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Garden Route Skills Mecca

55 Commis II Chef Positions Available onboard MSC Cruises

SHOSHOLOZA OCEAN ACADEMY – EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES: 55 COMMIS II CHEF POSITIONS AVAILABLE ONBOARD MSC CRUISES

Garden Route District Municipality invites unemployed persons male or female residing within the Garden Route District Municipal area, to apply for Commi II Chef opportunities as part of a Garden Route Skills Mecca Initiative. Opportunities are currently available within the following municipal areas within the Garden Route District.

The total number of opportunities for a municipal area (Hessequa, Mossel Bay, George, Knysna, Bitou, Oudtshoorn and Kannaland), range between 7 and 8 each Municipality.

Applicants must register and apply using the manual application form found on the Garden Route District Municipality website https://www.gardenroute.gov.za/manual-job-applications/ and submit applications to the GRDM office in respective municipal areas/ towns.

Or register and Apply here with a PC/Laptop: https://tinyurl.com/34unespk

Application Document Requirements

  • Training certification qualification if required -With CV application.
  • Police Clearance.
  • Passport or Passport application.
  • Body Mass Index review must be below 35.

The GRDM will only consider applications in full and if the following documents have been attached: 

  • A copy of South African ID Document certified within last three months.
  • A copy of highest educational qualifications certified within last three months.
  • An updated copy of your CV that confirms previous work experience.

Program and Entry Requirements

  • Minimum 1 – 2 years’ work experience is required.
  • Relevant experience in a hotel or restaurant establishment.
  • Industry training from a reputable college/institution certification.
  • Exceptional personality and attitude.
  • Excellent grooming standards.
  • Passionate and career driven individual.
  • Company knowledge.
  • CV with photo-On Application.

For any enquiries, do not hesitate to contact MS Nolwando Sambokwe at 044-803 1363 1345, or Ms. Dineo Ramasesane at 044 803 1447 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: 22 May 2026
Notice number: 42/2026

30 April 2026 Media Release: GRDM Advances Skills Development Agenda

GRDM Advances Skills Development Agenda

30 April 2026

On 29 April 2026, the Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM), together with organised labour represented by IMATU and SAMWU, signed the GRDM Workplace Skills Plan (WSP) for the 2026/27 financial year. This annual process reflects GRDM’s ongoing commitment to addressing institutional skills gaps.

The municipality also implements a similar approach externally through the Garden Route Skills Mecca Initiative in collaboration with several Sector Education and Training Authority (SETA) entities, amongst others.

Management and unions will implement the new financial year’s WSP from 1 July 2026. The consultation and final consensus followed a series of engagements with various GRDM departments, during which training requirements were consolidated into a single, workable plan.

Caption: GRDM, IMATU, and SAMWU come together to sign the 2026/27 Workplace Skills Plan.

Looking ahead, the Garden Route District Training Committee resolved to enhance WSP planning cycles and strengthen transparency and accountability. Representing the unions, IMATU’s Bonisile Desha said, “Continuous monitoring and evaluation are vital in this process.

“Receiving progress reports on a bi-monthly basis will enable us, as unions, to take stock of these developments.”

He added, “We want to be transparent about the number of employees and ensure that the allocated budget is spent accordingly.” The unions further stressed the importance of ensuring that all employees requiring skills development interventions benefit, enabling them to contribute positively to the workplace.

Caption: A collaborative step forward as GRDM and labour partners align on skills development priorities for 2026/27.

 GRDM Skills and Training Manager, Regional Salmons, emphasised that while skills development is mandatory for the GRDM, employee engagement is vital for the WSP to drive growth rather than just meet compliance.

Salmons noted that the annual submission of the Workplace Skills Plan (WSP) and Annual Training Report (ATR) to LGSETA by April 30th is essential, as it unlocks mandatory and discretionary funding for the municipality.

Feature image caption: GRDM strengthens its commitment to workforce development with the signing of the 2026/27 Workplace Skills Plan.

ENDS

Code B and C Driver’s License Training Opportunities for employed and unemployed persons from rural parts of Kannaland (Zoar, Ladismith, Calitzdorp and Van Wyksdorp).

Code B and C Driver’s License Training Opportunities for employed and unemployed persons from Kannaland rural areas (Zoar, Ladismith, Calitzdorp and Van Wyksdorp).

Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) invites employed and unemployed persons between ages of 18 to 40, male or female residing within the Garden Route District Municipal area, to apply for an opportunity to be trained for a Drivers License Code B and C as part of a Garden Route Skills Mecca initiative.

Closing Date: 22 April 2026

Opportunities are currently available within the above mentioned Kannaland rural areas:

  • Zoar
  • Ladismith
  • Calitzdorp
  • Van Wyksdorp

HOW TO APPLY: Applicants must register and apply using the online RED BUTTON (Unemployment Solutions) on the Garden Route Skills Mecca Web site at https://skillsmecca.gardenroute.gov.za/ or browse to this shortlink: https://tinyurl.com/34unespk. 

Those unable to access the website, can apply by printing this application form https://tinyurl.com/28m8vxnt and submitting it to the address listed.

For any enquiries, do not hesitate to contact Nolwando Sambokwe at 044 803 1345 or e-mail nolwando@gardenroute.gov.za, or Sisanda Sajini at 044 803 1450 or e-mail sisandas@gardenroute.gov.za 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.

 

Code B and C Driver’s License Training Opportunities for employed and unemployed persons from rural parts of George (Uniondale, Haarlem, Avontuur, Waboomskraal, Touwsranten, Hoekwil, Kleinkrants and Noll)

Code B and C Driver’s License Training Opportunities for employed and unemployed persons from rural parts of George (Uniondale, Haarlem, Avontuur, Waboomskraal, Touwsranten, Hoekwil, Kleinkrants and Noll)

Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) invites employed and unemployed persons between ages of 18 to 40, male or female residing within the Garden Route District Municipal area, to apply for an opportunity to be trained for a Drivers License Code B and C as part of a Garden Route Skills Mecca initiative.

Closing Date: 22 April 2026

Opportunities are currently available within the above mentioned George rural areas:

  • Uniondale;
  • Haarlem;
  • Avontuur;
  • Waboomskraal;
  • Touwsranten;
  • Hoekwil;
  • Kleinkrants; and
  • Noll.

HOW TO APPLY: Applicants must register and apply using the online RED BUTTON (Unemployment Solutions) on the Garden Route Skills Mecca Web site at https://skillsmecca.gardenroute.gov.za/ or browse to this shortlink: https://tinyurl.com/34unespk

Those unable to access the website, can apply by printing this application form https://tinyurl.com/28m8vxnt and submitting it to the address listed.

For any enquiries, do not hesitate to contact Nolwando Sambokwe at 044 803 1345 or e-mail nolwando@gardenroute.gov.za, or Sisanda Sajini at 044 803 1450 or e-mail sisandas@gardenroute.gov.za 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.

29 January 2026 Opportunities: 60 x Garden Route Skills Mecca Opportunities

60 x GARDEN ROUTE SKILLS MECCA OPPORTUNITIES

WORK INTEGRATED LEARNING, INTERNSHIPS AND LEARNERSHIPS

The Garden Route District Municipality invites unemployed persons currently residing within the Garden Route District Municipal area, to apply for Garden Route Skills Mecca Programme as listed below. Preference will be given to candidates with a qualification as categorised below. People with disabilities are encouraged to apply and those who previously formed part of these programmes are not allowed to re-apply. Applicants must be between the ages of 18 and 35 (classified as youth).

 Programme and Entry Requirements:

Applicants will be selected based on the following sequentially prioritised criteria and the opportunities will be distributed across the Garden Route district (Hessequa, Mossel Bay, George, Knysna, Bitou, Oudtshoorn and Kannaland):

1. Graduate Internship Programme

  • Persons with any NQF Level 6 Local or International Qualification in any field and want to do practical training.
  • Graduates with Tourism / Hospitality Qualification will be given preference.

Number of Opportunities: x35
Stipend: R6 000 p/m

2. Work Integrated Learning

  • Persons with a Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) College N6 qualification; only those who require practicals in order to complete their diplomas.
  • Preference will be given to those with a Tourism/ Hospitality Qualification.

Number of Opportunities: x5
Stipend: R5 500 p/m

3. Learnership

  • Grade 12 certificate with Communication at NQF Level 4; and
  • Mathematical Literacy at NQF level 4.

Number of Opportunities: x20
Stipend: R5 500 p/m

For any enquiries, do not hesitate to contact Kayakazi Klaas at 044 803 1434, or Berma Losper at 044 803 1344 during office hours only (Monday to Thursday, 7:30 – 16:30 and Friday, 7:30 – 13:30). Only short-listed candidates will be contacted. Should candidates not be contacted within two months after the closing date, they must consider their application as unsuccessful.

Closing Date: 06 February 2026
Notice number: 3/2026

Apply here (red button, top right)

Click here to download the full advert.

29 October 2025 Media Release: Comprehensive Information Session Connects Buisplaas Community with Agricultural, Skills, and EPWP Opportunities

Comprehensive Information Session Connects Buisplaas Community with Agricultural, Skills, and EPWP Opportunities

Media Release
29 October 2025

The Buisplaas Community Hall near Mossel Bay, yesterday, 28 October 2025, was a hive of activity as the Western Cape Department of Agriculture (WCDoA), in partnership with the Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) and the Health and Welfare SETA (HWSETA), hosted an Awareness and Information Session aimed at unlocking local economic opportunities.

The session provided residents of Buisplaas with direct access to key government and sectoral representatives, focusing on agricultural support, skills development, and employment programmes. The event was directed by Evon Mayekiso from the WCDoA.

The WCDoA team, including Jorita Van der Merwe and Ben Booysen, presented in detail about Agricultural Producers Support and Development initiatives, while Dr. Heidi Schlechter provided essential information on VETS animal health care. This information is crucial for local farmers and producers seeking to enhance their operations and maintain healthy livestock.

A significant portion of the session was dedicated to skills and development. Athenkosi Mata, a representative from the Health and Welfare Sector Education and Training Authority (HWSETA) encouraged attendees to establish Non-Governmental- (NGO) and Non-Profit Organisations (NPO). Mata further explained that the SETA primarily provides opportunities and funding to registered organisations, not individuals. This highlighted a clear path for community leaders to formalise structures and access broader training funds.

Representatives from the GRDM furthermore outlined immediate opportunities available through the Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP). GRDM’s Androlene Killian detailed that the training focuses, specifically on Law Enforcement Officer training and Early Childhood Development (ECD). In addition, Reginald Salmons, Coordinator of the Garden Route Skills Mecca (GRSM) and Training Development at GRDM, highlighted the work of the GRSM, noting the recent Drivers License Programme opportunities that were advertised. Salmons on behalf of the GRSM further committed to work closely with the Buisplaas community moving forward.

The WCDoA concluded the session with a vote of thanks, indicating that further engagements and follow-up activities in the Buisplaas area are already being planned.

Describing the initiative, Evon Mayekiso, Programme Director of the event, highlighted that “the engagement we witnessed in Buisplaas was exceptionally positive and it demonstrated a clear appetite for growth and development”. In addition, Mayekiso emphasised: “Our goal is to ensure that every community member understands the support structures available, whether it be for expanding an existing farm, starting a new NPO, or accessing job-readiness training”.

This session marks the beginning of intensified, ongoing collaboration between the Department of Agriculture and the people of Buisplaas.

ENDS

07 October 2025 Media Release: Garden Route Skills Mecca Forum Strengthens Regional Collaboration to Tackle Youth Unemployment

Garden Route Skills Mecca Forum Strengthens Regional Collaboration to Tackle Youth Unemployment

Immediate release
07 October 2025

Last week, the Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) successfully revived the Garden Route Skills Mecca (GRSM) Forum, to strengthen collaboration among municipalities and stakeholders in advancing skills development across the district.

The forum brings together Skills Development officials from all seven local municipalities to coordinate efforts, share information, and take ownership of opportunities identified through the GRSM. This renewed collaboration marks a significant step towards institutionalising the Skills Mecca model and ensuring that the region’s skills development initiatives are aligned and impactful.

In his opening remarks, Thembani Loliwe, Chairperson of the Forum and GRDM Strategic Manager, highlighted the importance of a united approach to addressing one of the district’s most pressing challenges, which is youth unemployment.

“To strengthen the institutionalisation of the Skills Mecca in the region, it is vital that all municipalities work together to address youth unemployment, which currently stands at a staggering 62%. A regional approach to tackling this pandemic is key and aligns directly with the District Development Planning (DDP) model, which advocates for coordinated regional planning and joint efforts to address shared challenges,” said Loliwe.

He added that municipalities should view the Skills Mecca as a shared service, noting that GRDM and its local municipalities will work together to develop a shared service agreement. This will ensure that the Skills Mecca is not only a concept but becomes integrated into the budget processes of local (B) municipalities, as it already forms part of their Integrated Development Plans (IDPs).

“This platform will also ensure that local municipalities have first-hand access to information on all projects under the Skills Mecca and are included in decision-making processes,” Loliwe explained.

Loliwe further emphasised that the forum aims to improve communication with all stakeholders and provides a platform for meaningful contributions from partners in the skills ecosystem.

During the meeting, Reginald Salmons, GRDM Coordinator for Skills Development, presented both current and historical projects implemented under the GRSM. Representatives from each local municipality also showcased their respective skills development projects and programmes, highlighting local progress and challenges.

The meeting was well-attended by Local Economic Development representatives, Integrated Development and Skills Development Managers, and Coordinators from all municipalities across the district.

As part of the next steps, the Forum will develop a Terms of Reference (ToR) to formalise its operations, reporting structures, and rules of engagement. Additionally, all projects will be mapped across the district to avoid duplication and promote effective coordination.

The next Garden Route Skills Mecca Forum meeting is scheduled to take place from 19 to 20 November 2025, where members will continue strengthening regional cooperation to empower the youth and drive inclusive economic growth.

ENDS

01 September 2025 Media Release: Garden Route & Klein Karoo Tourism celebrates Tourism Month

Media Release: Garden Route & Klein Karoo Tourism celebrates Tourism Month 2025

For immediate release
1 September 2025

Tourism Month, celebrated every September, highlights the vital role tourism plays in South Africa’s economy and communities.

In the Garden Route and Klein Karoo (GR&KK) region, tourism is a powerful driver of sustainable transformation, creating jobs, attracting local investment, and fostering a sense of regional pride. By promoting cultural exchange and showcasing the area’s rich heritage and traditions, tourism not only strengthens the local identity but also encourages responsible travel practices that preserve the environment and empower communities for future generations.

A basic intro of the GR&KK

The Garden Route and Klein Karoo (GR&KK) region is one of South Africa’s most breath-taking and diverse travel destinations. Stretching over 24,000 km from Witsand in the west to Plettenberg Bay in the east, this region is home to lush forests, pristine beaches, majestic mountains, and charming towns like Still Bay, Mossel Bay, George, Knysna, Oudtshoorn, Calitzdorp, and Ladismith and more!

As a key tourism hub, the GR&KK offers something for everyone from thrilling outdoor adventures and rich wildlife to cultural heritage and culinary delights. Under the theme “Tourism and Sustainable Transformation,” the region continues to grow in ways that protect its natural beauty, celebrate its people, and create lasting opportunities for local communities.

Find out what the Garden Route & Klein Karoo has to offer or for more information, visit/contact:

ENDS

13 May 2025 Media Release: NSF visits GRDM to witness success of R36 million skills investment benefiting 400 people

Media Release: NSF visits GRDM to witness success of R36 million skills investment benefiting 400 people

12 May 2025

The Garden Route District Municipality’s (GRDM) Training Section received a visit from the National Skills Fund (NSF) Executive Committee from 8 to 9 May 2025.  The visit formed part of their  annual performance monitoring and oversight visits to beneficiaries. This follows the approval last year by the Director-General of the Department of Higher Education and Training, allocating R36 378 000 to the GRDM to benefit 400 beneficiaries over a period 31 month period.

During a brief ‘meet-and-greet’ session on Thursday with the NSF Executive Committee, the Municipal Manager of GRDM Monde Stratu, welcomed the team and highlighted the good working relationship that has been established since 2017. Stratu expressed his appreciation for the strong partnership between GRDM and NSF and thanked them for their continued financial contribution and support, towards skills development in the region. Following this, the NSF leadership continued to reflect and assess the progress of NSF projects in the region.

GRDM and NSF delegations during the Day 1 meet-and-greet session.

On Friday morning, the visit by the NSF continued as the GRDM Training Unit briefed the delegates on the performance of the NSF funded projects.  Ald. Ndayi  (Portfolio Councillor of the Corporates Services) thanked the NSF for the project and the positive impact of the program on the life of the beneficiaries. She motivated the learners on the program and encouraged them to remain positive and dedicated to complete it. During the same session, the NSF representatives also met with some of the Professional Cookery Learnership and Work Integrated Learning (WIL) students, who had the opportunity to share their experiences, skills gained and overall appreciation.

Following this, NSF leadership visited the African Skills Centre in Thembalethu, where they met and engaged with beneficiaries trained as professional cooks.  The final stop was at Fancourt, where they interacted with beneficiaries working and training in the hospitality industry.

Activities underway during Day 2

-END-

10 April 2025 NQF Level 4, Occupational Certificate: Early Childhood Development Practitioner (97542) – 100 Training Opportunities for Unemployed

Health and Welfare SETA Training Opportunities 

Programme: NQF Level 4, Occupational Certificate: Early Childhood Development Practitioner (97542) x 100

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 training opportunities within the Local Government sphere for a qualification as part of a Garden Route Skills Mecca Initiative. Preference will be given to persons with disabilities. Applicants should be between the ages of 18 and 60.

Opportunities are currently available within the following municipal areas within the Garden Route district: George x 15, Mossel Bay x 15, Knysna x 14, Ladismith x 14, Bitou x 14, Hessequa x 14 and Oudtshoorn x 14.

Apply here:

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

Programme and Entry Requirements:

Applications need to have the following entry requirements:

  • NQF Level 3 qualification, equivalent to Grade 11

Exit Level Outcomes

  • Plan and prepare broad-phase learning environment and stimulating activities that meet the holistic needs of all children in centre-based or non-centre-based settings.
  • Facilitate and mediate all aspects of the daily programme in a centre-based or non-centre based setting.
  • Observe, assess and record each child’s progress according to the age and stage.
  • Compile a report of each child’s progress.
  • Maintain and promote the well-being, health, nutrition, safety and protection of children.

Please note that no stipends will be paid for this training.

THE GARDEN ROUTE DISTRICT MUNICIPALITY WILL ONLY CONSIDER APPLICATIONS COMPLETED IN FULL AND IF THE FOLLOWING DOCUMENTS HAVE BEEN UPLOADED (NB: The system only recognises PDF format documents):

  • A copy of a South African ID Document certified within the last six months.
  • A copy of your highest educational qualifications certified within the last six months.
  • An updated copy of your CV.

For any enquiries, do not hesitate to contact Reginald Salmons at 044 803 1363, Ms Dineo Ramasesane at 044 803 1447 or Mrs Nolwando Sambokwe at 044 803 1345, during office hours only. Only short-listed candidates will be contacted. Should candidates not be contacted within one month of the closing date, they must consider their application as unsuccessful.

Download the notice here:

Join the Garden Route WhatsApp Channel for Skills, Jobs and Tenders, by clicking here with your phone: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Va92oJoJpe8eiTvq3q33

Closing date: 17 April 2025     
Notice number: 35/2025