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Media Alert: Sedfa, in partnership with GRDM and partners, to host Pop-Up Market in George

Media Alert: Sedfa, in partnership with GRDM and partners, to host Pop-Up Market in George

29 – 31 August 2025 at the Garden Route Mall, George.

The South African Enterprise Development Finance Agency (Sedfa), in partnership with Garden Route District Municipality and other key ecosystem partners, is proud to host the Sedfa and Garden Route Pop-Up Market from 29 to 31 August 2025 at the Garden Route Mall, George.

The official opening and walkabout will take place on Friday, 29 August at 13h30, led by Executive Mayor Andrew Stroebel, alongside Sedfa representatives and ecosystem partners.

The Pop-Up Market will shine a spotlight on local Micro-, Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (MSMEs), offering them a platform to showcase their products, network with potential buyers, and grow their market access.

“This market is a direct response to the need for greater visibility and access for local entrepreneurs. At Sedfa, we believe in supporting MSMEs through practical platforms that not only promote their products but also build pathways toward long-term economic inclusion.” – Kiewet Mhlongo, Acting Provincial Manager: Western Cape, Sedfa.

“Garden Route District Municipality is proud to support initiatives that give local Micro-, Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (MSME) the much-needed exposure they deserve. This Pop-Up Market is more than just an opportunity to showcase locally made products; it is also a platform that strengthens our economy from the ground up. As the Municipality, we remain committed to creating meaningful partnerships that open doors for MSMEs to drive job creation and stimulate sustainable development throughout the region and beyond.” – Executive Mayor Andrew Stroebel

The Members of the Media are invited to attend the opening and engage with MSME participants and stakeholders.

ENDS

07 August 2025 Media Release: GRDM Disaster Management and EHPs teams assist Bitou Municipality in Bossiesgif fire

GRDM Disaster Management and EHPs teams assist Bitou Municipality in Bossiesgif fire

For immediate release
07 August 2025

The last few days have been traumatic for the Bossiesgif residents of the Bitou Municipal area.

A fire broke out in the informal settlement, with flames that raged through structures leaving approximately 500 people, including children, affected by the flames.

The fire destroyed 162 informal structures with 3 structures that burned partially in Bossiesgif, Bitou

Reports from Bitou Municipality confirmed that the fire broke out in the early hours of 4 August 2025.  In a report that was published on 5 August, it was confirmed that 162 informal structures were destroyed and 3 were partially burned, affecting approximately 500 people with a count of 4-6 people per household.

In collaboration with Bitou Municipality, the Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) acted swiftly to provide the needed assistance to lessen the impact of the fire on affected individuals. GRDM’s Disaster Management team assisted with the activation of key role players in coordinating a rapid and effective response. The GRDM Disaster Management Centre (DMC) also fulfilled their role as an important link between the district and local coordinators when the centre facilitated communication and provided regular situational reports to district and provincial coordinators. These efforts demonstrated the solid working relations between GRDM and Bitou Municipality.

In ensuring that humanitarian relief was provided to all affected residents, the GRDM DMC supplied 59 mattresses and 71 blankets to the families. This was part of a larger relief effort that included donations received from the Gift of the Givers, meals from Dignity Fund and the Shoprite Act For Change soup kitchen, and ongoing municipal efforts.

GRDM, Bitou Municipality and stakeholders assessing the damages and providing humanitarian aid to residents affected by the fire.

GRDM’s EHPs also played a critical role at the identified sites when they conducted an assessment of all health processes related to food handling and waste disposal thereof at the hall. These processes were well coordinated and the assessment confirmed that all the necessary protocols were followed.

Executive Mayor of GRDM, Andrew Stroebel, commended GRDM, Bitou teams, as well as other stakeholders involved, for their swift response to rescue the residential structures in Bossiesgif, but most importantly the lives of the residents of the settlement. Mayor Stroebel said: “As a district, we applaud the swift reaction of both Bitou and GRDM Emergency and Disaster Management teams and we are thankful that no lives were lost in this devastating fire”.

ENDS

24 March 2025 Media Release: District Leadership Discusses rehabilitation of Outeniqua Choo-Tjoe Railway line, Budget Pressures, Water Security, and Waste Management at DCF and MMF Forum

Media Release: District Leadership Discusses rehabilitation of Outeniqua Choo-Tjoe Railway line, Budget Pressures, Water Security, and Waste Management at DCF and MMF Forum

For Immediate Release
24 March 2025

The District Coordinating and Municipal Managers’ Forums took place on 19 March in Knysna. These engagements drew several stakeholders from the private sector, as well as mayors from all municipalities in the Garden Route and their respective municipal managers and support staff. There were many items discussed, with some including a review of the Garden Route Bulk Water Master Plan, enacting a District Firefighting Services Bylaw, Licensed Drone Operations for Municipalities, Mossel Bay Courts, and the rehabilitation of the Outeniqua Choo-Tjoe Railway Line, to name a few.

According to GRDM Mayor, Andrew Stroebel, the engagements were insightful. Solutions to possible cross-cutting risks and solutions, collaboration, and educational content were on the table for discussion.

Some extracts of discussions, include the following:

Rehabilitation of the Outeniqua Choo-Tjoe Railway line

A tender was advertised by Transnet on 6 April 2023 to invite interested respondents to submit bids to rehabilitate the Outeniqua Choo-Tjoe railway line. An award letter was issued on 28 August 2024. At the moment contract negotiations are underway. The branch line between George and Knysna is 67km long and it is also envisaged to attract rail cargo like waste and timber.

Water and Sanitation: A Critical Priority

During these forums, participants reaffirmed the need for a long-term strategy to address water security. While past drought measures were somewhat effective, sustainable solutions for a future that caters for all towns, are essential. The Garden Route District Municipality has formally requested information from sub-regions, including Oudtshoorn, Kannaland, Mossel Bay, Hessequa, Bitou, and Knysna, to develop bulk infrastructure funding proposals. Water shortages not only impact households but also threaten business sustainability, particularly industries reliant on water and energy.

Regional Waste Management and Energy Solutions

Progress on the Regional Waste Management Facility was discussed, with a call for Hessequa to consider participation and Knysna to finalise them joining the initiative. Waste transfer stations must be relocated, and municipalities are encouraged to explore energy solutions, such as gas-to-energy projects. The importance of power purchase agreements to ensure project viability was emphasized, along with the need for cost-reflective tariffs across the district.

Collaboration in Fire Prevention and Governance Challenges

The forum acknowledged collaborative efforts in fire prevention and the challenges posed by conflicting legislation between fire and environmental acts. The review of the White Paper on Local Government and municipal demarcation was noted as critical, given that many municipalities face sustainability issues due to financial constraints.

Municipal Support and Economic Impacts

Kannaland Municipality expressed appreciation for GRDM’s support, particularly with water tankers. However, concerns were raised over infrastructure collapse and the decline in population, which affects economic growth and service delivery. Over-extraction of boreholes and industrial water demands continue to pose significant risks.

As the region navigates these challenges, the GRDM remains committed to working closely with all stakeholders to ensure a resilient governance.

Feature image: GRDM Executive Manager for Integrated Planning and Economic Development, Lusanda Menze, GRDM MM, Monde Stratu, GRDM Executive Mayor Andrew Stroebel and Cllr Beauty Charlie, representing the Mayor of Knysna

More images captured during the DCF and MMF. Presentations were done via MS Teams and in-person.

ENDS