmental management think- tank.(www.grefscli.co.za)

ENDS

07 August 2025 Media Release: GRDM Disaster Management and EHPs teams assist Bitou Municipality in Bossiesgif fire

GRDM Disaster Management and EHPs teams assist Bitou Municipality in Bossiesgif fire

For immediate release
07 August 2025

The last few days have been traumatic for the Bossiesgif residents of the Bitou Municipal area.

A fire broke out in the informal settlement, with flames that raged through structures leaving approximately 500 people, including children, affected by the flames.

The fire destroyed 162 informal structures with 3 structures that burned partially in Bossiesgif, Bitou

Reports from Bitou Municipality confirmed that the fire broke out in the early hours of 4 August 2025.  In a report that was published on 5 August, it was confirmed that 162 informal structures were destroyed and 3 were partially burned, affecting approximately 500 people with a count of 4-6 people per household.

In collaboration with Bitou Municipality, the Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) acted swiftly to provide the needed assistance to lessen the impact of the fire on affected individuals. GRDM’s Disaster Management team assisted with the activation of key role players in coordinating a rapid and effective response. The GRDM Disaster Management Centre (DMC) also fulfilled their role as an important link between the district and local coordinators when the centre facilitated communication and provided regular situational reports to district and provincial coordinators. These efforts demonstrated the solid working relations between GRDM and Bitou Municipality.

In ensuring that humanitarian relief was provided to all affected residents, the GRDM DMC supplied 59 mattresses and 71 blankets to the families. This was part of a larger relief effort that included donations received from the Gift of the Givers, meals from Dignity Fund and the Shoprite Act For Change soup kitchen, and ongoing municipal efforts.

GRDM, Bitou Municipality and stakeholders assessing the damages and providing humanitarian aid to residents affected by the fire.

GRDM’s EHPs also played a critical role at the identified sites when they conducted an assessment of all health processes related to food handling and waste disposal thereof at the hall. These processes were well coordinated and the assessment confirmed that all the necessary protocols were followed.

Executive Mayor of GRDM, Andrew Stroebel, commended GRDM, Bitou teams, as well as other stakeholders involved, for their swift response to rescue the residential structures in Bossiesgif, but most importantly the lives of the residents of the settlement. Mayor Stroebel said: “As a district, we applaud the swift reaction of both Bitou and GRDM Emergency and Disaster Management teams and we are thankful that no lives were lost in this devastating fire”.

ENDS

25 July 2025 Media Release: Disaster Awareness Campaign Shapes Young Minds in a Fun and Memorable Way

Media Release: Disaster Awareness Campaign Shapes Young Minds in a Fun and Memorable Way

25 July 2025

During the past week, the Western Cape Provincial Disaster Management Centre (WCPDMC) conducted its annual Disaster Awareness Campaign in the Garden Route district, using a theatre-setup to engage primary school learners. The interactive performances featured Gerry the Giraffe, who educated children on disaster preparedness in a fun and memorable way. This initiative is funded through Santam’s Partnership for Risk and Resilience and was rolled out in collaboration with the Garden Route Disaster Management Centre.

The Western Cape Education Department’s District School Safety Officer nominated schools to participate in this year’s campaign, focusing on eight schools. It kicked off in Bitou, followed by sessions in George and Mossel Bay, and concluding in Oudtshoorn. Similar awareness sessions have previously been rolled out at schools in the region, during which it was established that learners engage more effectively when addressed in their mother tongue. As a result, during this round, the campaign targeted eight isiXhosa first-language schools.

The programme features an engaging 40-minute musical theatrical play designed to educate learners on critical safety and security measures within schools, as well as essential flood and fire awareness. The play also highlights the dangers of contributing factors to disaster risks, such as electrical outages and illegal dumping, and their role in exacerbating fire and flood incidents.

The goals of the campaign are to:

  • Instil a culture of disaster risk resilience within communities;
  • Create awareness and equip learners with basic emergency preparedness and hazard avoidance knowledge by demonstrating practical safety tips; and
  • Educate learners about the emergency numbers (044 805 5071, 10177 and 112).

The ongoing partnership between the Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM), the Western Cape Provincial Disaster Management Centre, and Santam’s Partnership for Risk and Resilience enables the district to reach  young minds with crucial disaster preparedness information. As GRDM is committed to build resilient communities, this programme serves as a cornerstone of its preventative efforts. Educating youth on these vital topics is an investment in their safety and in the overall well-being of the Garden Route District.

Activities during the Disaster Awareness Campaign in the Garden Route District, where industrial theatre was used to engage and educate primary school learners.

-END-

08 July 2025 Media Release: 900 Additional Smoke Alarms Now Installed by Garden Route District Municipality and Stakeholders

Media Release: 900 Additional Smoke Alarms Now Installed by Garden Route District Municipality and Stakeholders

8 July 2025

The Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) continues with its 10-year battery-life smoke alarm system installations within high fire risk informal settlements. This project was launched in the Garden Route during 2021. It has been a collaborative effort between the GRDM and local municipalities’ Fire Services, who identified areas based on historical call-out data, population density, access, and distances to fire stations.

According to Deon Stoffels, GRDM Fire Chief, “900 devices were recently installed in Smutsville within the Knysna municipal area (Lank Gewag, Skool Gaatjie, Beverly Hills, Makhaphela, Slangepark, Sukhumzamo, Onderste Gaatjie and Corona Valley). In 2024, 480 alarms were installed in Rheenendal and before that, in Kannaland too”.

Tydens ‘n besoek aan die Smutsville gemeenskap het Uitvoerende Burgemeester Andrew Stroebel met verskeie inwoners van Smutsville gesels. Magdalena Twick is een van die inwoners van Smutsville wat al drie keer haar huis verloor het. “Die laaste keer wat my woning afgebrand het is in 2023 en ek woon tans in ‘n tydelike woning wat deur Knysna Munisipaliteit opgerig is. Ek is dankbaar vir die brandalarmstelsel wat nou in my plekkie geïnstalleer is, want dit kan my enige tyd van die dag of nag waarsku teen ‘n moontlike brand”.

Executive Mayor Andrew Stroebel, expressed his appreciation by saying: “We are deeply grateful to the Western Cape Provincial Government (WCG) Department of Local Government, under the leadership of Minister Anton Bredell, for funding this initiative with half a million Rand. It proves to the public that the WCG lends a helping hand when communities call for support. WCG also co-funded the Region’s Fire Station in 2024, supplementing the project with a R3 million shortfall, showing their further commitment to regional fire safety”.

“I’d also like to thank my MMC for Community Services, Cllr Jobieth Hoogbaard, our Fire Chief Deon Stoffels and his team, Gerhard Otto, Manager for Disaster Management and his team, for making this project a reality on the ground with external stakeholders,” said Stroebel.

MMC Hoogbaard also visited Smutsville when the devices were installed in June. ”We know that fires can strike at any moment. This happens often with little to no warning, and these impacts can be deadly. In communities, where many homes are constructed from highly flammable materials and are densely placed, a single spark can become a disaster within minutes. Imagine losing crucial documents like ID documents, birth certificates, and other important records in a fire? This is why early detection is not just important, but lifesaving as well.”

Knysna Municipality’s Chief Fire Officer, Ian Bezuidenhout confirmed that all areas covered, historically receive a high number of fire-related callouts. The alarms are always installed in a central area of a structure, ideally located to detect smoke from all areas within a home. As soon as it detects smoke, it emits a loud sound to alert occupants of a potential fire and provides residents time to act for a quick and safe escape. It prevents the loss of life, assets and critical belongings. Residents are also educated to then contact their Firefighters for immediate assistance.

According to project leaders Heinrich Leslie, GRDM Station Commander and Lee-Ann Joubert, GRDM Disaster Management Coordinator, residents become instantly more alert, engaging, and receptive in terms of fire prevention, which contribute greatly to a culture of safety. “Fire alarms are not only installed at homes, but homeowners are also given valuable tips on how to prevent fires.”

In order for the implementation of the project to be successful, various role-players and individual efforts are necessary and are acknowledged. They are as follows.

  • GRDM Fire & Rescue Services and Reserve (Volunteer) Firefighters;
  • GRDM Disaster Management Unit;
  • Working of Fire Personnel;
  • Asivikelani Development Action Group (Vermisha Galant, Fregan Galant, and Keanan Lamienie);
  • Knysna Municipality Integrated Human Settlements representative Eunis Vena; and
  • The Western Cape Local Government Directorate Fire & Rescue Services and Disaster Management.

Editors’ note:

  • In 2016 a Smoke Alarm Project was launched by Mr Anton Bredell, Western Cape Minister for Local Government, Environmental Affairs and Development Planning, developed by the Western Cape Fire and Rescue Services Directorate.
  • We urge the business community to support and fund similar initiatives as Local Government unfortunately cannot fill all the gaps simultaneously, and naturally, due to the economic climate, communities resort to lower cost housing, and most often, informal housing expand, which naturally are susceptible to these fire related risks. For this purpose, please reach out to GRDM Chief Fire Officer, Deon Stoffels at deon@gardenroute.gov.za.
  • The smoke alarms work with a DC3V lithium manganese battery. It is also recommended for the smoke detectors to be installed in corridors and starways, or in a unit outside a cluster of bedrooms.

Previous articles relating to this programme

Feature image: Junice Vene (Ward Committee Member), Mayor Andrew Stroebel, Vermisha Galant (Asivikelani Development Action Group) and Lee-Ann Joubert (GRDM Disaster Management Officer), during the walk-about.

Floods in the Garden Route

23 June 2025 Media Release: Another intense cold front is expected to hit the Namakwa District of the Northern Cape and the Western Cape from Wednesday to Friday, 25 to 27 June 2025

Media Release: Another intense cold front is expected to hit the Namakwa District of the Northern Cape and the Western Cape from Wednesday to Friday, 25 to 27 June 2025

For immediate release
23 June 2025

An intense cold front is expected to make landfall on Wednesday, 25 June 2025, over the south-western parts of South Africa, bringing a significant shift in weather conditions across the region. The system is expected to result in the following impacts:

For the public:

  • Heavy rainfall with a risk of localised flooding over the western parts of the Western Cape, especially in low-lying and poorly drained areas on Wednesday into Thursday (25-26 June 2025).
    Wet and slippery roads may result in dangerous driving conditions. Motorists should exercise caution and adhere to safety measures.
  • Strong and gusty winds over the interior may cause localised damage to structures and uproot trees.
  • Cold to very cold conditions can be expected, along with possible snowfall over the western mountain ranges of the Western Cape, spreading into the south-western interior of the Northern Cape.

For Maritime:

  • Gale force winds and very rough seas, with wave heights between 5,5 to 7,5 metres, along the coastlines of the Northern Cape and Western Cape, will lead to disruptions to fishing and port operations, an increased risk of vessels capsizing, accidents at sea, and hazardous shoreline conditions. Coastal residents and beachgoers are urged to exercise caution.
  • As the system progresses eastwards, it will affect the Eastern Cape, a region already vulnerable to weather-related impacts. The key concern is the strong damaging winds expected across most parts of the province on Thursday, 26 June 2025.
  • Interior winds are expected to pick up and spread over the remainder of eastern provinces on Thursday and Friday, 26 and 27 June 2025, with daytime temperatures dropping to the cold category.

The South African Weather Service will continue to monitor any further developments relating to the weather systems and will issue subsequent updates as required. Furthermore, intermediate updates may be followed on X (@SAWeatherServic), Facebook (South African Weather Service) or other SAWS-supported social media platforms.

Compiled by: Tokelo Chiloane, Henning Grobler and Wayne Venter
Edited by: Jacqueline Modika
Approved by: Mr Rudzani Malala
For technical and weather enquiries:
National Forecasting Centre: Tel: 012 367 6041

Media enquiries: Mr Oupa Segalwe, Senior Manager: Communications and Stakeholder Relations
Cell: 0722643273; e-mail oupa.segalwe@weathersa.co.za /or
Ms Hannelee Doubell: Manager, Communications
Tel: (012) 367 6104; Cell: 072 222 6305; e-mail: hannelee.doubell@weathersa.co.za
USSD: Dial *120*7297# 

23 June 2025 Media Release: Garden Route estuaries monitored

Media Release: Garden Route estuaries monitored

23 June 2025

“From Witsand to Nature’s Valley, the Garden Route is custodian to some of the most unique estuarine and marine eco-systems on the African continent, and their well-being is closely monitored”, says Chairperson of the Garden Route Marine and Coastal Committee, Cobus Meiring.

Estuaries are known for the vital ecological functions they perform in terms of nurturing marine and riverine ecology. Serving as barometers to measure overarching environmental matters, the waters estuaries contain and release into the ocean closely reflect what is happening in upper catchments. Negative factors would typically include reduced fresh water flow as a result of upper catchments and rivers infested by invasive alien plants as well as urban and agricultural extraction .

The water quality of sensitive estuarine systems is further affected by pesticides and fertilizer flowing from commercial agriculture, as well as bad quality water emanating from surrounding human settlements.

Algae blooms which recently detrimentally affected Island Lake near Wilderness led to the poisoning of water fowl and fish, and the event was a direct result of an overload of chemicals used in agricultural practices in the upper catchments of the rivers and streams all feeding into Island Lake. Similarly, water quality in the Knysna Lagoon, flood plains and estuary are markedly deteriorating as a direct result of untreated sewage and run- off from illegal dumping sites and countless informal settlements.

The Department of Environmental Affairs and Forestry (DFFE), Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM), regional local municipalities, SANParks, CapeNature and numerous conservancies all play a vital role in monitoring the state of all regional estuaries. All these entities provide quarterly feed- back the Garden Route Estuaries Forum and the Marine and Coastal Committee.

Coastal communities are encouraged to report sewage spills and illegal dumping in estuarine areas to their local authorities, SANParks or CapeNature.

ENDS

Photo: Knysna sea horse: The critically endangered Knysna sea horse is endemic to the Knysna and Sedgefield estuaries

 

18 June 2025 Media Release: Garden Route’s Smoke Alarm Initiative Shields Vulnerable Communities from Fires

Media Release: Garden Route’s Smoke Alarm Initiative Shields Vulnerable Communities from Fires

18 June 2025

With winter currently here and many Garden Routers  using indoor fires to keep warm, the Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) in partnership with the Knysna Local Municipality, extended the Smoke Alarm Installation Project further in Knysna, reaching Smutsville in Sedgefield from 09 – 17 June 2025.

This initiative, spearheaded by the GRDM Disaster Management Section, has already been rolled out in other municipal areas across the district. According to Executive Mayor Andrew Stroebel, “This initiative, funded by the Western Cape Provincial Government, and primarily aims to proactively identify high fire-risk areas within vulnerable communities in our district, and then install smoke alarm devices in these informal settlements”.

“Vulnerable communities remain a top priority for the GRDM and its partners,” said Stroebel

According to Lee-Ann Joubert, GRDM Disaster Management Coordinator, “Knysna Municipality’s Fire Services identified hotspot areas within their local municipality, after which GRDM firefighters installed the detectors and educate homeowners about the benefits and proper use of the device”.

GRDM Fire Services Station Commander Hein Leslie acted as co-project leader, explained: “I must say that the community is very glad and supportive of this initiative.  We did experience some challenges in the beginning when a few community members were under the impression that we installed cameras, but after engaging with them,  the community became more supportive of the initiative.”

Activities underway during the Smoke Alarm Installation Project in Smutsville, Sedgefield

During a brief gathering between officials from GRDM, Cllr Levael Davis, ward Councillor as well as member of the Asivikelane Development Action Group, which partnered with Knysna Municipality to monitor the status of ‘basic services’, GRDM Cllr Hoogbaard, Portfolio Chairperson for Community Services addressed the group.

”We know that fires can strike at any moment – often with little to no warning, and these impacts can be deadly. In communities, where many homes are constructed from highly flammable materials and are densely placed, a single spark can become a disaster within minutes. Imagine losing crucial documents like ID documents, birth certificates, and other important records in a fire? This is why early detection is not just important, but lifesaving as well,” Hoogbaard said.

To date, installations have been completed in the following communities within Smutsville: Skoolgaatjie, Lankgewag and Beverly Hills.

All partners involved in the Smoke Alarm Installation Project.

Firefighters are currently working in the Makhaphela area and will continue to roll out installations in additional high-risk zones in the area, including Slange Park, Sakhumzamo and surrounding areas

Part of this proactive project includes community education and awareness, empowering residents with knowledge to prevent fires, respond effectively, and improve early detection, which ultimately aimed at saving lives and protecting property.

-END-

06 June 2025 Public Notice: Notice to Smutsville residents:  Fire Safety Project – Smoke Detector Installations

Public Notice: Notice to Smutsville residents:  Fire Safety Project – Smoke Detector Installations

Notice Number.  56/2025

The Western Cape Fire and Rescue Services, Garden Route Fire and Rescue Services, Knysna Fire and Rescue Services, and Garden Route Disaster Management, in partnership with Asivikelane Community Facilitators, are leading a fire risk reduction project in your area.

As part of this program, smoke detection devices will be installed in informal structures to help protect households from fire-related risks. Installations will be carried out by trained team members.

Installations will begin on Monday, 9 June 2025 daily between 09:30 and 15:00 over three weeks. The names of the areas that will be visited, will be published as the programme moves forward in phases.

The Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) encourages the community to support this initiative by giving the teams access to their homes. If no one will be home on the day of planned installation, please make arrangements with a trusted neighbour.

The devices are provided free of charge, and through this initiative, the GRDM will also raise awareness, and educate residents about fire safety.

Thank you for your cooperation in helping to make the Smutsville community safer.

Click here to download the Official Notice.

Nthabeleng Raisa-Mlandu
Acting Municipal Manager
54 York Street
P O Box 12
GEORGE
6530
Tel:   044 803 1300
Notice Number 56/2025
6 June 2025

03 June 2025 Media Release: Young recycling fashion designers crowned at the ‘Designing a Greener Future’ event

Media Release: Young recycling fashion designers crowned at the ‘Designing a Greener Future’ event

For immediate release
03 June 2025

On Friday, 30 May 2025, stakeholders including the South African Police Service, Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM), George Municipality, Eden FM Radio, attended and participated in the Designing a Greener Future event that was hosted at Tyholora Primary School in Thembalethu, George.

Stakeholder representatives and learners during the “Designing a Greener Future” event that was hosted at Tyholora Primary School in Thembalethu.

With the theme “Using Creativity to Teach Crime Prevention,” stakeholder representatives shared their insights on illegal dumping and littering, highlighting the importance of recycling and its impact on the environment. More importantly, the link between illegal dumping, littering, and crime was also emphasised.

Starting off the event, was the Waste Management Team of George Municipality explaining the purpose of the event as well as educating all present regarding waste management and how to become a responsible resident in favour of a clean environment.

Further into the programme, an interactive awareness session with all learners regarding the signs of abuse and how to prevent becoming a victim of abuse, was conducted. Learners participated in the discussions that were presented by Advocate Marilyn Olifant-Scheepers.

In his address at the event, GRDM’s MMC for Community Services, Cllr Jobieth Hoogbaard, stated that “illegal dumping and littering doesn’t just harm the environment – it brings down the quality of life, creates health hazards, and often attracts more serious crimes. When areas are neglected or full of waste, it can create a “broken window” effect, where disorder invites further illegal activity,” he said.

Learners from various schools in George showcasing their creative talents wearing designs made from recycling material. 

When referring to the youth, Hoogbaard emphasised: “When young people are educated about caring for their communities – whether by picking up litter, recycling, reporting dumping or creating clean, green spaces, it creates pride, responsibility, and unity. These are key ingredients in preventing crime. They become part of something bigger,” he emphasised. “This sense of ownership and pride can steer youth away from crime because it replaces chaos with purpose,” Hoogbaard added. He encouraged all stakeholders present to invest in education and awareness, not just to protect the environment, but to protect the future of the youth. “Together, through small steps, we can build safer, cleaner, and stronger communities,” he concluded.

During his keynote address at the event, Garden Route District Commissioner, Major-General Phumzile Cetyana, said: “We are heading into a direction of becoming a clean town. Stating that “crime prevention and cleanliness goes together,’ he said: “Crime thrives in an environment that is not clean”. He added that “by making our places orderly, we are preventing crime”.

Learners from various schools and the Market Theatre drama group during their stage performances shared educational messages through poetry, song, dance and drama.

He further encouraged stakeholders, more specific learners, to never give up on a better world and concluded: “I take inspiration in knowing that our future lies in your hands. To the stakeholders, teachers and the community, he said: The creativity is inspiring, but let us all allow our children to be creative and to be part of this new world”.

Many enthusiastic learners showcased fashion designs made from recycled material, and the event furthermore featured vibrant performances in poetry, song, dance, and drama by learners from various schools in George, as well as the Drama Group from the George Market Theatre.

The winners of the Fashion design competition with the judges and organisers of the event.

The programme concluded with the prize-giving ceremony – and a deeper understanding of how illegal dumping and littering is linked to crime, leaving attendees with meaningful lessons to take forward.

Feature image: Contestants of the Recycling Fashion Design Competition soon after the announcement of the winners.

ENDS

22 May 2025 Media Release: Fire danger place Invasive Alien Plants in the spotlight

Media Release: Fire danger place Invasive Alien Plants in the spotlight

For immediate release
22 May 2025

Approaching winter fronts have the Garden Route on edge as fears of a repeat of the 2017 mega fire disaster looms as a clear and present danger”, says Cobus Meiring of the Garden Route Environmental Forum (GREF).

Regional environmental and disaster management agencies are in agreement that the 2017 conditions conducive to the worst fire disaster in South African history are again ready for the perfect storm.

Despite best efforts and collaboration between landowners affected by the 2017 fire disaster, Invasive Alien Plants (IAP’s) have made a comeback on the Knysna as well as the 2018 Outeniqua burn scars providing more fuel for a wild fire than ever before. Not only is Knysna and surrounds again in the path of danger, but many other areas including George, Wilderness, Sedgefield and Great Brak.

The Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM), George Municipality the Southern Cape Fire Protection Association and many other entities involved with – fighting has ramped up their collective strength to deal  with an increasingly number of wild fires, but the core problem remains: Invasive Alien Plants on the Southern Cape landscape.

Garden Route landowners in the urban edge are especially exposed as they can only do so much in terms of safeguarding their properties by creating defendable zones, cleaning their gutters and prepare escape routes. All river systems, mountains and river corridors in the garden Route are infested with high density IAP plant growth.

Landowners are not unaware of the danger invasive plants pose, but more often than not lack the resources to do anything meaningful about it. Still, fire- proofing the Garden Route is important, and a collective effort u

Government efforts (e.g. The DFFE Working for Water Programme) to eradicate IAP growth has collapsed as a result of a lack of funding, no further investment in bio- control and limited capacity to enforce legislation.

GREF will be focusing on climate change and Invasive alien plant implications at the Annual Climate Change and Environmental Indaba in partnership with Nelson Mandela University on 27 June. At stake is not only fire risk, but hard hitting drought is looming in coming years and loss of critical bio diversity is negative for the region’s appeal as a world class destination.

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

ENDS