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25 July 2024 Media Release: Garden Route District Municipality Hosts Training Provider Capacity Building Workshop

Media Release: Garden Route District Municipality Hosts Training Provider Capacity Building Workshop

25 July 2024

On Tuesday, 23 July 2024, the Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) held a Training Provider Capacity Building workshop, attended by approximately 100 Skills Development providers. The training took place in the in person and was also attended via Microsoft Teams to ensure  broader accessibility.

The objectives of the workshop aimed to inform Skills Development providers about the registration process for becoming part of the panel of service providers and to educate service providers on crucial aspects relating to supply chain management at the GRDM.

Feature Image Caption: Participants in the Capacity Building Workshop

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25 July 2024 Media Release: Seventeen youth from the Garden Route to gain workplace experience through BIG Heart’s initiative

Media Release: Seventeen (17) youth from the Garden Route to gain workplace experience through the BIG Hearts initiative

For immediate release
25 July 2024

On Monday, 22 July 2024, a second group of eight young people from the Garden Route district participated in an induction session as part of the YES initiative. The previous group attended their Induction session on 18 July 2024. The YES Initiative in collaboration with the Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP), offers participants the chance to gain skills through a twelve-month workplace experience program.

The induction sessions were conducted by BIG Hearts and this will prepare participants to understand the objective of the programme before being placed at various municipalities, including Knysna, Mossel Bay and Ladismith municipalities.

Portfolio Chairperson for Property Development and Management at GRDM, Cllr Hilton Stroebel, addressing the participants with a message of motivation.

The contract signing session took place at the Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM), a stakeholder of this initiative. During the session, the representative from BIG Hearts, Christine van Niekerk, conducted the induction to help participants understand the process, expectations, and details of their contracts.

Witnessing the occasion were GRDM’s Portfolio Chairperson for Property Development and Management, Cllr Hilton Stroebel, within the Integrated Planning and Economic Development Department, as well as the GRDM Manager responsible for Expanded Public Works Programme, Richard Dyantyi, as well as officials from GRDM and Oudtshoorn Municipality.

Cllr Stroebel encouraged the participants in his motivational speech, urging them to seize this opportunity for personal growth and envision a bright future. He concluded by emphasising that this initiative should inspire hope in others who may feel there is no way forward. Stroebel also thanked BIG Hearts for partnering with the municipality, highlighting the importance of such collaborations in providing hope to the youth.

Now all participants are looking forward to being placed in various departments within GRDM and the remaining participants will be assigned to local municipalities in the district, focusing on waste management.

Their monthly remuneration will be funded by the public sector, while GRDM committed to cover the administration costs of all contracts which will officially commence on 1 August 2024.

Feature Image: The second group of participants from across the district with representatives of GRDM’s EPWP Unit,  BIG Hearts and Oudtshoorn Municipality after the signing of their contracts at the Induction Session.

ENDS

24 July 2024 Public Notice: Performance Agreements 2024/25 approved

Public Notice: Performance Agreements 2024/25 approved

The following Performance Agreements for the 2024/2025 financial year are approved and available on the municipal website:

Click here  to access and download the agreements.

For more information, please contact the GRDM Performance Manager, Ms Ilse Saaiman at:
E-mail: performance@gardenroute.gov.za / Tel: 044 803 1300 / 1425

 

24 July 2024 Media Release: Garden Route District Municipality Hosts Successful Energy Efficiency Contest

Media Release: Garden Route District Municipality Hosts Successful Energy Efficiency Contest

24 July 2024

Earlier this year, the Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) launched a competition about energy efficiency among high schools in the Garden Route district, including Hessequa, Mossel Bay, George, Knysna, Bitou, Oudtshoorn, and Kannaland. The primary objective of it was to raise awareness amongst learners about the importance of adopting sustainable energy behaviours.

Teachers from participating schools were requested to motivate learners to develop and illustrate bulletin boards focusing on energy sustainability. This would later be judged to ensure that learners understood the significance of energy efficiency and efforts to conserve energy within their schools.

The theme of the competition was “Energy Efficiency and Sustainability in my school.”

Seventeen (17) entries were received by the GRDM. The review and scoring of the entries, based on a set assessment criterion, took place in March 2024, and the results were announced by schools in April 2024. The winners of the contest are:

  • 1st Prize (R15 000) – Jonga High School, Thembalethu
  • 2nd Prize (R10 000) – Indwe High School, Kwanonqaba
  • 3rd Prize (R5 000) – George High School, George
GRDM Executive Mayor Alderman Andrew Stroebel is very passionate about the topic of effective energy sustainability.

Yesterday, 23 July 2024, Executive Mayor Andrew Stroebel, the newly elected Executive Mayor of the GRDM, accompanied by Cllr Hilton Stroebel, Portfolio Chairperson of Property and Asset Management, Lusanda Menze, the Executive Manager of Integrated Planning and Economic Development, and a delegation from his office responsible for the project, visited the top three schools to congratulate them and hand over the energy efficiency prizes.

Jonga High School Visit:

Executive Mayor Stroebel and his GRDM delegation were welcomed by a praise singer, followed by a song from the school’s choir that translated to, “If God would not be there and have our backs, who will be there?” Sinethemba Godla, the acting principal of the school, thanked the mayor for steering the district in a positive direction and raising awareness about energy saving.

Prior to the Executive Mayor’s address, one of the learners, who also form part of the ‘learner scientists’ team, delivered an inspiring poem that astonished everyone in attendance. During his address, Alderman Stroebel referred to the student’s speech, saying, “I believe that you must leave something behind when you leave, but today, I must surely say that I’ve received something here.” In addition to praising the school choir for their beautiful performance, he expressed his desire to invite them to future events. Mayor Stroebel congratulated the school team for their strong sense of teamwork and sustainable practices, emphasising the significance of their achievement. “We are here today to congratulate you not only for taking part in the competition but also for winning it in the district.”

By winning the competition, the school was able to purchase two laptops, 13 scientific calculators, 13 mathematics instrument boxes, and 4 white laboratory coats. In conclusion, Alderman Stroebel explained the criteria against which each school’s project was judged, including the creativity of the design, the number of innovative ideas shared, the relevance of the design, and the logical presentation of ideas.

Photos capture the GRDM Executive Mayor and all the speakers during the handover ceremony at Jonga High School.

Indwe High School Visit:

The GRDM delegation was welcomed with a composed poem, which described him as “a leader emerging in a difficult time, a vessel of hope for our communities.” In his remarks, Alderman Stroebel briefly explained the functions of the District Municipality and stressed the need for energy conservation. He congratulated the school on their achievement and handed over their prize to Mr Ntsikelelo Ngcenge, the principal, which included a laptop, 75 mathematics instrument boxes, and 7 scientific calculators. Both the principal and the science teacher thanked the GRDM for the initiative and the valuable items received, expressing hope for future engagements.

Photos capture the GRDM Executive Mayor and all the speakers during the handover ceremony at Indwe High School.

George High School Visit:

A highlight of the event was when Grade 12 learner, Graziel Nenze, surprised his fellow students and guests with a song asking the community to save electricity.  In his keynote address, Mayor Stroebel highlighted the importance of sustainable energy in creating job opportunities and economic progress.  Stroebel encouraged the learners to come forward;  think outside the box and help spread the message of energy conservation. The school received an energy-saving projector and an energy-saving speaker worth R5 000, which were handed over to the principal, Rodney Cupido.

Councillor Hilton Stroebel echoed the mayor’s sentiments about needing the youth and encouraged them to contribute their innovative ideas toward sustainable energy. Cllr Stroebel referred to the Bible, saying that the Apostle John mentioned young people have ingenuity and initiative, and when you become old, your brain gets lazy and certain things don’t matter as much anymore. “I believe young people are strong and there is always an idea that will come from them,” he continued.

During all three visits, Lusanda Menze introduced his team and encouraged the youngsters to pursue careers that seemed impossible in the past, but to choose careers that they see fit for their future.

This initiative by the GRDM has successfully engaged the youth in the fight for sustainable energy, promoting awareness and inspiring future generations to adopt and advocate for energy-efficient practices.

Photos capture the GRDM Executive Mayor and all the speakers during the handover ceremony at George High School.

Feature Image Caption: The winning bulletin boards of Jonga High School.

 

Did you know that:

The selection criteria for the contest required participants to prepare a product that incorporated principles of energy efficiency and sustainability, showcasing qualities such as teamwork, creativity, innovation, content, and expression. Additionally, entries needed to demonstrate a clear understanding of the topic, ensuring that the message conveyed was factually correct. Submissions were expected to be neat, organized, and well-presented, meeting the brief’s specifications. It was also essential for the entries to clearly indicate the details of the school.

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24 07 2024 Media Release: Food Safety Education Session enhances Standards at “Heroldsbaai Kafee”

Media Release: Food Safety Education Session enhances Standards at “Heroldsbaai Kafee”

For immediate release
24 July 2024

Recently, an Environmental Health Practitioner (EHP) from the Garden Route District Municipality, Carike Jantjies (GRDM), conducted a comprehensive Food Safety Education session to the food handlers of “Heroldsbaai Kafee”. This initiative is part of the nine Key Performance Areas relevant to the profession of EHPs.

The session focused on two critical aspects of food safety, namely:

  1. Food Control
  2. Health Surveillance of Premises

Ensuring Food Control

Food control is pivotal in maintaining food safety and optimal hygiene across the entire food supply chain, from the source to consumption.

During the session, the food handlers were educated on the five keys to safer food. These keys include:

  1. Keep all surfaces clean. Regular cleaning prevents contamination and maintains hygiene.
  2. Separate raw and cooked food to avoid cross-contamination. This is crucial for preventing the spread of harmful bacteria.
  3. Cook food thoroughly because proper cooking kills almost all dangerous microorganisms. This step ensures that food is safe to eat.
  4. Keep food at safe temperatures.  Harmful bacteria can multiply rapidly if food is stored at room temperature for more than 2 hours. Maintaining proper temperatures is essential.
  5. Use clean and safe water and fresh foodstuffs. Ensuring the quality of ingredients and water used in food preparation is vital for food safety.

Health Surveillance of Premises

The health surveillance of premises involves ensuring that any condition on the premises does not pose a health hazard. This includes regular inspections and maintenance to prevent potential health risks.

The Food Safety Education session was conducted by Environmental Health Practitioner, Carike Jantjies (left), at the “Heroldsbaai Kafee”.

The education session aimed to enhance the knowledge and skills of the food handlers at “Heroldsbaai Kafee”, ensuring they adhere to the highest standards of food safety and hygiene. By focusing on these key performance areas, the Environmental Health Practitioners at GRDM strive to safeguard public health and promote safe food practices.

For more information on food safety and health surveillance, please contact:
Johan Compion
Manager: Municipal Health & Environmental Services
E-mail: info@gardenroute.gov.za
Tel: 044 803 1300 / Cell: 082 803 5161

ENDS

23 July 2024 Media Release: Mandela Day 2024: GRDM and Knysna Municipality Clean-Up Campaign

Mandela Day 2024: GRDM and Knysna Municipality Clean-Up Campaign

23 July 2024

On Thursday, 18 July 2024, the Garden Route District Municipality’s (GRDM) Waste Management section joined hands with Knysna Municipality to celebrate Mandela Day with a clean-up campaign targeting illegal dumping in the Concordia West wetland. This initiative aimed to raise awareness about the importance of maintaining clean neighbourhoods and reducing waste.

During the campaign, GRDM District Waste Management Officer, Innocentia Sikweyiya, emphasised the importance of reducing waste by buying in bulk and reusing items instead of purchasing disposable plastic bags, favouring reusable shopper bags instead.

The GRDM Waste Management Section would like to thank Knysna Municipality for also referring to the importance of keeping communities clean. It is not just the responsibility of the Municipality to take care of the community; residents should also keep their communities clean. Knysna Municipality has assigned two participants to monitor the area, report any illegal dumping, and send information to law enforcement for investigation.

Stakeholders and Donations

Stakeholders and donations involved in the Mandela Day Clean-up Campaign include:

  • Asivikelane: Donated refreshments for participants.
  • GRDM: Donated plastic bags, gloves, masks, and rakes.
  • Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) Workers
  • Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE)

The campaign successfully collected 300 bags of waste, making a significant impact on the cleanliness of the Concordia West wetland.

Featured Image Caption: All the stakeholders involved in making the clean-up campaign a success.

By joining hands, GRDM Waste Management Section, Knysna Waste Management, and members of the Concordia West community successfully cleaned the area.

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19 July 2024 Media Release: Celebrating Mandela Day: A Month of Tribute and Action in South Africa 

Media Release: Celebrating Madiba Day: A Month of Tribute and Action in South Africa

19 July 2024

Annually, in July, South Africa comes together to celebrate the life and legacy of former President Nelson Mandela. While 18 July has been declared Nelson Mandela International Day, South Africans extend the celebrations throughout the entire month. This extended celebration offers everyone the chance to heed Mandela’s call to recognise their individual and group efforts to make an imprint and change the world around them.

This year, Nelson Mandela International Day was observed under the theme: “It’s still in our hands to combat poverty and inequity.” In upholding this spirit, officials from the Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) joined people across the globe in participating in community work to honour Madiba’s enduring legacy.

Below you will find a few pictures and short descriptions of what the GRDM officials did across the district:

GRDM Road Services Department

Early this month, Rosemoor Old Age Home management posted an urgent request on social media regarding the facility’s financial crisis and their need for urgent assistance with groceries, meat products, cleaning supplies, vegetables, and adult diapers.

As part of the commemoration of Madiba Day, officials of the Roads Services’ George office requested everyone to contribute to this noble cause by donating one or more items from the specified list. Although officials in the Department responded well to the urgent request, the 98 residents, all over 60 years old, are still in dire need of the abovementioned products.

GRDM Disaster Management

As part of the Madiba Day festivities, the GRDM’s Disaster Management and Fire Service teams engaged in a friendly pancake-baking competition. Officials generously provided all the necessary ingredients and equipment for the challenge. The participants showcased their culinary skills, aiming to bake the most pancakes, and the delicious results were joyfully donated to a local children’s home and residents of Emmause Home for Disabled. This initiative not only celebrated Madiba’s spirit of generosity and community service, but also brought smiles to the faces of young ones in need, embodying the essence of Mandela Day.

GRDM Financial Services Department

Mzoxolo Primary School in Lawaaikamp received sanitary towels from officials in the Finance Department. Research shows that when young women from poorer backgrounds lack access to sanitary towels, they often miss school or suffer a loss of dignity by having to use old newspapers or cloths. Girls who cannot afford pads or tampons miss about 5 days of school each month, totalling around 60 missed school days a year.

GRDM Office of the Municipal Manager

The GRDM Executive Mayor, Speaker, and Municipal Manager, along with officials in the departments and political office, also yesterday, honored Mandela’s legacy at the Rosemoor Children’s Home. They generously donated warm clothes, toiletries, toys and groceries to support the approximately 25 children living at the facility. During the visit, the GRDM firefighters conducted an insightful demonstration for the youngsters, educating them on fire safety, including fire dangers, escape procedures, and how to prevent and respond to smoke inhalation. This initiative not only provided essential resources but also imparted valuable life-saving knowledge to the children.

GRDM Integrated Planning and Economic Development

In celebration of Mandela Day, the Integrated Planning and Economic Development Department visited Save Haven Youth Development and After Care (SHYDAC) in Parkdene. The team dedicated their time and resources to paint the building, creating a fresh and welcoming environment. They also cooked and served soup to everyone present. The team generously purchased toiletry packs from their own pockets, which they handed over to the manager, ensuring they have essential personal care items. This heartfelt effort demonstrated the spirit of Mandela Day by making a tangible difference in the lives of those at SHYDAC.

GRDM Community Services: Klein Karoo Municipal Health Services

In commemoration of Madiba’s legacy, the GRDM Community Services Department mobilised its various sub-offices and sections to engaged in impactful activities throughout the day. The Klein Karoo Municipal Health Services Section focused on providing clothes to individuals in need, ensuring that vulnerable community members received essential support.

 

GRDM Community Services: Bitou (Lakes) Municipal Health Services

In Bitou, the Municipal Health Offices dedicated their efforts to ‘The Angels of Joy Playgroup’ in The Crags, Kurland Village. Officials not only assisted with daily tasks but also took the opportunity to educate children and educators on the importance of handwashing practices. Additionally, they generously donated nutritious fruit to support the children’s wellbeing.

GRDM Community Services: Knysna (Lakes) Municipal Health Services

Municipal Health Section officials in Knysna honoured local car guards by serving them each a healthy, warm meal outside their office at 24A Queen Street. The gesture was intended to acknowledge and support the important role car guards play in the community.

GRDM Community Services: Mossel Bay Municipal Health Services

The Mossel Bay Environmental Health Practitioners visited Little Einstein Educare Crèche and Vlinderland Crèche in Great Brak River for Mandela Day. A total of seven teachers and 183 children participated in the morning event focusing on children, aligned with what Madiba stood for in life, as he was very fond of children. When asked what they knew about Mr. Mandela, a toddler responded, “Mr. Mandela loved children.”  Health and hygiene awareness sessions were furthermore conducted at the crèches, followed by demonstrations of proper handwashing techniques for the children and teachers.

GRDM Community Services: Hessequa Municipal Health Services

In Riversdale, officials from the GRDM Hessequa office organised a Soup Kitchen drive at the Suikerbossie Soup Kitchen, providing a warm meal to those in need in the Riversdale area. This compassionate effort not only provided nourishment but also underscored the spirit of solidarity and care that Madiba Day embodies across the GRDM Community Services Department.

GRDM Community Services: George Municipal Health Services

George Municipal Health officials serving the George, Wilderness, and Outeniqua areas, collaborated on a School Shoe Project at Kommandtansdrift Primary School in the Kammanassie area, near Uniondale.  In honor of Madiba’s legacy, the Environmental Health Practitioners (EHPs) ensured that each child at the school received a pair of new shoes and socks, a snack pack with sweet treats and a drink, as well as a cake for everyone to share. This project not only provided essential items but also brought joy and celebration to the children, embodying the spirit of giving and community that Mandela cherished.  It also ensured that students in need had proper footwear, promoting their comfort and dignity throughout the school year.

Madiba Day Blood Donation Drive at the GRDM Head Office arranged by Corporate Services

One of the highlights of the day’s celebrations was the blood donation drive in collaboration with the Western Cape Blood Service and George Municipality. This campaign was held for the second consecutive year in honour of Mandela Day at the GRDM head office.

Seventy (70) people attended the blood donation drive, but not everyone had iron levels suitable for donation. Consequently, fifty-two (52) individuals were able to donate blood. This effort has the potential to save a total of 156 lives, as one donation can help three people!

Contributing to this life-saving cause and embodying the spirit of unity and community service that Nelson Mandela championed, is central to this campaign. By doing this, officials not only helped to save lives, but it also inspired others to give back in meaningful ways.

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16 July 2024 Media Release: Executive Mayor, Deputy Executive Mayor, Councillors, Management and Staff welcome 5 new additions to Roads Yellow Fleet

Media Release: Executive Mayor, Deputy Executive Mayor, Councillors, Management and Staff welcome 5 new additions to Roads Yellow Fleet

16 July 2024

Today, the Garden Route District Municipality’s (GRDM) Roads Department took in acceptance five vehicles to the value of approximately R 500 000 each. This special occasion was witnessed by the GRDM Executive Mayor, Ald. Andrew Stroebel, Executive Deputy Mayor, Ald. Vlancio Donson, Mayoral Committee Chairperson (MMC) for Roads Services – Cllr Stag Cronje, and other MMCs, as well as GRDM Municipal Manager, Monde Stratu, and support staff.

The vehicles were procured with Western Cape Government funding and were handed over to the Roads Team at their main depot in George. The purpose of these new additions to the current yellow fleet of the Municipality, is to maintain service delivery standards of the all fifteen (15) Roads teams across the Garden Route.

In the past two years GRDM received ten (10) Maintenance and Construction Graders. The fleet value of the Graders received thus far in the past two years amounts to just over R50 million. Twelve (12) new Vans were also received over the past two years.

Today, is therefore another milestone and historic occasion for the municipality, as the Roads Department continues to strive towards excellence, more specifically in ensuring safe roads that link various areas and farms, including rural areas.