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28 August 2024 Public Notice: Notice of Public Participation for the GRDM Fire Safety By-Law relating to Veld, Mountain, and Chemical Fires

Public Notice: Notice of Public Participation for the GRDM Fire Safety By-Law relating to Veld, Mountain, and Chemical Fires

Open for Comment

The Garden Route District Municipality envisages to enact a Fire Safety By-Law, relating to Veld, Mountain, and Chemical Fires.

In terms of Section 156 (2) of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, Act No. 108 of 1996, the Municipal Systems Act, No. 32 of 2000, and Section 16 of the Fire Brigade Services Act, 99 of 1987 the Garden Route District Municipality makes this bylaw for the effective administration of matters that it has the right to administer in terms of the Municipal Structures Act, 84 (1)(j)(ii), i.e. the National Veld and Forest Fire Amendment Act, 2023, the Hazardous Substances Act, No 15 of 1973, and the Occupational Health and Safety Act, No 85 of 1993. As per the provisions of Sections 12 and 13 as well as sections 21 and 21A of the Municipal Systems Act, 32 of 2000, Garden Route District Municipality publish this by-law for public comment and input, prior to it being gazetted.

Notice is hereby given that the Draft Garden Route District Municipality Fire Safety By-Law relating to Veld, Mountain, and Chemical Fires will be available for public comment and input from 23 August 2024 to 23 September 2024.

The draft Garden Route District Municipality Fire Safety By-Law will be available for viewing at the following Places:

  1. Garden Route District Municipality, 54 York Street, George.
  2. Garden Route District Municipality Fire Station, Opal Close, Tamsui Industria.
  3. George Municipality, York Street, 71 York Street.
  4. George Municipality, Fire Station 124 Mitchell Street.
  5. Mossel Bay Municipality Head Office, 101 Marsh Street.
  6. Mossel Bay Municipality Fire Station, Heiderand.
  7. Knysna Municipality Head Office, 05 Clyde Street.
  8. Knysna Municipality Fire Station, Waterfront Drive, Knysna Central.
  9. Buffelsnek Public Library, 6 Protea Street, Buffelsnek, Knysna.
  10. Uniondale Post Office, 48 Voortrekker Street.
  11. Bitou Municipality Head Office, 04 Sewell Street.
  12. Bitou Municipality Fire Station, 06 Flying Cloud Drive.
  13. Hessequa Municipality Head Office, Civic Centre Van den Berg Street.
  14. Garden Route District Municipality Sub Fire Station, 35 Mulder Street, Riversdale.
  15. Kannaland Municipality Head Office, 32 Church Street.
  16. Garden Route District Municipality Sub Fire Station, 54 Van Riebeek Street.
  17. Oudtshoorn Municipality Head Office, 69 Cnr. CJ Langenhoven Street & Voortrekker Road.
  18. Oudtshoorn Municipality Fire Station, 28 Church Street.
  19. Heidelberg Post Office, 50 Van Riebeek Street.
  20. Garden Route District Municipality website.

The District Municipality hereby invites comments from interested and affected parties on the draft Garden Route District Municipality Fire Safety By-Law. Any comments and input submitted will be considered during the finalization of the draft document for final approval and Gazetting.

Written submissions may be directed to the Municipal Manager using the following address:
Garden Route District Municipality,
Municipal Manager,
Mr Monde Stratu,
54 York Street, George /or Private Bag 12,
George,
6530

/or via email to:
info@gardenroute.gov.za on or before 23 September 2024.

Any person who is unable to write can submit their input verbally to the Council’s offices where they will be assisted by a staff member to put their comments in writing. Enquiries can be directed to Mr Deon Stoffels at 044 878 1000/083941 1994 or e-mail deon@gardenroute.gov.za.

Click here to download the Government Gazette Notice
Click here to download the Bylaw

M G Stratu
MUNICIPAL MANAGER
GARDEN ROUTE DISTRICT MUNICIPALITY

26 August 2024 Media Release: GRDM’s Fire & Rescue Services completes the first ever External Integrated Summative Assessment for Firefighting in South Africa

Media Release: GRDM’s Fire & Rescue Services completes the first ever External Integrated Summative Assessment for Firefighting in South Africa

For immediate release
26 August 2024

Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) and Fire & Rescue Services through the municipality’s Garden Route Skills Mecca (GRSM) programme on 22 August 2024, completed their first ever External Integrated Summative Assessment (EISA) for Firefighting in South Africa.

Learners undertaking their final assessment as part of the External Integrated  Summative Assessment.

The Assessment was performed in collaboration with the Quality Council for Trades and Occupations (QCTO) and the Local Government Sector Education and Training Authority (LGSETA). The EISA were conducted at the Municipality’s Calitzdorp Hot Springs, which is also accredited by the QCTO as a Training Assessment Centre.

Deon Stoffels, Chief Fire Officer at GRDM Fire and Rescue Services said: “The External Integrated Summative Assessment (EISA) is the final assessment managed and conducted by the Quality Partner/Assessment Quality Partner; used to assess all learners nationally. In the EISA the learner proves his/her competence against the Exit Level Outcomes of the Qualification. Learners qualify for entry into EISA via a Statement of Results (SoR) issued by the accredited Skills Development Provider (SDP) – the GRDM in this regard”.

Learners pictured with the LGSETA External Integrated Summative Assessment Facilitators and Invigilators. Front: Gillian Tobin (middle), Mpume Madondo (right) and back Donald Mathebula (right) and Albert Sekhwela (far right). Also in the picture is Daniel Dippenaar, GRDM Station Commander: Fire Safety & Training (far left), who took over as lead facilitator from the now retired, Brian Afrikander, and successfully saw out the last quarter of the program.

In August 2023 the GRDM Fire & Rescue Services commenced with the implementation of the NQF Level 04 Occupational Certificate in Firefighting. This qualification is a national qualification that is achieved through a training program offered by an accredited fire training institution or a fire department. The GRDM obtained accreditation as a Skills Development Provider for this qualification in September 2022. This accreditation was obtained through joint efforts of the GRDM and the Fire & Rescue Services.

The qualification bears 149 credits, equating to 1490 notional hours of learning, and in effect a total of 187 days of training, including classroom study, assignments and examinations.

This qualification addresses a need to have qualified entry level firefighters who can respond to both structural and incidental emergency situations in South Africa.

It is an entry-level qualification for persons wishing to start a career in the emergency services, especially fire and rescue services. It is aimed at learners from formal schooling background and/or employees who are currently employed as fire fighters or individuals performing firefighting related activities.

Stoffels added: “Learners who successfully complete this qualification will have a range of foundational competencies relating to emergency services, firefighting, rescue operations, victim care and protection of property and the environment, as well as generic skills in workplace processes”.

The completion and attainment of this qualification will benefit learners in terms of employment in various public and private sector organisations, as they will be in possession of the required skills. In addition, Stoffels highlighted: “The employment of qualified learners by the industry will benefit both the communities and the South African economy at large”.

The 24 learners who completed the programme include three (3) members from Bitou, five (5) from Knysna, two (2) from Mossel Bay, three (3) from Kannaland, three (3) from Oudtshoorn, two (2) from Hessequa, as well as six (6) members from George.

Students will be capped at a passing out parade on 27 August 2024, whereafter they will be eligible for work opportunities locally, as well as elsewhere.

It is a good example of how the GRDM through the GRSM initiative, continues to lead skills development throughout the district in a collaborative, cooperative and integrated manner.

Did you know?

  • The qualification has been developed in compliance with the South African National Standards, particularly Community Protection against Fire (SANS 10090:2003). This SANS standard, in turn, gives normative references to seven National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) standards that are registered by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI). The most relevant NFPA standards for this qualification are NFPA 1001 and 472.
  •  The International Fire Service Accreditation Congress (IFSAC) is an international organisation that accredits over 100 Fire Service Providers internationally basing its accreditation on NFPA standards. This qualification has been compared against four NFPA certificates which deal with entry-level fire-fighter requirements, namely: (1) Fire fighter 1; (2) Fire fighter 2; (3) Dangerous goods awareness; and (4) Dangerous goods operations.

Feature Image:  A happy and relieved group of learners after the completion of their final assessment.

ENDS

01 August 2024 Media Release: GRDM Skills Mecca programme launches its first ever RPL Firefighter Programme with LGSETA Funding

Media Release: GRDM Skills Mecca programme launches its first ever RPL Firefighter Programme with LGSETA Funding

1 August 2024

The Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) Skills Mecca programme is coordinating and facilitating skills development projects in collaboration with all seven Garden Route district Local Municipalities (LM) and the Central Karoo District Municipality.

During October 2023, a Local Government Sector Education and Training Authority (LGSETA) Discretionary Grant funding window application period opened. GRDM, with the support of other Local Government stakeholders, applied for R1.75 million in funding to offer recognition of prior learning (RPL) to 50 employed municipal officials  for an Occupational Certificate: Fire Fighter. The application was subsequently approved, and the funding was approved for GRDM.

The Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) for Occupational Certificate for Fire Fighters qualification is a process that results in an opportunity for recognizing and validating existing skills, knowledge, and experience of persons who have been working in the firefighting environment for many years but without formal certification.

The GRDM is an accredited provider and assessment centre with the Quality Council for Trades and Occupations (QCTO), specifically for the Occupational Certificate: Fire Fighter NQF Level 4 qualification. This means the GRDM can roll out training and RPL programs related to firefighting.

Yesterday, 31 July 2024, the induction for the program took place for learners from Kannaland, Bitou, the Central Karoo District, Beaufort West, and the GRDM. The RPL programme will officially commence in August 2024.  At the end of the programme, the learners that comply with all the necessary evidence will write an External Integrated Summative Assessment (EISA) exam, and successful candidates will receive a national certificate.

Feature image caption: Learners from Kannaland, Bitou, the Central Karoo District, Beaufort West, and the GRDM who form part of the RPL programme.

A couple of mood shots captured during the induction session.

-END-

 

05 July 2024 Media Release: Garden Route District Municipality Constructs Fire Breaks to Protect Properties and Enhance Safety

Media Release: Garden Route District Municipality Constructs Fire Breaks to Protect Properties and Enhance Safety

5 July 2024

The Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) completed a fire break on its property at Skimmelkrans Herolds Bay, to enhance the safety and to protect the area from the threat of wildfires. The best time of the year to create fire breaks is during cooler, wetter months when vegetation is less likely to ignite out of control.

“The construction of these fire breaks demonstrates our commitment to the safety and well-being of our community. We are taking proactive steps to mitigate fire risks and ensure that we are well-prepared to respond to any potential threats,” said GRDM Station Commander, Fire Safety and Training, Daniel Dippenaar.

The construction of fire breaks is a critical component of the GRDM’s comprehensive fire management strategy, which includes fuel load and alien invasive plant reduction. Strategically placed barriers are designed to slow or stop the spread of fires, providing a line of defense for both natural landscapes and human settlements. While protecting human lives and properties, these measures also help preserve natural habitats and biodiversity.

This project was completed on 4 July 2024 in collaboration with Working on Fire (WoF). The next step in the process is to perform a fuel load reduction prescribed burn.

“TWe are taking proactive steps to mitigate fire risks and ensure that we are compliant with legislation, in terms of the National Veld and Forest Fire Act,” said Dippenaar.

WoF and GRDM Firefighters on site in Herolds Bay to create fire breaks.

For more information on fire safety and to request an educational session, contact Daniel Dippenaar via e-mail, ddippenaar@gardenroute.gov.za or alternatively the Chief Fire Officer, Deon Stoffels at deon@gardenroute.gov.za.

Feature image: Xola Melaphi from working on fire was part of the team who used various equipment to create a fire break – including chainsaws, brush cutters, hand-held slashers and rakes.

ENDS

04 July 2024 Media Release: Fire Safety Education rolled out to residents of Herold

Media Release: Fire Safety Education rolled out to residents of Herold

4 July 2024

In a dedicated effort to educate residents of the Garden Route on vital fire safety practices, the Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) Firefighters recently held a ‘Fire and Life Safety’ talk for children and a few adults from Herold.

Some of the pictures captured during the education session.

The event, which took place on July 3, 2024 involved a group eager to learn how to stay safe in various emergency situations. Senior Fire Fighter Bennie van Vuuren, Martino Jacobs, and Volunteer Fire Fighter Jivika Balram delivered an engaging presentation to 40 children. Essential topics such as what to do in case of a fire, dialing 112 or 044 805 5071, and recognising potential hazards at home, are some of the topics they focused on.

The group participated in hands-on activities, including practicing stop-drop-and-roll methods, and how to crawl or move low under smoke. They also had the opportunity to explore a fire truck and try on some firefighters’ gear.

Each child received take-home materials, including safety checklists and a family emergency plan template, to share with their loved ones.

Highlighting the importance of early education in fire safety, Senior Fire Fighter Bennie van Vuuren said, “Teaching children about fire and life safety from a young age is crucial. It empowers them with the knowledge they need to react appropriately in emergencies.”

The enthusiasm from the kids and the support from their parents were inspiring. The Firefighters from GRDM continue to offering educational talks regularly, ensuring that safety education remains a cornerstone of community outreach efforts.

Feature image: Some of the moments captured during the education session held in Herold.

ENDS

25 June 2024 Media Release: Garden Route District Municipality Hosts Workshop on Healthy Lifestyles for Firefighters

Media Release: Garden Route District Municipality Hosts Workshop on Healthy Lifestyles for Firefighters

25 June 2024

Yesterday, the Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) held an educational workshop for its firefighters on maintaining a healthy lifestyle. The workshop was presented by Lize Esterhuysen, a registered Dietitian and International Board-Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC). Recognizing the critical role that firefighters play, GRDM organized this session to emphasize the importance of health and wellness for these vital members of the organization and the community.

The session was both interactive and informative, featuring practical examples to enhance understanding. Esterhuysen covered a range of essential topics, including:

  • Total Energy Expenditure
  • 5 Step Plan for Goal Setting
  • Body Composition
  • Eating for Sustained Energy
  • High-Quality Protein Sources
  • Types of Healthy Fats
  • Understanding the Microbiome and Important Foods
  • Tips for Selecting and Preparing Healthy Food

During the workshop, firefighters received valuable advice on reading nutrition labels, planning weekly menus, and the benefits of using fresh or frozen produce. Emphasis was placed on ensuring each food group is included in every meal.

The goal-setting process was a major highlight, comprising five critical steps:

  1. Define Your Goals: Discussing what firefighters aim to achieve and why focusing on a healthy lifestyle is crucial.

  2. Start Small: Participants wrote down three small dietary goals they could implement immediately.

  3. Plan Ahead: Encouragement to plan meals and snacks for the week and prepare in bulk to save time.

  4. Add, don’t Subtract: Exploring ways to enhance usual meals with healthier additions. For example, adding nutritious ingredients to a mince pasta dish.

  5. Eat real food: To focus on whole foods, encouraging the consumption of fresh, unprocessed foods with a short shelf life.

Lize Esterhuysen provided a thorough explanation on the importance of gut health for firefighters, emphasizing its critical role in overall well-being and physical performance. She highlighted that a healthy gut supports better nutrient absorption, stronger immunity, and improved mental health—all crucial for the demanding nature of firefighting. To actively support and improve gut health, Ms. Esterhuysen advised incorporating a diet rich in fiber, probiotics, and prebiotics, such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and fermented foods. She also stressed the importance of staying hydrated, managing stress, and avoiding processed foods to maintain a healthy and balanced gut microbiome.

Through these examples, firefighters were able to apply the workshop’s principles to their daily lives.

Feature Image Caption: Dietitian Lize Esterhuysen with some of the GRDM Firefighters who attended the information session.

Activities during the healthy lifestyle workshop

-END-

16 April 2024 Media Release: GRDM continues to create fire breaks on its properties

Media Release: GRDM continues to create fire breaks on its properties

16 April 2024

Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM), in collaboration with Working on Fire (WoF), created several fire breaks on its properties. The GRDM owns several properties along coastal areas like Rheebok, Glentana, Herolds Bay, Hansmoeskraal, Victoria Bay, Swartvlei and Buffalo Bay. WoF and GRDM work hand-in-glove to create fire breaks in high-risk fire areas.

During Autumn and Winter, properties are prioritised for several reasons – the effects of a change in climate, compliance with relevant legislation, wildfire risks, as well as management of alien invasive plant species. Compliance with the National Veld and Forest Fire Act 101 of 1998, also remains a priority.

The teams already covered Rheebok in February 2024 and concluded the project by clearing the highly invasive Rooikrans (Acacia cyclops) trees in the first week of April 2024. On 15 April, the team proceeded to a second property based in Glentana, which borders the George and Mossel Bay Municipalities. This property has significant fuel load and especially dozens of Black Wattle Trees need to be reduced.

It is important to note that alien Invasive plants contribute mostly to fire fuel loads. Some of the most prevalent invasive plants include Black Wattle, Rooikrans, Pine (wild growing), Gum trees (Eucalyptus), Hakea, Port Jackson, Long leaved wattle, and Black Wood.

According to Deon Stoffels, the GRDM Fire Chief: “Landowners are responsible for preparing and maintaining fire breaks. Each owner on whose land a veldfire may start, or from whose land it may spread must prepare and maintain a firebreak on his or her side of the boundary between his or her land and any adjoining land.”

Firebreaks are particularly important as it provides for an area of reduced fuel load which will reduce the intensity of a wildfire and allow for more effective combating.

Feature Image: A firebreak on a Rheebok property that is owned by the Garden Route District Municipality.

ENDS

21 March 2024 Media Release: GRDM Senior Firefighter Emile Conrad and Team Triumph at Aramco Firefighter Challenge 2024

Media Release: GRDM Senior Firefighter Emile Conrad and Team Triumph at Aramco Firefighter Challenge 2024

For Immediate Release
21 March 2024

Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) proudly congratulates Senior Firefighter Emile Conrad alongside his wife Bonita, also a firefighter at GRDM and two other firefighters, Baigum Abrahams and Alno Kroon from the City of Cape Town, for their performance at the Aramco Firefighter Challenge 2024.

This challenge was held in Saudi Arabia earlier this month.

The Aramco Firefighter Challenge brings together firefighting professionals, enthusiasts, and teams from across the globe. This year’s event attracted over 87 000 people, including 314 firefighter competitors. Of them, 117 were from 29 different countries.

The South African team participated in the individual as well as the mix-relay challenges.

Conrad secured a 3rd place in his age category and ranked 9th overall. His female team member, Baigum Abrahams’ won a silver medal in stair-running and a 1st place overall in her age category. The other two teammates also performed exceptional and represented RSA well.

“The competition is unique in a sense that all the competitors live and travel together, which in my opinion brings them much closer, so the impact of learning from one another and building camaraderie is much more amplified. We learned a lot from the fellow competitors and how they do things in Saudi Arabia,” said Emile.

Overall the performance of the South African team was exceptional, ‘we made some new friends and met up with old friends we met at the previous competition’, Conrad concluded.

Meet the four firefighters who proudly represented their country during the 2024 Aramco Firefighter Challenge in Saudi Arabia.

-ENDS-

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

 

07 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.