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Garden Route Skills Mecca

20 February 2025 Media Release: GRDM Celebrates Home-Based Care Certificate Ceremony

GRDM Celebrates Home-Based Care Certificate Ceremony

20 February 2025

Today, the Garden Route Skills Mecca (GRSM), under the umbrella of the Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM), proudly celebrated the graduation of 72 home-based learners who have successfully completed their training program funded by the Health and Welfare Sector Education and Training Authority (HWSETA). The ceremony, held at the African Skills Centre in George, was attended by political leaders, municipal officials, dignitaries from the private sector, learners, and their families.

The event was directed by Reginald Salmons, GRDM Coordinator of Skills Development, and officially opened by GRDM Mayoral Committee Chairperson for Community Services, Alderlady Ndayi, who welcomed guests and set the tone for the proceedings. Part and parcel of her work is to oversee everything relating to Corporate Services, of which the GRSM forms part of.

Ald. Sumeia Ndayi was followed by Cllr Roelfse, George Municipality’s MMC for Social Development and Sport, who delivered a message of support on behalf of George Municipality, commending the District Municipality for rolling out this remarkable programme.

Pastor Clifford Sheldon of Hope Family Church delivered an inspiring message, using the Word of God to encourage and motivate the learners as they embark on their new journey. He concluded his remarks with an appeal to the learners, saying: “Don’t stop dreaming, don’t stop learning, don’t stop training yourself, because the best is yet to come. You have stood up in a time like this because this is not just work, but a calling you are entering.”

In 2023, GRDM received a R5.2 million investment to train unemployed individuals as Home-Based Care Personal Assistants across all seven local municipalities in the Garden Route.  Throughout the programme, learners gained both theoretical knowledge and hands-on experience at various training venues. They also received a monthly stipend, and late last year, they wrote their final IESA Exams, which served as their final assessment. Today, their hard work and dedication were rewarded as they received their certificates of completion, marking a significant milestone in their journey.

A very proud Dr. Florus Prinsloo, former Project Coordinator of the GRSM and custodian of the programme, provided a brief background and overview of the Skills Mecca Home-Based PA Project. He began his presentation with a powerful quote from Albert Einstein: “Once you stop learning, you start dying.” His reflections highlighted the importance of investing in skills development to empower communities and address unemployment.

Elsie Harmse, CEO of UXI/Africa Skills Village in George, shared insights into the students’ training experience, providing a glimpse into their journey toward successfully completing the programme. She encouraged the learners to make a difference wherever they go, emphasizing that this has always been the core objective of the African Skills Centre—to positively impact people’s lives.

The keynote address was delivered by Zubeyda January, Provincial Manager of HWSETA, who emphasized the importance of building partnerships to enhance skills development and create sustainable employment opportunities.

January expressed gratitude for the hard work and dedication that contributed to the project’s success. She stated: “It takes people with empathy, compassion, patience, and responsibility to choose a career in home-based care. At HWSETA, we have witnessed firsthand the rare characteristics you demonstrated during our visits to the different care centres, where learners practiced their skills under the supervision of their assigned mentors.”

In conclusion, January thanked all partners, including GRDM, African Skills Village, and officials from her department, and most importantly, the learners for their hard work and perseverance in making the project a success.

Zodwa Nqcwangu and Thobeka Jali, two beneficiaries of the programme, expressed their heartfelt gratitude on behalf of their fellow learners. They thanked GRDM and all partners present for the opportunity to be part of the programme and for the unwavering support provided throughout their training.

Many of the graduates have already secured employment opportunities, with some being offered positions at the host employers where they completed their practical training. This serves as clear evidence that investing in people is investing in the future.

Michelle Smit, Acting Executive Manager of Corporate Services, thanked all role-players for their invaluable contributions in making the project a tremendous success.

The Home-Based PA Project is an initiative rolled out by the Garden Route Skills Mecca (GRSM). The project was coordinated by Dineo Ramasesane, one of twelve (12) Garden Route Skills Mecca Technicians, based at GRDM’s Economic Development Unit. She provided project management assistance, facilitated the programme’s monthly meetings, and ensured continuous feedback and updates to GRDM.

Featured Image Caption: A group picture of all the learners and stakeholders who attended the graduation ceremony, celebrating the success of the Home-Based Care Training Programme.

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18 September 2024 Media Release: Garden Route Skills Mecca National Skills Fund Launch – a focus on Hospitality and Tourism

Media Release: Garden Route Skills Mecca National Skills Fund Launch – a focus on Hospitality and Tourism

18 September 2024

Today, 18 September 2024, the Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) witnessed a historic moment with the official launch of the National Skills Fund Hospitality and Tourism Project for the Garden Route. This training project is coordinated by the Garden Route Skills Mecca (GRSM) – the first and only Skills Mecca at a municipality in South Africa.

The primary goal of the Skills Mecca is to create jobs and improve livelihoods across the district by offering work-based learning opportunities for unemployed individuals, helping them develop the skills needed to secure meaningful employment. In doing so, the programme also strengthens the local economy.

Attendees at the launch event  included the Principal, her team and learners from Carpe Diem school, representatives from the National Skills Fund, CEOs of Sector Education and Training Authority and members of the business and tourism community, learners, councillors, officials, and other key stakeholders involved in the district’s skills development efforts.

Elzeth Grobler, Principal of Carpe Diem School, welcomed the guest to ‘the best special needs school in the district’. She provided a brief overview of the school and said: “We are a unique school with all disabilities except blind students. We do not just educate, but we strive to prepare each learner to reach their full potential”.

During his speech, GRDM Executive Mayor, Cllr Andrew Stroebel, highlighted the significance of the three Skills Summits previously held by the GRDM. At these summits, stakeholders unanimously supported the initiatives of the GRSM, leading to the development and endorsement of ten strategic resolutions that now guide the Skills Mecca’s objectives.

Cllr Stroebel emphasised that the National Skills Fund Tourism and Hospitality Project directly aligns with one of these key resolutions, which focuses on linking skills development to investment and economic development opportunities. This connection, he noted, is vital for advancing the well-being and prosperity of all communities within the Garden Route District.

Mayor Stroebel further highlighted the broader success of the GRSM beyond the current project. He mentioned other successful initiatives, such as the Home-Based Care Personal Assistants programme, Patrol Officers training, and Renewable Energy Workshop Assistants. “Collectively, these projects have created over 54 jobs and directed R8 million into local communities and households, showcasing the tangible impact of skills development in our region,” he stated.

Stroebel also shared an interesting fact from the impact analysis: “For every learner on a Skills Mecca programme, which includes a stipend, there is a benefit for 3.56 persons in that learner’s household. So, every Rand spent has a significant ripple effect on our community.”

Athenkosi Tshayingwe from the Department of Higher Education and Training expressed gratitude for being part of the impactful project. He highlighted that the initiative aims to train, mentor, and develop 400 unemployed residents of the Garden Route District, focusing on youth aged 18 to 35, to enhance their employability in the Tourism and Hospitality sector, with 200 specifically trained as cooks.

Tshayingwe also emphasised his department’s commitment to skills development, noting that the National Skills Fund (NSF) has invested over R5 billion in the Western Cape, benefitting more than 40,000 learners. The NSF has allocated R36.3 million to the GRDM project to equip young people with skills needed by the local industry and address unemployment.

Several beneficiaries of the GRSM program, rolled out in previous financial years, shared heartfelt testimonies during the event. These individuals, who are still gaining valuable practical experience, expressed their gratitude to the GRDM Skills Mecca for the opportunities provided. Their success stories underscore the program’s significant role in empowering communities and opening doors for personal and professional growth.

Alderman Stephen de Vries, who has a history of serving as the Chairperson of the Training and Development Committee at GRDM, shared his reflections during the event. He expressed pride in the program, stating, “The Skills Mecca is truly fulfilling the vision it set out to achieve.” Highlighting the initiative’s unique origins, he added, “To my knowledge, it is the only program of its kind in the country, born from the aftermath of a fire disaster.”

He concluded his speech by thanking all stakeholders for playing a role in this remarkable initiative. De Vries left the beneficiaries and learners with a powerful message, encouraging them not only to focus on becoming employable, but also to become entrepreneurs.

Ald. Nompumelelo Ndayi, Portfolio Chairperson of GRDM Corporate Services, delivered the vote of thanks at the event, expressing heartfelt gratitude to the Carpe Diem team and learners for their excellent performance and for hosting the event at their facility. She also extended her appreciation to the beneficiaries of the Skills Mecca initiative, who shared their personal learning experiences, inspiring all stakeholders present.

Caption for Featured Image: FLTR: Ald Stephen de Vries (GRDM), Themba Ndhlovu (CATHSSETA), Cllr Andrew Stroebel (GRDM), and Chris Mudau (SASSETA), united at the event, collaborating to foster skills development and community upliftment.

Did you know?

The Skills Mecca has promoted collaboration, cooperation, and integration among all skills development stakeholders within the district, and today’s launch of the National Skills Fund Tourism and Hospitality Project reflects the ongoing commitment to this mission. Learn more about the Garden Route Skills Mecca Initiative here: skillsmecca.gardenroute.gov.za

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30 August 2024 Media Release: Occupational Firefighter Course intake done and dusted with programme – GRDM the first of 44 Districts to offer it!

Media Release: Occupational Firefighter Course intake done and dusted with programme – GRDM the first of 44 Districts to offer it!

30 August 2024

On Tuesday, 27 August 2024, the Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) Fire & Rescue Services, in collaboration with the GRDM Skills Mecca programme, marked a historic milestone with the Occupational Firefighter Graduation Ceremony. This event was a significant achievement as GRDM became the first district municipality in South Africa to offer and complete this type of qualification.

The prestigious event was attended by Chief Fire Officers from local municipalities within the district, Councillors, the GRDM Municipal Manager, Skills Mecca team, firefighters, officials, graduates, and their families and training stakeholders.

In his address as the administrative head of GRDM, Municipal Manager Monde Stratu, delivered a message of support, stating, “It is indeed a wonderful day when we celebrate people who made the decision to do something with their lives, follow through with it, and see it to the end.” Stratu emphasised the importance of education, adding: “At our institution, we take education very seriously and believe that education, in any form or shape, contributes to the development of both the individual and the country. There is a concept known as human development, and countries around the world are measured in terms of human development. One of the key measurements used is education, is quality – how many people have access to it, and how long they stay in the education system.”

Stratu further highlighted the broader impact of education, remarking: “Sometimes it appears that people do not understand the value of education beyond individual benefit. When the country invests in you, you benefit individually, but the best return on that investment is societal development. Are the people we are training giving back to society and their communities, so that the communities they live in grow? That is why, in my opinion, occasions of this nature are important to underline the importance of education.”

Trix Holtzhausen, GRDM Executive Manager of Corporate Services, under which the Training and Development Section of GRDM falls, encouraged and congratulated the graduates with the following words: “You have taken on one of the most challenging and noble professions. One that demands bravery, selflessness, and an unyielding commitment to protecting others. Your journey through this rigorous program has prepared you not just to respond to fires, but to lead with integrity, compassion, and strength.”

GRDM Fire Chief, Deon Stoffels, provided a brief overview of the journey leading up to the day’s proceedings, highlighting both the challenges and successes experienced throughout the process. He took the opportunity to acknowledge and thank all the stakeholders and officials involved for their contributions and support in making the event possible.

During the keynote address, Councillor Jobieth Hoogbaard, Portfolio Chairperson for Community Services, congratulated the graduates and emphasised that the training program was more than just another initiative. “It represents the various municipalities’ investments in the well-being and security of our citizens. You are now part of an elite group of professionals who put their lives on the line every day to protect others,” he stated. Hoogbaard concluded his speech by reminding the firefighters that they will face challenges that would test their physical and mental limits, but he expressed his confidence in their readiness: “I have every confidence that you are ready for it, as you have been equipped over the past months with the latest techniques, technologies, and best practices to respond to emergencies and save lives.”

Both Ms. Aneeka Jacobs, Provincial Manager of Western Cape LGSETA Skills Development, and Dr Florus Prinsloo, GRDM Skills Mecca Programme Coordinator, addressed the graduates on behalf of their respective institutions. They commended the group for their perseverance and determination, which ultimately led to their successful completion of the Occupational Firefighting NQF Level 4 Programme.

The graduates impressed the guests with a captivating display of their marching skills, showcasing the discipline, precision, and teamwork they developed throughout their training. Their performance not only demonstrated their commitment to excellence but also added a sense of pride and celebration at the graduation ceremony, highlighting the hard work and dedication they put into becoming firefighters. In conclusion, certificates were handed over to the graduates, with some receiving special recognition for their outstanding performances.

Joseph Johnston, Chairperson of the Western Cape Chief Fire Officers Committee and Chief Fire Officer of the Mossel Bay Municipality, administering the Firefighter Oath.

Pictures captured during the event, highlighting memorable moments of celebration, engagement, and achievement.

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22 August 2024 Media Release: GRSM and stakeholders engage in capacity building workshop in preparation of R 36,4 million project to benefit Tourism and Hospitality sector

Media Release: GRSM and stakeholders engage in capacity building workshop in preparation of R 36,4 million project to benefit Tourism and Hospitality sector

For immediate release
20 August 2024

On Monday, 5 August 2024, delegates from various organisations including officials from the Garden Route  District Municipality (GRDM) responsible for Skills Development, Finance and Tourism, members from the National Skills Fund (NSF), Eden Hospitality & Training and Africa Skills George Tech (formerly known as Africa Skills College), participated in a Nationals Skills Fund (NSF) Tourism & Hospitality Project Capacity Building Workshop.

The purpose of the workshop was for all stakeholders involved in the R 36,4 million project that was approved by the Director-General of the National Department of Higher Education and Training in collaboration with the NSF on 5 July 2024, to plan and discuss the technical groundwork and way forward in relation to the project.

The project will be implemented by the GRDM as the largest single project under the Garden Route Skills Mecca (GRSM) since its emergence in 2017 from the Knysna Fires disaster.

Officially called the Garden Route and Klein Karoo Hospitality and Tourism Skills Development Project, it has its two key objectives:

  • Train 200 unemployed persons across the Garden Route on the nationally occupationally accredited programme for Cooks; and
  • Offer workplace experience for 200 unemployed persons who have already completed Tourism and Hospitality programmes at academic institutions.

Although the official approval of the project came through on 5th July 2024, the award for the project was issued on 20th October 2023. Since that time the Skills Mecca Team across the Garden Route have been busy with preparatory work that included advocacy and recruitment of learners as well as host employers and an accredited provider for the Cook training programme.

Dr Florus Prinsloo, Programme Manager of the GRSM, said: “That preparatory work has resulted in 400 applications for Cook Training and 644 applications for Work Experience Placement. This recruitment process was completed utilising the first-ever online recruitment system developed by the GRDM specifically for the NSF project simply because of the size of the recruitment process, with over 1 000 persons applying. Such a process would have been immensely difficult if completed manually.” Prinsloo added.

The preparatory work also included a tender process for accredited providers to apply for the Cook Training, that has resulted in locally based Eden Hospitality & Training, also known to many as the Francois Ferreira Academy, being awarded the contract.

Although a number of employers have put their names forward to host both sets of learners over the next 12 – 18 months, many more are required and the GRSM Team are engaging with Tourism and Hospitality employers across the District to open up their workplaces to offer unemployed persons the opportunity to learn and work in this critical industry.

“Given the size and complexity of these large NSF projects, there is always a need for careful designed and detailed planning and capacity-building processes right at the beginning of these programmes”. To further ensure the success of the project, Dr Prinsloo highlighted that “the Municipality has a good structure in place which is the GRSM and as part of the structure are individuals located at all local municipalities in the district,” he added.

Items that were discussed during the session includes:

  • Key project deliverables and Management;
  • First tranche payment;
  • Financial Reporting;
  • Learner data reporting and safekeeping;.
  • Circular 5/Audit readiness;
  • Project communication channels;
  • Learner sites and visits; and
  • Project team roles

The importance of the project to the Garden Route has also been acknowledged by the newly appointed Executive Mayor for the GRDM, Mayor Andrew Stroebel, who has agreed to host a formal launch of the project at Carpe Diem School in September this year.

ENDS

7 May 2024 Media Release: A Garden Route familiarization trip for UK & Ireland travel trade professionals is hosted by South African Tourism and Wesgro

A Garden Route familiarization trip for UK & Ireland travel trade professionals is hosted by South African Tourism and Wesgro

7 May 2024

South African Tourism, in collaboration with Wesgro, is pleased to announce the hosting of a group of seven travel trade professionals from the United Kingdom (UK) and Ireland on a familiarization trip to the Garden Route from 9-13 May 2024. This initiative is part of a broader effort to promote South Africa as a premier tourist destination ahead of the Africa’s Travel Indaba trade show which will take place in in Durban from 13 – 16 May 2024.

The planned familiarization trip will immerse the participants in the unparalleled beauty and diverse offerings of the Garden Route and Klein Karoo region. Throughout their itinerary, the group will explore the towns of George, Wilderness, Knysna, Plettenberg Bay, and the Tsitsikamma area.

During their stay, the travel trade professionals will experience a rich tapestry of experiences, including our scenic landscapes, vibrant culture and heritage, abundant wildlife, thrilling adventures, and delectable food and wines. To give visitors a tantalizing taste of our destination’s diversity and allure. The Garden Route and Klein Karoo Tourism Unit has curated goodie bags featuring items from across the region.

Familiarization trips, also known as FAM trips, are an integral to the tourism industry, serving as vital tools for developing business and marketing destinations. These trips provide first-hand experiences of tourism products and services to industry opinion makers and business providers, enabling them to make informed decisions and effectively promote the destination to prospective visitors.

“We are thrilled to welcome our esteemed guests from the UK and Ireland to experience the wonders of the Garden Route and Klein Karoo,” said Denver Johnson, Tourism Officer at the Garden Route District Municipality. Through this familiarization trip, we aim to showcase the incredible offerings of our destination and encourage meaningful partnerships with key stakeholders in the travel trade industry.”

For more updates and insights from the familiarization trip, follow our Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/grandkk.

END

200 Tourism and/or Hospitality Work Experience Placement Opportunities – Another Garden Route Skills Mecca Initiative

The Garden Route District Municipality invites unemployed persons currently residing within the Garden Route District Municipal area, to apply for an opportunity to be placed at a Tourism and/or Hospitality Organisation for an 18 month work experience opportunity as part of a Garden Route Skills Mecca Initiative. Preference will be given to persons with disabilities. Applicants must be between the ages of 18 and 35.

Opportunities are currently available within the following municipal areas within Garden Route District. Each municipal area will be able to accommodate up to 30 people.

Programme and Entry Requirements

This is an eighteen-month work experience placement programme at Tourism / Hospitality organisation in the Garden Route.

Applicants will be selected based the following sequentially prioritised criteria:

  • 1st Criteria: Persons with a NATED N6 Tourism / Hospitality Qualification that need 18-months work experience for a National Diploma.
  • 2nd Criteria: Persons with any Local or International Tourism / Hospitality Qualification that have had no work experience.
  • 3rd Criteria: Persons with any Local or International Tourism / Hospitality Qualification that have had less than six months’ work experience.
  • 4th Criteria: Persons with at least a NQF 1 Qualification that have a desire to work in the Tourism / Hospitality Sector.
  • Persons with a disability supported by a medical certificate are encouraged to apply and will be exempt from any of the above criteria.

In addition, the GRDM, subject to receiving enough applications and available workplaces, will also attempt to allocate applicants evenly across all Municipal Wards in the District.

Scope of Work and Duties

  • This will be determined by the Tourism / Hospitality organisation but could include administration, reception, room services bar services, restaurant services, food services customer services or any other typical work within tourism and hospitality.
  • All shortlisted candidates will be required to complete a pre-assessment to assist with correct career development.

Stipends will be paid for eighteen months by the Garden Route District Municipality. Stipends must be used for meals, accommodation, and travel costs. The Programme also does not include uniforms, PPE or any equipment unless supplied voluntarily by the host employer.

Applicants must apply using the GRDM online system called Unemployed Solutions (click the red button) found at https://skillsmecca.gardenroute.gov.za/.

THE GARDEN ROUTE DISTRICT MUNICIPALITY WILL ONLY CONSIDER APPLICATIONS COMPLETED IN FULL AND IF THE FOLLOWING DOCUMENTS HAVE BEEN UPLOADED:

  • A copy of South African ID Document certified within the last six months.
  • A copy of highest educational qualifications certified within the last six months.
  • An affidavit certified within last six months that confirms previous work experience, including any Learnerships.
  • A criminal record clearance report from the SA Police Services.

For any enquiries, do not hesitate to contact Mr Reginald Salmons on 044-803 1363, or Mrs Angela-Ziva Coetzee at 044 803 1344 during office hours only. Only short-listed candidates will be contacted. Should candidates not be contacted within two months of the closing date, they must consider their application as unsuccessful.

Closing Date: 10 May 2024

Notice Number: 35/2024