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15 Februarie 2024 Mediavrystelling: Basiese Brandbestrydingsopleiding na Van Wyksdorp-inwoners uitgerol

Mediavrystelling: Basiese Brandbestrydingsopleiding na Van Wyksdorp-inwoners uitgerol

15 Februarie 2024

Die Tuinroete Distriksmunisipaliteit (TDM), Brand en Reddingsdienste het hierdie week vanaf 12 tot 15 Februarie 2024, inwoners van die Van Wyksdorp-area opgelei in basiese brandbestryding.

Die opleiding het begin met een (1) dag van teorie en (1) dag van praktiese vaardighede wat gefokus het om brande rondom strukture en binnenshuis te hanteer. Die studente is ook geleer oor die basiese beginsels wat gepaard gaan met die hantering van veldbrande in hul ontstekings fase.

TDM se Brandweerdienste sal ook ‘n 1000-liter watertenk en pomp-sleepwa aan die span voorsien. Dit sal aansienlik bydra tot vinnige reaksietyd op brande wat skielik ontstaan in die Van Wyksdorp-omgewing.

Daniel Dippenaar, TDM Stasiebevelvoerder: Brandveiligheid en Opleiding, het die opleiding gefasiliteer. Hy is ondersteun deur TDM-brandbestryders van Ladismith, asook Cornelius Willemse en sy medewerkers van die Kannaland Munisipaliteit se Beskermdienste.

Soorgelyke opleiding word beplan om plaas te vind aan die einde van Februarie 2024 vir die Witsand-area in die Hessequa-streek.


Media Release: First Responder Basic Firefighting Training rolled out to Van Wyksdorp residents

15 February 2024

The Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) Fire Services rolled out Community First Responder Basic Firefighting Training this week from 12 to 15 February 2024 to 15 locals.

The Training was done as a step in the direction of establishing a First Responder Team in Van Wyksdorp, Kannaland.

The training commenced with one day of theoretical and one day of practical skills to deal with fires around structures and within homes. The participants were also taught the basics of how to deal with suppressing wildfires.

GRDM Fire and Rescue Services will also supply the team with a 1000-litre water tank and pump trailer. This will greatly assist with rapid responses to fire outbreaks within the Van Wyksdorp area.

Daniel Dippenaar, GRDM Station Commander: Fire Safety and Training, facilitated the training and was assisted by the GRDM crew in Ladismith as well as Cornelius Willemse and a team of Kannaland Municipality Protection Services.

A similar intervention is planned for the Witsand area at the end of February 2024.

ENDS

 

7 February 2024 Media Release: GRDM Riversdale Firefighting crew assists Overstrand Firefighters with a raging fire at Pearly Beach

Media Release: GRDM Riversdale Firefighting crew assists Overstrand Firefighters with a raging fire at Pearly Beach

For immediate release
7 February 2024

On Thursday 01 February 2024, the Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) Fire Services received a call for assistance from the Overstrand Municipality regarding the ongoing fires that raged in the Overstrand Municipal area, specifically the Pearly Beach area.

With rapid arrangements made, a GRDM Fire crew from the Riversdale substation left their premises on Friday morning at 03h00 to assist Overstand with the firefighting task.  With their check-in at 07h15 the crew was ready at the Incident Command Post to perform their first assignment.

The team arrived back at their station on Monday, 5 February 2024.

Chief Fire Officer at Overstrand, Lester Smith, praised the team for extending a helping hand to their Overstrand colleagues to ensure the safety and a safe environment for the community of Pearly Beach.  In his appreciation message, he said: “The GRDM Firefighters did an excellent job in executing their tasks while we battled the blazes at Pearly Beach – we are thankful”.

The crew was led by Firefighters Heinrich Jordaan and Danro Frans.

Well done Team GRDM!

FLTR: GRDM Firefighters Danro Frans, Loraan Saayman, Jose Loff, Aiden Volkwyn and sitting, Heinrich Jordaan, who assisted the Overstrand Municipal Fire Services with the Pearly Beach fire.

2 February 2024 Media Release: GRDM Regional Fire Station Unveiled

Media Release: GRDM Regional Fire Station Unveiled

For Immediate Release
2 February 2024

Today, 2 February 2024, is a significant milestone achieved by the Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) with the grand opening of its first state-of-the-art fire station. This modern facility is strategically located at the end of Pearl Street in the Tamsui Industrial area of George.

The GRDM regional fire station was made possible with the GRDM Council support, as well as support from George Municipality who donated a property of 5 877m2 in size and waived service fees. On top of this, the Western Cape Government assisted the GRDM with a R3 million shortfall.

According to Deon Stoffels, GRDM Fire Chief: “Building construction costs amount to R 11 800 000, and Consulting Engineering Services amount to just over R 1 300,000”.

“The regional fire station is ideally located in the heart of the Garden Route district, extending its protective arms westward to the Hessequa municipal area and eastward to the Bitou and Knysna municipalities, almost equally, areas both prone to high-risk fires,” said Stoffels.

With its central location, quick access to N2, and 24-hour operations, the facility will ensure rapid responses to emergencies, especially given its proximity to the coastal areas that are still overgrown with invasive alien plant species, as well as mountainous terrain. This is the biggest fire station in the district.

The journey to this day has not been without challenges. The GRDM never before owned its own fire station since its establishment in 1987. Over the years, GRDM Fire Services leased various premises while servicing the district as a whole. Today’s grand opening ceremony was not just about the physical structure, but a celebration of homecoming for firefighters, who have occupied their last temporary home for more than 14 years.  These firefighters now have a permanent residence they can call ‘home’, an advanced facility aligned to the required National Building Regulations and Standards.

Among the participants attending the grand opening were Minister Anton Bredell, the Western Cape Provincial Minister for Local Government, Environmental Affairs and Development Planning, Mayors, Municipal Managers, Chief Fire Officers, Khubeka Construction CC representatives, the Consulting Engineer, Kantey and Templer (Pty) Ltd representatives, and stakeholders involved in integrated fire management across the District. Also in attendance were representatives of the Western Cape Department of Local Government (WCDLG) Disaster Management and Fire & Rescue Services Directorate, GRDM officials as well as the 50 firefighters from the GRDM. Members of the media (SABC, Eden FM and George Herald), also attended the event, as well as the well-known social media influencer, Nikki du Toit (Lekker Nikki).

GRDM Portfolio Councillor Cobus Meiring opened the prestigious event, welcoming dignitaries, guests and firefighters, followed by Pastor Keith Elliot, from George Victory Church, who encouraged firefighters with Proverbs 8 verse 13, inspiring everyone present.

A very proud but humble GRDM Municipal Manager, Monde Stratu delivered a brief, yet thorough background around the journey fire services has come from until where they are today in opening the regional fire station.

Stratu referred to the devastating Knysna wildfires which occurred in 2017 as one of the driving forces behind an inter-governmental push to co-fund a fire station that serves the region as a whole. Throughout his speech, he detailed the processes, reasons, and steps followed in determining the location of the fire facility, as well as the budget provision and support provided by the Western Cape Provincial government.

“It has been a wonderful experience for all of us, the firefighters, officials, councillors and everyone else, to say that we want to work together to deliver this facility for the people of the Garden Route region, for all the municipalities that will benefit from it, and for us to assist our provincial colleagues in need,” said Stratu.

Municipal Manager Stratu acknowledged some colleagues who made a significant contribution to this project, “One of the key pioneers in this facility and leader in the sector, Freddy Thaver, the former Fire Chief, who has passed on, and who was very fond and passionate about this project.” He asked everyone present to rise for a moment of silence to pay respect to the late Thaver.  Mr Stratu also recognised Clive Africa who was unable to attend the event. To honour Africa’s contribution, he asked all present to give him a round of applause for his role at the beginning of the project and also for pushing for it to become a reality.

Ettiene Du Toit, Deputy Director of Disaster Management & Fire & Rescue Services, presented on Capacity Grants and the financial assistance provided to the project by his department. “It was a privilege to be a part of this project. We often see projects that fail to materialize, but this shows what is possible when provincial and local governments work together.”

In his address, Nelius Agenbag, Principal Agent of Engineering Consultants: Kantey & Templer (Pty) Ltd, expressed gratitude to the GRDM for allowing them to be a part of the project, as well as for the by-in and support given to the design and construction teams. He extended a special word of thanks to Fire Chief Deon Stoffels for his involvement in the project, for always representing his firemen, and for ‘transferring the heart of a fireman’ into the project. “The successful implementation of a project like this depends on teamwork. Everyone involved, every party contributed to the project and without teamwork, a project like this would not have been completed.”

 

On behalf of George Municipality, Cllr Raybin Figland, Deputy Mayor said, “This is a collective accomplishment for every single municipality in the Garden Route District, and we are proud to be a part of the opening of this facility”.

Figland added:” In allocating this land to GRDM, George Municipality knew there was indeed a need for such a facility; we did this to ensure that our services are effective and that we are responsive to the needs of our community. In doing so, we gained the knowledge we gained from the devastating George and Knysna fires nearly seven years ago.  We made a commitment to our residents that we will strive to do all we can in the face of disaster and with facilities such as this one, we will deliver on our commitments to our residence.”  He concluded by saying, “When a decision had to be made regarding the donation of the property for the fire station, it was an easy decision for our council since there was no debate”.

Alderman Memory Booysen, GRDM Executive Mayor said: “When you put egos, personalities, the argument of powers and functions, aside – this is what you get. We put everything aside for one purpose and that purpose was for this facility to be erected and here we are today. This is an indication of when different spheres of government come together and when a district and local municipality comes together.”

He continued by saying, “It is not that we wanted to be smart to call it the Garden Route District Municipality’s Regional Fire Station, it was by choice, a deliberate decision. All the speakers refer to the fact that it is not a Garden Route facility, but it belongs to eight municipalities in total.  This facility is here to protect the entire Garden Route – Hessequa, Mossel Bay, George, Knysna, Bitou, Oudtshoorn and Kannaland. This is an indication that when we work together as a government, we know no boundaries.”

In his keynote address, the Western Cape Provincial Minister of Environmental Affairs and Development Planning, Anton Bredell, said, “This is your facility. We are currently facing a major problem with vandalism. Vandalism of infrastructure. If you vandalise infrastructure, you destroy your children’s future.” He encouraged people to take ownership of the facility and to protect it, because more of these facilities are needed.

MEC Bredell delivered a brief overview of the fires currently burning in the Western Cape and thanked the fire service present for sending teams and resources to assist. He continued by congratulating the GRDM Fire Service Team and said, Let’s keep building and working together. Going forward, climate change is going to be a big issue for us all in administration and government. When budget time comes around, we tend to ignore it. We must invest in Disaster Management over time and build a system because we will need the system in the future.”

In conclusion, Bredell said: “The heart and soul of this building is mostly that side of the audience,” when he referred to the firefighters of GRDM. “You bring passion, love and competence to this facility and the communities you serve. On behalf of the Provincial Government, I want to thank you. You have saved lives throughout the year, if we call on you, you are always there. I want to thank you for your dedication and commitment – let us keep on.” Adding to these words, Bredell further said: And from the provincial side, I want to commit that I will keep on fighting for the right budget, so that we can train you and give you the rightful training and rightful equipment, to do your job.”

GRDM Deputy Executive Mayor, Ald. Gert van Niekerk, delivered the closing remarks and vote of thanks. During his message he thanked internal, as well as external stakeholders. He wrapped up his thank yous by saying “Every official of the GRDM sitting here, certainly, you had a contribution somewhere along the course of this project – thank you very much – you all can be proud of what stands in front of you”.

A special thank you needs to be extended to the gracious sponsors who donated various items to the Fire and Rescue Services of GRDM, these include Outeniqua Palms, Grown Green Organics, Fabric World, Curtains Up, Wild Farm Backpackers Wilderness, and Savannah Helicopters.

Featured Image Caption: Alderman Memory Booysen, GRDM-Executive Mayor cuts a ribbon to mark the official opening of the Garden Route District Municipality Regional Fire Station.

 

Did you know:   

The newly constructed double-storey fire station adheres to its design specifications and encompasses various essential components to facilitate efficient firefighting operations:

The following are some of the features:

Administrative Building: This section will accommodate four senior fire officers and an administrative clerk, providing a centralised hub for coordination and management.

Leisure Area: Designed for the well-being of the 24 George-based firefighters on duty, this space recognises the importance of downtime and relaxation for a team working in demanding conditions.

Kitchen Facilities: For both administrative and operational firefighters use.

Ablution Facilities: Separate facilities for administrative and operational firefighters promote hygiene and well-being.

Board Room: A dedicated space for meetings and briefings enhances communication, collaboration and strategic planning among firefighting personnel.

Gym Room: Recognizing the physical demands of firefighting, the gym will provide a space for fitness and wellness activities.

Lecture Room: Equipped for training and educational purposes, this room supports continuous learning and skill development.

Double Apparatus Bays: Four double bays safely accommodate the necessary firefighting vehicles, ensuring quick and efficient response times.

Storage Rooms and Locker Room: Essential for storing equipment and providing secure spaces for personal belongings.

Wash Bay: A separate facility for washing firefighting vehicles and equipment ensures cleanliness, maintenance and readiness for future emergencies.

Industrial Containers: The fire station premises will house 14 industrial containers for storage of equipment and supplies as well as for training purposes, showcasing a commitment to preparedness and ongoing training initiatives.

Specialist Wildland Ground Firefighting Crew Building: This secondary building will host a specialist crew of 22 personnel daily, underscoring the importance of specialized teams for addressing unique challenges, such as those of wildfires.

The location of the station will naturally also reinforce response times too especially in coastal high-risk areas.

-END-

15 November 2023 Media Release: Basic Wildland Firefighting training rolled out to farms

Media Release: Basic Wildland Firefighting training rolled out to farms


For immediate release

15 November 2023

The Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) Fire and Rescue Services last week, on 09 November 2023 presented Basic Wildland Firefighting training to farmers and farmworkers from the Heidelberg region at the Les Huguenots Farm.

GRDM Firefighters present a Basic Wildland Firefighting course to farmers and farmworkers from the Heidelberg region.

A Basic Wildland Firefighting course is a critical training program that equips individuals with the skills and knowledge needed to combat wildfires and veldfires in its incipient stage. This course typically covers topics such as fire behaviour, safety protocols, equipment usage, and teamwork. The training presented to the group will allow them to effectively handle veldfires and to protect lives and infrastructure.

It is essential for rural communities and farmers to be equipped with basic knowledge, and especially in terms of safety around veld- and wildfires. Similar training is scheduled for more areas in the Hessequa and Mossel Bay municipal areas, set to take place in the last week of November 2023.

The basic course was facilitated by Daniel Dippenaar, GRDM Station Officer: Fire Safety and Training, with the assistance of GRDM Riversdale based Firefighter, Chris Gerber.

FIRE SAFETY AROUND YOUR HOME

  1. Create a clear zone and / or defendable space around your house and infrastructure, regularly clean flammable vegetation around house.
  2. Regularly remove leaves and other plant matter from gutters.
  3. Make sure firefighters can access your home and other infrastructure. Cut away trees and branches along your access route which do not allow fire truck access.
  4. Do not make any fires in unpermitted areas.
  5. Do not leave braai fires unattended or discard ash or coals in grass or vegetation.
  6. Please be alert to daily weather warnings, which will be distributed and shared on the local authorities’ communication channels.
  7. Ensure that your house is numbered, or else in case of an emergency, first responders might not be aware of where assistance is required.

ENDS

6 October 2023 Media Release: A ‘first of its kind for Garden Route District Municipality’ – Pilot Programme for Occupational Firefighter Training

Media Release: A ‘first of its kind for Garden Route District Municipality’ – Pilot Programme for Occupational Firefighter Training

For immediate release
6 October 2023

After receiving accreditation to be a Skills Development Provider from the Quality Council for Trades and Occupation (QCTO) in the latter part of 2022, the Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) officially kicked off its pilot Occupational Firefighter Training programme to 24 aspiring firefighters.

The programme recently commenced at the Municipality’s Calitzdorp Hot Springs Resort, 25km from Calitzdorp, and will conclude in June 2024.

This is a milestone for the GRDM. Key stakeholder, the QCTO, plays a significant role in promoting and supporting quality occupational training and development in South Africa, ultimately contributing to a skilled and productive workforce.  The main aim of QCTO is to ensure that occupational training and qualifications, in this case the one relating to firefighting, is relevant to industry needs and align with national standards.

The participants who are currently undergoing the training programme represent all seven (7) municipal areas of the GRDM, including Bitou, Knysna, George, Oudtshoorn, Mossel Bay, Kannaland and Hessequa Municipal areas.

The programme comprises of knowledge modules, practical modules as well as a workplace-based component where students are required to apply the knowledge and practical skills. The skills and knowledge are applied through relevant assignments and ultimately aid them in reaching the required exit level outcomes.

GRDM’s lead facilitator is Platoon Commander Brian Afrikander, supported by a Skills Mecca Administrator.

At this stage, the training programme is going well and as per schedule.

ENDS

Feature Photo: GRDM’s Lead Facilitator and Platoon Commander, Brian Afrikander (11th from right), with participants of the pilot Occupational Firefighter Training programme

5 October 2023 Media Release: GRDM Firefighters assist Overstrand Municipality with water provision for its residents

Media Release: GRDM Firefighters assist Overstrand Municipality with water provision for its residents.

For immediate release
5 October 2023

Last week, the Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) Fire and Rescue Services responded to a request to assist the Overstrand Municipality with water provision in Hermanus and surrounding areas.

After impacts of severe rains that hit the western part of the Western Cape on the weekend of 25 September 2023, many water systems were severely impacted, so much so that multiple towns were left without drinking water for an extended period of time.

On Thursday afternoon, 28 September 2023, two (2) firefighters from the GRDM Fire Services left the Garden Route with a fire truck that carried 5500 litres of water to assist Overstrand. GRDM’s Martino Jacobs and Petrus Jordaan further assisted by delivering water to various residential areas, carting water from Standford to Hermanus for a four-day period.

Chief Fire Officer, Deon Stoffels, indicated: “It was a humble and proud experience for the GRDM firefighters to assist a neighbouring district and towns with residents that were in real need of an essential commodity. As usual GRDM is proud to be of assistance in times of crisis,” he concluded.

ENDS

14 September 2023 Media Release: GRDM Fire Services Public Education Interventions continue

Media Release: GRDM Fire Services Public Education Interventions continue

For immediate release
14 September 2023

The GRDM Fire Services visited various primary schools within our district over the months of August and September 2023.

Fire safety awareness and education interventions facilitated at schools play a crucial role in ensuring that whilst learners are in the learning environment, they are also exposed to information and educated on Fire Safety prevention at school, at home and outside in the environment.

Educators are also learning with the students. They all become aware of prevention and what actions to take within their immediate environment and share the message with family and friends at home. It is a three-step process, which includes Awareness, Prevention and how to deal with fire ignition and/or occurrence and/or how to escape and protect themselves in any specific situation, as well as alerting  the Fire Brigade Services about the incident.

Prioritising schools and in particular Primary Schools, is viewed as the most effective target audience in this regard.

Schools that were visited are as follows;

  • Avontuur Primary & Haarlem Primary – 03 August 2023
  • Herold Primary  – 10 August 2023
  • Geelhoutboom Primary – 29 August 2023
  • Hoogekraal Primary – 30 August 2023
  • Franken Primary – 5 September 2023
  • Diepkloof Primary – 7 September 2023

Some of the key learnings that students gained from fire safety education include:

Understanding Fire Basics:

  • The basic science of fire, including how it starts, spreads, and the elements necessary for combustion.

Unwanted Fire Prevention:

  • Common causes of fires, such as electrical faults, open flames, and flammable materials.
  • The importance of fire prevention measures, including proper storage of flammable materials, not overloading electrical outlets, and safe handling of ignition sources such as candles, stoves, etc., other appliances, e.g., gas heaters, electric heaters, leaving candles and cooking unattended.

Cautions with Matches and Lighters:

  • Not to play with matches or lighters and to immediately hand over to an adult if they find them.
  • Learning to recognise the early signs of a fire, such as the smell of smoke or the sound of a smoke detector.
  • Vegetation Fires: leaving ‘outside’ fires unattended that has the potential of starting vegetation fires, the dangers of starting vegetation fires, as well as how to make and confine fires in designated areas.

Dangers of Smoke(Carbon Monoxide Awareness)

  • The dangers of smoke, carbon monoxide inhalation, and in particular the dangers of ‘boma’ fires within the home.

Fire Safety Equipment:

  • Familiarisation with fire safety equipment like fire extinguishers, fire blankets and smoke alarms, as well as other measures that can be used, i.e., sand.
  • How to use a fire extinguisher properly and understanding its limitations.
  • Actions to take: Stop, Drop, and Roll.
  • Teaching the “stop, drop, and roll” technique in case of clothing catching fire.

Calling of Emergency number:

  • How to call emergency services in their immediate areas to report a fire.
  • Emphasising the importance of providing accurate information and remaining calm during the call and moving to designated safe places.

Fire safety education in schools not only imparts important life-saving knowledge but also instils a sense of responsibility and preparedness in learners and educators alike. It empowers them to take correct action in the event of a fire and to promote fire safe practices within their immediate communities.

Information supplied: Heinrich Leslie, GRDM Acting  Station Officer: Fire Services

ENDS

28 July 2023 Media Release: GRDM Firefighters achieve great results at the Dräger SA Fire Combat and Rescue Challenge

GRDM Firefighters achieve great results at the Dräger SA Fire Combat and Rescue Challenge

For Immediate release
28 July 2023

Yesterday, 27 July 2023, the Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) Fire & Rescue Services firefighters participated in the Dräger SA Fire Combat and Rescue Challenge. The competition was held in Johannesburg.

This is the third year that Dräger hosted the Combat Challenge, where firefighters are tested displaying their skills and fitness while getting hands-on experience with the latest firefighting equipment and technology available.

The team members who participated in the challenge include: Emile Conrad (Senior Firefighter), Heinrich Leslie (Platoon Commander), Petrus Jordaan (Firefighter), Kevin Lee Gericke (Senior Firefighter) and Branville Abrahams (Senior Firefighter).

In the Team Relay events, the GRDM Fire & Rescue Services team excelled, securing the top position in the Combat Challenge Overall and Fire Fighter CrossFit Event Overall categories. Their performance in the MTG Rescue Operations Course earned them a second place. The Overall Relay Results show that the team displayed their impressive capabilities, securing an impressive second place.

Emile Conrad dominated multiple categories. He won the Overalls Categories, including the Combat Challenge Overall and Fire Fighter CrossFit Challenge Overall, where he earned two first-place finishes. Conrad also won the Overall Age Category (35 – 40), securing his position as the top performer with a first-place finish in the Overall Results.

Heinrich Leslie secured second places in the Age Category 30 – 35 Overalls and the Fire Fighting CrossFit Events Overalls.

Petrus Jordaan, achieved a first-place finish in the Age Category 45 – 49 Overalls, adding to the teams overall success. The team is congratulated for representing GRDM with passion and pride.

The main event on the calendar is yet to come with the South African Toughest Firefighter Alive competition taking place in Mossel Bay which will again be hosted by the Mossel Bay Municipality over the weekend of 05 – 07 October 2023.

Many local firefighters will be in action, competing with the country’s best. GRDM hopes to see you there!

Feature Image: GRDM Fire & Rescue Service Firefighters embracing their winning medals at the Dräger SA Fire Combat and Rescue Challenge

ENDS

 

 

21 July 2023 Media Release: Home and Veld Fire Safety education rolled out to agricultural workers

Media Release: Home and Veld Fire Safety education rolled out to agricultural workers

For Immediate Release
21 July 2023

The Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) Fire and Rescue Services, last week, held a ‘Fire In-and-Around the Home, Safety Awareness session at the Geelhoutboomberg Village and Avocado Farm near Blanco, George. “Firefighters focused on educating workers through practical demonstrations related to home and veld fire safety,” said Heinrich Leslie, GRDM Acting Station Officer.

“There were more than 20 enthusiastic agricultural workers in attendance and the event proved to be a valuable learning experience for all.”

Leslie says the importance of fire awareness and safety education continues throughout the year, especially for remote workers who frequently encounter potential fire hazards.

Several critical topics were covered during the session, which included:

  • Cooking and fire safety;
  • Electrical system maintenance: Emphasing the regular inspection and upkeep of electrical systems and equipment to prevent electrical fires;
  • Handling flammable materials: Educating workers on safe practices when dealing with fuels and chemicals;
  • Vegetation clearance: Stressing the importance of clearing vegetation around living spaces, storages, and barns to reduce fire risks;
  • Proper fire equipment handling: Equipping workers with knowledge on handling fire safety equipment and responding to emergencies;
  • Regular maintenance of equipment: Encouraging routine maintenance of equipment, gas container connections and installations, gas stoves, heating systems, and other devices to prevent fore incidents;
  • Safety around candles and heating appliances: Raising awareness about potential fire hazards relating to candles and heating appliances;
  • Load shedding considerations: Educating workers on safely switching off appliances during load shedding periods;
  • Sources of ignition: Identifying potential ignition sources such as smoking, welding, or ploughing on hot days.

The workers actively participated in the educational activities, demonstrating enthusiasm and excitement for the knowledge gained.

By empowering workers with knowledge about fire safety, the GRDM Fire and Rescue Services created a safer working environment. “We try our best to create a culture of preparedness and responsible fire safety practices when we do awareness sessions,” said Leslie.

Feature image: Agricultural workers with firefighters from Garden Route District Municipality.


GRDM Brand- en Reddingsdienste hou ‘n suksesvolle brandveiligheidsbewusmakingsessie

Die Garden Route Distriksmunisipaliteit (GRDM) Brand- en Reddingsdienste het onlangs ‘n ‘Brand In-en-Om die Huis’ Veiligheidsbewusmakingsessie by die Geelhoutboomberg en Avokadoplaas naby Blanco, George, gehou. Die geleentheid het gefokus op die opvoeding van meer as 20 landbouwerkers deur praktiese demonstrasies wat verband hou met huis- en veldbrandveiligheid.

Heinrich Leslie, waarnemende stasiebeampte van GRDM, het sy tevredenheid met die sessie uitgespreek en gesê: “Die geleentheid was ‘n waardevolle leerervaring vir almal.” Met die klem op die belangrikheid van brandbewustheid en veiligheidsopvoeding, het Leslie die belangrikheid van deurlopende opleiding beklemtoon, veral vir afgeleë werkers wat gereeld potensiële brandgevare teëkom.

Tydens die sessie is verskeie kritieke onderwerpe gedek, insluitend kook- en brandveiligheid, behoorlike elektriese stelsel instandhouding, hantering van vlambare materiale, plantegroei opruiming en die korrekte hantering van brandveiligheidstoerusting. Werkers is ook opgevoed oor veiligheid rondom kerse en verwarmingstoestelle, beurtkrag-oorwegings ens.

Die entoesiastiese deelname van die werkers het hul gretigheid gewys om verantwoordelike brandveiligheidspraktyke te leer en te implementeer.

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.

ENDS