Garden Route and Tacoma Strengthen Ties Through Strategic Global Exchange
29 Aprol 2026
The Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) is continuing its partnership with Tacoma Sister Cities International, spearheaded by Ms. Melannie Cunningham, by exploring collective approaches to boost its economic growth, skills transfer and sustainable tourism.
During a visit, from 23 to 28 Apil to the Garden Route, a platform to exchange critical information and extract skills between the two institutions was established.
Ms. Cunningham, who chairs the Tacoma-Garden Route District Committee, emphasised that this journey is about transforming long-standing agreements into a dynamic regional partnership that spans across all seven diverse communities of the Garden Route. “It also re-opens up opportunities for economic growth for the Garden Route to the association’s vast international networks,” said Cunningham.
GRDM leadership welcomes key representatives from the Tacoma Sister Cities, fostering stronger partnerships and exploring opportunities for collaboration.
The delegates discussed the global ostrich industry, exploring new avenues for trade and export of these high-value local products.
In a view to facilitate better movement of goods, port relations were firmly on the spotlight. Manager: LED, Tourism, EPWP and Job Creation Mr. Richard Dyantyi said, “The engagements centred around the coastal energy and maritime culture that mirror Tacoma’s own character as a vital port city”, he said.
The delegation also prioritised skills training and development to be spearheaded by local educational and vocational institutions such South Cape College &Â Africa Skills Village. The discussions touched on establishing formal academic and artisanal exchange programmes, allowing for a “people-to-people” flow of skills and knowledge.
The Garden Route continues to attract more residents who enjoy the rich tapestry of nature and cultures in this region and the efforts aimed at promoting cultural understanding and deep-rooted community connections were highly supported towards building on a relationship that began with George in 1997 and has now expanded to the entire Garden Route District.
Both countries see this as a starting point to boost trade, promote sustainable tourism, and create richer educational pathways for young people in the Garden Route.
Caption: Strengthening international ties, GRDM leadership and the Tacoma Sister Cities representatives engage in discussions to unlock new avenues for collaboration and shared growth.
Media Release: Garden Route District Municipality and Eden Sport Council to host the Eden/Garden Route Inaugural Municipal Sports Indaba
For immediate release 14 April 2026
The Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) in collaboration with the Eden Sport Council, including sports federations and local municipalities in the district, are gearing up to host the first ever Sports Indaba within the Western Cape, on 23 April 2026.
The Eden/Garden Route Inaugural Municipal Sports Indaba will be attended by representatives from the Western Cape Provincial Government’s (WCG) Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport led by Minister Ricardo Mackenzie, Executive Mayors and representatives from the Eden Sport Council including sports federations, as well as sport representatives at local municipal level in the district.
The purpose of the event will be to inclusively address ongoing efforts to strengthen collaboration and improve sport structures across the district. The programme will also focus on how:
the role of municipalities in sport development can be strengthened;
access to and maintenance of sport facilities can be improved; and
opportunities to position the region as a leading sport tourism destination, can be explored.
Developing a clear and shared understanding of roles and responsibilities among all sport stakeholders operating within the district, is thus a vital focal point as these aspects will be addressed.
Other key focus areas for discussion at the event will include:
Custodianship of Sport – who holds the responsibility for sport at municipal and district level, and how this role is
exercised in practice.
Role of Municipalities in Sport Development – how municipalities can support federations, clubs, and athletes through programmes, partnerships, and policy implementation.
Infrastructure, Facilities and Development – ensuring access to quality facilities, maintenance of infrastructure, and long-term planning for sport development.
Sport Tourism and Major Events – opportunities to position the Garden Route district as a hub for sport tourism and major events.
Funding and Resource Support – available funding streams, support mechanisms, and opportunities for financial sustainability within sport structures.
Municipal Sport Council Structures and Jurisdiction – the structure, legitimacy, and operational boundaries of municipal sport councils within the district.
The event will take place at the Council Chambers of GRDM, starting from 10:00 and it will include approximately 80 delegates in hybrid format.
Through constructive dialogue and shared understanding, stakeholders aim to position themselves to better serve federations, local councils, and athletes, while fostering stronger partnerships together with municipal stakeholders.
Photo caption: Ready for the Eden/Garden Route Inaugural Municipal Sports Indaba are (fltr): Zelda van Staden (Eden Sport Council Secretary), Ald. Marais Kruger (GRDM Executive Mayor) and Desmond Speelman (Eden Sport Council Chairperson).
Media Release: Garden Route District Municipality assisting Knysna Municipality with water for Sedgefield residents
For immediate release 20 November 2025
The Disaster Management team of the Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) from this morning, 20 November 2025, commenced with the provision of water to the residents of Sedgefield.
“This assistance followed a request received from the Municipal Manager of Knysna. However, a truck incident on the Kaaiman’s Pass caused a delay in our response efforts yesterday, but today we were able to deliver water to the affected areas,” said Gerhard Otto, Manager for Disaster Management at GRDM.
With the water treatment plant in Sedgefield that is currently unable to remove the salt from the water, support from the GRDM will continue until the water shortage experienced by the residents of Sedgefield has been resolved. Otto, explained: “The water treatment works needs to operate outside of its design parameters and therefore process controllers are struggling to produce water for domestic use that meets normal approved salinity standards”.
GRDM Executive Mayor Marais Kruger said: “The GRDM values its strong relationships with local government stakeholders in the Garden Route and will continue its efforts to support Knysna in ensuring the delivery of essential services to the residents of Sedgefield.”
Media Release: Lack of government funding fighting invasive plants poses a challenge
For immediate release 18 November 2025
“The multiple fires we’ve seen in the Garden Route over recent weeks again confirm what we have warned about for years,” says Cobus Meiring of the Garden Route Environmental Forum (GREF). “With rainfall figures remaining low, invasive alien plants proliferating, and climate conditions becoming harsher, the region is facing rising fire danger and intensifying pressure on already stressed water resources.”
Invasive alien plants (IAPs) are one of the greatest threats to the Garden Route’s critically endangered habitats, sensitive mountain catchments, and the ecological functioning of rivers and estuaries. Species such as pines, wattles, Lantana, bugweed, gums and hakeas consume large volumes of water, starving rivers of sustained flow and undermining the health of estuaries that depend on reliable freshwater input. At the same time, these invasives create dense, highly flammable fuel loads that can turn ordinary wildfires into uncontrollable events.
To better understand and respond to these risks, entities such as the Southern Cape Fire Protection Association (SCFPA), SANParks, CapeNature and the Garden Route District Municipality established the Risk Reduction Task Team – a working group that continuously evaluates the growing threats posed by IAP’s and advises on coordinated mitigation.
However, the challenge is outpacing the resources available. Government grants, including those that previously supported large-scale clearing under programmes such as Working for Water, have shrunk dramatically. The breeding and release of biological control agents- once an essential tool for suppressing the spread of several invasive species is now no longer freely available, further compounding management difficulties. As a result, landowners, conservancies and local initiatives are increasingly left to carry the financial burden themselves, with uneven success.
More sustained investment from government is essential. Firefighting is expensive, and so are the preventative measures required to reduce risk, but prevention is far cheaper than disaster. Alien plant control must be funded consistently, prioritised strategically, and integrated with fire management, biodiversity conservation and climate-adaptation planning. Without this, the region’s water security, natural heritage and community safety will remain increasingly vulnerable.
The Garden Route Environmental Forum is a public platform for landowners and environmental managers and a climate change think tank. (www.grefecsf.co.za)
Photo: Homestead saved from raging wildfire by determined GRDM fire fighters and the landowner in Hessequa in October 2025 – Michael Raimondo.
Media Release: GRDM hosts Graduation Ceremony for 69 Learners who successfully completed Water and Wastewater Programmes
For immediate release 17 October 2025
The Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM), in November 2023, rolled out various projects to upskill employed participants in the field of Water and Wastewater.
A grant allocation for 84 employed learners was awarded for the region then, and today, 17 October, 69 employed learners who successfully completed the 12-month programme, graduated at a ceremony hosted by GRDM at the Conville Civic Hall in George.
GRDM Municipal Manager, Monde Stratu, welcomed all present at the event.
Thembani Loliwe, GRDM Strategic Manager, provided a background on the impact of water projects in the district.
GRDM Manager: Disaster Management, Gerhard Otto, delivered a presentation on water scarcity and needed skills within the district.
Aneeka Jacobs, LGSETA Provincial Manager, delivered the keynote address at the ceremony..
GRDM Cllr Nompumelelo Ndayi, delivered the vote of thanks. to all involved in the programme.
Joanita Martin, during her remarks on behalf of the service provider, Josmap Training Institute.
These programmes include:
– Water and Wastewater treatment process operations – NQF level 2;
– Water and Wastewater Treatment Process Control – NQF level 3; and
– Water and Wastewater Treatment Process Supervision – NQF level 4.
The Water and Wastewater Treatment qualifications are designed for individuals currently working in/or aspiring to enter the water and wastewater treatment sector. These qualifications aim to recognise and develop essential skills required to operate effectively within water and wastewater treatment works. It provides learners with foundational knowledge, as well as supervisory competencies aligned with industry standards. Learners are therefore equipped with the technical and operational understanding necessary to manage water and wastewater treatment processes efficiently.
Thembani Loliwe, Strategic Services Manager at GRDM, congratulated the students and said: “Climate change has a huge impact on water as a vulnerable resource. We therefore need to protect this vulnerable resource. For this reason, you will be an asset to the region”. Loliwe also acknowledged the Local Government SETA (LGSETA) for the 1.7 million funding which they made available for the successful roll-out of this initiative through the Garden Route Skills Mecca initiative”.
In addition, Loliwe said: “This programme and your dedication has shown that you are indeed needed by the municipalities in the region”. In closing he said: “Take the opportunity, grab it with both hands and make a success of it”.
Gerhard Otto, Manager for Disaster Management at GRDM sketched the worrisome scenario of the status of water in the district. He said: ” Water is scarce – we need to conserve it and we need to have systems in place to prevent a dire situation for the area”. In addition, Otto emphasised: “We need to look at a solution that cuts across municipal boundaries”. In terms of the role of those who completed the course, he said: “Your role is to ensure that the quality of the water is of good standard. We need to conserve what we have and build our future together”. When interpreting the rainfall figures Otto further stressed that “we are not getting enough rain in the catchment that does not look good for the area – we are in for a dry Summer with little rainfall. Therefore, we need to conserve what we have”.
Aneeka Jacobs, Provincial Specialist at the LGSETA, congratulated the students with the following words: “You took the challenge, you showed up. You studied. You grew. You passed and today you wear the badge of achievement.” Describing the certificate received by all, she highlighted: “It is a key to employment, promotion, entrepreneurship, and personal pride”.
In her address, Ald. Nompumelelo Ndayi, Portfolio Chairperson of Corporate Services at GRDM said: “Your achievement demonstrates what is possible when we invest in people. This project made possible through the collaboration between the GRDM, our local municipalities, and the LGSETA, reflects the spirit of the Joint District Metro Approach, working together to build capacity, unlock opportunities, and empower our workforce”.
To the facilitators, mentors, and the Skills Development Units, Ndayi said: “Thank you for your tireless efforts in guiding and supporting our learners. Your dedication ensures that training is not just a formality, but a meaningful investment in the future of local government”. Ndayi also acknowledged the LGSETA. “We extend our gratitude for believing in our region and for making these programmes possible. Partnerships like these ensure that the Garden Route continues to lead by example in capacity building and skills development.”
The implementation of these projects furthermore aims to address critical skills shortages, promote career advancement, improve job security, and enhance overall productivity within the water and wastewater sector. This initiative contributes meaningfully to broader socio-economic development across the Garden Route district.
This collaborative initiative furthermore aims to strengthen regional capacity by supporting skills development and driving the JDMA. The GRDM coordinates and facilitates these projects and implementation is done in collaboration with the Skills Development Units of the respective Local Municipalities.
ENDSÂ
Participants with the GRDM Management and Stakeholders during the graduation ceremony.
Update: GRDM provides water to residential areas within the Knysna municipal area
The Disaster Management Centre (DMC) of the Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) recently received a request from the Municipal Manager of Knysna to assist with the tankering of water to areas in Hornlee, as well as Concordia residential areas where low water levels in the higher lying reservoirs are making it difficult for them to ensure un-interrupted water supply.
Since Monday, 13 October 2025, the DMC in collaboration with the GRDM Fire Service has been using both the 10 000 and 6000 litre water tankers to deliver water to these communities. According to the Knysna Municipality’s Technical Services Department, personnel experienced in some instances 13 hour long electrical outages that occurred over the weekend resulting in the below normal levels of the higher situated bulk water reservoirs which supply water to these areas. Water flow to these specific areas has been running at full capacity since Monday and it was foreseen that the water levels in these reservoirs would reach normal operating values by today, 15 October 2025.
The GRDM will however extend water tankering assistance to also include water tankering to Buffalo Bay, as well as Kurland in Bitou, where current drought conditions remain a challenge to ensure normal water supply.
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.
Media Release: Your signature, their future: Are your kids protected?
For immediate release
29 July 2025
The Western Cape Department of Health and Wellness encourages all parents to be on the lookout for consent forms that will be sent home for your child to receive the HPV (human papillomavirus) vaccine.
HPV is the virus that causes cervical cancer.
The vaccine does not contain any live virus or DNA from the virus so it cannot cause cancer or other HPV-related illnesses. The vaccine does not affect fertility; and it’s also not used to treat HPV infections or diseases caused by HPV, but instead to prevent the development of cancers, as outlined by the World Health Organisation.
To safeguard our children’s health, the HPV vaccination campaign was rolled out in our country in 2014 with more than 350,000 young lives protected since its inception. More than 1 200 schools are visited annually in the Western Cape to administer the vaccine, with strong support from parents and communities to safeguard their children’s futures.
As part of the HPV campaign, the National Department of Health has directed that Tetanus, Diphtheria and Pertussis (TDaP) vaccine boosters be administered to all eligible children (both boys and girls).
This campaign aims to boost protection against tetanus, diphtheria, and whooping cough by offering a TD booster to all Grade 5 learners. It helps prevent outbreaks and supports ongoing school-based vaccination. All that’s needed is a signed consent form.
Round 2: School-based vaccination – what you need to know
The second round of the school-based vaccination campaign will take place from 1 August to 30 September 2025. During this period, our school health teams will visit both public and private schools to provide the following vaccinations:
HPV vaccine (single dose):Â Offered to eligible Grade 5, 6, and 7 girls in private schools, with consent.
Catch-up HPV vaccinations:Â Girls who missed the HPV vaccine during the first round in February/March will have another opportunity to receive their dose, with consent, at public schools.
Tdap booster vaccine:Â Administered to all boys and girls in Grade 5 across public and private schools, with consent.
We have been providing the HPV vaccine to girls in our communities for many years. Make use of this opportunity. Protect your daughter against cervical cancer”, said Tonia Aylward, school health nurse for Mossel Bay sub-district.
What about side effects?
You deserve clear answers to make the best choice for your child. Parents may have questions about safety and what to expect after vaccination. The vaccines administered at our schools and clinics are safe and have been tested. These vaccination campaigns are not new, and we welcome questions from parents and communities.
Like any vaccine, some children might have mild side effects such as some redness, swelling or pain where the injection was given, a mild fever, or feeling a bit tired. These usually go away on their own within a day or two. Serious reactions are very rare. If you’re worried about how your child reacts, please speak to your clinic or doctor.
If you’re unsure, please keep asking questions. Look at reliable sources, speak to healthcare workers in your local clinic, or check the Road to Health booklet for details on vaccines and schedules to make the right choice for your children’s future.
Feature Image: Our children grow fast. Let’s work together keep their protection up to date. Nadia Ferreira
Communication Officer
Western Cape Government Health and Wellness
Tel: 044 813 1831 Email:Â Nadia.Ferreira@westerncape.gov.za Website: www.westerncape.gov.za
Media Release:Deputy Minister of Higher Education and Training Visits Garden Route District Municipality to Discuss Skills Development
For immediate release 22 July 2025
Yesterday, 21 July 2025, the National Deputy Minister of Higher Education and Training, Dr Mimmy Gondwe, visited the Offices of Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) to engage in discussions and information sharing regarding the importance of skills development in the district and initiatives that can sharpen the implementation of programmes to ensure its overall success thereof.
Senior Firefighters at GRDM welcoming Deputy Minister of Higher Education and Training, Ms Mimmy Gondwe, at GRDM.
GRDM Speaker, Ald. Georlene Wolmarans (left), facilitated the discussions with Deputy Minister, Dr Mimmy Gondwe (right).
GRDM Executive Deputy Mayor, Ald. Vlancio Donson (left), with Skills Development Coordinator, Reginald Salmons (right).
GRDM Strategic Manager, Thembani Loliwe, overseeing the programme since 1 July 2025, during his presentation.
Dr Florus Prinsloo, former Project Manager of the GRSM (right) with Executive Deputy Mayor and Skills Mecca Champion, Ald. Vlancio Donson (left), responded to questions posed by Dr Mimmy Gondwe.
Ald. Nompumelelo Ndayi, MMC for Corporate Services at GRDM (right) during her remarks expressed words of gratitude to Dr Gondwe for her visit to the GRDM.
In welcoming Dr Gondwe, Speaker of Council, Ald. Georlene Wolmarans, noted: “Our district has placed significant emphasis on creating an enabling environment for youth development, education and work-based learning opportunities. A commitment reflected in our adoption of the Skills Mecca model,” she added.
Discussions were mainly revolving around the effectiveness of the Garden Route Skills Mecca (GRSM) within the district, matters pertaining to the National Skills Development legislation.
A thorough presentation regarding the overview of the GRSM was delivered by the Strategic Manager in the Office of the Municipal Manager, Thembani Loliwe, who is responsible for overseeing the programme since 1 July 2025.
The presentation covered topics ranging from the initiative’s inception to the number of skills development programmes created and implemented across the district to the partnerships with various stakeholders, such as the Sector Education and Training Authorities (SETA) and the National Skills Fund. These discussions prompted questions raised by Dr Gondwe enquiring about the collaboration between GRDM and Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) colleges to ensure student success, including placement in organisations for practical skills development. In response to the question, Dr Florus Prinsloo acknowledged that work have already been put into agreements by the GRDM and certain colleges, stating that the development of task teams to ensure the finalisation of agreements hinders the processes.
Dr Gondwe also shared her interest questioning how the GRSM is implemented on local municipal level in the district, to which Mr Loliwe explained the process of Skills Mecca Technicians that are placed at each municipality. Dr Prinsloo elaborated saying that the placement of Skills Mecca Technicians is a coordinated structure, as they have to fulfil a certain role in their respective local municipalities and has a responsibility to report back through the structure in terms of skills development progress made.
Apart from raising the importance of aligning local and national efforts in strengthening skills development, improving coordination and ensuring that communities benefit from inclusive and future-fit education systems, she made an example of the issue of exclusivity. She provided examples highlighting the need to consider various aspects when formalising agreements, such as the distance youth must travel to access TVET colleges. She said: “The distance that youth have to travel from Knysna to Plett or George to access these facilities, is putting an extra financial burden on these students resulting in them dropping out and ending up in front of spaza shops”.
These discussions were the beginning of many discussions to follow, and the Deputy Minister committed to be in the centre of sharpening Skills Development within the district, stating that close relations between the GRDM and the Office of the Deputy Minister will foster growth in the field of skills development.
In closing, Ald. Nompumelelo Ndayi, MMC for Corporate Services at GRDM, extended words of gratitude to Dr Gondwe for her visit to the GRDM and said: “The GRDM appreciates the commitment of your office to strengthening skills development across all levels of government and society. Regarding Dr Gondwe’s and the department’s continued collaboration with local government, Ald. Ndayi said: “It will be realising a skills development agenda that is responsive, inclusive and forward-thinking”.
GRDM Deputy Executive Mayor, Ald. Vlancio Donson, also thanked all Councillors, officials, stakeholders, and partners who participated and shared their thoughts and ideas. “By working together, we can build skills and create more opportunities for our people,” he concluded.
Public Notice: Notice to Smutsville residents: Fire Safety Project – Smoke Detector Installations
Notice Number. Â 56/2025
The Western Cape Fire and Rescue Services, Garden Route Fire and Rescue Services, Knysna Fire and Rescue Services, and Garden Route Disaster Management, in partnership with Asivikelane Community Facilitators, are leading a fire risk reduction project in your area.
As part of this program, smoke detection devices will be installed in informal structures to help protect households from fire-related risks. Installations will be carried out by trained team members.
Installations will begin on Monday, 9 June 2025 daily between 09:30 and 15:00 over three weeks. The names of the areas that will be visited, will be published as the programme moves forward in phases.
The Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) encourages the community to support this initiative by giving the teams access to their homes. If no one will be home on the day of planned installation, please make arrangements with a trusted neighbour.
The devices are provided free of charge, and through this initiative, the GRDM will also raise awareness, and educate residents about fire safety.
Thank you for your cooperation in helping to make the Smutsville community safer.
