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Local Government News

16 September 2026 Media Release: R26 million in disaster response funding transferred to Garden Route local municipalities

Media Release: R26 million in disaster response funding transferred to Garden Route local municipalities

Immediate release
16 September 2026

The repair of critical services infrastructure in the Garden Route District is set to be majorly accelerated, following the transfer of R26 million in Municipal Disaster Response Grant (MDRG) funding by the National Disaster Management Centre (NDMC) to five local municipalities in the Garden Route. More projects will be submitted separately for consideration under another grant, known as the National Disaster Rehabilitation Grant, which will be presented to the National Cabinet later this month alongside the national budget adjustment.

According to Gerhard Otto, GRDM Head: Disaster Management, “Oudtshoorn, Knysna, Bitou and George will receive R5 million each, while Kannaland would be receiving R6 million”.

At the Bitou and Oudtshoorn local municipalities these funds would be used for the emergency repairs required on some streets, while George Local Municipality would focus mainly on the repairs required to the main water supply line from the Haarlem Dam to Uniondale.

At Kannaland Local Municipality, both the repairs required to one of the main access bridges in Calitzdorp, as well as emergency repairs and protection required at a transformer in Ladismith, would receive attention, and at Knysna Local Municipality the slope remediation and repairs required at Fedricks Street would be addressed.

The funding must be spent within six months on repairing damage caused by the severe weather events which adversely impacted the district in May 2026.  The Provincial Disaster Management Centre (PDMC), NDMC and Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM), will be meeting with local municipalities to formally launch the Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) process required under the grant conditions.

These funding injections mean that municipalities would not need to wait for new municipal budget cycles for the repair works to commence. Adjustment budgets will be presented to the various Councils, officially confirming the funds that were allocated by the NDMC.

“Allocations typically prioritise basic services related water and sanitation works, including repairs to main water supply pipelines and sewerage infrastructure’, said Gerhard Otto.

He further elaborated that this emergency fund originates from a nationally allocated R213,4 million, which was released to three provinces as a practical intervention to address damages sustained during the May 2026 floods. “Of this, the Western Cape received R71,4 million,” confirmed Otto.

Each municipality will be expected to report on its readiness to implement approved projects, flag any completed projects eligible for fund reallocation, and identify any outstanding environmental approvals that could affect implementation timelines.

As the district municipality, GRDM is mandated and has successfully, under the Disaster Management Act, supported the PDMC and NDMC for more than 20 years in overseeing how the funds are spent by local municipalities.

Feature image: Damage to a low-lying bridge adjacent to Calitzdorp Hot Springs during the floods in May and June 2026.

END

10 September 2026 Media Statement: Residents urged to report unsafe food products found at shops to Municipal Health Chiefs

Media Statement: Residents urged to report unsafe food products found at shops to Municipal Health Chiefs

 10 September 2026

The Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) urges residents to report any food products they believe may be unsafe for human consumption at spaza shops, supermarkets, food outlets or other food-handling premises.

Food safety is a shared responsibility. If residents come across spoiled, damaged, contaminated or incorrectly labelled food products, they should not consume the product and should report the matter to the Garden Route District Municipality’s Municipal Health Services.

Who to report safety concerns to:

Johan Compion (entire region)
Senior Manager: Municipal Health, Solid Waste Management and Air Quality
E-mail: info@gardenroute.gov.za
Cell: 082 803 5161

George Municipal Area
Emmy Douglas – Chief: Municipal Health (Outeniqua)
Mission Street, Industrial Area, George, 6530
Tel: 044 803 1501 / Cell: 078 457 2824

Klein Karoo & Kannaland Municipal Areas
Desmond Paulse – Manager: Municipal Health (Klein Karoo)
94 St John Street, Oudtshoorn
Tel: 044 272 2241 / Cell: 083 678 6530

Mossel Bay Municipal Area
Dr Johann Schoeman – Manager: District Air Quality Management and Municipal Health (Mossel Bay)
C/O Sampson & Marling Street, Ext 23, Mossel Bay
Tell: 044 693 0006 / Cell: 083 530 3709

Knysna Municipal Area
James McCarthy – Chief: Knysna
26A Queen Street, Knysna, 6571
Tel: 044 382 7214 / Cell: 082 805 9417

Bitou Municipal Area
Gawie Vos – Chief: Lakes (Bitou)
4 Virginia street, Plettenberg bay, 6600
Tel: 044 501 1600 / Cell: 083 557 1522

Hessequa Municipal Area
Haemish Herwels – Chief: Hessequa
24 Michell Street, Riversdale, 6670
Tel: 028 713 2438 / Cell: 083 678 6545

If your report is unanswered, please contact communications@gardenroute.gov.za

How often are food premises inspected?

National environmental health standards provide for inspections at least once every three months for high-risk food premises, once every six months for moderate-risk premises and once every 12 months for low-risk premises.

Importantly, inspections are not limited to routine visits. Additional inspections may be conducted when complaints are received, unsafe food or non-compliance is suspected, or where there is a suspected food-borne illness or other public-health risk.

Residents are encouraged to play their part in protecting public health. If you see food that you believe is unsafe, report it to GRDM Municipal Health Services rather than consuming it or simply leaving it on the shelf.

Feature image: An informal food premises in the Garden Route, which is inspected at least every three months by an Environmental Health Practitioner.

ENDS

9 September 2026 Media Release: Joint Operation conducted at Spaza shops

Media Release: Joint Operation conducted at Spaza shops

For immediate release
09 September 2026

A team of Environmental Health Practitioners (EHPs) from Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM), in conjunction with Hessequa Municipality’s Law Enforcement and Fire Services, as well as the South African Police Service (SAPS) in Albertinia, recently conducted a joint blitz operation inspecting spaza shops in the Albertinia area.

A total of twenty-two (22) spaza shops were visited during the operation.

The Blitz Operation Team inspecting shops in the Albertinia area.

Municipal Health Services

Municipal Health Services team focused on raising awareness regarding regulatory requirements and the importance of maintaining high hygiene standards to safeguard public health.

Areas of focus included:

  • Compliance with Regulation 638;
  • Adherence to Labelling Regulation 146, including requirements relating to “best before,” “sell by,” and “use by” dates; and
  • Promoting good hygiene practices and compliance with applicable food-safety requirements.

Municipal Law Enforcement Services

Hessequa Municipality’s Municipal Law Enforcement Services focused on:

  • Ensuring that spaza shops were registered with Hessequa Municipality and had valid consent uses and trading permits;
  • Ensuring that spaza shops operated within the requirements of applicable legislation and municipal by-laws; and
  • Ensuring that the operation of spaza shops did not create public-safety concerns.

Fire Services

Hessequa Municipality’s Fire Services focused on:

  • Identifying illegal and exposed electrical wiring;
  • Ensuring the safe storage of combustible liquids and gas cylinders;
  • Ensuring that basic fire-fighting equipment was available and serviced regularly; and
  • Ensuring that appropriate fire-safety signage was displayed on site.

SAPS Albertinia

SAPS Albertinia focused on:

  • Identifying and addressing the sale of counterfeit goods, with such goods being confiscated where necessary; and
  • Maintaining a safe and secure environment throughout the duration of the operation.

The GRDM team hereby extends words of gratitude to members of the public for their support in lodging complaints. The information assisted the GRDM and its law-enforcement partners in identifying, investigating and addressing areas of concern within affected communities.

GRDM remains committed to working collaboratively with its law-enforcement and regulatory partners to promote compliance, public safety, food safety and healthy communities.

These teams are grateful for the continued support and collaboration from these departments during blitz operations.

ENDS

08 September 2026 Frequently Asked Questions: Pilchard Herpesvirus-associated Sardine Mortality Event

Frequently Asked Questions: Pilchard Herpesvirus-associated Sardine Mortality Event

 08 September 2026

CURRENT SITUATION

  • South Africa is experiencing an unusual sardine mortality event that has now been reported over a very wide geographic area, extending from the Western Cape through the southern and eastern coasts, into the northern Wild Coast and along the Namibian coast.
  • Pilchard herpesvirus (PHV) has been confirmed in sardines associated with the mortality event, including sardines collected in Gqeberha. PHV remains the leading explanation for the observed mortalities, although the role of the virus and the possible contribution of environmental factors are still being investigated.
  • The full extent and impact of the mortality event are not yet known. The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) and its scientific partners are continuing to monitor new reports, undertake diagnostic testing and investigate the distribution, scale and progression of the event, as well as its potential implications for the sardine population and the wider marine ecosystem.

PHV is not known to infect people. Commercially produced canned sardines processed under approved conditions remain safe to consume. The public should not collect, eat or feed to pets dead or dying sardines found on beaches or at sea, because of the risks associated with decomposition and contamination.

To read further, please download the below FAQ documents:

Download FAQ document 1

Download  FAA document 2

Download FAQ document 3

Download FAQ document 4

Download FAQ document 5

Download FAQ document 6

Image: Supplied by the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE).

08 September 2026 Media Release: GRDM and stakeholders join hands at District Alignment Workshop to address the needs of local MSMEs

Media Release: GRDM and stakeholders join hands at District Alignment Workshop to address the needs of local MSMEs

For immediate release
08 September 2026|

The National Department of Small Business Development (DSBD) is currently conducting a series of district workshops and roadshows aimed at engaging with key stakeholders across the district. Representatives include Local Economic Development Managers from local and district municipalities, business chambers and associations representing informal businesses.

The first Workshop is currently underway at the Council Chambers of Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) where representatives, this morning, were warmly welcomed by the Executive Mayor, Ald. Marais Kruger.

The purpose of the workshop is to obtain inputs from local and district representatives regarding stakeholder experiences, challenges and best practices, to inform the National Informal Business Upliftment Strategy (NIBUS).

National, Provincial, District and Local Government representatives during the District Alignment Workshop.

Discussions this morning covered a range of key topics, including the products and support offerings of the DSBD, the Strategic Direction and Strengthened District Implementation Approach of the DSBD, Existing Programmes, Priorities and Opportunities for Alignment from a Provincial perspective, as well as the Small Enterprise Development and Finance Agency (SEDFA) support offering and the District Partnership / Referral Approach.

When welcoming all present, Mayor Kruger stated that “our primary objective should be to bridge the gap between informality and economic readiness”.

“Through targeted interventions – focusing on infrastructure development, skills training, technological transfer and innovation, and regulatory relaxation – we want to create an ecosystem where an informal enterprise can seamlessly evolve into a sustainable micro, small, and medium enterprise (MSME)” he added.

Kruger further acknowledged that red tape is a challenge many informal business leaders are faced with when he emphasised: “We must ensure that these business leaders are unburdened by red tape, protected by fair local policies, and equipped with the corporate governance, financial literacy, and marketing tools required to become funding-ready so their businesses can thrive”.  Mayor Kruger further noted that no single sphere of government can achieve this alone. “True development relies heavily on the Joint District and Metro Approach (JDMA) / (DDM) into our local economic frameworks,” he said.

With the following words, Mayor Kruger concluded and said: “As the Garden Route District Municipality, we stand firmly committed to supporting our B-Municipalities – to align our local bylaws and economic development initiatives. By pulling in one direction with national and provincial departments, alongside private sector partners, we ensure that informal traders receive uniform, high-impact support across the entire district footprint”.

Further items discussed on the agenda included products and offerings of the SEDFA, the strategic direction and a strengthened District Implement Approach of the DSBD, a facilitated District Priority-Setting, a District NIBUS Action Plan, as well as the way forward.

The event is well represented by local municipalities across the district as well as national and provincial stakeholders in a virtual format.

ENDS

8 September 2026 Media Release: Procurement process for the construction of Cell 1B of the Regional Landfill Facility to commence soon

Media Release: Procurement process for the construction of Cell 1B of the Regional Landfill Facility to commence soon

For Immediate Release
8 September 2026

Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) is in the process of initiating the Supply Chain Management processes to appoint new consulting engineers for the construction of Cell 1B as part of the Garden Route Regional Landfill Facility of which construction works are underway in Mossel Bay.  Cell 1B will be close to 1,5 times the size of Cell 1A currently being constructed.

Johan Gie, the Project Manager of the Regional Facility, said: “Once the consulting engineers have been appointed, tender documentation will be drafted and advertised for the appointment of a new contractor to construct Cell 1B”. Cell 1B will cover an area of approximately 59 784m² and will provide approximately 902 852m³ of landfill airspace.

“This will create additional airspace for approximately 5 – 6 years, depending on the waste diversion efforts by the participating municipalities” Gie added.

This facility will be utilised for municipal solid waste (black bags) disposed by the participating municipalities. Cells 1A & 1B are both Class B domestic waste cells designed for municipal solid waste disposal. Class B cells can also accommodate the disposal of asbestos.

Why a new tender for 1B is advertised?

Considering the various delays in implementing the project and the imminent closure of the PetroSA landfill site, the GRDM opted to appoint a contractor to complete only Phase 1 of the project, which are is the construction of the minimum infrastructure required to commence with the operations, in order to ensure that waste disposal operations can commence as soon as possible.

Gie further explained: “Considering the performance of the current contractor, it would have been beneficial to expand the contract to include the construction of Cell 1B; however, the Municipal Finance Management Act and Supply Chain Management Regulations do not allow for contract expansions of this nature”.

“The GRDM will therefore proceed with the competitive bidding processes for the appointment of a new consulting engineer and a new contractor for the construction of Cell 1B.”

The procurement process will take the form of a normal tender process whereby specifications will be presented to the Bid Specification Committee for approval prior to advertisement. The submitted tenders then undergo technical evaluation before serving at the Bid Evaluation Committee for further evaluation and recommendation. Thereafter it will serve at the Bid Adjudication Committee for approval thereof.

The tender process for the appointment of a contractor can only commence once the appointment of consulting engineers has been concluded, surveys done, and tender documents drafted. Therefore, Gie further explained that stipulating any dates at this stage would be premature.

Caption: Cell 1B will be close to 1,5 times the size of Cell 1A currently being constructed.

ENDS

 

8 September 2026 Media Release: GRDM Partners with Unisa third-year Social Work Students to Promote Waste Minimization

Media Release: GRDM Partners with Unisa third-year Social Work Students to Promote Waste Minimization

8 September 2026

On Friday, 4 September 2026, the Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) Waste Management Section in partnership with Unisa third-year Social Work students (W. Odendaal and W. Baartman), strengthened its commitment to waste minimisation through a community-based Recycling and Composting Project at the Outeniqua Child and Youth Care Centre (CYCC) in George.

The initiative formed part of the students’ Practicum Community Work Project and provided an opportunity to combine social development with practical environmental action. The project focused on creating awareness and building practical skills in waste separation, recycling and composting, while encouraging sustainable waste management practices at the Centre.

As part of the initiative, participants received practical training on waste separation, recycling and composting. Henque Waste representative Andile Mobo covered recycling and waste separation, while GRDM Waste Management Officer Innocentia Sikweyiya demonstrated practical composting methods and the benefits of diverting organic waste from landfill. Participants were introduced to practical composting methods that can be implemented within community and institutional settings.

The Landmark Foundation representative, Monica Vaccaro, provided training on worm composting (vermicomposting), showing participants how worms can be used to turn organic waste into nutrient-rich compost while reducing waste sent to landfill.

A highlight of the day was the handover of recycling and composting equipment to the Outeniqua CYCC, enabling the Centre to continue applying the practices learned.

Photo captions (names listed in no particular order): Outeniqua CYCC Manager Barbara Nicolaas; GRDM Waste Management Officer Innocentia Sikweyiya; and Social Work students Wayne Odendaal and Wilmy Baarman.

The partnership with third-year Social Work students highlighted the importance of combining environmental sustainability with community development and showed that effective waste management is a shared responsibility. Through recycling, composting and better waste practices, communities can reduce landfill waste and create cleaner, healthier environments.

GRDM’s partnership with the Social Work students is a positive example of how education, community development and environmental sustainability can work together to address local challenges. Through partnerships like this, GRDM aims to promote waste minimisation, environmental awareness and sustainable waste management practices.

The Outeniqua CYCC project shows that meaningful change can start with education, partnership and practical action, contributing to a cleaner and greener Garden Route.

The Manager of Outeniqua CYCC, Mrs J. Fredericks, welcomed the project and thanked GRDM and the third-year Social Work students for their support. She said the initiative would improve the Centre’s waste management while giving learners valuable life skills and practical knowledge.

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04 September 2026 Opportunities: Financial Assistance towards Further Studies – 2027

OPPORTUNITIES: FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE TOWARDS FURTHER STUDIES 2027

Notice number:  6/17/1

Applications are invited from students currently receiving tuition at Accredited Learning Institutions and learners who are currently Grade 12 or have passed Grade 12, for financial assistance towards further studies during the 2027 academic year. The financial contribution by GRDM, is restricted to full-time study and attendance at SAQA accredited Tertiary, or TVET institutions. This is ONLY applicable to students whose parents permanently reside within the Garden Route municipal area.

Application forms are available at the GRDM main-office and satellite offices during normal office hours (Monday – Thursday 07:30 – 16:30; Friday 07:30 – 13:30). Application forms are also available on the GRDM’s website at www.gardenroute.gov.za. Applications open from the 01 September 2026. Download it here: Application Form

THE GRDM WILL ONLY CONSIDER COMPLETED APPLICATIONS AND IF THE DOCUMENTS MENTIONED BELOW HAVE BEEN INCLUDED.

A detailed Curriculum Vitae and cover letter, application form, and certified copies of the following documentation must be attached: Latest or Grade 12 results or equal qualification; latest examination results of students currently enrolled at tertiary institutions; certified copy of I.D.; affidavit of parents’ combined income and proof of residential address (municipal account).

Please forward the application form and all documents to: Records, Garden Route District Municipality, 54 York Street, P.O. Box 12, George 6530, for attention: Training and Development Section.

For any enquiries, do not hesitate to contact Reginald Salmons at 044 803 1363, Berma Losper at 044 803 1344 or Nolwando Sambokwe on 044 803 1345 during office hours.

Only short-listed candidates will be contacted. Should candidates not be contacted within two months of the closing date, they must consider their application as unsuccessful.

 Closing date: 31 October 2026
Click here to download the Official Advert

6 September 2026 Media Release: Municipal Officials Strengthen Job Evaluation Skills Through Certified TASK Training

Media Release: Municipal Officials Strengthen Job Evaluation Skills Through Certified TASK Training

4 September 2026

Twelve municipal officials representing 12 TASK-participating municipalities in have successfully completed a certified TASK Job Evaluation Training Programme. The training was rolled out to strengthen municipal capacity and promote consistency in the implementation of the TASK Job Evaluation System. The TASK Job evaluation system is used to grade posts in municipalities and the gradings are linked to salary scales.

The training was conducted from 31 August to 2 September 2026 at the Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) offices and was attended by one candidate representing each participating municipality in the Garden Route and Central Karoo districts. The programme was facilitated by Dylan Pieterse from Deloitte, who provided participants with expert guidance, practical knowledge and insights into the application of the TASK Job Evaluation System.

According to Busisiwe Klaas, Task Administrator at GRDM, the training programme was designed to equip participants with the necessary knowledge, competencies and practical skills to participate effectively in job evaluations. “It also aimed to develop a sound understanding of the TASK Job Evaluation System and its application, while promoting consistency and uniformity in job evaluation practices across municipalities,” Klaas said.

During the training, participants were reminded of the key principles, processes and requirements of the TASK Job Evaluation System. The training incorporated theoretical instruction, practical application, interactive group discussions and opportunities for participants to clarify issues relating to job evaluation.

Throughout the three-day programme, participants actively engaged in the sessions and demonstrated a willingness to apply the knowledge and skills gained in their respective municipalities. The training provides participants with formal recognition for successfully completing the programme. It also strengthens the skills of municipal officials responsible for job evaluation and helps ensure that these processes are managed effectively.

The successful completion of the programme strengthens municipal skills and capacity, while supporting the consistent and effective implementation of the TASK Job Evaluation System.

Ongoing support, refresher sessions and practical guidance was recommended by the services provider to help trained officials apply their knowledge effectively within their municipalities.

Caption: Municipal officials from municipalities across the Garden Route and Central Karoo districts who participated in the TASK Job Evaluation Training Programme held this past week.

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