Media Release: GRDM and stakeholders roll out a Recognition of Prior LearningOccupational Firefighting Certificate
For immediate release 21 February 2025
The Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) is pleased to announce the commencement of the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) Occupational Firefighting Certificate Programme. “This initiative reflects GRDM’s ongoing commitment to enhancing the skills and expertise of firefighters in the region,” said Ald. Nompumelelo Sumeia Ndayi, MMC for Corporate Services.
Information sessions with candidates from the Heidelberg and Riversdale regarding the RPL Programme.
The Occupational Certificate: Firefighting, is a national qualification that equips firefighters with the necessary skills and knowledge to respond to emergency situations. Being designed to recognise the prior learning and experience of firefighters, it will allow them to obtain the Occupational Certificate without undergoing the full training program.
The RPL programme offers several benefits to firefighters, including enhanced career prospects as it is a recognised qualification that can enhance career prospects and opportunities for advancement. It will furthermore provide firefighters with recognition of their prior learning and experience, boosting their confidence and self-esteem.
The RPL programme will be implemented in partnership with the Local Government Sector Education and Training Authority (LGSETA) and other stakeholders, including Hessequa Municipality, Kannaland Municipality, Bitou Municipality, Central Karoo District Municipality, Prins Albert Municipality, and Beaufort West Municipality. The rollout will occur in phases, with Phase 2 focusing on Candidate Self-Evaluation and the Formative Assessment Agreement.
Mayor Andrew Stroebel also added that the GRDM is committed to providing opportunities in the field of firefighting and providing necessary skills and knowledge to respond to emergency situations. “This RPL programme is an important process, aiming to improve their career prospects, by formally recognising their skills, knowledge and experience.”
Feature Image: Chief Fire Officer, Deon Stoffels (2nd from left), addressing the candidates from Hessequa during the information session.
Twenty GRDM Roads Employees successfully complete ‘Dangerous Goods’ Training
For immediate release 20 February 2025
Recently, twenty (20) Roads employees from the Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) successfully attended and completed one-year Dangerous Goods training. This initiative was aimed at equipping employees with the necessary skills and knowledge to handle, transport, and store hazardous materials safely and in compliance with legal and organisational regulations.
“I am incredibly proud of our Roads employees for successfully completing the rigorous ‘Dangerous Goods’ training. Their dedication to enhancing their skills and knowledge demonstrates a strong commitment to not only their own safety but also the safety of our communities,” said GRDM Mayor Andrew Stroebel
All participants in the programme are stationed within the Garden Route district, playing a crucial role in ensuring road safety and the effective management of hazardous substances. The training was structured to provide both theoretical and practical knowledge, enabling employees to navigate the complexities of transporting dangerous goods with confidence and competence.
The Dangerous Goods Training is essential in workplaces that involve the movement of potentially harmful materials. It enhances workers’ ability to identify risks, apply best practices, and ensure adherence to safety standards when loading, conveying, and off-loading dangerous goods.
Key Topics Covered:
During the training, employees engaged in in-depth discussions and practical exercises focused on the following key aspects:
Compliance with Legal Documentation Requirements: Understanding the necessary legal documentation and regulatory obligations associated with transporting hazardous materials.
Application of Safety and Standard Operating Procedures: Ensuring the correct protocols are followed during the loading and off-loading of dangerous goods to minimize risks.
Incident Response Procedures: Learning how to effectively respond to and manage incidents involving hazardous materials to prevent harm to personnel, the public, and the environment.
Adherence to SANS 10231 Requirements: Understanding and complying with the South African National Standard (SANS) 10231 regarding safe behaviour and operational conduct while transporting dangerous goods.
With these critical topics covered, participants are now well-equipped to apply their newfound expertise in real workplace scenarios. They can confidently and safely transport dangerous goods in line with legal, safety, and industry standards, while also being prepared to manage potential incidents effectively.
Upon successful completion of the programme, all learners were assessed and declared competent. These certifications and permits affirm their ability to handle dangerous goods responsibly and in full compliance with regulations.
The GRDM commends the dedication of its Roads employees in completing this vital training. Their commitment to safety and compliance ensures that dangerous goods are managed with the highest level of professionalism, ultimately contributing to a safer working and public environment.
Feature image: Facilitator of the Dangerous Goods Training programme, Elton Olivier from Victoria Driving School (right), with the GRDM Roads employees who successfully completed the Dangerous Goods training.
Media Release: Garden Route Skills Mecca initiative invests millions of Rands in Skills Development opportunities in the Garden Route
For immediate release 02 December 2024
The Garden Route Skills Mecca (GRSM), an initiative of the Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM), has invested significantly in training and skills development programs across the district’s local municipal areas over the past three years.
Earlier this year, a group of participants from across the district with representatives of GRDM’s EPWP Unit, BIG Hearts and Oudtshoorn Municipality after the signing of their contracts to gain workplace experience at the GRDM, through the GRSM initiative.
Through these programmes, the GRSM continuously aims to collaborate, cooperate and integrate skills development activities across all GRSM roleplayers, ever-increasing its numbers of partnerships in support of Skills Development, as well as continue expanding its network of industry-based occupationally based programmes designed to meet the region’s needs.
The skills development programs implemented through GRSM include diverse fields such as cellphone repairs, construction, and more. These efforts highlight a steady increase in skills development initiatives within the Garden Route, contributing to noticeable growth in the region.
Since 2022, nearly R124.4 million has been invested across local municipalities, creating opportunities for more than 2191 individuals in the Garden Route district. An additional R114.26 million worth of projects are currently in the implementation phase. These efforts, made possible by the GRSM initiative, have included training in areas such as Training for Skills Mecca Technicians through the Expanded Public Works Programme, Project Management, Tourism and Hospitality, Small & Media Enterprise training and business support, Digital skills, Water and Sanitation, Firefighting and artisan development programmes such as plumbing, electrician training to name a few.
The breakdown of investment and programme rollout in local municipal areas includes:
Bitou: Programmes implemented in the area amounts to more than R12 million.
Knysna: An investment of nearly R35.5 million was made.
George: Approximately R23 million was invested in skills and training initiatives in the area.
Mossel Bay: Almost R13 million was allocated for the implementation of programmes.
Oudtshoorn: Received close to R14 million for the roll-out programmes.
Hessequa: Benefited from R8 million for skills development and training programmes.
Kannaland: Skills development investment amounted to almost R5.9 million.
Additionally, the GRSM furthermore invested approximately R5.3 million in the developing interns placed at various departments of the GRDM. These interns are placed at various departments of the municipality.
More Skills Development Programmes are in the pipeline to be implemented which include: Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Skills, Maritime Training, Rural Development, cell phone repairs training etc. The establishment of training academies are also in the process to the completed and established.
The success of the GRSM can be attributed to key milestones achieved since its inception, including:
The hosting of three Skills Summits in various areas within the district.
Local skills Indabas also took place across all local municipal areas during this period.
A website was furthermore developed that serves as central information hub for training providers and stakeholders;
The municipality established an online recruitment system for all projects and programmes.
R36 million received from the National Skills Fund to the GRSM.
Skills Mecca technicians placed at each municipality to coordinate activities of the GRSM at local level thus ensuring a more coordinated approach that contributes towards the smooth operations of the broader GRSM initiative.
Although the GRSM continues to create possibilities for both employed and unemployed persons within the Garden Route to drive its vision which is the “the preferred destination for developing and honing specific skills and expertise that leads to employability,” it cannot exist without valued partnerships that involves local municipalities, the various SETAs, training providers and the private sector.
Feature Image: Fire Services participants who graduated after completing an Occupational Firefighting training programme through the GRSM, with their families at the event earlier this year.
Opportunities: International Scholarship Opportunity in China for Unemployed Beneficiaries 2024/2025
Opening Date of Funding Window: 14 November 2024 Closing Date of Funding Window: 14 December 2024
Are you a South African matric graduate seeking international study opportunities? The Chinese Culture and International Education Exchange Centre (CCIEEC), in partnership with the Local Government Sector Education and Training Authority (LGSETA) and the Insurance Sector Education and Training Authority (INSETA), invites matric graduates who completed matric prior to 2024 to apply for an exciting opportunity to study towards a Diploma or Bachelor’s Degree in China.
This initiative aligns with the LGSETA and INSETA Annual Performance Plan targets, contributing to South African youth skills development and employability.
Who can apply?
To qualify for this incredible opportunity, applicants must meet the following criteria:
South African citizens.
Must have completed matric prior to 2024 (no restrictions on the number of years post-matric).
Unemployed at the time of application.
Aged 18 to 25 years.
Willingness to commit to the full programme duration in China.
Ability to adapt to a new cultural and academic environment.
No criminal record.
Medically fit for international travel (HIV, TB and Syphilis negative) according to the rules of the People’s
Republic of China. A medical exam will take place before departure to China.
Media Release: GRDM bids farewell to dedicated Roads employee, Daniel Bruiners
For immediate release 31 October 2024
This week, the Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) Roads Department will bid farewell to a cherished colleague, Daniel Bruiners, with a special memorial service celebrating his life on Friday, 1 November 2024.
Daniel, who sadly passed away on Friday, 25 October 2024, at the age of 55, dedicated 20 years of service to the GRDM. Appointed on 1 September 2004, he worked as a member of the Herold Maintenance Team in his hometown of Herold – the place where he was born, raised, and educated.
Daniel’s passing has left an emptiness among his colleagues. Team members remember him as a quiet, diligent worker known for his precision and neatness in every task. Gert Verwey, Deputy Manager of GRDM Roads, remarked: “Daniel’s meticulous work ethic and the significant contributions he made to GRDM Roads are deeply felt by our team. His absence is already felt profoundly.”
Born as the youngest of seven brothers, Daniel is survived by his siblings, his three children – one daughter and two sons – and a niece with whom he shared his home. The GRDM extends its heartfelt condolences to Daniel’s family, friends, and colleagues as they mourn his unexpected loss.
The memorial service will be held at the GRDM Council Chambers. Family, colleagues, friends, and community members are invited to join virtually through the municipality’s YouTube Channel: https://tinyurl.com/msbtcr3x.
Rest in Peace, Daniel
Your dedication and service to the people of the Garden Route will be remembered.
Work Experience Placement Opportunities: Tourism and/or Hospitality – another Garden Route Skills Mecca Initiative
The Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) 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 related 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. Young people from rural areas are encouraged to apply. Opportunities are currently available in all areas of the garden route district.
Programme and Entry Requirements
This is an 18-month work experience placement programme at Tourism / Hospitality related organisation in the Garden Route.
Applicants will be selected based on 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.
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 an interview with the host employer.
Stipends will be paid for 18-months by GRDM. 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 (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 a 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 Service.
For any enquiries, do not hesitate to contact Mr Reginald Salmons at 044-803 1363, or Ms. Kayakazi Klaas 044 803 1434 during office hours (Monday to Thursday between 07:30 and 16:30 and Friday between 07:30 and 13:30) only. Only short-listed candidates will be contacted. Should candidates not be contacted 2 months after the closing date, they must consider their application as unsuccessful.
OPPORTUNITIES: FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE TOWARDS FURTHER STUDIES 2025
Applications are invited from students currently receiving tuition at Accredited Learning Institutions and learners who are currently Grade 12 or have passed Grade 12, for financial assistance towards further studies during the 2025 academic year. The financial contribution by GRDM, is restricted to full-time study and attendance at SAQA accredited Tertiary, or TVET institutions. This is ONLY applicable to students whose parents permanently reside within the Garden Route municipal area.
Application forms are available at the GRDM and satellite offices during normal office hours (Monday – Thursday 07:30 – 16:30; Friday 07:30 – 13:30). Application forms are also available from the GRDM’s website.
THE GARDEN ROUTE DISTRICT MUNICIPALITY WILL ONLY CONSIDER COMPLETED APPLICATIONS AND IF THE DOCUMENTS MENTIONED BELOW HAVE BEEN INCLUDED.
A detailed Curriculum Vitae and cover letter, application form, and certified copies of the following documentation must be attached: Latest or Grade 12 results or equal qualification; latest examination results of students currently enrolled at tertiary institutions; certified copy of I.D.; affidavit of parents’ combined income and proof of residential address (municipal account).
Please forward the application form and all documents to: Records, Garden Route District Municipality, 54 York Street, P.O. Box 12, George 6530, for attention: Training and Development Section.
For any enquiries, do not hesitate to contact Mr Reginald Salmons at 044 803 1363, Mrs Alvera Josephs at 044 803 1410 or Mrs Nolwando Sambokwe on 044 803 1345 during office
hours.
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.
Media Release: GRDM’s Fire & Rescue Services completes the first ever External Integrated Summative Assessment for Firefighting in South Africa
For immediate release 26 August 2024
Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) and Fire & Rescue Services through the municipality’s Garden Route Skills Mecca (GRSM) programme on 22 August 2024, completed their first ever External Integrated Summative Assessment (EISA) for Firefighting in South Africa.
Learners undertaking their final assessment as part of the External Integrated Summative Assessment.
The Assessment was performed in collaboration with the Quality Council for Trades and Occupations (QCTO) and the Local Government Sector Education and Training Authority (LGSETA). The EISA were conducted at the Municipality’s Calitzdorp Hot Springs, which is also accredited by the QCTO as a Training Assessment Centre.
Deon Stoffels, Chief Fire Officer at GRDM Fire and Rescue Services said: “The External Integrated Summative Assessment (EISA) is the final assessment managed and conducted by the Quality Partner/Assessment Quality Partner; used to assess all learners nationally. In the EISA the learner proves his/her competence against the Exit Level Outcomes of the Qualification. Learners qualify for entry into EISA via a Statement of Results (SoR) issued by the accredited Skills Development Provider (SDP) – the GRDM in this regard”.
Learners pictured with the LGSETA External Integrated Summative Assessment Facilitators and Invigilators. Front: Gillian Tobin (middle), Mpume Madondo (right) and back Donald Mathebula (right) and Albert Sekhwela (far right). Also in the picture is Daniel Dippenaar, GRDM Station Commander: Fire Safety & Training (far left), who took over as lead facilitator from the now retired, Brian Afrikander, and successfully saw out the last quarter of the program.
In August 2023 the GRDM Fire & Rescue Services commenced with the implementation of the NQF Level 04 Occupational Certificate in Firefighting. This qualification is a national qualification that is achieved through a training program offered by an accredited fire training institution or a fire department. The GRDM obtained accreditation as a Skills Development Provider for this qualification in September 2022. This accreditation was obtained through joint efforts of the GRDM and the Fire & Rescue Services.
The qualification bears 149 credits, equating to 1490 notional hours of learning, and in effect a total of 187 days of training, including classroom study, assignments and examinations.
This qualification addresses a need to have qualified entry level firefighters who can respond to both structural and incidental emergency situations in South Africa.
It is an entry-level qualification for persons wishing to start a career in the emergency services, especially fire and rescue services. It is aimed at learners from formal schooling background and/or employees who are currently employed as fire fighters or individuals performing firefighting related activities.
Stoffels added: “Learners who successfully complete this qualification will have a range of foundational competencies relating to emergency services, firefighting, rescue operations, victim care and protection of property and the environment, as well as generic skills in workplace processes”.
The completion and attainment of this qualification will benefit learners in terms of employment in various public and private sector organisations, as they will be in possession of the required skills. In addition, Stoffels highlighted: “The employment of qualified learners by the industry will benefit both the communities and the South African economy at large”.
The 24 learners who completed the programme include three (3) members from Bitou, five (5) from Knysna, two (2) from Mossel Bay, three (3) from Kannaland, three (3) from Oudtshoorn, two (2) from Hessequa, as well as six (6) members from George.
Students will be capped at a passing out parade on 27 August 2024, whereafter they will be eligible for work opportunities locally, as well as elsewhere.
It is a good example of how the GRDM through the GRSM initiative, continues to lead skills development throughout the district in a collaborative, cooperative and integrated manner.
Did you know?
The qualification has been developed in compliance with the South African National Standards, particularly Community Protection against Fire (SANS 10090:2003). This SANS standard, in turn, gives normative references to seven National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) standards that are registered by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI). The most relevant NFPA standards for this qualification are NFPA 1001 and 472.
The International Fire Service Accreditation Congress (IFSAC) is an international organisation that accredits over 100 Fire Service Providers internationally basing its accreditation on NFPA standards. This qualification has been compared against four NFPA certificates which deal with entry-level fire-fighter requirements, namely: (1) Fire fighter 1; (2) Fire fighter 2; (3) Dangerous goods awareness; and (4) Dangerous goods operations.
Feature Image: A happy and relieved group of learners after the completion of their final assessment.
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.
Trix Holtzhausen, GRDM Executive Manager for Corporate Services (left), welcoming and addressing all stakeholders at the Capacity Building workshop held at GRDM.
Athenkosi Tsayingwe from the NSF addressing the stakeholders regarding the importance of accurate processes to ensure the success of the implementation and the way forward of the project.
Innocent Nyambi from the National Skills Fund (right) presented the content that led to fruitful discussions at the National Skills Fund Tourism & Hospitality Project Capacity Building Workshop.
Programme Manager of the GRSM, Dr Florus Prinsloo (2nd from right), highlighted the structures of the GRSM and explain how the GRSM is represented at the various municipal areas in the district.
A room of stakeholder representatives participated in the capacity building workshop that was held at the Municipality’s Loerie Committee Room in George.
Stakeholders represented at the workshop were GRDM, GRSM, National Skills Fund, Eden Hospitality & Training and the Africa Skills George Tech.
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.
Media Release: Garden Route District Municipality Hosts Training Provider Capacity Building Workshop
25 July 2024
On Tuesday, 23 July 2024, the Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) held a Training Provider Capacity Building workshop, attended by approximately 100 Skills Development providers. The training took place in the in person and was also attended via Microsoft Teams to ensure broader accessibility.
The objectives of the workshop aimed to inform Skills Development providers about the registration process for becoming part of the panel of service providers and to educate service providers on crucial aspects relating to supply chain management at the GRDM.
Feature Image Caption: Participants in the Capacity Building Workshop
