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24 April 2026 Media Release: Collective Effort Brings Renewed Dignity to Skills Mecca Participant

Media Release: Collective Effort Brings Renewed Dignity to Skills Mecca Participant

For Immediate Release
24 April 2026

Government and the private sector have partnered to donate an electric wheelchair and a pair of spectacles to Clidine Davids, a beneficiary of the Garden Route Skills Mecca, an initiative of the Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM).

This effort will enhance her mobility and provide greater independence, enabling easier access to George and surrounding areas.

Clidine Davids with the brand new wheelchair donated to her by GRDM in collaboration with Eden FM and private sector businesses.

The initiative began in February 2026, when a GRDM employee, Bonisile Desha, noticed that the wheels of Clidine’s wheelchair were damaged. He promptly contacted Morné Pieterse, Station Manager at Eden FM, to enquire about possible assistance in funding the replacement.

Without hesitation, Pietersen committed to supporting the effort and arranged for the wheels to be replaced. However, the broader vision extended beyond this immediate solution – it was to replace Clidine’s wheelchair entirely with a foldable model that could fit into smaller vehicles. This would significantly improve her ability to travel, get access to areas previously out of reach, particularly as she relies primarily on public transport.

With Davids’ needs in mind, Desha approached additional businesses to support the procurement of an EW-03 electric foldable wheelchair. Letsatsi committed to covering the full cost of a foldable wheelchair, while Mafori and Loxion Lounge jointly funded her new pair of spectacles.

As the initiative gained momentum, more partners came on board to support the handover event. Mestile Projects provided catering, while Sugarbird supplied refreshments for the event. The region’s largest community radio station, Eden FM, further supported the initiative by offering on-air exposure, allowing participating sponsors to showcase their services.

At an emotional handover ceremony today held at the GRDM, Davids extended words of gratitude to all stakeholders and sponsors involved in this life-changing initiative.

Generous sponsors celebrating the moment with Clidine after the official handover of the wheelchair.

The GRDM, which facilitated the initiative, takes pride in knowing that Clidine’s quality of life will be enhanced. It furthermore builds on the impact already envisioned through the Garden Route Skills Mecca.

“As a District Municipality, we are deeply grateful to the private sector for their meaningful contribution to Claudine’s well-being.”

ENDS

01 August 2025 Media Release: Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) staff reach out to various communities across the district in support of the annual International Mandela Day celebrations

Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) staff reach out to various communities across the district in support of the annual International Mandela Day celebrations

For immediate release
1 August 2025

𝗢𝗳𝗳𝗶𝗰𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗠𝘂𝗻𝗶𝗰𝗶𝗽𝗮𝗹 𝗠𝗮𝗻𝗮𝗴𝗲𝗿 𝘁𝗼 d𝗼𝗻𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗦𝗮𝗻𝗶𝘁𝗮𝗿𝘆 𝗣𝗮𝗱𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝗧𝘆𝗵𝗼𝗹𝗼𝗿𝗮 𝗣𝗿𝗶𝗺𝗮𝗿𝘆 𝗦𝗰𝗵𝗼𝗼𝗹 𝗶𝗻 𝗧𝗵𝗲𝗺𝗯𝗮𝗹𝗲𝘁𝗵𝘂

In honour of Mandela Day, Departments at GRDM reached out to various communities and facilities across the district to continue with the legacy left behind by the late and former father of the nation, Nelson Mandela. Teams contributed their 67 minutes towards the international campaign as follows:

Office of the Municipal Manager donate sanitary pads to Tyholora Primary School

Office of the Municipal Manager employees from GRDM chose girls from Tyholora Primary School in Thembalethu, George, as the beneficiary of their sanitary pad donation drive.  Although schools were closed on the day, employees managed to collect the sanitary pads varying from 8 to 32 per pack and handed it over to the school on Thursday, 31 July 2024. This initiative aims to help reduce school absenteeism among girls and promotes dignity. Speaker of GRDM, Ald. Georlene Wolmarans, also attended the handover occasion.

De Hoek Mountain Resort clean graves of possible former owners of the resort

Staff from the Garden Route District Municipal resort, De Hoek Mountain Resort, cleaned nearby graves of the possible former owners of the resort. Die span het hul dankbaarheid uitgespreek en gesê: “Ons is dankbaar dat ons as deel van hierdie veldtog ‘n klein bydra kon maak deur menswaardigheid te herstel”.

𝗗𝗶𝘀𝗮𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗠𝗮𝗻𝗮𝗴𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗼𝗳𝗳𝗶𝗰𝗶𝗮𝗹𝘀 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝗱𝘂𝗰𝘁 𝗮𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝘀𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗮𝘁 𝗕𝗲𝗿𝗴𝘃𝗮𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗶, 𝗞𝗻𝘆𝘀𝗻𝗮

The Disaster Management team visited the Bergvallei community to create awareness about the Garden Route Disaster Management Centre (GRDMC). A key component of the campaign was raising awareness about the Emergency Communications Call Centre. Residents learned the critical importance of what to say and do when reporting an emergency, ensuring that vital information is conveyed effectively to facilitate a swift and appropriate response. The outreach also included basic life-saving first aid skills education. Lastly, soup and bread were shared with all attendees.

𝗜𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗴𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝗣𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗘𝗰𝗼𝗻𝗼𝗺𝗶𝗰 𝗗𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹𝗼𝗽𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗼𝗳𝗳𝗶𝗰𝗶𝗮𝗹𝘀 𝗱𝗼𝗻𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗮𝗹𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝗥𝗼𝘀𝗲𝗺𝗼𝗼𝗿 𝗢𝗹𝗱 𝗔𝗴𝗲 𝗛𝗼𝗺𝗲, 𝗚𝗲𝗼𝗿𝗴𝗲

The Integrated Planning and Economic Development Department visited the Rosemoor Old Age Home to deliver much needed adult diapers. The donation was warmly received, as the home is often in urgent need of these essential supplies. The staff of the Old Age Home expressed their sincere gratitude for the thoughtful gesture and emphasised how much the support means to the well-being of their residents.

EHPs 𝗽𝗮𝗶𝗻𝘁 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗿𝗲𝘃𝗶𝘁𝗮𝗹𝗶𝘀𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗴𝗮𝗿𝗱𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝗳 𝗡𝗲𝘄 𝗛𝗼𝗿𝗶𝘇𝗼𝗻𝘀 𝗣𝗲𝗻𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗖𝗹𝘂𝗯

The Garden Route District Municipality’s Bitou (Plettenberg Bay) Environmental Health Practitioners, together with community volunteers, spent the day painting and revitalising the garden at the New Horizons Pensioners Club. The team also made monitory donations in support of Bitou’s Victim Support initiative. This outreach beautifully combines community service, environmental beautification, and meaningful fundraising to uplift elderly residents and strengthen local social support networks.

𝗠𝘂𝗻𝗶𝗰𝗶𝗽𝗮𝗹 𝗛𝗲𝗮𝗹𝘁𝗵 𝗦𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗶𝗰𝗲𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝗥𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗱𝗮𝗹𝗲 and 𝗖𝗵𝗶𝗹𝗱 𝗪𝗲𝗹𝗳𝗮𝗿𝗲, hosted 𝗮 𝘀𝗼𝘂𝗽 𝗸𝗶𝘁𝗰𝗵𝗲𝗻 𝗱𝗿𝗶𝘃𝗲

GRDM’s Municipal Health Services in Riversdale, in collaboration with Child Welfare – South Africa-Riversdale, celebrated Mandela Day by hosting a soup kitchen drive at the offices of Child Welfare. The team extended a word of gratitude to all businesses who contributed towards the initiative, including: Riversdale Superspar, JC Slagtery, Savemore Store, the All in One Solomon Shop, Cabby’s Family Market, Lexean and Pop Shop.

𝗪𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗻 𝗖𝗮𝗽𝗲 𝗕𝗹𝗼𝗼𝗱 𝗦𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗶𝗰𝗲 𝗧𝗮𝗸𝗲𝘀 𝗛𝗮𝗻𝗱𝘀 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗚𝗮𝗿𝗱𝗲𝗻 𝗥𝗼𝘂𝘁𝗲 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗚𝗲𝗼𝗿𝗴𝗲 𝗠𝘂𝗻𝗶𝗰𝗶𝗽𝗮𝗹𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗲𝘀

For the second year in a row, the Western Cape Blood Service was supported by GRDM and George Municipality to promote blood donation. This year’s blood drive was hosted at the George’s Banquet Hall, where every donor also received a pair of warm socks as a token of appreciation. GRDM Employee Assistance Practitioners and George Municipality Practitioners, together with Communicators, worked hand-in-hand to encourage staff and residents to participate in this life-saving initiative. Each person who donated blood can save three lives.

𝗙𝗶𝗿𝗲 and 𝗥𝗲𝘀𝗰𝘂𝗲 𝗦𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗶𝗰𝗲𝘀 𝘃𝗶𝘀𝗶𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗚𝗲𝗼𝗿𝗴𝗲 𝗪𝗮𝘀𝘁𝗲 𝗠𝗮𝗻𝗮𝗴𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗙𝗮𝗰𝗶𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗠𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗦𝗶𝗱𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗥𝗼𝗮𝗱.

Garden Route District Municipal Fire & Rescue Services visited the George Waste Management Facility, as well as the Men on the Side of the Road in Industrial Street, George. The team handed out hotdog rolls and soft drinks to those present. “It was indeed a humbling experience – it was evident how grateful the beneficiaries were, for just something to put in their stomachs over the lunch time period”.

𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗺𝘂𝗻𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗦𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗶𝗰𝗲𝘀 𝗠𝘂𝗻𝗶𝗰𝗶𝗽𝗮𝗹 𝗛𝗲𝗮𝗹𝘁𝗵 𝗦𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗶𝗻 𝗢𝘂𝗱𝘁𝘀𝗵𝗼𝗼𝗿𝗻 𝗱𝗼𝗻𝗮𝘁𝗲𝘀 𝗰𝗹𝗼𝘁𝗵𝗲𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝗦𝗰𝗵𝗼𝗲𝗺𝗮𝗻𝘀𝗵𝗼𝗲𝗸 𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗶𝗱𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀

Community Services’ Municipal Health section in Oudtshoorn, reached out to the Spies Kamp community, a rural area outside Schoemanshoek, Oudtshoorn. The team donated clothes to the community which they handed over to a community leader/representative within the specific area. They also took responsibility for the sorting and distribution of the clothing items to residents that may have a need.

𝗚𝗮𝗿𝗱𝗲𝗻 𝗥𝗼𝘂𝘁𝗲 𝗗𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗶𝗰𝘁 𝗠𝘂𝗻𝗶𝗰𝗶𝗽𝗮𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆’𝘀 𝗙𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗳𝗳 𝗺𝗲𝗺𝗯𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗱𝗼𝗻𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗱𝗼𝗴 𝗳𝗼𝗼𝗱 𝘁𝗼 𝗚𝗲𝗼𝗿𝗴𝗲 𝗦𝗣𝗖𝗔

Staff from the Finance Department at Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) visited the SPCA today to hand over dog food to the facility. The event formed part of the Mandela Day celebrations and their 67 minutes contribution in honour of his legacy.

Officials at SPCA welcomed the outreach and visit from the officials and extended words of gratitude to the team for their caring hearts in contributing to the wellbeing of the dogs at their facility.

𝗚𝗥𝗗𝗠’𝘀 𝗚𝗲𝗼𝗿𝗴𝗲 𝗠𝘂𝗻𝗶𝗰𝗶𝗽𝗮𝗹 𝗛𝗲𝗮𝗹𝘁𝗵 𝗨𝗻𝗶𝘁 𝗺𝗲𝗺𝗯𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗲𝗱𝘂𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗕𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗼 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗺𝘂𝗻𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗿𝗲𝗴𝗮𝗿𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗶𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗴𝗮𝗹 𝗱𝘂𝗺𝗽𝗶𝗻𝗴

EHPs presented a health education session to the Golden Valley community regarding illegal dumping. Team members also handed out magnets depicting contact information about where communities can report illegal dumping cases. More than 50 households were reached during the campaign. They also joined George Municipality’s Waste Management section and  Environmental Management educators to conduct a clean-up campaign in the same area. They collected over 20 bags within the first hour.

𝗚𝗥𝗗𝗠 𝗪𝗮𝘀𝘁𝗲 𝗠𝗮𝗻𝗮𝗴𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗨𝗻𝗶𝘁 𝘁𝗼𝗴𝗲𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗕𝗶𝘁𝗼𝘂 𝗠𝘂𝗻𝗶𝗰𝗶𝗽𝗮𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆, 𝗠𝗮𝘀𝗶𝗾𝗵𝗮𝗺𝗲 𝗥𝗲𝗰𝘆𝗰𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗣𝗼𝗹𝘆𝗰𝗼 𝗹𝗮𝘂𝗻𝗰𝗵 𝘁𝘄𝗼 𝗕𝘂𝘆 𝗕𝗮𝗰𝗸 𝗖𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗕𝗶𝘁𝗼𝘂 𝗠𝘂𝗻𝗶𝗰𝗶𝗽𝗮𝗹 𝗮𝗿𝗲𝗮

GRDM’s Waste Management Unit, Bitou Municipality and Masiqhame Recycling, launched two Buy Back centers in the Bitou. District Waste Management Officer, Innocentia Sikweyiya, encouraged the community to make use of the Buy Back centers, by separating their waste at home as it will contribute to the reduction of waste disposed at the landfill facility. She emphasised that “promoting recycling is a vital tool for environmental preservation and sustainability”.

𝗞𝗻𝘆𝘀𝗻𝗮 EHPs 𝗳𝗲𝗲𝗱 𝗱𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗶𝘁𝘂𝘁𝗲 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗺𝘂𝗻𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗶𝗻 𝗤𝘂𝗲𝗲𝗻 𝗦𝘁𝗿𝗲𝗲𝘁, 𝗞𝗻𝘆𝘀𝗻𝗮

Municipal Health Knysna office embarked on feeding the destitute community surrounding the Knysna office situated in Queen Street. During the event, approximately 20 people were provided with food and beverages, donated by local businesses, as well as mutual contributions from the Knysna office. “Mandela Day is not just a celebration, but a call to action for all of us, encouraging people to continue Madiba’s fight for a better world by addressing issues like poverty, inequality and a lack of education and health care.”

𝗟𝗮𝗱𝗶𝘀𝗺𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗥𝗼𝗮𝗱𝘀 𝗠𝗮𝗶𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗻𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗙𝗶𝗿𝗲 𝗦𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗶𝗰𝗲𝘀 𝘁𝗲𝗮𝗺𝘀 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝗱𝘂𝗰𝘁 𝘀𝗼𝘂𝗽 𝗱𝗿𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗶𝗻 𝗟𝗮𝗱𝗶𝘀𝗺𝗶𝘁𝗵

In honour of International Mandela Day celebrations, the Garden Route Municipal Roads Maintenance and Fire Services teams responsible for the Ladismith area, took part in a soup drive feeding community members residing in the area.

The community welcomed the initiative and extended words of appreciation to the GRDM teams involved.

Die Tuinroete Distriksmunisipaliteit se Padonderhoud en Brandweerspanne het sop aan die gemeenskap van Ladismith uitgedeel. Die gemeenskap het die inisiatief verwelkom en waardeer.
“Baie dankie inwoners van Ladismith – dit was ‘n voorreg om Mandela Dag met julle te kon deurbring”.

ENDS

Feature Image: Speaker of GRDM, Ald. Georlene Wolmarans with staff from the Office of the Municipal Manager, handed over the sanitary pads to the Tyholory Primary School in Thembalethu.

26 October 2023 Media Release: Executive Mayor of GRDM donates R10 000 to local athlete to participate in Ultra 2023 World Championship

Media Release: Executive Mayor of GRDM donates R10 000 to local athlete to participate in Ultra 2023 World Championship

For immediate release
26 October 2023

Executive Mayor of Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM), Ald. Memory Booysen, recently donated R10 000 to local Backyard Ultra-Running athlete, Tembinkosi Sojola, to participate in the Ultra 2023 World Champions. The championship started on 21 October 2023 in Nashville, Tennessee in the United States of America and concluded on Wednesday, 25 October 2023.

In an update received from the Bayethe Multisport Academy, Sojola has achieved a remarkable feat by establishing a new South African and African Record. With the event that started off with 75, Tembi’s Race came to an end at lap 56 with a total of 368.83km after 2 days and 7 hours of running, he is now ranked 90th in the World.

Thirty-nine-year-old Sojola, a resident of George is, apart from his passion for the sport, also a husband and father of four (4).

Sojola annually also participates in the Comrades and Two Oceans Marathons.  The passion has fuelled his desire to participate in this world-class event, where he represented South Africa in the USA. This was the first event where he competed against other countries.

Myra Tisch, supporter of Sojola at the event, thanked all those who supported Sojola during the championship”. Tisch explained: “He had problems with his hip flexor for over 30-hours and pushed through the pain. There were several moments of doubt, but he trusted himself and his capabilities and pushed beyond even when the pain was there to stop him”.  Tisch described Sojola as an incredible athlete, beautiful person and hard-working family man. “Let us all thank the Lord above for protecting our friend/dad/husband through the biggest tribulation of his life!” Tisch concluded: “This is a time to rejoice his accomplishment”.

Mayor Booysen, on behalf of GRDM, wished him the best going forward especially with this achievement of now being ranked 90th globally.

Tembinkosi Sojola now holds the South African and African Record with an open invitation to the German Backyard Ultra in 2024.

ENDS

26 August 2023 Media Release: Executive Mayor Alderman Memory Booysen Supports Local Learners’ Netball Dreams

Media Release:  Executive Mayor Alderman Memory Booysen Supports Local Learners’ Netball Dreams

For Immediate Release
26 August 2023

In a heartwarming display of community support and commitment to youth development, Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) Executive Mayor, Alderman Memory Booysen, has generously donated funds to two promising learners from Bitou, Asanda Brakfesi and Lakheni Xuba. The beneficiaries, form part of the Eden Development Netball Team, and are ready to represent the region in the upcoming Western Cape Netball Festival.

Lakheni Xuba, a student at Plettenberg Bay Secondary School, and Asanda Brakfesi, who attends Murray High School, was selected to join their peers from George and Mossel Bay. The team, comprising two players from Plettenberg Bay, will be joined by six (6) additional athletes from Mossel Bay and two from George.

Ald. Booysen expressed his excitement at meeting Asanda and Lakheni in person today, during a brief gathering where they were introduced with Mrs. Rosie Mandeka, who will accompany the girls. The Executive Mayor congratulated the young athletes on their well-deserved selection for the Eden Development Netball Team and wished them the best of luck for this weekends Western Cape Development Netball Tournament scheduled to take place in Cape Town.

“I am incredibly proud of the talent exhibited by Asanda Brakfesi and Lakheni Xuba,” said Alderman Booysen. “Supporting their journey in the Eden Netball Team is not only a testament to their hard work, but also a demonstration of our commitment to nurturing local talent and enabling our youth to excel in sports.”

The GRDM remains steadfast in its commitment to fostering a culture of excellence, empowerment, and inclusivity among its youth.

-End-

19 July 2023 Media Release: Garden Route DM rolls out various activities before and on Mandela Day

Media Release: Garden Route DM rolls out various activities before and on Mandela Day

For Immediate Release
19 July 2023

While the world celebrates the life of an icon, the late President of the Republic of South Africa, Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela, employees of the Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) also followed his example to reach out to vulnerable community members throughout the region.

GRDM kicked off their activities on 17 July by hosting a pre-Madiba Day blood donation drive at its head office in George in collaboration with the Western Cape Blood Service. The GRDM also invited the public to donate blood, which resulted in just over 50 blood donations being made.

The Oudtshoorn Municipal Health Office donated nutritious and delicious ‘food socks’ to two families in the Buffelsdrift rural area of Oudtshoorn. Food socks contain pasta, rice, flavourings, stock powders, herbs, spices, dehydrated vegetables, pulses, beans, and soy products. GRDM officials bought the socks. The donation will provide food for eight beneficiaries for a week. The two families extended their appreciation to the GRDM officials for providing them with food.

The Oudtshoorn Municipal Health Office donated ‘food socks’ to families in Buffelsdrift.

Planning and Economic Development Department officials, comprised of the EPWP, Tourism and Local Economic Development, and Human Settlements sections, took Madiba Day activities to a new level when they rolled out the following activities at Kusile Baby Care in Thembalethu. In the morning, they divided themselves into different groups. The first group painted the outside walls of the school building with a primer. After that, others begin painting the building with a beautiful topcoat colour. Other officials, who are much more handy with a hammer and nails, installed PVC ceilings. Some of the female colleagues spent time reading and feeding toddlers and newborns. While others prepared a ‘braai’ lunch for the children and their educators. The daycare center also received a coat from officials.
GRDM Planning and Economic Development officials installing PVC ceilings and feeding toddlers at Kusile Baby Care in Thembalethu.
Environmental Health Practitioners (EHP) of Garden Route District Municipality’s Wilderness region celebrated Mandela Day with 60 children from Klipdrift Primary School. The EHPs painted a classroom and supplied colourful tires to improve the playground area. EHPs also shared slices of cake and snack parcels with each child, while they also played games and shared the importance of giving back to others.
EHP officials of GRDM shared cake with children from Klipdrift Primary School and improved their playground.
Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) Firefighters proved that they can do more than fight wildfires and protect communities. They made sandwiches and distributed them with cool drinks to homeless people in George’s Shoprite parking lot.

GRDM Firefighters sharing sandwiches and cool drinks with homeless people in George.

Garden Route District Municipality’s (GRDM) Office of the Municipal Manager, donated 51 pairs of shoes and funds to Mzoxolo Primary School. The shoe donations sprout from the Walk a Child to School campaign and included more staff donations too. The school is already collecting small donations from learners on Fridays to buy shoes for those who are in need. Principal Raymond Eagan thanked the GRDM for the shoe donations and funding. He said: “Our school is home to 1554 bright minds and 42 dedicated teachers.” Learners are mainly from Borchards, Thembalethu, Maraiskamp, Parkdene, and Lawaaikamp. The Principal also said the school’s name, Mzoxola, means “a beacon for peace,” and it was established in 1994 by Naledi Pandor.

Officials of the Office of the Municipal Manager GRDM donated 51 pair of shoes and funds to Mzoxolo Primary School in Lawaaikamp.

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30 May 2023 Media Release: Alderlady Ndayi supports Early Childhood Development in Kurland

Media Release:  ALDERLADY NDAYI SUPPORTS EARLY CHILDHOOD DEVELOPMENT IN KURLAND

For Immediate Release
30 May 2023

The principle, educators, and toddlers were all delighted with the new equipment given to the school by GRDM Councillor, Alderlady Ndayi.

Alderlady Ndayi, Mayoral Committee Member and Portfolio Chairperson for Community Services at Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM), demonstrated her unwavering commitment to early childhood development by handing over toys, educational materials, and necessities to Kurland Educare Education in Ward 1 of the Bitou local municipality.

This initiative comes as a result of the GRDM Council who allocated 50 thousand of his annual grant to each Mayoral Committee Member. Alderlady Ndayi recognised the pressing needs of Kurland Educare Education, a créche catering to 80 children, who are currently facing challenges in securing sponsors.

Understanding the critical importance of a strong foundation in a child’s educational journey, Alderlady Ndayi expressed her personal connection to early childhood development. She firmly believes that laying the groundwork correctly is vital for the holistic development and future success of every child.

By providing toys, educational materials, and necessities, Alderlady Ndayi hopes to see the learning environment at Kurland Educare Education improve. The donated items will not only support the children’s educational growth but also contribute to their overall well-being.

Alderlady Ndayi’s commitment to early childhood development reflects the GRDM’s dedication to creating a nurturing and supportive environment for the youth. Through such initiatives, the municipality strives to empower communities and ensure equal opportunities for every child.

18 April 2023 Media Release: Small Steps, Big Impact: Kids receive much needed school shoes

Small Steps, Big Impact: Kids receive much needed school shoes

For immediate release
18 April 2023

On Wednesday, 11 April 2023, stakeholders of the Walk-a-Child-to-School campaign, school principals and learners gathered at the Conville Civic Hall in George to launch this year’s annual event.  The campaign has been in existence for three years. Last year, 14 schools benefited from the campaign. This year, more than 20 schools received 40 pairs of shoes each.  These figures indicate the substantial growth of the campaign since its inception.

Stakeholder representatives at the event, include (From left): Nomonde Makhubalo (Eden FM, Radio), Queeny Diko (Vodacom), Cllr Jerome Lambatjeen (Portfolio Chairperson for Strategic Services, GRDM), Alderman Memory Booysen (Executive Mayor, GRDM), and Ntombi Kulati (RAF).

During the event, the Executive Mayor of Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM), Alderman Memory Booysen, handed over school shoes to more than 20 schools in the Garden Route district. The collaborative initiative is annually rolled out by GRDM, Eden FM, Vodacom, the George Museum, the Road Accident Fund (RAF), as well as the Garden Route Mall, again. This group of stakeholders work towards a corporate social responsibility vision aimed at changing the lives of the most vulnerable school-goers. Also, the project aims to restore the dignity of human beings.

Nomonde Makhubalo, Marketing Manager of Eden FM, gave an overview of the project at the event and said that this project is growing fast as the campaign is donating shoes to 21 schools this year”. Adding to this she said: “Last year we had a target of 10 school, but we donated shoes to 14 schools instead – this campaign is all about “Umntu ngumntu ngabantu,”’ she said. In addition, the Programme Director of the event, and Station Manager of Eden FM, Morne Pietersen, extended a word of gratitude to all partners who put their hands in their pockets,” to make another success of the campaign this year.  Queeny Diko, Cluster Specialist for Eden Country at Vodacom and Ntombi Kulati, Marketing and Communications Manager at the Road Accident Fund also shared messages of their continued support at the event.

Teachers and learners receive the shoes on behalf of their schools during the event.

When finally handing over the donations to the principals of the schools, Executive Mayor of GRDM, Alderman Memory Booysen, stressed that “children really need these shoes”. Mayor Booysen also explained why the items are distributed from February to April every year and said: “If we were to hand over the shoes in December, everybody will raise their hands, as well as those parents who are able to afford shoes for their kids – only later, in the beginning of the following year, we are able to see what children are truly in need – by that time, they would still not own a pair for themselves,” he added. Apart from the shoe initiative, he said that girls also are faces with other challenges. “The GRDM is already in discussions with other potential stakeholders regarding this possible new addition to the campaign. We are hopeful that next year this time, this addition will furthermore address those challenges that girls struggle with,” Mayor Booysen said.

To the men present he said: “Gone are the days that women must fight their battles alone. We as men must be part of the battles that our sisters and mothers are facing” To the men he said: “Gone are the days that we must struggle with our own issues”. As Makhubalo, Mayor Booysen also echoed the words of the lyrics sang by the late musician Brenda Fassie: “Umntu ngumntu ngabantu – Ons is wie ons is deur ander mense”.

In closing Mayor Booysen said: “We are going to walk the walk with you; we are going to put rubber on gravel with you”.

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07 March 2023 Media Release: Your breast milk is a lifeline to a small baby


Media Release: Your breast milk is a lifeline to a small baby

For immediate release
07 March 2023

Donating breast milk is one of the greatest acts of generosity and kindness. It is an expression of standing in solidarity with other moms who don’t have enough breast milk to feed their babies and for those moms who simply can’t produce any breast milk.

March 1 to 7 is Human Milk Banking Week and is dedicated to imploring breastfeeding women to donate their breast milk.

Breast milk plays an important role in the health journey of the new-born, especially premature babies, and as part of the First Thousand Days Initiative it is important that all babies reap the benefits of breast milk.

Beaudine Kennedy (28) gave birth to her premature baby girl, Mileah Kennedy, with a weight of 850 g at George Hospital. Mom Beaudine has been struggling to produce her own milk and the little she can produce is mixed with donor breast milk to feed her baby. It has been an emotional journey for Beaudine knowing her baby is receiving milk from another mom. ‘It is something I struggled to come to terms with. I am her mom and I should be able to breastfeed her,’ she added. With the emotional and physical support from the staff at George Hospital, Beaudine soon realised that there are many benefits to providing her baby with donor breast milk. These benefits include a healthy digestive system, protects her baby from diseases and infections and healthier weight as she grows.

The amount of donor milk received at George Hospital monthly varies. ‘There are times when we have a specific donor who donates for three months providing our unit with a lot of milk, and then there are times that we have to request for moms to donate milk either from moms in our Neonatal Unit, staff or the public,’ said Sr Thomas.

According to nurse Joseline Thomas (George Hospital, Neonatal Unit) ± 50 babies are born prematurely every month and are admitted to their unit.

Babies born with a weight below 1 kg receive 0.1 ml of milk every 4 to 6 hours, and babies who weigh more than 1 kg receive 50 ml of milk every 3 hours or 12 ml every two hours, all dependent on the weight, health, and age of the baby.

Moms who would like to freely share their love and donate breast milk, can contact George Hospital and arrange a time to come in, get tested for HIV or any other underlying conditions, and give consent in order to donate. This involves a process of screening, and donor milk is tested and pasteurized to ensure donor milk is safe for medical use. ‘For first-time donors, it is standard procedure for moms to come in and get tested. After their breast milk has been tested and they qualify to become one of our donors, they get a donor number,’ Sr Thomas added. By donating breast milk to families who need it the most, you are making a difference in the lives of others and making an immeasurable difference in the lives of infants and children.

‘I am extremely grateful and proud that other moms are helping my baby. I’m really thankful to you because you are saving my baby’s life and many other infants’ too,’ mom Beaudine said.

Photo Caption: Baby Mileah and Mom Beaudine Kennedy are thankful to breast milk donor moms.

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27 January 2023 Media Release: Garden Route District Municipality donates mattresses to Kleine Handjies Crèche in Uniondale

Media Release: Garden Route District Municipality donates mattresses to Kleine Handjies Crèche in Uniondale

For immediate release
27 January 2023

An Early Childhood Development (ECD) facility is required to create a suitable and comfortable environment for all toddlers enrolled at it. A safe sleeping area for toddlers is an integral part of a suitable environment. To ensure that these spaces are comfortable enough to provide a healthy sleeping routine, items such as mattresses are regarded as essential items for a toddler.

GRDM Chief Fire Officer, Deon Stoffels (right) and Senior Firefighter and Acting Station Officer: Fire Safety & Training, Devonia Cupido (2nd, right), as well as caretakers and toddlers of Kleine Handjies Creche, with the mattresses.

Caretakers and toddlers from the “Klein Handjies Crèche” in Uniondale were pleasantly surprised, last week Friday, when they received a visit from Garden Route District Municipality’s (GRDM) officials who donated twenty (20) mattresses to the crèche.

Crèche principal, Chanell Jumat, extended words of appreciation and gratitude to the GRDM Chief Fire Officer, Deon Stoffels and Senior Firefighter and Acting Station Officer: Fire Safety & Training, Devonia Cupido, who delivered the items. She admitted that the daycare facility had many needs, of which mattresses were one of them. “We are extremely thankful for the GRDM who reached out to us, especially our toddlers. We want each child to enjoy a safe and comfortable environment where they receive the care they deserve”. Adding to these words, Jumat said: “There are times when I feel that we are the forgotten ECD facility, as we have many needs that still need to be addressed and today, I am thankful for these essentials,” she said.

The GRDM officials also used the opportunity and offered a refresher session to the toddlers and caretakers about the importance of fire safety and important tips related to it.

“Kleine Handjies Crèche” was established in 2018 and currently accommodates fifty (50) toddlers of the Uniondale area. Although the facility has the capacity to accommodate ninety (90) toddlers, a long list of needs still need to be addressed. This includes daily meals, toiletries, stationary, tables and chairs for the toddlers to have the ideal and suitable environment where they can be prepared for the next phase of their education.

If you would like to donate to this crèche, contact Chanell Jumat at 066 3381 748.

18 November 2022 Media Release: Garden Route District Municipality supports Thembalethu Neighbourhood Watch

Media Release:  Garden Route District Municipality supports Thembalethu Neighbourhood Watch

For immediate release
18 November 2022

On Tuesday, 15 November 2022, the Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM), as the ‘parent holder’ of the Transfer Payment Agreement Grant between the Western Cape Department of Community Safety and local municipalities in the district, handed over Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) to the Thembalethu Neighbourhood Watch. Items included torches, batons and two-way radios.

GRDM was approached by the Thembalethu Area Based Team (ABT), formed by various community structures in Thembalethu, who requested assistance due to the high crime rate in the area for the neighbourhood watch. A request for PPE was received later during a Neighbourhood Watch and Community Forum (CPF) Indaba held.

Advocate van Niekerk, the Executive Deputy Mayor of GRDM, handed over the 90 batons, 20 two-way radios, and 20 torches to the Chairperson’s of the different sectors within the Thembalethu Neighbourhood Watch. The items valued at twenty thousand rand (R20 000). In his remarks, Advocate van Niekerk thanked the members of the Thembalethu Neighbourhood Watch for their commitment and willingness to stand out and take the lead. “To sit at home and point fingers, to complain, to ‘moan and groan’, is always the easy route, but the most difficult part is to wake-up in the early hours and to go out on patrol and to make sure your neighbourhood is safe – that makes you heroes,” Van Niekerk said.

Representatives from the Western Cape Department of Community Safety, the Deputy Executive Mayor of the GRDM, Advocate Gert Van Niekerk, members of the GRDM Mayoral Committee, the Executive Members of the Thembalethu CPF, the chairpersons and secretaries of the three sectors of Thembalethu Neighbourhood Watch and the South African Police Service were in attendance.