Opportunities For Unemployed Youth in the Western Cape
13 June 2022
The Western Cape Government has several opportunities for unemployed youth in the province. Please find all the details below, or visit the following link for more information.
Please contact the designated persons on each advertisement/application should you have any queries. Garden Route District Municipality will not be able to answer any queries regarding the adverts.
Media Release: NYDA Focusses on Youth Development In The Garden Route
15 March 2022
For immediate release
The second keynote speaker at the first Garden Route Skills Mecca for 2022 was Tshepo Manyama – Regional Manager of the National Youth Development Agency (NYDA) Western Cape. He outlined NYDA’s skills development plans, opportunities, and needs that support youth development in the Garden Route.
NYDA is a South African-based agency established primarily to address challenges faced by the nation’s youth. The youth development agency was established by an Act of Parliament (Act 54 of 2008) to be a single, unitary structure addressing youth development issues at the National, Provincial and Local Government levels. The Agency should be seen within the broad context of South Africa’s development dynamics.
During Manyama’s presentation, he outlined their economic participation goal, which is to enhance the contribution of young people to the economy through targeted and integrated programs.
He added that programs created by the NYDA aims to facilitate and provide employment opportunities for the youth and to include them in the economy.
The implementation of this goal is at the following strategic objectives:
To provide socio-economic empowerment interventions and support for young people in South Africa
To provide increased universal access to young people
NYDA runs several economic programs that include:
Grant funding R1 000.00 to R10 000.00
Business Consultancy Services
Sales Pitch and BBBEE Training
Business Management Training
Mentorship
Market Linkages
On youth with disabilities, Manyama had the following to say: “Young people with disabilities are not homogenous as there are different disabilities that require different interventions. The sector representing youth with disabilities proposes the establishment of a disability unit at the NYDA to undertake to facilitate all programs aimed at transforming the lives of youth with disabilities.”
He concluded his presentation by stressing the importance of eradicating discrimination and stigmas against people with disabilities and increasing economic opportunities for them.
Access to education is limited and inadequate and this needs to be addressed. Integration of people with disabilities will also need to be addressed as there is a tendency of lumping them together despite their different needs.
Media Release: Growth And Development Of The Agricultural Sector In The Garden Route
15 March 2022 For immediate release
Clyde Lamberts from the Western Cape Department of Agriculture was invited to speak at the first Garden Route Skills Mecca (GRSM) Forum of 2022 and his focus was on the growth and development strategy of the department for the Garden Route. He opened his comprehensive presentation with the following quote by Allan Savory:
“Agriculture is not crop production as popular belief holds – it’s the production of food and fiber from the world’s land and waters. Without agriculture, it is impossible to have a city, stock market, banks, university, church or army. Agriculture is the foundation of civilization and any stable economy”.
To put this quote into perspective, Lamberts shared one of the Department’s recent success stories: A farm in Herald was in a dilapidated state due to a lack of interest in purposing the land. A businessman who was passionate about farming bought it, and spent the next five (5) years turning it into a viable business that now produces honeybush and proteas. He is the first black commercial farmer to produce honeybush in the Southern Cape. It is because the Department assisted him that his business was able to create sixteen (16) permanent jobs, with opportunities for an additional twenty (20) seasonal workers.
Before this, in Waboomskraal, the Department assisted another farmer, who became the first black farmer in the area to produce proteas and hops.
Lamberts noted: “When all spheres of government work together in an integrated fashion, these are the type of results we will see”.
Lamberts listed the activities and services the Department provides to farmers and all other stakeholders as the following:
Independent agricultural advice and information
Supporting Livestock farmers – Development program. Livestock Forum
Performance testing/annual evaluation/ID limitations and opportunities
Investigating and implementing new hardy breeds and crossbreeding
Investigations in lowering inset cost through conservation agriculture – cover crops
Investigations into pasture species for marginal lands
Crop production advice and information
Niche crops/markets
Training
The type of training that is provided includes evidence-based and practice-based farmers’ capacity building. This is done through farmers’ days, demonstrations, peer-to-peer learning, and face-to-face interactions. Since 2018, the department trained 820 beneficiaries and this ranged from vegetable training to farm implement operation training.
Practical Based training done on site.
The Department has a memorandum of understanding with GRDM and vacant land has been identified that the municipality owns which is conducive for agricultural development opportunities. The Department is researching the potential of commodity processing facilities in the Garden Route, which will be a source of immediate job creation – a game-changer for job creation in the region.
The Department furthermore envisions the building of Agri-Business Platforms for clients where potential products can be processed ready for consumption. Through Conservation/Regenerative agriculture, farmers are encouraged to rehabilitate and look after their own soil to turn it into organic matter that fertilizes with very few chemicals. Trials on livestock projects have yielded very positive results to date, and the global view is that going regenerative holds many financial and ecological benefits.
Agritourism needs to be promoted as it holds several untapped opportunities for the tourism sector. There is a need to compile tour packages to visit farms and processing facilities for both local and international tourism. The Roads Department has a role to play as well, as it must ensure easy access through regular road maintenance and upgrades.
Infrastructure Of The Garden Route
The Department is in the process of revisiting mechanization which would allow for a central point that offers services such as ploughing, for example, as well as repair and maintenance services on farm implements.
Lamberts concluded his presentation by saying that we can be very proud of our district and that the Department is very excited to continue its work in the area.
Media Release: Garden Route Skills Mecca Forum Focuses On Youth Development And Agriculture
14 March 2022 For Immediate Release
The first quarterly Garden Route Skills Mecca (GRSM) Forum for 2022 was held on 25 February 2022 and was attended by delegates in person and online via Microsoft Teams. This setting provides Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) and its stakeholders a chance to collectively work towards achieving Skills Summit resolutions.
The forum was chaired by Ald. Stephen de Vries briefly explained the role of the GRSM in relation to the National Skills Development Plan. He alluded to President Cyril Ramaphosa’s speech during the State of the Nation Address (SONA) debate where he stressed the importance of skills development to support economic growth as part of the economic recovery plan. The GRSM aligns itself with the National Development Plan 2030 vision to improve access to occupations in high demand and priority skills in supporting economic growth, job creation, and social development.
We want to contribute to the vision of an educated and skilled workforce for South Africa.
The forum hosted two keynote speakers. The first was Clyde Lamberts from the Western Cape Department of Agriculture who outlined, in detail, the department’s growth and development strategy.
The second keynote speaker, Tshepo Manyama – Regional Manager of National Youth Development Agency (NYDA) Western Cape – presented on matters of skills development plans, opportunities, and needs that support youth development in the Garden Route.
Dr. Florus Prinsloo (Skill Mecca Co-ordinator, GRDM) officially launched the GRSM website, which has been in development since last year.
The aim of the website is to serve as a central point of communication and to close the gap between service providers, investors, and candidates with learning opportunities needs.
There is still work that needs to be done which, once completed, will see the ‘partnership’ page going live. Once this happens, service providers will be able to register and list learning opportunities, which will then be communicated by GRDM’s Communication unit. A process has been established to vet all applicants before registration to ensure that the highest standards are always met.
Ald. Stephen de Vries chaired the engagement
Clyde Lamberts represented the Western Cape Department of Agriculture.
Dr Florus Prinsloo is the Coordinator of the Garden Route Skills Mecca.
Media Release: Garden Route DM reaches a decade of ongoing support for Cater Care Students
For Immediate Release 14 March 2022
“Believe in yourself and all that you are. Know that there is something inside you that is greater than any obstacle.”Christian D. Larson NEW THOUGHT LEADER
Twenty-one (21) students who formed part of the 2nd intake of the current three-year (2020 till 2023) Francois Ferreira Academy (FFA) Cater Care Programme were recently honoured for successfully completing the course. Their intake was on 7 September 2021.
The Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) appointed the Francois Ferreira Academy for three (3) years through a formal tender process as the service provider to roll out the Cater Care Programme. The GRDM Council has once again approved R450 000.00 for the 2021/2022 financial year towards this programme.
The GRDM Cater Care Training Programme is a partnership between GRDM and the FFA. It provides training and ensures that students are placed in hospitality establishments to gain practical work experience during their studies. This partnership started ten (10) years ago, with ABSA Bank being the primary sponsor; however, the GRDM is now solely responsible for funding this Programme.
The Programme also aims to train previously disadvantaged youth in the hospitality sector. As a result of this program, unemployed and impoverished youth have gained culinary skills to help them secure employment in the hospitality and tourism industries.
During an official certificate handover ceremony held on 10 February 2022, Veronica Mekile, Project Administrator and Life-skills Facilitator, provided a brief overview of the course. What stood out from her speech was the joy and satisfaction the FFA team experiences when they observe a student’s progress. She also shared that the Cater Care course at FFA is more than just about cooking – they added a life skills section to the course too. This helps to build students’ self-esteem and confidence and helps mould positive attitudes.
During the welcoming, a very proud GRDM Executive Manager of Planning and Economic Development, Lusanda Menze expressed his gratitude and said that he always looks forward to attending these life-changing ceremonies. “Listening to the testimonies today is an example of what we come up with when we sit in our offices and think it is a miniature contribution from the municipality, but during these kinds of events, we witness how our ideas shape the lives of people.” He referred to the Statistics SA unemployment rate, which found more than 60% of youth are unemployed, including people with university degrees and diplomas. This course is important because several young people are absorbed into the job market or start their own businesses,” Menze said.
Adv. Gert van Niekerk confirmed that the GRDM had committed itself to the Cater Care Programme for the 2021/22 financial year and that it will strive to continue to make a positive impact in the lives of the communities. He congratulated and thanked the FFA for their remarkable job in training, development, and alleviation of poverty and unemployment in the district. Adv. van Niekerk said that this programme would not have been successful without their hard work, dedication, and commitment.
He congratulated the students with the following words, “We as the Garden Route District Municipal Council wish you well with your future plans; we hope you will be successful in everything you do, and we are very proud of you”. He concluded his address by encouraging the students with words a mentor shared with him years ago when he was on the verge of receiving his qualification – “To achieve what you have achieved is the easy part. Dedication, study, practice and determination brought you here, where you received your diploma as recognition today. Now comes the difficult part; to be worthy of that diploma. In the years to come, wherever life may take you, be worthy of this day. You’ve worked hard for it; you deserve it, now it is in your hands. I do trust that you will do as such,” he said.
The ceremony was complemented by the following remarks from Chef François Ferreira, “This may be regarded by some only as a skill qualification, but the action goes far beyond it. You have specific skills, and it is in your hands to decide how to use them. You can prepare food at home or start your own business. A variety of programmes are available to help young entrepreneurs get started. It is entirely up to you!”
The success of this flagship programme is as follows:
Cater Care – 89% success rate in placing learners in sustainable jobs;
70% of learners placed on a career path by qualifying for NYCTP course; and
Some learners have already finished their Diploma in Food Preparation and Patisserie.
As GRDM, we are proud to acknowledge that more than 200 individuals have successfully completed training through this programme over the past decade.
Save The Date: Garden Route Skills Mecca Forum to Be Held on 25 February
For Immediate Release
14 February 2022
The first quarterly Garden Route Skills Mecca (GRSM) Forum for 2022 will be held on 25 February 2022 from 09:00-12:00 virtually. This setting gives Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) and its stakeholders a chance to collectively work towards achieving Skills Summit resolutions.
Tshepo Manyama, Regional Manager of National Youth Development Agency (NYDA) Western Cape, will be the keynote speaker. He will talk on matters of skills development plans, opportunities, and needs that support youth development in the Garden Route. Joining Manyama will be Clyde Lamberts from the Western Cape Department of Agriculture. Lamberts will focus on similar matters, but with a focus on the resilient Agriculture sector of the Garden Route Growth and Development Strategy. The chairperson of the Education and Training Committee of GRDM will chair the session.
Stakeholders who wish to attend the webinar can register here.
Media Release: Garden Route Coastal Resorts Perform Exceptionally Well Over the Festive Season
For Immediate Release 12 January 2022
The 2020 festive season was very bleak for most of South Africa and other countries. Tight lockdown restrictions, which included the beaches being closed, as well as longer curfews and a ban on the sale of alcohol, placed a damper on everyone’s holiday spirit. In 2020, people had no choice but to cancel their holiday plans. However, the recent festive season was a stark contrast compared to a year ago because restrictions were almost completely lifted. Holiday-goers flocked in their thousands to the Garden Route.
Like many other resorts, Garden Route District Municipality’s (GRDM) coastal resorts benefited from this. Victoria Bay and Swartvlei Caravan Parks reported a bumper holiday season, which started with a visit from the Berg-en Toerklub (BTK) from Stellenbosch University in early December. The group started their journey at Swartvlei Caravan Park, stayed there for one night and then hiked to Victoria Bay Caravan Park along the coast. There they enjoyed another braai, swimming and a well-deserved night’s rest.
As for the rest of the season, Marelize Claassen, Resort Manager, reported that Victoria Bay was at full capacity since early December. According to her, bookings are now decreasing slowly.
Swartvlei bookings increased from 12 December and reached capacity between 18 December 2021 and 2 January 2022. Holidaymakers are now heading home to tackle the new year.
It was a very busy season, and it was as if people waited two years to have this holiday – Marelize Claassen
On behalf of GRDM and its coastal resorts, the Municipality would like to thank everyone for their ongoing support and looks forward to seeing return visitors throughout the year.
Quarterly Skills Mecca Forum draws experts from LGSETA
Media Release 25 November 2021
On Friday, 19 October 2021, the Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) hosted a virtual Skills Mecca forum attended by the general public, public and private sectors. The forum served as a platform to discuss matters relating to skills development in the Garden Route.
The meeting was chaired by Aneeka Jacobs, Provincial Manager of the Western Cape Local Government Seta (LGSETA). During her opening address, Jacobs emphasised that LGSETA wants to work with all stakeholders, partners, local and district municipalities, as well as training colleges to “bring business and people closer to the table”. She further stressed the importance of synergy between all involved to ensure that the process is collaborative.
Aneeka Jacobs, Provincial Manager of LGSETA, chaired the quarterly forum.
Some stakeholders attended the meeting in person.
More of the stakeholders who attended the meeting in person.
Ineeleng Molete (Chief Executive Officer of LGSETA) explained the implications for Garden Route stakeholders on the support from LGSETA and how it aligns with the District Development Model (DDM).
During his presentation, Molete discussed the following:
District Development Model (DDM)
The DDM was launched in 2019 and is an integrated strategic framework that allows the three different spheres of government (national, provincial, and local) to function in unison. The framework promotes:
synergy;
cooperation;
coordination;
collaboration; and
integration of service delivery areas.
According to Molete, the DDM forms a basis for a single joint plan that will address skills gaps at district and metropolitan levels, which – in turn – will help alleviate and eventually eradicate poverty, inequality and unemployment. Furthermore, the model will look at the needs of local communities, including youth development, whilst improving the management and support for integrated planning, addressing gap areas or blockages.
“The Skills Mecca places Local Economic Development (LED) as a central component for Skills development Job Creation.”
Investing in skills development will help:
Enhance good governance, leadership and management capabilities;
Promote sound financial management and financial viability;
Enhance infrastructure and service delivery; and
Promote spatial transformation and inclusivity.
Garden Route Skills Mecca
Dr Florus Prinsloo (GRSM Coordinator) and Reginald Salmons (GRDM Skills Development Coordinator) presented the latest news of the GRSM.
Prinsloo announced that the construction of the GRSM website is almost complete, and it should go live early January 2022. The website aims to centralise information, facilitate communication and serve as a portal for employers, service providers and trainee candidates to interact using databases. Further announcements and dates will be communicated on social media in due course.
Reginald Salmons explained that these technicians would hopefully be employed on a three-year term contract, during which they will be developed against the competencies for professional designations as determined by the professional body in South Africa, namely the Association of Skills Development of South Africa. Once their contracts end, each technician will be able to apply for formal designations that will enhance their employability.
During his closing remarks, Prinsloo said: “We hope to see employers approach us, asking for help to complete SETA applications, as they pay levies to SETAs every month.”
The final presentation was presented by Melanie Wilson (GRDM Manager: Economic Development and Tourism) and Mr Paul Hoffman (Project Manager at GRDP). They discussed the following during their presentation.
The GRDM Growth and Development Strategy (GDS) provides a framework strategy for the Garden Route for the next 20 years. The strategy is long term risk-based and takes the impact of COVID-19 into account through a GRDM Economic Recovery Plan. A Garden Route Development Partnership was established between the government and private sector to implement both plans.
GDS focus areas were identified and aligned to DDM. They are:
A water-secure future;
A circular economy;
Resilient agriculture;
Sustainable tourism;
Supporting well-being and resilience;
A connected economy: transport and rural-urban integration and ICT; and
Sustainable local energy transition.
Hoffman added that the private sector would be more involved, as this cannot be done without them.
The next forum meeting, taking place on 25 February 2022, will be communicated via the Garden Route District Municipality’s social media pages, stakeholders like the business chambers, local economic development officers from local municipalities and others.
To view slides that were presented at the forum, click on the links below:
Captions:Feature Image: Stakeholders who attended the forum (from left to right);Lerato Tshefu, Trix Holtzhausen, Bertus Hayward Ineeleng Molete, Stephen De Vries, Aneeka Jacobs, Florus Prinsloo, Reginald Salmons
Media Release: Garden Route DM remains committed to uplifting SMMEs
For Immediate Release 6 July 2021
Well supported Small, Medium, and Micro Enterprises (SMME) are key drivers of sustainable job creation and remain one of the Garden Route District Municipality’s (GRDM) priority focus areas. GRDM supports SMMEs to promote and develop the economic footprint of small businesses to boost the district economy. For this reason, GRDM donated equipment and resources amounting to R608 000.00, with a maximum value of R40 000 to each SMME.
The official SMME Support and Development Programme Handover Ceremony took place virtually on 6 July 2021. During the event, Alderman Memory Booysen, Executive Mayor for GRDM, said: “The private sector remains bigger than government, and you as SMMEs play a massive role in driving our economy and creating jobs. I see our job as government to create an environment where you can thrive. Hence we continue to embark on these programmes year on year.”
“My message is clear – SMMEs, we need you to help the economy grow even further. I know the state of the economy in South Africa is not great, and we are aware that many people have lost jobs. My vision is to see you grow to a point where you can employ others, particularly vulnerable groups like women and those who are differently-abled,” said Booysen.
Alderman Memory Booysen, Executive Mayor for GRDM (left) during his keynote address. Lusanda Menze (right), GRDM Executive Manager for Planning and Economic Development was the Programme Director for the handover ceremony.
Booysen also said that his travels abroad have confirmed to him that successful economies have strong small businesses. “I also don’t want anyone to lose hope – start small, you have to start somewhere. Sometimes we think we need to start big, but that is not important, rather think big – you will then grow to that goal”.
Mayor Booysen also encouraged beneficiaries to create a footprint in other municipal areas within the district and beyond.
Fundi Tonisi from Creamillion General Trading.
Neil Moos from Ouma Barbie se Stoepkombuis.
Two SMMEs were presented with an opportunity to share a special word of gratitude to GRDM and stakeholders. The first was Fundi Tonisi from Creamillion General Trading. She said: “Without your assistance, it would not have been possible. Many of us need capital, be it financial, equipment and land. Thank you, GRDM for prioritising us. She said that many are going through traumatic and difficult times but urged beneficiaries to keep looking ahead and reaching their goals.
Neil Moos (Ouma Barbie se Stoepkombuis), shared the second word of appreciation. “GRDM didn’t overlook us, and we are thankful for that. The Covid-19 pandemic has changed many of our financial statuses. Alderman Booysen, and role players, in particular the Local Economic Development Unit of GRDM – thank you for seeing the potential in us and taking us forward with you.” Moos also reminded all beneficiaries that within each person lies the seed of unlimited possibilities and that it should be embraced.
Some of the beneficiaries also thanked the GRDM and its partners in the Zoom chatbox by saying: “Thank you Melanie Wilson and her team – you are all excellent”. Another thanked the GRDM by saying: “We see the assistance as a big stepping stone for helping our business grow”.
In light of the current lockdown restrictions, GRDM Municipal Manager, Monde Stratu said that it’s unfortunate that “we cannot celebrate this day under one roof”. Stratu commended the GRDM Council, the Planning and Economic Development Department and its partners for the role they played to ensure that the beneficiaries meaningfully benefited from the contributions. “We would have loved to have made the slice of cake bigger but could only share what was available.
Stratu urged beneficiaries to become more resilient and shared his concerns about how the pandemic has caused many to lose their jobs, homes, and livelihoods. “There might be difficult days ahead, but I think our futures will be filled with brighter days”. He pleaded with beneficiaries to guard the resources given to them and reminded them that the GRDM would keep a close watch on their progress going forward.
According to the Programme Director and Executive Manager for Planning and Economic Development at GRDM, Lusanda Menze, the initiative also forms part of the GRDM’s Economic Recovery Plan and Growth and Development Strategy. “We would like to create economic opportunities within our ecosystem, and this initiative is another step in that direction,” he said.
Many conversations around the economic impact of Covid-19 has focused on the formal economy; however, the devastation on smaller businesses has been enormous. The GRDM Council, also during the 2019/2020 financial year, endorsed monetary support that totalled R400 000.00 towards a similar initiative (read here).
The GRDM District Economic Development team who facilitated the process with beneficiaries (FLTR): Natalie Raubenheimer (Senior District Economic Development Officer), Johannes Jafta (District Economic Development Officer) and Melanie Wilson (Manager: District Economic Development and Tourism).
Melanie Wilson (GRDM Manager: District Economic Development and Tourism), provided an overview of all the items procured for each SMME.
Who are the beneficiaries?
The list of beneficiaries includes Sharlebel, South Cape Funeral Home, Camagwini Services, Elsie’s Handmade Products, Massimo Leather Crafts (PTY) Ltd, Artsmart, BTL Sewing, Debongs Café, Eden Event Management, Mange & Mtsolos Project, Sew Happy Primary Co-op, Ouma Barbie se Stoepkombuis, Max 21st Century Projects, Candidas Event Management, Creamillion General Trading, Figree Joy, George Backpackers, Gwaing Trading Enterprise and Kairos Foods & Services.
Who assisted GRDM to make this initiative a success?
Getting relief to people on the ground can be a challenging task. Therefore, a partnering approach was followed during the evaluation and adjudication process of selecting the most eligible beneficiaries. This approach involved a number of stakeholders, including the Department of Agriculture (DoA), Provincial Department of Economic Development and Tourism (DEDAT), Small Enterprise Development Agency (Seda), Local Economic Development Managers of local municipalities and the Garden Route Development Partnership. The procurement of the capital items was efficiently done by CASIDRA, George Office.
Feature Image: Some of the many items sponsored to SMMEs in the Garden Route
Media Release: Garden Route DM supports the Klein Karoo Export Agri Hub to create a unique rural economy
For Immediate Release 30 March 2021
This partnership seeks to develop the Klein Karoo economy, to create a sustainable environment and jobs – some of the important focus areas for the Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM), which wants to form part of efforts to turn around the high unemployment rate of Kannaland communities. A recent partnership came into fruition when the GRDM Council gave the go-ahead for the GRDM Municipal Manager, Monde Stratu, to enter into a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) on behalf of the GRDM Council with the Calitzdorp Export Agri Hub. This landmark agreement will see that high impact pomegranate farms in the Klein Karoo get off the ground.
The immediate need for the Calitzdorp Export Agri Hub was for a R600 000.00 injection to carry out a water study for the area. This phase, which was eventually funded by GRDM, includes a water study that involves the drilling of boreholes. Subsequently, two desalination plants for reverse osmosis, capable of cleaning 60 000ℓ of water per hour, were donated by the Calitzdorp Export Agri Hub to GRDM. These plants have an original purchase value of R2.5 million.
SAFE SUSTAINABLE YIELD OF BOREHOLES
According to Dirk Rudolph, the contracted Geohydrologist, boreholes are currently being drilled in accordance to a geophysical survey that indicated that the most viable option would be to drill formations north-west of the pomegranate farm. This area includes the Baviaanskloof, Skurweberg, Goudini and Cedarberg formations.
At the moment, each borehole is analysed at regular intervals by using a V-notch weir during drilling. This will help the Geohydrologist to get an estimate of the blow yield of each borehole. According to Rudolph, this will be followed by each borehole being subjected to a 72-hour constant pumping test.
One of the boreholes that yields approximately 32 000 litres of water per hour being drilled after the project get the funding from GRDM.
Alderman Memory Booysen showing “thumbs-up” to the project during his visit to the site.
Ald. Memory Booysen (right) with three of the men (fltr: Rofhiwa Munayi, Justice Muthige and Gerald Zivengwa), who are working at the site.
POMEGRANATES IN THE SOUTHERN HEMISPHERE
Research indicates that pomegranates require 6000 m³ water per hectare. This is 2.5 times less than almonds and about 2.8 times less than Lucerne, which makes it this the crop with the highest return per litre of water. Although this type of farming is still quite a young industry in South Africa and the Southern hemisphere, studies indicate that Kannaland and Oudtshoorn offer the best micro-climate for pomegranates in the Southern part of Africa.
The project, coined the ‘Klein Karoo Export Hub’, wants to see the 1% pomegranate export market held by South Africa expanded. According to Monde Stratu, GRDM Municipal Manager: The plan is to meet the demand for pomegranates during off-seasons to other parts of the world and the Klein Karoo Export Hub aims to export at least 50% of all pomegranate from this hub to other parts of the world. The GRDM’s partnership with the Klein Karoo Export Hub was carefully considered, subsequent to available research about pomegranate exports from South Africa. “The demand and supply factors relating to the industry, local soil analysis, climatic and environmental studies are some of the many factors we had to get insights about,” he said.
Dirk Rudolph, the contracted Geohydrologist briefs the GRDM team about the boreholes and progress made to date.
Ald. Memory Booysen (GRDM Executive Mayor), Gerhard Meyer (Owner: Celebratio), Gerhard Otto (GRDM Manager: Disaster Management), Passmore Dongi (GRDM Project Manager) and Adv. Sinekaya Maqekeni (GRDM Manager: Integrated Support Services and Legal Compliance)
Mr Passmore Dongi, GRDM Project Manager (left) and Ald. Memory Booysen, Executive Mayor for GRDM shows just how big and red the pomegranates in the area are.
SPIN-OFFS FOR LOCALS
The GRDM Council supports the drive to promote economic growth through a co-ordinated regional approach and partnership in agriculture and Agro-processing that is focused on employment creation and exporting. “If all goes according to plan, a 1000 hectares (10 million square metres) of land will be acquired, of which 10% will be reserved for ten (10) Black Economic Empowerment (BEE) farmers,” said Alderman Memory Booysen, Executive Mayor for GRDM. “According to our calculations, each of these farmers will receive 1%, or otherwise calculated as 100 000 square meters or 10 rugby fields of land to produce pomegranates and to form part of the pomegranate crop value chain,” he explained. “We therefore fully support the Klein Karoo Export Hub project because we will also be able to create a unique model for rural development in the region that can be duplicated elsewhere. This is also in line with our efforts to implement the Joint District Metro Approach (JDMA).”
The project would see the establishment of an Agri-village, housing approximately 600 farm workers who will own their own properties. “We anticipate that the project will create 1800 permanent jobs and 2000 seasonal jobs, pomegranate orchards and attract Agri Tourism,” said Booysen. Project Klein Karoo Export Hub has already secured 30Ha for the development of the Agri Village.
It is planned to grow Wonderful Pomegranates in the Calitzdorp area. The area is already known for exporting apples, pears, peaches, plums, grapes, and apricots elsewhere. The Klein Karoo Export Hub, known as Celebratio, already has a packhouse for fresh fruit and will also build juicing, oil pressing and process facilities to enhance its business model.
The GRDM Planning Department implements the project through its Project Management Unit. According to PMU Manager, Mr Passmore Dongi, “the idea is to create sustainable rural economies that can withstand the shocks and test of time”. It is imperative that as a District we have a paradigm shift in terms of sustainable development and begin the process of looking at development in a holistic manner. In order to deal with unemployment, poverty and other issues we need to be visionaries and begin to use locally available resources to address local challenges and to capitalise on comparative advantage as it pertains to our region. This project is aimed to bring a new dimension and perspective to the concept of rural development as this is aimed to demonstrate what honest PPPs arrangements can yield – if the engagements are transparent and with the objectives of addressing the needs of society at heart. This project will create an oasis of wealth in an area deemed to be of no significant value because of the climatic conditions. The project will also have significant green energy projects to power most of the activities in the hub. “We will create a smart clean rural Agri hub that responds to the UN Sustainable development goals,” said Dongi.
Feature image: Alderman Memory Booysen, GRDM Executive Mayor (middle), with two of the ladies working at the Celebratio packhouse, Lewonia April (left) and Andrew-leen Jacobs (right).
