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20 November 2025 Media Release: 2025 Western Cape Investment Summit Showcases Transformative Opportunities for the Garden Route

Media Release: 2025 Western Cape Investment Summit Showcases Transformative Opportunities for the Garden Route

20 November 2025

The 2025 Western Cape Investment Summit was hosted at the Cape Town International Convention Centre from 5 to 7 November 2025, bringing together local, national, and international investors with high-impact projects poised to accelerate economic growth in the province. Representing the Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM), Richard Dyantyi and Natalie Raubenheimer from the Integrated Planning and Development Section attended the three-day summit, engaging with investors and highlighting the region’s investment potential.

Anchored by the theme “Catalysing Growth, Connecting Opportunities,” the summit serves as a meticulously crafted deal-making platform designed to attract both foreign direct investment (FDI) and domestic direct investment (DDI).

In a pre-summit statement, Western Cape Premier Alan Winde emphasised the significance of the event: “The summit is vital to accelerating economic growth in our province and creating the jobs our communities need. It is an opportunity to showcase the Western Cape’s investment-ready projects and attract the capital that will drive transformation.”

Eight Transformative Sectors for Investment

The summit highlighted projects across eight key sectors:

  1. Green Economy & Sustainability: Renewable energy projects (solar, wind, hybrid) and innovations in water resilience.
  2. Technology & Digital Innovation: Opportunities in FinTech, digital infrastructure, and e-commerce, leveraging Africa’s thriving tech      ecosystem.
  3. Manufacturing & Industry: Advanced production, marine engineering (blue economy), and aerospace innovation.
  4. Agribusiness & Food Systems: Export-driven horticulture and agri-tech advancements.
  5. Logistics & Warehousing: Smart warehousing, multimodal transport, and cold chain logistics solutions.
  6. Tourism & Experiential Economy: Reinforcing the Western Cape as a premier global travel destination.
  7. Property & Retail: Nearly half of South Africa’s commercial property investment in retail has been directed to the Western Cape in        recent years.
  8. Creative Industries: Cape Town’s film and media sector contributes an estimated R5 billion annually to the local economy, creating over 35,000 jobs.

Streamlined Investment Processes

The summit provided mechanisms to simplify regulatory frameworks and fast-track approvals, with a dedicated regulatory forum allowing direct engagement between investors and government facilitators.

Representatives from the Garden Route District, including officials from GRDM and the municipalities of George, Hessequa, and Mossel Bay, actively engaged with investors to showcase the district’s growing potential. On the final day, the GRDM team attended presentations by the Department of Economic Development & Tourism, Department of Infrastructure and logistics by Transnet Ports and Freight Rail amongst other sessions. The Garden Route district stand drew investors already planning projects in water management and industrial park development. Premier Winde visited the GRDM team during the summit, praising the Garden Route for its strong representation and commitment to drawing investment to the region.

Garden Route Investment Highlights

A key feature with direct impact on the Garden Route was Investment Overview #3, focusing on Target Projects by RW Architects & Condorgreen Holdings. The investment pledge includes six estate developments covering 213 hectares across the Southern Cape, Garden Route, and Overberg regions, with an estimated CAPEX of R5.1 billion over the next six years.

The projects will result in the creation of 3,669 new residential units designed with a regenerative ethos through RootedEARTH, an innovative approach integrating digital technology, ethical AI, biophilic and regenerative design, and real estate economics into a cohesive development ecosystem.

According to Richard Dyantyi, the 2025 Western Cape Investment Summit highlighted the province’s readiness for investment while positioning the Garden Route as a strategic hub for sustainable, transformative economic growth.

Featured image, from left to right (FLTR): Natalie Raubenheimer – GRDM Senior District Economic Development Officer; Alan Winde – Western Cape Premier; Mahlatse Phosa – Director: Town and Spatial Planning, LED & Tourism, George Municipality; and Richard Dyantyi – Manager: Tourism, District Economic Development, Job Creation & EPWP.

GRDM official engaging with delegates during the 2025 Western Cape Investment Summit, hosted at the Cape Town International Convention Centre.

-END-

04 August 2025 Media Release: 13 MSMEs in the Garden Route Receive Boost from GRDM’s Micro Small and Medium Enterprise Support Programme

Media Release: 13 MSMEs in the Garden Route Receive Boost from GRDM’s Micro, Small and Medium Enterprise Support Programme

4 August 2025

Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) continues to help drive economic growth and job creation in the region through its Micro Small, and Medium Enterprise (MSME) support programme. To date, GRDM invested more than 3 Million Rand in 121 beneficiaries since the programme’s inception in 2019. This year alone, 13 small businesses from various towns across the district are benefiting from the programme, of which the handover to MSMEs took place on 1 August 2025 . The GRDM partnered with Cape Agency for Sustainable Integrated Development in Rural Areas (Casidra), Small Enterprise Development and Finance Agency (Sedfa) to procure the goods for the beneficiaries. These institutions, including Local Economic Development (LED) Managers from Local Municipalities, and the Western Cape Economic Development Partnership (WCEDP), formed part of the committee responsible for selecting the beneficiaries of the programme.

In his keynote address, Executive Mayor Andrew Stroebel said:

“This MSME Programme is one of the ways GRDM is turning its vision of inclusive growth into action. Through this programme, we are giving small businesses the push they need to go further, faster – because we know that real development happens when local businesses are empowered to lead change in their communities”.

“To our partners at Casidra and SEDFA – thank you for your technical expertise, mentorship, and unwavering belief in this initiative. Your collaboration is helping us bring practical, lasting change to our region.”

Mayor Stroebel also thanked the GRDM District Economic Development team and the MMC for District Economic Development and Tourism, Ald. Rosina Ruiters, for their commitment to the programme and ensuring its annual successful roll-out.

The objectives of this initiative remain the same as previous years – to strengthen, improve and expand small businesses by assisting them with equipment, stock, and other essentials. Through this support, the GRDM enables SMEs to grow and contribute meaningfully to job creation within the Garden Route.

This year’s 13 beneficiaries include SMEs from seven local municipal areas in the Garden Route. These include Kannaland, George, Hessequa, Knysna, Bitou, Mossel Bay, and Oudtshoorn. The businesses benefiting from the programme represent a diverse range of sectors, from health and beauty to construction and hospitality. According to Natalie Raubenheimer, Snr. District Economic Development Officer, “86 applications were received, from which we had to carefully select those who matched the criteria of the programme the best”.

Dumisane Meslane, from D Meslane Projects, provided a brief overview how the programme positively impacted his business in the past – it has grown exponentially!

Beneficiaries include:

Kannaland

  • Ebby Homebake – Ebby Gail Plaatjies

George

  • Eden Health Centre – Charlmain Harker
  • EJ Surgical – Shané & Lyle Jamané
  • Kuyenzeka Amalgamated Projects – Cikizwa Vavana
  • Mathyse Enterprise – Carlo Mathyse
  • Netha Lethu Legacy t/a Netha Marketing Links – Khanyisile Hlungwane
  • Timers and Sons – Zikisa Bam

Hessequa

  • Jet Ngomana Construction and Projects – Jetro Ngomana

Knysna

  • Keurhoek Construction – Ralston Pietersen

Bitou

  • Mamzo’s Lounge – Ntomboxolo Mrubata & Malixole Qange

Mossel Bay

  • Lynn’s Services and Solutions – Lynette Jantjies
  • Reflekt Model Management – Danie and Linda Greyling

Oudtshoorn

  • Natural Hair Products – Nirvana Gysman

This year five youth-owned businesses receive support, showcasing the programme’s growing impact on the younger generation. Youth beneficiaries include Netha Lethu, Mamzo’s Lounge, Natural Hair Products, and EJ Surgical.

The application window for this cycle was open from 11 February to 28 February 2025, and the next round will be advertised in the new financial year (ending June 2026).

“GRDM encourages small business owners across the district to prepare for the upcoming opportunity,” said Johannes Jafta, GRDM Economic Development Officer.

The monitoring and evaluation team visits businesses throughout the year to assess progress and impact of the support provided. One standout success from past interventions is Dumisani Meslane Projects, who expanded his business after initial support. Today he owns two trucks from the income he generated after the GRDM supported him.

While the programme is currently led by GRDM, private sector and other government departments or agencies are welcome to partner in the future to scale the initiative. Contact Johannes Jafta, johannes@gardenroute.gov.za or 071 860 8341, alternatively contact Natalie Raubenheimer, natalie@gardenroute.gov.za or 078 800 4172.

The support programme remains inclusive and there are no restrictions based on gender, age, or race. The selection of beneficiaries is based strictly on merit and alignment with the programme’s goals. It is important to note that beneficiaries can only receive support once, ensuring wider reach and opportunity across the district.

More in pictures:

Editor’s note:

The programme was directed by Lusanda Menze, Executive Manager for Integrated Economic Development and Planning.

Feature image: The beneficiaries who received support from the GRDM and its partners.

ENDS

 

28 February 2025 Media Release: Garden Route Skills Mecca Launches Tourism & Hospitality Project with Comprehensive Induction Workshops

Media Release: Garden Route Skills Mecca Launches Tourism & Hospitality Project with Comprehensive Induction Workshops

For immediate release
28 February 2025

The Garden Route Skills Mecca (GRSM), which forms part of the Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM), has officially launched its new Tourism and Hospitality Project, a significant initiative funded by the National Skills Fund (NSF), with a series of comprehensive induction workshops held across the Garden Route. The sessions commenced on 24 February 2025 and today the last session is held in Hessequa at the Riversdale Civic Centre.

Areas where workshops were already conducted include Bitou, Knysna, Mossel Bay, George, Calitzdorp, Ladismith and Oudtshoorn.

A packed hall of participants in attendance at the Workshop conducted in Knysna.

These workshops, facilitated by Reginald Salmons, Coordinator for Skills Development at GRDM, marked the commencement of a valuable opportunity for Work Integrated Learners (WIL) and Cooks to acquire essential skills and to contribute to the region’s vibrant hospitality industry.

Portfolio Chairperson for Corporate Services, Ald. Nompumelelo Ndayi said: “The sessions brought together learners and host employers from local businesses, with the GRDM team playing a pivotal role in guiding the participants and providing crucial insights”.

The Induction Workshop conducted in Mossel Bay on 25 February 2025.

Each morning, participants were welcomed by a representative of the respective municipality, fostering a positive and collaborative atmosphere, followed by a detailed overview of the GRSM’s background. Salmons further emphasised the importance of the GRSM in the local community and its contribution to regional skills development.

Following an opportunity for attendees to network and engage with one another, these workshops also explored the core components of the program, including:

  • a thorough review of the learner contract of employment;
  • the Code of Conduct;
  • the roles and responsibilities of host employers; and
  • salary cut-off dates.

“Discussions are designed to ensure that all participants have a clear understanding of their obligations and expectations, promoting transparency and accountability throughout the program,” said Ndayi.

Presentations made by the GRDM and NSF teams during the Induction Workshop in Oudtshoorn.

A dedicated question and answer session was built into the programme that provided learners with a platform to address any queries or concerns, fostering open communication and ensuring clarity. The induction concluded with a heartfelt expression of gratitude to the learners for their participation.

The launch of this NSF-backed Hospitality Project represents a significant investment in the future of the Garden Route’s workforce. By providing learners with essential skills and practical experience, the project aims to enhance their employability and contribute to the continued growth of the region’s thriving hospitality sector.

According to Mayor Andrew Stroebel, the GRSM’s commitment to skills development is “evident in the comprehensive nature of the induction workshops, laying a solid foundation for the success of the project and its participants”.

“This initiative promises to empower individuals and strengthen the local hospitality industry, ensuring a brighter future for the Garden Route,” he concluded.

More Induction Workshops conducted across the district.

ENDS

2024 12 09 Tender Notice: Subcontract Tender N.002.078.2023/2 – The Routine Road Maintenance of National Route 2 Section 7 to 8 from Rondeheuwel (Km 3.4) to Natures (Km 80.85)

SUBCONTRACT TENDER: SANRAL N.002.078.2023/2 FOR THE ROUTINE ROAD MAINTENANCE OF NATIONAL ROUTE 2 SECTION 7 TO 8 FROM RONDEHEUWEL (KM3.4) TO NATURES (KM 80.85)

TENDER NOTICE
CLOSING DATE: 24 January 2025

Rainbow Civils invites tenders from experienced EME/QSE subcontractors for Contract SANRAL N.002-078-023/2 FOR THE ROUTINE ROAD MAINTENANCE OF NATIONAL ROUTE 2 SECTION 7 TO 8 FROM RONDEHEUWEL (KM 3.42) TO NATURES VALLEY (KM 80.85) on behalf of Rainbow Civils in accordance with the requirements of The South African National Roads Agency SOC Limited (SANRAL). This project is in the province of Western Cape and in the Garden Route District Municipality.

  • The approximate duration is 15 months for the Minor Maintenance packages and 30 months for the General Maintenance package. CIDB Regulation 25 (1B) will be applicable to this contract.
  • Only tenderers who are at least 51% Black owned, who is an EME/EME start up or QSE and meet the definition of a Targeted Enterprise as defined in C3.2.2.5 are eligible to tender.
  • Only tenderers that meet all the eligibility criteria under clause 4.1.1 of the Tender Data will be considered.
  • Only tenderers who meet the minimum functionality score as stated in clause 5.11.9 will be evaluated further on price and preference.
  • The tenderers attention is drawn to clause 4.1.1 of the Tender Data for each work package when submitting their tender.
  • Tenders from tenderers registered as potentially emerging enterprises but with a CIDB contractor grading designation lower than a contractor grading designation determined in accordance with the sum tendered, or a value determined in accordance with Regulation 25(1B) or 25(7A) of the Construction Industry Development Regulations, will be accepted.
  • Only locally produced or locally manufactured products and components for construction with a stipulated minimum threshold for local content and production as stated in the Tender Data will be considered.
  • Preferences are offered to tenderers who comply with the criteria stated in the Tender Data.
  • A tenderer’s representative cannot represent more than one tenderer at the compulsory meeting.

CLOSING TIME, COMPLETION AND DELIVERY OF TENDERS
The Closing Time for receipt of tenders is 11:00 on Friday, 24 January 2025 at 66 Main Road, Knysna (Rainbow Civils Office).

Click here to download the Official Advert

26 March 2024 Media Release: Garden Route District Municipality once again empowers Small and Medium Enterprises with Equipment and Support

Media Release:  Garden Route District Municipality once again empowers Small and Medium Enterprises with Equipment and Support

26 March 2024

The Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) Council has again supported Small and Medium Enterprises (SME) with a significant allocation of R600,000 in the 2023/2024 budget. This funding is geared towards interventions and needs of SMEs within the region.

During a formal handover ceremony held yesterday, 25 SMEs meeting the specified criteria were provided with equipment in order to grow their businesses.

The selection process for beneficiaries began with widespread outreach efforts, including advertisements in local newspapers and rural areas within the Garden Route. A total of 83 businesses responded to the call for proposals. Facilitated by the SEDA, the vetting, screening, and verification process ensured fairness and transparency. The Adjudication Committee, comprising Local Economic Development (LED) Managers, the Department of Agriculture, the Western Cape Economic Development Partnership  (WCEDP), and the Western Cape Department of Economic Development and Tourism (DEDAT, carefully reviewed pitches from businesses and made recommendations.

During the ceremony, Alderlady Rosina Ruiters, Portfolio Chairperson of the Planning and Economic Development Department, welcomed attendees and highlighted the program’s origins. Dr. Keith du Plessis, CEO of Casidra, expressed appreciation for the SME program, acknowledging its vital role in supporting small businesses, which are recognised as the backbone of many economies worldwide. “I want to take my hat-off to the GRDM for recognising the plea of the struggling SME’s, what these small businesses are facing, and what our programme assists with,” Du Plessis said.

Program Director and Acting Manager of District Economic Development and Tourism Unit, Richard Dyantyi, emphasised the program’s focus on reaching rural businesses and collaboration with SEDA to provide ongoing support and assistance in marketing.

The Western Cape Provincial Manager of SEDA, Alex Qunta, delivered an inspiring message to SME owners, urging them to prioritise working on their businesses for long-term success. “You have to work on your business first, before it can work for you.  As entrepreneurs and business owners, we always want the business to work for us.

GRDM Executive Mayor, Alderman Memory Booysen reiterated the municipality’s dedication to changing lives through initiatives like these, despite budget constraints. “Every year during this gathering I say the same things, but the fact of the matter is, facts don’t change, the truth doesn’t change, circumstances might change from time to time.” He elaborated on the District Municipality Council’s proactive decisions made five years ago to positively impact the lives of people in the district.

Alderman Booysen further acknowledged the GRDM’s commitment to prioritising initiatives like supporting Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), even if it meant reallocating funds from other projects. He stressed that a project like this, despite not being part of the GRDM’s core functions, is essential for the growth and prosperity of the community.

Dyantyi shared the success story of 68 previously benefited SMEs, all of which remain operational, highlighting the program’s impact and sustainability.

GRDM Acting Municipal Manager, Lusanda Menze, expressed gratitude to all stakeholders for their support and contributions in all the different forms, to the success of the SME Program.  He said that GRDM remains committed to empowering SMEs and driving economic growth and prosperity across the region.

Below are photos of the beneficiaries with Ald. Memory Booysen (GRDM Executive Mayor), Ald. Rosina Ruiters (Portfolio Chairperson: Economic Development and Planning), Lusanda Menze (GRDM Acting Municipal Manager), Dr. Keith du Plessis (CEO: Casidra), and Alex Qunta (WC Manager: SEDA).

ENDS

27 June 2023 Registration for GRIFF now Open!!

TIME TO GET YOUR GRIFF ON!
MUST ATTEND FESTIVAL IS BACK.

REGISTRATION AND TICKETS NOW AVAILABLE ON
WWW.GRIFF.CO.ZA

CALLING ALL INDUSTRY & STAKEHOLDERS

  • Industry program includes Broadcasters, Industry Professionals/Film Tourism and Network Functions
  • 30 Films featured in competition from over 20 countries
  • Delegate Pass R200 (See details for other ticked events)
  • Now Gold Status recognition in its 5th year, GRIFF continues to evolve.
  • Proudly supported by NFVF, Wesgro & Mossel Bay Tourism
  • Email: info@gardenrouteinternationalfilmfestival.com for more information
  • Industry Program to be announced @grifffilmfest

Direct flights to George or just 31/2hrs from Cape Town

For more information, visit the website:  WWW.GRIFF.CO.ZA

About GRIFF
www.gardenrouteinternationalfilmfestival.com
GRIFF is a festival for filmmakers, creative expression, education, new technology and media. The GRIFF festival supports emerging and established filmmakers, encourages community participation and learning through innovation. “Experience is everything” remains our mantra with an added online feel “Get your GRIFF on”

21 June 2023 Media Release: The GRDM sources R1 million for Garden Route Agro-processing Support Project

Media Release: The GRDM source R1 million for Garden Route Agro-processing Support Project

For immediate release
21 June 2023

The Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) has been able to source R1 million funding, after a project proposal was submitted for an Agri-processing project. This initiative forms part of the GRDM’s Joint District and Metro Approach (JDMA).

As part of the JDMA approach, a growth and development strategy was developed, which requires specific clusters (groups of experts), to drive projects. This specific project forms part of the Resilient Agriculture Cluster. The funding, which was applied for through the GRDM, was provided by the Western Cape Department of Local Government.

Representatives from GRDM and the WCG Department of Agriculture with experienced facilitators from Elsenburg during the fact-finding mission.

One of the conditions of the grant is for a steering committee to drive the implementation of the project. Key stakeholders of the project include the Department of Agriculture, CASIDRA, Oudtshoorn Municipality, Small Enterprise Development Agency (SEDA), the Department of Local Government and the GRDM.

A multi-purpose processing unit to support the value chain for indigenous products, such as honeybush, within the Garden Route district will be constructed through the project.

This project is prompted by a dire need for more processing facilities in the region. “Communities that are mostly wild harvesters are dependent on a few processors within the Southern and Eastern Cape for processing of the tea, with no value adding opportunities existing for these communities,” said Natalie Arries, Senior District Economic Development Officer for GRDM. “The project aims to provide one processing facility located on the Nooitgedacht Farm (Oudtshoorn) property which is owned by the GRDM, she added”.

Earlier this year, GRDM and the WCG Department of Agriculture embarked on a fact-finding mission to learn from the experienced facilitators at Elsenburg, and to discuss an implementation approach with the Agricultural Research Council.

The success of the project will ensure that emerging farmers process tea of high quality, which will be exported to local and international markets.

Feature Image: The name ‘honeybush’ is derived from the sweet, honey-like scent of the plant when in full bloom with its yellow flowers.

ENDS

01 March 2023 Media Release: Cater Care Training Programme graduates another successful group

Media Release: Cater Care Training Programme graduates another successful group

For Immediate Release
01 March 2023

Another prestigious ceremony was held at the Francois Ferreira Academy (FFA) on Friday, 24 February 2023, to honour 25 students who successfully completed the Cater Care/Food Handler Programme. The Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) last year, on 17 October 2022, kicked of its 2022/2023 Cater Care/ Food Handler Programme.

The successful partnership of approximately twelve (12) years between the Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) and the Francois Ferreira Academy (FFA) continues to equip youth with vital skills in the hospitality industry.

Last year 223 applications were received from youth across the district to be part of the Cater Care Programme. Ninety-four (94) applicants were shortlisted for interviews, of which 25 were selected to be part of the 2022/2023 flagship programme.

During the formal graduation ceremony, Chef Francois Ferreira, Head and Founder of the FFA welcomed the students and guests, and shared a special message with them. He pointed out that they had been in the new building for exactly one year. He recalled there were only boxes and equipment in the building last year, but now it is a fully equipped school with a fully functional restaurant.  “In this industry, we change lives, and I hope that what you’ve learned here will, in a small or big way change the way you think and the way you approach life, because this isn’t just a job, but a lifestyle,” Chef Ferreira encouraged students.

Ms Veronica Mekile, Project Administrator and Life-skills Facilitator of the FFA, provided a brief overview of the course and elaborated on the joy and satisfaction the FFA team experiences when they observe the student’s progress.

Ms Pheliswa Gobisiba, one of the graduating students, delivered a tribute of praised to all the role players involved for the great opportunity. She expressed her gratitude to the staff of the FFA for what they have done for them. “Over the past three months, it has been a long and memorable journey for us; full of excitement and challenges, but we have not lost sight of them.  I want to leave my ‘mates’ with the following message: the journey continues, let’s shine and make our chefs proud.”

GRDM Deputy Executive Mayor, Adv. Gert van Niekerk in his speech, commended the FFA team with an exception to Chef Francois Ferreira for their well-equipped facilities. He congratulated the 25 students on their 100% pass. “This is a long-term investment and we urge you to keep up the good work. Nobody can take away what you’ve got here. With this knowledge, you can succeed in the public sector. On behalf of the GRDM, we wish you all the best,” Adv Van Niekerk said.

Executive Mayor, Alderman Memory Booysen, congratulated the students and motivated them with the following words: “You are the ones with the skills, the ones who ensure that people will return to a restaurant or not.  It is not how the manager of the establishment smiles or how the owner has treated them; it is what they have tasted. In spite of the fact that you are in the background, where nobody sees you, you are the ones who make people lick their fingers and return.”  Alderman Booysen further elaborated on the decision made by GRDM to become the Skills Mecca in the Western Cape, after seeing the need and the treachery the country has taken. “In this district, whoever comes in must pick up the phone, dial our number and ask us for whatever skills their business requires. Then ,with a press of a button, the names of people with that particular skills would appear on the screen. When new hotels and restaurants open, with the press of a button, your names must come up, because we have created that pool,” he said.

GRDM through its Tourism Unit is responsible for the funding of this programme, with the Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) Unit contributing towards the stipends for the students.

-END-

Read related articles:

https://www.gardenroute.gov.za/2022/12/13/12-december-2022-media-release-media-release-cater-care-students-ready-to-gain-practical-experience/

https://www.gardenroute.gov.za/2022/03/14/14-march-2022-media-release-garden-route-dm-reaches-a-decade-of-ongoing-support-for-cater-care-students/

https://www.gardenroute.gov.za/2020/02/05/garden-route-students-graduate-after-completing-cater-care-training-programme/

28 June 2022 Media Release: Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) and SASSETA visit GRDM

Media Release: Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) and SASSETA visit GRDM

28 June 2022
For Immediate Release 

An Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) delegation consisting of national and provincial officials visited the Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) on 13 and 14 June 2022. The aim of the two-day visit was to learn more about the Garden Route Skills Mecca (GRSM) model and to investigate the possibility of replicating the Skills Mecca concept in other parts of the country.

On the first day, representatives from GRSM and the GRDM EPWP section accompanied the delegation on several site visits to training centres in the area that support the GRSM. Delegates visited Cheeba Africa, African Skills and François Ferreira Academy where they were given thorough insights of each facility and the type of training provided.  Through several Sector Education and Training Authority (SETA) grants and EPWP programmes, learners have successfully completed courses at the training centres visited by delegates and have been able to enter the job market.

The second day was reserved for engagement.  Lusanda Menze (GRDM Executive Manager:: Planning and Economic Development) gave an overview of GRDM and its Growth and Development Strategy and Dr Florus Prinsloo (GRSM Coordinator) gave a comprehensive overview of the GRSM model.

Tsholofelo Pooe from National EPWP presented on the their EPWP Training Framework and possible linkages to the Garden Route Skills Mecca.

MOU between GRSM and SASSETA discussed.

Joining the delegation on the second day, were Chris Mudau and Thamsanqa Mdontswa from the Safety and Security SETA (SASSETA). After listening to the presentations given by GRDM and GRSM, they presented on the SETA’s mandate, Skills Development Levy (SDL) breakdown, and strategic scope amongst other topics.

SASSETA’s sub-sections and constituencies include:

  • Policing
  • Corrections
  • Justice
  • Defence
  • Intelligence Activities
  • Legal Services
  • Private Security and Investigation Activities

There are 17 SDL contributors in the Garden Route, which comprises law firms and security companies.  It is for this reason that SASSETA and GRDM will enter into talks to establish an MOU that will see closer cooperation with GRSM.

The two-day delegation visit was concluded with a visit to Calitzdorp Hot Springs where a Security Training Centre has been established through formal partnership between BM Skills Development (who is a SASSETA Accredited Training Provider) and the GRDM.

ends

 

 

13 June 2022 Media Release: Garden Route Skills Mecca Focuses on Renewable Energy

Media Release: Garden Route Skills Mecca Focuses on Renewable Energy

For Immediate Release
13 June 2022

The fifth quarterly Garden Route Skills Mecca (GRSM) Forum was held virtually on in May 2022 and focused on renewable energy strategies for the Garden Route.

This follows a fruitful engagement Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) had with the Energy & Water Sector Education Training Authority  (EWSETA) on Tuesday, 17 May 2022.  During the engagement, EWSETA expressed its desire to support renewable energy projects in the Garden Route, which is in line with its support of Just Energy Transition (JET),  Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit GmbH (GIZ), and the work done in South Africa by The South African Photovoltaic Industry Association (SAPVIA).

EWSETA has a significant demand-based focus, and it is important for them to determine what the needs are of employers and businesses. They receive a limited skills levy income and need to partner with other agencies to address this challenge. This is why they’ve agreed soon enter into a memorandum of understanding with GRDM.

During his opening remarks, the GRSM Forum chairperson, Ald. De Vries remarked that renewable energy is gaining momentum as countries around the world are increasingly understanding the benefits it offers.

During the forum, Mr. Warrick Pierce, Technical Leader on Energy Systems Modeling at the Energy Centre of CSIR, presented the Draft Municipal Electricity Master Plan for the GRDM. The Draft document was funded by GIZ and co-funded by the CSIR and is considered to be a mini Integrated Resource Plan (IRP).

Mr. Pierce noted that the plan looks at different possible energy futures and the employment opportunities it may hold. Furthermore, the plan’s focus is twofold as it looks at each municipality individually in the region and the Garden Route as a whole to achieve optimisation.

To draft plan addresses issues of future demand usage and that municipalities need to know their customers – their past behaviors towards energy and how this is changing in terms of self-generation.  There seems to be clear indication that Solar PV is the priority option for the Garden Route to consider. The Draft Energy Master Plan will be tabled to the GRDM Council this month for adoption and a media release about it will be issued.

The final presentation was done by Kirsten Freimann, from GIZ, who is the Head of Project: Career Path Development for Employment (CPD4E), which is a new 3-year program that started in June.

The program aims to address two major concerns identified by GIZ, which are the economic recession and the high youth unemployment rate plaguing South Africa. With the help of the Swiss Development Agency, The German Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development Government was able to raise €10.5 million for the project.

CPDE4E strives to improve the employability of the youth by unlocking employment potentials by supporting entrepreneurship and SME development in township economies, as well as (ecologic) industrial parks.

The transition from learning to earning will be done by matching soft skills with entrepreneurship training with specific measures in place for girls and women.

Demand-driven TVET/ skills development will improve delivery capacities, through lecturers, in-company mentors, short skills programs, new occupational profiles, and curricula development. It is anticipated that it will strengthen private sector involvement in agile training interventions. This could lead to job creation and meeting demands.