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Intergovernmental Relations

14 May 2025 Media Release: Western Cape Provincial Government and GRDM address the water needs of Oudtshoorn and Kannaland with the provision of 35 water tanks

Media Release: Western Cape Provincial Government and GRDM address the water needs of Oudtshoorn and Kannaland with the provision of 35 water tanks

For immediate release
14 May 2025

The Garden Route District Municipality’s (GRDM) Executive Mayor, Andrew Stroebel, handed over 35 water tanks on 13 May 2025 to the communities of Kannaland and Oudtshoorn. Of the total, 20 are for Kannaland and 15 for Oudtshoorn.

This initiative that forms part of the GRDM’s water security programme for local municipalities in the Garden Route, supported by the Western Cape Provincial Government (WCG) Department of Local Government (DLG), ensures that municipalities affected by limited water resources, have access to clean drinking water and water for household use.

During his address to all present, Cllr Jobieth Hoogbaard, MMC for Community Services at GRDM, shared the municipality’s commitment to serve communities experiencing challenges in terms of access to basic services, such clean drinking water. Hoogbaard shared his gratitude to Mayor Stroebel and the Disaster Management team under the leadership of Gerhard Otto, at GRDM for all their efforts in ensuring the successful outcome of the programme.

Mayor Stroebel highlighted the importance of water and expressed his gratitude to the WCG DLG for the funding provided for this initiative. To the Kannaland Municipality, Mayor Stroebel said: “Thank you for allowing the GRDM to assist Kannaland with their water needs”.

Twenty water tanks handed over to the Kannaland Municipality. GRDM Executive Mayor, councillors and officials from GRDM and Kannaland were present.

Reflecting on the impact of climate change, Mayor Stroebel noted: “Twenty years ago we all wondered what climate change is, as it was only something seen on the news. Today we all witness the effects of climate change – seen in the number of fires, as well as floods and it has a direct impact on the amount of water resources”. Regarding the prioritisation of community needs, he concluded:

“Please be sure, GRDM will put the residents of the Garden Route first and the municipality will always be there to support local municipalities in respect of the needs within communities”.

Sharing his remarks at the event, Adv. Dillo Sereo, Municipal Manager of Kannaland Municipality, expressed his deepest appreciation to the GRDM, stating that “this initiative is testimony of the joint district development model and sound intergovernmental relations between GRDM and Kannaland. He further noted that the initiative forms part of the broader support plan from the District Municipality for which Kannaland is sincerely grateful.

Fifteen water tanks handed over to Oudtshoorn Municipality.  In the picture (bottom right) are: Mayor Andrew Stroebel (GRDM), Cllr Ashwill October (GRDM & Oudtshoorn), Jacques Le Kay (Oudtshoorn), Chris Swart (Oudtshoorn), Gerhard Otto (GRDM) and Cllr Jobieth Hoogbaard (GRDM).

Sereo emphasized that this support demonstrates that Kannaland Municipality is not standing alone but is backed by the GRDM.

Speaker of Kannaland Municipality, Cllr Peter-George Rooi explained that Kannaland has severely been affected by drought over the past years and he noted that many of the challenges faced by the community will be addressed through this initiative.

On behalf of the Kannaland, Rooi expressed his gratitude towards the GRDM for their valuable contribution to the residents of Kannaland while restoring their dignity.

The tanks will be placed at following areas within Kannaland, including:

  • 4 x Van Wyksdorp
  • 4 x Calitsdorp (split between Bergsig and Royal Heights)
  • 4 x Zoar (Split between Amalienstein and Zoar)
  • 4 x Hoeko (Split between the school and collective points)
  • 4 x Ladismith (Split between Sakkies Bay, Le Grange Dam and Varkieskloof)

During the next visit to Oudtshoorn Waterworks in Dysselsdorp, Gerhard Otto, also shared a word of thanks to the WC DLG for the funding of the 15 water tanks and to Oudtshoorn Municipality that will place the tanks at all the identified areas.

Chris Swart, Senior Manager for Water and Sanitation at Oudtshoorn expressed his gratitude to the WC DLG and GRDM for the provision of these thanks to address the water needs of the people of Oudtshoorn, especially in times when there are pipe bursts and power outages.

The tanks will be placed at the following areas within Oudtshoorn, including:

  • 10 x Split between Dysselsdorp and De Rust
  • 2 x Stolsvlakte
  • 3 x Klipdrift School

As part of this initiative, Otto further explained that Environmental Health Practitioners from GRDM will additionally provide water monitoring services whereby they will regularly draw samples for testing to ensure that it remains adequate for human consumption.

The events were also attended by councillors and officials from GRDM, including councillors Werner Meshoa and Koos Malooi (Kannaland), as well as Cllr Ashwill October (Oudtshoorn).

Feature Image: Mayor Andrew Stroebel (right) handing over 20 water tanks to Speaker of Kannaland, Cllr Peter-George Rooi for distribution in the Kannaland municipal area.

ENDS

13 March 2025 Media Release: Western Cape MEC for Mobility visit the Garden Route as part of Ministerial Road Safety Roundtable

Western Cape Minister of Mobility and delegation visit the Garden Route to improve Road Safety in the district

For immediate release
13 March 2025

The Western Cape Provincial Government (WCG) MEC of Mobility, Minister Isaac Sileku, and his delegation, on 11 March 2025, met with the Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) and local municipal representatives including Executive Mayors, MMCs responsible for Traffic and Law Enforcement, Municipal Managers and Senior Management, as part of the Ministerial Road Safety Roundtable.

Opening the discussions of the session, Executive Mayor of GRDM, Andrew Stroebel, highlighted the significance of the Mobility Department in our everyday daily lives mentioning a few of the many services rendered by the Department, including:

  • the processing of driving and learner licences,
  • processing of PDPs applications,
  • handling of number plate registrations,
  • vehicle registrations,
  • processing of parking road access for sport and filming applications,
  • processing of disabled parking discs,
  • processing of driver instructor certificates, to name a few.

The purpose of the roundtable discussions was to provide feedback to the district regarding the road safety programme over the recent festive season.  The discussions also aimed to explore ways for stakeholders to collaborate towards a shared vision and enhance overall road safety initiatives, share localised perspectives and concerns.

The roundtable therefore forms part of the WCG Department’s ongoing efforts to reduce road fatalities and injuries by ensuring safer roads through a coordinated and targeted approach by all traffic and law enforcement agencies.

Minister Sileku stated: “Our work reconfirms that we need to work together” and noted that measures be put in place to restore peace, order and discipline on the roads. Driving under the influence of alcohol, speeding, spatial planning etc. were also among the key concerns mentioned by Minister Sileku.

“It is no longer a time for people to disagree and not bring solutions to the table – if you disagree, bring solutions. We want to save lives and for that we need to intensify our initiatives to improve, because as much as accidents happens, it has a social and economic impact”. In addition, Minister Sileku added that “as much as we see a decline which is a step in the right direction, what we ultimately would want to see in the near future is that when we stop 1000 cars, that all 1000 cars comply with the rules of the road”.

Acting Chief Director for Traffic Management, Willie van der Merwe, presented the 2024/2025 festive season statistics and provided a breakdown of provincial and municipal roads, the Garden Route as a district as well as statistics per local municipality in the district, including challenges, concerns and recommendations. Elaborating on the challenges, Van der Merwe emphasised the importance of reporting to ensure better planning; the sharing of resources and collaboration between stakeholders; municipalities not in operation 24/7 during peak periods; poor visibility of traffic officers in certain areas; limited to no integration with provincial traffic centres resulting in a lack of an integrated plan, etc. These were a few of the challenges mentioned by Van der Merwe. He further recommended that Road Safety be incorporated into the Integrated Development Plans of the Municipalities as a priority.

Minister Sikelu stressed the importance of Communication and Awareness as key factors to educate communities in terms of road safety behaviour. He also highlighted cooperation between stakeholders, and said: “Instead of competing with one another, Traffic and Law Enforcement agencies need to focus on the work at hand – to work together for a common purpose and a goal, because if we are not working together, we will continue having these challenges every day,” he emphasised.

Soon after the engagement the delegation conducted a tour to the Municipal Emergency Centre to view the facilities in place for the services rendered by the GRDM Disaster Management Centre.

The event concluded with Executive Mayor of George, Cllr Jackie Von Brandis, sharing words of appreciation to Minister Sileku and his delegation for creating a platform and allowing sound and firm discussions regarding improved service delivery in terms of Road Safety, to the District Municipality for hosting the event and all municipal representatives who attended the engagement on behalf of their respective municipalities.

Feature Image: FLTR: Executive Mayor of GRDM, Andrew Stroebel, MEC of Mobility in the Western Cape, Isaac Sikelu and Acting Head of the Mobility Department, Darryl Jacobs

ENDS

6 February 2025 Media Release: Emergency Personnel in the Garden Route Attend RIMS Training

Media Release: Emergency Personnel in the Garden Route Attend RIMS Training

6 March 2025

Earlier this week, the Garden Route District Municipality’s (GRDM) Fire and Rescue Services attended the Road Incident Management Systems (RIMS) Training Workshop. This was hosted in George by the National Department of Transport and the South African National Roads Agency Limited (SANRAL).

“The safety of road users and emergency responders remains a priority for us at the GRDM. This training is important becausee it strengthens our region’s ability to respond swiftly and decisively to incidents. I commend all participants for their dedication and commitment to keeping our roads safe,” said GRDM Executive Mayor Andrew Stroebel.

The workshop was attended by emergency responders, including GRDM Disaster Management and Fire Services, Oudtshoorn Municipal Traffic and Law Enforcement, George Municipal Fire Department and Traffic Management, METRO Emergency Medical Services (EMS). Attendees from George, Mossel Bay, and Ladismith rescue technicians, as well as other private role players, including a breakdown service, also attended.

The objective of the workshop was to equip participants with the necessary skills to coordinate and implement standardised procedures for incident response. This can help to ensure a more efficient and safer roadway environment.

Some of the key elements covered in the training included:

  • Understanding RIMS protocols.
  • Identifying major and minor incidents using the METHANE method for reporting to the Control Centre.
  • Defining roles and responsibilities of services and agencies within RIMS.
  • Strengthening collaboration between emergency services, law enforcement, and road maintenance teams.
  • Improving safety and risk management protocols for first responders at road incidents.
  • Addressing hybrid energy vehicles as an innovative approach, especially given the increasing number of hybrid electric cars in our region.

The one-day workshop was well received by attendees who also were also exposed to numerous real-life incident examples and ways to mitigate them.

According to GRDM Fire Station Commander Heirich Leslie, the training provided the necessary knowledge to equip attendees with the appropriate steps toward building a more efficient and coordinated road incident management framework. To this end, it ensures that South Africa’s roads remain safe and accessible in the face of unforeseen incidents.

Feature image and images above showcasing emergency personnel from the district who attended the RIMS Workshop.

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05 February 2025 Media Release: GRDM’s Bitou EHPs and Kurland Clinic Staff Host Norovirus and Health & Hygiene Awareness Session

Media Release: GRDM’s Bitou EHPs and Kurland Clinic Staff Host Norovirus and Health & Hygiene Awareness Session

For immediate release
05 February 2025

The Garden Route District Municipality’s (GRDM) Bitou Environmental Health Practitioners (EHP), in collaboration with the Western Cape Provincial Department of Health’s nursing staff at Kurland Clinic, recently conducted an informative awareness session on the Norovirus.

Stakeholders also focused on informing community members about the critical importance of health and hygiene practices.

The GRDM and Kurland Clinic team are (FLTR):  Sophia Marthinus and Zoleka Goniwe (GRDM EHPs),  Lee Ann Joubert (GRDM Disaster Management), Sr. Zainab Hendricks (Kurland Clinic), Nokuphiwa Mbali (GRDM EHP) and Sr. Ronelle Sampson (Kurland Clinic).

The team provided comprehensive insights into the symptoms and effects of the virus, preventive measures to curb its spread, proper health and hygiene practices, symptom management, and recognizing signs of dehydration with appropriate responses. The heightened need for vigilance during peak seasons when Norovirus cases typically surge, was also raised.

In the second part of the program, the GRDM team conducted a step-by-step demonstration of proper handwashing techniques, highlighting that handwashing remains the most effective method to prevent the spread of Norovirus. They also demonstrated how to prepare a Sugar-Salt Solution (SSS), explaining its crucial role in preventing dehydration. The importance of staying hydrated was repeatedly stressed, with the team noting that “early hydration is critical to managing symptoms and preventing severe dehydration.” Participants were advised to seek immediate medical assistance if symptoms persisted.

Throughout the session, it became clear to attendees that hand hygiene plays a vital role in breaking the transmission chain of Norovirus.

Participants expressed a heightened understanding of Norovirus, the significance of proper handwashing, and the preparation and use of the SSS. They also gained valuable knowledge on managing hydration effectively. The session was interactive, with many questions from the attendees, and was well-received by all.

What is Norovirus?

Norovirus is a type of viral gastroenteritis causing inflammation of the stomach and intestines.

Symptoms

  • Nausea; vomiting, and
  • diarrhoea and abdominal pain.

How Norovirus spread

  • Contaminated food,
  • water,
  • surfaces, and
  • person-to-person contact.

Sugar-Salt Solution (SSS):

  • Mix 1 liter of clean water with 6 teaspoons of sugar and 1/2 teaspoon of salt.
  • Sip slowly throughout the day.

Should anyone develop symptoms, they are reminded to stay well hydrated

  • Signs of dehydration include extreme thirst, dry mouth, reduced urination, and dizziness.
  • In cases of severe dehydration, seek immediate medical attention.
  • Encouraged caregivers to watch for symptoms in vulnerable individuals, such as children and the elderly.

ENDS

29 January 2025 Media Release: National Deputy Minister of Electricity & Energy, open and ready to support municipalities in the Garden Route in terms of Energy

Media Release: National Deputy Minister of Electricity & Energy, open and ready to support municipalities in the Garden Route in terms of Energy

For immediate release
29 January 2025

During an engagement on the 20 January 2025 between the National Department of Electricity & Energy, Executive Mayors and officials of the Garden Route district, Ms Samantha Graham-Maré, the Deputy Minister, shared her department’s willingness to support the municipalities in terms of energy and electricity.

The meeting was hosted by the GRDM Executive Mayor, Andrew Stroebel, which created a platform for officials from the National Department to share valuable information on the initiatives of the Department and various types of assistance that the Department is able to provide to municipalities.

Information presented by the Deputy Minister and officials included: issues experienced by Eskom, the financial sustainability of municipalities regarding energy, IPP procurement, wheeling and small-scale embedded generation frameworks, waste-to-energy projects, and the clean and safe cooking programme. They also shared information about the ongoing program of Energy Efficiency which enables municipalities to replace air conditioning systems and lights for more energy efficient ones.

Municipal representatives also presented their projects, programmes and challenges, in terms of energy and electricity within their respective municipal areas. The biggest concern raised by municipalities, is the need to accommodate informal settlements to ensure their needs are met in terms of the provision of energy. The issue of unaffordable electricity rates was also noted. Municipal representatives, as part of their challenges, also mentioned the need for increased capacity, financial resources and funding for the pursuance of studies and projects.

Sharing her strong passion for Local Government, Graham-Maré recognised the immense pressure on municipalities to provide services whilst acknowledging infrastructure and maintenance backlogs and simultaneously having to navigate policies and overarching concepts on a national level and how easily people on the ground may be forgotten.

She praised the Western Cape Province by describing them as being “on the pulse of energy” with numerous energy-related projects in place. Graham-Maré shared her plans on various types of support that the Department envisages for the district.

In terms of informal settlements, Graham-Marè said: “We have to find ways to look at addressing the needs of the informal settlements differently – how to get at least some level of access to electricity on the normal grid or alternative energy sources, for e.g. microgrids for larger informal settlements, villages and areas where it is difficult to get normal grid access and electrification”.

Another significant aspect she pointed out, was that “we need to simplify our initiatives, particularly as we look into new methods of doing things, especially with the new technology continuously being developed,” she added.

Graham-Maré expressed her gratitude to all municipalities present for the honest engagement when they shared their respective challenges with the Department. This engagement with the District Municipality will be followed by consultations with the local municipalities in the area.

In his closing remarks Monde Stratu, Municipal Manager of GRDM extended his support to local municipalities and said: “As the Garden Route District Municipality we stand ready with colleagues in respect of capacity and look forward to working together with all stakeholders in terms of this initiative”.

ENDS

12 December 2024 Media Release: GRDM and stakeholders host Garden Route District Coastal Access Task Team Awareness & Training Workshop in George

GRDM and stakeholders host Garden Route District Coastal Access Task Team Awareness & Training Workshop in George

For immediate release
12 December 2024

The Garden Route District’s coastline is seen as one of its greatest natural and economic assets. “To date, however, development along the coastline have in some instances affected the free and equitable coastal access for all,” says Dr Nina Viljoen,  Garden Route District Municipality’s (GRDM) Head of Environmental Management.

Facilitators, speakers and representatives at the Garden Route District Coastal Access Task Team Awareness & Training Workshop in George.

Although the National Environmental Management: Integrated Coastal Management Act 24 of 2008 stipulates that South Africa’s citizens are the rightful owners of coastal public property, with the state serving as its public trustee, Dr Viljoen said that the region is experiencing significant challenges relating to the equitable access to the coast, alongside wide-scale access restrictions.

To discuss and address these challenges, the GRDM in collaboration with government and municipal stakeholders hosted a Garden Route District Coastal Access Task Team Awareness & Training Workshop that was held at the Conference Hall of the George Local Municipality on 10 December 2024. In attendance were also activists, community representatives and fishers who participated in the discussions.

The purpose of the workshop was to engage stakeholders regarding conflict between various groups in respect of equal access to the coast. For that reason, the platform allowed stakeholders and all present to discuss these pressing issues and advocate for Government and relevant municipalities to intervene in the entire process. This interactive workshop furthermore enabled Government departments to share valuable legislative information to representatives pertaining to the understanding of the rights in terms of access for all to coastal spaces.

In his welcoming address to the delegates who attended the event, Portfolio Chairperson for Community Services at GRDM, Cllr Jobieth Hoogbaard, expressed his gratitude to all present saying that the Garden Route District’s coastline has great value and importance as a natural resource for all coastal users.

Hoogbaard highlighted that the beauty of the coastline is driving local livelihoods, the tourism economy, and it provides for diverse social recreational activities. In addition, Hoogbaard stressed that although much of the wealth is locked up in the Garden Route coast, it is however wasted due to environmentally insensitive development and poor decision making. It is for this reason that the economic and social opportunities are being missed, coastal ecosystems are being degraded and people’s property and lives are being put at risk”.

In conclusion, Hoogbaard mentioned that the GRDM therefore recognises that “we need to ensure that the sharing of benefits derived from our resource rich coastal area is managed and protected to serve the best interest of all coastal users, without compromising the ability of future generations to access these benefits”.

Coastal resources include livelihood and food resources, as well as recreational and tourism resources, and the lack of access to these resources can disrupt local coastal communities who rely on the ocean and coasts for their livelihoods, cultural practices, and well-being. These cultural practices and not having access to spiritual spaces were vastly raised by activists at the event.  At the same time, it must be recognised that coastal ecosystems are sensitive and dynamic spaces, and that its on-going functionality is central to livelihoods and prosperity. Access to the coast and its resources must therefore be optimised without negatively impacting on the natural coastal environment.

Participants of the Garden Route District Coastal Access Task Team Awareness & Training Workshop at the event held on 10 December 2024 in George.

Dr Vijoen said that the coastal access legislation and provisions are to be implemented in very complicated and challenging situations, but she admits that to address this, communication and agreements between the involved parties are essential. In many cases, the problem of a lack of knowledge of the applicable Legislation seems to be the cause of some challenges.  After raising these concerns, GRDM’s Siphelele Sithole presented the GRDM’s campaign model to educate estate agents and property developers about the relevant legislation in terms of the equal access for all citizens to the coastline. Dr Viljoen in addition provided feedback regarding the public participation process and explained that all comments and submissions received during the 2nd public participation period of the draft reviewed Garden Route District Coastal Management Programme. These comments will have to be considered for inclusion in the final version of the document. Viljoen ensured representatives that it might take a lengthy period to process, but the correct processes need to be followed to ensure the desired results.

Ryan Apolles, Specialised Environmental Officer at the Department of Environmental Affairs and Development Planning, shared information regarding how coastal access processes are facilitated and supported by the Western Cape Government, as DEA&DP is the lead provincial agency for coastal management in the Western Cape. Apolles stated that while coastal access provision is a municipal decision, the Department is a key role-player in building commitment and providing guidance and support to municipalities to allow them to effectively facilitate, implement, maintain and monitor coastal access. He ensured DEA&DP’s support in respect of the entire process.

Corporal Johannes Matabata, from the South African National Parks (SANParks), shared insightful information with fishermen, more specifically regarding fishing activities, permits and where to apply for permits to name a few.

During his presentation, Richard Botha, former Rescue Manager of the Emergency Medical Rescue Service (EMS) and newly appointed as Provincial EMS Coordinator, shared insightful Coastal Access Safety and Awareness information to fishers present, and which are also relevant to the public. He advised fishers that identification is key to their safety while fishing, stating that hazards must be identified when a site is occupied for fishing purposes. He further presented a map indicating various danger spots of fisher-related incidents that the EMS continuously are called out to and advised that various safety aspects must be taken into consideration when planning to go fishing.

Botha also raised the aspect of the importance of self-rescue and shared practical examples to prevent drownings while fishing and he, on behalf of EMS, offered to continue conducting Awareness sessions on Coastal Safety specifically aimed at the safety of fishers. In conclusion he said: “We want to come out and rescue a person and not to conduct a search operation”. In terms of coastal access, he said: “As EMS, we do not experience problems entering the coast, however when it becomes a problem, we consult coastal property owners for easy access to particularly safe lives”.

Although activists question the credibility of processes conducted by Government in terms of equal coastal access for all, the fishing community expect government to provide feedback on the progress of the Garden Route District Coastal Access Task Team, the Garden Route District Coastal Management Programme, as well as feedback based on their concerns.

This workshop was hosted by the GRDM in collaboration with the Department Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, the Western Cape DEA&DP, George Local Municipality; Metro EMS and the South African National Parks and was highly welcomed by the fisher representatives, activists and members of the public.

Did you know?

As fishers and the public, the following tips can save you from severe incidents while fishing on the coast:

  • Checking the weather
  • Wearing of proper gear, e.g. non-slip footwear
  • Fishing with a buddy
  • Have a first aid kit at hand
  • Check the area for the stability of rocks
  • Be aware of tides and swell
  • Avoid standing on the edge of rocks
  • Secure your gear
  • Watch for marine hazards, e.g. moss can make rocks extremely slippery
  • Avoid risky spots
  • And always carry a whistle

ENDS

27 August 2024 Media Release: Another Successful First Aid Training Held at Garden Route District Municipality’s Joint Operation Centre

This First Aid Level 3 course certification, which remains valid for three years, plays a vital role in equipping participants with the skills necessary to respond to emergencies in the workplace. The course consisted of three days of theoretical instruction and a practical exercise on Thursday where students had the opportunity to practice Cardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR), wound dressings, and other critical first aid skills. On Friday, the program concluded with a test.

The course is open to all, offering a week-long opportunity to gain essential life-saving skills.

For more information on upcoming training sessions, please contact the Garden Route District Municipality’s Disaster Management officers: Gail Bekeer – 044 803 1347 or gail.bekeer@gardenroute.gov.za  and Wouter Jacobs – 044 803 1316 wouter@gardenroute.gov.za

Featured Image Caption: Attendees from various offices of the WC Department of Justice and Knysna Municipality who participated in the 5-day training course.

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21 May 2024 Media Release: Garden Route District MM shares words of appreciation to role-players of Building collapse Rescue and Recovery operations

Garden Route District MM shares words of appreciation to Role-players of partially-built Building Collapse Rescue and Recovery operations

For immediate release
21 May 2024

For nearly two weeks since 6 May 2024, the town of George in the Western Cape, South Africa experienced a disaster unimaginable when a partially-built building collapsed with workers from South Africa, Zimbabwe, Malawi, Mozambique and Lesotho trapped inside.

The collapse prompted a unified response of experts from Local, Provincial and National Government. Individuals from a diverse background joined together to support the families affected by the tragedy and to keep everyone informed as each minute of the rescue and recovery efforts unfolded. Local rescuers and teams from across the country, including urban search and rescue experts, rescue technicians, doctors, paramedics, firefighters, K-9 Police dogs with their dog-handlers, machinery operators, law enforcement, forensic experts, and support personnel worked tirelessly at the site, extracting workers from the rubble. Hospitals were inundated with patients, and volunteers, as well as Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) and Faith Based Organisations rallied to provide assistance to the rescue teams. A church choir and spiritual leaders were also at the site to provide comfort.

As the days went by, the Multi-Agency Command Centre (MACC) coordinated by Gerhard Otto, Garden Route District Municipality’s (GRDM) Manager for Disaster Management, released updates with the assistance of Communicators from GRDM, George, Western Cape Government Department of Local Government, SAPS, as well as WCG Health and Wellness, to members of the public and media regarding the latest status of the rescue and recovery efforts.

At the MACC were representatives present from WCG, GRDM, George Municipality, Emergency Medical Services, the South African Police Service, The Forensic Pathology Service, National Department of Employment and Labour and the WCG Department of Social Development to name a few. The MACC was operational 24/7 with morning and afternoon briefing sessions taking place for all role-players to discuss their plans of action.

The last successful rescue was that of 32-year-old living miracle, Gabriel Guambe who was retrieved on 11 May 2024. Gumba was trapped under the rubble for 118 hours. His miracle rescue created tears in the eyes as soon as it became public knowledge. This successful rescue created new hope for all families and residents who waited anxiously for more rescues to occur. While not all stories ended in success, the collective resilience and solidarity of the community was evident throughout the ordeal.

In total, and as per the last media statement issued by the MACC on Friday, 17 May 2024, of the sixty-two workers (62) who were affected by the collapse, twenty-nine (34) were rescued, however to date six patients afterwards unfortunately passed away in hospital.

No one could have known that the Garden Route would be faced with such a tremendous nightmare, but to witness the people of George and Garden Route coming together to pray and provide support in this incident that created a tremendous cloud of adversity over the town, one can only take from it a lifetime of memories created by the incident. The dedicated rescue services and support provided by the golden hearts through their good deeds to those involved in the rescue mission, are just a few to be mentioned.

Monde Stratu, Municipal Manager of GRDM, visited the site on a daily basis to get to terms and understand the intensity of the incident and rescue mission. Stratu expressed his gratitude to every single official, person, and organisation, the whole of South Africa, who worked non-stop, on and off the site and to every single media representative, photographer and communicator who kept the whole of South Africa informed regarding the progress of the rescue operations. Stratu furthermore thanked all government organisations, municipalities and the private sector who prioritised their past two weeks in the best interest of the workers and their families affected by the incident.

In offering condolences to those who lost loved ones, Stratu emphasised that the whole Garden Route grieves alongside them. “He said: “As you mourn the loss of your mother, father, son, daughter or sibling, remember the entire Garden Route mourns with you.  May their departed souls rest in peace.”

ENDS

11 January 2024 Media Release: By Minister Anroux Marais: Work experience opportunities for Youth

Media Release: By Minister Anroux Marais: Work experience opportunities for Youth

For immediate release
 11 January 2024

The Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport, through its Youth and After School Programme Office, is calling for unemployed youth, aged 18-25, to apply to be part of the YearBeyond youth service programme for 2024.

Applications for the education programmes are now open for youth living in the Western and Eastern Cape who meet the criteria. All the education programmes require a matric certificate, and some require minimum marks for Language or Maths.

The YearBeyond programme offers young people the opportunity to get a year of hands-on working experience and build their work readiness competencies, while also giving back to their communities. Commonly known as YeBoneers, successful applicates will be placed either at a school or community hub where they will assist learners and parents.

The Eastern Cape programme is run with funding from the National Government and facilitated by the Western Cape YearBeyond team. The opportunity to provide youth in the Eastern Cape with this experience is an important part of skills development beyond the Western Cape.

The success of the programme is evident as seen from the feedback received from previous years. A total of 96% of participants believe the experience helped them to get to know themselves better and 95% feel the programmed prepared them better for the world of work and study. Encouragingly, between 75% and 78% of Yeboneers have progressed to becoming economically active in the world of employment or study, or a combination of the two, upon finishing the programme.

Western Cape Minister of Cultural Affairs and Sport, Anroux Marais, said: “I encourage our young people to apply for this opportunity. It is a great programme for our youth which equips them with skills for entering the world of work or study. We want to give our youth a hand up to become successful and active members of society who contribute not only to the economy, but also serve their communities.”

Applications and further information on the education streams are now open via the website: https://www.yearbeyond.org/apply. Applications close on 18 February 2024.

Media enquiries:

Jan-Jan Joubert
MLO to Minister Anroux Marais
Mobile: 083 303 9238
Email: Jan.Joubert@westerncape.gov.za

Issued by Corporate Communication, Department of the Premier

ENDS

20 December 2023 Media Release: Garden Route District Municipality comes to the rescue of Kannaland communities

Media Release: Garden Route District Municipality comes to the rescue of Kannaland communities

For immediate release
20 December 2023

Earlier this month, the Garden Route Disaster Centre was informed that some of the people supplied with water from the Klein Karoo Rural Water Scheme (KKRWSS) have been without domestic water supply for more than a week. In addition, complaints of bad water quality provided by the Water Services Authority in Calitzdorp, were also received.

The first delivery of 17 water tanks to Calitzdorp, the remaining 11 tanks should be delivered before Xmas.

In order to assess the situation, as well as to identify the root cause of these complaints, an emergency meeting with officials of the Kannaland Municipality and some of the water users were convened.  The meeting took place at the Calitzdorp Library Hall on Wednesday the 6th of December 2023.

At this meeting, challenges in terms of the main water supply from the Nels Dam to the Calitzdorp Water Purification Works, the variable water quality received at the Water Purification Works, as well as the quantity of water available for supply to the KKRWSS, were discussed.

A few short and medium term solutions were discussed for consideration by the Kannaland Municipality as the responsible authority, to ensure the provision of water to both Calitzdorp, as well as the rural Kannaland communities that receive water from the KKRWSS.

Gerhard Otto, Manager for Disaster Management at GRDM said: “As an interim stopgap measure, the Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) donated 28 x 5500 liter water tanks to the Kannaland Municipality to be erected in the areas mostly affected by interruptions in water supply, to ensure a sustainable source of good quality water supply for domestic use in the affected areas”.

ENDS