Media Alert: Western Cape Human Settlements budget heads to Garden Route
For Immediate Release 28 June 2021
Dear Editors & Members of the Public
Kindly note the reminder below. Also, note due to the adjusted alert level 4 as announced by President Cyril Ramaphosa on 27 June 2021, all Municipal Council engagements will now be virtual.
Further to this, the planned Qolweni site visit and Slangrivier title deed handover have been postponed until further notice. Minister Tertuis Simmers and the team from the Provincial Department of Human Settlements will also no longer be based at the Garden Route District Municipal Chambers.
Apologies for any inconvenience caused.
MEDIA ALERT: WESTERN CAPE HUMAN SETTLEMENTS BUDGET HEADS TO GARDEN ROUTE
28 June 2021
Today, Western Cape Minister of Human Settlements, Tertuis Simmers will commence with his Ministerial outreach to the municipalities across the Garden Route District. Along with presenting the Western Cape Department of Human Settlements’ budget for the 2021/22 financial year, various other critical human settlements matters will also be discussed.
Joined by his senior executive officials, Minister Simmers will meet with full Municipal Councils. A virtual meeting with the Kannaland Municipality will kick-off the engagements.
On Tuesday, 29 June 2021, virtual engagements will occur with the Oudtshoorn and Knysna Municipalities.
On Wednesday, 30 June 2021, virtual engagements will occur with the George and Mossel Bay Municipalities.
On Thursday, 1 July 2021, a virtual engagement will occur with the Hessequa Municipality.
Citizens and the media across the Garden Route District can follow the different proceedings live on Minister Simmers’ Facebook page, https://www.facebook.com/HumanMinWC
Media Release: release: Increased vaccine allocation to Rural areas
For Immediate Release
25 June 2021
Increased vaccine allocation to Rural areas
The Garden Route district will receive a larger vaccine allocation as from next week. Â The increased vaccine allocation will address the slow roll-out experienced to date, due to limited vaccine supply from National Government.
With the increased allocation of vaccines we will be able to open more appointment slots at our vaccination sites and therefore vaccinate more people. We understand the frustration and anxiety experienced at large to be vaccinated, Â especially with increasing COVID-19 cases in our District.
“We are pleased to confirm that the Garden Route district is earmarked to receive an additional 7948 doses on top of the confirmed 12 157 that we expect to receive for the week 28 June – 2 July. This is significantly more vaccines compared to our allocation for the past 2 weeks”, said District Director, Mr Zee Brickles.
Updated testing criteria
We have revised our testing criteria and the following categories will be eligible for COVID-19 testing.
All those with coronavirus symptoms AND at least 1 of the following:
Needing hospital admission.
At high risk of severe disease (age > 45 years, diabetes, obesity, high blood pressure, heart disease, lung disease, kidney disease, cancer, tuberculosis, HIV).
clusters in group settings such as old age/care homes, hospitals, schools, workplaces, hostels, prisons, etc.
health care workers.
Hospital Visitations
Allowing patients to be visited by their loved ones during their stay in hospital is an essential part of their recovery and wellness. Having an escort present during a visit to an emergency unit and an outpatient clinic, is reassuring for many patients and essential for other patients such as young children. Similarly, the pain and anxiety of labour can be eased by having a partner present. Despite the benefits of having visitors and escorts, the increased risk of spreading COVID-19 infection during the high prevalence of a third wave, outweighs the benefits of having loved ones present, and hence visitors and escorts have to be severely restricted.
Western Cape Government Health can confirm that the visitation policy at public hospitals was amended on 21 June to accommodate the changes in alert levels in the Covid-19 pandemic in the province. The restrictions on visitors and escorts, are aimed at ensuring that our patients, families, visitors and staff are protected against transmission during the third wave. Depending on the nature of the service of particular facilities, specific arrangements have been put in place. Should you or a family member need to visit a hospital, please establish which specific arrangements are in place at that facility. We urge the public to please respect these new arrangements. Although we know it is challenging for many visitors and patients we must be responsible and protect one another.
Keep your bubbles small
Now is not the time to socially interact with people outside of your immediate family bubble (those living in the same household). The more interactions you and your immediate family members have outside of your immediate family bubble, the greater the risk of contracting COVID-19 and spreading it to others. If you have to meet someone do so outdoors or indoors where there is good ventilation. Remember to always wear your mask when in public.
The Garden Route District had a 110% increase in new cases over the last 7 days compared to 7-14 days ago.
All sub-districts had large increases except for Oudtshoorn with a minimal increase and Kannaland which remained unchanged.
The new cases are widespread with some household clusters. It is important that we all play our part in curbing the spread. All situations are being actively monitored.
Stats as of 14 June 2021.
Sub-district
TOTAL
Active
Recovered
Deaths
Bitou
2868
43
2 724
101
George
12513
279
11 779
455
Hessequa
2037
40
1 889
108
Kannaland
917
8
863
46
Knysna
4948
55
4 735
158
Mossel Bay
7900
282
7 406
212
Oudtshoorn
4239
69
3 872
298
Sub-total
35422
776
33 268
1 378
Vaccine roll-out
A total of 20 653 vaccines have been administered since the start of the vaccine program. This includes healthcare workers, old age homes and public sites.
The Department received a lesser allocation of vaccines this week from the national government, which has impacted the number of people we will be able to vaccinate this week.
We are however still planning to open more sites after which more appointment slots will become available, and hence more system generated SMSs will be sent to assign registered people to specific sites with available appointment slots.
We have noted a lot of queries regarding the appointment system. Appointments for vaccinations are automatically scheduled by the National Electronic Vaccination Data System (EVDS). The system checks in a sequential manner who registered first in a specific area, and assigns appointments to them based on available slots at sites close to that area. If you would like to confirm your registration or make changes to your details please visit http://vaccine.enroll.health.gov.za. You can also access this link on our website, www.westerncape.gov.za.
What to bring with you when going for your vaccination
Please remember to bring along your ID, passport, or asylum document when coming for your vaccine.
If you belong to a medical aid, please take your medical aid card or details with you.
At the vaccination site, there will be signage directing you where to go. You will be screened according to COVID-19 protocol.
Once inside, your details will be confirmed. The health workers at the vaccination station will ask you for consent, will explain what they are going to do, and will ask if you have any allergies or medical conditions. This is an important part of the process.
After your vaccination, you will be asked to wait in the observation room for 15 to 30 minutes so that staff can make sure you do not experience any severe allergic reactions. If you received the first jab of a 2-dose vaccine, you will get a follow-up appointment via SMS. You will also receive a proof of vaccination card.
The following sites in the Garden Route District will administer vaccinations on the following days for week 14 – 18 June.
Mossel Bay
D’Almeida Community Hall
PUBLIC
14, 15
Mossel Bay
Alma CDC
PUBLIC
14, 15, 17 ,18
Mossel Bay
Wolwedans Community Hall
PUBLIC
18
Mossel Bay
Mossel Bay Town Hall
PUBLIC
15
Bitou
Plettenberg Bay Town Clinic
PUBLIC
17
Bitou
Kwanokuthula CDC
PUBLIC
18
George
Harry Comay TB Hospital
PUBLIC
14,15, 17, 18
George
Thembalethu CDC
PUBLIC
14,15, 17, 18
George
George Central Clinic
PUBLIC
14,15, 17, 18
George
Uniondale Hospital
PUBLIC
15, 17, 18
George
Pacaltsdorp Clinic
PUBLIC
17,18
Hessequa
Riversdale Civic Centre
PUBLIC
15, 17 ,18
Hessequa
Witsand de Duine Hall
PUBLIC
15,
Hessequa
Heidelberg Duivenhoks Hall
PUBLIC
15, 18
Hessequa
Albertinia Theronsville Hall
PUBLIC
17,18
Hessequa
Stilbaai Civic Centre
PUBLIC
15, 17, 18
Hessequa
Slangrivier Satellite Clinic
PUBLIC
18
Kannaland
Ladismith DRC Church Hall
PUBLIC
15
Kannaland
Calitzdorp DRC Church Hall
PUBLIC
17
Knysna
Knysna Town Hall
PUBLIC
18
Knysna
Sedgefield Clinic
PUBLIC
17
Oudtshoorn
Oudtshoorn Hospital
PUBLIC
17, 18
Oudtshoorn
Dysselsdorp Clinic
PUBLIC
15
Oudtshoorn
De Rust(Blommenek) Clinic
PUBLIC
17
Please remember that we prioritise those who are registered and have received their appointment. Â No active sites on the 16th which is a public holiday.
Media Release: Garden Route Climate Change Indaba to coincide with the United Nations World Oceans Day
For Immediate Release 4 June 2021
The Garden Route Fire Commemoration Event and Climate Change Indaba will this year coincide with World Oceans Day, taking place on Tuesday 8 June 2021. The Indaba is hosted by the Garden Route District Municipality and the Garden Route Environmental Forum (GREF).
The theme for the 2021 United Nations World Oceans Day is Life and Livelihoods. It is a day for humanity to celebrate and support the life and the livelihood that the ocean sustains and puts the spotlight on biodiversity and the interconnectivity between the ocean and its ecosystems.
According to Cobus Meiring, chairperson of the Garden Route Environmental Forum (GREF), entities tasked with environmental management in the Garden Route are increasingly emphasising the importance of restoration and rewilding of natural ecosystems and habitat in the region, which serves to highlight the interconnectivity between a healthy ocean and terrestrial environment.
“A point in case is the drive to reconnect the Indian Ocean with the Outeniqua mountains and the creation of biodiversity conservation and migration routes through the restoration of Garden Route forests, streams, wetlands, rivers and catchments in collaboration with private landowners.”
Stretching from Mossel Bay to the Storms River mouth, the Garden Route is one of the most beautiful stretches of coastline in the world.
Says Meiring: “The scenic splendour of the Garden Route is a precious resource. Celebrating a healthy and vibrant ocean and dependent ecosystems is an opportunity to boost the conservation of the region’s very special natural environment.”
“Climate change, and the challenges and opportunities it offers, is no doubt worth reflecting upon. We dare not wipe out the memories of events like the 2017 and 2018 wildfire disasters which wreaked havoc in the Garden Route, nor the perpetual drought which decimated much of the agricultural capacity of the regional interior – much of which can be ascribed to slight climate changes with significant effects.”
“As the world celebrates World Oceans Day, South Africa in general, and the Garden Route in particular, will do well to use the opportunity to show respect for what remains of what nature blessed the country with, and even as we focus all our energy and resources to survive Covid-19 and its socio-economic impact, we have to plan to conserve our oceans and natural environment, as therein lies our ultimate survival as a species,” says Meiring.
Climate Change Indaba, Wilderness
The theme for this year’s Garden Route Fire Commemoration Event and Climate Change Indaba is “Adapt to a Sustainable Future”. The keynote address will be delivered by the Deputy Minister of the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and Environment (DFFE), Ms Makhotso Magdaline Sotyu.
Other presentation topics include disaster management, water resource management, freshwater ecology, and sea-level rise and its impact on coastal infrastructure along the Mossel Bay coastline.
A field visit, hosted by Knysna Municipality, the Garden Route Trail Park and the Garden Route Environmental Forum (GREF) will also be taking place on Wednesday 9 June 2021. The focus of the field visit will be on methods for killing blackwood including herbicide mixing and application, as this remains one of the most difficult weeds to control.
Coastline as the world celebrates World Oceans Day 2021, the Garden Route reflects upon the way we manage our coastline in the face of the severe impact of development and coastal vulnerability. (Photo: SCLI)
The Garden Route Environmental Forum (GREF) is a regional forum and public platform for collaboration in conservation, environmental adaptation and community interaction. It is a think tank for national, regional and local government, conservation bodies, academics, the media, landowners and land managers, active in the full spectrum of environmental matters in the region. Website: https://www.scli.org.za/gref/
MEDIA ENQUIRIES
Cobus Meiring: Chairperson of Garden Route Environmental Forum (GREF)
Media Release: Fencing subsidies available – call for applications
For Immediate Release 21 May 2021
On an annual basis, Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) provides fencing subsidies for a selected number of landowners on neighbouring provincial rural roads with fencing of their properties.
This is subject to a budget as received from the Western Cape Government.
The funding will only be applicable on a subsidy basis. It effectively means that 60% subsidy will be contributed towards the cost of the fencing. The subsidy is determined by an average price for the material. The material is deemed as 60% of the total cost. Labour cost is deemed as 40% of the total cost and must be carried by the applicant. All initial costs must be carried by the applicant and a subsidy will be paid out after the successful completion of the fence. For more information refer to the Fencing Subsidy Policy of Garden Route District Municipality.
The new fences must adhere to the specifications of the Provincial Government of the Western Cape: Roads Infrastructure Department. Minimum specifications will be made available to successful applicants.
Application process
Application forms can be obtained from Mr Qamani Nkebana at the Roads Transport & Planning Department. Contact numbers at the office are 044 803 1506 or email Qamani@gardenroute.gov.za. Alternatively, download from www.gardenroute.gov.za.
Application period: 21 May 2021 to 18 June 2021.
Applications will be audited and evaluated according to risk analysis by a panel. Risk factors include: Status of road, traffic count, operating speed of vehicles, type of farming, condition of current fence, etc.
The panel outcome will be decided by 19 July 2021. All applicants will be informed. A fencing subsidy contract will be signed with successful applicants. Unsuccessful applicants can apply again in the next financial year.
All fences must be fully completed by 10 December 2021 for payment before 28 February 2022.
Payment will be done after an inspection and approval for the fence has been made.
7 May 2021 Weather Alert: Impact Based Weather Warnings for Western Cape and Namaqua
Please find included the Impact Based Warning for the Western Cape and Namaqua Region of Northern Cape
Legal notice:
“This warning from SA Weather Service must be communicated as received and may not be altered under any circumstance.
It must be forwarded or communicated in its entirety and no portion hereof may be replicated or copied and distributed.”
 Hazard
Alert Level
Affected Municipalities
Valid From (SAST)
Valid To (SAST)
 Disruptive Rain
Yellow(L2)
Bitou, Breede Valley, Cape Agulhas, George, Hessequa, Kannaland, Knysna, Langeberg, Mossel Bay, Oudtshoorn, Swellendam, Theewaterskloof
07/05/2021 – 00h00
08/05/2021 – 00h00
Discussion: Showers and thundershowers to develop over the south-western parts of the Western Cape. Significant rainfall amounts have been accumulated in the past few days, and more rainfall can be expected over the Overberg, southern Cape Winelands as well as the Garden Route Districts throughout Friday into Saturday morning. Rainfall accumulations between 20-30mm in addition to the accumulated rainfall amounts can be expected. With the thunderstorms, strong winds (downburst) over short periods may also occur as well as a small chance of hail.
Impact: Flooding of roads and settlements in both formal and informal settlements is likely which could result in damage to property and infrastructure. Low-lying bridges and pooling of potholes may also occur. Disruption of traffic flow is likely, along with increased motor vehicle accidents, especially in peak hour traffic on Friday and Saturday morning. Essential services such as water and electricity may be affected. There is a chance for mudslides and rockfalls in susceptible areas.
Instruction: Be cautious on the roads and avoid crossing rivers and swollen streams where water is above your ankles. If trapped in a vehicle during a flood, abandon it and climb to higher ground. In buildings, move valuables to a safe place above the expected flood level. Switch off electricity at the supply point to the building. Be especially cautious at night when it’s harder to recognize flood dangers. Listen to the radio or TV for warnings and obey the instructions from disaster management officers.
Media Release: Private healthcare workers to register for COVID-19 vaccine
For Immediate Release 6 May 2021
Phase 1 of the Sisonke Vaccination programme will conclude on 15 May 2021. All healthcare workers both private and public have the opportunity to get their vaccination. Remember to register on the EVDS system. https://vaccine.enroll.health.gov.za/#/
Not sure if you qualify? Please see the following categories below.
Beneficiaries: Nurses (all categories), Medical doctors (all categories and specialisations), Dentists, dental therapists and oral hygienists, Clinical associates, Community health workers / liaison and development officers employed by provincial Departments of Health, Environmental Health practitioners (working for municipalities and provincial Departments of Health), Pharmacists and Pharmacist Assistants (fully registered/post-basic /basic), Radiographers, Emergency Medical Practitioners, Allied health staff (physiotherapists/occupational therapists /psychologists /optometrists /speech therapists /audiologists /biokinetics /nutritionists /dieticians), Registered occupational health staff, Clinical and medical technologists at clinical laboratory services, Clinical and medical technologists at forensic medical laboratory services, Blood Transfusion Services laboratory technicians, Staff working in forensic mortuaries, Orthotists /prosthetists/podiatrists, Alternative medicine practitioners (homeopaths/osteopaths/chiropractors), Medical/dental /nursing /pharmacy students that are on the clinical training platform, Staff working at national and provincial health departments and district health offices, Officials employed by National Port Health Authorities, Health staff at Department of Correctional Services, South African Military Health Services (SAMHS), Cleaners/housekeeping staff at health establishments and care facilities, Security services at health establishments and care facilities, Administrative staff at health establishments and care facilities, Staff working in student health services at TVETs and HEIs, Funeral workers (formal funeral homes and volunteers from registered burial societies), Registered traditional healers.
Please take note of the sites, dates and contact person for vaccinations.
The contacts below are available on weekdays between 08:00 and 16:00.
Vaccination site and dates: OUDTSHOORN HOSPITAL: 5 May
Contact person: Oudtshoorn
Sanet van Meersbergen; (044) 803 2464
Contact person: Kannaland
Maryna September: (028) 551 1010/1667/1342
Vaccination site and dates: ALMA CDC(MOSSEL BAY) 6, 7, 11,12 May
Contact person: Hessequa
Ilze Charles: (028) 713 8640
Contact person: Mossel Bay
Lida Swart: (044) 601 1915
Vaccination site and dates: PLETT TOWN CLINIC 10, 11 May
Contact person: Knysna
Carmen Grobler: (044) 302 5201
Contact person: Bitou
Girlie Lubbe: (044) 501 5100
Vaccination site and dates: GEORGE HOSPITAL 10 May
Contact person: George
Bernicois Konig: (044) 803 2079
Private healthcare workers: If you have not yet, please request your appointment through your manager or one central person from a facility in order not to have multiple people engaging from the same facility. See above contact details for persons to contact.
On the day of vaccination, you need to bring along your ID, Proof that you are a healthcare worker and Sisonke Vaccination Voucher
Weather Alert: Impact Based Weather Warnings for Western Cape and Namaqua – 6 May 2021
Please find included the Impact Based Warning for the Western Cape and Namaqua Region of Northern Cape.
Please note: The Impact Based Warning w.r.t Disruptive Rain has not been revised by SAWS meaning that the previous warning send yesterday is still valid.
Legal notice:
“This warning from SA Weather Service must be communicated as received and may not be altered under any circumstance.
It must be forwarded or communicated in its entirety and no portion hereof may be replicated or copied and distributed.”
Hazard
Alert Level
Affected Municipalities
Valid from (SAST)
Valid to (SAST)
Damaging Winds
Yellow(L4)
Cape Agulhas, Cape Agulhas, City of Cape town, Hessequa, Overstrand
06/05/21 –Â 01h00
06/05/21 –Â 23h00
Discussion: Strong to gale force south-easterly winds (50-70km/h) and gusts up to 80-90km/h is expected from Wednesday afternoon offshore between Table Bay and Stilbaai.
Impact: Strong winds will cause danger to navigation out at sea and result in small vessel at risk of taking on water and capsizing in totality.
Instruction: Small boats must stay away from the open sea and seek the shelter of a harbour, river estuary or protected bay Parked aircraft should be pointed into the direction of the wind and secured. Ensure that all temporary structures are well anchored.
 Hazard
Alert Level
Affected Municipalities
Valid From (SAST)
Valid To (SAST)
Damaging Waves
Yellow(L1)
Cape Agulhas, Cape Agulhas, City of Cape town, Hessequa, Overstrand, Table Bay
06/05/21 – 01h00
06/05/21 – 23h00
Discussion: Wave heights between 4.0-5.5m is expected between Table Bay and Plettenberg Bay throughout Thursday. Along with these higher wave heights, predominant southerly to south-easterly swells are also expected. Strong southerly winds (50-70km/h) is expected along the between Table Bay and Stillbaai on Thursday.
Impact: Small vessels will experience difficulty in navigation at sea as a result of rough and choppy seas (quick successive, steep waves) and may be at risk of taking on water and capsizing in a locality. Localized disruptions to beachfront activities.
Instruction: Be aware of large waves along the coastline. Small vessels are advised to seek shelter in harbours, bays or inlets. Refrain from any beachfront activity.
Weather Alert: Impact Based Weather Warnings for Western Cape and Namaqua – 5 May 2021
Please find included several Impact Based Warnings for the Western Cape and Namaqua Region of Northern Cape
Legal notice:
“This warning from SA Weather Service must be communicated as received and may not be altered under any circumstance.
It must be forwarded or communicated in its entirety and no portion hereof may be replicated or copied and distributed.”
Hazard
Alert Level
Affected Municipalities
Valid from (SAST)
Valid to (SAST)
Disruptive Rain
Yellow(L4)
Breede Valley, City of Cape Town, Drakenstein, Hessequa, Langeberg, Stellenbosch
05/05/21 –Â 20h00
06/05/21 –Â 23h00
Discussion: An upper air driven system is causing showers and thundershowers to develop over the south-western parts of the Western Cape on Wednesday morning spreading eastwards to the rest of the province during the afternoon and evening. Significant rainfall can be expected over the City of Cape Town, Cape Winelands (mainly central and southern) as well as Hessequa municipality from Wednesday evening and intermittently throughout Thursday, where rainfall accumulations between 40-60mm reaching up to 80-100mm in the mountainous areas can be expected. With the thunderstorms, there is a small chance of hail. Lightning will occur as well as strong winds over short periods as a result of thunderstorm downburst.
Impact: Flooding of roads and settlements in both formal and informal settlements is likely which could result in damage to property and infrastructure. Disruption of traffic flow is likely, along with increased motor vehicle accidents, especially in peak hour traffic on Thursday. Essential services such as water and electricity may be affected. There is a chance for mudslides and rockfalls in susceptible areas.
Instruction: Be cautious on the roads and avoid crossing rivers and swollen streams where water is above your ankles. If trapped in a vehicle during a flood, abandon it and climb to higher ground. In buildings, move valuables to a safe place above the expected flood level. Switch off electricity at the supply point to the building. Be especially cautious at night when it’s harder to recognize flood dangers. Listen to the radio or TV for warnings and obey the instructions from disaster management officers.
Hazard
Alert Level
Affected Municipalities
Valid from (SAST)
Valid to (SAST)
Damaging Winds
Yellow(L4)
Cape Agulhas, Cape Agulhas, City of Cape town, Hessequa, Overstrand
05/05/21 –Â 18h00
06/05/21 – 23h00
Discussion: Strong to gale force south-easterly winds (50-70km/h) and gusts up to 80-90km/h is expected from Wednesday afternoon offshore between Hout Bay and Stilbaai. The wind will be at its full force from Wednesday night into Thursday morning, this is the same period when the upper air weather system will be intensifying.
Impact: Strong winds will cause danger to navigation out at sea and result in small vessel at risk of taking on water and capsizing in totality.
Instruction: Small boats must stay away from the open sea and seek the shelter of a harbour, river estuary or protected bay Parked aircraft should be pointed into the direction of the wind and secured. Ensure that all temporary structures are well anchored.
Hazard
Alert Level
Affected Municipalities
Valid from (SAST)
Valid to (SAST)
Damaging Winds
Yellow(L4)
Cape Agulhas, Cape Agulhas, City of Cape town, Hessequa, Overstrand
05/05/21 –Â 18h00
06/05/21 – 23h00
Discussion: Wave heights between 4.0-5.5m is expected between Hout Bay and Stilbaai from Wednesday late morning continuing into Thursday. Along with these higher wave heights, predominant southerly to south-easterly swells are also expected. Strong southerly winds (50-70km/h) is expected along the between Hout Bay and Stillbaai from Wednesday afternoon and throughout Thursday.
Impact: Small vessels will experience difficulty in navigation at sea as a result of rough and choppy seas (quick successive, steep waves) and may be at risk of taking on water and capsizing in a locality. Localized disruptions to beachfront activities.
Instruction: Be aware of large waves along the coastline. Small vessels are advised to seek shelter in harbours, bays or inlets. Refrain from any beachfront activity.
Media Release: Cut-off low to cause adverse weather conditions over parts of the Western Cape
For Immediate Release
5 May 2021
Cut-off low to cause adverse weather conditions over parts of the Western Cape –5 to 6 May 2021
A cut-off low is expected to affect the Western Cape from tomorrow (Wednesday 5 May) into Thursday, resulting in widespread showers and thundershowers, strong winds, and very rough sea conditions especially from Wednesday evening, extending into Thursday.
