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District Economic Development

28 May 2026 Media Release: Tourism in the Garden Route & Klein Karoo remains resilient and continues efforts to achieve sustainable growth

Media Release: Tourism in the Garden Route & Klein Karoo remains resilient and continues efforts to achieve sustainable growth

For immediate release
28 May 2026

The Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) through its regional tourism office hosted a two-day Garden Route and Klein Karoo Regional Tourism Industry Workshop in the towns of George and Oudtshoorn, on 26-27 May 2026. During these workshops, various stakeholders engaged in an information-sharing session about the status quo of the tourism sector.

This engagement was in partnerships with the National Department of Tourism, South African Tourism, the Tourism Business Council of South Africa, the Tourism Grading Council of South Africa, and attended by various tourism businesses and industry stakeholder across the region such as SANPARKS, CapeNature, Wesgro, Local Tourism Offices, established and emerging business enterprises, and the hospitality industry.

The Executive Mayor, Alderman Marais Kruger welcomed everyone present under the theme “Unlocking Opportunities, Support & Benefits Across Key Tourism Institutions” reflecting our collective commitment to strengthening tourism growth, collaboration, and sustainable development across the Garden Route and Klein Karoo region.

These industry leading voices dissected a myriad of areas that requires improvement and highlighted opportunities across the entire tourism value chain. If this is realised, it could potentially open pathways for increased collaboration – a shared commitment to grow the region’s tourism industry.

South African Tourism representative responsible for stakeholder relations, Tony Nkadimeng, acknowledged that although the Garden Route had experienced natural disasters such as fires and the recent floods, the tourism industry remained resilient despite these challenges. “Regardless of these challenges, we are encouraged to see that the industry is still thriving,” he said.

Capitalising on its recognition as the best scenic route, the Garden Route and Klein Karoo Tourism Regional Office, together with the stakeholders at workshops, explored existing opportunities for the region to entrench its brand equity among both domestic and international travellers.

Dealing with matters pertinent to the Sector, the discussions centred around strengthening tourism marketing initiatives, promoting sports tourism such as golfing, supporting small businesses, especially women-led enterprises and positioning the Garden Route and Klein Karoo as the preferred tourism destination.

Chief Director-Enterprise Development & Transformation from the National Department of Tourism, Sbonelo Nzimande, said: “We have made a concerted effort in supporting women-led businesses, digitising services offered by small businesses and enabling transactions for operators in the rural areas as well”. Nzimande added that Micro-, Small and Medium Enterprises needed to embrace research, technology, innovation and creativity to move the needle in the trajectory of their entrepreneurship endeavours.

Smalls businesses were also encouraged to apply for grading through the Tourism Grading Council of South Africa.

Hospitality businesses called for strategic coordination from the GRDM to ensure the sector becomes more attractive to investment. Funding and compliance were cited as the biggest stumbling blocks for entrepreneurs who emphasised the need to bridge the gap in the dissemination of information and mentorship.

Tourism, LED and EPWP Manager at the GRDM, Richard Dyantyi, recognised small businesses and various stakeholders for their contributions in the region and how these efforts made a tangible difference to the tourism landscape.

“This engagement will not be another talk-shop. I will ensure that the GRDM management and political leadership reflect on the issues raised at this platform so that when we meet again, I will be able to report back on what we have done from our side,” he said.

Caption: Presenters of the day representing the GRDM and various key stakeholders after an insightful engagement at the George leg of the Garden Route and Klein Karoo Tourism Industry Workshop held at the George Civic Centre.

ENDS

Garden Route Export Awareness Seminar 2025 in Partnership with Landbank

A GARDEN ROUTE EXPORT AWARENESS SEMINAR WILL TAKE PLACE ON 30 OCTOBER. This initiative is driven in partnership with Landbank.

VENUE: De Jagers Sports Complex, 82 Voortrekker Street, Oudtshoorn.

TIME: 08h30.

RSVP: https://tinyurl.com/4ce2jh8v

Download the Programme here: Programme for Garden Route Export Seminar 2025

Are you interested in expanding your business internationally? Are you an exporter ? Would you like to know more about the export support available for your business? No matter where you are on your export journey, the Garden Route Export Seminar is a valuable platform for businesses (including) those led by women, youth, and persons with disabilities), to stay informed with the latest export news and expert advice. This event offers access to the latest export information, insights into market opportunities and connect with key stakeholders in the export ecosystem.

FOCUS AREAS

• Support and assistance for export promotion and Marketing.
• Financial and support programs:
i. Grants /Loans sector specific incentives(financial support or benefits for business specific sectors.
ii. Export training programs.
iii. Information on relevant issues affecting trade.

ENQUIRIES
Marthinus Van Wyk | E-mail: Export.Seminars@westerncape.gov.za | T :021 483 3106

Farmers attending will have the opportunity to engage directly with Land Bank representatives on funding and agricultural insurance solutions designed to support growth, manage risks, and expand / unlock new export opportunities.

 

06 August 2025 Media Release: Indian Consul Visits GRDM to Explore Potential Collaborations

Media Release: Indian Consul Visits GRDM to Explore Potential Collaborations

6 August 2025

This week Tuesday, the Consulate General of India in Cape Town, led by Consul Ruby Jaspreet, along with the Vice Consul General Mr Prince Kumar and their Marketing Officer Ms Mkize, officially visited the Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM). This marked the Consul General’s first official visit to the region since her appointment in January 2025, a first-ever visit by the Consulate General of India.

The Garden Route District Municipality delegation led by Executive Mayor Andrew Stroebel opened the meeting signalling it a ‘historical event’ by welcoming the guests to the beautiful Garden Route.  He gave a brief overview of the district, the major towns that constitute the region, and highlighted several picturesque features that the region is endowered with in which any visitor can enjoy.

In response to the Executive Mayor, the Consul General thanked him and his delegation for the warm and sincere welcome and further expressed that they were ‘very grateful’ to be in the Garden Route District. She noted that the Consulate has had a 30-year presence in Cape Town and emphasised their interest to expand their footprint to other parts of the province. In outlining the purpose of their visit, she began by referring to the historic trade relationships that this region, province and country share with India. She reduced her submission to India’s strengths; priority sectors; and potential areas of collaboration that could serve to further enhance the already existing relations.

Jaspreet further highlighted the following key areas during her address:

  • Exploring potential areas of cooperation between India and municipalities in the Garden Route District.
  • Providing an update on various capacity building initiatives led by the Government of India.
  • Identifying opportunities for educational collaboration.
  • Tourism and creating programmes for Tour Operators to increase the Indian market.
  • Energy with specific focus on Renewable Energy.
  • IT Sector with specific focus of Digitalisation.
  • Discussing strategies to enhance two-way trade and investment.

The Executive Mayor responded with a few remarks, highlighting on current opportunities in the Garden Route that aligns with some of the key areas touched on by the Consult General.  He briefly elaborated on several developments and opportunities in the region, including the public-private partnership between GRDM and Solar Energy Africa for the establishment of a new Electric Vehicle (EV) charging station in George, one of the first of its kind in the region.  “This initiative serves as an opportunity to promote the Garden Route as a green energy route,” said Stoebel. He further highlighted some of the agricultural products exported from the region to Dubai and other European countries.

Lusanda Menze, Executive Manager of Integrated Planning and Economic Development delivered a presentation on behalf of the GRDM.  He emphasis the importance of creating and enabling an environment that is attractive to investment. He unpacked the Growth and Development Strategy of the GRDM that serves as a 20-year roadmap for development in the region, supported by a strong implementation structure and offering opportunities for collaboration and joint decision-making.  It includes, amongst others, various investment opportunities in the region, as well as the current catalytic projects assisting in economic growth.  These include the Garden Route Regional Landfill Facility in Mossel Bay, the Agro-processing Facility in Oudtshoorn, and the GRDM Skills Mecca initiatives which was established to identify skills gaps and demands across all sectors and to ensure the supply of relevant skills to meet those demands.

Menze concluded with some of the proposed infrastructure and energy investment opportunities, including the planned Solar PV Plant in Dysselsdorp, and the Digital Transformation Connectivity and Data Centre project, which aim to ensure consistent access to information across region.  He also mentioned other proposed projects related to Urban & Economic Development as well as Transport and Logistic Enhancement, which include the development of the Port of Mossel Bay, the Expansion of the George Airport, and the establishment of a Fresh Produce Market in the region.

Some of the slides presented by GRDM

Richard Dyantyi, Manager: District Economic Development, Tourism and EPWP, during his remarks re-emphasised the existing Indian market in the region, highlighting the Cango Caves in Oudtshoorn as one of the main ‘drawcards’ and key attractions for Indian tourism market.

From a Tourism perspective, GRDM Regional Tourism Officer, Denver Johnson, highlighted the fact that there is currently no direct flight between India and South Africa, and that the cost and safety perception remain key challenges for the Indian market.  He also noted the limitations in accommodation offerings across the region particularly in meeting the Indian market’s dietary requirements, which often include the need for separate kitchen facility.  However, he pointed out that there are already certain establishments and restaurants in the Garden Route & Klein Karoo that offer such facilities, presenting opportunities for future expansion to better service this growing market.

Following the GRDM delegation’s presentation along with inputs from the two Members of the Mayoral Committee, Ald. Rosina Ruiters and Councillor Dave Swarts, and the Acting Municipal Manager, Raisa-Mlandu, the Consul General of India posed a few questions to gain clarity on specific projects and their value propositions. She thanked the GRDM for a well-delivered presentation and reassured the Executive Mayor and delegation that they have identified several projects highlighted during the presentation where the Government of India would consider collaborating with GRDM and expressed her interest in further discussions and engagement.

Featured image and above: The Consulate General of India’s delegation with the Garden Route District Municipality delegation during the meeting.

In conclusion, and in closing a very fruitful deliberation, the GRDM Executive Mayor thanked the Indian delegation for choosing the GRDM for their visit.  He expressed that as the Garden Route Municipality, they look forward to future collaborations that will yield mutual benefit for both parties.

22 October 2024 Media Release: Garden Route District Municipality Calls for Land to Support Fresh Produce Market Initiative

Media Release: Garden Route District Municipality Calls for Land to Support Fresh Produce Market Initiative

22 October 2024

Since May 2024, the Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) engaged the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure to secure a land transfer of 15 to 30 hectares for a Fresh Produce Market. During an engagement on 19 October 2024, Councillor Hilton Stroebel, Mayoral Committee Chairperson for Property and Asset Management, participated in discussions with the National Department of Public Works and Infrastructure regarding the same request. He emphasized that the proposed land and projects align with national and provincial development goals, stating: “These land parcels are essential for creating sustainable economic opportunities for our communities.”

Under the Local Government: Municipal Structures Act 117 of 1998, Section 84(1)(k), GRDM, like other District Municipalities are allowed to develop and manage fresh produce markets and abattoirs that serve a significant portion of the municipality. A feasibility study and business plan have already been developed for this, which are aimed at supporting both subsistence and commercial farmers throughout the agricultural value chain.

Further to the above, local campuses of Nelson Mandela University and the Western Cape College of Nursing also inquired whether GRDM can negotiate additional land for the development of student accommodation.

GRDM has therefore, since this calendar year, formally requested the transfer of several properties located in George to the District – a response is awaited. Some of the properties are located within residential zones and Priority Human Settlements and Housing Development Areas, making them ideal business nodes with convenient access to public transport, healthcare facilities, and shopping centers.

More about the event where lobbying took place

At the event on 19 October, the National Department of Public Works and Infrastructure established a task team and working streams to help speed  up the transfer of Forestry Villages to Local Municipalties and also the properties that GRDM requested to have under its ownership. All stakeholders at the engagement will form of the structures. Through this approach, it is anticipated that the transfer of properties will happen far quicker than initially anticipated.

Feature image caption: Knysna Executive Mayor, Cllr Aubrey Tsengwa, GRDM MMC for Properties and Asset Management, Cllr Hilton Stroebel, Western Cape Minister for Infrastructure, MEC Tertuis Simmers, Deputy Minister for Public Works and Infrastructure, Sihle Zikalala, Member of Parliament, George Executive Mayor Jackie von Brandis, Regional Manager for the Western Cape Public Works and Infrastructure, Phucuka Penny Penxa and George Municipality MMC for Community Safety, Cllr Brendon Adams.

ENDS