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Media Alert: Sedfa, in partnership with GRDM and partners, to host Pop-Up Market in George

Media Alert: Sedfa, in partnership with GRDM and partners, to host Pop-Up Market in George

29 – 31 August 2025 at the Garden Route Mall, George.

The South African Enterprise Development Finance Agency (Sedfa), in partnership with Garden Route District Municipality and other key ecosystem partners, is proud to host the Sedfa and Garden Route Pop-Up Market from 29 to 31 August 2025 at the Garden Route Mall, George.

The official opening and walkabout will take place on Friday, 29 August at 13h30, led by Executive Mayor Andrew Stroebel, alongside Sedfa representatives and ecosystem partners.

The Pop-Up Market will shine a spotlight on local Micro-, Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (MSMEs), offering them a platform to showcase their products, network with potential buyers, and grow their market access.

“This market is a direct response to the need for greater visibility and access for local entrepreneurs. At Sedfa, we believe in supporting MSMEs through practical platforms that not only promote their products but also build pathways toward long-term economic inclusion.” – Kiewet Mhlongo, Acting Provincial Manager: Western Cape, Sedfa.

“Garden Route District Municipality is proud to support initiatives that give local Micro-, Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (MSME) the much-needed exposure they deserve. This Pop-Up Market is more than just an opportunity to showcase locally made products; it is also a platform that strengthens our economy from the ground up. As the Municipality, we remain committed to creating meaningful partnerships that open doors for MSMEs to drive job creation and stimulate sustainable development throughout the region and beyond.” – Executive Mayor Andrew Stroebel

The Members of the Media are invited to attend the opening and engage with MSME participants and stakeholders.

ENDS

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 – ShanĂ© & Lyle JamanĂ©
  • 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

 

23 February 2025 Media Release: Successful Demonstration of Honeybush Retort is good news for Garden Route wild harvesters and small-scale farmers

Media Release: Successful Demonstration of Honeybush Retort is good news for Garden Route wild harvesters and small-scale farmers23 February 2025

23 February 2025

Anton Bredell, Western Cape Minister of Local Government, Environmental Affairs and Development Planning recently congratulated the different entities that worked together to make progress with a project to support emerging farmers, wild harvesters and local producers of honeybush herbal infusion in the Garden Route District.

“This project is another good example of how different government entities can plan, budget, and execute together to the benefit of our residents.”

The Western Cape Department of Local Government (DLG), Department of Agriculture (DOA), Agricultural Research Council (ARC) and the Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM), successfully demonstration an innovative honeybush processing unit at the ARC Infruitec/Nietvoorbij facility in Stellenbosch. This technology, developed by ARC, has the potential to be upscaled and rolled out to the agriculture sector, enhancing economic opportunities for local communities.

The Garden Route Agro-processing Support Project aims to strengthen the honeybush tea value chain, and this demonstration marks a significant milestone in the project. At the demonstration event Prof. Bongani Ndimba, the ARC research director, welcomed the stakeholders and provided opening remarks, highlighting the importance of this initiative and its history dated back to 1992. “This project is part of a broader effort to support Agro-processing and food security in the region. The Garden Route District Municipality has sourced R1 million in funding for the project, which will help to expand production and processing of agricultural products,” Prof Ndimba said.

Ivan Meyer, Western Cape Minister of Agriculture, Economic Development and Tourism said: “The honeybush processing plant is a platform that empowers smallholder farmers and communities. It enables them to access the value chain, which includes packaging and marketing honeybush. Their role is not just significant but integral to the success of this project.
Our support for developing smallholder and commercial propagation of honeybush is not just a standalone initiative. It is backed by the Western Cape Government’s Growth from Jobs Strategy, a testament to the government’s commitment to increasing the contribution of SMMEs to economic growth in the Western Cape.

Our aim is not just to provide affordable honeybush processing to communities, but to stimulate local understanding of the product and health benefits. We are committed to promoting inclusivity in the Honeybush value chain, making everyone feel included and part of a larger community. This commitment will advance a sustainable, resilient, diverse, and prosperous honeybush industry that inspires confidence, hope, and prosperity for all.”

Garden Route District Municipality Mayor, Andrew Stroebel said: “This initiative aligns with the Agriculture and Agro-processing Master Plan and the Garden Route Growth and Development Strategy, focusing on expanding Agro-processing capabilities in the region.”

Project costs of R4 million was shared between the DLG, providing R2 million, and the DOA, also investing R2 million.

The project has three phases: Phase one being the design and construction of the honey bush retort, phase two will be the construction of an Agro-processing hub and the housing infrastructure on land belonging to the Garden Route District Municipality close to the Cango Caves outside Oudtshoorn, and phase three involves branching out to Agri-tourism, with a focus on training tea sommeliers.

ENDS

Photo supplied by Nomkhosi Ngcobo: From left to right:

Minister Anton Bredell; Andrew Stroebel, Executive Mayor for the Garden Route District Municipality; Prof Bongani Ndimba, Research Director at the ARC.

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

22 October 2024 Media Release: Garden Route District Municipality Calls for Land to Support Fresh Produce Market Initiative

Media Release: Garden Route District Municipality Calls for Land to Support Fresh Produce Market Initiative

22 October 2024

Since May 2024, the Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) engaged the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure to secure a land transfer of 15 to 30 hectares for a Fresh Produce Market. During an engagement on 19 October 2024, Councillor Hilton Stroebel, Mayoral Committee Chairperson for Property and Asset Management, participated in discussions with the National Department of Public Works and Infrastructure regarding the same request. He emphasized that the proposed land and projects align with national and provincial development goals, stating: “These land parcels are essential for creating sustainable economic opportunities for our communities.”

Under the Local Government: Municipal Structures Act 117 of 1998, Section 84(1)(k), GRDM, like other District Municipalities are allowed to develop and manage fresh produce markets and abattoirs that serve a significant portion of the municipality. A feasibility study and business plan have already been developed for this, which are aimed at supporting both subsistence and commercial farmers throughout the agricultural value chain.

Further to the above, local campuses of Nelson Mandela University and the Western Cape College of Nursing also inquired whether GRDM can negotiate additional land for the development of student accommodation.

GRDM has therefore, since this calendar year, formally requested the transfer of several properties located in George to the District – a response is awaited. Some of the properties are located within residential zones and Priority Human Settlements and Housing Development Areas, making them ideal business nodes with convenient access to public transport, healthcare facilities, and shopping centers.

More about the event where lobbying took place

At the event on 19 October, the National Department of Public Works and Infrastructure established a task team and working streams to help speed  up the transfer of Forestry Villages to Local Municipalties and also the properties that GRDM requested to have under its ownership. All stakeholders at the engagement will form of the structures. Through this approach, it is anticipated that the transfer of properties will happen far quicker than initially anticipated.

Feature image caption: Knysna Executive Mayor, Cllr Aubrey Tsengwa, GRDM MMC for Properties and Asset Management, Cllr Hilton Stroebel, Western Cape Minister for Infrastructure, MEC Tertuis Simmers, Deputy Minister for Public Works and Infrastructure, Sihle Zikalala, Member of Parliament, George Executive Mayor Jackie von Brandis, Regional Manager for the Western Cape Public Works and Infrastructure, Phucuka Penny Penxa and George Municipality MMC for Community Safety, Cllr Brendon Adams.

ENDS

11 October 2024 Media Release: GRDM plays its part in World Food Day, celebrating it in Uniondale

Media Release: GRDM plays its part in World Food Day, celebrating it in Uniondale

11 October 2024

Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) Executive Mayor, Andrew Stroebel, has reflected on the Municipality’s contribution to food security to the Garden Route region at a World Food Day celebration. This year’s theme is the “Right to Foods for a better life and a better future: Leave no one behind”. Collective action across over 150 countries worldwide is what makes World Food Day (16 October) one of the most celebrated days in the United Nations calendar.

During Mayor Stroebel’s address at the Uniondale Sports Grounds, he said: “One of our many promising initiatives is our Municipality’s Resilient Agriculture Niche Support Programme (Agri-processing), which focuses on honeybush tea processing”.

Agri-processing refers to the transformation of raw agricultural products into different forms that add value, enhance usability, or extend shelf life.

“Honeybush, indigenous to our region, has immense potential not only as a health product but also as an agricultural crop that drives economic development. We have thus far facilitated investments in processing equipment for local honeybush production. The establishment of this processing plant has been made possible through funding provided by the Western Cape Government, particularly from the Provincial Departments of Local Government and Agriculture.”

It is interesting to note that Honeybush has spinoffs for job creation, rural development, exports, biodiversity, and even tourism.

“The GRDM remains focused on building a district where food security cross-cuts society and where agriculture remains inclusive, innovative, and globally competitive. With the right partnerships and a shared vision, we are striving to position this region as one that continuously promotes sustainable development,” Stroebel concluded.

The event was arranged by the Western Cape Provincial Government’s Department of Agriculture, Economic Development and Tourism, attended by its Western Cape MEC Dr Ivan Meyer, supported by both Garden Route District and George Municipalities.

Feature image: Items ready for collection by community members.

ENDS

13 June 2024 Media Release: Garden Route & Klein Karoo Tourism exhibited at Africa’s Travel Indaba 2024

Garden Route & Klein Karoo Tourism exhibited at Africa’s Travel Indaba 2024

13 June 2024

The Garden Route & Klein Karoo Tourism recently exhibited at the iconic African leisure trade show known as the Africa Travel Indaba 2024, which took place from 13 to 16 May 2024 at the Durban International Convention Centre (ICC) in the Kwa-Zulu Natal Province.

“This year, we have secured a prominent space on the Cape Town and Western Cape Platform, hosted by our provincial partners, Wesgro. By joining hands with all the regional tourism offices in the Western Cape and two of our Local Tourism Offices – Plett and Visit Knysna Tourism, we sent a strong unified message to tourism and travel markets domestically and internationally,” said Richard Dyantyi, Manager of Garden Route District Municipality’s (GRDM) District Economic Development and Tourism.

As a result of exhibiting on the Western Cape platform, the Garden Route & Klein Karoo region was able to engage directly with tour operators, travel agents, and travel media, bringing in more tourists to the region.  The GRDM responsible for tourism marketing and development, coordinates efforts from its regional tourism office under the brand name Garden Route and Klein Karoo. This office collaborates closely with local tourism bureaus as well as provincial, national, and international tourism organisations to promote the region.

Africa’s Travel Indaba is renowned as one of the largest tourism marketing events on the African calendar and ranks among the top three ‘must-visit’ events of its kind globally. Showcasing the best of Africa’s tourism products, the event draws international buyers and media from around the world. It is owned by South African Tourism and organised by Synergy Business Events (Pty) Ltd.

This major event brings together a diverse range of Southern African tourism products and services for the international travel trade. Exhibitors include provincial authorities, accommodation providers, tour operators, game lodges, transport companies, online travel agencies, luxury product vendors, media publications, and industry associations. Outdoor exhibitors feature transport services, camping, and safari companies.

During this four-day event, the Garden Route & Klein Karoo Tourism team utilised online diaries and set meetings to engage meaningfully with tour operators, travel agents, travel media, and destination marketing companies. Interests spanned a variety of areas, including cuisine, scenic drives, media publications and advertorials, standard and luxury packages, caravan and camping, glamping, museums, the 50+ historical market, familiarisation trips, and general inquiries. Besides scheduled meetings, the tourism office welcomed numerous walk-ins, highlighting the growing interest in reconnecting with tourism destinations. Visitors sought to understand the current tourism landscape, inquire about operational activities and attractions, explore new experiences, and introduce the region to markets such as the United States of America, Australia, Israel, Brazil, Thailand, Vietnam, Canada, and Mauritius.

According to Dyantyi, this marketing initiative aligns directly with the Garden Route Growth and Development Strategy. It provides a platform for all participants to attend tourism marketing promotional stands under national, provincial regional and local tourism brands, thereby fostering growth and development for all.

Feature Image Caption:  Officials from the Garden Route District Municipality, who were part of the Garden Route & Klein Karoo Tourism team that attended the Africa Travel Indaba 2024. FLTR: Richard Dyantyi, Manager of GRDM District Economic Development and Tourism, and Denver Johnson, GRDM Tourism Officer.

Here are a few of the activities and interactions the Garden Route & Klein Karoo Tourism team engaged in at the stand.

-END-

06 June 2024 Update 7: Garden Route Floods 17h00 Update on 6 June 2024

Update 7: Garden Route Floods 17h00 Update on 6 June 2024

Issued by the Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) Joint Operations Centre (JOC) at 17h00

HUMANITARIAN ASSISTANCE

Areas where people are cut-off that have been reported to the GRDM DMC and to whom humanitarian assistance are being provided, include:

1) Varkenskraal, Meiringspoort (4 people)

2) Warmbad (90 families)

3) Muisplaas (30 families)

4) Nel’s River, De Rust (17 people)

5) Middelplaas (30 people)

6) Proefplaas Rooiheuwelpad (26 people)

To access relief offered by the NGO, Gift of the Givers, or if you’d like to contribute to this cause, kindly reach out to Mario Ferreira on 082 490 2752.

STATUS QUO

The GRDM’s JOC remains active at its Head Office in George. However, the water levels of the rivers are gradually decreasing. Gerhard Otto, GRDM Head of Disaster Management, stated, “The water levels thankfully did not reach the 1996 levels at the Calitzdorp Hot Springs. Although the water spilling from dams in the catchment matched the 1996 level, they did not peak simultaneously. This resulted in the river flow moving south in ‘waves’ rather than as a single, destructive giant wave.”

According to the latest update, water levels are still subsiding and reached the Gouritz and are flowing to sea.

Over the course of the incident, 17 people were rescued. These include four (4) women, nine (9) men and 4 children.

STATUS OF ROADS
ROADS THAT REMAIN CLOSED

Roads are proactively closed as the water flows to the southern part of the District towards the Gouritz area.

HESSEQUA

1) De Draai Road – between Albertinia and Riversdale a structure is damaged at km 26.5 (Alternative route available both sides)

2) Slangrivier – Road that provide access to the first community in Slangrivier (Alternative route to both sides)

MOSSEL BAY

1) Muiskraal /Herbertsdale road – Gouritzriver in flood (closed since 06/06/2024)
(Alternative routes available to both sides)

OUDTSHOORN

1) Kleinspoort Road between , Kamanassie river in flood (No alternative route available)

2) Waaikraal, Olifantsrivier river in flood (Alternative route available both sides)

3) Le Rouxstasie, Olifantsriver in flood (Alternative route via Dysseldorp)

4) Middelplaas, Olifantsrivier river in flood (No alternative route available)

5) Vlakteplaas, Olifantsriver in flood, Road washaways (Locals only)

6) Oude Muragie, Debris on drift (No alternative route)

7) Vergelegen, River in flood gravel wash aways. Locals only (No alternative route available)

8) Paardebond, River in flood (Locals only with 4 x 4)

9) Slangrivier, rift approaches washed away (No alternative route available)

10) Potgieterspoort, Major damage on road (Alternative route available to both sides)

11) Volmoed, Rockfalls (Alternative routes to both sides)

12) Kammanassie dam /Rooiheuwel, River in flood (Alternative route via Dysselsdorp)

13) Rooiloop, Olifants river big waterhole over road
(Alternative routes to both sides)

14) Meiringspoort (remains closed since 04/06/2024)
Alternative Route: Via the N9, Willowmore from Beaufort West.

15) N12 between Oudtshoorn and De Rust where the road crosses the Nel’s river (remains closed since 04/06/2024)
Alternative Route: Access via the Langkloof road.

16) Volmoed Road due to rockfalls (remains closed since 05/06/2024)
Alternative Route: Access via the R328 between Mossel Bay and Oudtshoorn.

17) Rooiheuwel Road (remains closed since 05/06/2024)
Alternative Route: Via Dysselsdorp.

GEORGE/WILDERNESS/UNIONDALE

1) Pietersrivier (Alternative route via Avontuur)

2) Vaalwater, Road washaways (No alternative route)

3) Kammanassie, River in flood (Locals only) (Alternative routes on both sides)

4) Toorwater, River in flood (Locals only)

5) DR1660 Joncksrust Road (or known as Kliprivier Road) (30km from Uniondale) due to rockfalls (remains closed since 04/06/2024)
(Alternative Route: Road is not fully cut-off, but can follow an alternative route via Avontuur)

6) Prince Alfred Pass between Uniondale and Knysna due to rockfalls and flooding (remains closed since 05/06/2024)
Alternative Route: No alternative route for this road.

7) Haarlem access on the west side is restricted (remains closed since 05/06/2024)
Alternative Route: Access possible from the east turn-off.

8) Oshoek, Approaches washed away. (No alternative route)

9) Gwaing, closed @ km 6.5 Structure washed away (Alternative routes on both sides)

KANNALAND

1) Gai se middelpad, Gamka river in flood (Alternative route available via Gamka west)

2) Jachtberg, Gamka river in flood (Alternative route available via Gamka west)

3) Doornkloof, Olifantsrivier river in flood (No alternative route available)

4) Vleirivier, Olifantsrivier river in flood (No alternative route available)

5) Middelpad, Olifantsrivier river in flood (No alternative route available)

ROADS OPENED AGAIN TODAY

OUDTSHOORN

1) DR1713/R328 adjacent to Raubenheimers Dam (enroute to Bergoord) – OPEN

2) R328 between Mossel Bay and Oudtshoorn – OPEN

3) Swartberg Pass – OPEN

4) Cango Caves – OPEN (One lane)

MOSSEL BAY

1) Geelbeksvlei Road – OPEN

KNYSNA

1) Rheenendal Road off the N2 – OPEN

For more roads information, please contact: Japie Strydom at 083 629 0155 / Gert Verwey at 082 882 8886.

STAY SAFE

People in areas near rivers or those who are considering to cross low-water bridges or structures should avoid doing so at all costs. If a residence is prone to flooding, people should move to higher ground to ensure the safety of family members, pets, and livestock. Do not attempt to walk, swim, or drive through floodwaters, as these can be deeper and faster-moving than what is assumed.

Report weather-related incidents to the Garden Route Emergency Call Centre on 044 805 5071.

Updates are posted to the GRDM Facebook Page, www.facebook.com/gardenroutedm

The next update is planned for 9h00 tomorrow, 7 June 2024.

Issued: GRDM Joint Operation Centre (JOC)

03 May 2024 Media Release: Minister of Finance and Economic Opportunities visits beneficiaries of the Tourism Development Fund

Media Release: Minister of Finance and Economic Opportunities visits beneficiaries of the Tourism Development Fund

For immediate release
03 May 2024

On Monday, 29 April 2024, the Minister of Finance and Economic Opportunities, Ms Mireille Wenger, paid a visit to some of the beneficiaries of the Tourism Development Fund in the Garden Route, Mossel Bay, namely; Nova Hot Air Balloons  and The Skipper Foundation.

Whilst in Mossel Bay MEC Wenger also paid a visit to The Mossel Bay cruise port to discuss some of the future expansion plans of the Mossel Bay port for cruise tourism with the port management and Mossel Bay Trading Hub. With the Western Cape Governments’ assistance to small businesses at the trading hub in relation to alternative energy solutions to ensure business continuity during loadshedding, the MEC was joined by the Executive Mayor of GRDM, Alderman Memory Booysen, and Mossel Bay Councillor, Cllr Anton Dellemijn.

What is  The Tourism Product Development Fund?

The Tourism Product Development Fund supports the development of new tourism products and experiences and/or major upgrading of existing tourism products and experiences to increase the Western Cape’s destination attractiveness to visitors.

The Department of Economic Development and Tourism (DEDAT) requested organisations and businesses from both private and public organisations to apply for project funding via the Tourism Product Development Fund.

The Tourism Product Development initiative seeks to develop new or existing tourism products and experiences within the Western Cape. The Fund supported new or existing tourism products and experiences that address gaps and opportunities identified by the draft Tourism Blueprint 2030. A total of R 5 million was made available for disbursement during the 2022/2023 government fiscal year by the Western Cape Government.

Additional: The Department of Economic Development and Tourism’s Tourism Growth Fund is open to receive fund applications.

Click here to visit the dedicated web page for DEDAT’s Tourism Growth Fund for more information and to apply online.

The Tourism Growth Fund – APPLY TODAY! 

The Department of Economic Development and Tourism is requesting organisations implementing tourism development projects or programmes in the categories of Tourism Infrastructure Support and Tourism Product Development Support to apply for project funding via the Tourism Growth Fund. The Fund will provide financial support to development programmes and projects that benefit Western Cape-based tourism attractions and businesses. A total of R4 million is available in 2024 for disbursement to successful applicants.

Applications and criteria:

  1. Applicants must complete the online application form and will be required to upload all of the requested supporting documents. The submitted proposals must be structured toward one of the following categories:
  • Category 1: Tourism Infrastructure Support Initiatives with a focus on upgrading high visitor volume attractions.
  • Category 2: Tourism Product Development Support Initiatives with a focus on assisting tourism enterprises (specifically small, medium, and micro enterprises) with tourism product development.
  1. Only applications submitted via the online process will be considered. No emailed or hand-delivered applications will be considered.
  2. Thoroughly read the application guidelines before completing the online application. All sections in the application form are mandatory.
  3. We recommend that you familiarise yourself with the online form so that you have the necessary information at hand when completing your application. You can refer to the attached document for an electronic copy of the form, as well as the call for proposals.

There is no closing date, however funds are subject to availability. Don’t delay, apply today!

For more information, contact Lindy Cambouris on  021 483 6527 or G4JTourismFund@westerncape.gov.za

ENDS

10 April 2024 Media Release:  Garden Route & Klein Karoo Tourism showcases Region’s vibrant offerings at World Travel Market Africa 2024

Media Release:  Garden Route & Klein Karoo Tourism showcases Region’s vibrant offerings at World Travel Market Africa 2024

For Immediate Release
10 April 2024

The Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM), responsible for tourism marketing and development, proudly announces its participation in the upcoming World Travel Market Africa 2024 (WTM Africa 2024), scheduled to take place from 10 April to 12 April 2024. As a vital opportunity to position the region on the global stage of travel and tourism, the Garden Route and Klein Karoo Tourism office will showcase the diverse and enchanting offerings of the Garden Route and Klein Karoo.

WTM Africa, a renowned event within the travel industry, gathers over 6000 professionals annually to explore the latest trends and opportunities in both inbound and outbound African travel markets. This year, the physical event promises pre-arranged meetings, buyer speed networking sessions, and an extensive conference program, providing an ideal platform for Garden Route & Klein Karoo Tourism to connect with industry stakeholders.

Recognising the significance of this opportunity, Garden Route & Klein Karoo Tourism has secured a prominent 90m2 exhibition space, the largest in the region’s history, to highlight the collective offerings of the region. The platform will feature not only the regional tourism office but also local tourism offices and their respective products, all under the banner of Garden Route & Klein Karoo.

Participating alongside Garden Route & Klein Karoo Tourism are 19 entities, including 6 local tourism offices and 13 products showcasing the region’s rich cultural heritage, natural wonders, and unique experiences. Among them, three products have benefited from the GRDM SMME Support & Development program, underscoring the region’s commitment to nurturing sustainable tourism growth and supporting local businesses.

Tourism employees and product owners promoting and selling Klein Karoo and Garden Route attractions and offerings.

The others products are:

Plett Tourism                                

  • Crags Country Lodge
  • Offshore adventures
  • SASSA

Visit Knysna                                      

  • Lithemba Crafts & Tours
  • Vuka Ukhanye Tours

George, Wilderness & Uniondale  

  • Redberry Farm
  • Hawthorn Boutique Hotel
  • Explore our Hood

Oudtshoorn & de Rust Tourism       

  • Cango Caves
  • Surval Boutique Olice estate
  • Swartberg Experience & Kobus se Gat

Explorer’s Garden Route – Hessequa Tourism

Mossel Bay Tourism                         

  • Cape Saint Blaze Artisanal Distillery
  • Eight Bells Mountain Inn

“We are thrilled to represent the Garden Route and Klein Karoo region at WTM Africa 2024,” said Denver Garden Route Johnson, GRDM Tourism Officer. “This platform not only allows us to showcase our breathtaking landscapes and diverse attractions but also highlights our dedication to supporting local businesses and promoting responsible tourism practices.”

Visitors to the Garden Route & Klein Karoo Tourism stand can expect to discover a wide array of experiences, from thrilling adventures to tranquil escapes, all nestled within the natural beauty of the region. With a focus on forging valuable connections and fostering collaborations, the team is eager to engage with tour operators, travel agents, and travel writers to drive more tourism to the Garden Route and Klein Karoo.

Did you know?

World Travel Market Africa delivers the leading global events for the travel industry. One of six shows in the WTM portfolio, the Africa show was launched in 2014 under the Africa Travel Week umbrella to bring the benefits and opportunities of the global industry expertise to travel professionals in South Africa. Traditionally taking place in Cape Town, South Africa, joined by over 6000 travel industry professionals who attend Africa’s leading and only business to business (B2B) exhibition for both the inbound and outbound African travel and tourism markets.

The Garden Route & Klein Karoo Tourism office coordinated the platform for the region. Local Tourism Offices in the region and their products will have the opportunity to exhibit with the regional tourism office on the collective stand under the banner of Garden Route & Klein Karoo.

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