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Intergovernmental Relations

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

20 November 2023 Public Notice: (IDP)/Budget and PMS Representative Forum meeting

NOTICE NO 150/2023

INTEGRATED DEVELOPMENT PLANNING (IDP)/BUDGET AND PERFORMANCE MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS (PMS) REPRESENTATIVE FORUM MEETING

In terms of section 16 (1) (a) (i) and 17 (1) (a) – (e) of the Local Government: Municipal Systems Act No 32 of 2000, a notice is hereby given that Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) will hold its IDP/Budget and PMS Representative Forum meeting in order to encourage and create conditions for the local community to participate in the affairs of the municipality.

The meeting is scheduled as follows:
Date:  23 November 2023
Time:  9:30

The session will be broadcast live on Eden FM and the Garden Route District Municipality’s Facebook page.

The Garden Route Communities, Councillors, Ward Committees, Community Development Workers, Faith Based Organisations, Community Based Organisations, Intergovernmental Forums, Farmers associations, Business Communities and Rate Payers Associations who wish to take part in the IDP/Budget and PMS Representative Forum meeting, are welcome to attend.

RSVP: nontokozo@gardenroute.gov.za.

For further enquiries, please contact Ms Mercy James (IDP Unit) at tel no: 044 803 1431.

MG STRATU
MUNICIPAL MANAGER

Click here to download the Official Notice here.

10 November 2023 Media Release: Hundreds of Garden Routers welcome 2023 Rugby World Champion Manie Libbok in George

Media Release: Hundreds of Garden Routers welcome 2023 Rugby World Champion Manie Libbok in George

For immediate release
10 November 2023

Manie Libbok, 2023 Rugby World Cup winner, received a hero’s welcome by Garden Routers when he arrived at the Garden Route District Municipality’s (GRDM) Head-Office in George on Wednesday, 8 November 2023.

Manie Libbok, 2023 World Cup Champion (right), handed over a signed special Bok jersey to Executive Mayor, Ald. Memory Booysen (left). Mayor Booysen in return handed a Certificate of Honour to the rugby legend during the welcoming event held in George.

The first citizen of the Garden Route, Ald. Memory Booysen, could not wait to welcome Libbok to the district. Libbok is also a former Kwagga – a learner from Outeniqua High School in George. He was also a member of South Western District (SWD) Eagles Rugby Team before he was selected as a member of the Stormers. Subsequently, the Bok-squad became the next journey of his professional career.

Young and old long awaited to meet the star who is a role-model to especially children, who love rugby. Before Mayor Booysen handed over a Certificate of Honour to the rugby legend, he unexpectedly received a signed jersey from the man of the moment himself. Mayor Booysen also, originally from the Eastern Cape like Libbok, cheered the hero more than he could deliver a normal speech. Libbok was born in Humansdorp and Mayor Booysen in Hankey.

GRDM Senior Firefighter, Emile Conrad, performed an instrumental of the song “Change the World” by Eric Clapton.

It was an ecstatic moment when Mayor Booysen called his biggest fans to the front; a relative of Libbok, Anita Jansen, and Springbok supporter Lee-Ann Eksteen, who wore a shirt with Libbok’s name on the back. Both are employees of GRDM. Tait said: “It is an honour for me to meet Manie and it is also the first time to see a Springbok in person”. Before both rejoined the crowd, Libbok embraced his Aunt Nita and Eksteen and started to brace himself for the huge task ahead – hundreds of shirts waited to be signed. Kids also brought their rugby balls to be signed and now hundreds of Springbok shirts of residents of the Garden Route reflect the signature of Libbok!

Mayor Booysen further said: “We are not just proudly Garden Routers, but we are proudly South Africans, we are not just proudly South Africans, we are proud Springbok supporters”. To Manie Mayor Booysen said: “Manie you are a hero. Not just for one reason, but for two reasons, three reasons; we are the fourth time World Champions!” Mayor Booysen further stated: “On behalf of the Garden Route, the Mayors in the district and more than 700 000 people, you have put us on the map – you have put us on top of the world! Because of Manie, the Springboks and their technical team, we are one of the best-known countries in the world…”.

When taking the crowd through memory lane of highlights regarding Libbok’s performance during the World Cup, especially the test match against Scotland, GRDM Deputy Executive Mayor, Ald. Gert van Niekerk reiterated what his drop-kick to Kurt-Lee Arendse meant for the team and the country. He said: “Manie, you almost gave me a heart-attack.  Out of nowhere, this kick-pass came to a flying Kurtley Arendse….Manie you made my day that day – it still gives me goosebumps every time I think about that moment”, Ald. Van Niekerk said. The “no-look” drop-kick resulted in a try for the Boks.

The GRDM hereby would like to extend words of sincere appreciation to all who attended this short-notice memorable welcome of Libbok to the district, the South African Police Service, Provincial Traffic Services, George Municipality’s Traffic Services, Mike Roczynski for  transporting Libbok, as well as Eden FM Radio station and various media outlets who distributed supportive messages to members of the public.

While Libbok met his fans and signed t-shirts, Mayor Booysen in his media interview said: “It is indeed a pleasure for us and for me as District Mayor to host Manie Libbok as a son of the soil. This is an opportunity for the youngsters to look up to and meet the heroic person”.

In closing Mayor Booysen said: “Libbok is not just a hero, but a World Champion – today is an an indication that these kids will follow suit!”

ENDS

07 November 2023 Media Release: GRDM Roads team praised for excellent work on major projects

Media Release: GRDM Roads team praised for excellent work on major projects

For immediate release
07 November 2023

Over the last few months, the Garden Route district experienced severe weather conditions which left a few roads in a poor state for use by road users.  Some roads were closed due to the severity of the damage and other roads were repaired and are in use again. These roads are managed and maintained by the Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) Roads Services Department, as agent of the Western Cape Department of Infrastructure.

In support of Transport Month that was celebrated across the country in October last month and due to the progress of the repair work by GRDM Roads Services, councillors, management and staff, last week, 30 October 2023, visited two sites to view the progress made. One of the roads is the Saasveld road, where an armco failure on the Madiba Road occurred that collapsed the road to 8 metres deep. The road is now completed and fully repaired. The team further visited the Gwaiing road (DR1618), situated near the George airport to witness the road works of the upgrade project.

Visit to Saasveld Road

During the visit to the Saasveld Road, GRDM Manager for Maintenance, Construction and Mechanical Services, Japie Strydom, explained that the steel pipe that was constructed during the 1950s failed because steel on its own was not successful. GRDM in 2021 then constructed a new pipe with a combination of concrete and steel.  Strydom further explained that the road serves as detour for the national road and is frequently used by students, tourists and cyclists. During construction, the detour was via the N2 and Wilderness to Saasveld, leading to NMU. This is a 20km longer road to travel compared to the Madiba Drive route. The GRDM is now keeping the road safe for the students at Nelson Mandela University. For this reason, “students would not need to use the Wilderness Road anymore, when they need to get into town,” Strydom said. Brand new guardrails were also installed. This project cost was R5.6 million.

Strydom further explained that future projects similar to this project, which is 0.6, 1.2, 2.9 and 3 km in distance from this project, as well as a site in Wilderness, are still in design phase and said: “It is envisaged that those projects will commence in August/September next year”. He concluded by echoing the words of the Municipal Manager, Monde Stratu who said: “As a collective, we are stronger”.  In addition he said: “We don’t do this just for us and to make it safer, but we are doing this for the future”.

GRDM Portfolio Chairperson for Roads, Ald. Petru Terblanche, praised the Roads team and said: “Every one of you are winners, leaders, the first on the road as well as the last one on the road”. With these words he commended the team for their dedication in realising the objectives of their road construction projects. Terblanche furthermore summed up a few challenges experienced by GRDM, such as a lack of gravel. Consequently, after discussions with the MEC of Infrastructure in the Western Cape, he said that the total of borrow pits increased from three to 13 borrow pits. Terblanche also complimented the team for managing and handling the yellow fleet well. When he referred to the neatness and the overall condition of the vehicles, he highlighted: “I feel proud of the team when I see our machines and vehicles on the road and because of your excellence I’m am very proud to be part of GRDM’s Roads Services Department”.

Visit to Gwaiing Road Project

On arrival at the Gwaiing Road, Strydom and the GRDM Senior Roads Engineering Technician, Chesney Roelf, explained the type of upgrade work that has been done so far.  Strydom said: “Proper drainage has been put in, as well as proper layer works and a permanent bitumen road surface. These will change the traffic flow on the road”, he explained. In total 4km of the road will be upgraded with the cost of R16.5 million per kilometer.

The project also created learning and skills development opportunities for final cutters. In explaining his statement, he said: “Across the world there are only a few final cutters that can work with a grader that is capable of cutting a road surface to a final level, to proceed with construction”. Additionally, Strydom also mentioned that 44 Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) workers were appointed to assist on the project of which 24 already underwent accredited NQF training funded by the Trisano program. One (1) EPWP has now been permanently appointed by the GRDM Roads Department. This is evident that apart from creating a new road, Strydom said “we are also creating opportunities for people to develop themselves”.

Monde Stratu, during the visit, praised the team for their excellent work ethic and dedication. Stratu used the South African rugby team who was crowned at the 2023 World Cup champions as an example when he said that results can only be achieved by team members that work together as one.

In closing, Cllr Jobieth Hoogbaard, GRDM’s Portfolio Chairperson for Property Management and Development, shared his words of appreciation to the Roads Department and their Executive Manager John Daniels, Ald. Terblanche and the Municipal Manager for continuously delivering outstanding work and for allowing them as councillors to witness roads projects that bring significant improvement to the lives of those affected by the road damages.

The project with an overall project cost of R69 million has a duration of 18 months and the road is envisaged to be opened by mid-year to the end of next year.

Feature Photo: GRDM Councillors, Management and staff during the site visits to Saaveld and Gwaiing roads.

ENDS

1 November 2023 Public Notice: Stop-Go Controls – Brenton-on-Sea and Barrington Roads

Public Notice: Stop-Go Controls: On Brenton-on-Sea and Barrington Roads

1 November 2023

Stop-go controls will be implemented along sections of the Brenton-on-sea Road and Barrington Road between:
November 2023 and 14 December 2023

We urge the public to be patient during this time

Lane closures are required for the purposes of undertaking repair work to the roads. Two-way traffic will be maintained by means of a stop-go system which should cause a delay of between 10 minutes and 20 minutes per trip. The public will be kept informed timeously if there are any changes in the traffic accommodation such as temporary road closures.

The safety and convenience to the travelling public are of utmost importance and every effort will be made to ensure that all temporary road signs, cones, flag people and speed controls are maintained and are effective, and that courtesy is extended to the public at all times. The Contractor is required to make use of approved methods to control the movement of his equipment and vehicles so as not to constitute a hazard on public roads.

The Public, when using the affected roads, is requested to be patient, exercise caution, to travel at reduced speed, obey the permanent and the construction related temporary traffic signage and heed the guidance of the stop-go operators and flag people. This is for the safety of all.

The Western Cape Government is working hard to maintain our roads. Please drive carefully during this period of construction. Let us work together to ensure that our roads are safe. BETTER TOGETHER.

Traffic Safety: 071 852 1209

Issued: Western Cape Government

16 October 2023 Media Release: Discussions on creating hope with urgency

Media Release:  Discussions on creating hope with urgency

For Immediate Release
16 October 2023

The Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) Integrated Development Planning, Intergovernmental Relations and Public Participation Unit reactivated the Citizen Interface Programme on 11 October 2023 in partnership with the Department of Local Government.   This was a full-day interactive session at the GRDM offices in George.

The programme aims to give hope to neglected communities with urgency, through bridging the gap between government and citizens in deep rural areas where communities feel forgotten.  The Citizen Interface Programme will focus on the lack of opportunities in some of the former District Management Areas (DMAs), Old church settlements, and other spaces. This programme follows a whole of society approach which is also aligned with the Joint District and Metro Approach. 

During the engagement, the current Citizen Interface Programme was reviewed, and the different programmes and activities that could be used to restart and assist the Citizen Interface program was identified.

Among the stakeholders who attended the engagement were officials from the Western Cape Department of Health, Social Development, Government Communication and Information System, and local municipalities in the district.

Participants from different sectors engaged in interactive discussion to find ways to restart the Citizen Interface Programme.

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