Media Statement by Executive Mayor, Andrew Stroebel
Garden Route Roads Department Investigation – A Step Toward Clean Governance
23 April 2025
During October 2024, I, together with the Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) Mayoral Committee Member (MMC) for Roads Services, Cllr Daniel Cronje, engaged in discussions relating to an investigation by the Western Cape Provincial Government (WCG) Department of Infrastructure. The investigation was said to focus on the performance, efficiency, and possible irregularities pertaining to the Roads Department at the GRDM.
GRDM is the agency function contracted to execute work on behalf of the Western Cape Department of Infrastructure over many years.Funding for this function is provided by the WCG through a grant.
On 22 April 2025, the WCG Member of the Executive Council for Infrastructure, Minister Tertuis Simmers, presented a broad summary of the findings of their investigation to the GRDM Council, municipal management, several employees and representatives of the Garden Route Ratepayers Association, amongst others.
As part of the turnaround strategy I committed to rolling out from July 2024 after I was inaugurated, the new political leadership of GRDM welcomes the findings that will be outlined in the report by WCG.
At the GRDM, we believe that transparency, accountability, and clean governance are fundamental pillars in building a successful and trusted public service model.
Therefore, once the written report is received, it will be formally tabled at a full sitting of the GRDM Council for consideration and implementation of the recommendations to bring those involved to accountability.
Clean governance is non-negotiable. Our residents expect nothing less – especially when public funds are involved.
Service delivery remains a top priority. Our dedicated employees will continue to uphold their duties as the municipality transitions through this important period of reform.
Andrew Stroebel Executive Mayor Garden Route District Municipality
INTEGRATED DEVELOPMENT PLANNING (IDP)/BUDGET AND PERFORMANCE MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS (PMS) REPRESENTATIVE FORUM MEETING
In terms of section 16 (1) (a) (i) and 17 (1) (a) – (e) of the Local Government: Municipal Systems Act No 32 of 2000, a notice is hereby given that Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) will hold its IDP/Budget and PMS Representative Forum meeting in order to encourage and create conditions for the local community to participate in the affairs of the municipality.
The meeting is scheduled as follows: Date: 23 November 2023 Time: 9:30
The session will be broadcast live on Eden FM and the Garden Route District Municipality’s Facebook page.
The Garden Route Communities, Councillors, Ward Committees, Community Development Workers, Faith Based Organisations, Community Based Organisations, Intergovernmental Forums, Farmers associations, Business Communities and Rate Payers Associations who wish to take part in the IDP/Budget and PMS Representative Forum meeting, are welcome to attend.
RSVP: nontokozo@gardenroute.gov.za.
For further enquiries, please contact Ms Mercy James (IDP Unit) at tel no: 044 803 1431.
Media Release: Sod-Turning event marks a milestone for Regional Waste Management Facility
For Immediate Release 04 September 2023
In a significant step towards more sustainable waste management practices, the official sod-turning ceremony for the Garden Route District Municipality’s (GRDM) Regional Waste Management Facility was held on Friday, 1 September 2023. The journey to this milestone began back in 2006 when investigations and processes for establishing the Regional Landfill Site commenced.
Sharing in this historic and groundbreaking occasion, were Executive Mayors and Municipal Managers and across the district, the GRDM Mayoral Committee Members and officials, representatives from National and Provincial Government, as well as engineering consultants and stakeholders from Standard Bank, Tefla and Zutari.
During his address, Municipal Manager of GRDM, Monde Stratu, gave a thorough background about the project. He explained: “Local municipalities have reached a point where their waste management sites have become exhausted, which is why this regional waste management facility is being constructed”. Further to this he said: “It was a blessing in disguise that the initial model did not realise as it saved GRDM millions of rands.
Ald. Memory Booysen, Executive Mayor for GRDM proudly turns the first sod.
GRDM Municipal Manager, Monde Stratu, turning the sod after a few years of anticipating this exciting day.
Stratu particularly commended the GRDM officials who have been driving the project to this point. “The resilience and commitment of all involved are paying off. And today, it is time to celebrate – despite what happened, we are still delivering on our promises,” Stratu emphasised.
GRDM Executive Mayor, Aldrman Memory Booysen with key political figures of the participating municipalities.
Executive Mayor, Ald. Memory Booysen with all politicians present at the Sod-Turning Ceremony.
In his remarks at the event, the Head of Public Sector- SA at Standard Bank, Timothy Mtlatla, spoke passionately about Standard Bank’s support to GRDM’s commitment towards green energy. He said: “Our institution remains focused on its purpose; our commitment is a profound purpose and is underscored by the meaningful impact to the community. We are serving the sector that serves us”. Adding to these words, Mtlatla highlighted that the event is a remarkable example and testament of good working relations. And for this reason, he said: “With this initiative, we foresee a future that is cleaner and healthier for all communities we serve”. Representatives from Tefla and Zutari also delivered their messages of commitment to the project.
Executive Mayors and Deputy Mayors from the local municipalities that were present, also shared words of support on behalf of their respective municipalities. Deputy Mayor of Mossel Bay, Cllr Cliffie Bayman, referred to this day as a significant step that is taken towards more sustainable waste management and environmental practices in a changing world of climatic changes and the now more common outbreaks of communicable diseases. With these words, he added that this event deserved to be on the 1 September, as it is the 1st day of Spring. He highlighted that “this is a season for new beginnings and the reason in which our environment shows the fruit of hard work – work that we have put in during the winter months”. Bayman in addition reiterated that Mossel Bay Municipality will take accountability with the GRDM to ensure that the objective of the facility is reached. In conclusion he said that Mossel Bay is a proud partner in full support of the project and therefore they are eager to see many benefits such as employment deriving from the facility.
Knysna Executive Mayor, Cllr Aubrey Tswenga, in his congratulatory speech to GRDM and participating municipalities, said: “Thank you for making the Regional Waste Management Facility a reality”. Tswenga, however, mentioned that more work still lies ahead to educate communities about waste management. “As municipalities,” he said that “we need to educate our communities to reduce waste to landfills. Further to this he urged the GRDM on behalf of Knysna, to continue to roll-out a regional educational programme to extend the lifespan of the facility.
Bitou’s Deputy Executive Mayor, Cllr Mavis Basukwe, during her words of support, said: “Bitou took a decision to participate in the project fully understanding the implications and consequences we would face from our communities and ratepayers”. As a result of showing leadership and the fact that Bitou fitted the cost implication in their budget over the years, she emphasised that “it is indeed pleasing to see the site is now finally under construction”. She thanked all participating municipalities and said that without them, the project would not have been feasible for Bitou alone and would have left Bitou in a serious predicament.
Executive Mayor of GRDM, in his keynote address extended warm words of gratitude to the service provider and consulting engineer, Tefla and Zutari, as well as to Standard Bank and participating municipalities for this legacy project. In unpacking his statement, Mayor Booysen added: “After today it won’t only be a legacy project anymore, but also a catalytic project, meaning that this project is a catalyst of what is coming”.
Mayor Booysen further referred to the realities of working together as stakeholders and said: “It is not easy for different municipalities to work today, as there are many aspects that can hamper initiatives such as this project. However, he commended Mossel Bay Municipality, especially Municipal Manager Collin Puren, for setting the tone on how government can work together and how intergovernmental relations should be executed. To the Deputy Executive Mayor of Mossel Bay, Cllr Bayman he said: “You went as far as advising us,” to safeguard a less complicated process. Given the background of the project, Mayor Booysen urged councillors, professionals, and ward councillors to be decisive when decisions are made. “When we are decisive,” he said: “The ratepayers would back us up, because they would then understand what they are paying for and not making their own assumptions”. He elaborated that whenever a proposal is on the table, councillors would ask “how the project is going to affect the rates and taxes”. He advised: “It is our duty as politicians to go and explain to the taxpayers and ratepayers why we are doing what we do and why are we making the decisions in terms of what it will cost them”.
An Inaugural Site Meeting and Commencement of Works took place on the 13th of June 2023, which saw the official handover of the site to the appointed contractor, Tefla Group (Pty) Ltd. Over the following weeks, the site was established, benchmarks were verified by a surveyor on July 11, and the refurbishment of an existing farmhouse, set to become the site offices, is nearing completion. Clear and grub operations, excavations and material stockpiling is underway on the access roads and on Cell 1A.
The Regional Waste Management Facility, once complete, will include a domestic waste cell (Class B) and a separate hazardous waste cell (Class A) to accommodate low and medium-hazard-rated hazardous waste. Other infrastructure elements encompass roads, stormwater pipelines, leachate storage dams, contaminated stormwater dams, offices, laboratories, weighbridges, workshops, and security infrastructure. The project also includes a 3-hectare portion that will be used for a waste tyre recycling facility. Both the Domestic Waste Cell 1 and the Hazardous Waste Cell will have a lifespan of approximately of 20 – 25 years.
The project’s timeline are as follows:
Construction Tender Closure (concluded) – October 25, 2022
Finalization of Debt Agreement (concluded) – July 2023
Contractor on Site (concluded) – July 2023
Operations & Maintenance Tender Award – October / November 2023
Completion of Phase 1 – February 2024
Estimated Completion of Project – March 2025
The sod-turning event heralds the beginning of a cleaner and healthier future for the Garden Route region.
Feature Image: Sharing in this historic and groundbreaking occasion, were Executive Mayors and Municipal Managers and across the district, the GRDM Mayoral Committee Members and officials, representatives from National and Provincial Government, as well as engineering consultants and stakeholders from Standard Bank, Tefla and Zutari.
GRDM Employees ecstatic after the sod was turned. With them is Mossel Bay Municipal Manager, Colin Puren.
GRDM Executive Mayor, Ald. Memory Booysen with his Chief of Staff, Siphiwe Dladla (left), GRDM Strategic Manager, Thembani Loliwe (Second from left) and GRDM Project Manager, Passmore Dongi (right).
GRDM Executive Mayor, Ald. Memory Booysen shows his ‘thumbs up’ with machinery in the backdrop at the Regional Waste Management Facility.
A walk-about was done shortly after the sod-turning.
One of the machines on-site at the Regional Waste Management Facility.
GRDM Municipal Manager, Monde Stratu, next to Ald. Memory Booysen, GRDM Executive Mayor.
GRDM Fire Chief, Deon Stoffels and Chief Financial Officer, Rian Boshoff, were also present.
Councillors present during the proceedings.
GRDM Municipal Manager, Monde Stratu.
In the foreground, GRDM Speaker, Ald. Georlene Wolmarans.
Johan Gie, GRDM Waste Management Manager was the programme director of the day.
A Message Of Support was shared by Bitou Municipality Deputy Executive Mayor, Cllr Mavis Busakwe.
A Message Of Support was delivered by Cllr Cliffie Bayman, Deputy Executive Mayor from Mossel Bay Municipality.
A Message Of Support was delivered by Knysna Municipality’s Executive Mayor, Cllr Aubrey Tsengwa.
Ald. Memory Booysen delivers his Commitment to Service Delivery address.
GRDM Deputy Executive Mayor, Ald. Gert van Niekerk delivered the Vote of Thanks and Closing Remarks.
Media Release: Garden Route District Municipality celebrates Archives Week, 5 – 9 June 2023
For immediate release 02 June 2023
Leave No One Behind: Archives in the Era of Artificial Intelligence
Archives and Records Management functions and processes are essentially necessary, and it helps the Municipality to keep track of the information it creates and needs.
These processes also help to ensure that information is stored in an organised manner so that it can be retrieved when needed.
To comply with relevant legislation, the Garden Route District Municipality disposes of, and transfers all records every year. The Municipality recently undertook a Records Clean-Up Project for which 3 unemployed youth were assigned to assist.
The Municipality also conducted records management information sessions with departments to ensure that all records are centralised for easy retrieval.
The Municipality will, therefore, continue to encourage GRDM staff to send records to the registry section for processing and safekeeping in accordance with good governance practices.
The Western Cape Archives and Records Service would like to invite everyone interested to attend the National Archives Awareness Week Launch ONLINE on Friday 2 June 2023, 11:00-13:00, ahead of Archives Week, 5-9 June 2023.
Media Release: Garden Route District Municipality launches electronic job application platform
For immediate release 01 July 2022
The Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) is pleased to announce that, as of 1 July 2022, it will introduce its own E-recruitment system. The aim of the system is to make it convenient for applicants to apply for a vacant position at the municipality.
This paperless online job application system will allow applicants to apply for a vacancy without having to complete an application form, make copies of their Curriculum Vitaes (CV) and relevant qualifications every time they apply for a vacancy. GRDM’s vision is to be a leading, enabling, and inclusive district. With this in mind, this system will provide a platform where job vacancies can be advertised, viewed, and applied for online, enhancing the recruitment and selection process by increasing responses.
When a candidate registers and creates a profile on the E-recruitment system, it is mandatory to upload their CV and qualifications, which is stored on the system and can be updated at any time. This makes the application process for a vacancy flow more efficiently.
Why an E-recruitment system?
E-recruitment will improve the efficiency of filling vacancies because of semi-automated digitisation processes;
The system stores a backup file of all the applicant information; and
A move from paper to an electronic system improves auditing processes.
What does this system mean for the public?
To apply for a vacancy, a person can use any computer or visit a Thusong centre or library in his area;
No more traveling to the post office or the GRDM offices to submit a completed application;
No more emailed applications because, once applying for a position, the system will automatically send an email informing an applicant that they’ve applied and successfully uploaded their application; and
Candidates will be able to track how far along the vacancy process is on the e-recruitment system.
How does the application process work?
The vacancy will be advertised on several platforms, clearly marked that only online applications will be accepted;
Applicants will be reminded to register and create their profiles on the system;
Others who are already registered are welcome to apply for a vacancy;
Once registered, one can apply for any vacancy by selecting the vacancy and filling out the mandatory fields; and
The recruitment process will be fast and accurate since there will be no manual capturing of information.
When will the system be officially active?
The system will be live from Friday, 01 July 2022.
One vacancy will be advertised on the E-recruitment system as a trial run to monitor and evaluate public response.
In the beginning, only vacancies on T10 and above will be advertised on the system.
After two months an evaluation will be done to see how effective the system was.
After that, the system will be fully implemented for vacancies below T9.
Please note, currently the system is not mobile-friendly; it is only functional on a computer for now, but it will be compatible with a cell phone during the next phase or the system enhancement.
How to access the system?
Brows to https://www.gardenroute.gov.za/apply-for-work/ and it will take applicants to the landing page to start their registration process. This page also gives applications the option to update their profiles or to apply for a vacancy.
GRDM calls upon the public to start registering and creating their profiles on the e-recruitment system. If anyone doesn’t have access to a computer, the GRDM encourages those to visit any of the Thusong centres or libraries in their respective areas where they can register and create their profiles.
Who should I contact if I need assistance with the system?
Ms Amanda Booysen – GRDM Human Resources Representative – 044-803 1389 / 078 450 7950
Ms Margaret Powell – GRDM IT Representative – 044 803 1409
Click on the link below to view a short training video that will help you to understand how the Garden Route District Municipality E-recruitment system works and how to apply for vacancies.
Media Release: Several Garden Route DM APAC members complete their terms
For Immediate Release 12 April 2022
After years of strategic services rendered to the Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) Audit and Performance Audit Committee (APAC), the terms of three (3) members have come to an end.
Dr Adele Potgieter, the outgoing Chairperson of APAC, finished her term yesterday. She commenced her duties on 1 November 2012, Advocate Derick Block served on the Committee from 1 March 2016 until 31 October 2021, and Mr Geoff Stenekamp served on APAC from 1 September 2017 until 28 February 2022.
APAC’s primary role is to advise the municipal council, political office bearers, accounting officers, and management of the Municipality about several matters. These include, but are not limited to, financial control and reporting, internal audit, risk management, accounting policies, performance management, governance, performance evaluations, and other matters referred by the institution.
Therefore, the effectiveness of this Committee requires an appropriate mix of professional skills, which are the prerequisites the GRDM identified for APAC members to hold. Appointing APAC members can be a daunting task because finding the relevant skills locally or regionally is not always possible. This is experienced all over the country.
The Chairperson of APAC’s leadership role is central to setting the tone of the work style and ensures that each agenda contributes to the effectiveness of the Committee.
BRIEF EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND OF OUTOING MEMBERS
Dr Potgieter is a Senior Lecturer at Nelson Mandela University. She holds a PhD in Business Management, Marketing, and related support services, a BCom Investment Honours, and a BA degree in Industrial and Organisational Psychology. She’s also served on numerous audit committees
Advocate Block holds a B. luris, LLB, and Postgraduate Diploma in Taxation. He has served on more than fifteen (15) committees and boards. He has vast knowledge and experience in local, provincial, and national government, legal, constitutional matters, risk management, audit, corporate governance, and compliance.
Mr Geoffrey Stenekamp has Bsc, BCompt degrees, and he is a qualified Chartered Accountant (SA). He was the national leader of PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) and has served on three (3) other Audit Committees before.
CLOSING REMARKS
During Dr Potgieter’s closing remarks, she recalled the journey she walked with the Municipality for more than a decade. “I’ve done countless performance appraisals, worked with various municipal managers, mayors and other professional staff.” She also shared how proud she is of the functional managers of Internal Audit, Risk Management and Performance Management, who have grown immensely since she started working for the GRDM.
“I have learned to work with many good people, new employees – young and old. However, what stood out for me is their willingness to work together – employees want to do good in this Municipality,” she said. “Thank you on behalf of APAC for the diligence on your financial statements. I wish you well going forward. May your days be blessed, and think of us fondly going forward. She also thanked Mr Stratu and the GRDM Council for their leadership.
In her advice to the APAC, she said: “Always stay independent, don’t get gobbed down by others and listen to your heart.”
During his closing remarks at an APAC engagement yesterday, Acting Municipal Manager Lusanda Menze said: “Thank you for the service of APAC and what it has done for the community in its entirety and us.” When referring to the APAC as advisors, Menze referred expressly to Proverbs about wisdom and listening to advisors. “You have also helped steer GRDM to attain a clean audit.”
The GRDM is grateful for the outgoing APAC members and the positive contribution they’ve made and wishes them the best for their future endeavours.
Media Statement: Fraud case opened against two GRDM employees and service provider
For Immediate Release 1 October 2021
Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) Municipal Manager, Mr Monde Stratu, has opened a case of possible fraud against two (2) suspended GRDM employees and a Supplier. This is for the alleged payment of goods that were not received by the Municipality. The Municipality has conducted a preliminary investigation and the supplier has agreed to pay back the money that was not due and payable. This payment relates to the procurement of premix and slurry bags.
According to Mr Stratu, the Municipal Finance Management Act, 56 of 2003, section 32(6) clearly states: “The accounting officer must report to the South African Police Service all cases of alleged – (a) irregular expenditure that constitute a criminal offence; and (b) theft and fraud that occurred in the municipality. ”
GRDM Executive Mayor, Ald. Memory Booysen, commended the administration for proactively probing the alleged procurement irregularities. “Corruption at our municipality will not be tolerated because it takes away the scarce resources that are set aside from public funds,” said Booysen. The Executive Mayor urged the public to allow the legal processes to take their course.
Booysen stated that the GRDM remains committed to working together with the public and private sectors to ensure that corrupt elements in the private and public sectors face the full wrath of the law.
Remember to report any instance of fraud that is linked to the GRDM Ethics & Fraud Hotline, 0800 004 006 or e-mail gardenroutedm@behonest.co.za
