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Disaster Management

13 March 2025 Media Release: First Aid Level 3 Training rolled out monthly at Garden Route District Municipality

Media Release: First Aid Level 3 Training rolled out monthly at Garden Route District Municipality

For Immediate Release
13 March 2025

First Aid Level 3 continues to be rolled out at the Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) Head Office in George. This training is of vital importance because it provides people with advanced life-saving skills and prepares them on how to handle medical and other emergencies during various incidents.

The training is conducted by GRDM Firefighters and Disaster Management personnel. According to the Head of Disaster Management, Gerhard Otto, the remaining dates for training during the 2025 calendar year are as follows: 12 – 16 May 2025; 9 – 13 June 2025; 14 – 18 July 2025; 18 – 22 August 2025; 8 – 12 September 2025; 6 – 10 October 2025; 10 – 14 November 2025; and 8 – 12 December 2025.

Earlier today, Mayoral Committee Chairperson for Community Services, Cllr Jobieth Hoogbaard, also took a moment to visit students and witness the training being rolled out at the GRDM Disaster Management Centre.

Hoogbaard, during his visit expressed his gratitude to the training staff by saying, “Thank you to Disaster Management and the GRDM Fire & Rescue Services, for sharing your expertise during these training sessions”.

A group of students being trained to become first aid responders.

This course is just one of the monthly sessions rolled out by the municipality. It spans over a period of five days, involving theoretical texts and practical demonstrations.

All participants are taught how to deal with and react to the following scenarios: 

  • Safety and lawful aspects
  • Patient assessment
  • Life Support
  • Airway Obstruction
  • Shock
  • Dressing and Bandages
  • Injury Emergencies
  • Medical Emergencies
  • Environmental Emergencies
  • Emergency Childbirth
  • Transporting a patient
  • And First Aid Kits
Kervin-Lee Gericke, a GRDM Senior Firefighter also played a role in the practicals when he had to be treated by student Chelsea Fort after he ‘broke an arm’. Cllr Jobieth Hoogbaard is pictured with them.

Did you know?

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 2025).

  • Training takes place at the GRDM Joint Operation Centre, 54 York Street, George
  • 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)

Feature image: MMC Councillor Hoogbaard is pictured with Nontsikelelo Shange who is about to perform CPR on one of the rescue services manikins. Behind her is Emile Conrad, GRDM Snr. Firefighter and Gail Bekeer, GRDM Disaster Management Administrator. 

ENDS

10 Maart 2025 Mediavrystelling: TDM hou voort om gemeenskappe in Klein-Karoo tydens waterkrisis te help

 Mediavrystelling: TDM hou voort om gemeenskappe in Klein-Karoo tydens waterkrisis te help

Vir onmiddellike vrystelling

10 Maart 2025

Die Tuinroete Distriksmunisipaliteit (TDM) het verlede week voortgegaan om hulp te verleen aan die Oudtshoorn Munisipaliteit. Dit volg nadat dié plaaslike munisipaliteit dringend met die TDM moes skakel om ‘n ernstige waterskaarste-krisis in Dysselsdorp, De Rust en Blomnek aan te spreek.

Volgens die TDM se Rampbestuurhoof, Gerhard Otto, het die probleem ontstaan “nadat ‘n kabel beskadig is weens die onlangse kragonderbrekings.”

Tussen Dinsdag en Saterdag (8 Maart) het die Tegniese Dienste-afdeling van die Oudtshoorn Munisipaliteit vier foutiewe plekke op die hoof-elektrisiteitsvoerkabel geïdentifiseer en herstel om ‘n stabiele toevoer aan gemeenskappe te verseker. Hierdie kabel is noodsaaklik vir die voorsiening van elektrisiteit aan die waterpompe wat Dysselsdorp van huishoudelike water voorsien.

Die situasie is verder vererger deur Eskom se beurtkrag, wat dele van De Rust en Blomnek se krane droog gelaat het. In reaksie hierop het die TDM se Rampbestuursentrum en die GRDM Brandweerdiens daagliks ‘n 10 000-liter watertrok ontplooi, insluitend oor die afgelope naweek, om water aan die geaffekteerde gemeenskappe te voorsien.

Die herstelwerk aan die kragkabel is nou voltooi, en die waterpompe funksioneer op volle kapasiteit, wat beteken dat die reservoirs weer aangevul word. Dit bly egter noodsaaklik om die aanhoudende droogtetoestande in die Karoo in ag te neem, aangesien dit ‘n impak op watervoorsiening sal hê.

TDM Burgemeester Andrew Stroebel het beklemtoon: “Die TDM sal voortgaan om die Oudtshoorn Munisipaliteit tydens hierdie krisis te ondersteun en sal hulp verleen tot minstens Vrydag, wanneer verwag word dat die agterstand in waterlewering uitgesorteer sal wees.”

Die TDM doen ‘n dringende beroep op alle inwoners om spaarsamig met water om te gaan gedurende hierdie herstelperiode.

‘n Vorige mediavrystelling wat verband hou met die bogenoemde: https://tinyurl.com/4m3nsw7v

Water word afgelewer by dorpe insluitend Dysselsdorp, De rust en Blomnek

EINDE

6 February 2025 Media Release: Emergency Personnel in the Garden Route Attend RIMS Training

Media Release: Emergency Personnel in the Garden Route Attend RIMS Training

6 March 2025

Earlier this week, the Garden Route District Municipality’s (GRDM) Fire and Rescue Services attended the Road Incident Management Systems (RIMS) Training Workshop. This was hosted in George by the National Department of Transport and the South African National Roads Agency Limited (SANRAL).

“The safety of road users and emergency responders remains a priority for us at the GRDM. This training is important becausee it strengthens our region’s ability to respond swiftly and decisively to incidents. I commend all participants for their dedication and commitment to keeping our roads safe,” said GRDM Executive Mayor Andrew Stroebel.

The workshop was attended by emergency responders, including GRDM Disaster Management and Fire Services, Oudtshoorn Municipal Traffic and Law Enforcement, George Municipal Fire Department and Traffic Management, METRO Emergency Medical Services (EMS). Attendees from George, Mossel Bay, and Ladismith rescue technicians, as well as other private role players, including a breakdown service, also attended.

The objective of the workshop was to equip participants with the necessary skills to coordinate and implement standardised procedures for incident response. This can help to ensure a more efficient and safer roadway environment.

Some of the key elements covered in the training included:

  • Understanding RIMS protocols.
  • Identifying major and minor incidents using the METHANE method for reporting to the Control Centre.
  • Defining roles and responsibilities of services and agencies within RIMS.
  • Strengthening collaboration between emergency services, law enforcement, and road maintenance teams.
  • Improving safety and risk management protocols for first responders at road incidents.
  • Addressing hybrid energy vehicles as an innovative approach, especially given the increasing number of hybrid electric cars in our region.

The one-day workshop was well received by attendees who also were also exposed to numerous real-life incident examples and ways to mitigate them.

According to GRDM Fire Station Commander Heirich Leslie, the training provided the necessary knowledge to equip attendees with the appropriate steps toward building a more efficient and coordinated road incident management framework. To this end, it ensures that South Africa’s roads remain safe and accessible in the face of unforeseen incidents.

Feature image and images above showcasing emergency personnel from the district who attended the RIMS Workshop.

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27 Februarie 2025 Persvrystelling: TDM reik uit na Dysselsdorp gemeenskap tydens waterkrisis

Persvrystelling: TDM reik uit na Dysselsdorp Gemeenskap tydens waterkrisis

Vir onmiddelikke vrystelling
27 Februarie 2025

Vanoggend, 27 Februarie 2025, het Tuinroete Distriksmunisipaliteit (TDM) begin om hulp te verleen aan die Dysselsdorp gemeenskap in die Klein-Karoo, met die verskaffing van ‘n 10 000 liter water.

Die Dysselsdorp gemeenskap ontvang water nadat tien duisend (10 000) liter vanoggend deur TDM in hul area afgelewer is.

Volgens Burgemeester Andrew Stroebel is die versoek gerig nadat die area probleme ondervind het met ‘n kabel wat beskadig was weens die onlangs kragonderbrekings (loadshedding) in die gebied. “Ons spanne het spoedig gereageer en het vanoggend die 10 000 liter water na die Dysselsdorp gemeenskap Vervoer”.

“TDM sal in noue samewerking met Oudtshoorn Munisipaliteit verseker dat die water by die nodige gebiede afgelewer word.”

Die Oudtshoorn Munisipaliteit se Tegniese Afdeling het hul dank uitgespreek teenoor die TDM se Rampbestuurseenheid vir die hulp in ‘n tyd van nood aan die gemeenskap van Dysselsdorp. Indien die pyp nie spoedig herstel word nie, sal verdere hulp vanaf die TDM aan hierdie gemeenskap volgende week voortgaan.

 

EINDE

21 February 2025 Media Release: First Garden Route District Safety Forum for this year hosted by the Garden Route

Media Release: First Garden Route District Safety Forum for this year hosted by the Garden Route

For immediate release
21 February 2025

Yesterday, 20 February 2025, the Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) hosted the first District Safety Forum meeting for this year at the Joint Operation Centre of the municipality.

Stakeholders at the District Safety Forum meeting held at the Joint Operation Centre of the GRDM.

The Portfolio Chairperson of Community Services, Cllr Jobieth Hoogbaard, highlighted the importance of working together, not only as spheres of government but a whole of society approach to ensure a safer District for all. Hoogbaard informed the meeting that the GRDM is currently in discussions with the South African Police Service on how the District might be able to share and strengthen collective resources. “This will be to ensure a more coordinated and effective response to address the current situation, as well as foreseen safety and security challenges of the District”.

The main objectives of the meeting was for all stakeholders to provide progress reports on their current safety and security related programs and projects funded as part of the Provincial Whole of Society Approach grant. In addition, the meeting also endeavoured to prioritise the projects and programs to be funded for the remainder of this financial year.

The seven local municipalities of the Garden Route (Kannaland, Hessequa, Mossel Bay, George, Knysna, Oudtshoorn and Bitou), were requested to compile business plans that speak to their specific needs as captured – as part of their local safety plans. They were also prompted to indicate their specific needs for inclusion as part of the 25/26 Garden Route District Safety Forum business plan. This proactive approach will ensure that GRDM’s future project proposals are aligned with the district’s most pressing safety priorities.

Feature Image: The first Garden Route District Safety Forum of the year held on 20 February 2025.

ENDS

12 February 2025 Media Release: Garden Route District Municipality Assists Vulnerable Communities in Disaster Recovery Efforts

Media Release: Garden Route District Municipality Assists Vulnerable Communities in Disaster Recovery Efforts

12 February 2025

The Emergency Call Centre, a crucial component of the Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) Disaster Management Centre (DMC), handles approximately 25,000 emergency calls per month. However, disaster management extends far beyond immediate incident response—it encompasses four key pillars:

  1. Mitigation
  2. Preparedness
  3. Response
  4. Recovery

Disaster management also includes planning and development, ensuring a proactive approach to both natural and human-made disasters. Beyond coordinating responses during major incidents, the DMC continuously works to enhance the district’s resilience against disaster risks.

DISASTER REHABILITATION AND RECONSTRUCTION EFFORTS

The GRDM DMC is responsible for facilitating local disaster declarations and motivating funding requests from both provincial and national governments for disaster rehabilitation and reconstruction.

Currently, GRDM DMC is overseeing the implementation of several disaster rehabilitation projects, including:

2021/22 Flood Disaster Grants:

  • George: R237.5 million
  • Oudtshoorn: R26.6 million

2023 Storm Surge Disaster Grants:

  • Knysna: R2.6 million
  • Hessequa: R5.18 million

June 2024 Floods:

A disaster grant request of R115 million has been submitted to the National Disaster Management Centre and National Treasury and is currently pending approval.

RELIEF TO COMMUNITIES IN NEED

GRDM DMC plays a crucial role in ensuring that disaster-affected communities receive urgent assistance.

Emergency Water Relief – Gamka West (Calitzdorp) | 26 January 2024

After residents of Gamka West, who rely on the Klein Karoo Rural Water Supply Scheme, were left without water for over four days, GRDM DMC dispatched a water tanker from the Ladismith Fire Base to deliver several loads of water to affected families.

GRDM Firefighters recently assisted families after they were left without water from the Klein Karoo Rural Water Supply Scheme for four days.

Storm Damage Relief – Volmoed (Oudtshoorn) | 29 January 2024

Following heavy rain and gale-force winds, 32 households in Volmoed, outside Oudtshoorn, were left destitute. Responding to a request from the GRDM Deputy Mayor, GRDM DMC provided:

  • 52 blankets to the Oudtshoorn Municipality for evacuated residents housed in a local church hall.
  • The Oudtshoorn Municipality also distributed 32 mattresses and 32 starter kits to affected families.
  • GRDM DMC facilitated additional support from the Gift of the Givers, who provided food relief to affected individuals the following day.

A property in Volmoed that was severely damaged after rain and gale-force winds.

STRENGTHENING WATER AND SANITATION SECURITY

Recognising the importance of water security, GRDM DMC is spearheading the development of a District Water and Sanitation Master Plan. This initiative focuses on identifying and implementing bulk water and sanitation projects across municipal boundaries to enhance water security for all residents in the district.

The GRDM is assisted by the Western Cape Economic Development Partnership (WCEDP) to develop this Master Plan. The assistance of the company Partners in Performance (PiP) was subsequently obtained to develop this District Water and Sanitation Master Plan. At this point in time most of the technical information required, have been obtained from the current Water Services Authorities in the District. PiP is currently busy analysing this data.

The GRDM is working towards having a first draft available by the end of March this year.

DISASTER RISK REDUCTION

The DMC also assists local municipalities in developing Disaster Risk Reduction Plans (DRR) ensuring alignment with local risk assessments.

It is important to remember that DRR should always be a holistic multi‐hazard/threat and multi‐stakeholder approach, and it should be mainstreamed into development projects to increase the resilience of the built environment.

DRR must be considered and where relevant implemented at the earliest appropriate stage of the design and planning process rather than added onto a project as an after‐thought. It is important to build back better, especially when opportunities arise in the aftermath of a disaster. Professional institutions can play a very positive role in educating students and members about their roles in disaster risk reduction.

DRR Plans vary for each local municipal area with the focus on addressing the following priority disaster risks in the District, namely flooding, fires – especially wildland fires, drought, coastal as well as river erosion, transportation incidents including Hazmat incidents as well as human and animal diseases .

Some of these plans include the following:

  1. Flood hazard mapping linked to the Spatial Development Framework of each Local Municipality.
  2. Emergency breaching of estuaries protocol and the pro-active management of low-lying flood prone areas.
  3. Eradication of invasive alien plants.
  4. Protection of riverbanks – especially in the Duiwenhoks River.
  5. Establishment of integrated fire management protocols.
  6. Public awareness campaigns.
  7. District Safety Forum as well as establishment of Local safety Forums.
  8. Building back better as an integral part of post disaster rehabilitation and reconstruction projects.

When these plans are updated, they form part of spatial development frameworks. This ensures that that emerging disaster risks are factored into planning of town infrastructure.

Feature image: GRDM Firefighters recently assisted families after they were left without water from the Klein Karoo Rural Water Supply Scheme for four days.

ENDS

11 November 2024 Media Release: Garden Route District Municipality completes final phase of the installation of Smoke Detection Devices in Rheenendal

Media Release: Garden Route District Municipality completes final phase of the installation of Smoke Detection Devices in Rheenendal

For immediate release
11 November 2024

The Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM), in partnership with the Knysna Municipality, today (11 November 2024) completed the installation of over 60 smoke detectors in homes within the Rheenendal community near Knysna. This marks the final phase of the project to install almost 500 smoke detectors in the area.

The detectors were installed by firefighters with councillors fulfilling an oversight role. Firefighters, while installing the devices, also educated home-owners about the use of the devices.

The team of  firefighters ready to install the smoke detectors at dwellings situated in the Rheenendal area.

Smoke detectors, or smoke alarms, are devices designed to sense smoke and emit an audible or visual alert to warn of a fire.

Today’s installations covered the following areas within Rheenendal:

  • Monkey Valley (9 homes)
  • Soccer Valley (9 homes)
  • Lapland (18 homes)
  • Pine Valley (3 homes)
  • Busy Corner (5 homes)
  • Uitsig Section 5 (2 homes)
  • Uitsig Sections 1, 2, 3, and Honey Valley (15 homes combined)
  • Hou my nat (2 homes)

The project has been supported by Cllr Hoogbaard, the Portfolio Chairperson for Community Services at GRDM, Cllr Hilton Stroebel, Knysna and GRDM Councillor, Deon Stoffels, GRDM’s Chief Fire Officer, Marthina Tieties, Community Facilitator from Asivikelane representing the Rheenendal community, as well as GRDM firefighters and officials who all formed part of the installations.

During his address as part of the formal programme, Cllr Hoogbaard said: “The installation of smoke alarms in informal dwellings is a critical step towards preventing fire-related tragedies and promoting a culture of fire safety. This project aligns perfectly with our municipality’s goals of providing a safe and healthy environment for all”.

Hoogbaard further commended the project’s organisers for their proactive approach to addressing this pressing need. “The partnership between GRDM, Knysna Municipality, the Provincial Government, as well as the community, demonstrates our collective commitment to improving the quality of life for our most vulnerable residents,” he added.

The project’s objectives include:

  • Reducing fire-related deaths, injuries, and property damage;
  • Educating residents on the importance of smoke alarm installation and maintenance;
  • Assisting residents in developing and practicing home fire escape plans;
  • Helping municipalities comply with legislative requirements under the Municipal Structures Act, Disaster Management Act, and Fire Brigade Services Act;
  • Enhancing relations between the community and local fire departments.

Smoke detectors installed at various dwellings within the Rheenendal area.

Early detection of home fires is crucial for reducing fatalities and injuries. Fires can smoulder before igniting into flames, often releasing toxic gases that cause suffocation – the main cause of fire-related deaths. Smoke can disorient or incapacitate people quickly, especially during sleep, as studies show that the smell of smoke does not wake people. Detecting a fire early, while it is still smouldering, allows time for safe evacuation, and reduces the risk of suffocation.

GRDM therefore remains dedicated to enhancing fire safety for communities within the Garden Route.

ENDS

24 October 2024 Media Release: SAPS, GRDM, Mossel Bay Municipality and stakeholders in the Garden Route collaborate in launching October the Safer Festive Season campaign in Mossel Bay

Media Release: SAPS, GRDM, Mossel Bay Municipality and stakeholders in the Garden Route collaborate launching October  the Safer Festive Season campaign in Mossel Bay

For immediate release
24 October 2024

The South African Police Service (SAPS), Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM), Mossel Bay Municipality, and various stakeholders from the Garden Route launched the Safer Festive Season campaign yesterday, 23 October 2024, at the Extension 23 Sports Ground Stadium in Mossel Bay. The event brought together police officers, municipal leaders, youth, and community members, all united in promoting safety during the upcoming holiday season.

Stakeholer representatives in attendance at the Joint Operation Centre in Mossel Bay.

The day commenced with a briefing session at Mossel Bay’s Joint Operations Centre, where plans and resources in ensuring the safety of residents and tourists, were discussed. Following the briefing, stakeholders participated in an integrated roadblock near PetroSA before gathering at the stadium for the official launch of the campaign.

During the briefing, Executive Mayor of GRDM, Andrew Stroebel, emphasised the importance of crime prevention in sustaining the district’s rapid growth, particularly as the Garden Route remains a major tourist destination. He expressed the municipality’s commitment to public safety, adding that “the crime rate is being addressed with utmost priority to continue fostering economic growth”. Western Cape Provincial Commissioner, Adv. Lieutenant General Thembisa Patekile, highlighted the need to support officers’ well-being, including addressing their housing needs. Mayor Stroebel responded that GRDM is actively working to become a housing authority, with an application currently in process.

The delegation subsequently participated in the roadblock near PetroSA in Mossel Bay creating awareness about safety in general.

Speakers addressing the representatives from various organisations as well as members of the community.

Arriving at the stadium, the delegation was welcomed by officers in ‘Blue’, representatives from various other organisations, community members and school representatives from the area, to name a few. The formal programme commenced with a parade in honour of the role of SAPS officers in the community and the safety of the residents of the district.

In his address at the event, Mayor Stroebel extended words of appreciation to all the partners involved in the campaign specifically pointing out SAPS, emergency services and the various departments that have come together in unity to make the launch of the Safer Festive Season campaign possible. He said: “Your dedication to ensuring the safety and security of our community is invaluable, and it gives me immense confidence in our collective ability to face the challenges of the festive season”. In addition, he further reiterated that “the Garden Route is not only a beautiful and vibrant region but also a significant tourist destination, drawing thousands of visitors during the holiday period”.

“We recognise the increased responsibility on our shoulders to ensure that both our residents and visitors feel safe and protected. Through our partnerships and the tireless work of all stakeholders involved, we are well-prepared to meet this challenge head-on.”

Parades of honour by SAPS officers at the event.

While Mayor Stroebel mentioned that safety and security cannot be achieved by one entity alone, he noted that “through strong partnerships we are able to ensure a cohesive and proactive approach to managing risks. These partnerships allow us to work together towards the common goal of providing a secure environment, not just over the festive season, but throughout the year,” he added. “Together, we will continue to build a region where everyone can enjoy the holidays in peace and security, knowing that they are supported by a strong and capable network of professionals,” he concluded.

Executive Deputy Mayor of Mossel Bay Municipality, Ald. Cliffie Bayman, when offering the residents of the Garden Route the assurance that Mossel Bay and the broader Garden Route is in safe hands while heading into the festive season, he said: “Today is an opportunity to show that partnerships built up through, for example, the Joint Operation Centre, have helped safeguard Mossel Bay and, through the K9 Unit, Mossel Bay has played a key supporting role in growing safety in the broader Western Cape”. In addition, Ald. Bayman further reminded all present that “today is a show of force and collaboration, a promise that the Council will continue to build on the success of these partnerships”. On behalf of the Mossel Bay he offered his full support towards the campaign and an overall safer festive season.

The operational plan handed over to Western Cape Commissioner, Adv. Lieutenant General Thembisa Patekile.

Lieutenant General Patekile encouraged communities to exercise caution during the December holidays as he made specific mention to the issue of gender-based violence (GBV), domestic violence, particularly women and children. Patekile further said: “We urge everyone as SAPS takes GBV extremely seriously – through our efforts, we will continue to protect the vulnerable, the elderly and women, as well as children”. In general, Patekile further encouraged communities to change their attitude, change the narrative and he advised that “we want you to be happy, everybody must be happy, as long as there should be no loss of life”.

Patekile further mentioned that SAPS deals with plenty occurrences of the loss of lives amongst young persons. He advised that “we should prevent situations that trigger conflict and that we should respect one another’s space”.  he He further advised: “After attending an event, go home and sleep, do not cause problems”.  He urged parents and communities to advise the youth, specifically young men, to act wisely and in the best interest of everyone’s safety. In terms of growing the economy he encouraged the public not to purchase counterfeit food at stores. These are merely a few of the many tips he shared with all present.  In terms of extortion, he seriously advised that victims of extortion should report their cases to the toll-free number 0800 314 444.

Dry-runs conducted during the event.

The rest of the activities included the Code of Conduct of SAPS Officers delivered by Constable Slingers in committing themselves to the safety of society, dry-runs of various crime-related incidents that police officers are tasked with on a daily basis, the marching of the Guard of Honour and instrumental performances by the men and ladies in blue, an exhibition and ultimately the handing over of the Operation Plan to the Lieutenant General Patekile.

Strong partnerships created and fostered for a safer Garden Route district.

Representatives from the Community Policing Forum, Spiritual Crime Prevention, the Department of Correctional Services, as well as the Provincial Traffic Department were also in attendance.

 

ENDS

21 October 2024 Media Release: Kaaimans Gorge, a lost treasure

Media Release: Kaaimans Gorge, a lost treasure

For immediate release
21 October 2024

“Paying a heavy price for development and road infrastructure, the iconic Kaaimans Gorge between Wilderness and George has lost much of its environmental and historical significance,” says Cobus Meiring of the Garden Route Environmental Forum (GREF). The iconic gorge symbolises everything the Garden  Route represents but is subjected to the full impact of one of South Africa’s busiest highways.

Kaaimans Gorge is a vital conservation corridor linking the Indian Ocean with the Outeniqua mountains and is a marine and terrestrial biodiversity treasure chest. Periodic land- slides, the formation of erosion gullies, unprecedented growth of invasive alien plants and the damming of water flow upstream of Kaaimans Gorge collectively pushed the Kaaimans balance of nature and sense of place to a point of no return.

In addition to the above, an indigenous creeper has in less than a decade covered much of the northern slope of the Kaaimans indigenous forest. This development led to the collapse of the forest under the weight of the creeper and no doubt will cause further land-slides as dead  biomass and water-logged soils with no plant cover to keep it in check, will at some point give way to gravity.

More often than not, the environment has to give way to development and the growing needs of resource-hungry populations. If the Garden Route is to retain any of its allure as an international point of interest, those living in it should make special efforts to conserve what remains of one of the most special natural spaces on the African continent.

Garden Route river systems are essential conservation corridors which are essential to the survival of biodiversity and land owners in their catchments can contribute to their optimal functionality by clearing their land of invasive alien plants.

The Garden Route Environmental Forum (GREF) is a public platform for environmental management agencies and a climate change think- tank. (grefscli.org.za)

Photo: Kaaimans gorge

03 October 2024 Media Release: Stenden South Africa Second-Year Students Tour Garden Route District Municipality’s Disaster Management Centre

Media Release: Stenden South Africa Second-Year Students Tour Garden Route District Municipality’s Disaster Management Centre

03 October 2024

Earlier this week the Garden Route District Municipality’s (GRDM) Disaster Management Centre welcomed a group of second-year students from Stenden South Africa as part of their educational tour. This visit marked an important stop on the students’ Cape Town-bound journey, which began in the Eastern Cape at the Sarah Baartman District Centre. Along their route, the students are scheduled to visit various Disaster Management Centres (DM centres) and important sites, including the Koeberg Nuclear Power Station.

Stenden South Africa is an international university that offers a Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) Honours degree in Disaster Management. The institution is renowned for its approach, combining theoretical knowledge with practical experiences, equipping students to manage real-world disaster scenarios and global development challenges. Their four-year program builds expertise in key areas such as disaster response, humanitarian security, and global social development.

Among the key modules covered during their studies are:

  • Conflict Management and Humanitarian Security Law
  • Disaster Response, Role Players and Relationships
  • Introduction to Accounting
  • Logistics & Business Communication 2
  • Research Methodology & Field Research 1

The program’s structure is designed to progressively cover foundational topics in the first year, such as Disaster Management Planning, Project Management, and Economics. By the third year, students engage in more advanced subjects like Climate Variability and Strategic Management. Furthermore, specialized international modules in Thailand, such as Global Social Development and International Relations, enhance the students’ global perspective.

The GRDM Disaster Management Centre was one of the major highlights of the trip, providing students with a first-hand look at operational disaster management processes. During the visit, the current GRDM interns were invited to share their experiences, offering the students valuable insights into the day-to-day realities of disaster management. These exchanges provided practical context to their studies and gave them a glimpse into potential career paths.

In addition to the intern presentations, a Stenden South Africa alumna, now working as a disaster management officer at GRDM, shared her personal career journey. Her reflections on transitioning from student to professional provided inspiration and guidance for the visiting students, showing how their studies could shape their future roles in the field.

This visit is one of many ongoing collaborations between GRDM and Stenden South Africa, nurturing a dynamic exchange of knowledge and mentorship. Each year, such engagements provide students with practical exposure to disaster management, enhancing their academic experiences. The inclusion of GRDM interns in this year’s program offered the students peer-level insights and further emphasized GRDM’s commitment to developing the next generation of disaster management professionals.

Featured image caption: GRDM Disaster Management Officials alongside second-year students from Stenden South Africa during their visit to the GRDM Disaster Management Centre.

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