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Environmental Health

17 April 2025 Media Release: Blitz Operations Conducted at Spaza Shops in Haarlem

Media Release: Blitz Operations Conducted at Spaza Shops in Haarlem

 17 April 2025

On Wednesday, 9 April 2025, the Environmental Health Practitioners (EHP) from the Outeniqua region of the Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) conducted a joint inspection in Haarlem, in conjunction with the Uniondale South African Police Service (SAPS) and Law Enforcement Officers from the George Municipality (Uniondale/ Haarlem).

Three shops were visited and thoroughly inspected.

According to Executive Mayor, Andrew Stroebel, “the health and safety of our residents remain a top priority for the Garden Route. These joint inspection blitzes are not only essential for enforcing compliance, but also for continuously educating business owners about the importance of maintaining hygienic environments—especially where food is stored, handled, or sold”.

During the joint inspection the following issues were identified:

  • Inadequate pest control (rodent infestation);
  • Animals on the premises (cats inside food area);
  • Structural shortcomings (water leaking through open seams and cracks in the ceiling);
  • Food products not complying with the labelling legislation were dealt with accordingly.

According to Janine Koopman, GRDM EHP, two shops were closed on grounds of non-compliance with the Regulations governing General Hygiene Requirements for Food premises, the Transport of food and Related matters, section 5, sub regulation (3) (a)(i); (c)(ii), (d)(v), and the Garden Route District Municipality Municipal Health By-Laws, PG. No. 8018 of 10 December 2018, Chapter 2 Relating to Health Nuisances, section 6, (4) (a)(b)(c).

Activities during the Joint Inspection in Haarlem

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17 April 2025 Media Release: GRDM Environmental Health Practitioners promote healthier living at Formosa Primary School

Media Release: GRDM Environmental Health Practitioners promote healthier living at Formosa Primary School

For immediate release
17 April 2025

Environmental Health Practitioners (EHP) from the Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) Bitou sub-office, Sophia Marthinus, Zoleka Goniwe and Nokuphiwa Mbali, recently conducted an awareness session at Formosa Primary school in commemoration of  World Health Day (7 April 2025).

A learner from Formosa Primary School in Bitou, eagerly participate in the handwashing demonstration conducted by Environmental Health Practitioners from Garden Route District Municipality.

While addressing Grade 1 learners regarding the purpose and importance of World Health Day, the team also understood the significance of conveying messages that are both age-appropriate and engaging.

The 2025 theme of World Health Day ‘Healthy beginnings, hopeful futures’ placed much emphasises on maternal and newborn health. While this theme focusing on mothers and infants, the communities and the public overall can adapt to the message of instilling foundational health habits in young children.​

The key topic ‘Personal Hygiene’ was presented during the programme with specific focus on topics including: When to wash hands and proper handwashing steps.

These awareness sessions are being conducted to prevent the outbreak of diseases. EHPs are committed to continuously reach out to various communities to conduct awareness and education programmes to prevent the spread of diseases and promote healthier living through proactive engagement, early detection, and community empowerment initiatives.

Personal Hygiene:

Handwashing: Teach the importance of washing hands with soap and water.

1. When to Wash Hands: Highlighted key times to wash hands:

    • Before eating or handling food.​
    • After using the toilet.​
    • After playing outside.​
    • After coughing, sneezing, or blowing their nose.​

2. Proper Handwashing Steps: Demonstrate the following steps:

    • Wet hands with clean, running water.​
    • Apply soap and lather well.​
    • Scrub all parts of the hands, including backs, between fingers, and under nails, for at least 20 seconds.​
    • Rinse thoroughly under running water.​
    • Dry hands using a clean towel or air dry them.

Feature Image: Learners from Formosa Primary School attentively observing the practical demonstrations during the presentations conducted by Environmental Health Practitioners from Garden Route District Municipality.

ENDS

3 April 2025 Media Release: GRDM Community Services Portfolio Chairperson visits Environmental Health Practitioners at 2025 KKNK 

Media Release: GRDM Community Services Portfolio Chairperson visits Environmental Health Practitioners at 2025 KKNK 

3 April 2025

Garden Route District Municipality Environmental Health Practitioners (EHP) provide and facilitate comprehensive, pro-active and needs-based services to ensure a safe, healthy and clean environment and thereby preventing detrimental environmental conditions and related diseases.

The Klein Karoo National Arts Festival (KKNK) in Oudtshoorn commenced on Tuesday 1 April 2025, and will continue until Sunday, 6 April 2025. Food quality control and health surveillance of premises are key performance areas of EHPs.

According to Mayor Andrew Stroebel, “the KKNK has an excellent track record in food quality control. Now in its 29th year, the festival has never experienced an outbreak of foodborne illnesses or food poisoning”.

Today, the Portfolio Chairperson (MMC) of Community Services Department at GRDM, Councillor Jobieth Hoogbaard, also visited the KKNK to observe the functions and activities carried out by EHPs who ensure food safety and prevent environmental conditions that could negatively impact public health.

Cllr Hoogbaard first visited the office of the EHP in Oudtshoorn, where an informative discussion took place to inform him about the inspections and monitoring activities carried out by EHPs during the KKNK. These activities include ensuring food safety, water quality, public toilet facilities, solid waste storage and disposal, waste-water disposal, etc.

Photo caption: Councillor Hoogbaard visited food stalls with Environmental Health Practitioners (EHPs), engaged with food stall owners, and handed over Certificates of Acceptability. He also visited the stalls of GRDM and the Department of Health and Wellness.

Thereafter he accompanied EHPs to the KKNK to observe the daily health inspections and activities first-hand.  MMC Hoogbaard also visited the KKNK Joint Operation Centre (JOC).

Food stalls must comply with Regulation 638 of 2018 and possess a Certificate of Acceptability (COA). He further visited food stalls with EHP’s, engaged with food stall owners, and witnessed COAs being handed over to food stalls.

He welcomed a comment from a food stall owner from outside the GRDM, who stated that, “the quality of service provided by the EHPs and the application process to obtain a COA for his food stall was impressive and seamless”.

Featured image caption: Councillor Hoogbaard with EHPs from the Oudtshoorn Office.

FLTR: Francois Koelman, Anelisa Fuzani, MMC Jobieth Hoogbaard (Portfolio Chairperson of Community Services), Desmond Paulse (Manager: Municipal Health Services, Klein Karoo), Johan Smith, and Maxwelline Fatuse.

-ENDS-

20 March 2025 Media Release: Regulation 638 Training  for employees of Watsons Butchery 

20 March 2025

Enshrined in the National Health Act of 2003, food control is one of the nine key performance areas of Municipal Health Services. The training of food handlers is a crucial aspect of food control which Environmental Health Practitioners (EHP) perform.

On Thursday, 13 March 2025, EHPs from the Wilderness Region Municipal Health Section conducted training at the Watsons Butchery relating to requirements set out in REGULATION 638 OF 22 JUNE 2018:  REGULATIONS GOVERNING GENERAL HYGIENE REQUIREMENTS FOR FOOD PREMISES, THE TRANSPORT OF FOOD AND RELATED MATTERS, PROMULGATED IN TERMS OF THE FOODSTUFFS, COSMETICS AND DISINFECTANTS ACT, 1972 (ACT 54 OF 1972).

Health and hygiene training at food premises is essential to ensure that all food handlers are properly educated on hygiene and to protect the public from foodborne illnesses.  The theme of the training entails:  5 keys to safer foods, importance of personal hygiene and hygiene requirements.

“Overall, premises that receive this training show improved compliance during routine inspections conducted by Environmental Health Practitioners. Our goal is to educate and train as many food handlers across the region as possible to increase the compliance rate of premises,” said Ivy Mamegwa, an EHP from the GRDM in George.

During the training, 58 employees of Watson’s Butchery participated. The sessions were conducted in groups, with each group consisting of over 20 participants.

For more information on food safety and health surveillance, please contact

Johan Compion
Senior Manager: Municipal Health, Air Quality and Waste Management
E-mail: info@gardenroute.gov.za
Cell: 082 803 5161

Feature Image Caption: EHP Jessica Erasmus busy presenting to the food handlers and employees of Watson’s Butchery

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17 March 2025 Media Release: Environmental Health Practitioners (EHP’s) from GRDM conduct health inspections at KKNK in Oudtshoorn

Media Release: Environmental Health Practitioners (EHP’s) from GRDM conduct health inspections at KKNK in Oudtshoorn

17 March 2025

This year, the annual Klein Karoo National Arts Festival (KKNK) will take place in Oudtshoorn for the 29th time. The festival will begin on 1 April and conclude on 6 April 2025. Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) Executive Mayor, Andrew Stroebel has also met with the KKNK organisers to take hands and partner with them. The GRDM will therefore be present at the KKNK to support it and Environmental Health Practitioners (EHP) to monitor of food stalls comply with health standards.

EHPs are, amongst others, responsible for Food Control, Solid Waste Management, and Health Surveillance of Premises. With this in mind, the EHPs from the GRDM will once again conduct inspections at the festival’s food stalls to ensure compliance with Regulation No. 638 of 22 June 2018.

During the festival, EHPs from the Oudtshoorn Municipal Health office will conduct daily routine inspections and monitor various environmental health aspects, including food stalls, solid waste storage and removal, wastewater disposal, public toilet facilities, and camping sites.

The EHPs also provide food hygiene education to food handlers during inspections. By doing so, they help ensure that all food stored, handled, and prepared at food stalls is safe, wholesome, and fit for human consumption, while also conforming to the applicable quality and safety requirements prescribed by legislation.

Additionally, the EHP team carries out inspections and monitors public toilets, wastewater disposal systems, and refuse disposal and removal. They also ensure compliance with regulations relating to smoking in public places and certain outdoor public areas.

What are the Hygiene Guidelines for Food Stalls?

  1. Every food stall owner must be in possession of a Certificate of Acceptability (COA)  in terms of R638 of 22 June 2018.
  2. The COA must be available at the food stall and be visible to the public.
  3. People working on the premises must be properly trained in food hygiene.
  4. Suitable protective clothing, which includes a full-length apron and head covering, must be worn by all food handlers.
  5. Proper facilities must be provided for the storage of perishable foodstuffs at temperatures under 5°C for cold food and above 65° for warm food.
  6. All working surfaces must be made of smooth, dust free, non-absorbent and washable material.
  7. Cover and protect all foodstuffs from contamination by dust and insects.
  8. Smoking in food stall is prohibited.
  9. Keep a bucket or bowl with water, soap and preferable paper towels at hand for the wash and drying of hands.
  10. A dustbin with a tight lid must be available for use at all times.
  11. Animals may not be allowed in the food stall.
  12. If the natural ground surface of the premises is dusty, it must be covered with a dustproof, washable ground sheet.
  13. All pre-packed food must be properly labelled. (Foodstuffs and Cosmetic and Disinfected Act, 1972) (Act no 54 of 1972). Provision must be made for the collection and storage of wastewater until disposal thereof.
  14. The stall / premises where food is handled, must always be kept clean and in a hygienic condition.
  15. Smoking in or near food stalls is prohibited and is only allowed in designated smoking area.

For any further information, please contact GRDM Klein Karoo Region Municipal Health Services:

Mr. Desmond Paulse
Chief: Municipal Health (Klein Karoo)
Tel: 044 272 2241
Cell: 083 678 6530
Address: 94 St John Street, Oudtshoorn

Mr. Johan Compion
Senior Manager: Municipal Health Services, Waste Management and Air Quality Control
E-mail: johan@gardenroute.gov.za
Tel: 044 803 1300

Download the Requirements for Informal Food Premises

10 December 2024 Media Release: GRDM Waste Management Section Hosts Chemicals and Waste Management Training for Local Municipalities

Media Release: GRDM Waste Management Section Hosts Chemicals and Waste Management Training for Local Municipalities

10 December 2024

During the week of 2–6 December 2024, the Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) Waste Management Section in collaboration with the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) facilitated Chemicals and Waste Management training sessions for officials from local municipalities across the district.

The refresher training sessions, presented by DFFE, were extended to municipal officials across various roles. They focused on critical aspects such as legislation, policies, standards, regulations, and education & awareness in waste management. Participants included waste section officials, drivers, landfill operators, team leaders, LED officials, street sweepers, portfolio councillors, and recyclers within specific local municipalities.

“Waste management is a local government function, and it is crucial to refresh everyone’s knowledge on an ongoing basis of the best practices and trends.” The training aims to empower all stakeholders to improve waste management practices effectively in their communities, “ said GRDM Waste Management official Innocentia Sikweyiya.

While this week’s sessions focused on coastal municipalities, the inland local municipalities are scheduled to undergo similar training in 2025, ensuring that the entire district benefits from this comprehensive capacity-building initiative.

Training session held in Mossel Bay

Training session held in George.

Training session held in Knysna.

Training session held in Bitou.

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29 November 2024 Media Release: Blitz Operations Continue with More Spaza Shops Visited

Media Release: Blitz Operations Continue with More Spaza Shops Visited

29 November 2023

The Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM), through its Environmental Health Practitioners (EHPs), continues to prioritise public health and safety by conducting inspections and monitoring food facilities, businesses, and other premises to ensure compliance with health regulations.

This past week, the following interventions took place in the different municipal areas:

Plettenberg Bay Municipal Health Office

Kurland – Plettenberg Bay

An operation in Kurland, Plettenberg Bay, was conducted in collaboration with the GRDM Municipal Health Office of Plettenberg Bay, the South African Police Service (SAPS), and Bitou Municipality Law Enforcement Officers. The operation aimed to ensure compliance with food safety regulations, promote health and hygiene education, and improve food safety standards across 10 spaza shops.

As a result of the intervention:

  • 4 spaza shops were closed due to structural issues,
  • 1 spaza shop was closed due to ownership concerns, and
  • 1 spaza shop was closed due to unhygienic conditions.

Kranshoek – Plettenberg Bay

A joint operation was conducted in Kranshoek, a settlement located approximately 15 kilometres outside Plettenberg Bay, on 18 November 2024. All 14 spaza shops in the area were visited.

Qolweni and Bossiesgif – Plettenberg Bay

Role players conducted a joint operation at spaza shops in the Qolweni and Bossiesgif areas of Plettenberg Bay on Thursday, 21 November 2024.

A total of 14 spaza shops were inspected, with health and hygiene education and training provided. Five shops were closed due to non-compliance.

Kwanokuthula – Plettenberg Bay

A total of 19 spaza shops in Kwanokuthula were inspected. One shop was closed due to non-compliance.

The final blitz operation is scheduled for next week (2-6 December 2024) in Green Valley, New Horizons, and Pine Trees. Bitou Municipality’s Town Planning and Economic Development and Planning commenced the Consent Use Applications in September 2024, allowing spaza shop owners to apply for consent use rights in terms of the Land Use Planning By-Law. All spaza shops in the targeted areas will be surveyed and mapped.

The application process for business licenses is active, with application documents available at Town Planning and the LED office of Bitou Municipality.

Mossel Bay Municipal Health Office

On Tuesday, 26 November 2024, the EHPs from the Mossel Bay office visited two shops in Klein-Brak River. On Wednesday, they continued their operation, inspecting five shops in the Kwanonqaba area and closing two due to noncompliance. On Thursday, four shops were inspected in Great-Brak River.

George Municipal Health Office

On Tuesday, 26 November 2024, the George office (both regions combined) conducted a blitz operation in the industrial area of George, focusing on wholesalers. This operation targeted wholesalers because spaza shops source their stock from these suppliers, and the aim was to ensure the safety of the stock being distributed.

A total of eight shops were visited, and three were closed due to poor hygiene and the absence of a valid Certificate of Acceptability (COA). The Department of Agriculture seized illegal insecticides and insecticides labelled in a foreign language.

Klein-Karoo Municipal Health Office

On Thursday, 28 November 2024, the GRDM Executive Mayor, Andrew Stroebel, and Portfolio Chairperson of Community Services, Cllr Jobieth Hoogbaard, joined the EHPs from the Oudtshoorn Municipal Health Office to conduct inspections of spaza shops in the Dysselsdorp area.

Three shops were inspected, with two having had to be closed immediately, because they did not comply with health and safety standards.

Calitzdorp and Ladismith

On Wednesday, 27 November 2024, the EHP from the Klein Karoo Office conducted a spaza shop inspection in Calitzdorp, covering the Bergsig and Royal Heights areas. Nine shops were inspected. The EHP extended their inspection the following day, Thursday, to Ladismith, where 12 spaza shops were inspected in the Nissenville area.

For the past week, 109 door-to-door educational sessions have been conducted in the Klein Karoo area.

The public is urged to report any incidents of suspected counterfeit or tampered foodstuff. Contact SAPS or reach out directly to the following GRDM EHPs:

Johan Compion – Senior Manager: Municipal Health, Solid Waste Management & Air Quality Control

 Desmond Paulse – Manager: Municipal Health Klein Karoo

 Rinay Cloete – Acting Chief: Municipal Health Mossel Bay

  • E-mail: rinay@gardenroute.gov.za
  • Tel: 044 693 0006 /Cell: 083 630 6108
  • C/O Sampson & Marling Street, Ext 23, Mossel Bay

 Emmy Douglas – Chief: Municipal Health George (Outeniqua)

  • E-mail: emmy@gardenroute.gov.za
  • Tel: 044 803 1537 / Cell: 078 457 2824
  • Mission Street, Industrial Area, George

 Jessica Erasmus – Acting Chief: Municipal Health George (Wilderness)

 James McCarthy – Chief: Municipal Health Knysna (Lakes)

 Gawie Vos – Chief: Municipal Health Bitou (Lakes)

 Haemish Herwels – Chief: Municipal Health Hessequa (Langeberg)

Editors’ note:

Following the directive issued earlier this month by the President of the Republic of South Africa, spaza shops and food-handling facilities were required to register with their respective municipalities within 21 days. This mandate aims to strengthen compliance with health and safety standards.

GRDM EHPs, in collaboration with local municipality Law Enforcement Officers, Waste Management officials, Firefighters, SAPS, the National Department of Agriculture, and the Department of Home Affairs, have been conducting ongoing inspections of both formal and informal food traders across the region.

Operations focus on assessing local spaza shop owners’ adherence to health guidelines, including proper food handling, cleanliness, and safe food storage practices. Additionally, education is provided on maintaining hygienic conditions, managing waste, and preventing foodborne diseases. The overall goal is to ensure safer food practices and ultimately safeguard public health within the community.

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26 November 2024 Media Release: Blitz operations continued this week with more spaza shops closed

Media Release: Blitz operations continued this week with more spaza shops closed

26 November 2023

Garden Route District Municipality Environmental Health Practitioners (EHPs) play a vital role in inspecting and monitoring food facilities, businesses, and other premises to ensure compliance with health and safety regulations—one of their many responsibilities.

Earlier this month, the President of the Republic of South Africa issued a directive mandating all spaza shops and food-handling facilities to register with their respective municipalities within 21 days to ensure compliance with regulations. The EHPs of GRDM have been continuously on the ground to check in at informal and formal food traders in collaboration with local municipality Law Enforcement Officers, Waste Management officials, Firefighters, the South African Police Service, National Department of Agriculture and the Department of Home Affairs.

It is important to note that only businesses that meet the required standards for a Certificate of Acceptability can obtain one. Unfortunately, over time, some businesses fail to maintain these standards, which necessitates their closure. There are also various other reasons why businesses are closed by other role players like SAPS, Law Enforcement Officers, Firefighters and even Waste Management Officials. In some instances undocumented foreign nationals are found operating shops, although the CoAs were issued to a South African or a legal foreign national. This is because shop owners can change quite frequently, but then Local Municipalities and the GRDM are not informed about it.

The EHPs generally focus on the following key areas:

  • Validity of Certificates of Acceptability, as required under Regulation 638 of the Foodstuffs, Cosmetics and Disinfectants Act, 1972 (Act 54 of 1972);
  • If businesses still maintain overall hygiene standards, stock food that is properly labelled, and monitor if shops are selling legal products

Mossel Bay Municipal Health Office

On Tuesday, 19 November 2024, the Environmental Health Practitioners (EHPs) from the Mossel Bay Municipal Health Office conducted a joint operation in the settlements of Brandwag and Ruiterbos, located outside Mossel Bay. During the operation, they inspected eight shops, four were closed due to non-compliance.

On Thursday, the EHPs continued their joint operations in the Mossel Bay CBD, Da Nova, Heiderand, and New Sunny Side areas. They inspected seven shops, three of which received Prohibition Notices due to non-compliance, including unhygienic conditions and poor ventilation. Officials from the Mossel Bay Municipality’s Waste Section, Law Enforcement, and SAPS joined the operation.

George Municipal Health Office

On Monday, 18 November 2024, the George EHPs conducted a Blitz Operation in Thembalethu, focusing on Zones 6 and 8. During the operation, seventeen spaza shops were inspected, with four of them closed for operating without a Certificate of Acceptability. This operation was carried out in collaboration with SAPS.

Yesterday, 25 November 2024, the Garden Route District Municipality Environmental Health Practitioners (EHPs), in collaboration with George Municipality, the National Department of Agriculture, and the South African Police Services (SAPS), hosted an educational workshop aimed at empowering informal food traders in Thembalethu, George.

Approximately 200 informal food traders attended the session. The workshop included presentations by our EHPs and several key stakeholders involved in regulating informal food trading.

Oudtshoorn Municipal Health Office

GRDM EHPs, in collaboration with SAPS, Oudtshoorn Municipality’s Law Enforcement, and Immigration officials from the Department of Home Affairs, conducted inspections at four spaza shops in the Bongolethu area in Oudtshoorn. Three of the inspected premises were found to be in an acceptable condition, while one shop was temporarily closed due to hygiene issues. A follow-up inspection will be conducted to ensure compliance.

Knysna Municipal Health Office

A Workshop was convened on Wednesday, 20 November 2024, bringing together GRDM EHPs, SAPS and Knysna Municipality (all relevant Directorates). During this engagement, key issues related to the spaza shop and informal food trader business sector were discussed. The primary objective of the meeting was to ensure clarity on the different internal processes within each governmental role player. The goal was to develop a Standard Operating Procedure for business owners to follow when applying for licenses, permits and certificates.

Interactive Spaza Workshop in Knysna

A very successful collaborative workshop was held on Thursday, 21 November 2024, with participation from the following:

  • Owners of individual food warehouses/wholesalers located within the Knysna area
  • Individual spaza shop owners from the Greater Knysna area
  • Management of the Knysna Spaza Shop Committee
  • Garden Route District Municipal Health Services
  • Knysna SAPS
  • Knysna Municipality (all relevant Directorates)

During this event, all governmental stakeholders presented informational sessions to educate the business sector about their respective legislative mandates.

The Municipal Health section emphasized the importance of food safety through a presentation to participants, covering the following key aspects:

  • Health certification
  • The 5 Keys to Food Safety
  • Expired foodstuffs
  • Labelling

The spaza shop business owners were very well represented, with a total of 62 participants attending the information session.

The attendees were equipped with valuable information and knowledge to assist them in applying for the necessary documentation to achieve legislative compliance. However, it was emphasized that, as per the national directive from the President, all spaza shops must comply with the relevant legislation within the prescribed time frame.

Conclusion

A district task team has been established to strengthen enforcement in the district. The team consists of representatives from the Garden Route District Municipality, local municipalities in the district, the Department of Home Affairs, and SAPS. This team will conduct regular, unannounced compliance blitzes across the district. Businesses found violating regulations will face immediate action, including closure and prosecution. The Communication Unit from GRDM is also coordinating content and awareness material relating to food safety to the media, local municipalities, provincial health and GCIS, to name a few.

The public is urged to report any incidents of suspected counterfeit or tampered foodstuff. Contact SAPS or reach out directly to the following GRDM EHPs:

Johan Compion – Senior Manager: Municipal Health, Solid Waste Management & Air Quality Control

 Desmond Paulse – Manager: Municipal Health Klein Karoo

 Rinay Cloete – Acting Chief: Municipal Health Mossel Bay

  • E-mail: rinay@gardenroute.gov.za
  • Tel: 044 693 0006 /Cell: 083 630 6108
  • C/O Sampson & Marling Street, Ext 23, Mossel Bay

 Emmy Douglas – Chief: Municipal Health George (Outeniqua)

  • E-mail: emmy@gardenroute.gov.za
  • Tel: 044 803 1537 / Cell: 078 457 2824
  • Mission Street, Industrial Area, George

 Jessica Erasmus – Acting Chief: Municipal Health George (Wilderness)

 James McCarthy – Chief: Municipal Health Knysna (Lakes)

 Gawie Vos – Chief: Municipal Health Bitou (Lakes)

 Haemish Herwels – Chief: Municipal Health Hessequa (Langeberg)

-END-

18 November 2024 Media Release: Garden Route Clean Fires Campaign prize handover ceremony at Oakhill Primary School, Knysna 

Media Release: Garden Route Clean Fires Campaign prize handover ceremony at Oakhill Primary School, Knysna 

18 November 2024

On Friday, 15 November 2024, the Air Quality Management Unit of the Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) presented the 2024 Garden Route Clean Fires Campaign prize to the winning school, Oakhill Primary School in Knysna. The Executive Mayor of GRDM, Andrew Stroebel, and Councillor Jobieth Hoogbaard, GRDM Portfolio Chairperson for Community Services, joined Dr. Johan Schoeman for the handover ceremony.

uring a brief assembly session at the school, Mayor Stroebel explained, “Nine years ago, GRDM launched a special air quality awareness campaign to improve community well-being and environmental health. The initial focus was on guiding Oudtshoorn communities on ‘Clean Fires,’ but the initiative expanded to George, and over the past six years, GRDM has provided curriculum-aligned ‘Clean Air’ information packs to Grade 3 classes throughout the district,” he said.

In 2024, the Clean Air Project engaged 78 schools, involving 186 Grade 3 Teachers and 5,639 learners in areas from as far as Klipdrift and Nolls Halte, through George, Sedgefield, Knysna, Touwsranten and Karatara to Plettenberg Bay and surrounding areas. This marks a significant increase in scope, compared to the previous years and reflects the district’s ongoing commitment to broadening the impact of environmental education.

Mayor Stroebel further explained that by targeting Grade 3 learners makes sense because the theme of ‘Clean Air’ already forms part of the grade curriculum for Environmental Studies. Also, the best way to ensure a better, safer, and healthier environment in the not-too-distant future, is to create positive awareness in young minds now. The project offers extensive support for teachers through online information sessions and a self-study training course, which concludes with the awarding of 5 *CPTD points and a certificate of completion. *CPTD – Continuing Professional Teacher Development.

“As a special incentive to encourage a constructive approach to environmental education and effective use of the provided information and resources, the 2024 project included a competition with a grand prize of R10,000. Today, we are here to present this award to Oakhill Primary School. Your school demonstrated the highest level of engagement and innovative use of the resources. The criteria for winning included attendance at the online sessions, completion of the self-study course, and proof of creative implementation in classrooms, and your school, led by Mr. James Cross, stood out above the rest. We hope the funds will benefit the school. Congratulations on winning the prize money, and good luck with the exams. Enjoy your festive season!”Cllr Stroebel concluded.

Lastly, Mayor Stroebel extended a word of gratitute to Mr Dreyer LĂśtter MD: SATeacher e-Learning (Pty) Ltd for the excellent working relationship and innovation over the past years to make this project a success. He also thanked him for donating the R10 000 prize money.

Featured Image Caption: On the picture from left to right: Mr Dreyer Lotter from SA Teacher e-learning, Dr Johann Schoeman – GRDM Manager District Air Quality Control, Andrew Stroebel – GRDM Executive Mayor, Mr James Cross – Head of the Prep School, Cllr Jobieth Hoogbaard – Portfolio Chairperson of Community Services, Ms Caroline Cross – Grade 3 Teacher and Mr Howarth – Principal of the school.

-End-

17 October 2024 Media Release: EHPs of the Garden Route District Municipality celebrate Global Handwashing Day

Media Release: EHPs of the Garden Route District Municipality celebrate Global Handwashing Day

17 October 2024

In a quest to raise awareness about the critical importance of hand hygiene, Global Handwashing Day was celebrated across the Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) the past few days, joining the rest of the world in promoting handwashing as a simple but powerful tool in preventing diseases.

The annual Global Handwashing Day, which takes place on October 15, promotes the importance of handwashing with soap as an effective and affordable way to prevent the spread of diseases. To curb the spread of illnesses like diarrhea, respiratory infections, and other communicable diseases, the day focused on educating communities about washing hands, especially before meals and after using the bathroom.

Environmental Health Practitioners (EHPs) play a fundamental role in preventing disease transmission. Throughout the year, they conduct health education outreach programs, equipping communities with knowledge on how to prevent communicable diseases.

Shaping ‘Little Minds’ for a Greater Impact

This year, EHPs carried out a series of interactive activities across the region, focusing on educating young children. Their aim was to influence “little minds” at schools with the hope that these children would, in turn, pass the message to “big minds” at home, creating a ripple effect of improved hygiene practices. These efforts are part of the district’s broader campaign to promote public health and prevent the spread of communicable diseases.

George Office

The GRDM George Region EHPs celebrated Global Handwashing Day with the Grade R – 2 learners of Geelhoutboom VGK Primary School, just outside George. The learners were very excited to participate in this life-changing lesson taught by educators from GRDM.

 Mossel Bay Office:

EHPs from the Mossel Bay office provided education on proper handwashing at Tao Tao Kleuterskool and St. Blaize Kleuterskool in Mossel Bay. A total of 79 children, along with their teachers, attended these sessions.

Bitou Office:

The EHPs from the GRDM Bitou sub-office, Zoleka Goniwe and Nokuphiwa Mbali, visited Khwezi Lokusa Educare in KwaNokuthula, Plettenberg Bay, to refresh learners and educators on the importance of handwashing.

The children enjoyed the hands-on activity demonstrated by the officials, showing the correct way to wash hands. The principal of the facility expressed gratitude to the GRDM team for reaching out to the crèche and supporting the fight against diseases that can be prevented by proper and frequent handwashing.

Oudtshoorn Office:

EHPs from the Oudtshoorn office held awareness and education sessions at schools and crèches in the Kannaland and Oudtshoorn areas, emphasizing that handwashing is the easiest, simplest, and most effective way to prevent bacterial illnesses. Health and hygiene awareness sessions were conducted by Environmental Health Practitioners in the Klein Karoo region at Roodewal Primary School near Oudtshoorn and The Heuwel Speelskool Crèche in Bergsig, Calitzdorp. A total of 60 learners participated in these handwashing awareness sessions.

Outeniqua Office

On Monday, 14 October 2024, representatives including Councillors and officials from the Garden Route District Municipality’s (GRDM) Municipal Health and Disaster Management Units, visited two crèches in George as part of the municipality’s national celebration of Global Handwashing Day, observed today 15 October 2024, to promote hygiene awareness.

Read the separate statement about this visit here.

Did you know?

Critical point for washing of hands are:

  • Before, during, and after preparing food
  • Before and after eating food
  • After using the toilet
  • After blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing
  • After touching waste
  • Before and after caring for someone at home who is sick with vomiting or diarrhea

Did you know?

Hand washing benefits both young and old and is the first line of defence in preventing the spread of disease and must be embraced vigorously by families, schools and health care professionals.

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